Liam McCabe
Verified
As seen in:
Wirecutter,
MSN,
The New York Times,
USA Today,
Wiley Online Library,
Yahoo News,
Buy Side WSJ,
Le Monde,
NBC Select,
New York Daily News,
Tes
and
Big home stuff writer @Wirecutter / Rarely here
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 Liam McCabe
Construction Disputes and Risk After Tenderbids (Part 2)
Notices, Payment and Adjudication after Tenderbids An entitlement is only as good as the notice that supports it. In Part 2 of this series, we examine notices, payment and adjudication in Ireland after Tenderbids, and how most disputes can be avoided. In Part 1, we examined how risk is allocated in construction contracts and the risks that most often generate claims.
Construction Disputes and Risk (Part 1)
Allocating Risk: Principles and the Key Risks Most construction disputes are decided long before they start: by the contract documents, the notices and the records. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we examine how risk is allocated in construction contracts and the risks that most often lead to claims. Construction projects are inherently risky, and identifying and allocating the key risks is an integral part of any construction contract.
PWC: Adjustments To Contract Sum (Part 2)
The mandatory Clause 10.6 valuation hierarchy governs adjustments to the contract sum, with fair valuation and quantum meruit available only as residual remedies for employers and Employer’s Representatives (ERs). In Part 1 of this series, we examined the conceptual framework for variations, the elements of a valid variation, the valuation starting position, and the claims procedure, which serves as the gateway to valuation.
Updated Procurement and Contract Approach for Irish Public Infrastructure Projects
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DEPR) has published a number of measures aimed at accelerating infrastructure, particularly in the transport, water, wastewater and energy sectors. In August 2026, the Minister published Circular 25/2025 (the Circular) which implements a number of the Actions set out in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action plan and in particular, Action 25: Reform Procurement Process.
Keeping Ireland’s Nuclear Option Open
What would it take? The question for Ireland is not whether to build a nuclear plant. It is whether to keep the option open. In the first of two William Fry articles on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), we set out where the debate stands. On 22 September 2026, Energy Law Ireland’s panel discussion, “Small Reactors, Big Questions”, chaired by William Fry Consultant, Dr Eva Barrett, tested those questions against political, engineering, system operator and industry perspectives.
PWC: Adjustments To The Contract Sum (Part 1)
A contractor must comply with the contractual claims procedure before any assessment of valuation adjustments under the Public Works Contract (PWC). We examine the framework for testing entitlement before valuation. The PWC provides a structured mechanism for adjusting the contract sum in response to variations and compensation events. Clause 10.6 sets out a valuation hierarchy that governs how adjustments to the contract sum arising from compensation events are to be assessed.
Small Reactors: Big Questions?
But rising demand combined with the intermittency of renewable generation raises real questions about how the country can securely and affordably source its electricity while cutting emissions. Against this backdrop, nuclear power, and in particular Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), have become part of the conversation. It’s also the subject of an Energy Law Ireland panel discussion this month.
PWC: Adjustments to Contract Sum (Part 2)
Valuation, Fair Pricing, and Practical Takeaways: Legal Issues The mandatory Clause 10.6 valuation hierarchy governs adjustments to the contract sum, with fair valuation and quantum meruit available only as residual remedies for employers and Employer’s Representatives (ERs). In Part 1 of this series, we examined the conceptual framework for variations, the elements of a valid variation, the valuation starting position, and the claims procedure, which serves as the gateway to valuation.
Lone Fox Collection Arrives at West Elm: What Shoppers Should Know About This Designer Collaboration
Table of Contents 4 sections 4 min read Designer Drew Michael Scott’s beloved Lone Fox brand is making its West Elm debut this fall, bringing a full lineup of home decor that blends vintage charm with modern design sensibilities. This collaboration represents a meaningful full-circle moment for Scott, who began his career in design at West Elm before building Lone Fox into a successful brand known for character-rich details and old-meets-new aesthetics.
2026 William Fry Junior Lawn Tennis Championships in partnership with Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club since 2009
William Fry is proud to continue our title sponsorship of this iconic national tennis Championships for the 18th consecutive year. Hosted this year between Tuesday 11 August and Saturday 22 August at the historic Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club in Dublin, the Championships are recognised as one of the oldest amateur sporting events in the world, with roots dating back to 1914.
Real Dads on the Best Father’s Day Gifts They’ve Ever Received
|
Additional reading No matter what your dad is into — books, music, games, the outdoors, or all of the above — we have a gift that is sure to scratch the itch. We have dozens of gifts at dozens of prices to please even the hardest-to-shop-for dads in your life. We uploaded hundreds of photos and placed nearly four-dozen orders to find eight outstanding photo-gift services that are certain to delight and dazzle.
By Christine Cyr Clisset Verified, Abigail Keel Verified, