Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Anna O'Rourke
Case Report: Eosinophilic fasciitis with PM-Scl antibody positivity: expanding the serological spectrum
Abstract Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by symmetrical or asymmetrical skin induration, fascial inflammation, and peripheral eosinophilia. We report the case of a middle-aged man presenting with left knee pain and swelling, progressive skin induration and pigmentation changes on the thigh and trunk. Blood workup showed peripheral eosinophilia and weakly positive PM-Scl-100 antibodies.
Prof Brian Cox issues warning as asteroid's chances of hitting Earth double
Professor Brian Cox has warned humanity could “have to make a decision” regarding an asteroid that could hit Earth in 2032. Earlier this year, asteroid ‘2024 YR4’ was given a 1.3 per cent chance of hitting Earth after it was spotted by a telescope in Chile last December. On Friday though, Nasa doubled the probability of the asteroid hitting Earth, meaning it now has a 2.3 per cent chance of impact. The date of impact would be December 22, 2032.
Baby girl injured in Sydney attack moved out of ICU
The baby girl injured in Saturday’s attack in a Sydney mall has been taken out of intensive care. The BBC report that the nine-month-old daughter of Ashlee Good, who died while protecting her daughter, is in a serious but stable condition. In other news, the Frenchman, dubbed Bollard Man after his heroic efforts confronting the Sydney attacker with a bollard, has been offered permanent Australian residency.
Saturday Night Takeaway viewers slam ‘worst end of show’ ever
If you stayed in to avoid the heavy winds last night, you might have fancied tuning in to the weekend TV staple that is Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. A popular feature of the programme are the ‘End of the Show’ shows which typically include a surprise performance from a pop superstar or mainstream band.
This Irish baby name is making a major comeback
There are some pretty beautiful Irish baby names out there. For a small island, we certainly have a never-ending list of options for new mums and dads. Irish baby names are proving so popular with parents around the world that they’re coming back into style after dwindling in popularity for years. There’s one name in particular that suffered a huge drop in popularity in recent years but could become one of the most loved Irish baby names.
First-year students can now avail of immunisation vaccine
The HSE is advising parents of first-year secondary school students to avail of their immunisation vaccine. The vaccine is one of the most effective ways in protecting children against harmful disease and will be administered through the HSE’s school immunisation programme this year. As part of the schools programme rollout, three vaccines will be offered free of charge.
Old and ancient Irish monikers are set to be big in 2024
This year, six Irish names are set to be very popular with expectant parents. Unless your name choice has been locked in for years, choosing a moniker for your newest family member is not always an easy task. With so many options available and naming trends changing all the time, what was popular last year, may be more unique in 2024. However, one trend suggests that some beautiful, old, and ancient Irish names are due to make a comeback.
Child protection advocates voice concern as WhatsApp lowers age restriction to 13
This latest move marks a departure from the previous age restriction on WhatsApp that required users to be at least 16 years old. The adjustment brings WhatsApp in line with the age requirements of most other social media platforms. However, CyberSafeKids CEO Alex Cooney highlighted that this change does not signify any additional child protection measures from WhatsApp’s end.
Kimberley Walsh urges parents to trust their instinct after A&E trip
Kimberley Walsh’s son was recently admitted to hospital, but was sent home shortly after with health professionals saying he was ‘fine’. However, the former singer admitted she knew something wasn’t right and has reminded fellow parents to always trust their instincts. Kimberley Walsh explained that her son had fallen off a chair at their home while he was playing. The mum was nervous about his injuries so she decided to take him to hospital.
Broken heart syndrome is a real condition
Being left heartbroken is one of the least pleasant feelings of all. Dealing with a broken heart is not as easy as it looks in a rom-com. In reality, you need more than a tub of ice cream and a makeover to make you feel better. Sometimes a break-up or suffering a loss can have an impact on our physical health as well as our mental health. We often hear about people dying from a broken heart, but is it an actual medical condition?
Mum sparks backlash after asking babysitter to do chores
A mum has sparked a heated debate online after admitting she leaves her babysitter a list of chores to do. The main role of a babysitter is to care for your children, but this mum wants her babysitter to do chores too. Katrina Ivan explained on TikTok that she runs a small business which means she doesn’t have time to do chores. She leaves a list for her babysitter with the promise of paying her per chore.
Gardaí have arrested a woman in her 30s
A woman in her 30s has been charged in connection with the death of six-year-old Matthew Healy. The young boy’s body was found in a car at Dunmore East in Co Waterford. The harrowing discovery was made on Friday, February 9th. Matthew was given medical treatment at the scene and was rushed to University Hospital Waterford, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the hospital. A woman in her 30s was also at the scene but needed medical attention before Gardaí could question her.
Major celebrities set to star in spin-off series
A range of special celebrity guests are set to star in a spin-off series of Bluey. Kylie and Dannii Minogue, as well as The Office’s Jenna Fischer and Killing Eve’s Camille Cottin, will all feature as guests on the new series called Bluey Book Reads. Other guests include Deadpool star Rob Delaney, Vigil’s Suranne Jones, Eva Mendes, Olympic champion diver Tom Daley, Hamilton’s Jordan Fisher, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, and conservationist Bindi Irwin.
Tributes pour in following death of six-year-old boy
Tributes have been pouring in for six-year-old Matthew Healy after the six-year-old was found dead in Waterford. The young boy was discovered in a car shortly after midnight on Friday, February 9th. Gardaí were called to the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East following the harrowing discovery. Tributes have been pouring in for the young boy since his untimely passing. Education Minister, Norma Foley penned a tribute to the young boy.
Most grandparents prefer their eldest grandchild- here's why
Who can blame them… A study has discovered that grandparents prefer their eldest grandchild. They may not admit it, but researchers have discovered that grannies and grandads have a soft spot for their first grandchild. And as the eldest grandchild on my dad’s side, I say, who can blame them? Parenting forum Mumsnet revealed that 42% of grandparents prefer their eldest grandchild. And the reason why is actually quite sweet.
The story behind the abandoned baby girl
The case surrounding abandoned baby Elsa has broken the public’s hearts. The infant was discovered in a shopping bag on the night of January 18th. Her mother has still not been found but police are urging her to come forward. They’re concerned for both her physical health and her well-being. Baby Elsa was found by a member of the public who was out walking their dog on the night of January 18th.
Why physical activity is so important for your children's self-confidence
That’s according to the HSE, who advise that kids under five should be having at least three hours of physical activity each day. According to the experts, being active can help your little one to: have a healthy body develop self-confidence maintain a healthy weight improve learning and attention By the age of five, your child’s daily physical activity should include at least 1 hour of energetic play a day. This is where they sweat and their breathing is faster than normal.
Names that are headed for extinction or already extinct
For some, they may never come back into style, as several monikers are headed for extinction or already all but wiped out. While the demand for some names is understandably dropping (sorry Karen’s), it’s more surprising to hear that names such as Gary, Carol, and Vicki are endangered. Nameberry, the world’s largest website devoted to baby names, has shared the monikers that may be at risk of extinction soon if expectant parents continue to neglect choosing them.
Prime suspect to testify in court
There has reportedly been a breakthrough in the Madeleine McCann case. Police investigating the British toddler’s disappearance have confirmed a prime suspect will testify in court. The close friend of Christian Brückner will allegedly appear in court next month. Brückner is set to go on trial in February, but the charges are not related to Madeleine McCann’s case. He is due to be charged with two offences of sexual abuse of children. He is also facing three offences of aggravated rape.
'Call the Midwife reminded me of one important life lesson'
It’s nearly been a week since the latest episode of ‘Call the Midwife’ aired, but Fred’s storyline has been on a loop in my head ever since. The show always manages to teach us something valuable whether that’s about women’s health, being a mother, or a life lesson we failed to acknowledge. Last week’s episode left viewers feeling pretty overwhelmed after Fred’s life was put in danger. I watch ‘Call the Midwife’ every Sunday evening with my Mam and we both sobbed on the sofa after it ended.
