Cork Connections: Exploring Home, Performance, Weight, and Media Shifts

Cork, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant scenes, continues to play a pivotal role in the lives of many prominent figures. Recent appearances on The Late Late Show highlight intriguing stories from actors and media figures who find themselves navigating both the profesional and personal landscapes of their birthplace.

Fiona Shaw: Reconnecting with Cobh

Fiona Shaw, a sought-after actress with an illustrious career, found herself on The Late Late Show, reflecting on her ongoing connection to her motherland, specifically her home county of Cork. Shaw, whose mother turns 99 in the coming months, spends considerable time visiting her elderly mother.

“I’m there a lot because my mother is very old now. She’s 99 next month,” Shaw mentioned, expressing a sense of responsibility tempered by her busy schedule in the performing arts. Her professional commitments often necessitate her absence, making her experiences at home seem almost unfamiliar, akin to a tourist’s journey through her own share of Ireland.

Despite her extensive travels on stage and screen, Shaw finds time to explore less familiar parts of Cork and West Cork. She views this process as a “local discovery,” a testament to the enduring allure of her roots.

From Stage to Screen: Shaw’s Inspiration

Beyond her personal life, Shaw’s creative work also draws inspiration from her native soil. Her performance in “Three Men and a Baby” is a prime example of how deep-seated memories can inform artistic expression. Shaw was inspired by her headmistress at Scoil Mhuire, known for her theatrical mannerisms, including a habit of “rummaging down her chest” for items.

“Generations of schoolchildren at Scoil Mhuire knew I had based it on that particular woman,” Shaw confided. This local influence showcases how Shaw’s performances often tap into the unique quirks that define her home.

Shaw’s recent work spans a diverse range of projects, such as “Hot Milk,” “Park Avenue,” “Bad Sisters,” “Killing Eve,” and “Fleabag.” Her versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to tackle a wide spectrum of roles across various mediums.

Kathryn Thomas: Overcoming Stigma Surrounding Weight

Transitioning from the stage to personal reflection, the documentary “The Skinny Jab Revolution” brings to light the profound impact of stigma and shame surrounding weight issues. Host of Operation Transformation, Kathryn Thomas shared her personal journey with weight and the subsequent bullying she endured throughout her childhood.

“I was quite overweight as a kid. I remember the name-calling, the stigma, the shame,” Thomas recounted, sharing a momentary worst memory of a teacher labelling her “an cailín is ramhar sa sheomra” – the biggest girl in the room. Despite these challenges, Thomas found solace in sports, losing weight during her teens and navigating the world with new confidence.

Yet, Thomas acknowledged that not everyone enjoys the same resilience. She pointed out cases where classmates, subjected to similar taunts, carry the psychological scars long after leaving the schoolyard.

This documentary delves into the complexities of weight management, specifically critiquing the accessibility and regulation of weight-loss drugs. Thomas highlighted the ease with which she obtained medication through an online service by providing false information, a concern she feels is widespread and often overlooked.

Doireann Garrihy: Addressing RTÉ Departures

Returning to the radio scene, Doireann Garrihy addressed the abrupt departure of several presenters from RTÉ 2FM. Garrihy’s reappearance on the airwaves follows her five-year tenure that ended in May 2021. Her most notable show, “2FM Breakfast with Doireann, Donncha, and Carl,” laid the groundwork for her next ventures, including her recent podcast and marriage to Mark Mehigan.

“The timing was strange. I said I was leaving and then a number of different presenters left so it was a weird time,” Garrihy explained, distancing herself from any planned exodus. She noted her confusion about the sequence of events, asserting that she had not spoken to the others involved before their departures.

“I wasn’t surprised by the amount of publicity around it. I hadn’t spoken to the others at all so I didn’t know they were going to go as well,” she added, providing clarity for those who presumed a coordinated exit.

To her credit, Garrihy was vocal about another controversy stemming from her time at RTÉ. She acknowledged a paid social media post she published while still employed with the national broadcaster, for which she faced reprimand and apologized.

“That wasn’t a pleasant time. I made a mistake at the time. I have a responsibility working for the national broadcaster. I shouldn’t have done it. I was reprimanded at the time, I apologised. You live and learn,” Garrihy stated, demonstrating her readiness to address past mistakes.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, these interviews with Fiona Shaw, Kathryn Thomas, and Doireann Garrihy paint a nuanced picture of the multifaceted relationship between individuals and their hometowns. From discovering the beauty of Cork, confronting societal stigma, and addressing professional changes, their stories offer valuable insights into the complexities of personal and professional life.

We encourage our readers to engage with these compelling stories by sharing your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. Subscribe to our newsletter for more insightful articles and stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates. Your voice is essential to our community.