A sample of articles I wrote for Totally Dublin whilst editor (2017-2024).

Patricia Hurl - A Life Lived

Irish Gothic, the retrospective of Patricia Hurl, currently on in IMMA is arguably the most important one of a largely unheralded Irish artist this century. Like many others, we were utterly bowled over by her body of work which is as urgent and meaningful as when it was first created. Besides discovering her, we found out that her son is one of the duo behind Assassination Custard, which parallels Hurl in being a sort of best kept secret in the food game. We brought them together to hear their story…

Pat Ingoldsby & Tom Mathews - The Outsiders

Having racked up 150 years between them, we bring two of our finest, most unsung, poets and humorists Pat Ingoldsby and Tom Mathews together for a chat.

Pat Ingoldsby and Tom Mathews are two people intrinsically woven into the warp and weft of Dublin. Whether known for his much cherished children’s TV presenter antics in the ‘80s through to his decades spent on the streets of the city, as a citizen artist, proudly selling his self-published poetry books, Ingoldsby is a jewel in our crown.

Mathews is a cartoonist (and poet also) whose work has graced most Irish publications. He is an ‘institution’ often spotted holding afternoon court in the institution that is Grogan’s. Though he’s mostly a man, modest about his talents, who goes about his business.

Sons of Donaghmede: Damien Dempsey & David Balfe (For Those I Love)

They grew up in the same estate but had never met properly. 

Whilst viewing Love Yourself Today, Ross Killeen’s tremendous new documentary on Damien Dempsey and the power his music and message exerts over his fans, We started thinking about David Balfe (For Those I Love) and the transformative impact his debut album has also had on people. What if we could bring these two together? They are both from Donaghmede and there’s an overlap in their upbringing, their message, their outlook on life and the profound resonance their deeply personal experiences has on their devoted fans. They exude passion and integrity.