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Gavin James is known for his love of Whelan's, his stunning voice which produces banger after banger, and his ability to make friends with pretty much anyone.

The singer-songwriter, who has achieved massive chart success at home and abroad with tunes such as Always, Glow and Nervous, from his breakthrough album Bitter Pill back in 2015.

We sat down for a chat with the man himself, who is the new ambassador for the Cadbury Secret Santa campaign, to chat to him about his "f*cking hilarious" father, his home away from home and his favourite celebrities, among other (random) things.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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James has been known for his love and support for charities, especially Down's Syndrome Ireland, so it's not surprising that he's choosing a generous movement like Cadbury Secret Santa to represent this Christmas.

A Dairy Milk gift can be sent anywhere in Ireland for free, either anonymously or personalised, to someone you love. Frankly, that's adorable. After posting the very first Secret Santa gift of the campaign, Gavin speaks about what drew him to Cadbury.

"I have always loved the Secret Santa ritual; the excitement of sending a gift in secret and the anticipation of receiving a gift anonymously – it’s so much fun! My dad is also essentially Santa." After pointing his dad out to me, I had to agree. He was merry with a white beard.

The artist brings his family and friends with him to gigs any chance he gets: “Its good to be able to bring them away with me. Every time I have a gig in Ireland my entire family goes, I brought my dad to a photoshoot today, which is f*cking hilarious.”

Asking him about his early days of gigging in tiny pubs, and dedicated to his then-rock band, he describes why he transitioned into acoustic songwriting, despite still having an intense love for his electric guitar.

"I started off with my mates in Temple Bar, my hair was huge. I was also trying to sing high but I couldn’t sing falsetto when I was younger, I had a raspy voice back then and couldn’t pronounce the letter 's'.I never try to transition, genres just kind of come on their own, I think."

We're glad he found his niche, his musical talent started for him at a very young age, surrounded by musical talent within his own family. His latest album, Only Ticket Home, hit number one in Ireland and has already surpassed a million streams.

He describes his latest offering as a dedication to the art of "simplicity", with most of the songs only having four chords. 

"They're not trying to be smart. There was one song that didn’t make the album because I tried to record it and it just didn’t turn out right. It was the best song I’ve written in a long time, but it sounded too far away from the right sound of the album. I have it in my back pocket for next year though. I found loads of songs in the cloud, I was chuffed."

"There was like 40 but 33 of them were shit. I usually have 100 ideas but one works. The first idea is always the best song. It’s like a buffet, the first thing you look at is always what you want.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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James has toured with some absolutely huge names in music, among them are Ed Sheeran, Niall Horan, Sam Smith and Kodaline, to name a few. With all this talent around him, we have to ask which artists have impressed him the most.

"Bands like Vulfpeck are absolutely insane, they’re so good at playing stuff that I absolutely cannot understand. It’s insane, like Stevie Wonder-esque.”

“Foy Vance sang songs next to me, and his voice starts low and aggressively builds up and I don’t even know how he exists. He’s insane.”“When it comes to Secret Santa gifts, Gavin's already done his bit for fellow musicians… and their skin, apparently. "Sam Smith. I gave him aloe vera before, he loved that. He’s a really nice guy.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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We're sure Sam would say the same about Gavin, but is there anyone in the industry who he has been disillusioned by, who maybe brushed him off? It's a notoriously tough industry, which requires a thick skin for survival. IT seems James has a level-headed approach to the whole 'fame' thing.

"There are people I don’t want to meet purely because it would ruin how I feel about them, people I totally idolise, sometimes they’re just not in the mood and you don't want to annoy them. Everybody I’ve ever met has been really friendly to me though, but if someone isn’t being nice to me, I’ll tell them. I don’t mind saying that to people. It’s easier to be nice."

"I couldn't meet Ryan Adams because I love him so much, and Bruce Springsteen. He’s meant to be the nicest man in the world. I’d love to meet him but I’d be bricking it. I’d probably just say “thank you, Bruce, for all of these songs.”

"When it comes to growing Irish talent, I love David Keenan. He’s class. His lyrics are amazing. He has a song called Laurence of Arcadia with lyrics like;

“You're looking at the last know bar stool prophet to retire early from the trade, I'm going fishing for pearls of wisdom. I'll be dancing through the pissing rain. You're welcome to join me you annoyance, for I find you quite amusing all the same." It's amazing."

Irish artists have repeatedly found success abroad, yet the UK and US markets are infamously hard to break into. Why have some Irish artists such as U2, The Script, Hozier and now Dermot Kennedy made it big over there, and some slip through the cracks?

“The UK is a tough market. It’s a weird one, like the Netherlands kicked off for me because they love a sad song, and I'm good at those. I brought out a Live at Whelans track, and was told it would reach top of the Dutch charts by Christmas. I didn't believe it, because it was a live recording. Then it went number one in the Netherlands, but no one would think of a live recording doing that.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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His second album, Only Ticket Home, is still distinctly within the style of his debut, and James makes sure that his roots can come across in his lyrics. When he's in Dublin, he loves chilling with his friends in the pub, living out a normal life despite his new-found fame.

Where are his favourite parts of Dublin, and if he had to move, where would he find himself?

“Whelan’s, but I spend most of my time in Temple Bar, even though it’s seven euros a pint.” *shivers*

"Where Doran’s used to be, my mate Robbie owns a little snug next to it, an Irish pub. I always go there because it seems like a little secret spot where I’d just have a pint with my mates.”

“I’ve never been to Coppers. I tried to get in years ago, I think they were closing up. They must have a quota of guys named Gavin or gingers, so I couldn’t get in.” (Can you BELIEVE this Dubliner hasn't stepped foot in the notorious nightclub? We are shook)

“I went on one night out to Nashville to see Ron Pope, and ended up staying there a week.”

“I’d definitely move to Nashville. Very random, it’s musical but it reminds me of Dublin in a lot of ways. I have a lot of friends there, I made a lot of friends there very quickly. It’s cheap too, it’s not f*cking mad, it’s not like Los Angeles. I’m not into L.A. How the hell do people get around there?”

Sounds like this lad has his head screwed on right, that's for sure.

We got two hugs out of him and a Cadbury Secret Santa letter, so we are officially his number one fans.

Only Ticket Home is out now, grab your tickets to see him live in 2019 here.

Don't forget to become a Cadbury Secret Santa and give a little something extra this Christmas- visit www.cadbury.ie/secretsanta and follow all the action on the Cadbury Ireland Facebook and Twitter pages.

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While many of us are busy saving the pennies for a flight to Thailand, or packing our bags for another city break, we often turn a blind eye to the amazing holiday destination dotted around this little island of ours. 

Sure, a drive to Tramore might induce a deep-rooted flashback from that one family trip when it lashed rain for six days straight and you and your brother vowed to never speak to each other again, but hey, it's time to forget about the past and make some new memories. 

First stop – Lahinch. 

Located on the northwest coast of Clare, the small seaside town has made a name for itself as one of Ireland's top tourist destinations – and here's why. . 

1. It's a surfer's paradise 

OK, so it's not exactly Bondi Beach, but ask any water-sports type and they'll tell you that the waves off the Clare coast are some of the best in the world.

Whether you're a seasoned surfer, or a complete beginner, there are a plenty of instructors offering lessons and board rental for reasonable prices. 

But don't worry if surfing isn't your thing, there are plenty of other ways to experience the Atlantic coast, like kayaking and guided beach tours. 

2. It's full of mouth-watering restaurants 

While the seaside town is packed of restaurants and cafés offering delectable dishes, there happens to be one particular eatery that's close to our hearts.  

Serving a mix of foods from around the world, Randaddy's on Lahinch Beach Front is a firm favourite with local and tourists alike. 

