Latest news with #O'Keeffe
Chicago Tribune
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Hundreds of runners participate in the annual Dash Around the Lake in Mundelein
Hundreds gathered for the Dash Around the Lake 5k Run/Walk, now in its 11th year, on the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary campus in Mundelein. This community-driven fundraising event, hosted by the Knights of Columbus Council of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville, is a picturesque race and walk event with over 400 participants annually, linked to a parish network of volunteers that makes it feel more like extended family. Co-Chairs Rolando Gonzalez and Jim Leffelman and their committee, Bob Bachochin and Ron Hodap, oversee church and community volunteers and business partners for the event. The race, according to Gonzalez, is as much about the love of running as it is about supporting local charities. 'The success of our event comes from the winning combination of support from local businesses and our volunteers who share the common mindset of helping those in need,' Gonzalez said. Gonzalez says all net proceeds from the race go to support local charities like Bed Building Ministry, Food Pantry, St. Joseph Youth Group service projects, A Safe Place, Fill A Heart for kids, Habitat for Humanity, Lambs Farm, The Dennis Mudd Foundation, Merci Home for Boys and Girls, Misericordia 4874 and many others. The race invited all ages and experience levels to participate. At 9 a.m., runners took the front position at the start line, followed by walkers. Sisters Stephanie and Samantha McNulty of Mundelein say they have always enjoyed running with family and Saturdays' Dash Around the Lake was no exception. 'For years, my sister and I like to run races together and now we are adding the next generation to our experience, we just put on our running shoes and go,' Stephanie McNulty said. Online pre-race registration was $35 for adults and $20 for kids, ages 6 – 18, with an awards ceremony with medals awarded by age divisions. Michael Ortlieb of Chicago participated in Saturday's race. 'Of the many races in the greater Chicagoland area, this 3.1-mile loop around St. Mary's Lake is by far the most beautiful 5k race around,' Ortlieb said. Ana Guimaraes of Libertyville says that as a cancer survivor, running Saturday's race is part of her healing process. Joanne Wakeman of Libertyville, with a time of 22 minutes and 7 seconds, was the first woman to cross the finish line. 'My mantra is always run on your birthday and smile even when it hurts,' Wakeman said. Saturday's overall Dash Around the Lake 5k winner was 19-year-old James O'Keeffe of Libertyville, with a time of 17 minutes and 21 seconds. O'Keeffe was joined by his mother, Elaine O'Keeffe, who also ran and placed in Saturday's race. O'Keeffe attributes his speed and agility to being raised in an athletic family originally from County Cork, Ireland. 'Running is the only sport where all you need are your two legs and a pair of running shoes, you can just do it, it's all up to you,' O'Keeffe said.
Irish Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Drinking rates in Ireland drop nearly 5% in a year
IRELAND'S reputation as a nation of heavy drinkers may no longer hold water. A new report reveals that alcohol consumption rates have continued to decline, with a notable 4.5% drop in the past year alone. 'This downward trend raises a big question,' said a spokesperson from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), which released the report. 'Why does Ireland still have the second highest excise tax on alcohol in Europe?' The study, by economist Anthony Foley, is the latest sign of a major shift in how and how much Irish people drink. Compared to 25 years ago, the average person drank a lot more alcohol than they do today. The rate has fallen by over one-third to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol per person. Even with a 2.3% increase in the adult population, overall alcohol consumption dropped by 2.4% to 41.5 million litres, showing that per-person drinking levels are continuing to fall. Commissioned by DIGI, the report also highlights the changing tastes of Irish drinkers. Beer still tops the charts, making up 43.3% of alcohol sales, but wine is steadily gaining ground, now at 28.2%, more than double its 13.2% share in 2000. Meanwhile, spirits and cider have dipped slightly, now at 22.3% and 6.1%, respectively. These findings line up with broader research from the OECD and Ireland's Health Research Board, both of which show that Irish drinking habits are now roughly in line with the European average. In fact, countries like France, Spain and Austria currently consume more alcohol per capita than Ireland. Donall O'Keeffe, Secretary of DIGI and CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the latest figures directly challenge long-standing stereotypes. 'Irish people are drinking more moderately. This is part of a trend that's been going on since the early 2000s,' he said. O'Keeffe also pointed to the rise of non-alcoholic beverages as further evidence of this cultural shift. With these changes in mind, he questioned whether Ireland's high excise duties are still appropriate. DIGI is now urging the government to cut alcohol excise duty by 10% in the next budget. O'Keeffe argued that such a move would provide much-needed relief to pubs, especially in rural areas, struggling with rising costs. Based on data from the Central Statistics Office and Revenue Commissioners, the report paints a detailed picture of an Ireland moving toward more moderate drinking. However, alcohol still poses serious public health risks. According to the World Health Organisation, alcohol contributes to 3 million deaths globally each year, almost 1 million of them in Europe. See More: Anthony Foley, DIGI, Donall O'Keefe, Drinking
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Irish language use up 600pc on TikTok as Dubai chocolate and matcha dominate users' algorithms
