Discover Athy’s rich history with free weekly guided tours of The Athy Story exhibition at the Shackleton Experience

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  • Free guided tours take place weekly alternating between Tuesday and Friday at 10:30am and are up to 40 minutes long

 

  • Artefacts on display include The Rent Table from 1533, medieval grave slabs, a carved stone monk’s head and the Narraghbeg Cross which was commissioned in 1620 by Ellen Fitzgerald

 

Step into Athy’s past and explore the town’s rich history and culture with free weekly guided tours of The Athy Story exhibition at the Shackleton Experience, Athy, the only institution in the world dedicated to the life of Kildare-born polar explorer Ernest Shackleton.

 

The Athy Story exhibition traces the town’s development from its medieval origins, beginning with the arrival of the Normans in the 13th century. It also highlights Athy’s strong connections to the Fitzgerald family, one of the most powerful dynasties in South Kildare from the 12th to the 16th century.

 

Now, visitors can enjoy free guided tours of the exhibition alternating on a Tuesday or Friday each week at 10:30am. These 40-minute tours are ideal for locals interested in exploring their heritage, as well as international visitors keen to discover Athy’s unique culture.

 

Artefacts on display include:

  • The Rent Table – dating back to 1533, this table was used for rent payments between tenants and landlords. It was originally housed in Gerald Fitzgerald’s residence at Maynooth Castle until the castle’s confiscation in 1535
  • Medieval Grave Slabs – featuring intricate carvings and Fleur de Lys designs
  • Carved Stone Monk’s Head – discovered on the grounds of the former Priory of St. John, offering a rare glimpse into Athy’s monastic past
  • Narraghbeg Cross – commissioned in 1620 by Ellen FitzGerald in memory of her husband, John FitzGerald
  • The Athy Story also depicts the 1798 Rebellion, Confederate Wars and the Great Famine

 

Aline FitzGerald, General Manager of the Shackleton Experience, says: “We are delighted to introduce these free weekly guided tours of The Athy Story. They offer a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to step into Athy’s past and connect with the people, events and stories that have shaped the town over centuries. From medieval artefacts to more recent history, there is something here for everyone to discover.”

 

The Athy Story Guided Tour can be booked here – https://seathy.shackletonexperience.ie/ticketbooth/shows/1173678597/events/428827037

 

There is also an on-site retail offering, open to the public without a ticket, featuring a curated selection of unique, Irish-made products from a range of stockists, including Ciara O’Keefe Ceramics, Tamzen Lundy Designs, Kildare Candle Barn, John Hanly & Co., and Baressential Soap. A range of Shackleton-themed merchandise is also available, including mugs, hoodies, books and stationery.

 

An on-site café, Ernie’s @ Shackleton Experience, is also open to the public. Led by Graham Herterich (The Cupcake Bloke), the café offers homemade breads, gourmet toasties, sweet treats and his well-known ‘Retro Biscuits’, all available to enjoy in the café or takeaway.

 

Located less than an hour from Dublin and served by regular trains from Dublin’s Heuston Station, the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare is easily accessible from surrounding counties including Carlow, Laois, and Kilkenny.

 

The Shackleton Experience – Unmissable for families, schools, polar enthusiasts, culture and

history fans as well as adventure and endurance sports devotees

 

Visit shackletonexperience.ie to learn more about the Shackleton Experience

 

Affidea unveils new ‘Heart Health Check’ – a comprehensive heart check up to help patients understand their cardiac risk factors and take preventative action

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  • Advanced cardiac assessment includes electrocardiogram (ECG), heart ultrasound, advanced blood testing and recommendations on preventative steps

 

  • Dr Matthew Barrett appointed Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Governance Lead for Heart Health Check

 

  • Affidea Heart Health Check now available in Dublin and will open in Cork in July

 

A new ‘Heart Health Check’ has been unveiled by Affidea, one of the most advanced and fastest-growing healthcare providers on the island of Ireland. The comprehensive cardiac check-up is aimed at encouraging people to take a proactive approach to their heart health, understand their risk factors and take preventative action before any issues develop.

 

Dr Matthew Barrett has been appointed as Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Governance Lead for Affidea’s new Heart Health Check. With over two decades of experience, his specialities include advanced cardiac imaging, heart failure, cardiovascular prevention and the use of eHealth in chronic disease management.

 

Dr. Barrett is overseeing the development and delivery Affidea’s Heart Health Check and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. The service is currently available in Affidea clinics in Dublin and will be available in Cork from July. No referral is required and patients can book an appointment on https://www.affidea.ie/hearthealth/

 

Patients undergo a full evaluation of their heart health including key physical measurements, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a detailed ultrasound scan of the heart, alongside advanced blood testing. This includes Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), an important and often under-tested indicator of cardiovascular risk. All results are clinically reviewed, providing patients with clear insights into their cardiovascular risk profile as well as guidance on preventative steps and lifestyle interventions where appropriate.

 

Dr Barrett is a graduate of University College Dublin and completed his specialist cardiology training in Ireland, followed by subspecialty training in advanced cardiovascular imaging at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He currently works as a consultant cardiologist across St. Vincent’s Hospital Healthcare Group and HSE Community Healthcare Organisation, with a focus on community care, eHealth and chronic disease management.

 

Dr Barrett is also Chair of the Prevention Council of the Irish Heart Foundation and serves as Integrated Care Lead with the National Heart Programme.

 

Barry Downes, CEO of Affidea UK and Ireland, said:

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Ireland and affects a broad range of people. As a result, early detection is key when it comes to heart health. Our new service is about empowering people to take a proactive approach, understanding their risk factors and taking action before issues develop. By combining advanced diagnostics with expert clinical oversight, we are providing patients with accessible, high quality preventative care in a community setting. We’re delighted to appoint Dr. Matt Barrett to this important role as his vast expertise in cardiovascular care and a passion for patient – centric diagnostics will be hugely beneficial to us as we encourage people across Ireland to take control of their heart health.”

 

Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Matthew Barrett said:

“I’m delighted to take on this role with Affidea at a time when preventative cardiology has never been more important. This service enables people to better understand their heart health and take practical steps to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. So, whether you have a history of heart disease in the family, are an athlete training for your next personal best or a busy executive in a stressful job, then getting a heart health check will help you understand your own risk factors and allow you to take preventative action. By identifying issues early, we have a real opportunity to improve long-term outcomes for patients.”

Seeing and treating over 300,000 public and private patients annually through a dedicated workforce of 400+ healthcare professionals, Affidea Ireland delivers fast access to world‑class diagnostic imaging*, urgent care and a range of outpatient services, including day case elective surgery.

 

Affidea Ireland has a network of 24 clinical facilities across the Republic of Ireland, including several minor injury units**, and four facilities in Northern Ireland – two in Hillsborough, one on Malone Road in Belfast, and most recently a new MRI centre in Omagh.

 

Outpatient surgery services include Consultant led orthopaedics, plastics, dermatology, urology, gynaecology, pain management and ophthalmology services, as well as Heart Health Clinics, Bone Health Clinics and Women’s Health Clinics.

 

A next‑generation medical facility will open on Belfast’s Boucher Road in early 2027 as part of a multi‑million‑euro investment programme across the island of Ireland. With capacity for up to 50,000 patients each year, Boucher Road will become Northern Ireland’s most modern state of the art healthcare facility incorporating an orthopaedic centre of excellence and a full diagnostic imaging centre. The construction phase will create up to 120 high‑skill jobs. This investment complements a variety of other significant upgrades across Ireland that are enhancing access, speed and quality of care for patients nationwide.

 

As part of the wider Affidea Group – Europe’s largest provider of advanced diagnostics with over 430 centres across 15 countries – Affidea Ireland brings internationally benchmarked standards, innovation, evidence-based medicine and clinical excellence to communities across the island, elevating patient experience while supporting both public and private healthcare systems.

 

www.affidea.com and www.affidea.ie

Unique Media

Vacancies at Unique Media

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Unique Media

Interested in working alongside an enthusiastic, dynamic and creative team of communications professionals who are results driven and like to have some fun along the way?

Unique Media is a Dublin based strategic communications advisory firm which provides best in class PR, Public Affairs, Brand, Reputation, Social, Influencer Relations, Digital and Event Management services. Our on-site radio and television broadcast studios facilitate Media Training, podcast and video production services as well as VO’s and all other audio-visual requests.

We work across an extremely diverse cand exciting client roster that covers corporate, financial, consumer, health, fashion, culture, technology, lifestyle, charity and media brands.

