Category Archives: Entertainment

Entertainment

Looking Forward To A Fantastic Festival Of Entertainment

 

Blasket ad

Click on above ad for more

Putting their right feet forward to get to the Kingdom were from left: Donegal Rose, Tamara Payne; Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan and Abu Dhabi Rose, Patrice McGillycuddy. Photo by Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD
More stepping than walking on cars, Donegal Rose, Tamara Payne; Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan and Abu Dhabi Rose, Patrice McGillycuddy look forward to the Rose of Tralee Festival. Photo by Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus LTD

MUSIC, fashion and family fun were to the fore as Rose of Tralee, Haley O’Sullivan and a bunch of this year’s Roses were in Tralee last week to announce details of the festival entertainment line-up.

The festival will feature over 80 hours of free and affordable entertainment in the Dome and around the streets of Tralee from August 15-19.

Among this year’s highlights will be the Union J and Walking on Cars concerts on Denny Street on Friday 15th and Sunday 17th respectively and at only €10, these much sought tickets are selling fast.

“We pride ourselves on being able to stage such a wide-ranging programme of free and affordable entertainment to suit people of all ages,” said General Manager of the Rose of Tralee International Festival, Oliver Hurley.

From the Dome to Denny Street and along The Mall to The Square, the public will enjoy five daily schedules of entertainment including Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Brendan Shine and Birds Amusements as well as the spectacular parades on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

The skies over Tralee will light up with two spectacular fireworks displays and the annual Skyfest Air Display on Sunday 17th.

Family town is a kaleidoscope of fun and colour that will come alive at midday every day during the Festival. A fun-packed programme of events to suit children of all ages in the comfortable, family-friendly setting of Pearse Park will feature – Circus Workshops, Planetarium Dome, Face Painting, Balloon Modelling, Art Attack, Cheeky Chalk, Water Walkers & Human Gyroscope,Fun Races, Crystal Fountain Wishing Well, Carnival Cut-outs, Giant Bubble Throwing & much more.

Instead of walking on cars, many people will be visiting this year’s Festival to exercise their legs by taking part in the second Rose of Tralee International 10k Run around the streets of Tralee, driving home the message that there is something for everyone at the Festival.

The Festival Dome will be the venue for the Kerrygold International Rose Ball, the first official event of the 2014 Rose of Tralee International Festival. The Kerryman Rose of Tralee Autumn Winter Fashion Show on Sunday 17th August will be guaranteed to fuel dreams and keep the paparazzi cameras flashing.

Full details of all the events at the 2014 Rose of Tralee International Festival and tickets to all Dome events, as well as the Union J and Walking On Cars Concerts on Denny Street, are available from www.roseoftralee.ie.

Entertainment, News

Breakdancing Rose Tops Most Memorable Moments Survey

Advanced Fitness

Click on above ad for more

The infamous dance by Siobhéal Nic Eochaidh the Dublin Rose of 2011.

A SURVEY has found that the Dublin Rose break-dancing and her re-enactment of the performance with Crystal Swing were the two most unforgettable moments in the Rose of Tralee’s history.

Siobheal Nic Eochaidh danced her way into people’s memories back in 2011 only to take to the stage again at the festival last year with the Cork band.

The survey, carried out by Empathy Research, also found that almost a quarter of viewers in Ireland considered the proposal to the New Orleans Rose last year was one of the most memorable Rose of Tralee moments (see videos below).

The Rose of Tralee ranked as the 15th most watched RTÉ programme in 2013, with the study revealing that 62% of adults living in Ireland tune in to watch the show.

The survey also found that 45% of viewers would like to see more behind-the-scenes footage of the show.

The research was commissioned by Maldron Hotels who have become a sponsor of this year’s festival.

“We are keen to become part of what is arguably one of Ireland’s greatest exports,” said Stephen McNally, deputy chief executive of Maldron Hotels.

“The festival has so much to offer; street entertainment, live concerts, theatre shows, markets, fun-fairs, fireworks and the internationally renowned Rose Parade,” said Mr McNally.

Derek from Crystal Swing get’s in on the act with former Dublin Rose Siobhéal Nic Eochaidh.
Entertainment, News

Couples To Light Up The Dancefloor At Stacks’ ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

1 Comment

Total Cleaning Supplies 1x

Click on above ad for a great offer

At the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' Launch were, Amy Prendergast and Gary Murphy. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, Amy Prendergast and Gary Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

THE annual dancing extravaganza that is ‘Strictly Come Dancing was  launched at the Austin Stacks GAA headquarters in Connolly Park on Saturday night.

The event has been an enormous success over the past few years and there’s every chance that will be repeated this years with 12 enthusiastic couples looking forward to competing in the Dome on August 23.

The proceeds of the event are going towards the purchase of ‘The Nuns Field’ by Austin Stacks GAA which is adjacent to the Connolly Park ground.

One of the dance partners on the night will be Dan Horan of Horan’s Fruit and Veg and Bridie Courtney of the Chernobyl Children’s Fund

“I do a bit of set dancing every now and again so I’m not too bad, but I’ve never done anything like this,” said Dan.

“We’re doing a country and western theme for our dance so I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

Continued below…

Advanced Fitness

“I love dancing myself, as I say you should never miss a chance to dance,” said dancing partner, Bridie. “I’m well used to dancing as well because I go dancing every Wednesday for a benefit we have with the Chernoybyl Children Fund. It’s just great to be asked to be a part of this event, it’s going to be great fun,” said Bridie.

Two of the youngest contestant taking part are Amy Prendergast and Gary Murphy who will be tackling the tango.

“We both have a bit of background in dance.  I’ve done a bit of music society stuff and Amy has done hip-hop, but we’ve done nothing as strenuous as this,” said Gary.

“The tango is very difficult, it feels like we’re having a fight, but it’s good fun and it should be good craic,” Gary said.

Susan O’Gara and John Tyler will be getting their toes tapping to the Charleston.

“We picked the Charleston because we like that style of music,” said Susan O’Gara.

“The lifts are the most difficult part,” said John Tyler.

“We haven’t got much practice in yet, but hopefully we will three times a week before the event. It’s exciting, we’re looking forward to it,” said Susan.

The couples will all be put through their paces over the coming weeks by choreographer, Jackie O’Mahony so expect to see some fleet-footed action in the Dome come August 23.

Scroll down for photos…

rockalilly 700

 

At the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' Launch were, front row from left: Joanna O'Driscoll, Michelle Culloty, Amy Prendergast, Treasa Murphy, Bernie Slattery, Miriam Owens, Helen Enright, Claire McAvoy, Susan O'Gara and Mary O'Donnell, Back row from left: Neil O'Shea, Dan Horan, Owen Colgan, Gary Murphy, Aaron McLarnon, Damian Quigg, James Brennan, Leon Diggins, John Tyler and Richard Walsh. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, front row from left: Joanna O’Driscoll, Michelle Culloty, Amy Prendergast, Treasa Murphy, Bernie Slattery, Miriam Owens, Helen Enright, Claire McEvoy, Susan O’Gara and Mary O’Donnell. Back row from left: Neil O’Shea, Dan Horan, Owen Colgan, Gary Murphy, Aaron McLarnon, Damian Quigg, James Brennan, Leon Diggins, John Tyler and Richard Walsh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' Launch were, from left: Claire McAvoy, Joanna O'Driscoll, Amy Prendergast, Michelle Culloty, Susan O'Gara, Mary O'Donnell, Helen Enright, Treasa Murphy, Bernie Slattery, Miriam Owens and Bridie Courtney. Photo bv Gavin O'Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, from left: Claire McEvoy, Joanna O’Driscoll, Amy Prendergast, Michelle Culloty, Susan O’Gara, Mary O’Donnell, Helen Enright, Treasa Murphy, Bernie Slattery, Miriam Owens and Bridie Courtney. Photo bv Gavin O’Connor.

 

Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' event are, Helen Enright and Neil O'Shea. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Helen Enright and Neil O’Shea. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' event are, Damian Quigg and Bernie Slattery. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Damian Quigg and Bernie Slattery. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' event are, James Brennan and Miriam Ownes. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, James Brennan and Miriam Owens. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' Launch were, Claire McAvoy and Leon Diggins. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, Claire McEvoy and Leon Diggins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' event are, Bridie Courtney and Dan Horan. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Bridie Courtney and Dan Horan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' Launch were, John Tyler and Susan O'Gara. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Launch were, John Tyler and Susan O’Gara. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' event are, Owen Colgan and Michelle Culloty. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Owen Colgan and Michelle Culloty. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' event are, Aaron McLarnon and Treasa Murphy. Photo O'Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Aaron McLarnon and Treasa Murphy. Photo O’Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA 'Strictly Come Dancing' event are, Mary O'Donnell and Richard Walsh. Photo O'Connor.
Dance partners for the Austin Stacks GAA ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ event are, Mary O’Donnell and Richard Walsh. Photo O’Connor.

 

DINING OUT, Entertainment

Out To Lunch: Hail Caesar In Paddy Mac’s

Advanced Fitness

Click on the above ad for more

Paddy Mac’s Pub,

The Mall

rsz_paddy_macsI DON’T know about you, but I have no mind for eating on really humid days.

And Friday was one of them.

I fancied something light for lunch so I called into Paddy Mac’s on The Mall.

I’ve always liked this bar and regularly call for a pint, normally when Liverpool FC are playing on the box, as most of the lads inside are ‘Kopites’.

Continued below…

rockalilly 700

Click on above ad for more

The menu is pretty simple with soups, traditional sandwiches, toasties, ciabattas, salads and wraps all reasonably priced. There are no specials or traditional ‘meat and veg’ lunches, just simple, no-nonsense pub fare.

I ordered the warm ‘chicken caesar salad and brown bread’ (€9.25) and it came promptly from Margaret, who has been serving up satisfying lunches there for as long as I can remember.

The salad came in an enormous bowl, which proved necessary as the portion size was generous to say the least.

They don’t spare the chicken or crispy bacon either, while the dressing was just the right amount.

The only thing missing was the parmesan cheese, the absence of which is a mortal sin for caesar salad fans. Apart from that, it was very good and I had no room for the two large slices of bread which came with it, or indeed my regular apres-lunch cappuccino.

I then had a discussion on Liverpool’s disappointing spending in the transfer market this summer with Johnny, who runs the show in Paddy Mac’s.

After agreeing that signing a marquee player is essential to a successful season and pointing out the parmesan omission to him (I hope I won’t get an Italian cheesy topping to my pint the next time I call in!), I went on my way.

Paddy Mac’s won’t be worrying the people at Michelin, but what they do, they do well.

3.5/5

O'Neill's Pharmacy New Ad

 

Entertainment

Photos: Warm Reception For ‘Frozen’ Summer Camp

CH Opticians 600x400

Click on above ad to enlarge

IT was a magical day in the Cassie Leen dance studio on Friday as the children attending the Tralee
Performing Academy (formerly Tim Landers School for Performing Arts) Frozen Summer Camps
showcased their talents to their parents.

Over 60 children in total took to the dance floor to perform the songs and dances from Disney’s
smash hit movie Frozen’.

The camp which ran all week was a huge success. As well as performing, the children painted scenes from the film and were able to wear their favourite Disney dresses all to their delight.

Continued below…

Suits Select July

Click on above ad for more

“It was a huge success and all the children loved the week. It’s been an honour to teach the kids the
songs from ‘Frozen’ as it is the most popular movie for their age group at the moment,” said Tim
Landers of Tralee Performing Academy.

“We will be back again in two weeks’ time with another camp as the demand for places was so
high,” said Tim Landers.

For more information find Tralee Performing Academy on Facebook or call 083-4056829 to book
places.

Scroll down for photos…

Total Cleaning Supplies 1x

 

Children preparing for their 'Frozen' performance. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Children preparing for their ‘Frozen’ performance. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Aishling Walsh and Charlie Harris singing at the 'Frozen' summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Aishling Walsh and Charlie Harris singing at the ‘Frozen’ summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Alannah Roche and Kaitlyn O'Connell enjoying the 'Frozen' summer camp. Ryan Higgins
Alannah Roche and Kaitlyn O’Connell enjoying the ‘Frozen’ summer camp. Ryan Higgins
Barry Sugrue and Dion Bauschlicher getting ready to perform at the 'Frozen' summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Barry Sugrue and Dion Bauschlicher getting ready to perform at the ‘Frozen’ summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Sarah Flynn, Ella O'Sullivan and Chloe O'Sullivan enjoying the 'Frozen' summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Sarah Flynn, Ella O’Sullivan and Chloe O’Sullivan enjoying the ‘Frozen’ summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Children performing for their parents at the 'Frozen' summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Children performing for their parents at the ‘Frozen’ summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Katelyn Leen singing at the 'Frozen' summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Katelyn Leen singing at the ‘Frozen’ summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Parents ensure to capture their child's moment on stage at the 'Frozen' summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins
Parents ensure to capture their child’s moment on stage at the ‘Frozen’ summer camp. Photo by Ryan Higgins

 

DINING OUT, Entertainment

The Chef’s Table: Meet Our New Food Columnist Mark Doe

rsz_roast_house_3

Click on above ad for more

rsz_mark_doe_1Meet our new columnist, Mark Doe of ‘Just Cooking’ cookery school in Firies. Here he describes how he got started in the industry and how he ended up in Kerry.

BE a chef they said. See the world, get a trade, everybody has to eat!

Why did I become a chef? It is the question I get asked more than any other. Was I surrounded by food as a kid? Did I cook from an early age?

Well to be totally honest, although I did do home economics at school, I didn’t really start cooking until I was 16.

Yes, my mother was a great cook and my grandparents did own a very successful bakery in the UK – where they used to bake bread and cakes for the royal family – but I don’t believe this was why I decided to cook for a living.

At the age of 15 I had to choose what career path I was to take and I didn’t have a clue until I attended an open day at the Harlow Technical college.

There in front of me was big posters of chefs in gleaming chef whites cooking with big happy faces, cooking with flames coming out of the pans and wielding big knives!

Continued below…

Credit Union 600x400

Click on above ad to enter a great competition

It was there I met Andy Wright, one of the lecturers at the college. He was straight up with me saying that it’s one of the hardest industries that you can work in, with unsocial and long hours and bad pay, but he said with hard work and commitment the world can be your oyster.

From that moment I knew I wanted to cook!
 After talking to family and friends I decided to sign up for the two years City and Guilds 706/1 and 706/2 course.

I excelled in college, gaining distinctions and the Student of the Year award – not bad for a kid that left school with very few qualifications.

After leaving college I went to work in some small local hotels, and although they were producing good food, I knew that to really learn I had to get myself into London.

First stop was the Four Seasons hotel in London. This was then followed by The QE2 cruise liner and then three years at The Ritz Hotel in London.

It was on the QE2 cruise liner that I met my wife Bernie, with whom I travelled to Australia with for 18 months. There I worked in Lynches restaurant in Melbourne, which at the time was one of Australia’s leading restaurants.

We decided to move to Ireland in 1998. After a few short spells in jobs, I was offered the Executive Sous chef position at the Merrion Hotel in Dublin.

I spent three happy years there and learnt everything there was about how to manage a busy 5 star hotel kitchen.

After this I spent one year at Kilkea Castle as head chef, and then three years as Executive chef at the Portmarnock hotel, which was almost a dream job.

But by then we had our first son Cian and for a better work life balance, we decided to move to Kerry where we set up ‘Just Cooking’ in 2007.

My chosen career has taken me to some amazing places, I have met some great friends for life and there are many people I could thank for helping me on the way.

But if I hadn’t met Andy Wright in that June of 1986, I may never have cooked!

• Mark’s book ‘Just Cooking’ is available in book shops now. For more, see Mark’s website here.

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

At The Omniplex: Two Great Doses Of Laughter And Romance

Blasket ad

Click on above ad for more

Danielle Courtney on the pick of the movies at the Omniplex this week.

mrs_brownMrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie

Ignore the critics, if you’re a fan of the show, you have to go and will laugh hysterically for the entire show. If however you’re not a fan of the BBC show or his standup legacy, the film may not be for you.

It feels like an episode that lasts for two hours and stays true to Brendan O’Carroll’s wicked sense of humour.

The film starts with as an ordinary day for Mrs. Brown, opening her vegetable stall in Moore Street when she receives a notice that her grandmother’s failure to pay a tax has accumulated to €4m.

The audience quickly learns that a crooked councillor and property developer are behind the scheme to change the market into a shopping centre. Agnes and family thus embark on a mission to save her stall, with a rake of comedic capers that are so distinctly Irish you can’t help but laugh along, as well as cameos from Joe Duffy to Simon Delaney.

More than anything, it’s an ode to Dublin, the photography showcasing the modern Ireland alongside its history, ending with a speech by Mrs. Brown in defence of Dublin’s uniqueness.

D’Movie reminds us of who we are and why that’s so special and unique, whilst ensuring we laugh at ourselves as we do it.

The Fault In Our Stars

the-fault-in-our-stars-movie-wallpaper-5The Fault In Our Stars is better than the Notebook. There I said it. If you need more incentive to go see the faithful adaptation of John Green’s best selling novel, here it is.

A troupe of current YA movies centre on girls with terminal cancer, from Dakota Fanning in ‘Now Is Good’ to the soon to be released ‘Before I Die’ with Chloe Moretz, these films all follow female protagonists coping with the disease.

TFIOS (as its effectually known) is instead about love. When Hazel Grace Lancaster is sent to a support group for kids with cancer, she befriends Augustus Waters who changes her outlook on life.

Whilst illness affects the plot, the film focuses on their burgeoning relationship and the transformative way it changes her. The film avoids so many rom-com cliches, instead having an original and heart wrenching approach to love.

Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort had just worked together on the first ‘Divergent’ film, and have a chemistry that is effortless and believable. The soundtrack is also incredible, featuring Kodaline amongst others, and will be sure to pull those extra tears.

It’s not a weepy movie, but that allows for some unforeseeable tearjerker moments. This is the film everyone has been talking about, so make sure not to miss it before it leaves movie theatres.

Entertainment

Photos: Hundreds Enjoy ‘Wuthering Heights’ Sell-Out At Ballyseede Castle

Advanced Fitness

Click on the above ad for more

HUNDREDS turned up in the summer sunshine at Ballyseede Castle Hotel on Wednesday, for an open-air theatre performance of a literary classic.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company returned to the grounds to perform ‘Wuthering Heights’ and tickets were sold out before Wednesday, showing the popularity of the event.

Adapted from Emily Brontë’s novel by Laura Turner, the company presented the classic love story set on the beautiful, mysterious wilderness of the Yorkshire moors.

The story of enduring love and passion thrilled and entranced the audience – many of whom enjoyed a picnic on the tables provided in the stunning setting of the Castle – and the weather held to make it a great evening for all.

This isn’t the first time Chapterhouse has come to the Castle and last year’s performance of Jane Austen’s Sense And Sensibility was a also a great success. They’re will be many more to come I’m sure.

Scroll down for 22 photos…

Credit Union 600x400

 

Click on above ad to enter a great competition

At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: David Woulfe, Mary Lawlor, Saoirse Woulfe, Katie Woulfe, Conor Woulfe. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: David Woulfe, Mary Lawlor, Saoirse Woulfe, Katie Woulfe and Conor Woulfe. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Tim Pullman Daamne, Sean Pullman Daamne. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Enjoying the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Tim Pullman Daamne and Sean Pullman Daamne. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Breda Clifford, Kay Allen. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Breda Clifford and Kay Allen. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Rachel Gallagher,Evelyn Murphy, Rosaleen Shannon. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Rachel Gallagher, Evelyn Murphy and Rosaleen Shannon. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Rose Palmer, Greta Geaney. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Attending the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Rose Palmer and Gretta Geaney. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Rebecca Harrington, Grainne Hayes, Ruth Horgan, Bernadette Earley. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Enjoying the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Rebecca Harrington, Grainne Hayes, Ruth Horgan and Bernadette Earley. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Treasa Walsh, Marian Moore, Mirium Deregeibus. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Treasa Walsh, Marian Moore and Miriam Deregeibus. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Muireann Rooney, Kate Dillon. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Enjoying the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Muireann Rooney and Kate Dillon. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
The scene at Ballyseede Castle before the performance of 'Wuthering Heights'. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
The scene at Ballyseede Castle before the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Laura Carroll, Kevin McCarthy. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Laura Carroll and Kevin McCarthy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Sheila Cremins, Deirdre Cremins. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Enjoying the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were Sheila and Deirdre Cremins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Catherine Daly, Breda Casey, Joan Downes. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Catherine Daly, Breda Casey and Joan Downes. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left:Sarah Scully, Teresa Scully, Marian Collins. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Sarah Scully, Teresa Scully and Marian Collins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Caroline O'Connor, Marie O'Connell, Mary Hopkins, Catherine O'Neil. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Caroline O’Connor, Marie O’Connell, Mary Hopkins and Catherine O’Neill. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Maura Landers, Nicole Horgan, Sarah Harnett. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Maura Landers, Nicole Horgan and Sarah Harnett. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Martina Murphy, Bebhinn Ryan, Nicola Collins. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Martina Murphy, Bebhinn Ryan and Nicola Collins. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Denis Keane, Maggie Prenderville, Delia O'Donoghue, Richard O'Toole. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Denis Keane, Maggie Prenderville, Delia O’Donoghue and Richard O’Toole. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Kay O'Connell, Marie Brosnan, Grace O'Connor. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Kay O’Connell, Marie Brosnan, Grace O’Connor. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Deirdre Murphy, Catriona O'Mahony. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Deirdre Murphy and Catriona O’Mahony. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Geraldine Cantillon, Pauline Gaffney. Photo by Gavin O'Connor
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Geraldine Cantillon and Pauline Gaffney. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Gerardine, Karen Lynch, Catherine Tobin. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Attending the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Gerardine, Karen Lynch and Catherine Tobin. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the performance of 'Wuthering Heights' at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Noreen Quirke, Mary Field, Mary Dreelan. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the performance of ‘Wuthering Heights’ at Ballyseede Castle were, from left: Noreen Quirke, Mary Field and Mary Dreelan. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

 

 

 

Entertainment

Tommy Leahy: Songs In The Key Of Life

Suits Select July

Click on above ad for more

rsz_tom_leahy_1Tom Leahy (pictured) is the vocalist/guitarist in Tralee band, Enemy Armada who are currently working on a new album. Here are the songs that soundtracked his life…

A Day In The Life – The Beatles

Being the youngest of five siblings in my house – the others being two brothers and two sisters – I was exposed to a vast amount of music. Some of it great, some of it…ahem…not so great. I could name and shame but I’ll save them the embarrassment.

Thanks to my brother Colin I got to hear some truly classic albums at a very early age, but this track was the first to make the hair stand on the back of my neck.

It completely blew my mind and The Beatles addiction began. An addiction I never ever plan on giving up. I also had the opportunity to see Paul McCartney perform this live in the RDS a few years back with Mr. Dennis Boyle. To see teenagers and people in their 70’s sing along together, word for word was an experience I’ll never forget.

Sadly, I don’t think we’ll ever see an artist that can bridge that generation gap within the music industry again.

 

John, I’m Only Dancing – David Bowie

The year was 2004 and I had my ticket for Oxegen. David Bowie was headlining and it was the only reason I was making the journey up. After several days of taunting and slagging my older brother about getting to see the legend that is David Bowie in the flesh, performing all the hits, including ‘Dancing in the Street’, my brother had the last laugh.

He got to deliver the news that Bowie had cancelled. I, for one, was not laughing. The teenage strop would’ve been something very similar to a scene from Harry Enfield’s ‘Kevin & Perry’ sketch. There are many sides to Bowie, as we all know, so picking one track was a tough one. This is a track I never get sick of and probably from my favourite stage of his career.

Hopefully I’ll get to see him do this live some day. Oh and Bowie if your reading this, you still owe me a gig and the Rose of Tralee is coming up soooo…

Driving South – The Stone Roses

Yes I know, something off ‘The Second Coming’ album. How could I do such a thing? But I actually love that album from start to finish. When I started secondary school I really got into the Stone Roses and they provided the perfect soundtrack to the summer after first year.

They also provided the reason for me sporting a very uncool “mop-top” and an assortment of equally uncool fashion choices. I had to come to terms with the fact that I wasn’t living in Manchester and it wasn’t 1989…it was Tralee and it was 2001. I started to really get into playing guitar around the same time and I thought John Squire was an absolute class act in his style and ability.

When you combine that ability with Ian Brown’s attitude it’s absolute magic. John Squire’s guitar does all the screaming while Ian Brown calmly tells you how it is. It was a dream come true to finally see them perform live in the Phoenix Park in 2012.

MGMT – Electric Feel

This track always puts me in a good mood. It’s one of those tracks that makes you want to hear the rest of the album and I went off and bought it just because of it. It was another one of those summer soundtrack albums that I couldn’t get enough of.

The album still gets a spin every once and a while and still sounds great to me. It always brings back memories of the good old days of packing the car full of the essentials, a tent, your mates and plenty of beer and back to the Maharees for a weekend of craic agus ceol.

Kasabian – Club Foot

I remember when I heard this for the first time. It was about 3am after a night out with the lads. I threw on the TV and flicked through the music channels and came across this gem. I remember being starved of decent bands at the time and was mad to hear something new and when I heard this I remember thinking “it’s about time”.

Ever since the first album they just keep getting stronger and stronger. I’m going to see them for the fourth time in December and I absolutely cannot wait. Not many modern bands can hit you as hard as they do at a show and it’s money well spent.

The usual Tralee crew of us meet up and head off on our pilgrimage to wherever they may be. Oasis called it quits and these lads stepped up and filled the void with ease.

Entertainment

Louis Walsh’s Latest Boyband ‘Hometown’ Added To Festival Line-Up

1 Comment
Hometown
Louis Walsh’s new boy band, Hometown will be playing the Rose of Tralee Festival this August according to their official Twitter account.

YOUNG pop music fans were rejoicing this afternoon when it was announced Louis Walsh’s latest creation, ‘Hometown’, will be playing the Rose of Tralee Festival.

Consisting of Josh Gray, Dean Gibbons, Brendan Murray, Cian Morrin, Dayl Cronin and Ryan McLoughlin the band caused a stir among teenage girls when they appeared on The Late Late Show at the end of May.

Even though the lads have yet to release a single, they have over 60,000 Twitter followers and over 3,400 on Instagram.

The boys released the news of their Rose of Tralee date on their official Twitter account early on Tuesday:

“We are delighted to announce that we will be performing at the Rose of Tralee this year on the 18th of August! We are very excited [smiley face emoticon]!”