Water-inspired names that are perfect for an Aquarius baby
If you give birth between now and February 18th, your baby will be born under the Aquarius star sign. Whether you believe in them or not, they can inspire some stunning names with interesting meanings. Aquarius may be an air sign, but it’s heavily associated with water and has a water bearer sign. Some say this represents the knowledge that people under this sign they give knowledge to the world. With this in mind, here are some of our favourite names that are inspired by water.
Grandmother graduates from uni 60 years after dropping out
Graduating from college is a major achievement in life, one that you’ll never forget. It’s a huge milestone that one grandmother recently celebrated and she’s quickly become our new hero. Angela Davidson went back to study Animal Sciences sixty years after she first started her degree. She recently graduated from college in December and the video of the special moment is going viral. Angela had to drop out of college after she got pregnant but decided to return to education.
Anna Geary shares beautiful photos from son's Christening
Anna Geary has given fans a glimpse into her baby boy Ronan’s Christening and it looked like the most magical day. 2023 was a devastating year for Anna and her family after the untimely passing of her brother. However, her baby boy Ronan has kept the mum going through the heartbreaking days. Anna and her family recently celebrated her son Ronan’s Christening. Anna gave fans a glimpse at the special day on Instagram.
Expert weighs in after mum says her daughter has become 'too health conscious' since Covid
The mum spoke to Newstalk about the health issue and says, “it started during Covid, but it hasn’t improved since the pandemic ended”. She even said that since the end of the pandemic, “she’s got more tense”.
New trend sees grandkids surprise grandparents with sleepovers
While the internet and social media can feel like a wormhole of bad news, sometimes it can remind us that there is still good in the world. That’s exactly what this new TikTok trend is doing and be warned; you might want to grab the tissues now. Grandkids, young and old, are surprising their grandparents by rocking up to their homes dressed in pjs ready for sleepovers.
Sibling rivalry can teach children valuable skills
Sometimes it can feel like you’re acting more as a referee between your children than a parent – you just need the whistle and a red card! The perpetual bickering, jealousy and competition can be exhausting to parents. It often produces a lot of disharmony within the family and can be exasperating.
New episodes of Bluey landing on Disney+ in time for the weekend
If you’re panicking that the little ones have run out of episodes of their favourite show, Bluey…fear not. New episodes of Bluey are landing on Disney+ on January 12th. The highly recommended kid’s show saw its popularity skyrocket in recent years, and now there will be ten new episodes available for your kids to enjoy.
Over 4,000 children are now homeless in Ireland
Ireland’s homeless crisis has continued to worsen with the Department of Housing revealing its 2023 report. Their findings show that over 4,000 children were homeless in Ireland in 2023. The Department of Housing published the report on January 5th and it confirmed there are 13, 514. There were 2,000 families recorded as homeless, 1,134 of which were single-parent families. Charities have been urging the government to do more following the release of the concerning figures.
Relatable parenting tweets to get your week off to good start
One thing all parents have in common is the relatable experiences they go through with their children. We may be in a new year, but one thing that will remain consistent is the indescribable and often unexplainable reactions that kids have to everyday life. To soothe your Sunday scaries and get your week off to a positive start, we’ve put together some of the most hilarious and relatable parenting tweets from the first week of 2024.
What are guide parents and how are they different to godparents?
You may have heard it once before in passing and just thought your ears were deceiving you but they are a real thing. As the world becomes more secular, not all parents are going for the traditional Christenings that used to be the go-to naming ceremony in Ireland. While many religions worldwide have their own specific celebrations or traditions for welcoming a new baby to the world, those who don’t practice have started a new tradition.