TikTok HQ opened their doors to reveal emerging creators and trending content across Ireland and beyond. From #gaeltok and Irish tourism content to green food and drink trends – even if it is a Coca-Cola recipe with pickle and jalapeno juice – the app with 186 million downloads at the end of last year never fails to surprise its audience. First up for favoured trends this year is #Gaeltok which Rebecca O'Keeffe, Head of Content Operations at TikTok, describes as a 'catch-all phrase for everything that's happening within Irish culture in the app, from Irish food, Irish history, to the ever-growing popularity of the Irish language.' A creator Ms O'Keeffe recommends us to watch out for is Máire Na Greine, @maire-na-greine, who creates lifestyle content through Irish. Ms O'Keeffe said: 'What I love about Máire is she's not trying to teach you Irish. Instead it's conversational and very approachable.' We've all heard CMAT's new song [Take a Sexy Picture of Me] which is a big trending sound on the platform at the moment The use of TikTok through Irish was up 600pc in the last 12 months on the app. Irish-speaking creatives like Máire are given much kudos by the Tiktok team for this growth. Ms O'Keeffe also delved into music on the app which relies on catchy sound bites to boost views. She said: 'There are incredible artists coming out of Ireland at the moment. We've all heard CMAT's new song [Take a Sexy Picture of Me] which is a big trending sound on the platform at the moment.' CMAT or Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson is an Irish singer, songwriter and musician, known for creating country, pop and folk music. Her latest song rallies against modern beauty standards with nearly 6,000 videos on the app made using the song. Some smaller musicians also flagged as ones to watch included Khakiid @khakid who has 51,000 followers on the app, Moio @sirmoio has 164,300 followers and @florenceroad who has 902,000 followers. All things green food and drinks are also trending, from Dubai chocolate to matcha lattes and even pickles, thanks to singer Dua Lipa encouraging people to drink Coke with pickle and jalapeno juice. ADVERTISEMENT David Burke, co-owner of Sugar Plum Sweetery, the sweet makers and chocolatiers based in Mullingar whose business was launched into the stratosphere following the Dubai chocolate trend taking Ireland by storm. He said: 'Our business wouldn't exist without TikTok and the Dubai chocolate trend. Our business is now 10 times the size of what it was, and we've 70 people working for us.' Sugar Plum is part of the TikTok shop which has now been brought to Ireland. The Matcha Bar, based in Powerscourt Townhouse Centre in Dublin city, is another Irish seller on the app. Elaine Fitzsimons, who opened the business 10 months ago, used the platform to take viewers through the experience of setting up a business. She said: 'You're competing against massive competitors and brands that have a lot of money to push behind marketing, and when you're starting up, you don't have that. 'So your story and your brand and your face is like, is your differentiator to cut through the noise. 'I also really enjoy authentic behind-the-scenes content myself. It's important not to take yourself too seriously.'
Business Insider
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
How baby boomers on a budget are fighting loneliness
During the colder months, Barbara O'Keeffe, 79, her husband, and their friends journey into the rocky deserts of Arizona. With the intense sun shining on their sunscreen-covered faces, they take walks and admire the vastness. When May hits and the blistering heat traps them inside, O'Keeffe occasionally wakes up early, tries a new breakfast spot, and bookmarks it for when her snowbird friends return in the winter. Their finances are stable, but the O'Keeffes have tried to keep costs down while maintaining a healthy social life, though they will splurge on concerts. We want to hear from you. Are you an older American comfortable sharing your retirement outlook with a reporter? Please fill out this quick form. But because of rising costs, they've slowed their search for new restaurants and embraced being homebodies during the summer, taking up projects like sewing and going through old photographs. Their over-55 community often holds events in the evenings, and they've maintained online connections with friends from their travels and work. Still, balancing social activities on a budget isn't easy. "One of the hardest things at our age is that we are starting to lose close friends of 30 to 40 years, and each time it happens, it reinforces our own mortality," said O'Keeffe, who retired over 18 years ago from her role as a university department head. O'Keeffe is one of dozens of retirees who recently told Business Insider they're trying to stay socially connected despite having limited retirement savings. Some said it's difficult to make friends later in life, especially without workplace connections to fall back on. Others said spending on food, housing, and other essentials has already strained their monthly budgets, making it harder to prioritize relationships and fend off loneliness. Many older Americans, particularly those with lower incomes, have been caught in the nation's broader "loneliness crisis." What's more, fears about the future of government benefits like Social Security and Medicaid because of federal staffing and budget cuts, along with the stock market's ups and downs, have added to their financial stress. This story is part of a series on older workers. Some retirees are going back to work to seek connections For some retirees, going back to work has been the most practical way to address their financial and social challenges. Carolyn Evans, 71, worked at a Big Four accounting firm for two decades before retiring in 2021 to care for her terminally ill husband. Despite