Irish priest condemns yoga and urges parishioners to stay away

Jul 10, 2014

A priest based in Donegal has told his parishioners that practising yoga, tai-chi or Reiki is “contemptible.”

Fr Padraig O’Baoill wrote in his weekly newsletter to the parishioners of Gaoth Dohair: “As followers of Jesus Christ we should not partake in things that go against our religion. Accordingly, you should not take part in yoga, thai chai or Reiki … do not put your souls in jeopardy for the sake of these contemptible things.”

A local yoga teacher in the area has reacted by saying: “I have to say that this advice seems to be coming from a position of ignorance. However, I think priests in general are sceptical of yoga and Reiki. I can see where they are coming from but I think they need to find out more about these subjects.”

Will you be foregoing your weekly yoga session?

Stereotypes of Irish people that just so happen to be true

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Jul 3, 2014

by Amber Saunders

So many of the stereotypes of Irish people tend to be exaggerated and untrue. Not these ones however, these are true! All true!

1. We have big families
Well, not every single person but families do tend to be a lot bigger than other parts of the world. Every time you walk down the street with your gran you meet at least five cousins you never knew existed.

2. We’re very welcoming and friendly people
Not that we’re bias or anything, but we’re pretty sure Irish people are the friendliest ever.

3. The Irish swear a lot!
We do, but we do it in a sweet, messing kind of way, you know? Like oh, you cheeky bastard (Translation: Oh you clever lad!)

4. We can’t get enough of those delicious potatoes
Sadly, it’s true. We all have a deep love affair with the potato on a sub-conscious level. Peel it, mash it, boil it, roast it, fry it, EAT it! Potato is the number one vegetable or side dish at every Irish family’s dinner table, even now.

5. We put off stuff all the time
We tend to have a habit of putting stuff on the back-burner. As goes the famous saying: “Ah, sure it’ll be grand.”

6. We all love the drink
It’s what we have become known for all over the world! We start drinking at a very young age, and by the time we’re 18 the novelty is gone.

7. Irish people have the gift of the gab
We do LOVE “the chats.” If an Irish person can say something in 10 words they’ll usually use 100. If you ask us a story, make sure you have the time to hear it!

8. The majority of Irish people think Bono is an eejit
The Irish are proud of many of their own artists and celebrities, like Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, Brendan Behan and Glen Hansard, to name but a few. But Bono, the lead singer from U2 is an absolute dose.

via our content partner CT

How every Irish person’s holiday goes

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Jul 2, 2014

by Amber Saunders

It’s summer! You know what that means…we all try to leave this island of ours for at least 5 days to actually experience the season – yay! Here’s how the Irish person’s holiday generally tends to go:

1. The alarm has gone off at a disgusting hour, rudely awakening you from your slumber. ‘What the hell.. Oh! HOLIDAY TIME!!’

2. You leg it down stairs to have the breakfast of champions (tay and toast of course) that will fuel you for your journey ahead. You and your siblings have already started to become giddy, causing your Mammy to curse your ‘tomfoolery!’

3. You finally get to the airport but all the excitement has abated. Who are all these other people that are hell bent on slowing down your escape? Why are they wearing uniforms? Some even have their OWN suitcases. How inconsiderate!

4. After what seems like YEARS, you’ve finally boarded the plane. You all run down the aisle like a pack of wild dogs, eager to bag the window seat. After you’re ‘all settled in now’, Mammy dishes out the chewy sweets and makes sure you’re all buckled in, while shooing away any and all air hostesses. She’s ‘got this’.

5. It seems like your Dad has had too many Rock Shandy’s because as soon as the plane lands, he’s standing up leading the round of applause. You shrink into your chair with embarrassment, while your Mammy urges him to ‘SIT DOWN YE GOBSHITE!’

6. You’ve made it off the plane, out of the airport and to your hotel without a hitch. After Mammy has made you unpack you’re all decked out in your togs and sun cream. Next stop: POOL!

7. Your shenanigans in the pool are regularly interrupted by Mammy waving the bottle of sun cream at you, forever reminding you that your: ‘delicate Irish skin will be toast.’ And every time you re-apply more sun cream you have to sit out and wait for it to dry.

8. After you’ve had your fill of the sun you march back to the room to get showered and ready for dinner. With the lack of space, scorching heat and only one shower, World War III ensues.

9. Sixteen hours later you all exit the hotel, single file, miraculously unscathed from all the ructions beforehand. (‘Stop using the fucking cold tap I AM IN THE SHOWER!’)

10. Next stop: Irish pub

11. Where you meet people like this:

12. And at first you’re like… ‘IRISH PEOPLE!!!’

13. But then you’re like:

14. Except no Irish person on holidays is ever normal. They are always a shinier, redder, more fun version of themselves, wanting to forget about the recession, debt and the fact that we ever allowed these two eejits to represent our country

15. The next morning Mammy makes you rise early, despite your wretched hangover, so that you can ‘save’ your sunbeds’. You repeat the same thing every day, for two weeks. And you love it – except for this

16. After all, it won’t be long until you’re reunited with your one true love. Absence has only made the heart grow fonder

Same time next year eh lads? Savage.

via our content partner CT

11 things you learn growing up in Ireland

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Jul 1, 2014

by Amber Saunders

There are some things that can only be learnt from growing up on the island of Ireland. Such as these, for example:

1. Your boss will come into work hungover just as much as you do
It’s true. Never will you have a boss anywhere else in the world where they will arrive into work hungover just as much as yourself. It can be a good thing, but also a very bad thing.

2. Lots of Irish people leave and go to places like the USA, Canada or Australia
Emigration is in our history, and it hasn’t showed any signs of stopping any time soon. From the great Irish famine to the modern day. Is it simply because we like to travel or because the economy at home is gone to sh**? It’s a bit of both.

3. The Gardaí are actually a lenient brand of law enforcement
While you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of the law, you release just how lucky you are to have the good ‘ole Gardaí when you travel and see all of the simply terrifying law enforcements around the world.

4. Every taxi man will bitch and moan about the Irish government
And everything else too, at 4am. Zzz…

5. NEVER will you ever have “just the one.”
Nope, it never happens that way.

6. We are the only people to say “bye” at least 10 times when hanging up the phone
“b-b-b-bye, bye, bye, bye…” Where did it come from? Why is it necessary to say goodbye this many times? Nobody knows, but it caught on and spread like wildfire.

7. Irish mothers are among the most worrisome in the world
They worry about everything from the clothes you are wearing to the food you’re eating. But we love them for it.

8. Old Irish men still wave to strangers in the street
Particularly in the more rural areas of the country, old men will wave at passing cars and nod to strangers in the street. Who doesn’t love a friendly old Irish man with a Paddy cap on his head and a wooden pipe in his mouth?

9. Ever Irish person freaks out and goes overboard when they see the sun
Sunburn! Sunburn galore! Every year it happens for a couple of weeks when the clouds disperse and the sun emerges, and EVERY year we learn the same lesson. Irish skin can’t hack the sun! We all end up looking like a baboon’s arse waddling around town in the summer.

10. A small country like Ireland can have a lot of different dialects!
How can a country so small have SO many different dialects?

8. There are lots of different ways Irish people can say “no.”
“You’re alright,” “nah,” “you’re grand.” None of these actually make sense outside of Ireland so we have to remind ourselves to speak common English when we go on holidays or are conversing with someone from abroad.

9. GAA fever is a passion unmatched in any other sport
Nothing can prepare you for the atmosphere inside Croke Park on a cup final day!

10. The word “craic” can be mistaken for something else outside Ireland
“What’s the craic? … That’s shite craic.” Or simply, “any craic?” A phrase often used by the common Irish person. However, you must be careful if using it abroad as you may quickly find yourself being offered some narcotics… It only applies in Ireland!

11. Irish people are among the happiest in the world
It’s amazing how happy and upbeat Irish people can be when we have the worst weather for 9 months every year. We’ve been troubled with famine, emigration and economic collapse and we’ve always come out the other side. Onwards and upwards lads!

via our content partner CT

Coláiste Lurgan cover Coldplay’s Sky Full of Stars and it’s amazing!

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Jul 1, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Wow is just about all we can say right now!

Coláiste Lurgan have done another epic cover, this time it’s Coldplay’s Sky Full of Stars (as Gaeilge, of course!).

With a little help from Seo Linn‘s Keith O Briain, this crowd totally rocked it and it’s just unbelievable!

Irish model shares intimate snaps of gorgeous beau Bressie

Celebrity

Jun 29, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Model Roz Purcell has to be the luckiest girl in Ireland right now!

Not only is she absolutely stunning, but it’s pretty clear from these snaps that she’s totally and utterly loved up with The Voice Ireland hunk Bressie!

The couple have apparently been dating for two years, but have kept their romance pretty private…until now!

Roz treated fans to a rare glimpse of her relationship with the former Blizzards star when she shared some snaps of the couple on Instagram.

In the first snap, Bressie seems to be photobombing the model’s selfie but she keeps her cool saying, “Years of posing don’t even flinch when he ruins the selfie.”

The second photo shows the pair looking loved-up after an evening out in Dublin.

Be still our beating hearts!

Some very BIG news for this Irish rugby star and his gorgeous wife!

Celebrity

Jun 28, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Irish rugby star Jonny Sexton and his wife are reportedly celebrating the birth of their son today!

Born at 7lbs, the new arrival is said to be happy and healthy.

The couple have not yet chosen a name for their first born – but we just can’t wait to hear what they decide on!

The Sextons, who are based in Paris, confirmed Laura’s pregnancy in February.

Last month, Jonny said he would be tempted to return home due to his growing family.

“It’s a family decision now, we’ve a baby on the way, me and Laura, and it’s very much a case of ‘let’s see how that goes’ – having a kid here and not having grandparents, aunties and uncles to look after it.

“We’ll just have to see how that goes for the next few months, all being well, touch wood, we’ll see what the options are then,” he said.

Jonny and Laura first met in Rathgar Tennis Club in Dublin when they were just 13 years old.

The couple tied the knot last July in an intimate ceremony in Adare, Co Limerick.

We couldn’t be happier for this lovely couple!

Niall Horan is dating a very familiar Irish face!

Celebrity

Jun 16, 2014

by Amber Saunders

One Direction’s Niall Horan is said to be dating Irish model, Thalia Heffernan.

The cute couple are said to have shared a kiss when Niall was in Ireland last month, and they are now trying to find the time to see each other.

Both Niall and Thalia have demanding work schedules, but a source has said that Niall is very fond of the model: “Niall is pretty taken with her. They are still in touch and get on really well.”

Niall had previously been dating Victoria’s Secret model, Barbara Palvin and Zoe Whelan.

The 19-year-old beauty spoke about Niall previously, saying they were “mates,” but it looks as if things have gotten more serious than that since!

Irish singing star takes on super cheeky DJ live on air!

Celebrity

Jun 15, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Irish singer Imelda May put a British DJ firmly in his place during an interview with the BBC.

During the interview, DJ James Watt wanted to know just how many of her band members the Dublin star had…ahem…gotten cosy with.

Talking about the singer’s marriage of 17 years to guitarist Darrel Higham, he said, “Now I know you married one of your band members. Did you, you can tell me Imelda, did you try them all out? First? And then decide which one…”

Feisty Imelda wasn’t having any of it and told the DJ he was lucky he wasn’t sitting next to her as he definitely would have gotten a “dead leg or a sore shin” for his insanely cheeky question!

Good woman Imelda!

The 18 things that Irish people always complain about

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Jun 13, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Irish people love complaining. It’s a fact. Here are some of our favourite things to get mad about:

1. The weather forecast
“Ah sure, they said it was going to be sunny and I got lashed on, would they ever make up their mind”. The Irish have a really bad relationship with weather forecasters. Unless they bring good news of course.

2. The bus
Where do you start with the bus?! They are either always late or always early and take the most ridiculous route imaginable. It is also the most unsociable environment ever, and on a warm day it feels like a sauna where everyone’s body odour sort of mushes into one.

3. Politicians
It doesn’t matter who is in office, we will always complain about how they’re ruining the country, even in good times. Our Taoiseach could be Dustin the Turkey, sure it would be funny for a few weeks, but after that we would complain about how we voted in a Turkey.

4. Yanks
They all think that they’re Irish in someway and us Irish are sick of them saying: “Top of the morning to you” and “St.Pattys Days.” They think we’re leprechauns and that we all have ginger hair.

5. Bono
Ireland is divided on Bono. Half the country love him, the other half are jealous he doesn’t have to pay taxes.

6. The Eurovision
“Ah sure, they’re only voting for each other for God’s sake, we only have the Brits.” We have won it 7 times and we’re still complaining about The Eurovision. Ireland doesn’t do wacky, so we throw everything at them: ginger twins, blonde twins, a turkey… Anything!

7. Louis Walsh
We all wonder the same thing when comes it comes to Louis Walsh – how on earth he got on TV. In all fairness, for someone who looks like a failed fashion stylist he did pretty well for himself.

