In a world full of doom scrolling and bad headlines, sometimes you just need a reminder that good things still happen. This week, we’ve got a heroic supermarket keeping a village fed, a Countdown champ proving brainpower never goes out of style, and a Galway cat with a flair for adventure. Let’s get into it!
Irish Surfer Makes Waves on Countdown
Alan Friel from County Clare has wowed audiences on Countdown, racking up four wins before bowing out in his fifth game. A former karaoke machine salesman turned fisherman and surfer, Alan’s journey on the show was filled with tense moments, big comebacks, and plenty of family support.
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Despite a rocky start in his first appearance, he fought back to claim victory and went on to secure three more wins with impressive scores. His run ended in episode five, but not before he cracked the nine-letter conundrum in style.
Away from the Countdown studio, Alan enjoys fishing, surfing the Clare coast, and indulging in delicious desserts made by his wife Yvonne, a former pastry chef. Encouraged by his family to apply for the show, he finally took the plunge and loved every second of it. He brought the perfect mix of brains, charm, and good vibes to the show. Well done, Alan!
Galway Supermarket Battles Storm with Bacon
When storm Éowyn knocked out power across east Galway, McCormicks’ Mace store became the local lifeline—quite literally burning through nearly a month’s worth of fuel oil in just a week to keep the lights (and ovens) on. With queues bigger than Ryan Tubridy’s old pay cheques, the shop turned into a bustling hub for food, supplies, and even baby bottle warming services.
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With ovens almost obsolete, Tony McCormick spent six hours frying rashers the old-school way to keep the deli running. Meanwhile, the shop dished out hot meals, fuel oil for generators and a sense of normality for those dealing with the chaos. At one point, people travelled from 20 miles away just to get a bite to eat.
Adding to the madness, power outages meant the shop’s card machines were down, leaving many customers realising too late that cash was king. But rather than turning people away, McCormicks put their faith in good old-fashioned trust, letting customers pay later.
It was a week of chaos, kindness, and a whole lot of frying, but if one thing’s clear, it’s that McCormicks didn’t just feed a village—they kept its spirit alive.
Galway’s Most Adventurous Cat, Otto, Returns Home After 12-Day Mystery Trip
Otto, a two-year-old Scottish Fold from Galway, has pulled off the great escape—only to casually stroll back into his family’s life 12 days later as if nothing happened. During his mysterious adventure, he survived Storm Éowyn, baffled his owners, and triggered a social media frenzy that ultimately led to his safe return.
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His disappearance was dramatic: one moment, he was eagerly sniffing grocery bags, the next gone. His worried family searched high and low, while his feline housemate Theo and dog Bruno waited by the window like a scene from a tear-jerking movie. As days passed, fears grew—had Otto been stolen? Hit by a car? Had he joined a secret underground cat society called the Illumicatti?
With the power of social media (and a €500 reward), Otto’s story spread far and wide. Eventually, a kind-hearted trio in Galway spotted a hungry, meowing cat just a minute from his home. Recognizing him from the viral posts, they reunited Otto with his overjoyed family.
A little skinnier but otherwise unharmed, Otto waltzed in like he’d just popped out for milk. His adventure remains a mystery, but one thing’s for sure—never underestimate the power of a community (or a cat with a flair for drama).
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If this proves anything, it’s that Irish people (and their pets) are resilient, resourceful, and maybe just a little bit kooky.
Until next time, keep spreading the good vibes—and if your cat goes missing, check Whitestrand Road first!
Topics: Ireland
Paul Farrelly