having a pension and 401(k), she didn't have enough saved to retire comfortably — she lost much of her $400,000 in savings during the 2008 recession and paid hefty bills to repair her house after a natural disaster. When her husband died in 2022, she felt isolated and returned to work. "I wanted to be around people because of the loneliness that I encountered after my husband passed away," Evans said. Evans, who lives in Texas, said she couldn't find many part-time openings, so she became a full-time accountant for a real estate company. She's enjoyed working with younger people, property managers, and clients. Evans isn't sure when she might be able to retire again, though she's hopeful work will keep her fulfilled and financially stable for the time being. "I enjoy work because it is very community-connected with various social activities such as bowling and pickleball," Evans said. "My children often entertain with barbecues and other family gatherings, there are church gatherings, and activities where it is often potluck and less expensive." Finding low-cost activities and returning to work haven't fully solved the social challenges many retirees, like Libby Mintzer, face. Mintzer, 73, retired from her job as a paralegal in 2022. She relies on her monthly Social Security income, which she says is barely enough to get by. As a result, Mintzer said she's been actively searching for part-timeemployment — preferably an office job — but hasn't had any luck yet. The financial strain has also made it harder for her to build new friendships since she relocated from New York to Tampa, Florida, about three years ago. She's tried joining local meetup groups — some of which involved going out to dinner — but said they haven't been a good fit. "I ended up broke every month because I'd spend $60 on dinner, and I didn't click with anybody," she said. When a social opportunity catches her interest — even an expensive one — it can be hard to pass on it. If she overspends, she said she typically cuts back on food. "To me, it's worth spending money or even going over my budget once in a while," she said.
Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
O'Connor denies O'Keefe a treble at Clonmel
In the week in which stable jockey Rachael Blackmore called time on her illustrious career in the saddle, chief benefactors Darragh O'Keeffe and Mike O'Connor stepped up to help Henry de Bromhead continue his fine run of form with a treble last evening in Clonmel. O'Keeffe, who is seen as a natural successor, contributed two of the three, but O'Connor also did his part and, in doing so, denied O'Keeffe a personal treble. Trasna Na Pairce put the first mark on the card for the Co Waterford stable when taking the Aisling Kennedy Memorial Maiden Hurdle in smooth fashion. Enjoying a positive, front-running ride, the type at which O'Keeffe excels, the heavily-backed 10-11 favourite settled into the race well, opened a clear advantage before leaving the back for the final time, and was in little danger thereafter. 'He's a lovely horse,' said de Bromhead. 'The owners are a new syndicate to the game, so I'm delighted for them. Gerry Hogan recommended him from Pat Doyle's. 'Rachael gave him a lovely spin in Kilbeggan. He ran well that day and stepped forward from it. He's definitely one for chasing. My plan was always to get to a fence sooner rather than later.' O'Connor provided leg two and caused a bit of an upset in getting Adaliz up in the dying strides of the Tote Never Beaten By SP Handicap Hurdle. Sharetheknowledge attempted to make all the running and looked very much as though he would succeed, but O'Connor got a great late tune out of his mount, and she got up in the final stride to give de Bromhead a double and to delay O'Keeffe's. 'Delighted for Mikey, he gave her a super spin,' said the winning trainer. 'It was brilliant for the syndicate (Syndicates Racing). I thought we were finishing up after her last run, but they were happy to go again, and she was brilliant.' O'Keeffe only had to wait an hour or so to complete his double and de Bromhead's treble, which he did aboard Belle The Tigress in the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters' Club Mares' Maiden Hurdle. Matters were complicated by the two hurdles in the straight being omitted, but the winner always looked to be travelling best and found plenty to keep Arctic Flame at bay. Said O'Keeffe: 'It's great to be coming racing with plenty of chances, and two winners this evening was great. The horses are in great form, and, in fairness, he has the whole yard in great health and long may it continue.' Connections of the runner-up - Pat Foley and Simon Torrens – earlier earned a visit to the winner's enclosure when Colleen Danu ran away with the Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle. The Milan mare travelled sweetly through the race and put matters to bed with the minimum of fuss. With the two hurdles in the straight ruled out due to the low sun, there were just five obstacles to be jumped in the Tote Guarantee Available On Course & Handicap Hurdle, and so it was no surprise to see smart Flat horse Expound come to the fore. A winner on the level last week at Ballinrobe, the Denis Hogan-trained six-year-old, this time ridden by Daniel King, made all the running and picked up under pressure to put a fifth career success on his card. Gordon Elliott topped and tailed the card, winning the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters' Club Claiming Hurdle with the Paddy Cleary-ridden Voice Of Reason, and completing the brace with Carsons Dreamboat, who won the bumper under Harry Swan. Voice Of Reason was put into the claimer with a value of €4,000 and, unsurprisingly, he was claimed at that price. The finale provided the day's easiest winner, as Carsons Dreamboat, who was off the track since finishing tailed off in a maiden hurdle in January 2024, sprinted clear of his rivals to win by 15 lengths.
