An acclaimed Australian actress known for tackling tough parts, Cate Blanchett takes on her first Irish role in Veronica Guerin. Smart, provocative and down-to-earth, Blanchett spoke to Louise Carroll just before the movie's U.S. release. ℘℘℘ Cate Blanchett has played a range of characters in her career including the Queen of England, the elf queen Galadriel of Lothlorian, an … [Read more...] about Cate Blanchett Goes Irish
Issues
First Word: The Battle for the Truth
"I vow that the eyes of justice, the eyes of this journalist will not be shut again. No hand can deter me from my battle for the truth." –Journalist Veronica Guerin ℘℘℘ While Veronica Guerin starring Cate Blanchett (see cover story) may be the movie of the fall season, the real Veronica Guerin was anything but Hollywood. She was a dedicated journalist, wife and mother. So … [Read more...] about First Word: The Battle for the Truth
River Films
Successful Riverdance team takes on Hollywood. ℘℘℘ Moya Doherty and John McColgan, the couple who own Abhann, the company behind Riverdance: The Show, announced at the Cannes Film Festival that they would be moving into film production. Together with Joan Egan, a director of Tyrone Productions, which produces Ireland's Who Wants to be a Millionaire, they have set up River … [Read more...] about River Films
Ireland’s New Drinking
& Smoking Laws
On January 1, Ireland is expected to become the first European country to ban smoking in pubs. Given that smoking and drinking are cherished traditions in the old sod, pundits are betting that it won't happen. Minister for Health Micheál Martin, who proposed the new smoking rule, is facing increasing ire, not just from the public. Ireland's environment minister Martin Cullen is … [Read more...] about Ireland’s New Drinking
& Smoking Laws
No Cows For Dublin
A collection of life-size cows designed by Irish artists had to be taken off the streets of Dublin in July after vandals destroyed several exhibits. More than 70 cows were placed on the streets of Dublin and Dundalk as part of Bailey's Cow Parade 2003, an international exhibition which visits cities al over the world. However,, the first 10 cows placed in city-center locations … [Read more...] about No Cows For Dublin