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Yearly Archives: 2023

As the leaves begin to change and a crisp breeze fills the air, The Club at Goffs have some enchanting autumn offerings, designed to make date nights truly special. Nestled in the heart of Kildare, the luxury hotel invites couples to embrace the beauty of the season and indulge in a memorable romantic escape.

At The Club at Goffs, love is the main attraction, and every moment is designed to leave guests feeling on cloud nine. Pack your bags and enjoy a date night away that will make your heart race. At this haven of romance, it’s okay to horse around a little!

The romantic getaway includes a complimentary glass of Prosecco before check in, with blankets provided and guests can soak up the last of the day’s sun on the private balcony’s overlooking the serene paddock.

Shoppers can visit the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre on the doorstep, while culture vultures can visit nearby Castletown House, a stunning estate that offers the perfect backdrop for an enchanting walk.

For those that share a mutual love for horse racing, guests can check out the nearby racecourses and witness the thundering hooves, cheering crowds, and the thrill of the track.

And for the real treat, Chef de Cuisine Derry Clarke and head chef James Sheridan and their team provide culinary delights by candlelight.

For the perfect night away, Stay & Dine (with food by Derry Clarke) for €280 dinner, bed & breakfast.

Stay 2+ nights and get 20% off the total price
Stay 3+ nights and get 30% off the total price
*exclusions may apply on certain dates

www.clubhotel.ie

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Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu has broken her silence following speculation about her recent breakup.

The former Love Island winner announced her split from co-star Davide Sanclimenti in June of this year, after the pair won last year’s summer series.

However, just a few weeks later, fans were soon speculating that the exes might have rekindled their romance, after they were spotted leaving broadcaster ITV’s Summer Party together.

Now, the Turkish actress has taken a rare opportunity to speak out about where she stands with Davide.

In a written statement on her Instagram stories, the 28-year-old addressed the recent rumours.

“There’s been a lot of speculation over the status of myself and Davide’s relationship in recent weeks. Usually these headlines are misleading,” Ekin-Su admitted.

The reality star then went on to directly speak out about an interview she gave, in which it was argued she was taking a ‘swipe’ at her former boyfriend.

“I wasn’t taking a ‘swipe’ at Davide like a recent article stated. Despite the narratives, @davidesancli and I are on good terms, we both care about each other and I think everyone should respect that. Lots of love Ekin x,” she concluded.

Ekin-Su’s statement comes after an interview with her was released over the weekend, during which she spoke about the aftermath of winning Love Island.

The former champion was asked by MailOnline if she had any advice for reigning winners Jess Harding and Sammy Root, and in her answer, fans believed that Ekin-Su was making a ‘dig’ at Davide.

“If you're in a relationship coming out of the villa you need to realise you're in a relationship,” she explained. 

“You need to realise there are a lot of eyes on you and live it privately, have your own space and trust your partner, communicate with your partner, don’t rush to live with them straight away,” she added at the time.

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Stacey Solomon has been praising her eldest son Zachary following a family holiday. 

Stacey and her husband Joe Swash have just returned home after enjoying a family trip with their little ones in Turkey. 

After a trip jam-packed with fun activities for her family and time spent by the beach, Stacey has penned a heartwarming tribute for her eldest son, who she described as a ‘third parent’, because of how much he helps with his younger siblings. 

Stacey shared a collection of sweet moments between 15-year-old Zach and his siblings spending time together over the course of their holiday to her 5.7M Instagram followers. 

The Loose Women panellist captioned the video collage, “Biggest Brother Love. Just had to share this because it really makes me so proud. Me and Joe were watching through these videos on the way home & saying how much harder holidays would be without Zach!”.

“He’s like a third parent who’s much more fun than us, nothing is ever too much, and we have a lot to contend with but he takes it all in his stride”.

Solomon continued, “It’s honestly hard to believe that I had Zach just two years older than he is now & he’s a better person than I ever was at that age! Zach Your love and time for your brothers and sisters is just our favourite thing to watch”.

“Thank you for everything. Before anyone starts. We love all of my children the same amount. But at different times in our lives they all show their unique, special personalities & it just is so amazing to see & celebrate”.

Many of Stacey’s fans rushed to the comments to compliment Zach and to commend Stacey for raising such a kind boy. 

One fan said, “There’s only one way he’s learned this respect and kindness – look in the mirror”.

“You should be very proud of yourself because you raised him”, wrote a second fan. 

A third commenter added, “He's a credit to you Stacey! What a lovely young man,clear to see he idolised the little ones”.

Zach is big brother to 11-year-old Leighton, four-year-old Rex, one-year-old Rose and six-month-old Belle.

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Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott are engaged.

Congratulations are in order for the pair as they have announced the wonderful news of their engagement after four years of dating. 

The New Girl actress confirmed her engagement to Property Brothers star on social media by posting a loved-up photo of the couple with her stunning ring on display. 

The unique ring consists of a band of clear, purple and pink stones in a flower pattern.

Sharing the lovely snap to her 7.6M Instagram followers, Zooey wrote, “Forever starts now!!!”, alongside the picture of them smiling from ear to ear. 

Many fans and famous faces alike rushed to the comments to share congratulatory messages to Zooey and Jonathan.

Friends star Courtney Cox penned, “That’s so exciting! Congratulations”.

“1 million likes because it’s SO MUCH LOVE. So happy for you, Zooey and Jonathan”, wrote comedian Mike Birbiglia.

2 Broke Girls actress Kat Dennings added, "Congratulations!“.

According to People, Jonathan got down on one knee while the couple were on a family holiday in Scotland. 

Zooey’s two children, eight-year-old Elsie and six-year-old Charlie whom she shares with ex-husband Jacob Pechenik, were also present in the special moment. The children reportedly played a meaningful role in the proposal too.

Zooey and Jonathan first met back in August 2019 when they were filming for James Corden’s Carpool Karaoke. 

Deschanel and Scott went ‘Instagram official’ in October 2019 after sharing photos of them on a double date with Jonathan’s brother Drew and his wife Linda following a trip to Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Night.

Last year, to celebrate the third anniversary of their relationship, the lovebirds posted heartwarming tributes for each other on Instagram.

Jonathan penned, “Hard to believe…scratch that…Easy to believe it's already been 3 years with this beautiful soul in my life. @zooeydeschanel you make everything better”.

Zooey then shared her own message that reads, “I got the best one, most wonderful three years ever”.

Congratulations again to the happy couple as they prepare to embark on this exciting new chapter together.

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As the summer holidays draw to a close, more than a million Irish children will be going back to school in the coming weeks.

But the new term brings fresh fears for families, with struggling parents worrying about how they will feed their children and fuel their bodies and minds this school year.

For the children in these households, lack of food and nutrients will not only be leaving them hungry, but at risk of experiencing other developmental issues in areas such as physical health, mental health, education and social wellbeing.

With so many families struggling, Heinz Beanz and Barnardos have teamed up for a second time to bring back its limited-edition three-pack of ‘Heinz Meanz Meals’ cans, helping support their work with children living in disadvantaged areas across Ireland.

Giving its iconic Beanz packaging a special makeover, fans of the breakfast staple can pick up a pack from stores nationwide from today.

For every pack purchased, Heinz will be making a donation to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs. The children’s charity provides nutritious breakfast food, such as Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz which are naturally high in protein and fibre, to selected Barnardos centres across Ireland.

The donation comes as part of a partnership between Heinz and Barnardos, with the two companies working together since 2020.

Last year, Barnardos supported over 20,000 children and families, of which Heinz helped, by providing 5,000 meals to the children’s charity.

With the ambition to help even more families this year, TV presenter and podcaster, Vogue Williams, is joining the meals mission as an ambassador for this partnership, shining a spotlight on and raising further awareness of this all-important issue.

The mum of three who has a following of more than 1 million people on Instagram, many of whom are parents themselves, will see her new role not only inspire those in a position to help to take action, but let less-fortunate parents know support is there from services such as Barnardos.

Speaking about the ambassadorship, Vogue Williams said; “I can’t imagine the worry that many families must be going through. No one should be unsure when or where their next meal is coming from, especially children".

“Working with Heinz and Barnardos, together, we hope to not only raise awareness of this growing issue taking place on our doorstep, but to also highlight that a small, tangible act – such as buying a pack of Heinz Beanz – can have a big impact and help support those most vulnerable in the community.”

NEW three-packs of ‘Heinz Meanz Mealz’ Beanz are available from major retailers such as Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu and Aldi now, as well as convenience stores. RRP €3.59. Prices are at the sole discretion of the retailer.

To find out more about the donation, visit www.barnardos.ie.

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Adam Collard has been opening up about his love life!

The former Love Island bombshell has been known in the past for his rollercoaster romances, after appearing twice on the ITV dating show.

In the summer of 2018, Adam eventually entered into a relationship with co-star Zara McDermott, but the pair broke things off in February 2019.

Then, Adam returned to the villa during last summer’s series and began a romance with fellow contestant Paige Thorne, but the stars later broke up in October 2022.

Credit: ITV

Now, as Adam prepares to grace our screens once again in the new season of E4’s Celebs Go Dating, the 27-year-old has admitted that he was once close to settling down for good.

In a recent interview with MailOnline, Adam admitted that he still has hope for marriage in the future.

"Call me old-fashioned, but I genuinely believe there's someone out there whom I'll meet and feel like saying, 'Yeah, I'm done,’” he confessed.

Credit: ITV

The reality star then went on to detail why it didn’t work out for him in the past.

“I won't lie, I have had it before but I was too young. I will hopefully get it again where I'm with someone and really want to be with them all the time and can be completely best friends. Unfortunately I haven't found that just yet,” he explained.

"I was very nearly settled, wifed up and married off in the countryside at a very young age,” he continued.

Adam further noted how his Love Island experience changed his perception of relationships.

“I went full circle and went on Love Island, and I think it was a saving grace because I think if I hadn't have done that, I would have messed around later in life. But now when I'm ready to settle, I will be ready to settle,” he promised.

The brand-new season of Celebs Go Dating launches this Sunday, August 20, on E4 at 9pm.

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Westlife are going to the United States!

Despite touring on and off for the best part of 25 years, the Irish boyband have never performed in North America – until now.

Earlier today, the Flying Without Wings hitmakers announced that they will be going Stateside next March, in honour of St. Patrick’s Day.

Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky Byrne and Kian Egan took to social media to share the exciting news.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Westlife (@westlife)

“FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, we're performing live in North America! We're bringing Westlife: The Hits Tour – A St. Patrick’s Day Special to Toronto, Boston, New York, and Chicago in March 2024,” the boys confirmed, with tickets going on sale next Friday at 10am in the States. 

The singers then went on to share an extra piece of news, revealing that the tour won’t be the only new experience for them.

“We're also over the moon to announce that we’ll be making our American TV debut on Monday, August 21 on @goodmorningamerica,” they exclaimed.

“North America, we can't wait to see you! It’s gonna be EPIC,” the boys concluded.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Westlife (@westlife)

Many of Westlife’s American fans have since taken to the band’s comments section to express their delight at the announcement.

“The fact that I have waited over two decades for this moment and it’s now here. Take ALL MY MONEY,” one fan joked.

“Finally Westlife are conquering America!!” another replied.

The bandmates have also taken to their own respective Instagram accounts to further share how they are feeling ahead of the upcoming tour.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Westlife (@westlife)

“I’m so excited to sing to our American & Canadian fans on their home soil. What an epic Paddy’s week it’s gonna be!” Shane penned.

“After 23 years of touring we are still hitting firsts! Really excited for this one!” Kian added.

Westlife are continuing to take their ‘Wild Dreams Tour’ across the world, with the band currently preparing to perform to crowds in South Africa, Taiwan, and China in November of this year.

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Molly Marsh and Zachariah Noble have shared their thoughts on starting a family. 

The couple, who came in fourth place in Love Island, have been thinking about their future together since leaving the villa. 

The pair revealed they would both ‘love to have kids’ together as they opened up about their relationship being ‘for forever’. 

In a new interview with OK!, they spoke about the prospect of future children with Molly admitting, “Ah babies… I am absolutely 100% into having them. If I could click my fingers and fast forward to that part of my life, I absolutely would”.

“That excites me so much. I look at my cousin with her little baby and think that stage of your life is so beautiful. I can’t wait to have kids in the future”.

Zach then shared his thoughts on starting a family when he revealed, “I’m scared because I understand that once it happens, then that will always be my priority, this kid is my life now”.

“As soon as they’re at an age where they know their first goal, my only energy is spent making this kid achieve”.

“But I look forward to that journey in life when it comes because I’m definitely a very family orientated person. I see how my mum was and the sacrifices she made, so I know the love you have for a child is just indescribable”.

The lovebirds also spoke about how there is ‘no pressure’ in their relationship from either party. 

21-year-old Molly lovingly said, “The one thing that I fell in love with about you straight away is the fact there was no pressure. And I feel like we’re never going to stop that throughout life”.

“And I know I want this to be forever. I want this. You said that to me so many times in the villa, and I feel it. There’s no pressure on anything we do. I just know where I want things to go”.

Her 25-year-old boyfriend added, “This is everything I want. It’s weird to think that it’s all come about in a two-month span. I feel no pressure from you and no pressure from myself”.

“Like it’s just how things are meant to be and this is the best I’ve felt about anything. I’m very happy with how this is going. And I’m very happy with where I think it’s going to lead to”.

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Dean Gaffney has announced the heartbreaking death of his mum. 

The EastEnders star has shared an emotional tribute for his mum after revealing the tragic news of her passing. 

Dean took to Instagram to share the moving message alongside a black and white photo of him and his mum together. 

The 45-year-old captioned the post, “I am simply broken to share that my beautiful selfless mother Marian has sadly passed away”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dean Gaffney (@deangaffney1)

“I was, am and always will be a mummy’s boy so this news has completely floored me. I spoke to her every day and in some ways I’m glad I’m the one that found her asleep”.

“I will retain all the amazing memories that we shared and whilst I understand the circle of life means everyone will feel this pain at some point in their lives, life can be very cruel at times, 69 is no age”.

“To know I will never be able to physically see or speak to her ever again is beyond any pain I’ve ever experienced in my life”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dean Gaffney (@deangaffney1)

Dean went on to share advice to his social media followers by explaining, “We all tell our parents and loved ones we love them flippantly at the end of a phone call but please tell them you actually really love them… put down that phone when you’re with them, as my mums only criticism of me was that I would be on my phone when in her company. 

“Life really does change from one minute to the next. I truly love you Mum, you don’t only hold a special place in my heart, you are my heart”

Gaffney added, “For anyone that knew her, I don’t need to remind you of who my mum was as a person for others that don’t, she was the most amazing selfless, caring, generous soul to ever walk the earth”.

The actor signed off by simply saying, “Mum, I truly love you”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dean Gaffney (@deangaffney1)

Many famous faces headed to the comments to send their condolences with the former I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here star.

TV presenter Anna Williamson wrote, “Dean, I’m so sorry to hear this honey. Sending love & always here if you need a shoulder”

“Ah Dean I’m so sorry. Sending you so much love”, penned Coronation Street star Kym Marsh.

Loose Women host Carol Volderman added, “Oh Dean. I'm so very sorry to hear your news…..you loved her so much and she would have been so proud of you. Sending love as ever”.

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Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is delighted to announce Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton and Oliver Award Nominee James Gillan have joined the Shrek-tacular cast of the smash hit SHREK THE MUSICAL taking place from tomorrow 15  August until Sunday 20 August 2023. Tickets from €21.50 are on sale now through Ticketmaster. 

Leave your troubles Far Far Away and come join the adventure as Shrek and Donkey endeavour to complete their quest of defeating the dragon and saving Princess Fiona. Featuring fabulous songs including ‘I'm A Believer’, ‘Big Bright Beautiful World’ and ’I Know It’s Today’. Shrek the Musical has cemented itself as the “musical extravaganza for big kids and little kids alike”.

Rising star Cherece Richards (Once on This Island, Regent’s Park Theatre) will make her debut in a principal role as the Dragon. As previously announced, Antony Lawrence will play Shrek. His previous credits include Scar in The Lion King,(International Tour) Mary Poppins (National Tour), Matilda the Musical (Cambridge Theatre/RSC) and We Will Rock You (International Arena Tour). Completing the cast will be Emily Barnett-Salter, Alistair Beattie, David Burrows, Sergi Ibanez, Rosalind James, Belle Kizzy Green, Ellie May-Wilson, Martin McCarthy, Phoebe Roberts, Lukin Simmonds, Matthew Sweet, Dawn Williams, and Tommy Wade-Smith.

Joanne Clifton, best known for her time as a professional dancer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, will play Fiona. She joined the iconic TV show after winning the World Professional Showdance Champion and the European Professional Ballroom Championship. During her time on the show, she won the Christmas Special with McFly’s Harry Judd and went on to win the glitterball trophy as the 2016 champion with her partner Ore Oduba. On stage Joanne Clifton was most recently seen in Windfall (Southwark Playhouse) and The Addams Family (UK Tour).

Olivier Award-nominee James Gillan (Lord Farquaad) most recently created the role of Tray in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue) – a role he stayed with through the show’s entire West End run. He has also performed in productions of Wicked, Starlight Express and Taboo!

Brandon Lee Sears (Donkey) most recently played the role of Jimmy Early in Dreamgirls (UK tour). His previous theatre credits include the original West End productions of Be More Chill (Shaftesbury Theatre), Come From Away (Phoenix theatre); Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket); Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre); and On The Town (Regents Park Open Air Theatre).

From the producers of Hairspray and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Shrek the Musical brings together a new creative team to re-imagine this award-winning Broadway and West End hit show for a new audience, featuring all the classic characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film and the iconic songs and story from David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s original musical.

The team joining forces to re-create the bright and beautiful world of Shrek the Musical includes acclaimed director and choreographer Nick Winston (Bonnie and Clyde, Arts Theatre; Beauty and the Beast, UK tour), co-director Sam Holmes (Club Tropicana the Musical), who returns to the swamp having played Lord Farquaad in the previous UK tour. He is joined by set and costume designer Philip Witcomb (Bonnie & Clyde,Garrick Theatre; Jack & The Beanstalk, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham). Further creative team includes Ben Cracknel (lighting), Jim Arnold (casting) and Ben Harrison (sound), Nina Dunn (projection design) and Jimmy Grimes (puppet design).

Venue: Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Docklands, Dublin 2
Tickets: from €21.50 on sale through www.ticketmaster.ie
Dates: 15 August – 20 August 2023

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Serena Williams is preparing to welcome her second baby girl into the world. 

The tennis pro announced she was expecting her second child with husband Alexis Ohanian back in May while attending The Met Gala.

As her due date nears closer, Serena has been celebrating her baby with her friends and family. 

Two weeks ago, Serena and Alexis revealed they were having another daughter with a lavish gender reveal party, and now the expectant mum has been enjoying a ‘pre-push party’ with her loved ones. 

Williams has shared a behind-the-scenes look at her pre-push party to her 16.9M Instagram followers and to her subscribers on her YouTube channel, bringing joy to her fans.

The 41-year-old captioned her post, “It’s a pre-push party! That you @laralucaslulu for such a surprise. I could not have asked for a better day. [heart emoji] you endlessly”.

Also describing the get-together as a ‘family baby shower’, Serena shared sweet glimpses from the day in the footage. 

She and her family enjoyed a spa day, complete with facials, reflexology and getting their nails done.

Even her five-year-old daughter Olympia can be seen in the video enjoying a massage and facial. 

Serena sweetly revealed, “Baby number two is on the way after lots of time waiting. So how am I feeling about it? Excited, anxious, nervous, happy, all of the above, but ready”.

Explaining that her friends and sister Venus planned the surprise gathering, Serena admitted, “I feel so loved today. Everyone’s here, my family’s here”.

Many fans of the tennis star headed to the comments to send her supportive messages ahead of her little one’s arrival.

One fan said, “The pre-push party looks so chill and relaxing. I love the way everyone is loving on Serena. I pray you have the most amazing birth and delivery”.

“Yay! Pre-push party! Love it! Sounds so relaxing! Good vibes!”, penned a second fan.

A third commenter wrote, “Almost there, Serena! Praying for safe delivery, healthy baby and mommy”.

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Charlotte Crosby has shared a health update on her daughter Alba Jean. 

The former Geordie Shore star welcomed Alba into the world last October with her boyfriend Jake Ankers. 

After a ‘really, really hard day’ with her daughter, Charlotte has asked for advice as she details the struggles she’s been facing as Alba has chicken pox. 

Posting a detailed update to her 8.7M Instagram followers on her Stories, Crosby admitted, “So a little Alba update. Today was really really hard. Honestly guys her chicken pox has just gone wild”.

“It’s a bad bad case it’s so unfortunate because I had a few messages from you guys saying your children has mild cases and they were crossing their fingers we would have a similar experience”.

“But honestly it couldn’t be more the opposite, she has them on the tender skin below the eyes and on the eyelids, she even has some in her mouth!”.

The 33-year-old continued, “She’s been HUGELY frustrated, irritated and uncomfortable. And it breaks my heart. We’ve had another oat cool bath tonight and today we got ahold of the poxclin mouse!”.

“Her eyes were stuck together this morning because they were so weepy. I’ve been looking at her in her cot while she’s sleeping and just breaking my heart”.

“She really is the most precious thing in my life and I’m hoping tomorrow might be a little bit better, I don’t want her to be in any discomfort!”.

Charlotte closed off by seeking advice from her fans as she added, “We did manage to get hold of piriteze for babies. And in the afternoon she was a little more settled and I could tell the itch had disappeared. For anyone who had children suffer bad from chicken pox how many days was it until the worst was over?”.

The reality TV star revealed she was “wiped out and worried” over the weekend after Alba was struggling with the itchiness of the chicken pox. 

Last week, Charlotte announced that her baby girl has started nursery and revealed dropping her off on her first day was ‘heart wrenching’.

“It’s my babies first day at nursery. And I’ve cried and cried and cried. And now I want to cry again writing this”, she admitted.

“How were you guys when dropping your little ones off does it get easier? She’s only doing a couple of days a week but my god that was heart wrenching”.

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