The news was greeted with delight amongst their fans on Twitter.

We’ll have more details about the gig when they are released.

Entertainment, News

Mary O’Donnell’s Dancing Queen Ambitions

rsz_roast_house_3

Click on above ad for more

rsz_mary_odonnell_xLOCK up your toes! Our regular beauty columnist, Mary O’Donnell, is taking to the dance floor as a contestant in Austin Stacks ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. The event takes place on August 23 in the Festival Dome. She’ll keep us abreast of her progress through a weekly column here…

LET me start with my history of dancing.

I was the only girl in Presentation school who did not possess an Irish dancing medal. While others could decorate their rooms with medals, I could not get my head around “heel, toe, one-two-three”.

Now I’ve always loved music but to me dancing never came naturally. My husband is not into the whole dancing thing either and would offer pints to his buddies to take me round the dance floor – to this day dancing is a bone of contention for us at weddings.

I like to take to the dancefloor and he does not and therein lies the problem. This usually results with me having a face that would stop a clock.

Continued below…

rockalilly 700

That is my history of dance, so with this in mind, when Maria Hickey asked would I like to be a contestant in the Austins Stacks Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser, I laughed.

But Maria is very persuasive, so I said yes…and then I said no…but again Maria persuaded me so here we go.

Our first meeting was with Jackie O’Mahony, our dance teacher and she told us that if along the way your partner will touch you inappropriately this is known as a ‘lift’.

In other words ‘get over yourself’. I was told my dance partner was Richard Walsh and we would be meeting for our first lesson.

I convinced myself we would spend the first few sessions talking music and dancing but not actually doing the dancing.  I was very wrong.

One minute I was shaking Richard’s hand having been introduced and the next we were on the dancefloor.

There is no messing with Jackie – just dive in! We decided to dance the mamba – up until then the only mumba I knew was Samantha. The dance is very fast with lots of moves, so I am a work in progress.

I seem to get the moves and forget them just as easily. Richard can dance, which is a major plus, so all I have to do is dance for three minutes, remember the moves, know left from right, not fall and smile and look like I am having the best time ever.

Jackie and Richard have been very patient with me and really encouraged me that I will pull this off.

I have enlisted the help of Joe O’Connor of Nisus fitness to get me fit and he has made out a six week plan to up the fitness while Paola Kennedy of letsgetfitireland who teaches zumba will help release the latin dancer trapped inside me.

All the dancers have sponsors, my main sponsor is Terry’s Butchers and my other sponsors are CH Chemist, Expose Beauty Salon, Sean Taaffe Hair Tralee, Eucerin and Neostrata.

So the launch night is this Saturday night, where we will do our video demo for the big night.

The result of all this will be a performance in the Dome on August 23 and I use the term ‘performance’ in the loosest possible sense.

Next week: The Launch.

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Zoe’s World: Meet Our New Columnist

Credit Union 600x400

Click on above ad to enter a great competition

Meet TraleeToday.ie’s new columnist, Zoë O’Connor, who will give a worldview from a teenager’s perspective… 

Zoe O'Connor 1Hi everyone, Zoë O’Connor here.

I am a 15 year old blogger with the hopes to become a successful fashion journalist in the future (I know dad, it’s not as sustainable as a lawyer, but I think I will be okay).

For now, I am what some would call a “life commentator”, but everything that I say is from a teen’s perspective.

I think some people will find it interesting as it can sometimes be quite difficult to find out what is going on inside a teenager’s mind.

When it is attempted it is usually by adults, who, let’s face it, have no idea what is going on!

However, I am here to help. I can get into the deep issues surrounding teen life pretty quickly, but for my first article for TraleeToday.ie, I thought that I would start with something a bit more positive: chasing dreams, no matter what they are.

So here we go.

Continued below…

CH Opticians 600x400

Everyone has dreams and aspirations for what they want their lives to be like. I personally stated that I wanted to be a princess for most of my childhood, but apparently that is a bit unrealistic.

Most kids dreams are affected by their favourite TV programme or their dad’s job. It normally doesn’t go much deeper than that.

The smart kids say that all they want is to be happy, which usually gets the desired effect from parents with a hug and a sweet. This answer gets a continuous “aw!” all around but beyond the age of 12, these answers simply aren’t good enough.

I am pretty much safe with what I want to do. I have it all laid out for myself. I just plan on working my way up through the ranks until I get to where I want to be. I have all the stops on the journey planned and some of these stops feature the English course in Trinity.

I don’t know why, but that has always been in my journey planner and there are no other additional routes that I plan on embarking on.

The thing about chasing your dreams is that no matter what you do, or don’t do for that matter, there will always be people questioning your decisions.

The fact is that everyone is different, and everyone seems to have the idea that their dreams are going to lead to a better future than your dreams.

Of course this is not the case. Your dreams reflect what makes you happy and therefore, when you reach your dreams, you will be just as happy as the others.

The people who are questioning your decisions can often get in your way. You can’t let this happen. Your dreams are as important as anyone else’s.

No matter how many times you have to stop on the journey or change your tyres or refill the petrol tank, just have the sheer willpower to keep going.

This doesn’t mean rolling over everyone who gets in your way but it maybe it means beeping the horn until they do.

No dream is unrealistic. All you have to do is work hard for it and never stop trying. Don’t let anyone look down on you for it, but let them learn from your example.

It may take a bit of hard work but I think I can become a princess. I mean journalist…of course, journalist….

 

Entertainment

€5,000 Prize Up For Grabs In Rose Festival Music Competition

Blasket ad 4

Click on above ad for more

CALLING all musicians!

A prize pot in excess of €5000 is up for grabs in the  ACCESS competition which will take place during this year’s Rose of Tralee festival.

The competition is open to all solo artists, duos, groups or bands who can submit an original song and are available to come to Tralee the week of the Festival. The event is sponsored by the Tralee Vintners Association so all performers must be 18 years or over by August 15th 2014.

The winning act will receive mentoring from music industry professionals such as Martin Nolan of MPI Management Promotion, Murt Whelan from Murt Whelan Sound & Lighting, Tony O’Flaherty from Sonas Recording Studio and international exposure from a slot on the highly popular Balcony TV.

Last year’s inaugural winner Gary Keane AKA ‘Like a Fire’ has already seen success come his way as he recently won the chance to perform on the Oxjam stage at this year’s Electric Picnic.

He was also one of only three Irish acts invited to Toronto to perform at the Irish Showcase at the prestigious Indie Week Canada last October.

His one man beatbox live shows have been described as ‘truly remarkable’ and have led to him supporting acts such as Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Kodaline and Ryan Sheridan.

For further information email competition@roseoftralee.ie or check out the full details on the Rose of Tralee website here

 

 

 

 

Entertainment

Party Time At Manor Businesses

Suits Select July

Click on above ad for more

IF you were in the Manor West area on Saturday you may have noticed a few bouncy castles and music in the area.

It was all part of the celebrations to mark the first anniversary of Suits Select at their Manor premises, while The Streat cafe were marking their third year in the area.

A DJ set up between the two businesses and there was children’s entertainment in the form of Tony The Magician, face-painting and two bouncy castles for the young ones.

Scroll down for photos…

Click on below ad to enter a great competition

Credit Union 600x400

 

suits_select_1
Jackie Brosnan of The Streat Cafe with ‘Tony The Magician’ and Jason Poole of Suits Select at the family fun day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
suits_select_3
Denis O’Connor and Sinead Dowd at the Suits Select/The Streat Cafe family fun day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
suits_select_2
David and Alan Kenneally, Cecelia Lawlor and Shénagh Hickey at the Suits Select/The Streat Cafe family fun day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean
suits_select_4
Face-painter Rosemary Kelleher with Conor and Aoife Sutton at the Suits Select/The Streat Cafe family fun day on Saturday. Photo by Dermot Crean

 

Beauty&Fashion, Entertainment, Lifestyle

Photos: Guests Shout ‘Hurrah For Ollywood!’ At Oliver’s Bash

rockalilly 700

Click on above ad for more

THE glamour and glitz of a Hollywood awards ceremony came to the Fels Point Hotel on Saturday night as Oliver Hurley threw a 50th birthday party to end all others.

The renowned musical director and Rose of Tralee Festival General Manager, invited 230 guests to an Oscar-themed bash, replete with a ‘Live From The Red Carpet’ format of interviewer and ‘paparazzi’.

Oliver said he wanted to mark the milestone with something special.

“I always said I’d do something for my 50th because life is short, so I was toying with an idea to combine my involvement in showbiz and the Rose of Tralee,” he said.

“A lot of my friends would dress up anyway for Rose of Tralee events of musical awards ceremonies so I thought what about an Oscars theme.”

O'Neill's Pharmacy New Ad

“There’s going to be ten fun awards tonight, nothing serious of course, and the ‘movie’ to be honoured is ‘The Life Of Oliver To Date’, a so-called film which has been made about my life. I’d like to thank the people who put it together, I’ve great friends,” he said.

