Contemporary Ireland #9

Stage: Celebrating Christmas with a classic panto

A jaunt to a loud-mouthed panto is a well-cemented Irish Christmas tradition. Split-yer-sides jokes, audience interaction, and bit of craic is what it’s all about. This year, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to pantos showing in the Big Shmoke—and the Irish Independent have done a wee write up on the ones not to miss.

Amongst them are Dundrum’s Jack and the Beanstalk, Beauty and the Best at the National Stadium, and Peter Pan at the Gaiety. A pack of crowd pleasers, no doubt!

Socials: Irish TikTok accounts to follow in 2025

Right lads, if you’re looking to spice up your TikTok feed in 2025, the chaps over at VIP Magazine have a list of top notch Irish creators you should be following. From fashion gurus to comedians who’ll have you in stitches, these TikTokers are gas tickets—showing off everything from outrageous dance moves to the perfect cuppa tea. 

Included in the line up are comedians, farmers, and musicians (to name just a few)—amongst the latter of which is the hilarious Garron Noone, who we’ve plugged with ye in a previous newsletter.

So if you’re still stuck watching cats doing flips, it’s time to follow these Irish legends for a bit of craic and culture.

Culture: Mad new book on Irish-Indian language links

A new book's just come out from the absolute legend, Manchán Magan. The book shows how Irish and Indian languages and traditions are more connected than you’d think—who knew we had all this in common with the subcontinent?!

Magan digs deep into how both cultures share ancient words, customs, and even a bit of craic, tracing links that go way back before anyone thought about putting spuds in aloo gobi. So, if you’ve ever wondered if there’s a curry-flavoured céilí waiting to happen, this book might just have the answer!

Art: Belfast painter off to the US for a massive show

Belfast painter, Joe Boske, has caught the attention of our Yankee cousins—big shtyle! His paintings of old Ireland have won over the attention of American audiences, and he’s gone and nabbed himself a monster show in the States next year.

Boske is bringing Ireland’s grim ol’ days to life with his art—think famine, poverty, and a whole lot of hardship. His new exhibition is a nod to the Great Hunger, a dark chapter in Irish history, but with a bit of hope and beauty sprinkled in for good measure. Tis’ no wonder the Irish diaspora are flocking to see it.

Rallying: Two spanking new books celebrating Irish rallying

Well well, if there isn’t a bit of a buzz in the air. Not one but TWO new books celebrating Irish rallying, and wouldn’t you know it, they’ve got plenty of Kerry in the mix—those boyos and their engines.

One of the books dives into the history of Irish rallying, while the other takes a closer look at some of the legends of the sport, including a few heroes from the Kingdom. If you’ve ever wanted to read about roaring engines, slippery roads, and Kerry pride, these books will have you revved up and ready to hit the road.

Politics: Trump names Irish-American as new Ambassador to Greece

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News personality, is off living the high life with Donald Trump Jr. She’s making waves at the Trump family’s fundraising events, talking politics and maybe stirring the pot a bit. Some folks think she’s a bit too much of a show-off, but sure, that’s what you get when you mix politics with a bit of drama, isn’t it?

It wouldn’t be a proper Irish story without a bit of scandal. Some reckon she’s playing her cards for a bigger political role, but who knows—maybe she’s just in it for the free cocktails and the chance to boss people around.

Sport: Ireland and England draw in FIH Pro League opener in Argentina

Ireland’s hockey team had a right old battle with England in a thrilling 2-2 draw—nail-biting stuff, with more plot twists than Coronation Street. The lads gave it their all, with some cracking goals, and a last-minute equaliser to keep the English on their toes. 

It may not have been the win they wanted, but sure, it’s always nice to remind the old neighbours that we can still show them a thing or two on the pitch. The Irish squad played with heart, like they always do—not giving up, even when things were looking a bit dicey. If nothing else, it was a match that’ll keep fans buzzing for a good while.

Tunes: Talos releases new tunes for the first time since untimely passing

Ah, this one’s a bittersweet tale—Talos, the brilliant Irish musician, is back with new music, despite sadly passing away in August of this year. His final tracks are being released posthumously, giving fans a last glimpse into his hauntingly beautiful sound; it’s enough to make you well up a bit. 

It's a bit like finding a hidden treasure after the storm has passed—heartbreaking, but beautiful all the same—and a good indication that this music will live on long after the man himself.

The new EP called ‘Sun Divider’ came out on 6th December and is available for purchase now, so you can stream it on Spotify or purchase a limited edition 12” vinyl and have a listen to Talos’ magic one last time. If you're looking for a way to remember him, nothing better than supporting his work and letting those gorgeous melodies fill your heart.