Another week, another round of Irish celebrity shenanigans you might have missed while dodging potholes or drinking the head off yourself in the sun. From pop stars tracing their roots to comedians saying “I do” and soap actors swapping murder plots for mirror checks, we’ve got it all. Buckle up and lets get into it!
Shayne Ward: Proudly Embracing His Irish Traveller Roots
Who knew Shayne Ward’s backstory had more twists than a Coronation Street Christmas special? The X Factor champ and chart-topper has revealed the full saga of his Irish Traveller roots, and it’s every bit as colourful as his career. Born in Manchester to Irish Traveller parents, Shayne grew up in a house where you were outnumbered by siblings and out-sung by your own twin sister, Emma.
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With family ties to County Louth, Shayne’s been on a mission lately to reconnect with his heritage. He’s tracked down one of Ireland’s last tinsmiths, learned about the old ways, and realised that, in Traveller families, “talent” is just another thing you inherit-along with a love of a good sing-song and an ability to hold your own at a packed dinner table.
Shayne credits his Traveller upbringing for his grit, charm, and ability to survive the wilds of reality TV and soapland. If there’s ever a reality show for families who can belt out a tune and tell a story, the Wards are odds-on favourites. Turns out, you can take the lad out of Louth, but you can’t take the Louth (or the craic) out of the lad.
Darren Conway Says “I Do” – Comedy King Marries Long-time Love Amy
Irish comedian, sketch maestro, and all-round messer Darren Conway has officially upgraded from “lad on the internet” to “husband material,” tying the knot with his long time partner Amy Corcoran over the bank holiday weekend. The couple, who got engaged in 2021 after Darren’s Christmas Day proposal (because nothing says romance like popping the question in front of a turkey), celebrated their big day in Naas, Co Kildare.
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Darren marked the occasion on Instagram with the simple caption “03.05.25” and a series of snaps that proved he scrubs up well when he’s not in a tracksuit or pretending to be a confused Dublin mammy. The photos included a classic romantic dip-and-kiss moment and, in true Conway style, a shot of the pair behind the bar-because you can take the man out of the sketch, but you can’t take the sketch out of the man.
Friends and fellow comedians flooded the comments with congratulations, including Carl Mullan, Kayleigh Trappe, and Fionnuala Jay (herself a recent newlywed). Amy, meanwhile, called Darren her best friend and “the one” from the moment they met. Here’s hoping married life brings as many smiles as Darren’s Instagram feed…just with fewer dodgy wigs!
Fair City’s Cal Kenealy: From Soap Scandals to Steering Wheels
Cal Kenealy might be best known for his role as Mark Halpin on Fair City who is currently locked up for murdering his on-screen sister. But when he’s not behind bars in Carrigstown, he’s behind the wheel, keeping things on the straight and narrow as a driving instructor. That’s right: by day, he’s teaching the rules of the road, and by night, he’s breaking every rule in the soap script.
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Cal admits he got into the driving game because he thought traffic was getting a bit wild, but didn’t fancy becoming a Guard. Instead, he’s behind the wheel, giving lessons and occasionally getting recognised mid-three point turn! One student was left baffled when a passer-by shouted “Fair City!” during a lesson-proving that parallel parking is hard enough without unexpected soap spoilers.
And it’s not just on the road. Cal recalls being in Marks and Spencer when a fan handed him his shopping bag, leaned in, and whispered, “I know it was you that killed Laura.” Not your average checkout chat, but then again, not your average driving instructor.
So, if your driving instructor looks suspiciously familiar, don’t worry-he’s probably just a celebrity in disguise. Now, I wonder if I can get Colm Meaney to deliver my milk!
That’s your weekly dose of Irish celebrity news, where the stories are as unpredictable as the weather. Whether it’s family roots, wedding bells, or unexpected career twists, our stars never fail to keep things interesting. Until next time folks, stay classy!
Topics: Ireland
Paul Farrelly