Guests signed their good wishes on large poster of Oliver on arrival and sat at tables named after Hollywood stars.

There was a hot buffet before the awards started followed by music and song from Alan Teahan, Bryan Carr, Olive Donovan and The Real Deal.

The celebrations continued until the wee hours with guests singing til dawn with Jack Healy from Killarney at the piano.

Scroll down for 18 glamorous photos from the night… 

Click on ad below to enlarge

CH Opticians 600x400

 

Jill Hannon, birthday boy Oliver Hurley and Michelle Kerins at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jill Hannon, birthday boy Oliver Hurley and Michelle Kerins at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kelly Field, Emma Murray, Clodagh Moriarty and Niamh Hurley at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kelly Field, Emma Murray, Clodagh Moriarty and Niamh Hurley at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Matthew and Shirley Moloney with Clare and Benny Murphy and Alannah Chute at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Matthew and Shirley Moloney with Clare and Benny Murphy and Alannah Chute at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
John and Anne Marie Drummey at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
John and Anne Marie Drummey at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aine Hurley signs in to Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday party at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aine Hurley signs in to Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday party at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Orlagh Winters and Jill Hannon at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Orlagh Winters and Jill Hannon at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Neilus Colgan, Mary Colgan, Martina Colgan and Maurice Breen at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Neilus Colgan, Mary Colgan, Martina Colgan and Maurice Breen at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
John Fitzgerald, Cliodhna Hurley and Sean Hanafin at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
John Fitzgerald, Cliodhna Hurley and Sean Hanafin at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Anne, Irene and Sean O'Donnell at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Anne, Irene and Sean O’Donnell at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Anna Curtin, Rebecca Roche, Colette Costello and Karen Soffe at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Anna Curtin, Rebecca Roche, Colette Costello and Karen Soffe at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Oonagh and Anthony O'Gara at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Oonagh and Anthony O’Gara at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
The 2010 Rose of Tralee, Clare Kambamettu and Sean Laffey at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
The 2010 Rose of Tralee, Clare Kambamettu and Sean Laffey at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Des and Gemma Hurley at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Des and Gemma Hurley at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Conor O'Donnell and Adrienne Heaslip at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Conor O’Donnell and Adrienne Heaslip at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Majella Stack, Jackie O'Mahony and Maria Griffin at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Majella Stack, Jackie O’Mahony and Maria Griffin at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mike Lynch, Geraldine Lynch, Lena Lynch, Sharon Walsh and Ray Walsh at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mike Lynch, Geraldine Lynch, Lena Lynch, Sharon Walsh and Ray Walsh at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Martin and Dara Gough of Shannon Musical Society at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Martin and Dara Gough of Shannon Musical Society at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
The jazz band plays in front of the 'Ollywood' sign at Oliver Hurley's 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
The jazz band plays in front of the ‘Ollywood’ sign at Oliver Hurley’s 50th birthday celebrations at the Fels Point Hotel on Friday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

 

DINING OUT, Entertainment

Out To Lunch: Retaining That French Flair In Courthouse Lane

CH Opticians 600x400

Click on above to enlarge

Chez Christophe,

Courthouse Lane

Chez ChristopheI HAD been to Chez Christophe before and,  despite only staying for a very fine coffee, I promised to return.

That was over a year ago.

It was quiet then as it was only open a few weeks so that was to be expected, especially since it’s off the beaten track across the way from Polymath Bookshop.

The scene was different when I arrived at the bistro this week.

The substantial number of customers was a mix of young families, couples and office workers looking for a continental oasis from the busy streets down the lane.

The interior has the definite air of a French cafe/restaurant with Gallic tunes coming from the sound system, tables at the back set with wine glasses with maroon and white wall-covering paper giving the place an informal sophistication.

If the place was a French expression it would be a slight shrug of the shoulders, a raised eyebrow and a slight exhalation through the lips – “oui, je suis cool”.

That’s all very well once it’s not all surface and no feeling, but Christophe, on the evidence of my visit, excels at what he does.

The menu is simple; soup of the day, quiche, three specials of the day (€9.50),  a cheese plate, salad plate, cold meat plate, goat’s cheese risotto, fish cake, lamb burrito, fish cake, smoked salmon salad and French omelette. And that’s it.

The specials were home-made burger, loin of bacon and, my choice, chicken supreme with bacon and mushroom sauce.

It arrived within minutes from the smiling waitress and it looked as good as the surroundings.

The chicken breast was moist in a light sauce, while the mushrooms and little pieces of bacon were delicious. It was served with boiled white rice and a salad of tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, cucumber, beetroot and egg.

The whole dish was excellent and the cappuccino that followed emulated it.

For €12, it was up there with the best since starting the column.

4/5

Click on ad below for great offers

Total Cleaning Supplies 1x

 

 

 

Entertainment

Photos: Tralee Teens Watch US Troupe Belt Out Broadway Classics

 

rsz_roast_house_3

Click on above ad to for more

THERE was a good crowd of youngsters at Siamsa Tire on Friday afternoon to watch American teenagers perform well known songs from Broadway musicals.

The internationally-recognized, Morningstar Performance Troupe for Youth are on a goodwill concert tour throughout Ireland and stopped off in Tralee for a lunchtime performance and cultural exchange with musical theatre students from Kerry.

The Sacramento, California-based group performed its signature program “Broadway USA” which included high-energy song and dance routines from Broadway musicals, including performances of Newsies, Chicago, Oklahoma, South Pacific, All Shook Up, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, and Wicked.

Friendship Ambassador Foundation in New York initially contacted Bryan Carr who facilitated the event with the help of Siamsa Tire.

Groups from Morningstar have performed around the world since 1979 with Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc. including to Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, England, Taiwan, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and many others.

Click on ad below for more

rockalilly 700

At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth, show in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Tara Collins, Elanah Norgrove, Sarah Cleary, Dion Bauschlither. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth, show in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Tara Collins, Elanah Norgrove, Sarah Cleary, Dion Bauschlither. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth, show in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Grainne Earley, Bernadette Earley, Ursula Earley, Maria Shtieh. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth, show in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Grainne Earley, Bernadette Earley, Ursula Earley, Maria Shtieh. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth show, in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Leah Costello, Melanie Hegerty, Isabella Flamini. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth show, in Siamsa Tire were, from left: Leah Costello, Melanie Hegerty, Isabella Flamini. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth, show in Siamsa Tire were, back from left: Shannon Hennessy, Isabella Flamini, Ursula Earley, Kelly Pierce, Danielle Pierce, Kaley Moriarty, Michaela McCarthy, Front: Evan Murphy. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
At the Morning Star Performance Troupe for Youth, show in Siamsa Tire were, back from left: Shannon Hennessy, Isabella Flamini, Ursula Earley, Kelly Pierce, Danielle Pierce, Kaley Moriarty, Michaela McCarthy, Front: Evan Murphy. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.

 

Entertainment, WHAT'S ON

At The Omniplex: ’22 Jump Street’ Reviewed

Suits Select July

Click on above ad for more

22 Jump Street

By John Lyons

rsz_22-jump-street_2
Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in 22 Jump Street.

PREVIOUSLY on ‘21 Jump Street’…

Jonah Hill & Co. took an old tv series – which had, frankly, a quite silly premise to begin with – and adapted it into one of the best buddy cop comedies that we’ve seen in years.

The movie was a surprise hit with both audiences and critics alike. Now Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are back, reprising their roles as undercover police officers Jenko and Schmidt, and they’re attempting to capture lightning in a bottle the second time around…or at least, that’s what you’d think.

Jonah Hill has said that when he was first asked to be a part of the Jump Street reboot, he thought it was a stupid idea. But he soon began to wonder. Everyone’s expectations of this would-be-film were so low, what if they actually made a really great comedy?

To their credit, Hill and his team succeeded with flying colours.

It was that kind of ambition and determination that made the first one so great. The surprise success of the first film is even hinted at in this one, when Captain Hardy (played by Nick Offerman) says: “Nobody cared about the Jump Street reboot, but you got lucky. Now this department has invested a lot of money to make sure that Jump Street keeps going.”

But this time around, that same amount of ambition that made the first film so enjoyable is nowhere to be seen.

A point that’s made frequently throughout the film is that the plot is just a re-hash of the plot of the first film. A line that’s often repeated is: “It’s the same case, do the same thing.” The film has a lot of ‘meta-humor’ like this, the main joke being that nothing’s as good the second time around.

Continuing from the set-up at the end of the last film, Jenko and Schmidt are going undercover in a college to find out who’s supplying students with a drug known as ‘WHYPHY’. Just like the first Jump Street, there’s a romantic interest, car chases, and a falling out between the two lead characters.

Hill and Tatum have effortlessly maintained their impeccable on-screen chemistry. There’s great performances all-around from the supporting cast. And the soundtrack for the film fits perfectly.

There’s plenty of laughs to keep us entertained for the entire film, and whilst I liked the film, I’m disappointed that the filmmakers have blatantly accepted the fact that most sequels aren’t as good as the original. They just make jokes about it instead of trying to break the mold and prove that theory wrong.

