Latest news with #TimmyMallet
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Timmy Mallet completes cycle around island of Ireland
Timmy Mallet completes cycle around island of Ireland While on the 6,000km cycle of roads, paths and greenways, he discovered a family link to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo that has deeply affected him TV presenter Timmy Mallett visiting the Parliament Buildings at Stormont (Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire ) TV host Timmy Mallet has praised the "profoundly gorgeous" kindness of people after completing a cycle around the coastline of the island of Ireland. While on the 6,000km cycle of roads, paths and greenways, he discovered a family link to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo that has deeply affected him. The colourful personality is known for his children's television series in the 80s and 90s and cover of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. He embarked on a cycle circumnavigation around Great Britain in 2023 to raise awareness of people's potential after the death of his brother Martin, who had Down's Syndrome and died in 2018. He began a cycle along Northern Ireland's and Donegal's coast in March last year, before returning to cycle around the whole island. "This is the completion of my cycle circumnavigation of the island of Ireland," he said at Stormont on Monday. Article continues below "I kicked off in lashing rain in March last year when I aimed to see if I could do a cycle circumnavigation of Northern Ireland." He said he then decided he would add the "forgotten county" of Donegal. "Further north than Northern Ireland, but in the south. I love that nuttiness," he said. "Five hundred and fifty miles after completing Donegal, I thought to myself I'd like to come back and see if I could do the Wild Atlantic Way." He said he put aside two months to do as much of the Wild Atlantic Way as possible, and got as far as Kinsale in Co Cork. "I phoned up Mrs Mallet and she said 'I'm having the bathroom done, so just keep going, I'm not ready to have you home yet, Mallet'." He said it was "an absolute joy" to complete the circumnavigation of the island. He added: "There's something about the kindness and generosity on this island that is really lovely. It's profoundly gorgeous, this welcome that comes across the whole of Ireland. "I am thrilled to say I have got a squillion new friends in Ireland and I love it. It's almost in the DNA of the Irish actually to say 'welcome, come on in, we're your friends'." He said Ireland had "an understanding of differences" and celebrated things that bring people together. He added: "I'm inspired on this journey by my brother Martin (who had) language and learning difficulties. He never let Down's Syndrome define him. He'd say 'You and me, I'm happy.' "That's about being in the moment, celebrating the here and now of living. It reminds me that all we have to do in life is reach our potential. We don't have to be the best in the world, just the best that we can be." He recounted highlights of the trip, including a family connection at a Mayo lighthouse and a person who helped during Wacaday filming 35 years ago. "I went to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo which has got a family connection for me that I didn't know," he said. "The weather forecast for D-Day was supplied by Maureen Sweeney in June 1944 and my mum was working at supreme headquarters, at the time, on the weather forecasting for D-Day. "And Maureen's grandson Fergus tells the story of how a squeaky-voiced English lady phoned up to check Maureen's reports. That was my mum. "This connection of two women, in a cataclysmic world event, doing their bit for freedom has had a profound impact on me. "I also loved the journey down further south, in Dingle, where I meet Jimmy Flannery who had taken me, 35 years ago during the Wacaday filming, to meet and swim with Fungi the dolphin. "And here he is there still and we shared happy memories of that day of filming 35 years ago in 1990. "On the border between North and the Republic, I came across that lovely conundrum, if you like, where somebody's house is in the UK but their garden is in the Republic. "They were living with it all day every day and enjoying the best of both sides of that wee border." Article continues below He added: "I'm coming back, I love you. Keep 'er lit. This is a gorgeous, gorgeous country." Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly met with Mallet at Stormont on Monday.
The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
An absolute joy: Timmy Mallet completes cycle around island of Ireland
TV host Timmy Mallet has praised the 'profoundly gorgeous' kindness of people after completing a cycle around the coastline of the island of Ireland. While on the 6,000km cycle of roads, paths and greenways, he discovered a family link to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo that has deeply affected him. The colourful personality is known for his children's television series in the 80s and 90s and cover of Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. He embarked on a cycle circumnavigation around Great Britain in 2023 to raise awareness of people's potential after the death of his brother Martin, who had Down's Syndrome and died in 2018. He began a cycle along Northern Ireland's and Donegal's coast in March last year, before returning to cycle around the whole island. 'This is the completion of my cycle circumnavigation of the island of Ireland,' he said at Stormont on Monday. 'I kicked off in lashing rain in March last year when I aimed to see if I could do a cycle circumnavigation of Northern Ireland.' He said he then decided he would add the 'forgotten county' of Donegal. 'Further north than Northern Ireland, but in the south. I love that nuttiness,' he said. 'Five hundred and fifty miles after completing Donegal, I thought to myself I'd like to come back and see if I could do the Wild Atlantic Way.' He said he put aside two months to do as much of the Wild Atlantic Way as possible, and got as far as Kinsale in Co Cork. 'I phoned up Mrs Mallet and she said 'I'm having the bathroom done, so just keep going, I'm not ready to have you home yet, Mallet'.' He said it was 'an absolute joy' to complete the circumnavigation of the island. He added: 'There's something about the kindness and generosity on this island that is really lovely. It's profoundly gorgeous, this welcome that comes across the whole of Ireland. 'I am thrilled to say I have got a squillion new friends in Ireland and I love it. It's almost in the DNA of the Irish actually to say 'welcome, come on in, we're your friends'.' He said Ireland had 'an understanding of differences' and celebrated things that bring people together. He added: 'I'm inspired on this journey by my brother Martin (who had) language and learning difficulties. He never let Down's Syndrome define him. He'd say 'You and me, I'm happy.' 'That's about being in the moment, celebrating the here and now of living. It reminds me that all we have to do in life is reach our potential. We don't have to be the best in the world, just the best that we can be.' He recounted highlights of the trip, including a family connection at a Mayo lighthouse and a person who helped during Wacaday filming 35 years ago. 'I went to Blacksod Lighthouse in Co Mayo which has got a family connection for me that I didn't know,' he said. 'The weather forecast for D-Day was supplied by Maureen Sweeney in June 1944 and my mum was working at supreme headquarters, at the time, on the weather forecasting for D-Day. 'And Maureen's grandson Fergus tells the story of how a squeaky-voiced English lady phoned up to check Maureen's reports. That was my mum. 'This connection of two women, in a cataclysmic world event, doing their bit for freedom has had a profound impact on me. 'I also loved the journey down further south, in Dingle, where I meet Jimmy Flannery who had taken me, 35 years ago during the Wacaday filming, to meet and swim with Fungi the dolphin. 'And here he is there still and we shared happy memories of that day of filming 35 years ago in 1990. 'On the border between North and the Republic, I came across that lovely conundrum, if you like, where somebody's house is in the UK but their garden is in the Republic. 'They were living with it all day every day and enjoying the best of both sides of that wee border.' He added: 'I'm coming back, I love you. Keep 'er lit. This is a gorgeous, gorgeous country.' Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly met with Mallet at Stormont on Monday.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hue and Cry and Timmy Mallet among Kirkcudbright Fringe 2025 attractions
The event is returning for its third year with a range of innovations, including a bigger and better programme. Hue and Cry, Timmy Mallet and a former First Minister are among the attractions at this year's Kirkcudbright Fringe. The event is returning for its third year with a range of innovations. The programme is bigger, better and more diverse with an increased number of performers and venues across the town, exciting developments such as a three-day beer festival and a wider range of stalls and food outlets over the fringe weekend, which runs from September 4 to 7. Co-founder, Gerry Hassan, said: Kirkcudbright Fringe builds on our fantastic reputation as an artists' town, bringing new voices and talents, and showcasing many local artists and the stories that help to make the town so special. 'Our programme continues to grow in range and ambition – showing our commitment to being contemporary, diverse and thought-provoking.' More than 60 events will be taking place in 25 venues, with full details available in the programme that features a stunning cover designed by Kirkcudbright Academy's Elena Gourlay. Highlights include 1980s pop sensations Hue and Cry; an expanded Late Night at the Fringe on Friday and Saturday with fabulous music; sensational magic and comedy from Pete Heat; stories of cycling and travelling from Timmy Mallet; Beatle biographer Philip Norman reflecting on the magic and enduring appeal of the Beatles and Peter Tatchell on a life campaigning for equality and human rights. There's also Gabriel Gatehouse on the threat of Trump and Trumpism; Scottish filmmaker Anthony Baxter talking about chronicling Trump in Scotland; broadcaster Lesley Riddoch and former first Minister Henry McLeish discussing the state of Scotland and next year's elections; and TV historian Kate Williams on Mary, Queen of Scots. The fringe has a host of events on local history, pioneers and storytellers – from remembering the last alleged witch killed in the town (Elspeth McKeown) to the woman car designer who built cars for women (Dorothée Pullinger) to the recent discovery that Dumfries and Galloway invented the game of football in Anwoth (with Phil Richardson and Julie McNeill) to the modern day with Kirkcudbright residents Graham and Anne Bryce telling their story of cycling from Scotland to the West Bank. Co-founder, Chris Walker, said: 'Kirkcudbright Fringe Festival aims to provide something unique and enjoyable in an intimate setting in a town that knows how to welcome and host. Our fringe goes from strength to strength, providing a wide range of events that aim to be fun, stimulating and sometimes challenging.' This year's fringe has received support from RSK, Dark Art Distillery, Castle MacLellan, Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival, SW Audio, Pioneer Foodservices, Wheatley Homes South, Beer Haul, Cairndale Hotel and Spa and many others. Physical tickets are available from Rhubarb, 25 St Mary Street, Kirkcudbright and Samphire Gallery, 149 King Street, Castle Douglas from July 1.
Extra.ie
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Timmy Mallet keeps his late brother's mantra in mind as he cycles the Wild Atlantic Way
Timmy Mallet is keeping in mind his late brother's mantra to help him savour the moment as he cycles down the Wild Atlantic Way, and has uncovered another 'profoundly moving' family connection on his travels. The children's TV legend put April and May aside to see how much of the 2,600km west coast tourist trail he can complete on his e-bike, and is documenting his adventures on social media and through paintings and sketches. The British presenter and artist said he is 'inspired to be in the moment' on the voyage by his brother Martin, who had Down syndrome and died in 2018 aged 64. Pic: Timmy Mallet/Facebook Mallet, whose regular posts showcase the very best of the West Coast, told 'Martin would say, 'You and me, I'm happy', which is a lovely phrase. It talks about the joy of being in this moment, the here and now, rather than the planning, looking forward to something else happening.' The former Wacaday presenter added: 'We say 'It will be great when the weekend comes; when I go on holiday; when I get promoted.' We don't enjoy the here and now.' Mallet had a 'rather powerful' moment early in the trip that invoked his brother's memory, on the way west from the Belfast ferry. While sheltering from the rain in Portadown, Co. Armagh, a man and his son, who had Down syndrome, approached. 'They said, 'We're following your story because of your brother Martin and we'd like to meet you,' Mallett recalled. 'He said, 'Look, I've got the bikes in the back of the car. Can we go for a bike ride?' The weather cleared enough for us to go, and we cycled down the canal towards Newry. Timmy Mallet. Pic: File 'I was reminded of my bike rides with my brother Martin, where he would always be involved in the business of pedalling. 'It's not about where you're going or where you've been, it's the here and now and the business of actually doing it. And it was a joyous reminder of being in the moment and of saying, 'I don't have to go anywhere. I'll just do this.'' Mallett recalled 'another family episode' that happened further along his route, at Blacksod Lighthouse in Co. Mayo, famous for its involvement in the D-Day landings of 1944. Ireland continued to provide weather updates to Britain under an independence agreement, and it was Maureen Sweeney's reports from Blacksod that convinced US General Eisenhower to delay the Normandy landings by a day. Earlier that year, Mallett's mother, Nancy, had been seconded to Supreme Headquarters to work on the weather forecasting for D-Day. 'So I was really intrigued to go out to Blacksod. I met Maureen Sweeney's grandson, Fergus, who tells the story of Maureen putting her weather report in and getting a phone call from a squeaky-voiced English lady, who would have been my Mum. Pic: Timmy Mallet/Facebook 'Now hang on a second – this is two women involved in world events, and their son and grandson meet 80 years later. It was a profoundly moving experience to stand with Fergus in the lighthouse and to give him a photo of my mum in uniform, and to look at Maureen and to think: 'Yeah, we've all got a little role to play.'' 'The former I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here contestant is something of a bike tour veteran – he has cycled from his home in England to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, around the entire coast of Britain, around Northern Ireland, and around Co. Donegal. It was the latter trip that put Mallet on the radar of Sligo County Council tourism officer Aidan McCormack, who helped convince the colourful broadcaster to return and venture further south. 'It's just me and the bike,' Mallett said. 'I carry what I can carry. I've got two panniers, a little bar bag which has got my sketching stuff in, and then a dry bag, which carries my wet weather gear for that rare occasion when it rains!' Friends have helped add a sheen to some of his regular social media posts, which together form a travelogue that would lend itself well to a Sunday evening TV series. Mallet once filmed in counties Cork and Kerry for Wacaday – including a swim with Fungie the dolphin – and he said his fondness for the country increases with each visit. 'There's a generosity and a welcome that is wonderful,' he said. 'I think generosity and hospitality are part of the DNA of Ireland. I love the pride that people have in their county. I love the way that every county flies its flag and proudly sings the praises of their county and [says] 'down with the other ones!' 'I love how GAA brings that out. I do like that sport [hurling]. I think it's a great game – fast and furious. And it's a great thing that they have the women's version, camogie. Ireland's very proud of what they have and so they should be, because it's a beautiful country with very kind people, with a welcome that is open-armed, openhearted and generous.' Mallett said he has had a puncture-free voyage so far, which has brought him as far as Kilkee, Co. Clare, when he spoke to this week. 'I go slowly, is the answer. And I choose traffic-free routes as much as I can. The greenways are amazing. I love these cycle greenways in Ireland.'