8. Ryan Tubridy
People young and old across the country have a united hatred for The Late Late Show presenter. “Ah no I don’t like him, sure look at him, he is so skinny that has to be unhealthy”. We still haven’t fully gotten over the loss of Ireland’s sweetheart Gay Byrne.

9. The Referee
Anytime there is a GAA match on we will always have a reason to complain. We complain when the ref keeps giving frees and then when he lets everything go. “Jaysus, they’re not a bunch as pansies, it isn’t soccer” or “Come one Ref!! he was pulling his shirt for feck sake”. We can never quite make up our mind.

10. The Kilkenny Hurling team
“Sure, they win it every year for god sake”. Everyone around the country rejoiced last years when someone other than Kilkenny won the Mcarthy Cup. Clare were heroes for a month when they toppled Kilkenny.

11. Eamon Dunphy
The world cup started yesterday and we will all be complaining about Eamon Dunphy’s analysis of the game. We all love to hate him … but now and again he is actually right.

12. Traveling abroad
Us Irish are used to travelling, generations have emigrated far and wide to greener pastures. No matter how many times we travel though, we always leave things to the last minute. Booking our flights, packing, boarding pass and then we forget we left the stove on at home.

13. “Your Man”
“Your know your man? He’s after cheating on his wife, awful all together it is”. Irish people always complain about “your man” and what he has been up to. Even though we don’t have a clue who you’re talking about, we have to act like we know.

14. The Late Late Show
No matter what is on the show, there is always something we can find to complain about. We know about how many letters RTE get when Tommy Tiernan comes on the show.

15. A bad pint
When someone pours a bad pint they might as well start all over again. There is nothing worse than when a pint is rushed and the head is wrong. You say to the barman that it’s grand, but inside you’re raging.

16. Weak tea
The Irish take their tea very seriously, it is in some ways a fine art. When you ask someone else to make you a cup and they don’t make it the way you like, we look at them as if to say “What it is this sh**!!

17. Bouncers
We take not being allowed into a club way too seriously, even though it’s their job.

18. The fear
Every Irish person experiences this on a weekly basis, waking up after a night out and not having a clue what happened the night before. Piecing the night together in your head and then you remember ... SH**!!

via our content partner CT

Irish TV star is a class act as she goes back to school

Celebrity

Jun 8, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Irish TV star and model Laura Whitmore is going back to school in a special episode of RTE’s School Around the Corner tonight!

The 28-year-old star will make a return to Loreto Secondary in Bray, Co Wicklow – 10 years after leaving.

Laura said she felt like she was “going to get into trouble” as she walked through the staff doors into the building.

In tonight’s episode, the MTV host praises staff for nurturing her talents, making her the star she is today.

She said, “It was the debating, drama and public speaking I really liked. Definitely it put me in mind for what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”

Although Laura always got told off for leaving the top button of her shirt undone, she said she was really a good girl in school.

She said, “I was never in the principal’s office which is probably a good thing.”

Things that every Irish person does on their holidays

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Jun 5, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Don’t lie, you have done each and every one of these at least once during your holliers.

1. Letting everyone know you have arrived safely
Whether you check-in online or text your mammy, there is a serious guilt if you do not instantly let people know you are there safely once your plane hits the runway.

2. Complaining about the weather
“Jeeeeesus lads, it’s humid!” You’d miss the clear Irish air all the same, like.

3. Lathering on the factor 50
Because sunburn hurts, that’s why.

4. Asking where all the tourist attractions are
There’s no feckin shame in asking!

5. Dressing like a tourist
Yup, we see you, with your massive hat and birkenstocks. It’s like seeing a North Face jacket in Ireland and instantly knowing it’s an American tourist.

6. Eating the same food you do at home
“‘I’ll have the bacon and cabbage please.”

7. Assuming everyone speaks English
Just because you speak louder, doesn’t mean they understand you any more.

8. “Sure, you wouldn’t see that in Ireland now”
All that kissing and cuddling – Jaysis!

9. Buying crappy souvenirs
Sure everyone loves a key ring!

10. Speaking Irish
You haven’t a word, except “amadan,” which incidentally, is the only one you need.

11. Going to Irish pubs
You leave Ireland just to spend your entire holiday in a place that looks exactly like your local.

12. Doing the country proud
We have a reputation for drinking and when we go abroad, we feel the need to reaffirm it. This is usually done in the form of drinking so much that you blackout for the rest of the holiday.

via our content partner CT

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