While it is a good sequel – and certainly better than most sequels – ‘22 Jump Street’ is a movie that firmly believes that sequels are almost always inferior to the original. Unfortunately, it proves its point.

7/10

• 22 Jump Street is currently playing in Tralee Omniplex click here for times

Entertainment, News

Gary Makes It To The Electric Picnic Thanks To You!

 

rockalilly 700

Click above ad for more

Gary Keane
Gary Keane

A TRALEE man has won the chance to play this year’s Electric Picnic and it’s all thanks to you.

Gary Keane, aka, Like A Fire, entered the 2FM ‘Play the Picnic’ competition with hundreds of other artists to try to earn a place on the Oxjam stage during the Festival which takes place from August 29-31.

He had made the shortlist of 30 and on Friday afternoon it was announced on the website that he had made the winning 10. The public accounted for 50 percent of the vote with the other 50 coming from judges.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” Gary told TraleeToday.ie on Friday afternoon. “I found out when a friend of mine sent me a message on Facebook congratulating me. I just want to thank everyone, including yourselves at TraleeToday.ie, for all the help in getting me there. All my friends, Facebook groups and websites like yourself gave it a great push. It’s amazing what can be done when people pull together,” he said.

Gary faces a further competition now to play the Cosby Stage which is one of the main stages at Electric Picnic. He is to travel to RTE to record the song he submitted for the competition and a public vote will decide if he makes the Cosby show.

Gary is recording under his own name at the moment but he will unveil a new band at the Electric Picnic called ‘White Boys’.

We’ll keep you posted on his progress.

Click on ad below for more

Blasket ad 4

Entertainment

Former Rose Of Tralee Lands Role In Hollywood Blockbuster

Total Cleaning Supplies 1x

Click on above ad for great offers

Tara Talbot
Rose of Tralee 2011, Tara Talbot, is to star in a $100m Hollywood blockbuster.

A FORMER Rose of Tralee is to star with Kylie Minogue and Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, in a Hollywood blockbuster action movie.

Tara Talbot, who won the Rose title in 2011, has landed a role a new action film called ‘San Andreas’ which has a $100m budget and is being filmed in her hometown of Brisbane and on the Australian Gold Coast.

She has been working as a model with the Andrea Roche Agency and has already filmed scenes for the movie which also stars Paul Giamatti of ‘Sideways’ fame.

Tara plays a college student in the disaster movie but has yet to meet The Rock or Kylie. She is also currently filming a TV commercial and is hoping the movie role will lead to further acting and TV work.

She hasn’t forgotten Ireland though, as Tara is set to return to these shores to marry her Irish fiance in Meath next June.

Entertainment, News

Photos: Ballyheigue Turns On The Style For Festival Fashion Show

 

CH Opticians 600x400

Click on above ad to enlarge

OVER 400 style-conscious ladies and gents showed up at the Ballyheigue Community Centre on Wednesday night for the Festival Fashion Show and they even got to see the new Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council strutting his stuff on the catwalk.

“We had a fantastic night,” said Laura Dineen, Secretary of Ballyheigue Summer Festival. “It was a real community effort and we’d like to thank everybody who took part,” she said, adding all profits from the show and raffle were in aid of Jackie Crowe, a local woman who is suffering from cancer.

Continued below…

O'Neill's Pharmacy Ad - FullClick on ad for details of special July 11 event

Local people and the ladies from Orla Diffily’s Upfront Model Agency took to the stage modelling fashions from Carraig Donn, Friendex and Miss Captain (Claire Murphy), JJam headwear, Diva & Dudes, Nuala McCarthy Womenswear, Shaw’s Department Store, D3 Menswear Tralee, Rockalilly, So Elegant HeadPieces, Emer O Mahony Millinery, Aoife Hannon Millinery, Jasmine of Killarney & Tralee, Annburys Boutique, Pamela Scotts, DV8, Ryles Menswear and Michael Guineys. Hair was sponsored by Colette’s Salon and make up by Doon Beauty.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, John Brassil, displayed his confident modelling skills in front of a cheering home crowd while TraleeToday.ie fashion columnist, Orlagh Winters, dished out advice on what to wear to the races this season.

The Ballyheigue’s Next Top Stylist Award went to Declan Crowe while Ray Stack of Ray Stack Productions proved to be an entertaining host on the night.

There were two Best Dressed Lady prizes on the night with the Rockalilly Boutique prize going to Aine Wall from Derrymore.

Jasmine Boutique also sponsored a Best Dressed prize which went to Kay O’Halloran  with runners-up Kitty Lucid and Ann Marie Dineen.

Scroll down for 21 photos from the night… 

rockalilly 700

 Click on ad for more

Jackie O'Carroll, Karen Leahy and Grace Leahy, Causeway, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jackie O’Carroll, Karen Leahy and Grace Leahy, Causeway, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Linda Murphy (left) of Rockalilly Boutique, Abbeycourt, Tralee, presenting the Best Dressed Lady award of a €50 voucher for the boutique to Aine Wall of Derrymore, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Linda Murphy (left) of Rockalilly Boutique, Abbeycourt, Tralee, presenting the Best Dressed Lady award of a €50 voucher for the boutique to Aine Wall of Derrymore, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Brassil, wearing men's fashions from Ryle Menswear at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Brassil, wearing men’s fashions from Ryle Menswear at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Megan Sheehy, Chleona Hussey and Annie Galwey, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Megan Sheehy, Chleona Hussey and Annie Galwey, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Amy Duggan, Ballyheigue and Emma Barrett, Causeway, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Amy Duggan, Ballyheigue and Emma Barrett, Causeway, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Upfront model Dawn O'Sullivan, Ballyheigue Fashion Show organiser Laura Dineen and model Kinga Grunau before the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Upfront model Dawn O’Sullivan, Secretary of the Ballyheigue Summer Festival Laura Dineen and model Kinga Grunau before the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Elaine Lawlor, Ballyheigue and Catriona Ashe, Ardfert, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Elaine Lawlor, Ballyheigue and Catriona Ashe, Ardfert, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Breda Ryan and Aine Crowe, Kilmoyley, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Breda Ryan and Aine Crowe, Kilmoyley, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cecelia Casey, Norma Dunne and Mary Dunne, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cecelia Casey, Norma Dunne and Mary Dunne, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Breda O'Connor, Castleisland Mary Brick and Margaret Brick, Kilmoyley, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Breda O’Connor, Castleisland Mary Brick and Margaret Brick, Kilmoyley, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aine Wall, Derrymore, Rachel Walsh, Tralee and Mags O'Halloran, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aine Wall, Derrymore, Rachel Walsh, Tralee and Mags O’Halloran, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Bernie Moore, Tralee and Siobhan Diggins, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Bernie Moore, Tralee and Siobhan Diggins, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Patricia O'Grady, Ballyduff and Kay O'Halloran, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Patricia O’Grady, Ballyduff and Kay O’Halloran, Ballyheigue, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
David O'Carroll, Ballyheigue, Lorraine O'Hanlon and Regina O'Hanlon, Listowel, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
David O’Carroll, Ballyheigue, Lorraine O’Hanlon and Regina O’Hanlon, Listowel, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mary O'Halloran from Ballyheigue and model Kinga Grunau wearing fashions from Jasmine Boutique Tralee and Killarney, before the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mary O’Halloran from Ballyheigue and model Kinga Grunau wearing fashions from Jasmine Boutique Tralee and Killarney, before the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A local model wearing a dress from Rockalilly Boutique at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A local model wearing a dress from Rockalilly Boutique at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Young models strutting down the catwalk at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Young models strutting down the catwalk at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fashionable young models at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fashionable young models at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A local model wearing a dress from Rockalilly Boutique on the catwalk, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
A local model wearing a dress from Rockalilly Boutique on the catwalk, at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Brassil, wearing men's fashions from Ryle Menswear at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr John Brassil, wearing men’s fashions from Ryle Menswear at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Local models wearing a fashions from Rockalilly Boutique at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Local models wearing a fashions from Rockalilly Boutique at the Ballyheigue Fashion Show in the Community Centre on Wednesday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

 

Entertainment

US Troupe To Perform Broadway Favourites At Siamsa

Credit Union 600x400

Click on above ad to enter a great competition

A TROUPE of American teenagers will perform well known songs from Broadway musicials this Friday lunchtime in Siamsa Tire.

The internationally-recognized, Morningstar Performance Troupe for Youth are on a goodwill concert tour throughout Ireland and will be stopping off in Tralee for a lunchtime performance and cultural exchange with musical theatre students from Kerry.

The Sacramento, California-based group will perform its signature program “Broadway USA” which  includes high-energy song and dance routines from Broadway musicals, including performances of Newsies, Chicago, Oklahoma, South Pacific, All Shook Up, Hairspray, Rock of Ages, and Wicked.

Friendship Ambassador Foundation in New York initially contacted Bryan Carr who facilitated the event with the help of Siamsa Tire.

