Staying Out of the Limelight
Ali Hewson (formerly Alison Stewart) comes across as a lady, reminiscent of Jackie O in both her looks and demeanour. Married to one of the biggest rock stars in the world, ironically she has managed to stay out of the limelight keeping her private life private. Despite this, everyone is aware of her stalwartly presence and support of her famous husband throughout his years with Irish band U2.
Ali and Bono (Paul Hewson) met in secondary school when they were just 12 years old and have been together ever since. Following their wedding in August 1982, the marriage has stood the test of time which must not have been easy in the early days when Bono was touring and recording music while Ali was rearing their four children. However, holding down the fort at home allowed Bono to pursue his music career which ultimately led to U2 becoming one of the most famous rock bands of all time.
But we all know that Ali is not just a wife and mother. She is also known for her activism as she became strongly involved with anti-nuclear movements in the 1990s. During this time she worked very closely with anti-nuclear advocate Adi Roche, becoming a patron of Chernobyl Children’s Project International in 1994. She also actively campaigned against the northern England nuclear plant Sellafield in 2002.
To me, she comes across as fearless and someone who isn’t afraid to fail. As well as her activism campaigning, she has also been involved in starting up two ethical fashion (Edun) and beauty (Nude skincare) brands. Although not having long-term financial success with either businesses, she admits to learning from them, finding out how difficult it is to run a large multinational business whilst remaining ethical & sustainable.
We may not know everything that Ali Hewson has been involved in over the last three decades due to her reserved and unassuming nature. However, I think we can guess that her heart is always in the right place, especially when it comes to advocating for women, children and a greener future.
Rosie Going Back To Her Roots
Rosie O’Donnell moved to Dublin at the beginning of this year to escape the wrath of the Trump presidency. This must have been a life changing decision as she is American through and through having lived there all her life. Born outside New York in 1962, she has had a very eventful career starting off as a stand-up comedian in the late seventies and then moving into acting and presenting over the last four decades. We all remember her in A League of Their Own movie in which she starred alongside Madonna and Tom Hanks in 1992. This lighthearted movie directed by Penny Marshall is a fictionalized account of a real-life All American Girls Professional Baseball team that received critical acclaim at the time. Although I don’t remember the exact story, I can guess if it starred Mr. Hanks, there was definitely a fuzzy feel-good ending.
Ten years later, Rosie came out a gay after starring as a lesbian on the sitcom Will & Grace. She announced it at a cancer benefit stating “‘I’m a dyke..I don't know why people make such a big deal about the gay thing. People are confused, they're shocked, like this is a big revelation to somebody." Even though the world was a more conservative place to live in at that time, this revelation did not impact Rosie’s successful career as she went on to star in TV shows & movies, present her own chat shows as well as two stints co-hosting the women' s daytime chat show The View.
If I was to describe Rosie O’Donnell, I would say she comes across as honest, outspoken, down-to-earth and funny. And of course generous as she is well-known for her philanthropy having raised millions of dollars for multiple charities including human rights and child protection. I’ve watched her being interviewed on several talk shows since her arrival to Ireland. She talks about her father who left Co. Donegal when he was young to set up a new life in America, the great land of opportunity as it was known back then. She also tells us about her 12 year-old daughter’s autism diagnosis and admits her move to Ireland has a lot to do with her happiness, education and care.
You can tell she is proud to be living here as she reacquaints herself with her cousins whilst making new friends. As far as I can see, America’s loss is our gain. I hope she enjoys her time living in Dublin. Although it may not be forever, I’m sure it won’t be forgotten.
On the Move with Maggie
When you watch Cheap Irish Homes, it’s not like other house renovation programs on our televisions. It doesn’t have that all too familiar format that goes from shack to castle with the same old headaches and setbacks along the way. Most of us are drooling by the end of these programs asking ourselves how do some people have such great taste or that extension only cost how much?
Standing out on its own, Cheap Irish Homes is a reality show that is reality and more relatable to the majority of viewers. The lovely Maggie Molloy’s quest to find good value properties around the country for people on realistic budgets is both entertaining and informative. The buyers come from all walks of life being single, married, old, young or some who have settled in Ireland from abroad. Maggie comes across as passionate about each house purchase and we can’t help but tune in to her infectious laugh and down to earth approach.
Maggie recently said in an interview that she got the idea for the program when she herself was looking for a home in Ireland in 2003 and realised that there was plenty of good value around if you go looking for it. She began posting her findings on her Instagram page and soon discovered that many followers were as curious as she was to find decent homes with a cheap price tag. And I guess you can say the rest is history. Stay tuned for the new series of Cheap European Homes with Maggie and comedian Kevin McGahern on Sunday 30 March at 7.30pm.
Trinny is One of a Kind
Trinny Woodall is a true force of nature. In the 2000s she was best known for the fashion makeover TV show ‘What Not To Wear’ that paved the way for the reality show explosion that followed suit. Today she continues to inspire women through her books, social media presence and cosmetic range Trinny London that she launched in 2017 and has since become a phenomenal global success. Many women became fans of Trinny London during COVID when those bright yellow boxes filled with beauty products were delivered to their doors to brighten the dark days of lockdown.
Trinny is popular mostly amongst women over 50 as her honesty and candid approach towards aging, life and personal struggles is relatable to many. The energy she exudes on her social media page is contagious as she successfully promotes her brand by telling us stories about her own day to day beauty & wellness experiences. With over 1.4 million followers on Instagram, she is a stalwart amongst women as she tirelessly reminds us just to be ourselves. Trinny London
A Timeless Icon of Talent and Grace
Demi Moore has long been celebrated as one of Hollywood's most versatile and talented actresses. From her breakout roles in the 1980s to her critically acclaimed performances in films like Ghost, A Few Good Men, and G.I. Jane, Demi has consistently showcased her dedication to her craft. Beyond her acting career, she is admired for her resilience, advocacy work, and ability to reinvent herself over the decades. Her influence transcends the big screen, making her not only a cinematic icon but also a symbol of strength and grace in the public eye. Whether through her powerful portrayals on screen or her inspiring presence off it, Demi Moore continues to prove why she’s truly great.