Irish Women representing Eire. The Mail Sat15/03/2025
The ‘New’ Irish Making It Abroad
Irish culture is having a moment. Whether you're listening to music or watching a movie, there's no denying that Kneecap, the Irish rap trio, and award-winning actors are at the forefront of a new wave of cool attached to all things Irish. While others are also representing Ireland and reshaping how our nation is perceived, nothing else has sparked such a seismic shift in the global recognition of the Irish language.
Kneecap won 7 of their 14 BIFA nominations, including Best Film and Best Actor awards. They were up for 7 BAFTAs and long listed for 2 Oscars. If you haven’t seen their groundbreaking movie, it’s still available on Amazon Prime. Strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. At the very least, you’ll pick up a few focail Gaeilge.
And if you have a cúpla focal in your vocabulary, be proud to use them this month as Irish people prepare for global recognition this month at both the Oscars and St. Patrick’s Day.
Meet some Irish women representing Ireland in their own unique way as they fly the green white and gold flag around the globe.
Katie Boyle: Comedian, America
Dubliner Katie Boyle is a comedian living in New York, making a name for herself in the comedy scene with her sharp wit and relatable humour. Her favourite stand-up topics include American culture, dating, therapy, and, perhaps more surprisingly, Irish culture and history. Katie's talent was first recognised when she performed as a "New Face" at the 2023 Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. She was also featured in the NY Funniest Showcase and the New York Comedy Festival in 2022.
“I didn’t know I was going to be a comedian initially. I started out working towards a career in art and actually went to the States to do an internship at Queen’s MoMA PS1, but as soon as I caught the comedy bug, I realised that’s what I wanted to do for the foreseeable future.”
Katie now headlines clubs across the United States and Ireland. Earlier this year, she brought her tour to Dublin and Cork. Back stateside, her work continues to be highlighted by Laughing Skull, Women in Comedy, Kansas City Irish Fest, and on SiriusXM. Outside of stand-up, Katie has acted in sketches and shorts, including LadBible and Unilad videos. Last year, she began producing and emceeing a consistently sold-out Irish comedy show at the Dead Rabbit, featuring Irish comedians such as Aoife Dunne, Ger Stanton, Aaron McCann, Shane Todd, and Emman Idama. She currently hosts The Shift podcast, where she and her guests discuss sex and dating from an Irish perspective.
Interestingly, for an Irish comic, Katie began her career working in US Irish bars. “I moved to the US in 2015, and I ran comedy shows in Irish bars: Alewife, Fools Gold, and The Rochard in the first few years. They were fun but hectic ambush shows, and you'd have to convince the poor audience, who came for a relaxing pint, to listen to stand-up comedy.”
She started doing stand-up in New York venues, including The Creek and the Cave. “My first set was on a show where they let audience members tell a joke, and at the end, the MC said that I should do stand-up, and that was that.”
Comparing her experience performing for Irish and American audiences, Katie says:
“The Irish laugh harder at different jokes, and vice versa. I don’t have to set up a joke in Ireland as much as I do in the States if I’m talking about dating Irish men, the GAA, or something uniquely Irish. I find I have to change normal day-to-day words we use in Ireland, like 'bin,' because they say ‘trash,’ or any Irish slang in general because they get lost in translation and people miss the joke.”
Katie’s stand-up explores all aspects of Irish culture, and she is very open and vocal about her views on Irish history, tackling difficult subjects like the Irish Famine and Ireland under British rule. More recently, she has taken a strong stand against the atrocities happening in Gaza.
“My ‘Irishness’ is very important to me, and I became more aware of this when I moved to the States. I see how much being Irish makes me different from Americans. For example, the banter that we grew up with in Ireland isn’t the same here, so I’ve had to make sure my sarcasm isn't too much. I've also learned to take a compliment and definitely not to smile at strangers on the street in NYC because that’s how you get harassed.”
Katie's debut album, I'll Do It Myself, hit #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and is currently available to stream on all major platforms. Her latest special, Don't Tell, premiered last November.
She is currently touring her new show: Therapy. Katie has several upcoming Irish dates.
Follow Katie on Instagram @katieboylecomic visit www.katieboylecomic.com
Vivienne in NY: Irish Speaker and Influencer, America
In the heart of New York City, Cork’s Vivienne Sayers O’Callaghan is redefining what it means to be Irish in the modern world. Her love for the Irish language began when she was a small child visiting her grandparents in Corca Dhuibhne, one of Kerry’s two Gaeltachts. Surrounded by Irish speakers, she attended all-Irish schools, and along with developing her grá for Gaelic, she also forged a passion for music and theatre.
Vivienne pursued a Bachelor of Music at MTU Cork School of Music (CSM) and moved stateside after being awarded a place on an international student exchange at Endicott College in Massachusetts, where she completed her degree.
Her love for Irish has led to unexpected TikTok and Instagram fame, amassing a combined total of almost 200,000 followers. She has two million likes on her account, @vivienne_in_NYC, where she shares her love for the Irish language with the people of New York City and beyond. “I set up my TikTok to create accessibility and education around Irish culture and the language. The videos are short, snappy, and to the point. I don’t want to lecture anyone; I enjoy random fun facts just as much as the next person, so if I can contribute to the growth of the Irish language and promote Ireland and the Irish as a destination, then I’m happy,” she explains.
Vivienne returned to college in Ireland briefly in 2022, and while studying at Dublin’s Institute of Project Management, she applied to the prestigious Mountbatten Programme, which helps young professionals secure corporate positions for a year in the US. She was successful, and now her full-time job is in events and outreach at Moody's at the World Trade Center. Blending her professional ambitions with her cultural advocacy, her time in Boston highlighted a gap in awareness about the Irish language, prompting her to take action.
"When I moved to Boston, I was shocked by the sheer concentration of Irish Americans and Irish families in Massachusetts. Over 30 million people in the United States claim Irish heritage. I even have family there! As soon as I arrived in the US, I became known as ‘the Irish girl who spoke Gaelic’. In conversation, I would always mention the Irish language, and soon my Irish speaking became a bit of a party trick, which I was weirdly proud of.”
She adds, “I didn't know being Irish was so important until I moved away. I realised people have an idea of what Ireland is and who we are, but it didn’t fit my version of Ireland, the place I grew up in. People would make stereotypical comments like, 'Oh, you must love to fight,' which confused me because I didn't realise we had this reputation. The drinking stereotype still lives to this day, and I cringe every time I hear it, even from Irish people and Irish Americans themselves. I needed a way, through TikTok and Instagram, to show how amazing Ireland actually is and to educate people. I wanted to say, 'Hey, this is modern Ireland, and this is how classy our people are and our country is!’”
This led her into a digital creation career. “Over the past few months, I've been working with Irish businesses to establish their brands in the USA market, and I have very exciting collaborations planned with large Irish companies for late summer.” She’s currently travelling around Asia with the Metropolitan Orchestra, following and documenting their journey and creating content for their Instagram page along the way. ”While I’m in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, I am taking every opportunity to explore the Irish cultural scene. I discovered traditional Irish music sessions in Seoul and Tokyo.”
She has somehow managed to find time to be on the board of the Irish Network NYC. Balancing all these roles and interests, Vivienne continues to champion Irish culture wherever she goes, all at the tender age of 23.
Vivienne is keen to encourage anyone she reaches via her social media to start small and add some Gaelic words into everyday conversations or emails. "Words might not roll off the tongue easily, but if people don't feel comfortable speaking them, they can start by typing in messages or captions online. Maybe write your caption with the translation underneath. This creates a safe space for people to use the language in a non-conversational context. I think sometimes people are scared to use the language because they might be judged. Both people in Ireland and here in the States are a bit hesitant, but here in the States they might be a little more open. Americans have this confidence we don't promote as much at home.”
Vivienne’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural pride and the impact of modern media. Through her passion, she is not only helping preserve the Irish language but also bridging cultural gaps, redefining what it means to be Irish in the 21st century.
Follow Vivienne on TikTok @vivienne_in_nyc
Claire Boshell: Photographer, Barcelona
Claire realised her need to express herself through dance and theatre at a young age. Growing up in Dublin, she attended the prestigious Billie Barry School before enrolling in the National Performing Arts School, where she discovered a passion for both hip-hop choreography and musical theatre. Eventually, she discovered her actual calling: photography. Claire's passion for photography began at the age of 13–14, when she experimented with cosmetics and hair on friends and organised spontaneous photoshoots in her family house. Her ability to make others feel good about themselves fuelled her interest, prompting her to take photography more seriously after finishing her Leaving Cert in 2011. Her distinctive blend of cosmetic artistry and commercial photography has gained attention, leading to partnerships with big brands and personalities in the beauty industry. Recently, she relocated to Barcelona, continuing to expand her creative horizons with resilience and determination.
Starting out in Dublin after completing a photography course, she found her niche in wedding photography, booking her first gig at The Red Cow. "I was doing lots of fashion-style photography early on, but it was the wedding photography that was going to pay some of my bills." Her natural confidence and love for the bustling energy of wedding mornings made her transition into full-time photography seamless. “Ireland was a great country for starting out. I had support from fellow photographers, in particular Evan Doherty, who really helped me early on. The community was supportive and so talented that I was able to learn so much. I’m so grateful.”
Claire was busy but didn’t go full-time into photography until 2018. Feeling unfulfilled in her administrative job, she took the leap and registered her own business. "I felt I was probably being bullied at work and had a bit of burnout at my job. So, when I quit, I started working full-time doing hair and makeup along with photography.”
With the support of her husband, whom she met in 2014, she pursued her passion. "Wedding photography was my starting point professionally, and I enjoyed capturing those special moments. But over time, I realised that what truly fascinated me was the artistry of beauty photography. I loved the process of enhancing someone's natural beauty through makeup and then capturing that essence through my lens. It felt like a natural progression for me to dive deeper into this niche."
Claire says she has no regrets about taking the plunge to forge her creative niche. "I just knew if I wanted to book my dream client, I needed to focus on my niche, which was beauty photography. So, that’s what I did. I cleared all my back catalogue of wedding photography from social media and just focused on beauty. The beauty industry is huge, and I knew I could make good money from that, so that’s where I set my sights.”
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of her mother and the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Claire continued to grow her career. She focused on perfecting her craft during lockdown, gaining recognition from prestigious brands like Bellamianta and Iconic Bronze. “It was a difficult time. On the professional side, I had the opportunity to collaborate on some exciting brand campaigns and work with amazing talents in the beauty industry. It was incredibly fulfilling to see my work recognised and appreciated. However, it was also a year marked by personal loss, as I had lost my mom and had just gotten married. My mind was so preoccupied with work and the wedding. The moment I relaxed, I felt the effects on my mental health. Weirdly, it was at that time that I really kicked off my career in beauty photography. I feel grateful and quite proud of myself for getting through that year and pushing things forward.”
Her portfolio boasts collaborations with Una Healy, Suzanne Jackson, Terri McEvoy, and rising stars like Jazzy. Last month, she shot Goss.ie’s 10th Birthday Cover series, an Ayu Cosmetics campaign, and a Sarah Keary Bronzer campaign.
“ Irish brands goss.ie and Ayu Cosmetics have been incredibly supportive and have been such brilliant brands to work with. Internationally, when I introduce Ayu products on a set, everyone is amazed by the quality and can’t believe they are a small emerging Irish brand. I absolutely love working with their products and the team and enjoy spreading the word globally through my work.”
Claire has taken her talents to Barcelona, a decision probably influenced by the fact that her husband is a local. She says the move signifies a new chapter in her career, and she is excited to explore new creative opportunities. “My husband is from Barcelona, so it felt like a second home almost immediately. I love Ireland and still work there every month on goss.ie campaigns, but Barcelona felt very suited to my needs after such a tough few years. I had gotten married and missed my mom so much. I was working so hard that I ended up having terrible panic attacks. I found out it was all related to polycystic ovaries, so I had to take antidepressants to try to balance it all out. Looking back, I really wasn’t well; maybe I was working too hard and feeling very burned out. But I came through it, and the move to a sunnier place is helping me heal.”
When asked what the future holds, she says, “"Bringing my brand, Claire Boshell Photo, to Barcelona has opened up new avenues for me, and I have never been busier. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of beauty photography. I want to keep challenging myself to create compelling and impactful imagery that resonates with people. Whether it's through editorial work, brand collaborations, or personal projects, I aim to capture beauty in its many forms and empower individuals through my photography.”
Follow Claire on Instagram @claireboshellephoto
Rebecca Casserly @BoopFoodie
Rebecca is a travel and food content creator from Galway, based in London with an audience of over 100,000 followers across her social media platforms. Rebecca is an OG digital creator having started blogging in 2013 when she lived in Galway. Rebecca moved to London in 2015 where she focused on fashion and lifestyle and quickly made a name for herself in the London blogging scene. This included invites to cover London fashion week on social media and even rubbing shoulders with Prince William and Prince Harry. In recent years Rebecca has pivoted her social media platforms to share her passion of travel and food across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and threads with the establishment of her @BoopFoodie brand.
“There’s a huge Irish community in London” she tells us, “and I’ve really enjoyed showcasing the Irish food scene over here. Being Irish is a big part of my identity, and I include a bit of Gaeilge in my content when I can. I’m very proud to have the Irish flag on display on my social media profiles and I try to help Irish restaurants and food brands in London go viral and put Irish food on the map.”
It might come as a surprise to her followers that Rebecca has always run her social media business alongside her successful corporate career as a Chartered Accountant. She’s worked with tourism boards, airlines, trains, hotels and restaurants to showcase their brands via her unique, short form voiceover videos which allow her to share lots of useful details for her audience to plan their travels.
Rebecca has recently been announced as a finalist in the 2024 Traverse Creators Awards in the category of best short video and is thrilled to be flying the flag for Ireland in the awards. The winners will be announced at a London Awards ceremony in early November.
As an experienced creator Rebecca is well used to the negatives that come with an online profile. “My Irish accent gets a lot of mocking by trolls but I’m proud of it and delighted that despite living in London for nearly a decade I still have my Irish accent.”
Some of Rebecca’s viral videos include her introduction to chicken fillet rolls in London with Emerald Eats, showcasing Irish fast food with Supermacs, sharing the unique Pullman restaurant experience in Galway and her explanation of the Irish tradition of wearing a Claddagh ring.
Follow Rebecca on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube @BoopFoodie
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