Author: Awais Rasheed

Restaurant critic and author Grace Dent has been announced as a judge for the upcoming 20th series of Celebrity MasterChef. Dent, 51, will join long-time host John Torode in the celebrated BBC cooking competition, stepping into the role following Gregg Wallace’s departure. Wallace, a fixture of the series since its inception, has taken a step back amid an external review into historical allegations of misconduct. Dent, a familiar face on MasterChef, expressed her excitement at taking on the role. “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a little girl sitting with my dad on the sofa,” she said. “To be…

Tourism Ireland has launched a captivating new campaign celebrating the 700-year legacy of Irish whiskey. Highlighting the island’s distilling heritage, this initiative showcases the craft, local ingredients, iconic landscapes, and the passionate people behind one of Ireland’s most cherished traditions. The campaign seeks to inspire whiskey enthusiasts and curious travellers to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Irish whiskey tourism. With over 30 distilleries across the island offering immersive tours, tasting sessions, and events, Ireland continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for whiskey lovers. Celebrating a Rich Legacy Irish whiskey distilling dates back to the…

The wait is over! The latest batch of celebrities for Dancing with the Stars 2025 has been unveiled, bringing excitement, anticipation, and plenty of sparkle. The announcement was made during last night’s Late Late Show, with Elaine Crowley, Kevin Dundon, Kayleigh Trappe, Rhys McClenaghan, and Yasmin Seky confirmed as the next stars set to take the dancefloor. These five join a stellar line-up that promises to bring glitz, glamour, and thrilling routines to RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next month. Each celebrity, paired with a professional dancer, will compete for the coveted glitterball trophy in what promises to be a…

Criminal barristers in Northern Ireland are intensifying their protest over legal aid payments, with an extended withdrawal of services announced for January 2024. The action will see barristers abstain from all legally aided crown court cases listed between 6 and 31 January, alongside ongoing withdrawals in specific criminal case categories initiated in November 2024. Long-Standing Payment Issues The dispute centres on dissatisfaction with the Department of Justice’s handling of the legal aid system. Donal Lunny KC, chairman of the Bar Council, described the decision to withdraw services as “regrettable but inevitable.” “Fees for legally aided criminal work have not increased…

Francis Bacon, a name synonymous with 20th-century modern art, is renowned for his visceral and provocative works. Born in Dublin in 1909 at 63 Lower Baggot Street to English parents, Bacon’s early years were spent amidst the cultural vibrancy of what is now referred to as “Baggatonia.” However, despite his birthplace and brief childhood in Ireland, the question remains: can Bacon be considered an Irish artist? Early Life and Departure Bacon left Ireland at the age of 16, relocating to England. His departure came during a time of significant political upheaval in Ireland, marked by rebellion, the War of Independence,…

Ireland’s Taoiseach Simon Harris has made it clear that the country will not shy away from voicing its concerns regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This declaration comes in the wake of Israel’s decision to close its embassy in Dublin, a move that has intensified diplomatic tensions. During his recent remarks, Harris emphasised that Ireland remains committed to speaking out against what he described as “the reprehensible scale of civilian deaths” occurring in the conflict. Speaking to reporters, Harris strongly condemned the loss of innocent lives, particularly children, during the ongoing violence. “You know what I think is reprehensible? Killing…

Liam Cotter from Carrigaline and his friend Johnny Coyne from Galway have embarked on an extraordinary adventure, kayaking from Dublin to Istanbul. Now 101 days into their journey, they are halfway across France, braving the elements and challenging themselves for a noble cause. Their ambitious mission aims to raise €30,000 for the Irish Cancer Funds for Children charity, which supports families of children with cancer through initiatives like the therapeutic Daisy Lodge. The two men began their five-month odyssey by kayaking across the Irish Sea and navigating through the rivers and canals of the UK. They’ve camped out under the…

The closure of Israel’s embassy in Dublin has sparked an unexpected opportunity for the Palestine Museum US. Faisal Saleh, the museum’s director, envisions turning the former embassy offices into a permanent European, Palestinian art gallery, symbolically transforming a site associated with conflict into a hub for culture and peace. The Israeli government announced the embassy’s closure on 15 December, citing Ireland’s recognition of a Palestinian state and its support for South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, stated that the decision reflects Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies,” claiming the country has…