The Fingal County Council Arts Office has announced that there are now a number of awards and residencies available for 2025, providing welcome support for professional artists across a range of career stages and disciplines.
To help artists prepare their submissions in advance, a new calendar has been produced which showcases the various organisations that Fingal has partnered with and provides a time stamp for the opening and closing dates for each award.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh said: “Art cultivates a community’s sense of belonging and pride, which is why we want to support artists as much as possible so they can share their passion and creativity with the public. For over 20 years Fingal has been celebrating the amazing contribution of artists across the county, and we know that these awards and bursaries have really helped develop the careers of local talent in different disciplines.”
The awards and residencies include: The Performing Arts Forum; The Royal Hibernian Academy of Arts; The Ardgillan Castle Studio Award; Tyrone Guthrie Centre and Age & Opportunity; The Graphic Studio Dublin Fine Art Print Residency; The Draíocht Studio Award and The MART Gallery and Studios Graduate Award.
Fingal County Council Arts Officer, Sarah O’Neil remarks: “This showcase detailing our upcoming awards and residencies is essential for professional artists, as it offers both space and time in order to expand and strengthen their practice. These awards also offer a nurturing environment allowing artists to connect with their peers, which is one of our strategic goals of the Fingal County Council Arts plan 2019-2025, ‘Connecting People and Ideas.”
To view the awards calendar go to: https://ow.ly/EW6B50VftuW. More information on each of these awards and residencies will become available on our website and online closer to the time of applications opening. To find out more about current and previous awards, please see: www.fingalarts.ie and www.fingal.ie/arts
By Jack Shanley
With Adrian Maben’s 1972 film, “Pink Floyd at Pompeii,” returning to cinemas in stunning IMAX from April 24th, its only right to review this classic. The film is less a concert film and more a hypnotic, surrealist document of a band at their creative zenith. Filmed over four days in the eerily silent ruins of Pompeii’s ancient amphitheatre, it captures Pink Floyd performing without an audience, stripped bare of spectacle, and bathed in the stark, natural light of the Italian sun.
The absence of an audience transforms the performance into a ritualistic exploration of sound and space. The band, young and intense, play with a raw energy that contrasts sharply with their later, more polished stadium shows. Visually, the film is a masterstroke. Maben’s use of long, sweeping shots, close-ups of the band members’ intense concentration, and the stark, sun-drenched ruins create a powerful sense of isolation and timelessness. The lack of stage lighting or special effects focuses the viewer’s attention on the music itself, allowing the viewer to truly appreciate the band’s artistry. The intercut footage of the band in the studio, working on the “Dark Side of the Moon” sessions, provides a fascinating glimpse into their creative process, hinting at the masterpiece that was to come.
The upcoming IMAX release promises to elevate this experience to a whole new level. The sheer scale and clarity of the IMAX format will undoubtedly enhance the film’s visual and incredible sound. Imagine the vastness of the amphitheatre, the intricate details of the ruins, and the raw power of the band’s performance, all rendered in stunning detail on a giant screen.
The panoramic shots of Pompeii will be breathtaking on the IMAX screen, immersing you in the film’s unique atmosphere. This IMAX release is not just a remaster; it’s a reimagining of a classic film, a chance to experience the magic of “Pink Floyd at Pompeii” in a way that has never been possible before.
I’d recommend checking out “Pink Floyd at Pompeii,” and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of FIVE stars. You can watch it at Odean or the Lighthouse Cinema. Director: Adrian Maben– Rating: 12A – Genre: Documentary/Musical – Run Time: 1h 32m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
If you are planning an Easter hunt, here are some clues for hiding spots you can use to make it a fun treasure hunt style game for the kids!
If you’ve got teens and want to treat them to something other than chocolate this Easter, the new make-up collection from Sabrina Carpenter, ‘Sweet Tooth’ has beauty products shaped like chocolate bars. Fab treat for teens along with some yummy Easter eggs.
For Mammies, Irish brand Mervue Organic has a beautiful range of skincare including body oils, serums, as well as soy candles and diffusers which all smell amazing!
If you are planning a family break this Easter, Bracken Court Hotel Balbriggan is an ideal spot. Close to buses and trains for easy access to Dublin, right beside the beach and just up the road from Flynn Park which is now open for 2025. Flynn Park is a wonderful spot for families with loads of activities both on and off the water, including paintball and the Aqua Lough!
Another fab spot for a family break is Silken Thomas in Kildare town. We’re heading down over Easter with our kids. It’s close to Irish National Stud and near Kildare Village, so all our kids will be happy! The food, music and atmosphere in Silken Thomas is fantastic – if you haven’t been, we highlight recommend!
By Dave Kavanagh
At times when the topic of insurance cover comes up, it’s usually Life Cover that springs to mind. Something that pays out a sum of money in the event of death is not everyone’s favourite topic over a coffee. But other types of cover, sometimes referred to as Living Benefits, should certainly be considered by anyone that would suffer a financial loss in certain eventualities. Firstly, Income Protection. If someone cannot work due to any illness or injury and suffers a loss of income, they can be paid up to 75% of their usual salary, either until they can return to work or up to a chosen retirement age if they can never return to work. Consider what the impact would be if your current salary dropped to the current state illness benefit for a couple of years. Next, Serious Illness Cover. This pays out a tax free lump sum on diagnosis of any of the illnesses that are covered. While companies in Ireland cover approximately 50-60 different illnesses (as well as many more minor events that pay partial payments) the vast majority of claims in Ireland, are for “The Big 5”, Cancer, Heart Disease, Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Loss of Independence. The key is to get cover in place while you are relatively young and in good health, not just because there is a much higher chance of being accepted for cover but because the premiums are so much cheaper. At present, a 29-year-old putting a convertible term plan with €250,000 life cover and €100,000 serious illness cover for a 30-year term, would cost €48.78 per month. A 49-year-old doing the same levels of cover but for only a 10-year term (both finishing at age 59) would cost €128.74 per month. Lastly, introduced in recent times is Multi Claim Protection Cover. Similar in many ways to Serious Illness Cover, this option allows people to claim for more events on a needs basis. For example, if someone has a heart attack, a percentage is paid out. If they were required to stay in hospital for a certain period, a further percentage is paid out, and again if follow up treatment is required, another payment. While everyone’s needs are different, it’s worth taking time to see what is right for you.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.
By Jack Shanley
In a world where technology seamlessly integrates with daily life “Companion” (2025) explores the complex relationship between humans and A.I. The film follows Iris, a young woman who discovers she is a companion android designed for human companionship. As Iris grapples with her identity and the limitations of her programmed existence, the line between human and machine blurs, raising questions about autonomy, control, and the very nature of love.
Sophie Thatcher delivers a captivating performance as Iris, portraying her vulnerability and strength with nuance. Jack Quaid shines as Josh, the man who initially appears to be Iris’s loving companion but whose true motives become increasingly ambiguous. The supporting cast, including Lukas Gage as the enigmatic Patrick, adds depth to the narrative, each character embodying a different facet of the human-AI dynamic.
The cinematography captures the beauty and unease of Iris’s world, while the soundtrack amplifies the film’s emotional core. The script is thought-provoking, exploring themes of identity, free will, and a view of advanced technology.
“Companion” is not without its flaws. Some plot developments may strain credulity, and the film occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the sci-fi genre. However, its strengths may far outweigh its weaknesses. The film’s exploration of complex themes, combined with its strong performances and compelling visuals, make it a decent watch for fans of science fiction and thought-provoking cinema.
Ultimately, “Companion” is a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancement. It somewhat of a scary view of the future and with the film being told from an A.I perspective, I naturally felt a bit uneasy. I also understood that the humans were at fault., but It all goes back to Kubrick’s great 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in which he views it as humans becoming far too comfortable with technology that it would eventually consume us empower A.I and take over. Its with ‘Companion’ that you can kind of feel the same energy.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Companion’ and see what you think of it; I shall give it a score of three stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today. Director: Drew Hancock– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Sci-fi – Run Time: 1h 37m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Spring is great time to declutter the house and garden. Charity shops are glad of donations but it’s a good idea to get a skip too for those items you need to get rid of. We shopped around and got the same size skip from Oxigen for €120 less than another local skip company! They delivered and picked up when they say they would and the customer service was great. Happy to recommend them!
March is for treating the Mammies on Mother’s day. If you are on a budget, make her breakfast in bed, run her a bubble bath or cook her a nice dinner. If you want to take her somewhere nice, we love Silken Thomas in Kildare. They have an award-winning bar and restaurant and their accommodation is beautiful. Spoil her to a meal or mini break or surprise her with a Silken Thomas gift voucher. I brought my Mam recently and we loved it; we cannot wait to go back!
For personalised gifts, Wanapix has a great range for Mother’s day. Use CODE MAMSIE for a 15% discount. I love my personalised Wanapix travel bag with my name on, I use it as a tote bag all the time. And my hubby loves his special ‘Dad’ glass!
If your Mam enjoys a pool and spa, Farnham Estate is stunning. It’s worth going for indoor/outdoor pool alone. Relax in the warm outdoor pool while breathing in the country air. It’s magical! Their spa is fabulous, and accommodation and food are top notch. We love it so much we had a family wedding there!
Need some gift inspo and wanna keep it Irish? Hampers & Co. have hampers to suit every taste and budget. I especially love their wellness hampers. One Dame Lane has beautiful jewellery and gift sets. Cocoa Brown have budget friendly tanning sets. We are loving Wired Irish Crafts quirky candles – especially the coconut and bamboo. Stitch-a-name personalised fluffy robes and silky pyjamas are lovely. For hair lovers, Olaplex or Alfaparf gift sets are in salons and etailers. For theatre lovers, a voucher for National Concert Hall is a wonderful gift. The Design Gallery in Drogheda has lots of gift ideas and they gift wrap free of charge! Follow us on mams.ie in the run up to Mother’s day for more gift ideas and competitions!
By Dave Kavanagh
In Ireland, inheritance tax and gift tax are both under Capital Acquisition Tax. In 2022 in Ireland, there was over €600 million collected in Capital Acquisition Tax. It also includes estates that may have been taxed in previous generations. For example, if someone left an estate worth €1,000,000 to an only daughter, she would (in the current tax year) have a tax bill of just under €200,000. After she pays the bill and puts what’s left in the bank, any interest is taxed (DIRT). Guess what happens when she passes and leaves her estate behind? It’s taxed again! So what has changed? Spouses can leave any amount to each other tax free. After that, the three new thresholds are, a) Children - €400,000, b) Other close relatives - €40,000 and c) All others (including cohabiting partners) - €20,000. Everything received above these is taxed at 33%.
So, is there any way to prevent it? There are two main actions that can either reduce or eradicate such a tax bill. The first is to take the time to plan when making a will. Let’s say a value of €900,000 was being left to 2 adult children. (Not a big estate if you combine a house, savings and a life policy). This would create a tax bill of over €16,000. Instead, if €800,000 of it was left to the 2 children and the balance between a few grandchildren (at least 5), there is no tax bill. The second thing that can be done is for the person leaving the estate to take out a Section 72 plan. This is a type of life policy that is allowed to pay any tax liability without adding to the value of the estate. It becomes particularly important for anybody that does not have children to plan things out, as even other relatives can only receive €40,000 before any balance is taxed. These thresholds are particularly important for anybody in the process of planning or making their will.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.
By Jack Shanley
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu is a visually stunning and terrifying reimagining of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film. Eggers meticulously recreates the gothic atmosphere of the original film, immersing viewers in a world of shadows, decay, and dread.
The film follows Thomas Hutter (Nicolas Hoult), a young estate agent tasked with selling a remote Transylvanian castle to the enigmatic Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). Hutter’s journey into the heart of darkness unleashes a wave of terror upon his unsuspecting village, as Orlok’s insatiable hunger for blood spreads like a plague.
Bill Skarsgård delivers a truly great performance as Count Orlok. Showing a more romanticized portrayal of vampires, Skarsgård embodies Orlok as a creature of pure pestilence, his gaunt frame and piercing gaze radiating an aura of ancient evil. He is less a seductive predator and more a force of nature, an embodiment of death itself.
Eggers’ signature style is on full display, with an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and a meticulous attention to detail that borders on the obsessive. The film’s sets, costumes, and even the way light falls across the screen are all beautifully crafted to evoke a sense of authenticity.
While the film’s pacing is deliberate, mirroring the slow creep of the darkness to come, it can feel a little sluggish. I enjoyed it as much as the other adaptations, but do understand it not being for everyone, it’s essentially a film for a particular audience. The tension builds relentlessly, punctuated by moments of shocking violence and unsettling imagery.
Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024) is a masterful reimagining of a classic horror film. It is a visually stunning and terrifying experience that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. It is a testament to Eggers’ singular vision as a filmmaker, and a chilling reminder of the enduring power of classic horror.
In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Nosferatu’ (2024) and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of 4 stars. You can watch it today at your local cinema. Director: Robert Eggers– Rating: 16 – Genre: Horror/Mystery– Run Time: 2h 12m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day, take a little time out for some self-care this February, especially the hard-working Mammies. Being a Mam can be frazzling – especially this time of year with so many bugs and viruses knocking about and it’s not unusual for us to get run down because we’re so busy looking after everyone else. If you need an energy boost, plan some child-free ‘Me time’. Go see the new Bridget Jones movie with your girlfriends. Glam up for a date night (if you need a new dress, get 30% off with Code MAMS30 at www.mykindofdress.com). Or treat yourself to a pamper night at home…. light a scented candle, soak in relaxing Green Angel bath salts, moisturise with gorgeous mango Ziaja body mousse, then wrap up in snuggly pj’s to watch a movie with a tub of ice-cream! A little self-indulgence goes a long way!
Looking for clever Valentine’s gift idea for busy Mammies? How about some delicious coffee?! Life is too short to drink bad coffee which is why we love award winning Irish brand Artessa Coffee. They roast the most delicious beans – I personally love their Smooth and Lounge blends, while my hubby favours their Nina & Temptation blends. See https://artessa.ie/
Love cosy, comfy casual wear? Irish brand Human Collective have perfect transitional pieces for springtime. From slouchy jumpers to leggings to fleece lined hoodies. Perfect for women & men who like to be warm and comfy on the go. With a store in Stephens Green SC and online store https://wearehumancollective.com/ they have a brill range and great sale on atm!
As the daffodils start peeking through and days get longer, it’s a great time for a mini break. For kids midterm, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is brilliant. Delicious food, spacious rooms, swimming pool and lots of activities, including walking trails, bike rentals and Skypark nearby. For couples, there are special Valentine’s packages available to romance things up! Carlingford is such a gorgeous spot to explore with quaint cafes, cute shops, the old castle ruins and you can hop on the Carlingford ferry too. See Four Seasons Carlingford special offers here https://www.4seasonshotelcarlingford.ie/ word.
By Dave Kavanagh
When planning our family’s finances, one of the most important aspects is protecting against unexpected financial loss, yet many people often keep putting off making time to arrange it, (it’s not the most fun exercise!) despite the fact it can give them peace of mind, knowing that in the event of a fatality or a serious illness, their family do not suffer substantial financial loss. But what are they really saying? “I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. Often replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a few others. What is actually being said is “I’ll name some time in the future so that I don’t have to deal with it now” (a bit like “I’ll start the diet on Monday/in January”). Let’s face it, you can easily find 30-60 minutes once a year to deal with something this important. You’ll be glad you took the time. “We have cover in place already”. Great. That is, if it’s been reviewed in the last few months, but on closer examination, it often hasn’t been looked at in years and circumstances have changed, it may no longer be suitable. It’s important to keep things relevant to your current personal circumstances. “Our bank sorted everything for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things, but in most cases, banks are tied to one life company, so a fair comparison cannot be made, meaning you could be paying way over the odds for whatever the bank has put in place for you. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you get the best value. “I’m busy at present, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. But the fact remains, if there is an activity that you like you will make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems. I often get the response, “I don’t have time” and then in the same conversation find out which Netflix series they have just binged. Make the time. Review your cover requirements.
Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM , LMFM and TV3.