We currently have a vacancy for a PR Account Manger to join our talented team of communicators. The successful individual will embrace the fast pace of our dynamic environment, have a strong knowledge of the media and influencer landscape in Ireland and a passion for the latest trends and all things news related.

 

PR Account Manager (REF: PR AM 1)

 

Interested candidates must have:

 

  • 3+ years of agency experience
  • Proven track record of developing and implementing integrated communications plans across a variety of sectors that have dovetailed with the strategic objectives of the client’s business and achieved outlined KPI’s
  • A creative mindset that can be applied to campaign brainstorming as well as day to day media relations
  • Ability to engage with confidence with clients, acting as their trusted sounding board
  • Strong issues management experience
  • A keen interest and awareness of the media landscape in Ireland
  • Excellent relationships and contacts across all media
  • A strong knowledge of the influencer landscape and a passion for keeping up with the latest trends and consumer culture
  • Experience of creating wider marketing and advertorial plans to dovetail with PR activity
  • An interest in domestic, European and international politics
  • Ability to manage client budgets
  • Ability to work independently within a dynamic team environment
  • Outstanding verbal, written and aural communications skills
  • Excellent time management and organisational skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail
  • A desire for continued self-development

 

Please forward applications to [email protected] marked with the reference number. The closing date for applications is Friday 29 May 2026. All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.

 

Advertising Standards Authority Annual Report for 2025 highlights strong industry partnerships and regulatory collaboration

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  • 2025 Annual Report outlines organisation’s work to promote high standards in advertising and to foster trust in marketing communications across Ireland

 

  • Last year ASA received 915 complaints relating to 756 advertisements, with misleading advertising remaining the most common issue identified

 

30th April 2025

 

Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the independent self-regulatory body committed in the public interest to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications, has today unveiled their Annual Report for 2025. The Report reflects the organisation’s continued focus on responsible advertising through clear standards, guidance, monitoring, stakeholder engagement and independent oversight, ensuring advertising in Ireland remains legal, decent, honest and truthful.

 

During 2025, the ASA worked closely with advertisers, agencies, media owners, public bodies and international partners to respond to emerging challenges across Ireland’s evolving media landscape. Collaboration across the co‑regulated ecosystem remained central to this work, including ongoing engagement with Coimisiún na Meán, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland.

 

The Annual Report highlights that 915 complaints were received in 2025 relating to 756 advertisements, with misleading advertising remaining the most common issue identified. 68% of the complaints resolved were made on the grounds that the advertising was misleading, underlining the ongoing importance of accuracy and clarity in marketing communications, particularly in digital and online environments. The Report also highlights, however, that the majority of advertisements brought to the ASA’s attention did not involve a breach of the Code.

 

Commenting on the publication of the Report, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said: “Misleading advertising remains a key area of focus for the ASA, particularly as advertising formats and technologies continue to evolve. Our work is not only about addressing issues when they arise, but about supporting good practice through guidance, copy advice, monitoring and engagement.

 

We encourage advertisers to engage with our copy advice service and to visit adstandards.ie if they are unsure whether an advertisement complies with the Code. Collaboration is also central to our approach, and we continue to work closely with the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) and other European self‑regulatory organisations to share best practice and respond effectively to common challenges.”

 

Beyond enforcement, the Report highlights the ASA’s continued focus on education and awareness‑raising, including guidance, stakeholder engagement and industry events. Advertisers were again encouraged to make use of the ASA’s copy advice service to support compliance at an early stage.

 

The Annual Report also notes that work commenced during 2025 on the eighth edition of the Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland, a major project that will involve extensive stakeholder consultation and will shape advertising regulation in the years ahead.

 

The Advertising Standards Authority Annual Report 2025 is available at https://adstandards.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ad-Standards-Annual-Report-2025-Final.pdf

 

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

 

Women urged to share experiences of hormonal health at work, including menstruation, endometriosis, PCOS and fertility, as national survey targets gaps in women’s wellbeing research

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Menopause Hub, with support from Core, is calling on women to take part in a national survey addressing the under-researched impact of hormonal health in the workplace https://survey.euro.confirmit.com/wix/2/p507645617212.aspx

 

A new national survey is calling on women across Ireland to share their experiences of hormonal health and its impact on their working lives in a bid to shine a light on an often overlooked and misunderstood issue.

 

Spearheaded by Menopause Hub, a centre of excellence in menopause care, and supported by Core, Ireland’s largest marketing communications agency, the survey has been designed to capture a broad and representative range of women’s voices.

 

This includes those with direct experience of hormonal health conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), menopause, maternity and fertility – many of which remain a silent struggle – as well as women contributing to a wider national picture of hormonal health in the workplace.

 

The survey is being distributed through two key channels, via Menopause Hub to its member base and social media audiences, and through Core’s nationally representative research panel, which is quota-controlled across age, region, and social class.

 

Over 1,000 women have already participated, and early insights highlight the significant impact hormonal health can have on day-to-day working life. Preliminary analysis suggests many women continue to work through difficult symptoms without support or disclosure. A number of respondents also report navigating these challenges in silence, particularly in workplace environments where policies are unclear or absent.

 

Loretta Dignam, Founder and CEO, Menopause Hub, says: “Women’s hormone health has been overlooked for far too long, despite its profound impact on women’s lives, health and experiences at work. Through this survey with Core, we want to build the strongest evidence base yet in Ireland on the ‘3M’ journey – menstruation, maternity and motherhood, and peri/menopause – so we can influence Government, healthcare providers and employers to deliver meaningful change. Women are not mini men, and our policies, workplaces and health systems must start reflecting that.”

 

Emma Kavanagh, Research Director at Core Research, says: “Too many women are managing hormonal health challenges in silence at work, and there is a clear opportunity for organisations to better support them. This survey is an important step in bringing these experiences to light. By truly listening to women, we can help drive policies that not only improve wellbeing, but also strengthen engagement, productivity and retention.”

 

Women across Ireland are encouraged to take part in the survey and ensure their experiences are represented. By contributing, participants can help drive meaningful change in workplace understanding, policy, and support around hormonal health. The survey can be accessed here – https://survey.euro.confirmit.com/wix/2/p507645617212.aspx

 

To take part in the survey, scan the QR code below:

Two thirds of advertisers’ websites investigated by the Advertising Standards Authority identified as having potential breaches of prescription-only medicine advertising rules

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A total of 123 advertisers’ websites were investigated as part of an Advertising Standards Authority monitoring project which identified online advertising that may breach the Code’s prohibition on the promotion of prescription-only medicines to the public

 

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the independent self-regulatory body committed in the public interest to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications, has completed a monitoring project examining online advertising for cosmetic treatments promoted through advertisers’ websites.

 

The project focused on whether the content of the advertisers’ websites complied with Section 11.16 of the Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland, which states that “prescription-only medicines may not be advertised to the public”. Websites were specifically reviewed to assess whether ‘Botox’, and ‘botulinum toxin’ (prescription-only medicines) were referenced or promoted within their content.

 

A total of 123 advertiser websites were examined during the monitoring process, of which 44 did not promote prescription-only medicines. Of the remaining 79 websites (64%), prescription only medicines were promoted, potentially in breach of Section 11.16 of the Code. These advertisers were contacted directly by the Advertising Standards Authority and informed of the relevant advertising rules and regulations.

 

Following engagement with the Advertising Standards Authority, 66 of the advertisers contacted have since amended their website content to address the issues identified.

 

However, 13 cases were subject to investigation and have been referred to the ASA’s Independent Complaints Council. All 13 were found to be in breach of the Code while eight of the advertisers undertook to change their website content.

 

Commenting on the findings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, says: “The rules in the Code are extremely clear that prescription-only medicines must not be advertised to the public. References to Botox and botulinum toxin are considered prescription only medicines and these cannot be references in advertising content directed to members of the public.

 

It is encouraging that the majority of advertisers contacted by the ASA engaged with us and amended their content once the issue was brought to their attention. Our approach is to work with advertisers to support compliance with the Code, helping to ensure consumers are safeguarded and that marketing communications are responsible and do not undermine important public health protections.

 

We will continue to engage with advertisers and relevant professional representative bodies to ensure there is a clear understanding of the advertising rules in this area.”

 

The Advertising Standards Authority also has a free Copy Advice Service, allowing prospective ads to be checked against the Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland. It is available for advertisers, agencies, media and promoters who plan to advertise in Ireland. You can get your ad checked for free by emailing [email protected]

 

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

 

Nobody Heard Them Cry, a brand-new podcast from The Irish Sun, explores the harrowing murders of Esther and Jessica McCann by Frank McCann in 1992

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  • The Irish Sun’s Nicola Bardon narrates podcast which details the brutal murders of Esther and 18-month-old Jessica at the hands of Frank McCann 33 years ago

 

  • As Frank McCann prepares to face a parole board for the 7th time, the podcast features interviews with Esther’s sister Marian and Frank’s brother Bernard, along with expert insight from Gardaí and Irish Sun Crime Editor Stephen Breen

 

  • Three-part series is available to listen now on all popular streaming platforms

 

 

Nobody Heard Them Cry, a brand-new podcast from The Irish Sun, explores one of Ireland’s most harrowing and haunting murder cases, the deaths of Esther McCann and her 18-month-old foster daughter, Jessica in 1992.

 

The three-part series which is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts now, revisits the shocking killings that took place 33 years ago, when Esther’s husband, publican and swimming coach Frank McCann, deliberately set fire to the family home on Butterfield Avenue in Rathfarnham, Dublin. Esther and baby Jessica were left trapped inside and died in the blaze.

 

Frank McCann was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1996 for their murders and has since spent nearly three decades behind bars, primarily in Arbour Hill and Mountjoy prisons. Now, as he prepares to face a parole board for the seventh time, the case has once again come into sharp public focus.

 

Speaking on the podcast, Marian Leonard, sister of Esther McCann, shares her fears ahead of the parole hearing: “He has a plan. I don’t know what the plan is, but he has a plan to do harm. Whoever he’s going to do the harm to, there could be incidental people in his way. I would have a fear of him burning down our house.”

 

“Once he makes his mind up… if he’s made up his mind to kill somebody, nothing will have changed. All those years that he’s been inside – whether it’s Bernard, me, my brother, whoever – nothing will have changed Frank McCann’s mind. He is as dangerous today as he was in 1992.”

 

Narrated by Nicola Bardon, making her debut as a podcast host, Nobody Heard Them Cry takes a deep and unflinching look at the case that shocked the nation in the summer of 1992.

 

At the heart of the series are powerful contributions from Esther’s family. Her sister, Marian Leonard, speaks candidly about her ongoing fear as Frank McCann seeks parole, while his brother, Bernard McCann, reflects on the devastating impact of the murders – and the lasting hatred and contempt he still feels decades later.

 

Bernard McCann recalls a chilling conversation with Esther just days before her death: “We were at my brother Derek’s wedding, a lovely sunny day, and Esther came over to us. We’re a happy-go-lucky family, always joking, and she said, ‘Frank’s trying to kill me.’”

 

“We all laughed it off at first, but she repeated it: ‘No, Frank’s trying to kill me.’ Something interrupted the conversation and we all went our separate ways.”

 

“I think about it often. If I had acted… if I had been more aware. But nobody there believed it at the time. Life is full of ‘what ifs’, isn’t it?”

 

Brought to you by the makers of the number one podcasts ‘The Stardust Tragedy’, ‘The Kinahans’ and ‘The Making of a Detective’, Nobody Heard Them Cry also features expert analysis from gardaí Martin Walker and Michael Campbell, alongside insights from Irish Sun Crime Editor Stephen Breen, helping to piece together the full story behind the case.

 

All three episodes of Nobody Heard Them Cry are available to listen to now on all popular podcast platforms.

 

Fiona Wynne, Editor of The Irish Sun, says: “For too long the world knew only about the tragic and heartbreaking way the lives of Esther and Jessica ended. Now, through the courage and fortitude of those who loved them most, we were able to show the world the light they brought while they were here.

It’s been a privilege to tell their stories. Our deepest gratitude and respect to Marian, Bernard and all who trusted us to give a voice to two innocent people who deserved so much more, as they continue to grapple with the repeated parole bids of the double killer who turned their lives upside down.”

 

You can listen to Nobody Heard Them Cry here on Spotify or Apple

 

The Irish Sun is Ireland’s bestselling daily tabloid newspaper, with the latest local and global news, fashion, entertainment and sport.

 

Check out www.thesun.ie or follow us on @IrishSunOnline

 

Advertising Standards Authority launches public consultation on Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland

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The Advertising Standards Authority is inviting individuals, organisations, industry stakeholders and members of the public to submit their views and suggestions for the Code before 9th May 2026 on adstandards.ie

 

 

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the independent self-regulatory body committed to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications in the public interest, has launched a six-week public consultation on the future scope and content of the Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland (the Code).

 

The Code sets out the standards that advertisers, agencies, and media are required to follow and plays a central role in promoting responsible advertising and maintaining public trust in marketing communications across Ireland.

 

The ASA is undertaking a review and refresh of the Code to ensure it continues to safeguard consumers from advertising that is harmful, offensive, or misleading.  ASA’s review will take account of the advertising landscape which has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by changes in media consumption, the growth of digital platforms, and shifts in consumer behaviour.

 

As part of this review, the ASA is inviting a wide range of stakeholders to submit their views and suggestions on the Code, including organisations and businesses, Government agencies, members of the public, and industry bodies. Interested parties can submit their thoughts and recommendations until 9th May via adstandards.ie

 

 

The consultation will run alongside a national awareness campaign across a range of media platforms, encouraging public participation and engagement.

 

Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority, said: “This consultation period is an incredibly important opportunity for everyone with an interest in advertising – from industry stakeholders to members of the public – to have their voice heard and help shape the future of advertising standards in Ireland.

 

It is important that the Code continues to reflect the contemporary expectations of consumers, advertisers and agencies, while setting clear and robust standards that promote responsible, honest and trustworthy advertising.

 

Advertising plays a powerful role in everyday life, and it is equally important that the Code is informed by the views of the people who consume it. We are committed to making this an open and inclusive process, and we strongly encourage all stakeholders to take part, share their perspectives, and help shape a Code that continues to protect consumers and supports a diverse, responsible advertising industry.”

 

The ASA also wishes to acknowledge and thank its media partners for their support in promoting the consultation campaign which will run across Out of Home, Radio, Press and Digital.

 

Visit adstandards.ie to learn more

 

To keep up to date on Advertising Standards Authority activity, follow the organisation on:

 

Instagram        @adstandardsireland

LinkedIn          @Ad-Standards-Ireland

An Post Irish Book Awards celebrates 20 year anniversary by unveiling list featuring 60 of the best fiction, non-fiction and children’s category winners over the past two decades

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Call on the public to now vote to identify the Top 20 Favourite Irish Books from the Irish Book Awards winners

 

List includes books by Paul Murray, Katriona O’Sullivan, Roddy Doyle, Louise O’Neill, Paddy Donnelly, Andrea Mara, Fintan O’Toole, Louise Kennedy, Paul Howard, Claire Keegan, Colin Walsh, Eilish Fisher, Sally Hayden, Manchán Magan, Liz Nugent, Luke O’Neill and many more…..

 

The An Post Irish Book Awards, one of Ireland’s most distinguished and popular literary events, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the release of a curated list featuring 60 of the best books from category winners over the past two decades.

 

Selected through the votes from leading booksellers nationwide, the list comprises 20 Fiction, 20 Non-Fiction and 20 Children’s titles drawn from An Post Irish Book Awards winners since the ceremony first began in 2006.

 

Books by a wide range of celebrated authors including Seán Ronayne, Emilie Pine, Joseph O’Connor, Emma Donoghue, Peter Donnelly and Catherine Ryan Howard feature on the list, which has been carefully curated to reflect the breadth and impact of Irish writing over the past 20 years. The full list of 60 titles can be found at anpostirishbookawards.ie

 

The public is now invited to vote for their favourite titles from the Top 60 list. Voting will open on Monday, 23rd March and close at 6pm on Monday, 13th April. The final Top 20 Favourite Irish Books of the past 20 years will then be revealed on Sunday, 19th April.

 

Everyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw, with a range of prizes on offer, including €100 in National Book Tokens, a selection of books from the list, and tickets to the An Post Irish Book Awards 2026 ceremony.

 

Bookshops across Ireland will also support the campaign with special in-store displays celebrating the 60 selected titles.

 

Alastair Giles, CEO of the Irish Book Awards, says: “Over the past 20 years, the An Post Irish Book Awards has celebrated the depth and diversity of Irish writing. This curated list of 60 books offers a snapshot of some of the most memorable and influential titles recognised by the awards since 2006, reflecting the exceptional talent that has shaped Irish literature over the past two decades. We’re delighted to invite readers across the country to vote for the books that have meant the most to them, and we look forward to revealing the Top 20.”

 

David McRedmond, CEO at An Post, says: “An Post’s commitment to the Irish Book Awards is steadfast. To celebrate 20 years of the awards we want to showcase the extraordinary breadth of talent in Irish writing which is truly world-class. The top-60 books over the period of the awards have delighted and inspired readers, and this opportunity to revisit them is the best way to celebrate Irish writing.”

 

Since its launch in 2006, the An Post Irish Book Awards has promoted Irish writing to the widest possible readership. Each year it brings together a vibrant community of readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians to recognise the very best of Irish writing.

 

The awards feature a diverse mix of exceptional writing from new and established writers across 18 categories, including Novel of the Year, Children’s, History, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Lifestyle, Short Story, Irish Language, Poetry, Newcomer, Teen and Young Adult, Irish Published and Biography.

 

Hundreds of books are submitted for consideration each year and, over the past two decades, an array of new and established domestic and international authors have graced the Irish Book Awards stage.

 

In addition to category winners, a special honour is presented at the event. The Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award recognises the contribution of distinguished Irish writers and poets. Previous recipients include Martin Waddell, Anne Enright, Sebastian Barry, Colm Tóibín, Thomas Kinsella, Eavan Boland, John Montague, J.P. Donleavy, Paul Durcan, John Banville, Maeve Binchy, John McGahern, Edna O’Brien, William Trevor and Séamus Heaney.

 

www.anpostirishbookawards.ie

 

Instagram:    @irishbookawards

TikTok:          @irishbookawards

Bluesky:       @irishbookawards.bsky.social

X:                    @irishbookaward

Facebook:    IrishBookAwards

 

Lisney appoints Aoife Brennan as CEO to drive next phase of growth for the commercial and residential property advisory business

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Lisney, one of Ireland’s largest and longest-established independently owned and operated property advisory companies, is delighted to announce the appointment of Aoife Brennan as its new Chief Executive Officer as the firm enters its next phase of strategic growth and innovation.

 

Aoife succeeds David Byrne following his six-year tenure in the role. David will continue to lead the residential division as Managing Director of Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty, while James Nugent will lead the commercial business as Managing Director of Lisney Commercial Real Estate.

 

Aoife’s appointment as CEO marks an important milestone as the company builds on the progress made in recent years. With almost 25 years’ experience in the Irish property sector, Aoife’s strategic insight, knowledge of all parts of the commercial and residential property markets, and her collaborative leadership style make her exceptionally well placed to lead Lisney into its next chapter.

 

Together with the leadership team, the firm’s Senior Directors and Chairperson Catherine Duffy, Aoife will continue to strengthen the organisation’s position as a trusted, progressive, client-focused and data-driven advisor, delivering seamless services to commercial and residential clients through Lisney Commercial Real Estate and Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty.

 

Aoife joined Lisney in 2006 and has worked within the research, investment, land and valuation divisions during her tenure. For the past 18 years, she has led Lisney’s Research & Consultancy division, a respected, data-driven function that supports internal teams as well as a wide range of institutional, private and public sector clients.

 

She has been a Director of Lisney since 2016 and has sponsored, or been deeply involved in, all major strategic initiatives undertaken by the firm in recent years. Her long-standing tenure, combined with her deep knowledge of both commercial and residential property markets, provides her with a comprehensive understanding of Lisney’s operations, culture and strategic positioning.

 

Aoife holds an MSc in Planning & Development and a BSc in Property Economics, both from Technological University Dublin. She is a Fellow of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

 

Commenting on her appointment, Aoife Brennan said:

“I am delighted to be appointed as CEO of Lisney and wish to thank my fellow Senior Directors for their confidence in me as the firm enters its next phase. I want to pay tribute to David for his outstanding work over the past six years. He successfully brought us through the pandemic in his first few weeks in charge and then implemented significant structural and operational changes to strengthen the firm’s foundations and position it for future growth. I look forward to building on his hard work. 

 

We are operating in a world of constant change, and in response, my vision for Lisney is to be even more client‑centred, more data‑driven and more decisive. My focus will be on developing our expertise, our people and our systems so that Lisney is the best partner for our clients and the best place to build a career. We will proactively bring foresight to every client relationship and deliver a seamless service across the full range of property offerings we provide – reflecting the very best of Lisney.”

 

For more details about Lisney, visit www.lisney.com