“As well as my own Stage School students we are inviting students from Oliver Hurley, Tim Landers, Geraldine O’Connor, Ann Flood along with Kerry School of Music students to attend the performance and the cultural exchange event immediately after the performance whereby young Musical Theatre and Glee teenagers from Kerry can sit and chat and exchange views with like-minded teenagers from California over Pizza and all for just €5,” said Bryan.

“No booking is necessary; just pay your €5 at the Box Office before the 1pm show in Siamsa next Friday and Musical Theatre students from all over Kerry will be guaranteed three hours of entertainment and cultural exchange fun with this fantastic USA company,” said Bryan.

Led by artistic director Ms. Kieri Coombs, the troupe was founded in 1979 by Mrs. Annette Hull and Mrs. Dagny Merrill as part of a school for performing arts in Los Altos, California.

Groups from Morningstar have performed around the world since 1979 with Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, Inc. including to Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, England, Taiwan, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, and many others.

rsz_ireland_happy_group
The Morningstar Troupe from California will be performing Broadway musical favourites in Siamsa this Friday lunchtime.

 

Entertainment

Don O’Neill To Showcase Fall/Winter Collection At Rose Fashion Show

Credit Union 600x400

Click on above ad to enter a great competition

rsz_fashion_show_don_o¹neill_14 (1)
Producer of the Rose of Tralee Fashion Show, Celia Holman Lee, with renowned Kerry fashion designer, Don O’Neill, looking forward to the event on August 17. Photo by Domnick Walsh

NEW York fashion designer, Don O’Neill will showcase Red Carpet gowns from THEIA’s Fall/Winter 2014 collection at the 2014 Rose of Tralee Autumn Winter Fashion Show.

The Kerry-native will be among a star-studded line-up of designers and boutiques in the Festival Dome on Sunday, August 17.

This year’s event, presented in association with The Kerryman newspaper, and produced by Celia Holman Lee, will be the style highlight of the year.

“The Rose of Tralee International Autumn/Winter Fashion Showcase will provide an opportunity for 1600 people to view the first of the Autumn/Winter Collections from over 40 designers and boutiques including The Design Centre, Dublin, Synan O’Mahony Designer and Don O’Neill Creative Director of Theia, New York,” said Celia Holman Lee.

Another key aspect of the annual show will be the exciting Rose of Tralee Fashion Designer Awards 2014.

This is an awards ceremony to salute all the Irish design talent that is emerging in Ireland at the moment. Renowned designer Aideen Bodkin one of Ireland’s most successful designers will be on hand as Head Judge for this award.

“Fashion in Ireland is going from strength to strength as Irish women continue to refine and cultivate their ‘look’ while still experimenting and having fun with fashion,” said Don O’Neill, who will take part in his third successive fashion show.

“Local established designers as well as the crop of up and coming designers are providing unique and original clothes that are fashion forward and exciting. With so many weddings, race meetings, fashion luncheons, fundraisers and awards shows,” he said.

Don O’Neill has just completed his Resort 2015 Collection which was favourably reviewed by Women’s Wear Daily and well received by the buyers. Four actresses wore THEIA on the TONY AWARDS Red Carpet, Cassadee Pope (winner of Season 3’s The Voice USA) wore THEIA on the Red Rarpet at the CMT Awards and American rock star Melissa Etheridge’s wife Linda Wallem wore THEIA at their star studded wedding in California.

The Festival Dome is the ideal venue to stage an event of this magnitude for fashionistas who will travel from all over Munster to see style, elegance and sophistication on the longest catwalk in Ireland.

One lucky person in the audience will leave the venue on the night as the Best Dressed Lady with a prize valued at €1,000 from The Loop at Dublin and Cork Airports.

CH The Mall Tralee will apply the make-up, the hair-styling for the event will be by Cathrionas Hair Salon, Castlegregory and the shoes will be by Perfect Pairs, Listowel.

The show will commence with a Wine Reception in the Pavilion Dome before the main event gets underway at 8pm.

Entertainment on the night will feature a powerful performance from local singing sensations, the Three Os.

Tickets are selling fast and they are available from www.roseoftralee.ie or the Festival Office, Denny Street, Tralee.

Entertainment, News

Tralee People Urged To Get Gary To The Picnic

rsz_roast_house_3

Click on the above ad for more

Gary Keane
Gary Keane

TRALEE musician Gary Keane is making a charge to play The Electric Picnic festival this summer and needs your votes to get him there!

Gary has been shortlisted on the 2FM website along with 30 other artists from around the country and now stands a chance of being one of ten to play the Oxjam stage at Electric Picnic. The ‘Play the Picnic’ competition is in its last day of voting and is being run by 2FM in partnership with Oxfam.

“Playing at a festival like Electric Picnic is every Irish musician’s dream. Opportunities like this are absolutely golden for independent artists like myself,” said Gary.

“If I get through to that final 10, I will also get to record my track at the 2FM studio’s in RTE! It really doesn’t get much bigger than that,” he added.

“It would mean so much to me coming from a town like Tralee, which can sometimes be a bit removed from ‘The Industry’. Voting closes at midnight tonight so every vote counts,”  said Gary.

“I would also like to thank all of the amazing people who have shown their support so far, it really means a lot to me,” he added.

If Gary gets there he will face a further competition to play the Cosby Stage which is one of the main stages at Electric Picnic.

You can vote for Gary on the 2FM website by clicking here.

 

 

Entertainment

Michal Wagner: Songs In The Key Of Life

Blasket ad 4

Click on above ad for more

rsz_michal_wagnerMichal “Wiggles” Wagner is the lead singer of Chapter 2, an acoustic cover band who has been carving out a living for themselves in Tralee pubs for the last two years. Michal and his bandmates all hail from the town of Edenderry, Co. Offaly. They moved to Tralee three years ago to go to college.

1. CKY – 96 Quite Bitter Beings

When I was growing up, I thought I was a little skater dude. So of course I played Tony Hawks Pro Skater 3, where I heard this song.  It basically introduced me to music in general – it was the first song that I took any real notice of.

2. Metallica – Motorbreath

This is the first song I heard off Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All – Ryan Hurst, the guitarist from Chapter 2, showed it to me on cassette when I first met him. I had never heard metal before and I was just like [raises fists and makes growling noise]. It was class.

3. The Offspring – Original Prankster

The first song I learned to play fully on guitar. Simple as.

 

4. Burn Halo – Here With Me

The only song that ever made me cry – and it’s not even a sad song. They were tears of joy, in a weird kinda way, it just made me cry.  If you listen to it, it wouldn’t make anyone cry – it was really weird.

5. Trivium – Pull Harder on the Strings

When I was getting into metal, the music channels Scuzz and Kerrang! were the only places you could listen to metal and discover new bands. This song would always come on Scuzz. It was super heavy – it was my first time listening to super heavy music and actually enjoyed it.

6. Limp Bizket – My Generation

This song got me through every set of punishment work I had to do in secondary school. I listened to it literally hundreds of times in the space of months and I just never got sick of it because I associated it with the negative feeling you got when writing punishment work.

7. Foy Vance – Janey

This tune really showed me that acoustic music can be large and ballsy – it doesn’t have to be quiet and reserved.

8. Ed Sheeran – You Need Me, I Don’t Need You

Ed opened my eyes to how rapping can be integrated into acoustic music and given a melody. Before this I only thought it really worked in hip hop and nu metal songs. The 11-minute version of in particular is mental.

• Interview by Oscar Brophy…Chapter 2 play in The Huddle Bar, Tralee every Friday and Saturday from 10 til late.

Entertainment, News

Fun Day In Prospect At Birthday Bash In Manor

Suits Select July
Click on above ad for more
suit_select
Agnes Stefiszyn, Manager in The Streat Cafe and Jason Poole of Suits Select look forward to the family fun day on Saturday, July 12. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE will be free family entertainment over in Manor Park, Manor West on Saturday, when Suits Select celebrates its one year anniversary at the premises.

In conjunction with The Streat Cafe next door, who are marking their third year anniversary, the two have come together to put on the ultimate family day out on Saturday, July 12.
They have a magician, face painting, two bouncy castles and a live band all starting from 12pm till 6pm. So if you are around Manor Park make sure you pop in and have a great time on them.
Suits Select is part of the Paraffin Group and has been in Tralee a year this month, and it has been greatly received by the people of Tralee and surrounding areas.
To celebrate their anniversary they have an offer for this month only; Suit, Shirt, Tie, Shoes and Belt for €175 with over 50 styles to choose from.
Blasket ad 4
DINING OUT, Entertainment

Out To Lunch: Crabbing About The Salad

 

rsz_roast_house_3

Click on above ad for more

Johnny Franks, Meadowlands Hotel,

Oakpark Road

Meadowlands HotelI HAVEN’T been to Meadowlands Hotel in a long time, again harking back to my old days in The Kerryman.

The lunches there were generally good and the place was always fairly packed – that’s quite an achievement considering the size of the bar.