Britney Spears says she will never return to the music industry
Following the end of her conservatorship, fans hoped Britney Spears would continue her music career, but on her terms. In her memoir, the singer reflects on how her conservatorship was the reason she fell out of love with music and dance. Being forced to perform, record, and tour by her father and team ruined the once magic relationship she had with the industry. So much so that the popstar has no plans to return to the music industry.
Doctor reveals what all parents should do to avoid virus
Many parents know that the winter can be an incredibly challenging time for their child’s health. It feels like every dose in the world arrives at your front door throughout November to February, including RSV. Respiratory illness can be incredibly frightening, especially for new parents. However, a doctor has shared some helpful advice after he lost his brother to RSV. Dr. Sean Cullen lost his brother, who had a congenital heart defect when he was only nine months old after contracting RSV.
Girl (5) harmed in Parnell Square stabbing out of PICU
A five-year-old girl injured in the Parnell Square stabbing in Dublin is out of PICU. The young girl has been in Temple Street Hospital in Dublin since the November 23rd attack. The girl’s mother confirmed the incredible news on a GoFundMe page this week. She said her little girl is now “out of danger” but still has a long way to go. In a short update, the mum said her little girl was moved from the PICU two weeks ago. “Hi everyone, here is the little girl’s mum.
How to have the period talk as a parent
Do you remember how your parents told you that girls will bleed monthly for years? When you put it like that it sounds a lot scarier than what it really is. So how can you approach the subject of menstruation in a way that’s both informative and easy to digest, well keep reading we’re here to help. It doesn’t have to be one big conversation all in one go at a certain age. In fact you can start introducing details as soon as your kid starts to show interest in learning more.
Toddlers are happier with fewer toys, study finds
“When I took away most of my children’s toys, I gave them the gift of imagination. When I let go of all the extra sets of dishes, I gave my kids the gift of an extra hour with them at the end of the day that would otherwise be spent rinsing plates. When I simplified their wardrobes, I gave them back the focus of a mother no longer drowning in laundry cycles. When I cleaned out our family room and turned off the TV, I gave them time to connect with me and one another.
Mum backed by parents after family slam her unique parenting style
The mum-of-one asked for the public’s opinion on her decision to assign chores to her two-year-old daughter. She initially explained that her little one is at the age where she wants to do everything mum and dad are doing. She loves helping out with their pets and is obsessed with their spin mop. So, the woman explained that every day they assist their daughter with a couple of chores.
People shocked after woman shares 13-year-old’s Christmas list
Shopping for the kids at Christmas is a lot of effort, especially when they write quite an extensive list to Santa. One woman has revealed what her 13-year-old niece asked for this Christmas, leaving thousands of people completely shocked. Taking to X, the woman shared an image of the list which was titled: “My 2023-2024 Xmas Wishlist”. The first item on the list was Dior Lip Oil which costs around €32. Next up was Converse, then a Baby Blue Puffy Fest, Tooth Gems, Pink Nike Dunks, and False Lashes.
Here are supermarket opening hours over Christmas - Supervalu, Tesco, Dunnes and more
Every year, supermarket doors close on Christmas Day and work shorter hours around then to allow their staff to take very well-deserved breaks from the chaos of the Christmas season. So, whether you need to grab something last minute for the Christmas Dinner, or need to top up the alcohol stock in time for your guests, here are the general opening hours to expect across some of the most popular grocers nationwide. Supervalu branches are run differently, depending on their location.
Missing English boy reunited with family after six years
Missing boy Alex Batty has been reunited with his family after disappearing six years ago. The young boy failed to return home from a family holiday in 2017. His grandmother, who is his legal guardian, said she still cannot believe he is back. Alex was reunited with his grandmother and other family members this weekend. He handed himself over to police in France after reportedly escaping from a spiritual community. He was reportedly living in the community with his mother and grandfather.
Mum shares an easy sensory activity to help with tummy time
Tummy time is important as it strengthens babies’ necks, shoulders, and arm muscles, which all help them to one day sit up, crawl, and eventually walk on their own. However, some babies may not love the exercise when starting out. One mum has shared a cheap and clever hack to help make the experience more enjoyable for them. Jamie Robinson (@the.real.jamie.robinson) took to TikTok to pass along the simple but effective sensory activity which keeps her little one entertained.
Ten things to look out for as officials say RSV is circulating at 'extraordinarily high levels'
The HSE has issued a warning over RSV and flu infections which are reportedly circulating at very high levels. People are being urged to try and limit the spread of the illness by: cocooning very young babies practicing respiratory etiquette (covering coughs) making sure all vaccines are up to date, including flu and Covid-19 Over the past seven days, there has been a 60 per cent increase in the number of confirmed flu cases.
Parents should know this about new Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie
But before you sit down with your smallies to watch, you might want to consider one aspect of the flick if you want to keep the Santa magic alive for longer. A few parents who decided to give the film a go were left upset when the ‘magic’ was spoiled for their children. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, a lot of people took it upon themselves to warn others of the exact scene.
An Post final dates for Christmas parcels to USA and beyond just days away
Christmas is just around the corner now, and An Post are busy sorting through all of the letters, parcels and gifts being sent around the world. For many people this time of year marks the return of family members who will be arriving in Dublin Airport from across the globe over the coming days. For those who have family members abroad who can’t make the trip home, you may be planning to send them a Christmas care package, a gift, or simply a letter to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Parents told to stop saying expensive gifts are from Santa
Parents have been warned against telling their children their expensive gifts are from Santa. A social worker explained that this can be incredibly hurtful for children who get less than others. In a now-viral post, the social worker advised parents to say the more expensive gifts are from them. She wrote, “I cannot stress this enough. Stop telling your Santa-aged kids that their iPads, iPhones, and 200-dollar toys are from Santa.
TikTok has hailed this as the 'best parenting hack ever'
If you have just welcomed a new baby, you may want to hold off on assigning who feeds at what time until you read this hack. One mum, after she gave birth, came up with a plan that resulted in her having a full night of uninterrupted sleep, as well as a lie-in. She has now shared this hack and advised all fellow mums: “Ladies, we go through enough.
Mum of five-year-old girl shares update
A schoolgirl who was stabbed in a knife attack in Dublin remains in hospital, a week and a half after the attack. The young girl, who has not been named publicly, was rushed to Temple Street Hospital in Dublin on November 23rd. She was “seriously wounded” in the horror attack, but is being cared for by the incredible staff at CHI Temple Street.
Here are the most popular names for Christmas babies
Christmas baby names are some of our all-time favourites. They’re absolutely adorable and the list of options is never-ending. For those of you expecting a girl or boy this Christmas, check out the top December baby names below – you’re going to adore them. Classic names like Holly and Grace made the top 10 for little girls, of course.¬†And both David and Joseph made the top 10 boys’ names. Let us know your favourites?
Did you know that your dishwasher could do this?
While dishwashers can help save time when it comes to cleaning up after dinner, sometimes you just can’t get those pesky wine glasses to fit. Not just wine glasses though, any particularly tall glasses, plates, dishes whatever it may be, you just can’t get them to fit. Well, as usual, TikTok and one of its many creators have discovered something that might just change your life or at least your dishwasher usage.
Girl (5) stabbed in Dublin attack remains in critical condition
A five-year-old girl remains in critical condition in Temple Street Hospital after she was stabbed in Dublin on November 23rd. The young girl, who has not yet been named, is being treated in the Dublin hospital, but remains ‘gravely ill’, The Independent reports. Two other children were injured in the attack, but they have since been released from CHI Crumlin. Creche worker, Leanne Flynn, who was also attacked in the stabbing is in a serious condition in hospital.
Gestational diabetes: Signs, symptoms and treatments
Understanding the signs, symptoms, and treatments for gestational diabetes is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Signs and symptoms Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While some women with gestational diabetes may not experience noticeable symptoms, others may exhibit signs that should prompt further evaluation.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Anna
Contact Anna, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack