Melanie Finn

Simon Harris to lodge formal letter of objection with Israel over ‘reckless’ shots fired into area with Irish peacekeepers

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs said the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) fired shots into an area where a joint Irish-Lebanese unit were conducting peacekeeping duties on Thursday. The Irish Defence Forces confirmed none of its members were injured. “It’s clear to me that the actions of the IDF were reckless, intimidatory, totally unacceptable and a … Read more

Irish peacekeepers fired on by Israeli troops in Lebanon as Taoiseach Micheál Martin decries ‘engineered campaign’ against Ireland

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Tánaiste Simon Harris described the incident as “deeply worrying”. The Irish Defence Forces confirmed none of its members were injured. The military said small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of Irish peacekeepers as they patrolled near the Blue Line, a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. It is understood the incident happened at … Read more

Anton Savage a front-runner in race for Joe Duffy’s ‘Liveline’ slot as listenership figures on his Newstalk show soar

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Newstalk presenter Anton Savage has been linked as a “real contender” for the high-profile RTÉ Radio 1 slot. In a clear break with tradition, which often sees the most lucrative gigs going to existing talent, RTÉ has put out a casting call for presenters to fill the Liveline role. An RTÉ spokesperson said that “nothing … Read more

Punchestown festival: Racegoers feel the heat as track temperatures soar to mid 20s

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Shorts, flip-flops, flimsy frocks and winning style on display for day two of Kildare horse-racing festival Racegoer Katie Young, from Kildare, on day two of the Punchestown Festival. Photo: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile Standing on stage in the exposed suntrap of the Bollinger Champagne tent, it was hard not to feel a modicum of sympathy for the … Read more

Rosanna Davison on mum Diane’s cancer diagnosis that shocked her family

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Model says her mother Diane was ‘lucky’ to catch rare disease before it spread and that her father Chris de Burgh was ‘up the walls’ with worry Rosanna Davison said it was a difficult year for her mum and the family. Photo: Steve Humphreys Model Rosanna Davison has said her mother Diane is now back … Read more

Mario Rosenstock: ‘You can’t unwind. Years ago, I used to drink loads after performances – that’s a complete recipe for disaster’

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Comedian and broadcaster Mario Rosenstock. Photo: Gerry Mooney There are many things about Irish life that annoy Mario Rosenstock, but among his pet peeves is the wave of property and cooking shows that litter the TV schedules. The impressionist finds it “extra­ordinary” that RTÉ gives so much time to such shows, considering the current mood, … Read more

‘There were days I couldn’t even write my own name’ – Dublin jeweller (54) on ‘crippling’ menopause symptoms

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The mother of three said her body was “slammed” into menopause overnight and she experienced crippling symptoms that ranged from physical to mental Johanna Farrell Harpur of Jo Harpur Jewellery. Photo: Mark Condren At her lowest ebb as she grappled with menopause, Johanna Farrell Harpur was advised to go on anti-depressants by one consultant. Having … Read more

‘It’s a bit like Trump being elected, the people have spoken’ – Eurovision winner Paul Harrington on Samantha Mumba’s Eurosong anger

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Samantha Mumba took aim at three of the four judges from last Friday’s Eurosong. Photo: Getty Singer Paul Harrington has said sitting on the Eurosong panel is a “tricky job”, as he delivered his verdict on the RTÉ song contest controversy. The 1994 Eurovision winner, who won with Charlie McGettigan for their song Rock ‘n’ … Read more