But that was in the Celtic Tiger era and much has changed everywhere since then. I decided to take a trip up there to see how things had changed. I hit the place at a bad time as the lunch rush was definitely over – it was 2pm when I arrived – with just three tables taken in the whole bar.

I sat down and the friendly barman dropped over a menu with the specials. The dark wood interior hasn’t changed a bit and that’s not especially a bad thing in my opinion as it lends itself a cosy atmosphere if you’re in for bar food or to watch a match –  provided there’s a crowd around.

I surveyed the menu and the choice was excellent.

‘Slow cooked barbecue back ribs with homemade red coleslaw and fries €9.70’, ‘boiled loin of bacon and savoury cabbage with creamy parsley sauce €10.90’ and ‘pan fried fillet of hake with roasted red pepper and cherry tomato salsa €10.90’, all caught my eye, but I decided on the ‘Brandon Bay crab salad with chips €11.90’ as I’m a big fan of the oul crustaceans and I didn’t feel like a big lunch.

I certainly didn’t get one.

The dish came on a slate with four crab claws and two small mounds of crab meat, mixed in a mayonnaise dressing. The salad itself was lettuce, some sweet cucumber and bit of red onion, with marie rose sauce on the side.

I had an open crab sandwich a few months ago in Dingle and there was double everything that was on my plate here for under €11.

I couldn’t fault the crab claws and the meat was delicious too, but, even allowing for transportation costs and rates differences, there simply wasn’t enough on the plate for €12. The chips were grand and I washed it down with a good, large cappuccino (at a reasonable price too at €2.60) which took away the remaining hunger pangs.

The bill came to €14.50. Next time I’ll go for the bacon and cabbage feed.

3/5

Entertainment, News

‘A Lot Of Tralee People Are Going To Be Disappointed’ Says Ticketmaster Agent

Ticketmaster agent John McCarthy of B-Mobile with Eoin Burns, Fenit, who bought Garth Brooks tickets for the Tuesday night concert back in February. Photo by Gavin O'Connor
Ticketmaster agent John McCarthy of B-Mobile with Eoin Burns, Fenit, who bought Garth Brooks tickets for the Tuesday night concert back in February. Photo by Gavin O’Connor

ONE man who has seen the Garth Brooks fanaticism first hand in town is John McCarthy.

The Tralee man, who owns the B-Mobile shop in Dominick Street, is the only Ticketmaster agent in town and his shop was thronged with fans when the tickets went on sale months ago.

“It was absolutely crazy. You had hundreds of people queuing, some were camping two days before hand. We had the likes of Kanye West and Jay-Z but nothing compared to the demand for Garth Brooks,” he told TraleeToday.ie at the shop on Friday.

With the concerts now up in the air, he feels for the fans who are still in limbo.

“We’ve had people phoning, calling in, facebooking us…a lot of people were asking ‘can we get a refund?’ but at the moment it’s still not cancelled. The licence hasn’t been granted but they’re still trying to sort something out,” said John.

“There’s too many people involved with the GAA, the promoter, Dublin City Council, the Croke Park residents, Ticketmaster and even the Taoiseach throwing his spake in. It’s nuts. To be honest, five concerts was  a bit much but I thought they’d leave it off this time and make that situation a one-off  and they’d put something in writing to ensure it wouldn’t happen again,” he said.

“There are hundreds and hundreds of people we sold tickets to here in the shop, not to mind the people from town who bought them online. We had probably 500 or 600 people queuing outside the shop on both days we were selling the tickets, so those people are going to be very disappointed,” he said.

While we were there, Eoin Burns from Fenit called in. He bought two tickets for the Tuesday night as a present for his wife back in February.

“I got the tickets as a Valentine’s Day present for my wife but we hadn’t booked accommodation yet thankfully. The whole thing is a fiasco,” said Eoin.

A fiasco that still hasn’t been sorted out.

 

Entertainment

Tralee’s ‘Natural Born Killers’ Set For Hometown ‘Summerbrawl’

Suits_select_ad 2

Josh O'Sullivan and Jonathan Roche , aka 'NBK', from Tralee will be taking part in the Summerbrawl wrestling event in Horan's this August.
Josh O’Sullivan and Jonathan Roche , aka ‘NBK’, from Tralee will be taking part in the Summerbrawl wrestling event in Horan’s this August.

TWO Tralee wrestlers are hoping for a packed hometown crowd when they part in ‘Summerbrawl’ this August.

Josh O’Sullivan (26) from Ballyrickard and Jonathan Roche from Spa Road are better known in wrestling circles as ‘NBK’ (Natural Born Killers).

They are part of the Celtic Championship Wrestling show which will arrive in Horan’s Nightclub on this August 17 as part of its Irish Summer Tour. This will be the second annual Summerbrawl event and its very first time in Kerry.

But how did they get involved in wrestling?

“We used to watch it growing up on Sky and we loved it,” Josh told TraleeToday.ie.

“We wanted to get involved and looked for a school to train in but they were all in Dublin. Then we found the Celtic Pro Academy in Cork a year ago and we’ve been going up there since,” said Josh, who said NBK started taking part in public bouts back in November.

Is it tough preparing for the shows?

“Yeah, we train five days a week. You have to push yourself and look after your diet. We also have to make sure we don’t seriously injure ourselves or the opponents during the bouts,” he said.

The lads perform in shows in the south of the country and in Cork city but they’re really looking forward to the Tralee date.

“It’s going to be massive. Being in front of your family and friends shouting for you will really get the adrenalin going so we’re looking forward to it,” said Josh.

According to promoters, NBK are the future of tag team wrestling in CCW so the home crowd are in for a treat.

Promoters are promising the show will feature the best wrestling talent from all over Europe including CCW Heavyweight Champion JC Williams who has faced International stars such as Drew McIntyre (WWE)  and Marcus Louis (NXT) in the past.

Doors will open at 6.30pm, with bell-time at 7pm. There will be a full bar service available on the night.

Tickets (€12 adults €10 kids) are available at entertainment.ie and by clicking here.

Entertainment, News

Photos: Families Enjoy Day Out In Ballymac GAA Grounds

 

O'Neill's Pharmacy Ad - Full

Click on above ad for more on special event

HUNDREDS turned up at Ballymacelligott GAA grounds on Sunday for the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day.

“Ted O’Keeffe was a  former chairman and longtime worker for the club. He was a great supporter and inspiration to the club and parish,” said Club Secretary, Fionnán Fitzgerald.

“This day was instituted in his memory after his passing a number of years ago. The whole day is about self-giving, fun, enjoying  sport in a non-competitive way. Any money taken in today pays for the running of the day’s events,” said Fionnán.

There was a huge amount going on including face-painting, sumo wrestling and a tug-o-war with families enjoying a barbecue in the sunshine.

Scroll down for photos…

Jared Tritschler, Olivia O'Rahilly, Ann Marie, Simon and Ethan Tritschler at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jared Tritschler, Olivia O’Rahilly, Ann Marie, Simon and Ethan Tritschler at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Michelle, Ann and Maura Lynch with Willie Costello at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Michelle, Ann and Maura Lynch with Willie Costello at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The lads taking part in the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
The lads taking part in the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Veronica, Aisling and Darragh McMahon and Catriona, Patrick and Dara Leen enjoying the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Veronica, Aisling and Darragh McMahon and Catriona, Patrick and Dara Leen enjoying the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kieran, Flynn and Zelda Boyle at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Kieran, Flynn and Zelda Boyle at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mick and Cian Bolger, Lorna, Caoimhe and Kevin Leen and Karina and Aobha Bolger at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Mick and Cian Bolger, Lorna, Caoimhe and Kevin Leen and Karina and Aobha Bolger at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aidan Dunne, Tom Lonegan, Teresa Lonergan and Seamus Landers enjoying the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Aidan Dunne, Tom Lonegan, Teresa Lonergan and Seamus Landers enjoying the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Christina Murphy with nephew Jacob Shortt and Teddy Murphy at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Christina Murphy with nephew Jacob Shortt and Teddy Murphy at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
John, Ciara and Samantha Palmer at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
John, Ciara and Samantha Palmer at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sean Savage and Luke Silles at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sean Savage and Luke Silles at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tony and Amy Silles enjoying the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Tony and Amy Silles enjoying the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jim Leahy and Donal Rahilly enjoying the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jim Leahy and Donal Rahilly enjoying the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
At back; Kathleen O'Connor, Paudie O'Connor, Yvonne O'Connor and Damien O'Connor with, in front, Molly, Lucy and Tadhg O'Connor at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
At back; Kathleen O’Connor, Paudie O’Connor, Yvonne O’Connor and Damien O’Connor with, in front, Molly, Lucy and Tadhg O’Connor at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Pull! Participants in the men's tug-o-war at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Participants in the men’s tug-o-war at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Pull! Participants in the men's tug-o-war at the Ted O'Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Pull! Participants in the men’s tug-o-war at the Ted O’Keeffe Family Fun Day at Ballymacelligott GAA Grounds on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean