• Half of respondents (50%) wrongly believe shingles is contagious, while just over four in 10 (43%) believe there is a cure for the condition ¹

• 60% of those surveyed say they feel younger than their age – potentially overlooking their shingles risk ¹

• Only half (52%) of those surveyed are aware that stress can increase the risk of shingles ¹

• 58% consider shingles to be a severe condition ¹ and 57% say it would have an extremely negative impact on their quality of life ¹

1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime ^2-4. The risk of shingles increases with age² or if you have an underlying illness such as cancer, autoimmune conditions or chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or one of a myriad of heart conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, stroke, atrial fibrillation etc.^5-8.

According to new research commissioned by GSK Ireland, almost seven in 10 people (69%) aged 50-79 report living with at least one of these underlying illnesses¹ – but only four in 10 (38%) are aware that these conditions can increase the risk of shingles¹.

Only half (52%) are aware that stress can increase the risk of shingles¹, while just 51% recognise that certain medications for illnesses such as cancer or autoimmune conditions can affect the immune system and increase the risk of developing shingles.

The research also identified a number of misconceptions about shingles. Half of respondents (50%) believe shingles is contagious¹, while just over four in 10 (43%) believe there is a cure for the condition¹. Additionally, 24% incorrectly believe that having had chickenpox in the past reduces their likelihood of developing shingles in the next 12 months¹. Meanwhile, 43% believe that being in good health protects them from shingles¹, potentially underestimating their risk due to the natural ageing of their immune system.

Despite these gaps in awareness, respondents recognise the significant impact shingles can have on daily life. More than half (58%) described shingles as a severe condition¹, while 57% said developing shingles would have an extremely negative impact on their quality of life¹. However, there remains a clear disconnect between general awareness and perceived personal risk, with only 23% believing they are at risk of developing shingles in the next five years¹.

Eavan Daly, Country Medical Director at GSK Ireland, said: “Our data shows that many people have misunderstandings about shingles, may underestimate their own potential risks or are unaware of the risk factors linked to developing shingles. Shingles can have a severe impact on a person’s health and quality of life, particularly for those with existing long-term conditions, which drives our efforts to raise awareness and encourage people to speak with their healthcare provider to learn more.”

Notes to Editor:

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox, and at least 94% of people over 50 already carry the virus⁹.

The disease, which typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face^2,10 is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like². Following the shingles rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and occasionally persist for several years. ^3, PHN occurs in up to 30% of all shingles cases³.   10-25% of shingles cases can affect the eye which in some cases can result in serious eye complications.²

Research Methodology

Research into perceptions and understanding of shingles in Ireland was conducted by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of GSK. Fieldwork was carried out between 8 and 30 March 2026​. 511 people aged between 50 and 79 years participated in the online survey. Respondents were recruited to match national proportions in terms of region where they live​, gender​ and working situation​.

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.

About GSK Ireland                                              

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. We have a long heritage in Ireland, operating here for almost 100 years. Today, our Dublin headquarters is home to our commercial business. Through our sales, marketing, market access and medical teams, we make a range of over 100 prescription medicines and vaccines available to adults in Ireland. Find out more at gsk.com/en- gb/locations/ireland/

Lisney, one of Ireland’s largest and longest-established independently owned and operated property advisory companies, has announced eight senior appointments, including five new Directors and three new Divisional Directors.

Operating for more than 90 years, Lisney has been at the forefront of the Irish property market since 1934. The company provides a full-service property offering across both the residential and commercial sectors through its advisory services teams based in Dublin and Cork. Its commercial business operates under the Lisney CRE brand, while its residential business trades as Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty.

Following Aoife Brennan’s recent appointment as CEO of Lisney, these additions to the leadership team mark an important milestone as the company builds on the strong progress made in recent years.

The following team members have been appointed to new roles at Lisney:

Jennifer Gaffney, Director, Property Management

• Jennifer joined Lisney in 2022 and is based in the Cork office. With more than 10 years’ experience in property management, she has managed a broad range of commercial and residential assets in both Ireland and the United States, bringing extensive expertise to her new role

Robert Lawson, Director, Residential Sales, Ballsbridge

• Robert specialises in residential sales, investments and acquisitions, with a particular focus on the premium property markets of Dublin 4, Dublin 6 and Mount Merrion. With more than 20 years’ experience, he has built a strong reputation for helping clients maximise the value of their properties and providing expert advice on the acquisition and sale of residential investment assets

Conor Lennon, Director, Offices

• Conor joined Lisney in 2020 and specialises in office agency, advising clients on office lettings, acquisitions, disposals, lease renewals and rent reviews. A chartered surveyor with more than seven years’ industry experience, he brings extensive market knowledge and trusted advice to his new role

Deborah Mahon, Director, Offices

• Deborah joined Lisney in 2015 and is a senior member of the Commercial Office Agency team. She advises landlords and occupiers on office acquisitions, disposals, lease renewals and rent reviews, and has built a strong track record representing a broad range of leading corporate and institutional clients

Karen O’Reilly Director, HR

• Karen joined Lisney in 2014 and leads the company’s Human Resources department. With extensive experience across all aspects of HR, including talent development, employee relations, performance management and organisational development, she plays a key role in supporting Lisney’s people strategy and continued growth

Ausra Marcelyte, Divisional Director, Research and Data

• Ausra joined Lisney’s Research and Consultancy team in 2021 and is a Senior Research and Data Analyst. She plays a key role in delivering market insights through data analysis, commercial property research and the production of market reports, combining her expertise in property, data analytics and geospatial analysis to support informed decision-making for clients

James O’Flaherty, Divisional Director, Residential Sales, Country Homes and Estates

• James O’Flaherty is a Senior Luxury Property Specialist with Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty, specialising in the sale of premium country homes and distinctive residential properties across Ireland. With more than 12 years’ experience in the luxury property market, including Dubai and Ireland, he combines international expertise and a client-focused approach to deliver exceptional results

Bevan Rooke, Divisional Director, Residential Sales, Ballsbridge

• Bevan is a residential property specialist with more than 11 years’ experience in the real estate sector, specialising in the South Dublin market. Combining extensive local market knowledge with an international perspective, he provides trusted, client-focused advice to buyers and sellers across a broad range of residential property transactions

Commenting on the appointments of these roles, Aoife Brennan, CEO of Lisney, said: “These appointments recognise the exceptional talent and expertise across the Lisney team, and I am delighted to congratulate each of them on this well-deserved achievement. They reflect the strength and experience of our commercial and residential businesses, as well as our continued commitment to developing future leaders within the organisation.

As we continue to build on Lisney’s legacy, our focus remains on delivering outstanding service and trusted advice to our clients. These appointments further strengthen our leadership team and position us well for the future as we continue to grow, evolve and create long-term value for our clients.”

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

The venture is led by flexible workspace expert Emma Kennedy, who brings more than a decade of experience in the coworking industry

• Porter’s locations include Smyth House on St. Stephen’s Green, Ely House on Ely Place and Leeson House on Leeson Street

• Porter’s client portfolio includes a range of leading technology companies, multinationals and professional services firms

Porter, a Dublin-based flexible workspace management company that operates premium private offices, coworking and shared workspace environments, has launched with three iconic locations in Dublin City Centre – Smyth House on St. Stephens Green, Ely House on Ely Place and Leeson House on Leeson Street.

Porter is led by Founder and CEO Emma Kennedy, who has more than a decade of experience in the flexible workspace sector across Dublin and London, and COO Kate O’Meara, an operations and workplace professional with an extensive background in hospitality, customer experience and flexible workspace operations.

Together, they lead a business that delivers tailored workspace solutions for teams ranging from two-person start-ups to organisations requiring more than 50 desks. The company provides premium flexible workspaces in some of Dublin’s most iconic city centre locations, combining thoughtful design, operational excellence and a service-led approach to create highly functional and welcoming environments.

Porter currently operates and manages three standout locations in Dublin’s City Centre:

• Smyth House on St Stephen’s Green, the company’s flagship location, which spans more than 27,000 sq ft and features private office suites, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, event facilities, and an on-site café.
• Ely House on Ely Place which offers a more boutique experience within a beautifully restored period building. It provides private offices, meeting rooms and fully serviced communal areas, while retaining its original architectural character.
• Leeson House on Leeson Street, a stunning Georgian office building offering a range of private office suites, small workspaces and flexible co-working solutions – ideal for startups, growing businesses and professionals seeking a premium location in Dublin 2.

Porter’s client portfolio includes a broad mix of technology companies, multinational organisations and professional services firms. The business is also focused on expanding its operations beyond its current three locations across Dublin, with plans to grow into London and other European cities

Guided by the belief that workplaces should foster collaboration, productivity, wellbeing, and connection, Porter brings together the best of hospitality, design, and workplace management to create beautifully managed spaces that support the way people want to work today.

Emma Kennedy, CEO and Founder of Porter, says: “We are delighted to officially launch Porter with our three iconic Dublin City locations. These buildings represent our vision for what modern workspace should be, flexible, thoughtfully designed, and centred around the needs of today’s businesses and their people.

From high-growth start-ups to established multinational organisations, we provide environments that support how teams want to work today, combining exceptional service, strong design and a genuine sense of community.

Smyth House, Ely House and Leeson House each offer a distinct experience, but they all reflect our commitment to creating workplaces that foster collaboration, wellbeing and productivity in the heart of Dublin.”

Find out more about Porter here: porterprive.co or keep up to date with Porter on

Instagram @porterprive.co

• 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 13^th century. It also highlights Athy’s strong connections to the Fitzgerald family, one of the most powerful dynasties in South Kildare from the 12^th to the 16^th 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

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.

Vacancy is closed