Colm Tóibín's sequel to the best-selling novel 'Brooklyn,' titled 'Long Island,' has been published and is generating significant buzz. While there is no official news on a film adaptation, there is hope that Saoirse Ronan might reprise her role as Eilis. The novel, published on May 23, 2024, explores Eilis Fiorello's life on Long Island and a revelation that makes her question her past choices and consider returning to Ireland.

Pregnancy can lead to unexpected symptoms beyond morning sickness and fatigue, such as sympathetic pregnancy in partners, babies tasting flavors in the womb, back acne, heightened sense of smell, and an increase in heart size. These symptoms range from physical to psychological and are influenced by hormonal changes. Sources like Healthline, Baby Centre, HSE, and Mayo Clinic provide insights into these conditions.

Samantha Vaughan, an Irish mother diagnosed with lung cancer, shared her story to encourage others to trust their instincts regarding their health. After contracting Covid-19 and experiencing persistent respiratory issues, she pushed for further medical investigation, which led to the discovery of a tumor in her right lung. Despite the challenges, including the inability to perform a biopsy due to an artery's position, she underwent surgery to remove half of her right lung. The cancer was identified as a non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, stage two, grade three. Samantha praised the care she received at Cork University Hospital and is currently on a targeted treatment with Osimertinib (Tagrisso), which she accessed due to additional government funding for cancer treatments. She spoke ahead of Daffodil Day, a major fundraising event for the Irish Cancer Society, and highlighted the importance of support services like the Cúisle Centre. Her experience underscores the significance of fundraising for cancer research and support organizations.

Premature babies in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are given crocheted octopus teddies because the tentacles mimic the feel of an umbilical cord, providing comfort and familiarity. These teddies are knitted by groups like 'Octopuses for a Preemie' and can help babies avoid grabbing at cords and wires. Parents are encouraged to scent the teddies with their smell to help with separation anxiety. The teddies also serve as a keepsake of the birth story.

The article revisits iconic moments from the Love Island TV series, highlighting memorable events and relationships from various seasons. It discusses the upcoming Love Island: All Stars 2024, set to premiere on January 15 on Virgin Media, featuring fan-favorite Islanders returning for another chance at love. Key moments include Jon Clark's proposal to Hannah Elizabeth, Malin Andersson's confrontation with Terry Walsh, and the bromance between Chris Hughes and Kem Cetinay. The article also covers dramatic recouplings, such as Michael Griffiths choosing Joanna Chimonides over Amber Gill, and the fallout from Casa Amor events. The piece concludes with a look at the series' impact, including nominations and cultural references.

The Barbie cast triumphed at the Critics Choice Awards, with America Ferrera receiving the SeeHer award for gender equality advocacy, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig winning Best Comedy for Barbie, and Ryan Gosling winning Best Song for 'I’m Just Ken'. Gosling's surprise at his win went viral, with Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt accepting the award on his behalf and praising his performance. The article highlights the success and recognition of the Barbie cast and crew.

Amanda Abbington is reportedly upset after being denied a spot on the Strictly Come Dancing reunion tour. She claims her experience on the show left her with PTSD and is considering legal action. Rumors suggest her departure was due to difficulties with her dance partner, Giovanni Pernice, whose training style she found challenging. The BBC has expressed support for Giovanni, stating they would have addressed any misconduct given their duty of care procedures.

Graham Norton hosts a new show, 'LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland,' on Prime Video, featuring ten Irish comedians competing to make each other laugh without smiling. The show, an adaptation of the Japanese series 'Documental,' is praised for its uniquely Irish humor and broad comedic range. Participants include well-known Irish comedians like Aisling Bea and Amy Huberman, with the winner receiving €50,000 for charity. The show is expected to appeal to both Irish and international audiences, offering layers of humor specific to Irish culture.

Ariana Grande is set to release a new single titled 'yes, and?' on January 12th, marking her return to the music industry after a hiatus since 2020. Fans have expressed their excitement over the announcement. Grande has been focusing on her acting career, notably being cast as Glinda in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, which is scheduled for release in November 2024. She will star alongside Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh.

Shanna Moakler discussed the impact of her ex-husband Travis Barker's relationship with Kourtney Kardashian on their children, expressing feelings of parental alienation and the challenges of competing with the Kardashians' wealth and fame. She described the allure of the Kardashian lifestyle for her children and her inability to match it, leading to hurtful comments and comparisons. Despite feeling unfairly portrayed by the media and resenting the Kardashian family's influence, Moakler emphasized her unconditional love and support for her children.

Ashford Campbell was inspired to audition for 'The Drifters Girl' after seeing friends perform in the acclaimed stage show, which is set to have its Irish premiere at Dublin’s Bord Gais Energy Theatre. The musical, running from January 30 to February 3, tells the story of The Drifters and their manager Faye Treadwell, who fought against racism and sexism to achieve success. Ashford, who plays Ben Nelson and Rudy Lewis, discusses the challenges of portraying real-life figures and his favorite moments and songs from the show. He also reflects on his love for music and his career in stage shows, expressing a desire to create something new in the future.

Dancing With The Stars returns on January 7th with 11 new contestants. Bookmakers BoyleSports predict David Whelan and Laura Fox as joint-favourites to win, both at 3/1 odds. Other notable contenders include Miriam Mullins at 4/1, Jason Smyth at 5/1, and Blu Hydrangea at 6/1. The show will air live every Sunday at 6.30 pm on RTÉ One.

Ryan Tubridy, the former host of 'The Late Late Show', has started a new role at Virgin Radio UK, marking a fresh chapter in his broadcasting career after leaving RTE. Tubridy expressed enthusiasm and optimism about the new year and his new position, receiving a warm welcome in the UK. His first show featured Hollywood actor Russell Crowe as a guest, discussing Crowe's upcoming movie and music tour. The show is broadcasted on Virgin Radio UK and simulcast in Ireland on Q102.

First Dates Ireland bartender Neil Kenna discusses the upcoming season of the show, which begins on January 4 on RTE Two, highlighting the humor and interesting characters featured. Kenna, who joined the show in January 2022, shares his favorite aspects of working on the series, including the camaraderie with the team and the family-like environment of the production crew. He also talks about his surprise at being recognized frequently due to his role on the show. Kenna provides insights into the dynamics of first dates and encourages applicants to be themselves. Additionally, he expresses excitement for his new role as general manager of The Dunmore, a restaurant in Rathmines, which has received positive feedback since opening.

Harry Styles has grown out his buzzcut, much to the relief of his fans who were distressed by his previous haircut. The singer was seen with longer hair in a recent photo, sparking positive reactions from fans. His mother, Anne Twist, defended him against negative comments on social media. Styles has kept a low profile since his 'Love on Tour' shows, and was last seen with a shaved head at a U2 concert with his girlfriend, Taylor Russell.

A curated list of the most anticipated books for 2024, featuring works from renowned authors like Marian Keyes, Kiley Reid, and Colm Tóibín, as well as emerging Irish writers. Highlights include Marian Keyes' 'My Favourite Mistake', Kiley Reid's 'Come and Get It', and Colm Tóibín's 'Long Island'. The article emphasizes the excitement and high expectations for these upcoming releases, encouraging readers to pre-order and look forward to a year filled with compelling reads.

The article previews various TV shows and movies anticipated to be hits in 2024, including 'Criminal Record' on Apple TV+, 'True Detective: Night Country' on Sky Atlantic, 'Masters Of The Air' on Apple TV+, '3 Body Problem' on Netflix, and 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' on Prime Video. It also mentions the final season of 'Vikings: Valhalla', the supernatural horror 'Night Swim', 'Wicked Little Letters' starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, the spy thriller 'Argylle', 'Dune: Part Two' with Timothée Chalamet, 'Challengers' directed by Luca Guadagnino, 'A Quiet Place: Day One', 'Joker: Folie à Deux' with Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, and 'Paddington In Peru'. The article lists the cast members and provides brief synopses for each production.

The Late Late Show's New Year's Eve special on RTÉ will feature a variety of guests from the comedy, music, broadcasting, and acting industries, including Midge Ure, Maverick Sabre, and Niamh Kavanagh. Hosted by Patrick Kielty, the show will also have performances by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and others, with Anna Geary presenting live from Dublin Castle at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Concert.

Anna Geary, a presenter, shared a heartfelt post on Instagram about coping with her first Christmas without her brother Thomas, who passed away in November after a short illness. She emphasized that it's okay to struggle during the holidays and encouraged finding small joys and leaning on others for support.

The film 'Saltburn', a psychological thriller starring Barry Keoghan, has sparked controversy after being chosen as a family movie on Christmas Eve due to its adult content. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film, set in 2006 at Oxford, follows Oliver's obsession with a wealthy family. Despite its critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination for Keoghan, its graphic scenes have led to unexpected reactions, including a woman's apology to her family for selecting it as a festive watch.

The third season of Bridgerton will be released on Netflix on May 16th, with Irish actress Nicola Coughlan taking the lead. The season will explore the love story between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, with Penelope seeking independence and Colin grappling with his feelings for her. The season promises to be tantalizing, with part 2 airing on June 13th.

The article presents four mocktail recipes perfect for a girl's night during Dry January. It includes detailed instructions for making Virgin Strawberry Daquiri, Virgin Pornstar Martini, Virgin Espresso Martini, and Virgin Piña Colada, emphasizing their ease of preparation and delicious, hangover-free nature.

Meghan Markle makes a surprising return to acting in a humorous coffee advert for Clevr Blends, a company she has invested in since 2020. The advert features Meghan as an intern, adding a comedic touch. The video, posted by Clevr Blends' CEO Hannah Mendoza, thanks the team for their hard work in 2023. Meghan's involvement with the brand has been relatively low-key, though she has promoted it to friends like Oprah Winfrey.

Sisu, a film described as a cross between John Wick and Rambo, follows a solitary gold miner in northern Finland who battles Nazis to retrieve his stolen gold. The film, noted for its extreme violence and gory scenes, stars Jorma Tommila and has received rave reviews, including a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Apple TV.

A mother shares her perspective on not spending much on Christmas gifts for her young children, emphasizing that the holiday should focus on traditions and time spent together rather than expensive presents. She reassures other parents in similar situations and highlights that young children often do not understand or care about the value of gifts. The article includes supportive comments from other parents who share similar experiences and views.

Spring-inspired floral baby names are expected to be popular in 2024, with Eflorist curating a list of top names for boys and girls based on historical data. Names like Juniper, Azalea, and Orion are among the unique and beautiful options highlighted.

Cat Deeley has reportedly declined the opportunity to replace Holly Willoughby as host of 'This Morning', opting instead to return to her role on 'So You Think You Can Dance' in the US. Despite being a top choice alongside Ben Shepard, ITV is reportedly disappointed by her decision, as they were impressed by her previous guest appearance. The relaunch of 'This Morning' is now delayed, and ITV must reconsider their plans. Meanwhile, 'So You Think You Can Dance' is set to resume production after a COVID-19 hiatus.

Julia Roberts has expressed interest in reprising her role for a sequel to the 90s rom-com 'My Best Friend’s Wedding,' a film she believes is underrated. She shared a potential plot idea involving her character and has the support of co-star Dermot Mulroney, who is also open to the idea. The cast's appreciation for the film resonates with the author's own admiration.

Molly-Mae Hague, engaged to Tommy Fury, rarely wears her €600,000 engagement ring due to its high value and past experiences with burglary. Following a traumatic €800,000 burglary in 2021, she is cautious about displaying wealth publicly, especially with her daughter Bambi. Molly-Mae's concerns are heightened by incidents like Kim Kardashian's robbery in Paris. Despite public speculation about her relationship, she remains unfazed, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the public eye.

A mother sparked debate by claiming that lying to children about Santa Claus fosters poor behavior and consumerism, labeling it as creating 'brats.' Her comments received backlash from other parents who view the Santa tradition as a positive and magical part of Christmas. The discussion highlights differing opinions on the impact of this festive tradition on children's behavior and family values.

Zoe Sugg, an influencer, welcomed her second daughter, Novie Nell, with fiancé Alfie Deyes. The name Novie, meaning 'new one' or 'God of beauty', is considered unique and adorable by fans. The couple, who had their first child in August 2021, will be celebrating their first Christmas as a family of four.

A mother has initiated an online debate after expressing her surprise that her child was invited to a birthday party on Christmas Eve. She shared her thoughts on Mumsnet, stating that Christmas Eve should be spent with family, not at a birthday party. Other users responded with mixed reactions, some understanding her point of view, while others defended the right of the birthday child's parents to hold the party on that day, especially if that is the child's actual birthday. The discussion highlighted the challenges of having a birthday during the festive season and the varying opinions on how to celebrate it.

Travis Kelce is planning an extravagant celebration for Taylor Swift's 34th birthday, including a romantic dinner and a semi-surprise party with her close friends. Speculations about a possible proposal are circulating. Swift, named TIME's Person of the Year for 2023, shared insights into their relationship, highlighting their private beginnings and mutual support. The couple has been dating since July and went public in the autumn, following Swift's split from Joe Alwyn.

Dermot Kennedy, Daniel Ricciardo, and Zach Bryan performed together at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, creating an unexpected and exciting collaboration. Dermot, in Australia for his Sonder tour, joined Zach on stage, along with F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo. The trio performed Zach's new single 'Boys of Faith' live for the first time, delighting fans. Daniel shared photos and expressed his excitement about the experience, which was well-received by fans.

Pete Wicks expresses immense pride and support for his best friend Sam Thompson, who is a favorite to win the reality TV show 'I'm a Celeb.' Wicks, who recently appeared on the show to surprise Thompson, urges the public to vote for him as the King of the Jungle. Sam's girlfriend, Zara McDermott, also supports his potential win, emphasizing that no one deserves it more. The final of the show, featuring contestants Sam Thompson, Tony Bellew, and Nigel Firage, airs tonight.

Rebecca Ferguson shares her journey as a singer-songwriter, emphasizing her lifelong passion for music. Her latest album, 'Heaven Part II,' reflects a relaxed and fun approach to music creation, marking a departure from the structured process of her previous works. Ferguson discusses the importance of independence in the music industry, highlighting her experience of releasing the album independently. She fondly recalls memorable career moments, including a performance at a caravan park, which she values for its genuine connection with the audience. Ferguson also offers advice for aspiring musicians, stressing the significance of social media presence and independence.

A Reddit user named Margaret Emily, who goes by the nickname Robyn, shared her discomfort with her sister's decision to name her baby Margaret after her. Despite Robyn's dislike for her own name, her sister insisted on honoring her in this way, leading to a disagreement when Robyn did not react positively. Redditors responded with various opinions, some suggesting it was inconsiderate to put Robyn on the spot, while others offered humorous advice.

Phillip Schofield, the former 'This Morning' host, is reportedly set to return to broadcasting, potentially joining a major commercial radio station in the UK. This follows the publication of an external report clearing ITV of covering up Schofield's affair with a younger colleague. Industry insiders suggest that Schofield could secure a lucrative deal to return to radio broadcasting, marking a fresh start for the presenter.

Comedian Mark Mehigan has announced the release of his debut book, 'This Is Not A Self-Help Book', which will explore themes of sobriety, mental health, and personal transformation. The book, set to hit shelves in 2024, reflects on Mehigan's own experiences with alcoholism and his journey to recovery. He hopes the book will inspire others who feel trapped by their behaviors and thoughts to believe that change is possible. Mehigan also shared his engagement to 2FM's Doireann Garrihy.

Rebecca Grimes, known for her role as Hayley Collins in Fair City, is eagerly anticipating her upcoming winter wedding. She shares her excitement about the Christmas holidays and her plans to have a more relaxed and organized festive season. Rebecca's wedding will feature a personal touch with her friends Nyree Yergainharsian and Mairead officiating the ceremony. She reflects on her character's tumultuous year in Fair City and expresses hope for a brighter future for Hayley. Rebecca also discusses her appreciation for being part of the show's Christmas storylines and the camaraderie with her co-stars.

Dermot Bannon discusses the upcoming season of 'Room to Improve,' highlighting the challenges of tight budgets and the impact of the cost of living crisis on renovation projects. He emphasizes the importance of proper planning and prioritization in home renovations, advising against being swayed by aesthetic trends without addressing fundamental issues. Bannon also shares his personal experiences and the emotional journey of working closely with homeowners, noting the strong connections formed during the process. The new season will feature diverse projects, including a notable small-scale renovation and a historic farmhouse in Kilkenny.

Richard Meek expresses his deep admiration for the Rocky Horror Show, highlighting its significant impact on his life and career. He shares his excitement about performing in Dublin, praising the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and the city's atmosphere. Meek reflects on his long-standing connection with the show, the unique audience interaction, and his favorite musical moments. He also discusses his early passion for acting, his dream roles, and his experiences in other notable productions like The Producers and & Juliet.

Dermot Bannon shares his ongoing nervousness about new seasons of 'Room to Improve' airing, likening it to sending kids to school for the first time. The show, returning for its 15th season on RTE One, reflects current economic challenges, with tight budgets and some projects not fully completed. Bannon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing essential renovations over aesthetic choices and highlights the value of older townhouses and available grants. He enjoys the personal connections formed with homeowners and remains engaged with audience feedback on social media.

Amber Heard expressed gratitude to her fans for their support following her reduced role in Aquaman 2, where she reportedly has only 11 lines and limited screen time. Despite her character's significant life changes in the film, her role was minimized, which she attributes to the aftermath of her defamation trial with Johnny Depp. Director James Wan stated that the sequel was always intended to focus more on Aquaman and his brother Orm. Some fans have threatened to boycott the film in response to Heard's reduced presence.

Steve Halliwell, known for his role as Zak Dingle on Emmerdale, has passed away at 77. His family confirmed he died peacefully in a hospice, expressing gratitude to the staff at St. James Hospital and Wheatfield Hospice. ITV's John Whiston and Emmerdale fans paid heartfelt tributes, highlighting Halliwell's impact both on and off-screen.

Sandy Kelly, who recently released her first studio album in thirty years, is embarking on her Leaving It All Behind Tour, which will take audiences through her life story and career-defining songs. She shares personal anecdotes, including her unconditional love for her son, her admiration for Johnny Cash, and her favorite memories, books, movies, and beauty products. The tour begins on March 1 and concludes on March 28, with performances across various venues in Ireland.

Muireann O’Connell expresses her honor and enjoyment in being part of the Ireland AM team, highlighting the show's growth and its impact on viewers. She discusses the evolving media landscape, emphasizing the increased accessibility and egalitarian nature of media careers today. Alongside Eric Roberts, she reflects on memorable encounters with celebrities and the positive changes brought by social media. Both appreciate the opportunities provided by Virgin Media and the supportive environment in the industry.

Ireland's homeless crisis has worsened, with over 4,000 children and 13,514 people overall classified as homeless in 2023. The Department of Housing's report highlights the severity of the issue, with 2,000 families, including 1,134 single-parent families, affected. Charities like Focus Ireland are urging the government to increase long-term housing units to reduce homelessness. Pat Dennigan of Focus Ireland emphasizes the need for a fairer allocation of social housing to those homeless for extended periods to mitigate the crisis.

Kate Garraway expressed her gratitude for the public's support following the death of her husband, Derek Draper, who passed away after a long battle with Covid-19. In a heartfelt message, she thanked viewers of 'Good Morning Britain' and shared her family's journey through Derek's illness, including his time in the hospital and the impact of the virus on his health. Kate emphasized the importance of support and connection during times of grief and announced that she and her children would be taking time to heal.

Keeley Ryan shares her personal experience with premature greying, starting from when she first discovered a grey hair at 16. She recounts the various methods she used to hide her grey hair, including dyes and hair accessories. The lockdown due to the pandemic halted her regular hair maintenance, leading her to reconsider her approach to her greying hair. As she observed the natural transition of her hair color during lockdown, she began to accept and even like her grey hair. Although she's not ready to fully embrace going grey, she has decided to stop using root-hiding products for the time being.

Kat Ellis, the author of the horror novel 'Harrow Lake,' discussed her book and inspirations in an interview with SHEmazing. She shared her love for the horror genre, citing classic horror films and Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rebecca' as influences. 'Harrow Lake' is the story of Lola Nox, daughter of a horror filmmaker, who encounters the dark secrets and legends of Harrow Lake, including the eerie Mr. Jitters. Ellis talked about the psychological aspects of horror and her approach to creating the legend of Mr. Jitters. While she has no definite plans for a sequel, she mentioned potential ideas for revisiting the story, particularly focusing on the character Cora. The novel is published by Penguin and is currently available for purchase.

Actor Paul Mescal discusses his role as Connell in the BBC/Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel 'Normal People'. The book, released in 2018 and long-listed for the Man Booker prize, is brought to life on screen with Rooney's involvement as co-producer and scriptwriter. The series, co-directed by Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, is produced by Element Pictures. Mescal shares his experiences of portraying the character and the challenges of translating internal monologues from the page to the screen. He emphasizes the relatability of the characters and his connection to the role. Mescal also expresses his hopes that the series will meet the expectations of the book's fans. 'Normal People' is set to premiere on RTÉ on April 28.