The owner, Randy is Canadian and travels the world learning different food styles to bring them back to the restaurant – and with that kind of dedicated, it's no wonder the food is so bloody delicious! 

 
 

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3. The landscape is simply stunning 

Load you mates into the Micra, stick on your ultimate 90s playlist, and take a drive along the Atlantic coast. 

Soak in the breath-taking ocean views, make your geography teacher proud with a trip to the Burren, or spend an afternoon exploring  the Cliffs of Moher.

Whatever way you choose to spend the day, you can be sure you'll be doing it in some of the most beautiful surroundings the country has to offer. 

 

When the waves curl over and dissolve into foam..

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4. It's pretty much the mecca of trad sessions 

While you may not qualify as a tourist per se, there's no reason why you can't immerse yourself in the local culture. 

There's nothing like a bit of a sing-song to ignite a bit of national pride, and with regular sessions taking place all year round, you'll be surprised at how few drinks it takes you start belting out the chorus of The Auld Triangle. 

Check out Danny Mac's where the bodhráns are banging every Thursday and Sunday night from 9:30pm. 

 

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5. It's got some of the country's most breath-taking walking trails 

OK, hear us out – you're not going on a relaxing weekend away to walk the legs off yourself, but maybe this will will change your mind. 

Starting in Lahinch, walkers can embark on a coastal trail along a dismantled railway line, leading all the way to Kilrush. 

The entire thing is about 45 km long – and while we'd like to think we'd be well able, we've got to think realistically. 

Instead, we recommend talking the same trail to Spanish Point – a breezy (and far more achievable) 13 km. 

 

A post shared by  Niamh Garvey (@niamhgarveyx) on

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If this isn't a wake up call to the Irish government, we don't know what will be.

But Ireland's capital city has now earned the depressing title of being the hardest place to find affordable accommodation in the WORLD.

In the survey, we even beat notorious cities for terribly over-priced housing, such as Paris and London. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The research was conducted by InterNationsm who asked 18,000 respondents to rank cities around the globe in a number of areas.

It was in their 'finance and housing' section that Dublin was crowned the worst.

In the Expat City Ranking 2018,  our captial city secure 72nd position out of 72 major cities.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Furthermore, nine out of 10 foreign workers feel that the city's local housing is not affordable.

But it wasn't just forking out for housing that the participates were unhappy about – but the high cost of living in Dublin.

70 percent of expats said it was an issue.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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It isn't all doom and gloom, despite their bank accounts screaming – they found a warm welcome and job opportunities here.

Eight in 10 people said that local friendlinesses was ripe in the city and they felt welcomed into their new home.

Considering this and all of the other sub-sections, it led us to a ranking of 66th position in the overall table.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The company’s CEO Malte Zeeck explained our less than perfect performance, saying: “Expats in Dublin are less than satisfied with life in the city, putting the Irish capital in the bottom 10 of the Expat City Ranking."

"The result is mainly due to the city’s poor performance regarding the quality of urban living, as well as finance & housing." – That's no surprise since half of us can't even afford to move out of the family gaff.

“Once again, Dublin performs well in terms of local friendliness, with 78 per cent of expats rating the general friendliness of the city’s residents favourably, whilst just 62 per cent say the same globally," he added.

"This is especially noteworthy when we look at Dublin's UK counterpart, London, where barely half the residents, just 53 per cent, consider the local residents to be friendly.” – BOOM, well done Dublin!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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If you're sick of Dublin's crappy housing – Taipei was ranked the number one best city, Singapore came in second and Manama was third.

So you never know, 2019 could be your year to relocate. 

 

Feature Image Credit: Geronimo Roa/geroxila126/Instagram

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St John of God Research Study Day are currently presenting findings from their studies, which show a rapid increase of people presenting with gender dysphoria.

Today is the 28th Annual St John of God Research Study day, and features researchers and academics from the medical field displaying the results of their analysis.

Consultant Endocrinologist at St. Columcille's Hospital Loughlinstown, Professor Donal O'Shea, has stated from his own exploration in the field that 210 people presented with the condition last year, increasing from 10 in 2007.

This represents a 2100% increase over the entire decade. Dr. Paul Moran, Consultant Psychiatrist at St John of God Community Services, has joined Professor O’Shea to discuss the imperative needs of transgender people.

This vital talk comes just ahead of the launch of the National Gender Service, which hopes to make a difference in the difficulties which numerous members of the transgender community face daily.

According to Professor O’Shea:

“We see the most positive outcomes for patients experiencing gender dysphoria when a holistic and better paced transition journey is taken, with family support. I have observed patients who transitioned hastily, ultimately regretting the decision after irreversible treatment has taken place."

"The new national gender service has been established to address the rising prevalence of gender dysphoria and to ensure that those individuals who require this service receive the best possible holistic care."

St John of God Research Foundation Study are aiming to further examine the theme of 'an evidence based path to service provision; as well as interim results on the gap in mental health care for teenagers and young adults.

Another disturbing fact raised today stated that 50% of the general population who are experiencing mental illness are not being referred for child and adolescent mental health services after the age of 18.

The adult mental health services could intervene at this crucial time in the lives of those experiencing mental illness such as suicidal ideation, eating disorders, depression and ADHD.

The St John of God Research Foundation is presently being funded by the European Commission, and the landmark MILESTONE study is being conducted across 8 European counties, Ireland included.

Professor Fiona McNicholas, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at St John of God Hospitaller Services and Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin is leading the Irish research on the MILESTONE study. She stated that:

“Mental health disorders are established early in childhood and for many persist into adulthood. The interim results of the MILESTONE study highlight that by not transitioning adolescents with established mental illness to an appropriate mental health service, we are leaving vulnerable teenagers without the support and medical care required."

"Without treatment, progress and recovery is hampered. Many will present only at times of crisis to emergency services, such as following suicide attempts or self-harm."

"They are prevented from receiving appropriate treatment that would help them live healthier lives, instead the huge percentage of young people not transitioning are more likely to be marginalised and experience homelessness, drug abuse and unemployment.”

Ireland's failure to effectively transition it's youth is not unusual for Europe. Broad European findings of the MILESTONE study which are being presented by Dr Helena Toumainen, from the University of Warwick supports this argument. 

Vanessa Lacey from the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) will be speaking today regarding loss from a transgender family's perspective.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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For more information. please visit the St. John of God website.

Other support services include the national LGBT helpline, BeLonGTo, and advice for parents and a guide for terminology.

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If you've ever had the pleasure of sitting around a table with a few generations of your family, you may have noted the different pronunciation of words.

They can vary depending on where you come from in Ireland, but I do enjoy my nana's Longford take on 'cooker' and 'book.'

However, the correct pronunciation of words can cause some serious family conflict – and we have a few more words to add to the list to spice up the next family get-together.

That is according to new research conducted by Huawei, as they have uncovered words that as a nation we constantly get wrong.

Don't look so smug though as you are probably one of the people mispronouncing them.

Sadhbh took the top spot for the most regularly mispronounced names in Ireland – get your tongue around that one.

In fact, 25 percent of survey respondents confessed to butchering the name.

Caoimhe, Muireann, Tadgh and Blaithnaid closely followed behind as names we politely murder with our feeble attempts – sorry.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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We all know that pretentious pr*ck chowing down on the trendiest international cuisine and we get corrected immediately on the right way to pronounce it.

Acai bowls are the perfect example of this, they made their debut in Ireland a few years ago.

Thanks to YouTubers, we as a nation struggled and continue to do so, to get our mouths around how on earth we say it right – don't feel bad though, there's Youtube videos dedicated to its pronunciation. 

Huawei's research showed that Acai, Worcestershire and Quinoa were the most mispronounced foods in Ireland – so get ready for the family fights.

However, in light of collecting the data – they set the record straight for a pronunciation close to their own heart.

They finally settled how we should be saying Huawei – and FYI it's "wah-way"

Sure, as long as you say any of the words with an unjustified sense of confidence – you'll be grand.

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Not many of our peers can say that we have read the full Irish Constitution, and yet it’s the most important political document in a country’s legislature.

Following the removal of the article regarding blasphemy, and of course the 8th Amendment, it’s time to turn back to the Irish Constitution, and examine what is left to be done to bring this document straight into the 21st century.

To start, the sexism, elitism and reductionist standards are alien to modern life, and the Irish people deserve a legal document which accurately represents all of its citizens.

In case we have forgotten from secondary school political history classes, Bunreacht na hÉireann was drafted way back in 1937, by the hugely conservative Éamon de Valera, who perfectly represented the conservative Catholic Church-state environment of the era.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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By writing a new Constitution, de Valera embarked upon a very risky political strategy considering Irish political life at the time was hugely volatile. It replaced the Irish Free State Constitution of 1922, and therefore erased Article 3 which guaranteed “discrimination without distinction of sex.”

He revitalised his dream of Catholic women serving good, Catholic men in the home. Religious leaders also had a far-too-big input into the Constitution, including men who are now recognised as protecting child abusers.

Now, of course the entire religious community of Ireland weren't involved in abuse scandals, but it's important to note that a large group of them were, and were protected for years to the detriment of abuse survivors.

The Constitution has caused many a controversy, among them is the X case, where a young woman who was raped was denied the right to travel to the UK for an abortion. This was changed officially in 1992, as the 14th Amendment.

The right to divorce was only ratified in the mid-1990s, and even then partners had to be officially separated for four years. An annulment was next to impossible to get, even for those who were stuck in situations of abuse.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The protection for the life of the unborn still causes turbulence, seeing as it dramatically impedes female healthcare even outside of reproduction.

The legislation repealing the 8th has yet to come into practice, and is showing no sign of entering the healthcare system anytime soon despite it's valuable victory which took in 66 per cent of votes.

The right for members of the LGBQ+ community to marry was only passed in 2015. You cannot run for President until you turn 35, which would have ruled out some of Ireland’s major political candidates in the 1930s.

As recently as 2015, a shocking 73.1 per cent of the population voted against reducing the age to 21. Irish law appears to believe that age brings wisdom, rather than actual experience.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Many members of Irish society struggle with the union of the Catholic religion with the Constitution. It’s completely saturated with it. The opening lines to this day read:

“In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to Whom, as our final end, all actions both of men and States must be referred, We, the people of Éire, Humbly acknowledging all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ.”

The oath sworn by the President of Ireland is “under almighty God.”

Article 44 on religion enshrines freedom of worship, but also notes that “The State acknowledges that the homage of public worship is due to Almighty God. It shall hold His Name in reverence, and shall respect and honour religion.”

So there’s not much room for expansion there, to say the least.

I mean, seriously? Four million inhabitants on the island, and the Constitution fails to separate Church and State, fails to acknowledge that there is another religion besides Catholicism, and other nuanced beliefs and practices.

Ireland is a diverse place, an Emerald Isle of nationalities and cultures, yet this piece of paper essentially only benefits elite, Catholic men in upper class positions. Like Éamon De Valera. Who had ZERO LAW EXPERIENCE.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Éamon De Valera cast a shadow over Irish women when he drafted it by ignoring pleas from Irish women’s councils to aid in writing the charter.

One of the most intensely problematic, not to mention out-dated articles is 41.2 the infamous ‘women’s place in the home’ section of the Constitution. By now there are zero doubts as to the sexism surrounding the enshrined words.

It reads as follows:

“In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.

The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home.”

This essentially claims that women are needed to carry out their housework duties and care for children so that the real work (by men) can be carried out elsewhere, i.e. running the damn country. The duties of the home are elevated far above labour outside of domesticity.

Image: Oireachtas

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan says that the issue of Article 41.2 is primarily one of gender equality, and it’s next to impossible to disagree with him. The article limits the role of women entirely, and completely rejects the notion of men as carers and fathers, which is also unfair.

Men must take responsibility as carers of those who are vulnerable in society, not simply children. The elderly, disabled people, sick relatives and friends are all part of this category, which places most of the burden on women alone for their seemingly ‘nurturing qualities’.

The contention surrounding the article is whether or not to replace it with an alternative, or just delete it altogether. We’re thinking… DELETE.

The emotional and difficult referendum on the 8th amendment has had a clear impact on Irish society, especially on Irish women, who have recognised the inequality which still plagues our country, such as sexual assault and violence, discrimination and unequal pay.

The Constitution Bill (38th Amendment) must make its way through both houses of the Oireachtas before the Irish people can have their say on Article 41.2 via a referendum.

Independent TD Clare Daly said in response to Charlie Flanagan that she “feels like laughing, to think that you see yourself as a champion of gender equality given some of the decisions of your government.”

Image: Oireachtas

Another Independent representative Mick Wallace added his own negative comments to the pile:

“I find it interesting that you speak of gender equality in the workplace when the greatest barrier to that equality is the cost of childcare and your government has done bugger all about it.”

Ireland has the second highest-price of childcare in the OECD, meaning that it is still mostly women who struggle to return to work following pregnancy as the costs of childcare make the situation impossible.

Orla O’Connor, acting Director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, later added that Article 41.2 “has not supported the home and family, and in our opinion has diminished the position of women” in Irish society.

Dr Laura Cahillane of the University of Limerick’s school of law described the Article as “an embarrassment”, as well as “effectively useless in law”.

A Constitution is meant to embody the moral and legal aspirations of an entire country and it’s individual citizens, we shouldn’t forget this. Women have the most to gain from changes to the Constitution.

All of the civic service committee members which Éamon de Valera employed in order to help him draft the document were men.

Archbishop of Dublin John Charles McQuaid as well as the head of the Supreme Court were two major influences, both male. Only three women were TDs during this time, and none of them said a word during the Dáil debate on the matter.

Essentially, we aren’t part of this document, and this document isn’t part of us. We make up half of this population, and yet not a single word of the parchment portrays the female experience.

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It seems like the Supervet, Noel Fitzpatrick never stops being an absolute legend.

Cruising through Ireland's capital yesterday, he spotted a swan flappin' around in a spot of bother.

Like a hero, he hopped out a taxi which was bringing him to an interview and came to the animal's aid.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The swan was in a dangerous situation as it was in the middle of a busy road.

The vet was on his way to promote his new book on a popular radio programme when the swan landed in front of the taxi he was travelling in.

He recalled the incident to an Irish radio host and said that trucks and a motorbike had to swerve out of the way of the bird.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Noel didn't think twice about getting out of the taxi and chasing down the swan to get it out of danger – Gwan, Noel!

Like a true gent, the video shows Noel had taken off his jacket and wrapped it securely around the swan, so he could carry it safely to the canal to be released.

Explaining the incident on Instagram, he said: "On route to the next interview in Dublin this afternoon and we came across this poor confused fella who was stuck in the middle of the main road with cars all around." 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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"Having experienced many Swan rescues down the years I knew I could help… So I jumped out the cab, stopped the traffic and gently coaxed the swan out of harms way into a nearby garden," he added.

"Using my jacket I wrapped him up and held his body and neck securely as I carried him back home towards the canal. Happy and safe at home."

It's official, Noel is our all-time fave vet.

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Met Éireann has given us some chilly news today: cold and frosty winds could pair with low temperatures to give us a bitterly frosty Bank Holiday Weekend.

Forecasters are now saying that this arctic weather could go on until the end of the month, so prepare yourself for an emotional goodbye to the recent warm tropical spells.

Daytime figures look like it will be a struggle to stay above zero, while the nights will see temperatures drop to minus two at least.

The big chill is predicted to arrive on Thursday night, with Met Eireann claming that "The cold and bright weather continues through the weekend with daytime temps of 7 to 9 degrees; the nights will be frosty with temperatures falling to between -2 to +2 degrees.

Met Eireann also added that temperatures for the long October Bank Holiday weekend will be “below average” and that we might get pelted with hail showers throughout.

"Early indications suggest it will be cold and windy over the weekend with a mix of sunny spells and showers, some of the showers will be heavy with the risk of hail and thunder. Daytime maximum temperatures will be in the high single figures and with the risk of frost at night, especially on Sunday night."

This is going to be a shock to the system, to say the least.

The chances of an early Halloween bonfire are looking fairly slim, put away those fireworks lads.

cold bill murray GIF

Our advice is to arm yourself with some hot water bottles, fluffy socks and a onesie.

Winter is coming, people. Even Jon Snow is wrapping himself up, burrito-style.

 

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Emma Mhic Mhathúna’s funeral mass took place at Séipéal na Carraige, Baile na nGall yesterday. The family of the late mum honoured her following the service in the most emotional tribute.

Emma’s uncle John Moran delivered a moving speech outside the Kerry church. He spoke on behalf of Emma’s family to the media.

“The people of Ireland have really taken Emma into their hearts and all we want to say is thank you.”

“We loved her. We will miss her,” he continued.

“She was 37. She was the mother of five children. She did everything right.”

John stressed that Emma will forever be remembered in the most positive way. There’s no doubt the country will ever forget her witty sense of humour, her kind heart and passionate nature.

“As a family, we will remember her in the most fond, fond way,” he said.

He vowed to always look after Emma’s five children: “Our job from today is to make sure her five fantastic children are respected and grow to be lovely young adults.”

“The was a fantastic mother. She was a fantastic friend,” the grief-stricken uncle said.

“Today is a very sad day for us. Today is a day for celebration. We say goodbye to Emma and we say thank you to you,” he concluded.

The untimely passing of Emma has broken the hearts of the nation.

Photo: Dan Linehan

The mum is survived by her five children Natasha, Seamus, Mario, Oisin and Donnacha and her dad Peter.

Donations in lieu to Brother Kevin Crowley, Capuchin Day Centre, Bow Street, Dublin.

The family have asked the public to respect their privacy during this harrowing time.

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We're powering through October and as we get closer to All Hallows Eve on the 31st, we want to soak up every bit of spooky atmosphere that we can this month. 

So we've done a little scout around and rounded up the best of the creepy events taking place across Ireland in the next few weeks.

Be it bobbing for apples, carving pumpkins or scaring the sh*t out of yourself in some haunted house, we've got the ideal Halloween treat for you, wherever you are in the country. 

1. Hellfire Club Walk, Dublin 

Starting it off in the capital, there are an insane amount of spooktacular events to choose from, but if you want something that you won't forget easily, we have this for you. 

Hellfire Club, anyone? Known as  "The The Most Terrifying Walking Tour Experience In Dublin'', this walk will take you into the depths of the Dublin Mountains. This fully guided walk begins every Thursday and Friday at 7pm from Lower Bridge Street Dublin. Think atmospheric. Think unique. Think quite f*cking terrifying.

2. Night Tours of Wicklow’s Historic Gaol, Co. Wicklow

Get ready for a fright at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol with a Paranormal Investigation from ParaResearchers Ireland. You'll feel like you're pretty much in Ghostbusters as you stalk the cells and corridors looking for ghostly beings – what's not to love?

On Saturday October 28th from 9pm to 2am, tickets €55.

3. Virginia Pumpkin Festival, Co. Cavan

Anyone reading his who doesn't have a soft spot for pumpkins, gtfo. Get stuck into the action at this festival where Halloween comes to life over a weekend filled with live music and street entertainment and a fireworks display at Lough Ramor lakeshore with live music and food.

4. Haunted Spooktacular Horror Farm at Grove Gardens, Co Meath.

Taking place near Kells, this strictly over-16's event caters to fans of indoor and outdoor attractions, with names such as Disturbia, Dungeon and Zombie Apocalypse. They're all offering a devilish mix of live action, special effects and claustrophobia.

Running from October 20th-21st and 27th-31st, from €25. 

5. Loftus Hall, Co. Wexford

Who doesn't love a haunted house? For those who love a bit of old-fashioned terror, a visit to Loftus Hall is a a must.

Known as the most haunted house in Ireland, it's situated on Hook Peninsula in County Wexford, this place is haunted by the devil and a young woman. trip. Visit if you're brave enough…you have been warned.

7. Farmaphobia, Co Meath

Held at Causey Farm, this Scream park has 5 amazing and diverse Haunt Experiences designed to terrify and push you to the limit. Try the popular and terrifying Scarettraction – frolic in the fields where no oen will hear your screams.  Tickets from 18 quid. 

8. Murder Mystery Halloween Night, Galway City 

What would October be without dressing up in 1940's clobber and pretending to have killed a butler? Yes, it's Murder Mystery Halloween Fun. Galway City is hosting a super glam and exclusive Hollywood Oscar-themed party. Dine in a fab medieval dining room as you try to figure out whodunnit. Fancy dress obvs, grab tix from 52 quid on Eventbrbrite. 

9. Belfast Halloween Monster Mash and Fireworks Display

This annual event takes place at the Titanic Slipways on Wednesday, October 31st. Prepare for wicked workshops, monster rides, scary street performers and live music as well as candies and hot food are all on offer on the day.

10. Lafcadio HearnJapanese Gardens in Tramore, Co Waterford.

The stunning candlelight Halloween Ghostly Night Performance at the Lafcadio HearnJapanese Gardens is unreal. You can sit back and enjoy readings and performances of some of the haunted tales from Lafcadio Hearn’s extensive collection of Japanese legends and ghost stories. From October 28th and 29th, tickets €2 – €5.

11. Cork Ghost Tour

Walking tours more your thing? This one takes in the Rebel city revealing its history in an interactive way. Plus why not enjoy a pint or two in quirky little pubs like Pat Buckley’s Bar and The Friary along the way?

Whatever you choose to do, get ready to be spooked…

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Emma Mhic Mhathúna has sadly passed away at the age of 37.

The mum-of-five died at University Hospital Kerry earlier this morning.

In 2016, Emma was diagnosed with cervical cancer after two previous smear tests showed incorrect results.

Emma settled her case against the HSE and the US laboratory, Quest Diagnostics in May 2018. She was awarded €7.5m.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MummyPages (@mummypages) on

Tributes have been pouring in for the inspiring mum who tirelessly campaigned for the women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy.

She will forever be remembered for how hard she fought for justice following the CervicalCheck scandal.

Our thoughts are with Emma’s children, her family and her friends during this heartbreaking time.

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The official date for this year’s Late Late Toy Show has been revealed and we may be more excited than the kids.

As cringe as it is, the Toy Show never fails to make us smile.

We never thought watching Ryan Tubridy prance around dressed as Woody from Toy Story would get us in the festive mood, but it did.

Watching the Toy Show has become one of the biggest Christmas traditions here in Ireland and we honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.

Presenter Ryan Tubridy announced the date for this year’s show on his RTÉ Radio 1 show and it’s just around the corner.

Fans don’t have too long to wait to see what Christmas jumper Tubs will be rocking this year because the 2018 Toy Show will air on November 30.

“I had to try on my particular outfit this week that will be featuring on the opening of the Toy Show on November the 30th and that means Christmas is in the heads of a lot of people already,” the Late Late Show host revealed.

The Toy Show never fails to disappoint us, even thought we feel extremely jealous of ALL the prizes the audience bring home.

We can’t help but wonder will a certain boyband make an appearance on this year’s show? Westlife did just confirm their reunion tour.

Get your matching PJs and tins of Celebrations at the ready. The Late Late Toy Show airs on November 30.

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