Go Rail 10-02 - Joanne McNally Spring 2022

2022 • VOL 10 ISSUE 02

TOP OF THE CLASS DERRY GIRLS THRILLER IN OUR MIDST HARLAN COBEN PLAYING TO WIN TOMMY BOWE A FAMILY AFFAIR RÓISÍN O

Joanne McNally All Aboard The Prosecco Express!

JUNIOR BROTHER’S FAVOURITE TRAIN JOURNEY • A RUN DOWN OF WHAT’S HOT & HAPPENING AROUND THE COUNTRY

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 02

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46

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J O A N N E M c N A L LY / / P A G E 1 8 6 / Go For It

A round-up of the most exciting events happening around the country.

14 / Train News

All the latest happenings in the world of the Irish Rail network.

18 / Joanne McNally

The acclaimed comic chats about her sell-out new tour, Prosecco Express.

26 / Simon Callow

Currently appearing in

the Dublin production of Anything Goes, the legendary actor discusses his admiration of Cole Porter, and being offered his first role by Laurence Olivier.

44 / Catherine Prasifka

The Dublin author chats about her powerful debut novel, None Of This Is Serious.

38 / Celebrity Table

Stuart Clark meets Lisa McGee to hear how she created wildly popular sitcom Derry Girls.

From Irish international to Ireland AM, Tommy Bowe reflects on an incredibly multifaceted career over a tasty meal.

34 / Harlan Globetrotter

42 / Go Business

30 / All The Derry Best

Harlan Coben discusses his bestselling mystery novels, and adapting his work into a series of blockbuster Netflix shows.

Horse Racing Ireland’s Vicki Donlon and Tim Husbands on how Leopardstown has been changing its spots.

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46 / Fashion

Why ‘90s trends are back in vogue on the catwalks this season.

52 / Travel

An in-depth guide to Tuscan capital Florence.

54 / Reviews

A round-up of the best new TV shows, albums and books.

CREDITS MANAGIN G EDITOR

Máirin Sheehy

Editor’s Letter

2022 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 02

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Jess Murray CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Paul Nolan CONTRIBUTORS

Kate Brayden Stuart Clark Pat Carty Riley Glaister-Ryder Alex Hopper Noah Katz Roe McDermott Paul Nolan Lucy O’Toole Will Russell DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Hot Press 100 Capel Street Dublin 1 ART DIRECTOR

Eimear O'Connor DESIGN

Rachael McGinty Grace McNamara GROUP ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Catherine Madden C HIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Miguel Ruiz C OV E R P H O T O G R A P H

Kate Swift PUBLISHER

Niall Stokes P R I N T E D BY

Boylan’s Print Go Rail is published for Iarnród Éireann by: Osnovina Ltd 100 Capel Street, Dublin 1 TELEPHONE

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gorail@hotpress.ie LETTERS

The Editor, Go Rail Magazine, 100 Capel Street Dublin 1 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.

All material © Osnovina 2022.

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Reproduction of material without permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

Train Travel: Relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN HAS JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT MORE ATTRACTIVE! It’s always been the mode of transport of choice for the discerning. But with prices reduced, and the knowledge that it is the most sustainable form of transport available, to ‘go rail’ is an even better choice now than ever before...

It’s great to be back! Believe it or not, this is the first issue of Go Rail magazine in over two years – an extraordinary period in which our lives changed, as The Beatles put it in their great No.1 hit single ‘Help’, “in oh so many ways.”

You surely don’t need us to rehash all of that here!

We’ve all, I suspect, had more than enough of the lockdown blues to last us a lifetime. The pandemic isn’t over, but we are getting back to leading our lives in a more confident and outgoing way. And as a result, we are all embracing public transport again, and enjoying its unique benefits and pleasures afresh.

This is no small matter. One of the things which has become increasingly, acutely clear over the past few years is that – right across the world –we need to change the way we do things radically, if we are to avoid climate catastrophe. And where better to start than at home, here in Ireland?

INVA SION OF UKR AINE

The good news is that our train service can play a bigger-than-ever part in reducing our national carbon footprint; and the reality is that it makes a whole lot of sense for the individual traveller – as well as for the planet!

Travelling by train is a hugely efficient and sustainable way of getting around Ireland. It involves consuming a very small fraction of the energy used per individual trip in cars, most of which still guzzle large amounts of petrol and diesel, and all of which consume large amounts of energy per individual journey.

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There is even more good news. The cost of living may be going up, but the price of travelling by train has taken a dramatic cut. Iarnród Éireann recently announced a 20% reduction in ticket prices – which, in truth, represents an even bigger discount, set against the extraordinary rises that have taken place in the cost of petrol, diesel and other forms of energy, in particular as a result of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

ENJOY YOURSELF

To travel by railway is a uniquely restful and pleasurable experience – unless you prefer to use the time to get some vital work done, which of course can also be easily accommodated. But that sense in which a train journey wins you back vital time for relaxation or contemplation – especially pitted against the stress and pressure of driving – has been augmented now in a way that matters greatly.

We all love the feeling that going away, taking a break or travelling light gives us. There is a feeling of open-ness and wonder – a sense of new and different possibilities taking shape – that is impossible to replicate in the course of our normal working routines. Well, the most sustainable way to create that feeling is to pick a destination that is at the end of a train line, jump aboard – and enjoy yourself.

It really is one of life’s great pleasures...

MÁIRÍN SHEEHY

All eyes on Tipperary

For world famous castles, award winning film locations and miles of Blueways trails for hiking and riding...

We have so much for you to uncover www.tipperary.com

A RUN DOWN OF WHAT 'S HOT & HAPPENING

GO For It

BACK IN STYLE

HARRY STYLES

NEED TO KNOW

Just a month after the release of his eagerly anticipated third album, Harry’s House (out May 20), Harry Styles is making his way to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on June 22, for a sold-out show that’s guaranteed to generate a serious buzz around the city. The former One Direction star continues to expand his musical horizons as a solo artist, as he proved with his lauded headline slot at Coachella 2022. Irish audiences will be in for a special treat, with Mercury Prize winner Arlo Parks set to join Styles as a special guest for this tour date only.

For best value fares on all intercity services check out irishrail.ie 6

W H E N : JUNE 22 W H E R E : AVIVA STADIUM

GO FOR IT

GOAL STANDARD Republic of Ireland v Ukraine Aviva Stadium, Dublin June 8 In what’s sure to be an emotional occasion, Stephen Kenny’s Ireland welcome Ukraine to Dublin for the opening fixture in their 2022 Nations League campaign.

After a patchy opening to their World Cup qualification campaign last year, Ireland eventually hit their stride, culminating in an impressive 3-0 away win against Luxembourg. On June 11, meanwhile, Ireland welcome Steve Clarke’s Scotland to the Aviva for another vital Nations League clash.

BRIDGERING THE GAP American indie star Phoebe Bridgers is no stranger to Ireland having recently visited with her boyfriend, Maynooth actor Paul Mescal, and contributed a brand new song, ‘Sidelines’, to the soundtrack of the highly anticipated adaptation of Sally Rooney’s Conversations With Friends. Following the release of her latest album, 2020’s Punisher, the singer-songwriter makes her triumphant return to Ireland on June 20, with a major headline show at Fairview Park in Dublin.

PA D DY C A S E Y

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GO FOR IT

A R U N D O W N O F W H AT ' S H O T & H A P P E N I N G

DO THE WRITE THING Ireland’s oldest literary and arts festival, Listowel Writers’ Week, welcomes writers, artists, poets and audiences to the beautiful Co. Kerry town from June 1–5 for an inclusive celebration of the power of the written word. Soak it all up with literary panel discussions, moderated talks, poetry readings, interviews, tours and walks, or book a spot on one of an exciting array of workshops across the week, led by the likes of Kit de Waal, Catherine Dunne, Paul McVeigh, Emma Langford and more.

MARQUEE TO THE CITY Kicking off proceedings on May 27 with a performance from The Coronas, the 2022 edition of Live At The Marquee is bringing some of the leading names in Irish and international pop, rock, comedy, podcasts, dance and more to the Docklands in Cork this summer. Among the many highlights for music fans are: Tom Grennan (May 31); Simply Red (June 1); The National (6); Tom Jones (11);

Deadmau5 (17); Another Day Festival (18); Pet Shop Boys (22); Jenny Green & The RTÉ Concert Orchestra (24); Christy Moore (25); Crowded House (27); Nile Rodgers & Chic (28); and Olivia Rodrigo (29).

NEED TO KNOW W H E N : MAY 23–JUNE 21 W H E R E : CORK 8

IN BLOOM Whether you’ve attempted to tackle James Joyce’s epic masterpiece Ulysses or not, Bloomsday has something for everyone. This year, the festival is running from June 11 to 16 – with the celebrations peaking on the last day, marking the date Joyce’s iconic novel is set in 1904. The uniquely Irish festival boasts a wide range of events, including readings, walking tours, theatre, screenings, music, and plenty of action and revelry at various locations associated with Ulysses across Dublin.

GO FOR IT BETTER DAYS ARE COMING With his debut album, Without Fear, remaining a mainstay on the charts here a full two-and-a-half years after its release, Dermot Kennedy has firmly established himself as one of the most powerful forces in Irish music. In fact, despite the challenges of lockdown, the Dublin singer-songwriter’s star power has continued to grow exponentially on these shores and beyond, which means his upcoming Irish gigs are primed to be some of the must-see events of the summer. Following a string of international dates, he’ll head to the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney, Co. Kerry for three nights (June 6, 7 & 8), followed by two major outdoor shows in St Anne’s Park, Co. Dublin (10 & 11).

He’ll be back later that month for shows at Belsonic in Ormeau Park, Belfast (23); Malahide Castle, Co. Dublin (24); and Musgrave Park in Cork (25). If that’s not enough for you, he’ll also headline the Friday night (September 2) at Electric Picnic.

PHOTO: LEAH CARROLL

PA D DY C A S E Y

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GO FOR IT

A R U N D O W N O F W H AT ' S H O T & H A P P E N I N G

TREAD SOFFTLY Some of the most acclaimed, genre-blurring artists in the country are set to descend on Dunderry Park in Navan, Co. Meath this summer as the twoday SoFFt Nights festival returns on June 4 & 5.

As well as a spectacular line-up boasting the likes of Tolü Makay, Kíla, Lisa O’Neill, Lankum’s Daragh Lynch, and Elaine Mai, the festival offers a full wellness and holistic programme for adults and families, allowing them to kick back and relax in the gorgeous surroundings.

FOOD AWAKENING

FLYING HIGH

Since its launch in 2008, the West Waterford Festival Of Food has become synonymous with incredible food and unmissable family events. After a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, it’s returning slightly later in the year in 2022, on June 11 & 12 – giving the suppliers a chance to get themselves all set and restocked. As such, this year’s edition is set to be one of the biggest and best yet.

After a two-year hiatus, Bray Air Display makes its welcome return to the Co. Wicklow town this summer with festivities kicking off on the ground on July 23, followed by the airshow on July 24. The awardwinning, family-friendly event has gained a reputation as one of the most popular airshows in Europe, attracting thousands to Bray each year to take in the amazing aerobatics.

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GO FOR IT

SCARED STIFF RIVER MOY TO THE WORLD

Now in its ninth year, Durrow Scarecrow Festival (July 24 – August 1) has become a major hit with visitors to the beautiful Georgian village in Co. Laois. The highlight of this unique, community-centred festival – which raises funds for the locality across nine full days of family-friendly fun – is the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship.

Hundreds of scarecrows from near and far are judged across multiple categories, with cash prizes up for grabs.

Returning this summer after a three-year break, Ballina Salmon Festival offers something for everyone, while showcasing all that the ‘Salmon Capital of Ireland’ has to offer, from July 10–16. This major event in the Co. Mayo social calendar has been running since 1964, and has earned its reputation as one of the West’s leading community-based festivals.

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HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON THE SUPPORTS AVAILABLE GO TO

WWW.GAMBLINGCARE.IE

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Registered Charity Number 20152260.

CALL THE NATIONAL HELPLINE ON

1800 936 725 11

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A R U N D O W N O F W H AT ' S H O T & H A P P E N I N G

BIKE-MINDED

PHOTO BY DAVID HEGARTY

Bike enthusiasts from near and far are set to gather in Killarney, Co. Kerry, in their tens of thousands this summer, as BikeFest returns for its 14th year from June 3–6. With a reputation as one of Europe’s leading free open motorcycle festivals, this threeday celebration will also feature music across three stages, and an action-packed programme of activities. Highlights include the Wild Atlantic Way Ride Outs, the Bike Village, and the Custom Bike Show.

GO YOUR OWN K With an emphasis on emerging artists and musicians, K-Fest uses unoccupied spaces in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, and transforms them into bespoke pop-up galleries and venues over the course of the festival weekend (June 3–6). Showcasing the diversity of the music, art and drama currently on offer in Ireland and beyond, this year’s event will feature the likes of Floor Show, Katie Phelan, DJ Richard Lowe, Naked Lungs, Donal Lucey and more.

KODALINE

SEA YOU THERE Promising three days of music, surf, sport and parties by the beach, Sea Sessions makes its triumphant return to Bundoran in Co. Donegal from June 17–19. This year’s line-up features some of the most biggest names on these shores and beyond – including Kodaline, Tinie, Joel Corry, LYRA, Basement Jaxx, The Academic, The Scratch, Ejeca, All Tvvins, Daithí, Wyvern Lingo, Gemma Dunleavy, David Keenan and more. Be sure to check out Sea Sessions’ Expression Session too – a “best move contest” that sees some of Europe's leading surfers going head-to-head.

A BRIGHT IDEA This year will be the tenth edition of the intimate and inspiring Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas in Co. Carlow, with a line-up of historians, activists, musicians, journalists, environmentalists and more set to share their ideas and discoveries with audiences in the beautiful surroundings of Borris from June 10–12. Following the challenges of the last few years, there’s never been a better time to engage with some stimulating conversations.

NEED TO KNOW W H E N : JUNE 17 – 19 W H E R E : BUNDORAN, CO. DONEGAL

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GO FOR IT

LET’S DANCE

PHOTO: PATO CASSINONI

The 2022 edition of Dublin Dance Festival is coming to the capital from May 17–29 – taking over stages and streets with high-energy, boundarypushing works from Africa, Brazil, Europe and Japan. Some of the many highlights of this year’s edition include the Irish premiere of Amala Dianor’s new creation Siguifin, and Áine Stapleton’s Somewhere in the Body – a film installation centred around Lucia Joyce, a talented visual artist, dancer, musician and daughter of James Joyce. Encantado, meanwhile, is the latest work

by Brazilian choreographer Lia Rorigues, which aims to reconnect us with the power of the natural world. You can also look forward to more contemporary premieres, street dance, flamenco, and vibrant performances geared towards younger audiences.

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Train News

Helping Refugees Arriving From Ukraine

Following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, refugees newly arrived to Ireland from Ukraine can avail of a free single journey, from their point of arrival in Ireland to their ultimate destination – whether that is in State-provided or private accommodation.

To avail of this journey, arriving refugees will need to show the following at the

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ticket office of their departure station: • A Ukrainian passport • Evidence of arrival within the previous seven days to Ireland (e.g airline/ferry boarding card stub or confirmation email) OR • Confirmation from a registered charity involved in the Ukrainian crisis response We also remind all customers

that – as part of all online bookings on the Irish Rail/ Iarnród Éireann website – you can make an optional donation to the Irish Red Cross efforts to support victims of the invasion of Ukraine. Iarnród Éireann is one of 23 European railways supporting the travel of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the illegal invasion of Ukraine

by Russia.

TRAIN NEWS

INTRODUCING ALSTOM

DART+ FLEET ON ORDER The largest and most sustainable fleet In Irish public transport history

The largest and most sustainable ever order of fleet for Ireland’s public transport network is on the way! That’s the good news, as Frenchbased company Alstom has been awarded a contract by Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) to supply up to 750 new rail carriages over the coming decade.

An initial order has been placed for 95 electricallypowered carriages – made up of 19 five-carriage train sets. These are set for delivery from mid-2024, and will enter service in 2025. These will include a number of battery powered carriages, which will deliver more capacity for commuters, in advance of electrification of the lines upon which they will operate.

Subsequent orders are intended to be placed in line with the delivery of the DART+ Programme, and in line with requirements for replacement of the original DART fleet (dating from 1984) later in the decade.

Funded under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 by 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.

A ten-carriage train, made up of two five-carriage train sets joined, will be the longest train size operable by the new fleet on current infrastructure, and will have capacity for at least 1,100 customers. Wide gangways will allow customers to freely circulate throughout the full length of five-carriage trains, creating a more open and spacious environment.

It will be equipped with an advanced CCTV system with cameras throughout every carriage, to enhance safety and security.

There will be improved facilities for families and cyclists, with dedicated family and bicycle storage areas, and charging facilities for everything from mobile phones to e-bikes and e-scooters The initial ninety-fivecarriage order will benefit a number of routes: • New battery-electric carriages will be deployed on Drogheda to Dublin Northern Commuter services • New electric carriages will be deployed on existing Malahide/Howth to Bray/ Greystones DART services, to maximise capacity • Introduction of the new fleet will also free up existing carriages to increase capacity on other Commuter and Intercity services

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A French multinational rolling stock manufacturer, Alstom is one of the largest global suppliers of trains, and is already well known to Irish transport users as the supplier of the LUAS tram fleet. The company is globally renowned as the manufacturer of TGV high-speed trains. Alstom will deliver the new DART+ fleet as an energy-efficient suburban transport solution from its proven X’Trapolis family of trains, with over 2,000 of these already in service in more than 10 countries.

The carriages will have bespoke refinements to meet the needs of DART+ and Ireland’s specific track gauge.

In addition to the fleet, Alstom will provide a range of supports, including a Technical Support and Spares Supply agreement for the first 15 years of the fleet’s operation. They will also supply three train simulators to support driver training.

THE DART+ PROGRAMME DART+ is the name given to a transformative programme undertaken by Iarnród Éireann, which will ensure that train travel is at the heart of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. Funded under the National Development Plan by the National Transport Authority, DART+ is an investment that will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area network. It will facilitate sustainable mobility and development to enhance the quality of life in our capital and its surrounding counties.

The overall programme will provide electrification of lines on DART+ West to Maynooth/M3 Parkway; on DART+ South-West to Hazelhatch; and on DART+ Coastal North to Drogheda. DART+ Coastal South will also see key infrastructure works as far as Greystones to allow more trains to operate.

Reduced Fares Make Taking The Train Even Better Value Did you know that rail fares have been reduced by an average of 20%? It’s part of a move to make public transport better value for everyone. These important reductions are taking place in three phases: • Since 1st April 2022: All Taxsaver fares (monthly and annual season tickets purchased through the Taxsaver scheme) have been reduced by an average of 20 percent • Since 11th April: Intercity online fares, booked at www.irishrail. ie or through our Customer Care line have been reduced by an average of 20 percent • Since 9th May: All other fares, including ticket office fares for Intercity, DART and Commuter services, have reduced by an average of 20 percent; and the Young Adult Card means 50% off all adult fares for 19 to 23 year olds.

ROSSLARE EUROPORT:

IRELAND’S GATEWAY TO EUROPE NOW SET TO BE ITS OFFSHORE WIND HUB! Rosslare Europort management has announced plans to establish the port, its hinterland and the SouthEast region as Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub, with the potential to create up to 2,000 jobs.

• Fuel prices have soared by over 40 percent in recent months, making public transport fares – which in many cases have been unchanged for three or more years already – more competitively priced than ever.

Rail customers can have all the benefits of rail travel, reduce their carbon footprint, and now save more too.

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A

fter a history-making 2021 which saw Rosslare Europort become Ireland’s number one port for direct RoRo/ Pax services to Europe, management at the port have outlined their vision for Rosslare to become the Offshore Renewable Energy Hub of Ireland The Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) hub plan represents an investment estimated at €200 million, and will be aligned with existing developments at the port, which include the following key commitments: • The Rosslare Europort Masterplan, including port digitalisation. These works will reflect Rosslare Europort’s status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe and will include new freight and passenger facilities; storage, export and import facilities; and berth extension. Matching the port’s physical transformation, a digitalisation of systems and operations is also planned which will deliver a better, more effective and more efficient Port.

• The Office of Public Works Project T7, to develop a permanent Border Control Post within the port, to provide the

TRAIN NEWS

WHY ROSSLARE EUROPORT? facilities and systems for all aspects of Border Control.

• The new TII N25 Rosslare Europort Access Road, which will ensure a better experience for port users and enhance quality of life for those living and working in the area, by taking trucks out of the village and improving access and connectivity to the port.

“Rosslare Europort has been to the forefront of our national response to some of the most critical issues we have faced in recent times,” Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said, speaking at the launch of the plan. “Working with State Agencies, Rosslare prepared for and responded to Brexit, transforming our direct connections to the continent of Europe.

In recent weeks, we have ensured the rapid and successful establishment of reception facilities for Ukrainian refugees arriving to our shores. Now, as we face the urgent need for decarbonisation and to ensure energy security, the board and management of Iarnród Éireann fully

supports the ambitions of Rosslare Europort to be Ireland’s ORE hub.”

“We have engaged extensively at European, national and regional level to understand the needs of the ORE industry,” Glenn Carr, General Manager, Rosslare Europort said. “It is clear that not only is Rosslare Europort uniquely placed to support the development of the industry, but also that this development can be a transformative one for the South-East region. In terms of economic potential, the South-East can be to offshore renewables what Dublin’s silicon docks are to the tech sector. The support shown by stakeholders to date shows that we can achieve this as a region for the nation.”

In total, these developments and the ORE Hub plan will see €350 million invested in the port and its environs. The OREspecific works would be in addition to those already outlined in the Rosslare Europort Infrastructure Masterplan, which is set to transform the physical infrastructure of the port.

Ireland represents one of the best ORE resources in Europe, with a sea area of 490,000sq kms. Rosslare Europort is ideally positioned to serve the many Offshore Wind developments planned in the Irish and Celtic seas.

The national Climate Action Plan has set a target of five gigawatts from ORE by the end of 2030, and Rosslare has unmatchable advantages to support this, and act as a new sustainable hub for the SouthEast.

These include: • The port is uniquely located within 60 nautical miles of most of the planned developments in the Irish and Celtic seas.

• Access can be developed to provide the key infrastructure requirements to serve the different stages of the OSW projects, to include marshalling, assembly, staging and load out of key components, ongoing operations, maintenance and crew transfers.

• The Rosslare Europort project has the support of national and local government, industry and tourism, including the notable support of the Port of Waterford.

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ORE HUB PLAN: THE PROGRESS TO DATE Rosslare Europort is already working to be Ireland’s ORE hub: Expert ORE consultants have been appointed to bring the project to planning.

Financial consultants set to be appointed to develop the detailed business case and funding options.

An application has been submitted to the EU Connecting Europe Facility for 50% co-funding for the studies and designs for planning. That application is supported by Government, local authorities of the South-East, Business Chambers, IBEC, Waterford Port and the Offshore Industry.

Rosslare Europort is actively engaging with all the potential developers that will be involved in OSW and have undertaken comprehensive surveys and engagements with them to understand the industry requirements and gain support for the Rosslare project.

Discussions have also taken place regarding a potential startup facility that could be available from late 2023 at Fisherman’s Quay in the port, on a limited basis. This would offer the industry some port capacity, while the transition to the main facility is completed.

JOANNE McNALLY

FIZZICAL WORKOUT 18

JOANNE McNALLY

As she takes Ireland by storm with her sell-out Prosecco Express tour, Joanne McNally discusses her anxieties around fame, and keeping comedy “as open and as controversial as it possibly can be.”

INTERVIEW LUCY O’TOOLE

W

ith disarmingly charming irreverence, an acclaimed podcast, and eight years of hard graft on the gigging circuit to her name, Joanne McNally has stepped out as an unconquerable force in Irish comedy.

Tapping into the concerns of a generation of 30-somethings – while simultaneously channelling the spirit of the mouthy young one at the back of every all-girls classroom in the country – the Killiney-raised stand-up’s fearlessly frank approach has resonated with audiences on both sides of the Irish Sea. And now, after the better chunk of a decade in the stand-up game, serious success has come knocking, with two million podcast downloads every month, a newly announced book deal, and phenomenal ticket sales for her ongoing Irish and UK tour, The Prosecco Express.

It kicked off in January with no fewer than thirty sold-out nights in Vicar Street and runs in fits and spurts right up to Christmas.

But it’s all just part of the job for Joanne who reckons that people’s surprise over the number of nights she’s performing largely comes down to gender.

“I guess because I’m female, maybe it’s more shocking?” she reflects. “Whereas Des Bishop has done like 41 – I think he has the record. It just seems stranger when a woman does it. Apparently some lad asked my mother, ‘What’s she going to do when she gets up there?’As if I had no plan. Like I was going to go up there and do a movement to music.

No, I’m going to read poems! Do some spoken word for an hour…”

As she notes, she’s “been doing this for years” – progressing from small stages to sold-out tours, star-studded chat shows, and a slew of TV appearances.

“I love gigging,” she says. “And I’m happiest when I’m gigging. So to me, the calendar isn’t scary. I’m more like, ‘I’m going to have the time of my life.’”

That being said, Joanne is human – and despite her audacious stage persona, like countless other comedians and performers, adrenaline and jitters all come into play before a show.

“I still get nervous when I do gigs,” she reveals. “It just depends on what’s at stake. I could be doing a small gig but I know the booker is watching me, to see if he’s going to book me again. I’ve a constant issue with my adrenaline levels. They’re in a constant state of flux.

“To be honest, if I didn’t get nervous, it would be a problem,” she continues. “The nerves and the adrenaline is your body telling you that you’re about to do something you care about, so wake up. I find myself yawning a lot before gigs, which I couldn’t understand before. I was like, ‘Why am I so tired?’

But then I read that it was actually my body knowing I’m going to do something that demands attention.

It’s your body trying to take in oxygen and stuff.

“So my body knows what’s going on. It’s not like I’m going to walk onto the stage in Vicar Street, thinking I’m buying a baguette in Londis.”

Plenty of comics get hooked on that adrenaline rush.

“I’ve enough addictions, to be honest!” she laughs.

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“It’s probably one of them, that I haven’t really identified as one. But there’s certainly something about it. It’s progressive – you can very much see and track your progress, which is addictive. Before, when I worked in PR, you couldn’t see your progress as much. Whereas with this, it’s like weight loss, in a weirder, healthier way. That’s what I used to be addicted to – losing weight. Now my addiction is progressing in comedy.”

Joanne’s experiences with eating disorders is something she’s been refreshingly open about, in both interviews and as the central focus of her first one-woman show, Bite Me. In fact, letting people into her personal life has always been a key feature of her comedy, whether she’s tackling heavy issues or the comparatively trivial. “I just say whatever’s going

“THE NERVES AND THE ADRENALINE IS YOUR BODY TELLING YOU THAT YOU’RE ABOUT TO DO SOMETHING YOU CARE ABOUT, SO WAKE UP.” on,” she notes. “There’s no real filter or boundaries.”

With The Prosecco Express, she’s continuing to address subjects that countless women will find only too relatable – in particular, being surrounded by friends that are suddenly settling down with spouses and children. As she’s made blatantly clear, that traditional path has never really been on the 38-yearold’s agenda. Comedy, she says, is her “whole life.”

“When lockdown happened, I realised that I have very little going on in my life outside of comedy,” she admits. “Which was a bit tragic. But then when it lifted, and things started moving again, I was like, ‘This is all I need.’ I feel like I always need a large purpose, and for the moment, my large purpose is

JOANNE McNALLY

“COMEDY SHOULD BE KEPT AS OPEN AND AS CONTROVERSIAL AS IT POSSIBLY CAN BE BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING.”

stand-up.”

Of course, with her ever-rising profile, and the phenomenal popularity of her My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast, which she co-hosts with her close friend Vogue Williams, things are likely to jump up a few gears for Joanne. For now, however, she’s happy not to be at the centre of the tabloids.

“It’s almost like a superpower, being mildly invisible,” she laughs. “The cool thing is that I’m mostly ignored, media-wise. I guess because I’m a comic, no one cares what you say, because it’s all taken with such a massive pinch of salt. Whereas Vogue will be like, ‘I washed Gigi today’, or ‘Gigi woke

up early today’ – and it will be a headline in the Daily Mail. I could be like, ‘I drank a pint of mushrooms and ran naked down Grafton Street.’ And it will literally appear nowhere – no one will give a damn! I’d love to be able to hold onto that, but I don’t know if that’s possible. I don’t know if I’d be able to handle the level of attention that Vogue gets. I like where I am now.”

As Joanne points out, she’s living in an age where, as a comedian, “you have to be visible in between your shows, for people to remember you exist” – whereas, in the past, “the likes of the Tommys and the Daras and the Jasons just sold tickets and did their shows.”

Equally, the nature of comedy itself continues to change dramatically, with younger generations largely looking to social media and video platforms for their own funny fix.

“I’ve done college gigs, like Freshers Week stuff, and I did find them a bit tense,” she acknowledges. “Because I find that generation

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are more sensitive than my generation. We’re used to slagging stuff that they just don’t like hearing slagged. That was a bit of a challenge.

“I do think comedy should be kept as open and as controversial as it possibly can be because that’s what makes it interesting,” she continues. “There are certain topics that I personally wouldn’t touch on, just because it’s not worth it to me, for the sake of the laugh.

I don’t necessarily want to start slagging off people, because it’s just not my vibe. But that’s just me – I’m not going to tell anyone else how to do their job. When it comes to comedy, I’m fairly open-minded about stuff.”

While her tour will be keeping her busy for most of 2022, it’s by no means the only thing on Joanne’s plate for the foreseeable future. In November, it was announced that Sandycove, the Dublin-based imprint of Penguin Random House, will be publishing her debut collection of essays in autumn 2023.

“I’ve been dying to write a book,” Joanne enthuses. “I love reading, and I’ve always loved writing. Originally, I wanted to be a journalist. I studied English in college, and then I was going to do an MA in Journalism.

And then someone was like – you need to be prepared to sell your granny for a story. I was like, ‘Well, my granny’s dead! I’ve nothing to sell!’ So I ended up going into PR. “I’m awful at maths,” she adds. “Literally, I could not divide anything, even with a calculator. I’ve kind of self-diagnosed myself with numerical dyslexia. But writing was always a thing for me.”

With those major plans in motion, Joanne will be continuing to split her time between London and Dublin – glamorously, of course, via-Ryanair. Joanne admits that moving to the UK has opened up new doors in her career.

“It’s tough in Ireland, because there just isn’t the same opportunities for comics,” she points out. “And you can’t be angry about it – that’s just the way it is, because it’s a smaller country. So of course you’re going to go where the opportunities are. And that means that you’ll probably settle down in that country.

“But I’d love to buy a gaff in Dalkey,” she adds. “That would be the dream – so I could start sea-swimming in my Dry Robe…”

• Joanne McNally’s The Prosecco Express is coming to Dublin, Cork, Sligo, Belfast, Derry and Killarney. See joannemcnally.com for details.

Awaken Your

senSes

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Downhill Strand, Castlerock

FORTUNE

FAVOURS THE BRAVE

Róisín O channels the pain of a broken relationship into Courageous, a deeply personal and impeccably crafted album, which includes co-writes with Gavin James and her Coronas-fronting brother Danny O’Reilly.

She talks new beginnings, famous families, Lionel Richie and Steven Spielberg.

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INTERVIEW KATE BRAYDEN Photograhy: Miguel Ruiz

óisín O is all smiles when we meet. Ready for her photo-shoot, her auburn hair shines bright red in the sunlight, as she opens up about her eagerly-awaited sophomore album, Courageous.

The follow-up to 2012’s The Secret Life Of Blue sees the 34-year-old Dubliner continue down the path she forged in such style, across last year’s trio of breathtaking pop ballads: ‘Heart + Bones’, ‘Still Gold’ and ‘2023’.

Why the ten-year hiatus between solo albums? Well, back in 2018, Róisín joined up with John Broe to form Thanks Brother.

The duo launched that project by performing their debut single ‘We Are Different’ on The Late Late Show. They had a good run in the meantime, making a number of gorgeous videos alongside powerful tracks. Now, Róisín has decided that the

moment is ripe for her to continue her solo foray. With that in mind, the singer-songwriter has assembled a brilliant squad to assist in the creation of her upcoming LP, including Gavin James, her brother Danny O’Reilly and more. “‘Heart + Bones’ was the first track I worked on after Thanks Brother finished,” Róisín recalls, “and I’d never had such a positive studio experience. Phil is the most beautiful friend; so insanely talented, but such a nerd. He makes me feel like I’m the best singer on the planet when I’m in the vocal booth. He comes into a room and knows exactly what the artist needs.”

That sense of confidence can be vital for an artist.

“I struggled slightly after the release of ‘Give It Up’ in 2016, which was probably one of my biggest singles,” she admits. “I started writing all my songs with John Broe and saw what a great producer he was. I wanted him to be part of my journey, which was why Thanks Brother started. That put a halt to my

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RÓISÍN Ó

“Heart + Bones’ was me on the floor crying because my heart and soul was destroyed from this relationship ending.” solo work, but I think I was overly-daunted by the idea that my next album wasn’t going to be good enough. No song is ever perfect. Any project is a moment in time, so the only thing that matters is that you’re proud of the art at that time. You’re always going to look back and notice the flaws. With Thanks Brother, it was like I had a clean slate.

I didn’t have to worry about Róisín O.” The decision to strike out on her own again promptly paid dividends.

“I released a cover of Selena Gomez’s track ‘Lose You To Love Me’. It blew up online – I suddenly realised that I already had an audience – I didn’t need to reinvent myself. So it really just felt right to keep going with my own material.”

And so it has proven.

“When I released ‘Heart + Bones’, it really seemed to connect with people,” Róisín says. “The response has been amazing, I actually couldn’t have imagined it. The whole process made me realise that my own opinions actually do matter. Before, I felt as though I couldn’t do it on my own. It’s tough sometimes as a female solo artist, especially a vocalist.

I get by in songwriting and playing on stage, but at some level, I always thought I wasn’t talented enough because I wasn’t this amazing guitar or piano player. Now, I realise that I’m a vocalist and no one else can sing the way I can, even just biologically. I can write a song as good as the next person, and I’m secure with that knowledge.

I’m in a better place in terms of musical self-esteem.”

HIDDEN UNDERNEATH

Every song on Róisín powerful new album has an underlying theme of courage, with ‘Stolen’ (a Gavin James co-write) and ‘Heart + Bones’ delving deep into the consequences of a painful break-up. There is a unique vulnerability that will doubtless be easy for a lot of people to relate to. “‘Heart + Bones’ was just me, literally on the floor crying,” she confesses. “because my heart and soul was destroyed from this relationship ending. It’s about admitting to yourself that you’re not over someone, and then – finally – letting it all come out. That’s so easy for people to connect to.

That feeling of understanding other people is what it’s all about for me in terms of songwriting. “‘Stolen’ is about bumping into that person – who actually asked me what ‘Heart + Bones’ was about,” she adds.

“That’s where the line, ‘But you ask me what I write about/ How have you not worked it out?’ comes from. I never asked his permission before I released it, but I was never saying anything horrible about him on the track. In terms of writing about other people, if the song was absolutely damning, I would contemplate sending it to them beforehand! I wouldn’t write about the same break-up now. These songs are from a specific part of my life. You’ll have to tune in to the next album to hear where the story goes next!”

A NEW CHAPTER

As the daughter of Mary Black and Joe O’Reilly whose family owned Dolphin Discs, Róisín herself born into a musical family. Danny O’Reilly of The Coronas is her brother and Frances Black her Aunt. Did she ever feel pressure to compete?

“As the girl in the clan, I was never really pitted against

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them,” she says. “I was always the singer. Conor, our oldest brother, got more into bass when we were young. Then Danny got skilled at guitar – he’s has been an amazing songwriter for as long as I can remember. None of us were pushed to go down this route. Danny especially is just so open and encouraging to me.”

“Our parents were hugely encouraging to all of us, but it was never a competition. All three of us are very supportive of each other. I’m one of the biggest Coronas fans on the planet. I know every single song, and love nothing more than seeing them live. Danny’s the same with me. We’re so lucky to have family in the same industry. Getting mentorship from people who have your best interests at heart is invaluable” Currently halfway through a major Irish tour, Róisín has managed to get over her early careers and is now a consummate live performer.

“I supported Lionel Richie, which was so bizarre,” Róisín laughs, shaking her head. “It was in the 3Arena just after the debut album came out, which was crazy. That’s definitely a moment I’ll always think back on. Another one was getting invited to LA to do the JJ Abrams Oscar party.

I walked the red carpet before singing at the event – Steven Spielberg was right in front of me with this camera filming.

That wasn’t real life.

“Even just being on tour with my band and meeting other acts at festivals still feels incredible. Being around music, going to Electric Picnic and having those experiences is really special. I do miss the camaraderie you get with a band.

It’s that feeling of all being in it together. I adore those junctures of shared happiness, no matter how big or small the show is. But I’m really happy that I’ve come back to Róisín O. It’s a new chapter and I’m really looking forward to it.”

• Courageous is out now. See roisino.com for tour and festival appearance details.

D E S T I N AT I O N

MY FAVOURITE JOURNEY

KERRY GOLD

Irish singer Junior Brother tells Kate Brayden why he loves the trip from Dublin to his native Kingdom.

“YOU SEE ALL THE MOUNTAINS AND IT LOOKS LIKE THEY’RE MOVING ALONG WITH THE TRAIN TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR ARRIVAL.”

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JOURNEY: DUBLIN TO KERRY

ou may be familiar with altfolk artist Ronan Kealy’s work under the moniker of Junior Brother, having secured himself a Choice Music Prize nomination in 2019 for debut LP Pull The Right Rope. The Kerryman is more than familiar with Irish public transport, having moved up to Dublin in 2014 to start his music career, and toured his album in venues nationwide.

“I get a lift off my sound-man these days, but I used to get the train to gigs alright, especially if I had more gear on me to carry,” Ronan tells Go Rail. “There’d be more space on the train than the bus, and a bit more luxury as well!”

Being a native of Kilcummin, the train from Dublin to Killarney is his bread and butter.

Now that he’s accustomed to the capital however, he’s acquired a favourite Dart view.

“I’d be most familiar with the Dublin to Kerry journey alright, going out via Mallow,” he smiles. “I was also thinking about the Dart line from Tara Street to Bray, which I’ve gotten to know very well over the last few years.

I can never get over the views whenever I’m on that train, and I’m always shocked whenever anyone else in my carriage isn’t looking out the window with their jaws on the floor.

“Going home though, I love how the scenery changes as you look out from Dublin to Killarney. It’s like it’s unravelling from an urban landscape to a rural one over the course of three-and-a-half hours. It’s lovely through Rathmore. You see all the mountains and it looks like they’re moving along with the train to accommodate their arrival.

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“I’ve only really experienced that in the last two years, because I’d have rarely gone to the capital as a child. Since moving to Dublin, that journey has become a highlight. It’s nearly as good as having a film on your laptop. It’s great to put your phone away and watch it all go by in real time.”

Getting to grips with some of train travel is a rite of passage – though it doesn’t always come easy!

“I’ve probably missed every form of public transport in Dublin at least once, trains included,” Ronan laughs. “I could just never get a handle on it when I wasn’t used to living here! I’ve since gotten to know how it all works, but when I was just a country mouse coming up, I didn’t know what was what. My friends and I used to come up for the darts, which took place in Citywest Hotel.

“We were fairly young at the time, and we didn’t realise that you could get any bus from the quays up to Heuston Station. We ended up having to walk all the way to the station from O’Connell Bridge and missed the train to Kerry by about an hour. That was probably the biggest bout of train-related misfortune I’ve experienced, due to bad time-keeping.

“Other than that moment, I’ve nothing negative to say about Irish trains! I love the characters you meet on Irish transport in general.”

•Junior Brother plays DeBarra’s, Clonakility (June 3) and All Together Now, Waterford (July 30). See juniorbrother.com for full line-up of summer dates.

LONGFORD IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS Longford, centrally located in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with the River Shannon, The Royal Canal, Lough Ree and numerous other lakes dotted around the County. It has plenty to offer from water and trails to Visitor Centres and plenty of attractions.

Longford is rich in history and culture with the ancient bog road built in 148 B.C. at Corlea Trackway Visitors Centre, the Maria Edgeworth Centre, Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre and more.

Longford is home to the magnificent St. Mel’s Cathedral which was damaged extensively in the Christmas Day fire of 2009 and reopened for services on Christmas Eve 2014 after a huge restoration project. Take in a show at the wonderful Backstage Theatre, visit Fiona Egan Cloughan farm and cookery school or dine in one of the many award-winning restaurants.

Center Parcs Longford Forest, Ireland’s largest tourist attraction offers short breaks in luxury accommodation perfect for family and friends in the secluded setting of Newcastle Woods.

Longford is also home to the Royal Canal Greenway and National Famine Way with bike hire and kayaks available along the way. The Royal Canal Greenway which is the longest linear greenway in Ireland. Explore the Longford section of this speculator trail with an interesting EZxploring map. A 10k Blueway loop in Clondra for kayaking is available for water enthuasitasts.

Fancy a boat trip, why not try out the Access for All boat in Lanesborough, the first of its kind in the country for all people and is suitable for people with disabilities. Sail out to the historic Quaker Island and take in the sights.

If you are an avid angler enjoy some top-class fishing along the banks of the Shannon in this lovely little town of Lanesborough.

For information on things to do in County Longford, visit www.longford. ie, where you will find information on accommodation, food & drink, activities, events, readymade itineraries and more.

Longford.ie Tel: +353 (0)43 3343509 Email: tourism@longfordcoco.ie

THE PLAY’S THE THING

Legendary actor Simon Callow discusses his Dublin appearance in beloved musical Anything Goes, his admiration of Cole Porter, and being offered his first theatrical role by Laurence Olivier.

INTERVIEW Roe McDermott

I

f you’re looking for a joyful, exuberant, toetapping show to get you in the summer spirit, look no further than the award-winning production of Anything Goes, which is docking at the Bord Gáis Theatre in May. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall, the musical focuses on two unlikely pairs looking for love onboard the S.S. American. However, they discover that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing and dancing sailors, a comical disguise, a farcical blackmail attempt, delightful doubleentendres and some timeless good fun!

The show features some of theatre’s most memorable tunes from Cole Porter, including ‘I Get A Kick Out Of You’, ‘You’re The Top’, ‘It’s De-Lovely!’ and ‘Anything Goes’, and some irrepressibly joyous dance numbers. It’s a dizzyingly delightful show with a new cast member. Last year, beloved stage and screen actor Simon Callow (Four Weddings And A Funeral, Shakespeare In Love, Amadeus) saw the show in London and was so enraptured he wanted to take part. Luckily for Dublin audiences, he can now be seen playing Elisha Whitney. For Callow, deciding to join

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the production was an easy decision.

“I love Cole Porter, and I love this show,” he enthuses, looking dapper in a grey suit in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. “ I first saw it in 1968 – not this production, of course! – but this show.

It was a quintessence of something we lacked in the ‘60s – something so witty and positive, and at the same time, very romantic. The songs are just staggering; it’s the best score Porter wrote since Kiss

“AS A BOY, I WAS A TERRIBLE SHOW-OFF! BUT I NEVER KNEW I COULD GET PAID FOR IT – THAT CAME LATER!” Me Kate and has as many hits as that.

And it’s a bit saucier than Kiss Me Kate, because it’s the ‘30s and people were emerging from the Depression, from prohibition, and life seemed to be about to start again.”

So the perfect show to see as we all emerge from Covid?

“It’s exactly what we felt when we went to see Anything Goes a year ago in London at the Barbican,” says Callow.

“It was so thrilling to be in a theatre again, to be responding to actors and to have actors responding to us.

SIMON CALLOW

“IT WAS SO THRILLING TO BE IN A THEATRE AGAIN, TO BE RESPONDING TO ACTORS AND TO HAVE ACTORS RESPONDING TO US.”

Apparently when the curtain went up on the first preview in London, applause went on for five minutes, just saying, ‘We’re back in business.’ It’s a genuine tonic, and we’re finding as we travel with the show that people really are longing for something fun, and elegant, and polished. And the production itself is a masterpiece, it’s so brilliantly organised and structured – every number starts at a pretty high level, then just builds and builds until it blows the roof off your head!”

As theatre aficionados would know, Callow has a had a lifelong relationship with theatre, making his stage debut in 1973 and delighting audiences with his performances ever since. The actor is known for his love of Charles Dickens, has performed in many productions of A Christmas Carol, and even played Dickens in a one-man show, The Mystery Of Charles Dickens. But Callow wasn’t the first person in his family to have a theatrical streak or even to appear in a musical, as his grandmother was a chorus girl, and used to play with Callow, putting on elaborate costumes and creating madcap characters.

“My family is steeped in theatre in one way or another,” he agrees. “She was indeed in the chorus, and my great-grandfather, her fatherin-law, was a clown in Copenhagen, and then he became a ringmaster and married my greatgrandmother, who was an equestrian. She was a bare-back horse rider and came from a long line of bareback horse riders. Then they came to England and my father-in-law became an impresario. So I have got the theatre in my blood, but it was a bit distant, because he was of course

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long dead by the time I was born, and my grandmother’s stories were from 50 years before. The theatre was always there, but I didn’t really know it.”

However, that theatre blood always emerges eventually, and the Londoner laughs that “as a boy, I was a terrible show-off! But I never knew I could get paid for it – that came later!”

But even Callow would admit that his entrance to theatre was itself quite extraordinary. Coming into drama at the height of London Repertory theatre, he was offered his first job by none other than Laurence Olivier.

“That was due to a piece of impertinence on my part!” he laughs. “He was running the National Theatre at the Old Vic in the ‘60s, and I was a very regular visitor both with my school and on my own. The level of that theatre was inconceivable, it set a new high mark for acting, and Olivier was there, in the company, acting on many nights a week.

But the thing that absolutely knocked me sideways when I used to go the Old Vic, was that absolutely everybody who worked there felt part of the organisation. They felt like they were making a contribution. They were the best ushers in London, the best coffeestall operatives in London, the best bookshop managers in London – everyone felt part of it.

And I thought how wonderful it must be to be part of that kind of organisation.

“So I took it upon myself to write to Laurence Olivier, and amazingly, he replied by return of post, saying ‘Well, if you like it so much, why don’t you come and work here in the box-office?’ And it was amazing, such a wonderful experience, and I met actors for the first time in my life, and that was the moment.

Because I couldn’t figure out how you came to be an actor, I always thought they must be a special breed of people who just existed wearing robes and smoking cigarettes. It was like being the Pope – how does one become the Pope? But then I met these young actors at the National Theatre like Michael Gambon and Derek Jacobi, more senior ones like Maggie Smith, and they were all wonderful, interesting people but human beings, like the rest of us. And so I went to university, in order to act, and started there.”

•Anything Goes is in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin from May 19-28.

ALL THE FOREVER YOUNG DUDES Forever Young is sure to be another unforgettable occasion this year, as an incredible collection of ‘80s legends converge on Palmerstown House in Kildare.

FOREVER YOUNG FESTIVAL July 15-17 at Palmerstown House Estate, Co. Kildare

S

olve that Rubik’s cube, put on your favourite jean jacket, gas up the station wagon, and get amped because Ireland’s biggest ‘80s festival is back! After a two-year hiatus, Forever Young Festival will once again be taking place on July 1517, in the stunning grounds of the Palmerstown House Estate. If you just wanna dance with somebody,

then this thriller of a festival is sure to offer an incredible time after time with every breath you take.

Where the Party Is At The Forever Young Festival started with a bang. In its first year in 2019, the event won Best Medium-Sized Festival and Best Lineup awards. The event’s founder Dr Sharon Alston considers herself a veteran of ‘80s festivals and knew just what would be needed to put on the most magical weekend experience.

“One of the beauties of the festival is that it was set up from a participant’s perspective and not a promoter’s perspective,” she explains. “It is not set up thinking about how much we can make,

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it’s only about giving people a brilliant experience.”

The three days of celebration will take place on the grounds of the Palmerstown House Estate. Covering a whopping 900 acres, this Kildare gem is only a stone’s throw from Dublin.

Its immaculately manicured grounds are equipped with a wide network of roads and paths, making it easy to explore festival activities and keep the hems of your parachute pants dry.

Total Rewind What Forever Young is about more than anything else is the music, and this year the event looks set to retain its Best Lineup title. It’s a who’s who of ‘80s icons: Marti Pellow, The Boomtown Rats, The

Undertones. Holly Johnson, OMD, Bananarama, Paul Young, Paul Carrack, Alphaville, and many many more.

Pellow is best known for his role as the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, the Scottish band whose cover of The Beatles' ‘With A Little Help from My Friends’ hit No. 1 on the UK charts in 1988.

After forming in Dublin in 1975, The Boomtown Rats had a series of Irish and UK hits including ‘Like Clockwork’, ‘Rat Trap’, ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and ‘Banana Republic’. Though Bob Geldof and co. disbanded in the mid‘80s, they have since reformed and released an acclaimed new album in March 2020.

Derry punks The Undertones remain one of the most successful bands to have

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emerged out of Northern Ireland.

Their 1978 hit ‘Teenage Kicks’ became an anthem for angsty adolescence everywhere.

Not only will the festival have numerous ‘80s icons playing live, it will also feature a Great Pretenders stage, which sees performances by world-class tribute acts for the likes of George Michael, Kate Bush, Madonna, David Bowie and Queen. This all-star tribute stage will run late into the night, long after the main-stage shows have ended.

Glamp It Up If you’re someone who thinks that camping is not for you, then think again! Forever Young offers premiere Glamping experiences like pre-pitched canvas tents and spacious wooden yurts. Boutique campsites include hot showers, flush toilets, and free phone charging facilities.

For those who decide not to stay onsite, the festival offers preferential deals and weekend packages. The latter includes a festival ticket, luxury hotel room, and a shuttle ride to and from the event – all for one low price.

Forever Young strives to make your comfort and enjoyment of its unique weekend experience their number one priority.

“Everything is very close to where the music is. There’s no traipsing around. People don’t want to be doing that,” Dr. Alston laughs. “To help people get to where they want to be, the festival has a network of golf buggies that will run at all hours to provide easy transportation for anyone who needs it.

“We really go the extra mile

Europe, Dr. Alston began to coordinate with many acts still in the music circuit to put together the weekend shindig.

The Forever Young Festival now provides extensive aid to help improve animal welfare across

to make sure people are looked after,” she adds.

This ease of transportation extends elsewhere: coach buses from Cork, Galway, Wexford and Limerick are all available and offered with ticket packages.

For A Good Cause What sets Forever Young apart from many other summer events is that this ‘80s party was, and still is, an event that donates all proceeds to charity. Dr. Sharon Alston is not a festival coordinator by trade; she is actually a veterinarian.

“When I first came to Ireland I found there was a big hole in veterinary supportive charity,” she recalls. “I struggled with making it work in my head how animals were often paying the price for their owners’ struggles.

So I discussed with the ISPCA about starting a new charity for veterinary centres in Ireland, and we needed a big fundraiser.”

Knowing how magical ‘80s festivals could be from her years of attending them throughout

Ireland.

Not only does the festival address the future of animals, but the future of humans as well.

All single-use plastics are fully banned from the site; everything is either reused or recycled.

This helps to keep the festival grounds immaculately clean throughout the weekend while also cutting down on pollution from material waste.

“We’re a festival with a heart and a conscience,” Alston says proudly. “Not only is it all for a good cause, it’s also a great time.

It’s a big get-the-gang-backtogether sort of event. People will have school, university and workplace reunions. They just get together and have a great party.” foreveryoungfestival.ie

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Full List of acts for Forever Young 2022 Marti Pellow Holly Johnson OMD Bananarama Paul Young The Boomtown Rats Paul Carrack Alphaville Nik Kershaw Nick Heyward T'Pau Then Jerico Hue and Cry Wendy James Tiffany Chesney Hawkes The Real Thing Trevor Horn Five Star Limahl The Undertones John Parr Bad Manners Heather Small Johnny Hates Jazz The Blow Monkeys In Tua Nua The Adventures Doctor and The Medics Brian Downey’s Alive and Dangerous

GIRLS’

ADVENTURE 30

DERRY GIRLS

It’s “90% chaos, 10% personal development” as Erin, Orla, Michelle, Clare and James return in the third and final series of Derry Girls. Stuart Clark gets all the latest Our Lady Immaculate College gossip, and hangs out in her hometown with show creator Lisa McGee.

D OWN

S T I L L C O U R T E S Y O F CH A N N EL 4 T EL E V I SI O N

erry Girl creator Lisa McGee’s head is spinning like it’s never spun before trying to process all the extraordinary things that have happened to her these past few weeks.

First off, there was the “Is this really happening?” triple-whammy of Lisa nearly falling off the sofa in shock when The Simpsons paid its ‘Dairy Girls’ tribute to the series; the bestowal of an honorary doctorate on McGee by Ulster University; and receiving the phone call, which confirmed that her beloved Smash Hits was coming back from the dead for one issue just so they can stick Erin, Orla, Michelle, Clare and James on the cover.

On top of that, Lisa is back in her hometown today for the Irish premiere of Derry Girls’ third and, sob, final series in the Omniplex down the road from the extremely plush Guildhall where we’re currently having a cuppa together.

“Out of everything that’s happened, The Simpsons is the one that completely floored me,” she reflects. “I read about it on a Simpsons fan page I follow and thought, ‘That can’t be right. They must be referring to something else.’ I just kept staring at it and staring at it and staring at it because I was such a huge fan of the show in the ‘90s. It was only when their Executive Producer said, ‘Yes, it’s a Derry Girls reference’ that I let myself believe it. Then some of the writers, who I really admire, got in touch with me saying they were fans. I was like, ‘How are they even understanding it?’

“Another thing that blew my mind was the Derry Girls mural going up on the side of Badgers Bar on Orchard Street. It’s become a full-blown tourist attraction, which is nuts too. Then there’s the special edition of Smash Hits, which was the highlight of my week when I was a kid. It’s been one surreal moment after another.”

The first Smash Hits in sixteen years doesn’t disappoint with Granda Joe reviewing the singles (Steps’ ‘Last Thing On My Mind’ gets 2 cream horns out of 5); Sister Michael turning Agony Aunt (“I don’t know, don’t care and can’t be bothered to try and find out,” she tells in-need-of-advice Five fan Colleen); and Erin rocking some serious double denim à la B*Witched (the lyrics to ‘C’est La Vie’ are included).

SPOILER ALERT!!!

In a rare case of things not leaking out beforehand on the ‘net, the Series Three opener includes a surprise guest turn from Liam Neeson as the Garda Inspector who interviews the girls when they unwittingly get involved with the nocturnal robbing of computers from Our Lady Immaculate College.

They need an adult to be with them because they’re minors and come up with the genius idea of nominating Uncle Colm who bores Inspector Neeson into releasing them without charge.

Asked how they managed to keep the Ballymena superstar’s participation under wraps, Lisa smiles and says, “It’s not a very good code name but we called him ‘The Big Fella’ for ages. You’re so terrified of letting things slip that you’re in a state of stress all

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DERRY GIRLS

A WALK ON THE BOGSIDE: Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee and scenes from the final season

“The girls find themselves in crazy situations they’ve never been in before.”

the time. It’s such a relief when it goes out because you’re like, ‘Thank god, I can talk about it now!

“We were on this call and Liam said that Helen Mirren had introduced him to the show, which was pretty mind-blowing. Our producer Brian Falconer, who’d made a film with him, wormed his way in, went through all the ranks and amazingly made it happen. It was really, really scary working with Liam but he was lovely.”

THE KIDS GROW UP, BUT ONLY A WEE BIT!

As for the broader Series Three plot, Lisa describes it as “90% chaos, 10% personal development.”

“The kids grow up… but only a wee, wee bit!” she laughs. “They still get into a lot of scrapes like you’ll see in those first two episodes. They are faced with something really serious, and it’s the first time they don’t have the same view. They have to work out what that means for them as a group of friends.

They kind of fall out but they’re mostly still idiots and not enlightened people by the end of it.”

Jamie-Lee O’Donnell (Michelle Mallon) agrees with Lisa’s summation.

“The third series is like Series One and Two x 1,000,” she enthuses. “We’ve completely outdone ourselves. Each episode is like a wee mini-movie, there’s just so much packed into each one. The girls find themselves in crazy situations they’ve never been in before.

“I think people love it because it’s so relatable.

All over the world, if you change the accents, the relationships are still very similar.”

Clashing schedules almost lead to Nicola Coughlan (wee Clare Devlin) having to be written out of the series, but thanks to a mad dash from the Bridgerton set to Derry major script surgery was avoided.

32

“Clare’s still a nervous wreck,” Coughlan tells us. “I’d forgotten how exhausting it was to play her because it requires so much pent-up energy. She’s taking life seriously, just as she always has. There’s a big storyline for her this time that I can’t talk about, but Lisa called me a couple of years ago to make sure I was comfortable with it.”

THEY NEVER STOP TO THINK

Coughlan isn’t the only Derry Girl who’s spring-boarded from the Bogside to other meaty roles with Saoirse-Monica Jackson lining up alongside Ezra Miller and Ben Affleck in imminent DC movie The Flash; Jamie-Lee O’Donnell playing one of the prison officers in ITV drama Screws; Louisa Harland (Orla McCool) following up her appearance in The Deceived with a big, soon-to-be-announced project; and David Llewellyn (James Maguire) cast as fired band member Wally Nightingale in Danny Boyle’s Pistol bio-series.

“To do comedy well your timing has to be spot on, so I’m not surprised they’re now getting these major dramatic roles,” Lisa ventures. “It’s been amazing recently going into newsagents and seeing Nicola’s face on the cover of everything. We were incredibly fortunate to get the five of them. They’re all super-talented and will go on to do increasingly big things.”

To be a great writer you have to be invested in your characters, but I’ve never met anyone who’s as adoring of theirs as Lisa McGee is.

“The girls are just go, go, go – they never stop to think, which is great because if they did the episode couldn’t happen. The family, we’ve come to realise are just as mad. I love Grandpa Joe and Gerry now: their relationship and the wee adventures they go

DERRY GIRLS

on are just so funny. The two sisters, Mary and Sarah, are incredible too and always have their own things going on. I was thinking they should run their own detective agency and solve crimes. Perhaps that’ll happen one day in the Derry Girls Universe!”

Asked who her favourite Derry girl is later on at the after-show party by Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, Lisa gives the same surprise answer as she gave me – Jenny Joyce.

“I always describe Jenny as being in a different show like Beverly Hills, 90210 or something. I use American-isms when she talks so it’s, ‘Folks and guys.’ Leah, who plays her, has started giving her a wee bit more of an American twang as well. She thinks that she’s the Prom Queen. I love her because she can inject a different energy into the show. It’s all very Derry, Derry, Derry and then she comes in and says, ‘Howdie, folks!’ They all hate her, which injects this tension into the school scenes that otherwise wouldn’t be there. Jenny’s an absolutely brilliant character to write.”

OUT WITH A BANG, NOT A WIMPLE

The ultimate Derry Girls episode-stealer, though, has to be Siobhán McSweeney as the force of ecclesiastical nature that is Sister Michael.

“God, she’s got some very funny bits in this series as does Peter Campion, AKA Father Peter who forces a friendship on Sister Michael whose eye-rolling and looking up to heaven reaches new levels,” Lisa divulges.

It’s all very different in real life with McSweeney saying that, “Any scene with Peter Campion is to be cherished. Just one look at him with his lovely hair!

They’re my favourite scenes actually, and always have been – although don’t tell him that!”

The Great Pottery Throw Down host is equally gushing about her own character.

“Oh, she’s wonderful,” Siobhán continues. “What I love about Sister Michael is that she has a life outside of being a nun. She has an awareness of the whole world. She’s not closeted away and she’s not ignorant. You could argue that she’s the only one with a proper handle on things. She observes the world with a cynical eye rather than getting too wrapped up in things. She’s the sort of a woman I’d really love to go for a pint with.”

Lisa had always planned on Derry Girls ending after the three series with the April 10, 1998 signing of the Good Friday Peace Agreement, which she has bittersweet memories of.

“I didn’t vote in the Good Friday Referendum because I was a wee bit too small and still in school, which became a major bone of contention when pupils were being chosen to go to the peace concert in Belfast that Ash, Bono, John Hume and David Trimble were at, and it was all the Jenny Joyces that got picked,” she rues. “I’m over it now… no, I’m not! One of my friends who went to a different school got chosen, and hasn’t shut up about it since.

“The show’s about teenagers, which is quite a brief period in your life and goes like a flash, so I wanted the Derry Girls ending to feel quite final,” Lisa concludes. “The Good Friday Agreement is kind of the day this place grew up, which parallels these kids growing up. It felt like the two things wrapped round each other quite well. It’s the favourite thing of mine I’ve ever written, and I hope people like it as much as I do when it comes out.”

• Derry Girls is available for Channel4.com catch-up

33

“The show’s about teenagers, which is quite a brief period in your life and goes like a flash, so I wanted the ending to feel final.”

BOOKS

HARLAN GLOBETROTTER

With somewhere north of 75 million books in print – in 45 languages – Harlan Coben is one of the masters of the mystery novel, and a high-profile deal with Netflix has spread his thrilling tales further still. “I want to be suspenseful; I want to keep you up all night,” he tells Pat Carty.

H

PORTRAIT: CLAUDIO MARINESCO arlan Coben is no stranger to a winning character.

Just take basketball player, turned sports agent, turned problem solver, Myron Bolitar, and his pal Windsor Horne Lockwood III (or just Win), a billionaire who “helps out” law enforcement. Win is a sort of Bruce Wayne figure, if Wayne spent his downtime meditating, playing golf and indulging his other penchant for Korean martial arts. We can now add Wilde, the star of Coben’s latest, The Match, to that number. He was found living in the woods as a young boy, never claimed, and grew up to combine a soldier’s training with those hard-earned skills he picked up in the forest. I put it to Coben that coming up with a pitch like that must have been a ‘Eureka!’ punchthe-air moment?

“Yes, and no!” replies the author with a grin. “You’re always doubting yourself and second guessing, especially with a new character that you’re going to write for more than one book. I knew when I wrote the first one that I was not going to give his origin story, so there would be at least two. I was taking a hike in the woods, which I’m not a big fan of – here’s a tree, here’s another tree, it’s hot and it’s sweaty.

I saw a little five-year-old boy walking on a parallel path. What if that kid came out of the woods right now and said he always lived here, always fended for himself, and didn’t remember his parents? And now, 30 years later, as The Match opens, he’s across the street from his biological father.”

Though he says he always planned at least two books, he did wrap things up

“SOME PEOPLE ARE VERY ANAL AND WANT TO READ A SERIES IN ORDER, AND THERE IS A JOY TO THAT.” 34

fairly neatly at the end of the first Wilde adventure, 2020’s The Boy From The Woods. Were bets being hedged in case nobody bought it? Coben has a good laugh at the frankly ridiculous notion that a book with his name on the front of it wouldn’t sell.

“I think every book should stand on its own,” he reasonably asserts. “Some people are very anal and want to read a series in order, and there is a joy to that. The first book or two of the Myron Bolitar series are, however, a little creaky, so I always tell people to start with the third one. I try to make every novel and every TV series stand on its own. When I do a series with Netflix, I always make sure that the ending is finished. Now, maybe I’ll do a season two sometime, but not because I gave you a cliffhanger at the end of season one. I don’t think that’s really fair.”

There is exposition in The Match, so a reader can indeed enjoy it as a standalone novel without having to read the first one. Is it tricky to get the balance right when it comes to this sort of filling in?

“You have to give the same amount of backstory you would probably be giving even if they hadn’t read it before,” says Coben. “Now to some people, that may be a little bit repetitive, but probably most people kind of enjoy hearing a paragraph or two about something

HARLAN COBEN

The Five and (left) Stay Close

they already know. And most of them need refreshers, because it’s been over a year since they read the book anyway!”

But it’s not the Batman scenario where – nearly – every film insists on showing his parents being shot?

“It’s something that influences that character and inspires them, but we also enjoy seeing Batman’s parents die, don’t we? When I was a kid, Batman was the original jokey Adam West TV show, so it wasn’t until I dove into the comics that I realised his parents died. The TV show never mentioned it, so it all depends on how you want to tell the story.”

THE HERO

“THESE PEOPLE GET HUGE FAME FOR REALLY VERY LITTLE AND THAT’S GOING TO MESS UP THEIR LIVES.”

Coben alluded to the Myron Bolitar series – is the plan to build a similar universe around Wilde?

“I never really know,” he says. “I knew when I wrote Myron, it was gonna be an extended series.

What happens now is I think of an idea and then I ask who’s going to tell the story. Sometimes the answer is Myron, sometimes the answer is Win, sometimes the answer is Wilde. For the most part, the answer is somebody I haven’t yet met. The next book I’m going to write after The Match is a standalone that has none of these characters in it.

Will the next book after that have them? I won’t know until I think of what that story is going to be.

I never want to force it, to do it just to please the reader, or to make a balloon mortgage payment. I don’t do it for the wrong reasons.”

There must be some brand recognition though.

Not just with the Coben name, but when potential readers hear that a favourite character has returned. He doesn’t see it that way.

“That’s not important at all,” he insists. “My hope is there’s a built-in audience for my name, not the character name, because there may be those who missed The Boy From The Woods who are going to feel like they maybe shouldn’t read The Match.

And what’s interesting is how many people have read it and didn’t realise there was a first book.

I don’t really write a novel with the idea of how

35

it’s going to be marketed, other than I want to be suspenseful. I want to keep you up all night. I want you to take The Match to bed at 10 o’clock at night and think you’re only going to read for 15 minutes and next thing you know, it’s four in the morning.”

Alongside the suspense, there are some pot-shots at what some might call societal ills, such as the power of social media and reality television.

“It’s really great drama, and I always do something that reflects reality,” is how Coben sees it.

“Everything has to be slave to the story, and I think these issues enhance the story. Besides the idea of a DNA website, which are also new in today’s society, I was watching some of these dating reality shows with my kids and saw how manipulative they are.

I wanted to write about how these people all of a sudden get huge fame for really very little and how that’s going to mess up their lives. I wanted to write about influencers. I wanted to write about online trolling and bullying, how cruel people are.

“Every day I look at Twitter, see something cruel, and wonder what went wrong with this guy’s life that he’s reduced to tweeting out something mean about a woman’s weight, or whatever it is. These things fascinate me so, in the case of The Match, all of them figured into this story when one of the people that Wilde is related to goes missing, and he’s a reality star on a Bachelor-type TV show. I don’t explore that to say, ‘Look how smart I am!’, I explore it because this is what’s going on in the world today, and it’s dramatic and suspenseful to do it.”

THE PRODUCER

Even if you haven’t read one of Coben’s books, chances are you’ll have streamed one of his TV shows. He signed a big-money deal with Netflix in 2018 to develop several of his novels for the service.

“I’d done shows in France, for TF1, and The Five for Sky and, at the time, Netflix were looking to do more international stuff,” he explains. “My books actually sell better in other countries, overall, than they do in the US, so they were looking to do one in France and in England and I think it was them – maybe it was me – who came up with the idea of doing an overall deal. I was open to it, I’m not a writer who thinks adaptations should be slavishly devoted to the texts, so I was great with moving the stories to Northern England or Barcelona or

BOOKS

“I REMEMBER READING IT AND THINKING, ‘YOU COULD PUT A GUN TO MY HEAD BUT I’M NOT PUTTING THIS BOOK DOWN’’.”

Warsaw, or wherever else. I think it enriches the story, and I found it creatively compelling.”

Coben is frequently listed as ‘Executive Producer’, a role that is unclear to some people, including me.

“It depends on the show. I don’t actually write the episodes, but I’ll rewrite them, I’ll confer a lot. I’ll speak to actors like James Nesbitt and Eddie Izzard before they take the role, I’m involved with the whole process, literally everything.”

The question then is, does he prefer the control of writing alone or the collaboration of working with a team?

“What I’ve found is that they have been feeding off each other,” he reckons. “I’ve spent most of my life alone in a room. I’m a socially adept introvert, but I’m an introvert, so on the TV stuff I am super willing to collaborate because I’m such a dictator with my books. That’s part of the joy for me. When I have a book do really well, it’s like winning Wimbledon; you stand on your own to pick up that trophy. With the TV show, it’s more like I’m the captain of a World Cup winning team celebrating together, which is such fun. I don’t care who scores the goals, I just want to win.

I’m lucky to have experienced both

and I love them both. For me, Netflix has been a wonderful creative partner.”

THE BOSS

I notice that Coben’s t-shirt says Asbury Park. He corrects me by pointing out that it actually says Asbury Park Brewery, which is, of course, even better. This prompts me to enquire if that other New Jersey million-seller, Mr Bruce Springsteen, is an influence on his work.

“Everybody’s influenced, in some way or another,” he says. “I’m influenced by Ed Hopper’s painting, by Hitchcock’s movies. Some writers still pretend that they’re only influenced by other writers, but you should be influenced by everything in culture, including movies and TV. Everything in life should be something of an influence. When I finish a book, I’m empty. I’m a boxer who’s gone 12 rounds, I can’t even lift my arms anymore. When I finish a book, I need to replenish. I might go to the Museum of Modern Art and just walk around and look at art for a while. I walk around New York City, things to fill you up anew so you can then start writing again.”

“But Springsteen? Sure!” Coben’s

36

Harlan Coben photographed by Kathrin Baumbach.

enthusiasm is evident. “I wrote an essay a number of years ago for a book on the top albums of all time [VH1: 100 Greatest Albums]. Born To Run was the one they asked me to write about. One of my arguments is it’s really one of the great short story collections of all time. Just the line, ‘Screen door slams, Mary’s dress waves’, that could be a prompt for a whole bunch of wonderful short stories. Listen to ‘Meeting Across The River’. You hear he and Eddie are going to try to make things right, but you know they’re going to end up on the losing side of life.”

I always thought Western Stars was a sort of continuation from Born To Run. We’re checking back in on some of the same characters decades later to see how life treated them.

“Western Stars is Springsteen’s most under-rated album,” Coben nods. “It’s utterly fantastic. It’s definitely his best, in my view, since The Rising. It’s just an incredible album. What you should do is sit with the lyrics in front of you, old school. Remember when we used to, in the old days, get a vinyl album? We would look at it and follow the stories. The song ‘Western Stars’, especially, and ‘Moonlight Motel’ has an incredible, heartbreaking story at the end. When he lifts that bottle up to his mouth? It’s just an incredible album.”

Obviously a man of good taste, Coben has said elsewhere that reading William Goldman’s 1974 edge-of-the-seat pageturner Marathon Man as a youngster was what set him off.

“That was one of the first adult thrillers I remember, by the great William Goldman, who became a friend later in life. I got that book from my Dad when I was, I think, 14 or 15. I remember reading it and thinking, ‘You could put a gun to my head but I’m not putting this book down’. Even though at the time I don’t think I knew I wanted to be a writer, subconsciously, I thought, ‘How cool would it be to give other people this feeling?’ It’s something I keep in mind every day.”

•The Match is published by Century/ Penguin Random House.

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CELEBRITY TABLE

Action station: Tommy rustling up some Peruvian-inspired treats

READY, STEADY, BOWE!

From Irish international to Ireland AM, Tommy Bowe reflects on an incredibly multifaceted career over tacos and tostados at Zampas in Dublin...

Interview: Lucy O’Toole

Zampas Bar & Restaurant Hard Rock Hotel, 16/18 Lord Edward St, Dublin 2 (01) 482 5017 zampas.ie

C

onsidering he’s been up since before the crack of dawn, Tommy Bowe’s enthusiasm is remarkable. In fact, by just past midday, the former Irish and Ulster rugby star has managed to charm his way into the kitchen at Zampas – a Peruvian-inspired, bistro-style restaurant based inside Dublin’s Hard Rock Hotel, which, despite the challenges of lockdown, has become a local favourite since opening its doors on Lord Edward Street in 2020.

Donning an apron, Tommy is guided through a quick masterclass by the chefs in the open kitchen, as he learns how to put the final touches on his own Peruvian Spiced Pulled Pork Tacos. Clearly, the cookery slots on Ireland AM have rubbed off on the Monaghan man, who joined the popular Virgin Media Television

38

show as a presenter over lockdown.

He’s joined me at the restaurant fresh from the TV studio in Ballymount, Co. Dublin – a serious commute from Belfast, where he’s based with his wife, former Miss Wales Lucy Whitehouse, and his two young children.

“We would move here, but the price of everything at the moment is insane,” he tells me back at our table, leaving the rest of the food preparation in the hands of the professionals.

“Since last year, house prices in Dublin are up 15%,” he resumes. “I feel there could be a crash coming, so I don’t want to buy now, and regret it. My dad always says, ‘When everyone’s spending, keep your hands in your pockets!’

“I was a rugby player who just started getting paid at the start of the last boom,” he adds.

“Everyone was always telling us to get out there and invest in properties and all sorts. And then everything crashed. So I don’t want to make the same mistake again.”

Housing and inflation are some of the many subjects Tommy’s been tackling on Ireland AM. He sparked a notable reaction online earlier this year, following his fiery interview with Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath.

“I was frustrated,” the former winger reflects.

“We get messages from the public everyday, about what they’re going through. The cost of living and housing are massive ones. People

TOMMY BOWE

have told us that they’ve been working since they were 18, saved a pot of money – and they still can’t get anywhere near buying a house. We try to be a voice for those people.”

By his own admission, Tommy hardly read a newspaper until a few years ago.

And while being “in hundreds of thousands of people’s homes every morning is amazing,” he admits that it “comes with a bit of pressure too.”

“I think people realise that I’m not trying to be an expert,” he points out. “I’m not trying to pretend I know everything. I’m just trying to be like the people at home, and sometimes ask the silly questions, which I seem to be quite good at!”

Self-deprecation aside, whatever he was up to in the kitchen has proved impressive as we’re served up a selection of starters, including his Peruvian Spiced Pulled Pork Tacos with pickled red onion, avocado, pineapple and chilli salsa. There’s also delicious Corn Tostados – slow roast tomato, feta, refried beans, pickled red onion and avocado mousse on crisp Blanco Niño tortillas – as well as a portion of Smoked Paprika, Garlic & Aji Panca Chilli Prawns, served alongside crisp radish, carrot, spring onion and grilled sourdough.

Food is another major passion of Tommy’s, citing his outdoor pizza oven as his lockdown lifesaver.

“It took an hour to get it going, so that meant an hour outside, away from the chaos of the kids!” he laughs. “And then it takes a good hour or so to cook something.

So that was my area to go and get a bit of peace during the day.”

He’s happy to keep the culinary arts as a pastime for now – having already made a living in the worlds of rugby, clothing, shoes, and presenting, with previous slots on eir Sport and RTÉ’s travel show Getaways, before he landed his current Ireland AM gig.

Although he admits that he never envisioned a career in rugby when he was growing up, he tells me that the entire Bowe clan, who lived near the Northern Irish border in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan, were sports mad.

“Emyvale is the last stop before you go into the North, between Dublin and Derry,” he remarks. “I grew up going through the checkpoints. They were like huge army barracks you had to go through. You had the soldiers in the long grass with their machine guns, questioning where you were going, and why you were going there.

“But when you’re only ten years of age, you don’t know any different,” he adds. “I lived right on the border, but we’re not a very political family. I have loads of friends who are Catholic and Protestant. Sport is the great communicator – it brings communities together. I was involved in sport from a young age, so I never had an issue with religion from that side of things.”

Rugby, he said, “came out of nowhere” but shortly after being called up to the Ulster squad, Tommy earned his first cap for Ireland at the age of 20, becoming the

“I’M NOT TRYING TO PRETEND I KNOW EVERYTHING. I’M JUST TRYING TO BE LIKE THE PEOPLE AT HOME, AND SOMETIMES ASK THE SILLY QUESTIONS.”

39 39

first player from Co. Monaghan to do so since the ‘20s.

“At that stage, you’re thinking, ‘This is amazing, I don’t need to think about anything else,’” he reflects.

“I was loving life. But then, when I got to about 30, one or two of my friends, like Stephen Ferris and Felix Jones, started picking up career-ending injuries. That’s when it really hit home for me: ‘Jesus, this could end very quickly.’”

With a degree in construction engineering already under his belt, he went on to do a postgraduate course in business management, and become much more hands-on in his shoes and clothes business.

Retiring from sports, and the uncertainty facing athletes, is something he previously explored in the 2018 documentary The End Game.

“The money rugby players are earning now is good, but it’s never going to set them up for life,” he says. “If they’re lucky, they’ll make it to 31 or 32 years of age, and then they have to move on to something else. We’re not soccer players, where we can just go off and play golf for the rest of our lives.

You have to try and invest in other businesses, or get involved in other stuff that you might be interested in. There’s a bit of pressure on guys with that.”

And despite the close bonds between teammates, when you retire, “you’re gone,” Tommy tells me.

“That’s one thing that really hits you, the minute you clear out your locker, and you walk out, and you’re deleted from all the team WhatsApp groups,” he reflects. “You try to catch up with the lads for a coffee, but you’re not really part of it anymore.

It’s hard. They’re talking about what happened in training, and you’re very much on the outside. I’d be

CELEBRITY TABLE Chef at work: a study in concentration; and (below) Tommy and Lucy (right) enjoy Zampa’s excellent service

a lot friendlier with the guys I played with who have retired as well. With the guys who are still playing, you’re kind of the old fossil now! It’s quite brutal, but it is what it is.”

He’s happy to see an increasing number of sports people speaking openly about these kinds of challenges, and their mental health struggles.

“When I was coming through the system, there was no such thing as mental health – you couldn’t miss out on games or training,” he reveals. “Even in the changing room, which was a very macho space, you wouldn’t ask each other how you were feeling. It was only towards the end of my career that that really started to change. If that stigma can be taken away, and if senior sportspeople can speak about it, it will help.”

Of course, replacing the adrenaline of a match is another issue facing retired sportspeople. While he admits that presenting on television “isn’t quite the same as running out at the Aviva, or scoring a try against England in the Six Nations,” he says it’s a “new type of pressure”.

“That’s where I get my kicks now – with live television, anything can go wrong!” he laughs.

“Anything could come out of my mouth! You get an adrenaline kick from that. I love it.”

He’s also the first one to see the hilarity in

“I’M SO FORTUNATE – I’M A BLOODY RUGBY PLAYER, WHO NEVER READ THE PAPER! AND NOW I’M DOING THIS SHOW. “

some of his on-air slip-ups – including the infamous ‘ten siblings’ moment, when Tommy interrupted co-host Clare McKenna as she was introducing their next guest.

“Author Séamus O’Reilly was just five years old when he and his ten siblings…” Clare began – before being cut across by Tommy excitedly exclaiming, “Ten siblings?!” “... sadly lost their mum,” Clare resumed.

Unsurprisingly, a clip of the exchange rapidly went viral online.

“I’ve had so many would-be viral moments that haven’t actually gone viral, thankfully!”

Tommy grins. “I dread to look at Twitter somedays, thinking, ‘Oh God, what have I said today?’ I’ve had a couple – no doubt there’ll be another one soon! Hopefully it won’t get me cancelled.

“The ‘ten siblings’ one probably went the furthest. When it gets clipped down, it looks like it may be offensive but Séamus is actually laughing. So it was a bit of a craic – and hopefully he sold a few books out of it! Win win!”

As we round off our lunch with two Americanos, Tommy notes that he’s happy to have found himself “turning into a rugby fan” post-retirement.

“I love it,” he smiles. “It’s great that I can be a fan, and just enjoy it. I’ve gone to a couple of matches and it’s nice – you don’t get battered and bruised, and you can have a pint, which is great!

“Irish rugby is in a good position right now.

The provinces are going really well. Ireland was really strong in the Six Nations. What’s brilliant about it, is there’s definitely still a lot of room to improve, and I think the team know that. Going to New Zealand on tour in July will be a real tough challenge, but it will be a great opportunity for the new guys to get a chance, and put their hand up.”

As for himself, Tommy has clearly landed on his feet and despite his early starts, is more than content with his current position on Ireland AM. “What I’m doing right now is class,” he says.

“I’m so fortunate – I’m a bloody rugby player, who never read the paper! And now I’m doing this show. I’m so lucky, and I don’t forget that.”

•Watch Ireland AM on Virgin Media One at 7am on weekdays and 9am on weekends.

The Damage Peruvian Spiced Pulled Pork Tacos: €10.95 Corn Tostados: €9.50 Smoked Paprika, Garlic & Aji Panca Chilli Prawns: €11.25 Glass of Mavum Pinot Grigio: €8.75 40

E AT

UP AND YOTAM! Stuart Clark Brings You The Latest Foodie News HUNTING HIGH & WICKLOW

Superstar Israeli-born British chef Yotam Ottolenghi joins fellow kitchen wiz Rachel Allen and filmmaker Jon Ronson as one of the headline turns at The Great Gathering, the new “festival of delicious thinking”, which takes place from June 10-12 at Russborough House, Co. Wicklow.

The eight stages will also be graced by Jay Rayner, Blindboy Boatclub, Tom Parker Bowles, Emma Dabiri, Waterford Whispers News and other tasty types.

As well as running some of London’s coolest restaurants, Ottolenghi’s Jerusalem is singularly the best cookbook to have been published this millennium. thegreatgathering.ie.

BORN TO BE WILD

In one of the most eagerly anticipated openings of the year, Cavan-born TV chef Adrian Martin has found a permanent home for his Wildflower Restaurant at 52 South Richmond Street, Dublin 2.

With three separate eating and imbibing spaces and antique French armchairs to sink into, it’s a very different experience to the shipping container pop-up Wildflower, which had London foodies

flocking to Camden Market a few years back.

Sustainability, foraging, fermentation and quality local produce are all to the fore on a menu that includes such delights as Hand Dived Scallop Ceviche with Meadow Sweet & Oscietra Caviar; Glazed Thornhill Duck with Foie Gras, Onion Miso, Vetch & Sauce Grand Veneur; and Valrhona White Chocolate Cremeux Tart with Wild Strawberries, Fig Leaf & Marigold. wildflowerrestaurant.ie.

THAT’S THE SPIRIT!

If you’re down West Cork way, Clonakilty Distillery offers both guided tours and the chance to spend two hours in their Minke Gin School learning about botanicals and creating your own customised bottle of Mother’s Ruin, which you’ll be able to take home with you. clonakiltydistillery.ie.

From nearby Skibbereen comes Graham Norton’s West Cork Marmalade Gin. “You’ve tried it on toast, now try it as a toast,” quips the five-time BAFTA award-winner who prides himself on doing as much quality controlling of the product as he can. The third gin to bear his name, its Seville orange zing definitely tastes of more.

(clockwise from top) Wildflower Restaurant, Jerusalem cookbook, Yotam Ottolenghi, Clonakilty Distillery and Graham Norton’s West Cork Marmalade Gin

HOPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN The Fidelity Beer Festival returns to the Dublin Mansion House on July 15 and 16. The second night is sold-out, but €62.50 will gain you admission to the Friday 6pm-11pm session, which includes as many IPAs, DIPAs, pilsners, porters, browns, reds, stouts, sours and, well, whatever you’re having yourself, as you can responsibly imbibe. fidelity. beer.

You can also catch the train to Sligo for August 6’s Hagstravaganza, the White Hag Brewery’s annual gathering of the beery clans.

Check thewhitehag.com for the imminent line-up announcement.

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BUSINESS

HOT TO TROT

Fuelled by Rachael Blackmore’s historic winning of the Grand National, Irish horse racing is enjoying a huge upsurge in interest among families and young people. Horse Racing Ireland’s Vicki Donlon and Tim Husbands tell Stuart Clark how Leopardstown has been been changing its spots, and the plans they have for their three other courses around the country.

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reland has never been short of sporting heroines but this truly is a golden age with Katie Taylor, Kellie Harrington and Rachael Blackmore (pictured) all making front and back page headlines.

The first female jockey to win the Grand National in its 182-year history, Blackmore’s Aintree heroics reflect the rude health of an Irish racing industry, which generates 29,000 jobs and an annual turnover of €2.4 billion.

“Rachael’s a phenomenal ambassador for the sport and so humble,” enthuses Vicki Donlon, the Commercial Manager of Horse Racing Ireland who own the Leopardstown, Navan, Fairyhouse and Tipperary courses.

“It transcends out of sport – she’s a household name now,” Vicki resumes. “Rachael’s broken so many glass ceilings and is an inspiration for women in not just racing but all spheres of life. It’s happening everywhere in sport: if you can’t see it, you can’t do it.”

According to the latest Red C National Survey on Racing, public interest in the sport here has gone up from 23% to 28% in a year.

“It shows there’s a major appetite among Irish people of all ages to be involved in our sport and our industry,” says Leopardstown Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE. “Racing may have been an older male preserve but not anymore.

During April we ran our first Spin 1038 Student Race Day in three years, and had 9,000 turn up,” he reports. “We were told, ‘They’re not going to behave’ but they were an absolute joy to be around and so engaged as well. I’d say it was evenly split between males and females, as it was in February when over the two days of the Dublin Racing Festival we had 25,000 people here. We’re getting more and more families who, unlike a match, love the fact that it’s a whole day out.”

Indeed, Horse Racing Ireland have been working overtime

“The main goal for us this year is to put on a wide variety of concerts that appeal to people who don’t come to horse racing.”

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BUSINESS

to make their courses as family-friendly as possible.

“The investment we’ve made recently into both outdoor and indoor children’s activities at Leopardstown is second to none,” Tim resumes. “Ted Walsh, an extremely learned trainer and social commentator, came up to me and said, ‘That’s the best playground I can ever remember seeing on a racecourse.’ We have a special family day at the beginning of June to officially launch that side of things.”

The new playground is part of a €20 million refurbishment programme, which has transformed Leopardstown into of Europe’s most modern racing facilities.

“We’ve put in a new building for the jockeys and trainers with the most up to date medical facilities, which has been very well-received, and also have new bars and other hospitality areas, which make Leopardstown even more family-friendly,” Tim says.

“We’re very research-led and listen to what people want from their day out at Leopardstown,” Vicki notes. “Just as much as the racing, it’s the social element and the atmosphere, which with the food, the entertainment and everything else that’s going on, is very festival-like.”

Adding to the festival feel are the four Bulmers Secret Orchard Live At Leopardstown gigs, which are an optional extra at their summer meets, and this year include the hit-making likes of the Lightning Seeds, Gavin James

“Covid has given us the opportunity to press the reset button and look at our business model, which can’t be sustained by racing alone.” and Razorlight “Previously we had the stage up at the main entrance area, but we’re going to re-position it to the back of the new grandstand because it’ll give us more space and help with access for people arriving or leaving,” Tim reveals.

“The main goal for us this year is to put on a wide variety of concerts that appeal to people who don’t come to horse racing. They might go, ‘Oh, I wouldn’t mind seeing that artist. Oh, it’s outdoors and there’s a bit of racing going on as well.’ We can build on the experience and get people to come back for races again.”

The gigs are just one example of how Horse Racing Ireland are working with sponsors to offer a better customer experience.

“The relationship between Bulmers and Leopardstown, now as Secret Orchard, is a long-term one which has developed and expanded,” Vicki explains. “On our own, there’s only so much we can do, so we thought, ‘How can we work with our existing partners and new partners?’ We’ve refreshed

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how we look at our commercial strategy as well and, for the first time in Irish racing, packaged our sponsorship assets across the four HRI racecourses to offer broader, deeper partnership opportunities. We’ve identified six themes that we would like to attract primary partners to. One of those is entertainment, so we therefore talked to Bulmers who will bring a programme of events across the calendar to not only Leopardstown, but also Navan, Fairyhouse and Tipperary.”

Leopardstown will be staging twenty-three top quality race meets this year, which leaves Tim with roughly 330 other days to fill.

“Covid has given us the opportunity to press the reset button and look at our business model, which can’t be sustained by racing alone,” he concludes. “We’re about to do a significant refurbishment of the Leopardstown Pavilion, which today is hosting the Cyber Expo & Conference. A lot of organisations are looking for venues that are close to Dublin with great parking and easy access from other parts of the country and we tick all of those boxes. The potential for further expansion of what we do here at Leopardstown is huge.”

• This summer’s Bulmers Secret Orchard Live At Leopardstown gigs include Lightning Seeds (June 16); Gavin James (July 7); and Razorlight (July 21). leopardstown.com

BOOKS

Dublin author Catherine Prasifka discusses her stunning debut novel None Of This Is Serious, a powerful exploration of social media, body image and toxic relationships.

INTERVIEW KATE BRAYDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: MIGUEL RUIZ

SOPHIE’S CHOICES

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avigating social media during a global crisis is something most of us are now familiar with, for obvious reasons. The subject sparked the imagination of Dubliner Catherine Prasifka, and feeds into her debut novel None Of This Is Serious, focusing on a twenty-something woman with a chronically unstable life.

Student life is ending for Sophie and her clique of friends. She feels left behind as they go on their separate paths, with

her best friend overshadowing her, and a manipulative identical twin effortlessly getting by. As if that isn’t stressful enough, Sophie’s been in love with the frustrating Finn for as long as she can remember, before she meets Rory, who is suddenly available to her from the safety of her screen.

Gradually the character’s world shrinks and becomes a consistent cycle of endless scrolling. From toxic relationships and poor self-image to female friendships, None Of This Is Serious touches on all the worries familiar to millennials and Gen Z. Prasifka initially studied English Literature at Trinity College Dublin, before heading over to Glasgow to complete

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an MA in Fantasy Literature. During the pandemic, she commenced her quest to get published.

“Writing a novel is something I’ve always wanted to do, but it’s a hard path,” says Catherine. “When I graduated, I figured I’d get a job in a field I don’t particularly care about, gather some life experience, and then write an interesting book people could identify with. Then life wouldn’t give me experience! I was already writing before the pandemic, but lockdown drove me to work on the book seriously. There was nothing else to do.

“I didn’t have that many connections in the publishing world. I didn’t really know the difference between an editor and an agent. No one would really tell me! I was

CATHERINE PRASIFKA

just frantically Googling, but eventually I was put in touch with the person who would become my agent. Luckily, she believed in the book.”

Interestingly, lack of self-belief is one of the anxieties explored in None Of This Is Serious.

Protagonist Sophie experiences spiralling negative thoughts about herself throughout, spurred on by the verbal invalidation of her confident best friend Grace, who consistently makes her feel worse despite offering “advice”.

“It was frustrating to write because of the way I constructed the character, who is totally trapped inside of her head,” Catherine nods.

“Sophie always sees the worst possible outcome of any situation. I’ve been in a similar mindset at times, but never constantly. When you’re a female novelist, people assume I’ve just written myself as a character. If you spend five minutes with me, you’ll realise I’m not at all like Sophie. I wanted to shake her and tell her to get over it, but because of her lack of perspective or perceived agency, she doesn’t feel there’s any other choice.”

These deep-rooted feelings of failure and lack of self-worth only grow in severity as a result of social media, which acts almost as a second narrator throughout the book.

“I knew from the start that I wanted to include lots of social media in the story,” Prasifka adds, noting the text interactions that break up the prose paragraphs. “I didn’t want the internet acting as the main plot point, it needed to be interwoven throughout the narrative. Our lives aren’t about being online, it’s just that we’ve increased screen time. That was something I was thinking about in terms of contemporary fiction, this focus on representing reality as it is.

“There seems to be a glaring oversight because there aren’t many books published dealing with social media. At that point, I was about 23. I figured I could pen a unique book that maybe only someone who grew up online could write. The language of the internet is bleeding into fiction because it’s changing how we speak to each other and write.

“Ultimately, I do think that social media is ruining our society. I don’t see how we can divorce ourselves from it, as all of the problems with social media are built-in features.

Instagram’s settings prey on everyone’s insecurities, but mostly women and teenage girls.

That seeped into the novel.”

Many of Sophie’s pessimistic thoughts relate to her body.

“The whole turning point of the book was uncertainty and anxiety,” says Prasifka. “I don’t believe it’s possible to write a book on social media that doesn’t include body image.

Even the most confident, self-aware person experiences negative thoughts about that. You can just completely change your face shape with filters nowadays. It’s engrained by society that you want to look attractive to others.

Sophie isn’t really aware when she’s engaging in self-destructive behaviour brought on by society-driven thoughts. I remember covering Bridget Jones’ Diary in college, where she logs her calorie count at the start of every

“EVERY SINGLE WOMAN IS CONSTANTLY AWARE OF HER BODY, AND HOW OTHERS WANT IT TO LOOK.”

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chapter. Every single woman is constantly aware of her body, and how others want it to look.”

Sophie’s relationships with men also damage her self-worth. Rory is your typical ‘nice guy’, in contrast to the unavailable Finn who uses Sophie for emotional labour. Rory’s the guy your friends tell you to go for, but is he all that he seems?

“With Rory, I wanted to give Sophie a little bit of hope,” says Catherine. “The ‘nice guy’ exterior just didn’t feel authentic. It felt like he was covering up something. The novel highlights the dissonance in how Sophie feels about Rory online versus in person. She’s never really comfortable around him in real life, but she likes talking to him to plug all these anxieties like a giant hole inside of her. What she doesn’t get from Finn, she nearly gets from Rory. That’s something very toxic we do in relationships. We try to get exactly what you need from people and don’t really think about their lives.

“I’m not interested in specific character traits, but dynamics. I wanted to talk about the softer side of misogyny, rather than more serious situations, like domestic abuse. I wanted it to be the casual way that men talk about and treat women. I had to have a few shit men in the mix to have those conversations.”

With praise from the likes of Naoise Dolan, Louise Nealon and Emma Gannon on the cover, does Prasifka worry about being put in the same, narrow-minded box as fellow young Irish female authors like Niamh Campbell, Megan Nolan and Sally Rooney?

“It’s a mixture of emotions,” she says. “These women are all great, and to be compared to them would be incredible. I’m lucky that there’s a market for this type of fiction, because it means that all these books got published. I’ve definitely gotten a leg up because of that. But wouldn’t it be nice if we started listening to all kinds of marginalised voices, and emphasised how many books are missed? I’m fortunate that I happened to be in a marketable demographic at this point in time, but comparisons are unimaginative. A lot of these books are extremely different.

“More than one story can happen to an Irish woman!

I wanted to set it in Ireland and write about someone who’s twenty-something, because that’s the world I’m familiar with. It kind of falls into that place where people will go, ‘Well, we had an Irish woman last year, do we have to have another Irish woman?’ If you’re tired of this demographic, it’s not the book for you. Every young Irish writer I’ve spoken to, like Naoise and Louise Nealon, have been really kind and supportive. That’s great on an individual level, but then you look at how society tends to treat groups of women as a category and it’s a mixed bag. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Prasifka elaborates on the subject.

“It’s also a limiting and untrue characterisation to say that we’re all the same,” she continues. “Michelle Gallen is also a white Irish writer who went to Trinity, but she’s never included in the list of these up-and-coming writers. The supposed trend is often just carefully curated Venn diagrams that serve a purpose for animosity, where you can say, ‘Oh no, not another one’ – as if there are too many of us. But when you look at similar demographics of men, I don’t feel like there’s that same criticism.

“Of course, it seems to be the most privileged of the disadvantaged group that gets opportunities,” she posits, referencing white women of a certain class. “What I can do is hopefully lift up people who don’t have the same level of privilege as I do.”

• None Of This Is Serious is out now, published by Canongate.

FA S H I O N

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After two years of cancelled fashion weeks – and two years of sweatpants and Zoom uniforms of blazers-over-pyjamas for the rest of us – the world is finally returning to normal. The catwalks are back in business and our social calendars are slowly filling up. This means one thing: it’s time for a wardrobe refresh! You’ve been inside for a long time – now it’s time to get out, and stand out.

BY ROE McDERMOTT

FASHION FIX

A L L P H O T O S : P r e tt yL i tt l eT h i n g

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FA S H I O N

NINETIES The bad news is, some of you are about to feel old. The good news is that what is old is now back in fashion – yes, the nineties are back, and there’s no stopping them.

Crop tops, butterflies, micro minis, fluffy mules, camo combats and bucket hats are all bang on trend – just don’t ask me to wear low-rise jeans again. I won’t do it!

The catwalks were covered in Y2K style this spring, with cargo pants popping up at Tom Ford and Zimmerman. Miu Miu featured low-slung skirts, and the tiniest of micro minis and crop tops, all paired with loafers for that classic Cher Horowitz vibe.

Meanwhile, Valentino marked the return of the shiny mini dress and strappy heels for ultra-feminine date night looks. Even the accessories are nineties, with platform boots, fluffy mules and the occasional bucket hat appearing on the runway. To further embrace the decade, look out for mini skirts and dresses in shine or satin material, and keep your handbags tiny and your platforms high!

1. Bucket hat €21 River Island 2. Colour block sequin dress €201 River Island 3. Pink fluffy mules €81 River Island

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FA S H I O N

NEON This is no time for neutrals. The summer is coming, the festivals are back on, and we’re celebrating with colour! Leave the monochrome in the back of the wardrobe ready to bust out next winter. For now, the sun is shining, and so too have the catwalks been bursting with neon shades and highlighter hues, so get ready to go bold with brights! It seems like designers (much like ourselves) have been dying for a good night out, as the neon colours on the Spring/Summer catwalk evoke rave fashion, making this a trend that’s ready to party!

Some designers really went back to their club kid days for inspiration, as Prada featured trippy designs on bold orange catsuits; Paco Rabanne had fluorescent geometric co-ords; and David Komo featured cut-out mini dresses in hot pink. The new It-Brands like Marshall Colombia and Poster Girl also featured neons, with stars like Dua Lipa and Jazelle Zanaughtti loving cut-out dresses and juicy neon tights under dresses. Acid hues also featured in shows from Stella McCartney, Versace, Valentino and Halpem, so get your colour on.

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“For now, the sun is shining, and so too have the catwalks been bursting with neon shades and highlighter hues, so get ready to go bold with brights!”

1. Yellow draped dress Pretty Little Thing 2. Neon pink platform boots €80 River Island 3. Blue mules River Island

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FA S H I O N

STRIPES If you’re looking for a trend that’s slightly more subdued and slightly less belly-baring, have no fear; classic stripes are here, ready to be dressed up or down. Colour blocking and stripes were all over the catwalks this season, including Louis Vuitton’s stunning tops paired with classic denim for a great going-out look; JW Anderson’s bold mini-dresses in even bolder hues; and Gucci adding fringe to their stripe coats for a showstopper outerwear look. Tori Nurch and Marni kept their stripes clean and crisp, with looser silhouettes for a stunning summer look, while Duro Olowu’s belted striped dresses offer garden party perfection.

Balmain went for deconstructed nautical stripes in intriguing silhouettes, while Schiaparelli combined red and white striped shirt-dresses with bold gold accessories and headscarves, for that “Just relaxing on my private yacht” look. Keep an eye out for classic Breton stripes that instantly make any pair of jeans or denim skirt look fresh; belted shirt-dresses in bold hues; and showstopping colour blocked dresses in stripes of sequins. Stripes ahoy!

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“Keep an eye out for classic Breton stripes that instantly make any pair of jeans or denim skirt look fresh” 1. Katia bold stripe top in pure linen black, €12.50 Monsoon 2. Navy stripe Henley top, €25 Littlewoods 3. Monochrome viscose twill stripe robe, €18 Primark 4. Alva midi shirt dress in stripe recycled materials, €67.95 Dancingleopard.co.uk 5. Isla stripe maxi dress in sustainable viscose pink, €38 Monsoon 6. Stripe sweetheart neck poplin dress orange, €29 Monsoon

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AROUND THE COUNTRY With so many beautiful scenes to choose from, take a look at five locations around the country offering a variety of outdoor activities in relaxing settings.

Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or an extended leave, you can find elation and adventure in any of these Irish destinations.

Salt Hill, Galway

Go Galway

St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford

Lovely Longford

With a network of waterways such as the Royal Canal Greenway and National Famine Way routes, Longford offers plentiful outdoor activities from boating to sports. It’s home to Center Parcs Longford Forest and St. Mel’s Cathedral, a limestone Longford landmark. Reaching its bucolic splendour is also a smooth journey, as the Dublin-Sligo train passes through and stops at Edgeworthstown and Longford Town, with up to twelve trains daily. You can take a stroll in Centre Parcs, historic walkways and the lush Newcastle Wood, or pay a visit to the Maria Edgeworth Centre, followed by a literary tour through the town. In the Hidden Heartlands, Longford awaits.

With a reputation as the festival capital of Ireland, Galway City boasts Irish folk music in traditional pubs, stone-clad streets, and a variety of boutiques and art galleries to get lost in. Explore the sweeping lanes of the Latin Quarter and its original medieval walls, or take a local bus to stroll the Salthill promenade where, if weather allows, you can take a dive into the clear ocean. Hang out in Eyre Square, or treat yourself to a local lunch with some of the best fresh seafood Ireland has to offer.

Galway City truly has a little bit of everything.

Rock of Cashel, Tipperary

Tipperary Treasures

On your trip to Tipp, make sure to check out the Rock of Cashel, a mediaeval limestone outcrop of the Gothic era, and enjoy its audiovisual show and exhibitions. If you’re ready to roam, try any of the eight looping walks at Glen of Aherlow, a sanctuary in the Galtee Mountains boasting forestry, wide open moorland and stunning lakeside views. To unwind, join in on a round of golf in one of Ireland’s best parkland courses or try your hand at fishing. Whatever you’re after, Tipperary won’t disappoint.

Lough Derg

Giant’s Causeway, Antrim

Causeway Coast & Glens

Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast & Glens boasts stunning scenery and a brilliant array of activities. Experience a snorkel trip amongst the coastal caves at Portrush, or paddle a canoe along the River Roe. Learn to navigate the stars or harvest your own sea salt near Mussenden Temple, or tap into your creative ambitions through glass making, basket weaving or needle felting. The Causeway Coast & Glens is also the prime weekend holiday for hiking, with hidden trails to explore at Binevenagh, while another attraction is the rocky outcrop Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, extending from the mainland.

And conclude your trip with a tasting at Bushmills Old Distillery, home to prime Irish whiskey.

Discover Lough Derg

Nestled between counties Clare, Tipperary and Galway on the River Shannon, the shores of Lough Derg are a striking sight. With 179km of offshore vistas, outdoor activities are boundless. Take a walk or cycle along the many trails and pathways, join in on waterskiing, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding, or rise for an early morning swim in the crisp waters. The quaint-but-lively towns along Lough Derg’s shoreline also offer a sense of warm, welcoming community and wonderful local cuisine.

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FLORENCE

FLORENTINE SPIRIT

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Globally celebrated for its culture and scenery, Tuscan capital Florence is a must-visit destination. By Alexandrea Hopper lorence is an intimate gem of the Tuscany region. Its storied streets are chock full of unparalleled museums, famed statues, contemporary artists, musicians and so much more. It is a glimpse into the past while still bursting with reinvention. From stylish cafés to enduring trattorias or pulsing dance clubs alongside swish wine bars, Florence is the perfect destination for any getaway.

Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance. Its pristine 14th century architecture is an attraction in its own right – one could spend an afternoon simply walking along its piazzas.

Though for a more in-depth look into Florence’s history, Palazzo Vecchio is a good place to start. There, you can learn about the Medici family amid a private art gallery and intricately fresco’ed ceilings. Naturally, Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia Gallery is one of the city’s premiere draws.

Though it is tourist heavy with a lengthy wait time, it’s a must-see for both art history fanatics and casual tourists alike. Elsewhere, the Duomo – a stunning gothic cathedral – is another unmissable destination, with the sprawling ceiling fresco a particular highlight. If you want to check out some excellent museums, visit the Pitti Palace (uffizi.it/en/pitti-palace) the Uffizi (uffizi.it/the-uffizigallery), both of which unlock the history of Italian artistry. Also, don’t forget to rub the nose of Il Porcellino in Mercato Nuovo

– that’s a bronze boar statue in the middle of the city centre market – for good luck!

As the weather starts to warm, you might be inclined to spend more time outdoors, with Boboli Gardens a recommended stop. The once-private Medici estate is now an Instagramfriendly public park, which you can can stroll around for hours without ever doubling back. Regardless of weather, the sculpted hedges and towering cypress trees are a dream. Much newer than Boboli, Bardini Gardens attempts to recreate the landscape that early 20th century art dealer, Stefano Bardini, had alongside his villa overlooking Florence’s city centre. It’s a delight.

Along the Ponte Vecchio bridge that crosses the Arno river, there are plenty of gelaterias and panini shops, as well as various spots to enjoy the gorgeous views of the water. For an unparalleled view of Florence, Piazzale Michelangelo is a short, paved hike

The city’s nightlife caters to an array of tastes, from bustling reggaeton clubs to intimate speakeasies.

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T R AV E L

Pictured left: The Ponte Vecchio bridge, food (below) at Hotel Calimala, and Bardini Gardens

from the city centre. Once at the top, you can look out onto a 360 degree view of the city, with the Duomo taking centre-stage.

The city’s nightlife caters to an array of tastes, from bustling reggaeton clubs to intimate speakeasies. Check out Space Club (@spaceclubfirenze on Instagram) and YAB (yab.it) for a night that won’t disappoint. In the warmer months, the Blanco Beach Bar (blancobeachbar.it) features excellent DJ sets to soundtrack the river-front views.

Florence also has plenty to offer to foodies, with Angel Rooftop and Bar, which sits atop the central Hotel Calimala (hotelcalimala.com), a must-visit. While digging into delicious Mediterranean dishes, you can enjoy a reprieve from the city and take in the panoramic views. As a cheaper option, Osteria de’ Peccatori (osteriadepeccatori.com) menu is a “best of” Italian food list. There, you can enjoy a full five-course Italian meal – or simply an Aperitivo.

Meanwhile, if you want to take your visit to Tuscany to the next level, check out these day trips to some of the region’s hidden gems...

Fiesole: A mere 20-minute drive from Florence, this small scenic town oozes comfort and charm. Much less touristheavy than Florence, Fiesole feels intimate, and there are plenty of major sights. The short-but-steep walk to the San Fransesco Monastery is well worth the exertion – the summit boasts an incredible view of Florence below. Also worth checking

The facades are aweinspiring enough, but the interiors are jawdropping.

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out are the remains of the Roman Theatre, still present amongst flourishing greenery.

Fiesole is easy to reach from Florence: take a cab up the hill, or join a bike tour and see all the sights on your trek up. Fiesole provides a nice change of pace to the bustling energy of Florence. For more info check out fiesoleforyou.it Lucca: What Fiesole is to Florence, Lucca is to Pisa. While seeing the famous Leaning Tower is a moment that truly says, “I am in Italy”, nearby Lucca is equally filled with historical landmarks. It’s also very well preserved – the Renaissance walls encircling the city are still intact, as are the churches and piazzas. The tree-lined cobblestone streets are perfect for walking, or biking to and from the historical sights. There are two stunning medieval cathedrals in Lucca: St. Martin Cathedral and San Michele Basilica.

The facades are awe-inspiring enough, but the interiors are jaw-dropping. Pictures won’t suffice, visiting in person is the only way to truly appreciate them. The Guinigi Tower provides a 360-degree view of the city. Though quite a commitment to climb (it reaches 45 metres with a total of 232 steps), the view from the small garden atop the tower is well worth it. There’s a direct train from Florence to Lucca, and then it’s a 30-minute train ride to Pisa – creating the perfect day trip to two beautiful Tuscan cities. Find out more at turismo.lucca.it Pistoia: One of Italy’s many medieval towns, Pistoia has numerous unique elements, making it a worthy addition to any Tuscan vacation.

One of the most visited spots in Pistoia is the Romanesque Cathedral, while Piazza della Sala is a stunning area in the historic city centre, with a terrific daily food market.

Pistoia also has a second world to discover underneath its streets; in Pistoia Sotterranea, visitors can take an underground tour, starting with the remnants of a medieval hospital. Find more info on visitpistoia.eu ViareggioI: This coastal Tuscan town, mostly known for its Carnival, has ample beaches for sunbathing and relaxation, as well as monuments and museums for cultural enrichment. The three most popular beaches are Plage Maurizio, Bagno Marechiaro and Spiaggia Della Lecciona. Here, you will find family-friendly shores, seaside resorts and nature reserves. In addition to enjoying the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Matilde tower, built in 1534, is a popular landmark.

Viareggio also has a cycling park, Pineta Di Ponente, while its Carnival is an unmissable occasion, with incredible floats and costumes.

Viareggio can be just as worthy of a trip, though, any day. Grab a bottle of wine, sit by the beach and simply enjoy this beautiful town. Find out more at visittuscany.com

GO Review

REVIEW

Fontaines D.C.

PA G E 5 6 / / G O WATC H

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The best new TV and streaming shows, including The Time Traveller’s Wife and We Own This City.

A selection of must-listen new albums, including offerings from Fontaines D.C., Róisín O and The Waterboys.

New books from Patrick McCabe and Don Winslow lead the way on our recommended reading list.

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LISTEN

BEST IN SHOW THE SUMMER’S MUST-HAVE ALBUMS

F O N TA I N E S D.C

FONTAINES DC: FIMLAWL /MIKE SCOTT: SCARLETT PAGE

SKINT Y FIA Partisan Records

With the media octopus in propulsion, these days, dogs in the street offer opinions about all things Fontaines D.C. Indeed, you get the sense of both a hullabaloo and a tribunal being assembled to meet the release of Skinty Fia. The album opens with a Sinéad O’Connorstyle incantation, as Gaeilge, underpinned by the austere ingenuity of bassist Conor Deegan, creating a pacific calm in the squall.

All five Fontaines now dwell in London – for centuries, an asylum from where many Irish scribes have pondered the old sod. Skinty Fia, as Dogrel before it, applies the Yeatsian seduction of making Ireland once more interesting to the Irish. It’s done not by donning the Paddy mask – rather, the band attempt to comprehend the complex identity of the Irish emigrant.

On the phenomenal ‘I Love You’, Grian Chatten emblematises Ireland as a beautiful being, lamenting the unworthiness of her ruler, firing polemics at the old sow, castigating Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, the Cain and Abel offspring of Collins and de Valera.

Tom Coll’s hip-hop inflected drumbeats, first unleashed on ‘You Said’ from A Hero’s Death, here reign supreme, much of the record rolling on his swing. ‘Nabokov’ contains flashes of the ’60s garage sound the band once possessed, recalling The La’s, but is now doused in a Death In Vegas-style wash. Mighty stuff.

WILL RUSSELL

RÓISÍN O

COURAGEOUS Self-Released

In 2012, Róisín O introduced herself as an artist firmly in touch with her family’s folk roots, as well as the more international outlook of the likes of Joni Mitchell, with the release of her debut album, The Secret Life Of Blue. Now, after a decade of moving in an increasingly pop-oriented direction – most notably as one half of Thanks Brother – she’s making her defiant return as a solo artist, with her second album, Courageous.

The project features co-writes with Gavin James and her brother, The Coronas’ Danny O’Reilly. There’s other major hitmakers behind-the-scenes too, such as Philip Magee, Ruadhri Cushnan, and Cian MacSweeney.

But the voice at the heart of the album is the real draw. ‘Heart + Bones’ is the indisputable highlight, packed with authentic emotion and space for her vocals to soar, while ‘Stolen’ embraces a similar dramatic flair as Lyra. Róisín wears her influences on her sleeve – embracing an obvious penchant for the power of the pop ballad.

Elsewhere, she moves a little closer to the earnest pop-punk that’s been making a resurgence in the international charts.

There’s no denying the raw emotion and talent that drives Courageous.

LUCY O’TOOLE

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T H E WAT E R B OY S ALL SOULS HILL Cooking Vinyl

Following 2020’s Good Luck, Seeker, Mike Scott continues to boldly push at the boundaries of his musical vision on All Souls Hill, his 15th album with The Waterboys.

True to the title, there’s a colourfully devilish, Día de los Muertos-style air permeating much of the album. It’s particularly notable on the opening title-track, establishing an eerie but undeniably groove-centric footing from the get-go.

While this atmosphere largely persists, The Waterboys are quick to change up the sound – leaping between genres and ideas as if journeying through a fever dream, eventually leading to the hip-hop-flavoured ‘Here We Go Again’. ‘Hollywood Blues’ is a hypnotic highlight, and Scott’s storytelling remains captivatingly strange and stirring.

LUCY O’TOOLE

WATC H

F O R YO U R V I E W I N G P L E A S U R E THE LATEST TV & STREAMING ESSENTIALS

Sky Atlantic, May 16 “Sorry I’m late dear, but I involuntarily time travelled back fifty years.” Adapted from Audrey Niffenegger’s titular 2003 best-seller, this sci-far romance features Game Of Thrones’ Gwen Dawson and Backstabbing For Beginners’ Theo James as a young couple whose marriage runs into some unexpected difficulties. If you can get past the preposterous premise, the HBO eight-parter turns out to be as gripping as it is tender. Just don’t try using that excuse yourself, guys.

PISTOL

Disney+, May 31 Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle turns his award-winning gaze on the Sex Pistols in this six-part bioseries, which manages to be tender, raw and cartoonish all at the same time. The young cast includes Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams who’s unrecognisable as beehive-haired punk provocateur Jordan. Also keep your eyes peeled for Jude Law and Sienna Miller’s daughter Iris Law who impresses as Jordan’s Bromley Contingent pal Soo Catwoman.

THE NEWSRE ADER

THE E SSE X SERPENT

WE OWN THIS CIT Y

Apple TV Fans of old school John Le Carré-style spy yarns will love this six-part adaptation of the Mick Herron novel of the same name, which focuses on a group of errant agents that MI5 want shot of but, for various reasons, can’t fire. Having previously brought George Smiley to such glorious life, Gary Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, a Falstaff-ian character with a God – or should that be Devil? – given talent for exploiting people’s weaknesses. If you missed the weekly episodes, the good news is that you can binge on all of it now!

Apple + Having finally said goodbye to Homeland after eight riveting series, Claire Danes lines up alongside Tom Hiddlestone in this classy adaptation of the Sarah Perry source novel.

The action centres around the recently widowed Cora Seaborne who, having moved from London to the Essex coast, becomes convinced that a mythical sea monster actually exists. All manner of family drama unravels as she attempts to prove it.

Sky Atlantic, June Tbc Having flitted off to New York and New Jersey for his last two series, David Simon returns to the extremely mean streets of Baltimore for the true-ish tale of how the city’s Gun Trace Task Force became as bad as the crooks they were targeting in the noughties. Very similar in tone to The Wire, it stars The Walking Dead’s Jon Bernthal as Sgt. Wayne Jenkins, a dirty cop who’s currently inmate number 62928-037 at a federal prison in Kentucky.

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BBC Two, Date Tbc Fresh from scoring a record number of Australian Academy nominations, this ‘80s TV news drama gets a well-deserved northern hemisphere airing. Mindhunter star Anna Torv plays primetime anchor Helen Norville who’s deemed ‘difficult’ for standing up to her misogynistic male colleagues.

Things take a turn for the better with the arrival of Dale, a young reporter with serious smarts but none of the chauvinist attitude.

Based on real events like the Challenger disaster and Chernobyl, it also features Stephen Peacocke who deserves a gong for Best Hugh Grant Lookalike.

SLOW HORSES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF APPLE +, SKY, DISNEY, BBC

THE TIME TR AVELLER ’S WIFE

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B R O U G H T TO B O O K PAGE-TURNERS FOR THE BEACH – AND THE TRAIN!

POGUEMAHONE

CITY ON FIRE

In his 1989 novel Carn, Irish novelist Patrick McCabe examined the slow decay of a windswept town. Now 30 years and two Booker Prize shortlistings – for The Butcher Boy (1992) and Breakfast On Pluto (1998) – later, he explores the crumbling of a more significant construction: the human mind.

Poguemahone is told through the wandering recollections of Dan Fogarty, an Irish immigrant living in England with his now elderly and dementiaplagued sister, Una. Through Dan’s raw and unsparing prose, we learn of Una’s struggles, in an inhospitable world of drugs and violence in 1970s London. As Una’s past is slowly illuminated, Dan’s mysterious role in the story becomes ever more sinister.

Like listening to a friend confess their life story after one too many pints, Poguemahone is a rustic and irreverent tragedy of tormented souls and macabre humour. Though its characters are often repugnant, you can’t resist their bizarrely compellingcompany – like a horrific roadside accident that’s somehow impossible to look away from Poguemahone is enthralling.

NOAH KATZ

There’s an uneasy peace in Providence, R.I. in 1986. The Irish gang controls the docks, but the Italians have the rest of the city, and they can call on help from New York when it’s needed.

John Murphy runs the Irish and has done since he took over from Marty Ryan, who hit the bottle after his wife left. Marty’s son, Danny, is also Murphy’s son-in-law. He tried to get away, to become a fisherman, but Dogtown dragged him back.

The fuse is lit, in this the first of a new trilogy from crime thriller maestro Winslow, when Liam, the youngest of the Murphys, crosses the line with Pam, Paulie Moretti’s new girl. Things fall apart. Pasco Ferri, who runs all of southern New England, is stepping back, so the Moretti brothers take the liberty of going after Liam.

As reluctant as he might be to do so, Danny is faced with stepping up to protect those around him.

Readers of The Cartel Trilogy or the marvellous collection of shorts, Broken, will eat up this brilliant novel, which bodes very well indeed for parts two and three. The characters – Pasco looking for the quite life, Madeline McKay taking no shit from anyone, even the hopeless disaster Liam and the contrite Pam – are faultlessly drawn and the plot, which could easily have slipped into cliché, is tight as a rusted nut.

PAT CARTY

PATRICK McCABE Unbound

TRE SPA S SE S

DON WINSLOW Harper Collins

LOUISE KENNEDY Bloomsbury

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Easily living up to, and indeed surpassing, the promise shown in Kennedy’s debut short story collection, The End Of The World Is Cul De Sac, Trespasses tells the love story of Cushla Lavery.

She’s a Catholic primary school teacher, who also helps out in her brother Eamonn’s bar, in 1970s Belfast. We’re not specifically told the era in question, but Johnny Giles is playing for Leeds, Chinatown is in the cinema, and Cockney Rebel are on the radio. The children in her school speak with the vocabulary of the Troubles; Father Slattery is the kind of tormenting priest that those of us of a certain age will remember; and it’s best to scrub Wednesday’s ashes off your forehead before serving in the bar.

Cushla meets Michael, a Protestant solicitor.

He’s married but the affair intensifies. She meets his posh friends, they spend a weekend in Dublin, although “even after six years of carnage Belfast was cleaner”, she hears of previous dalliances and knows they’re doomed, but she loves him. Cushla also becomes entangled, through a young pupil Davey, with the McGeowns, the only Catholic family on a Protestant estate.

Because of the location and the time, you’re conditioned to expect bad things to happen, and they do – but there is great pleasure to be found in Kennedy’s funny, poignant, wellobserved, and, crucially, impartial storytelling while you wait. Hers truly is an exceptional talent.

PAT CARTY

GO RAIL COMPETITION

Win Two Nights B&B for Two with Dinner on Evening of Choice at the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly The Four-Star Bridge House Hotel Leisure Club and Spa is located in Tullamore Town Centre, giving good access to a multiple of shopping and dining options. With its spectacular entrance and elegant foyer, its grand crystal chandelier and magnificent marble stairway, the Bridge House is a glamorous base for a special weekend away - renowned for good food, hospitality and world-class service.

Find out more at bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie

THE PRIZE: The Winner of the Go Rail competition will enjoy two nights B&B for two with dinner on an evening of choice at Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly To enter simply email your answer to gorail@hotpress.ie. Please include your contact details, and let us know on which train route or at which train station you picked up your copy of Go Rail

THE QUESTION:

Go Rail interviewee Tommy Bowe played for Ireland in what sport?

A. Soccer B. Tennis C. Rugby

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

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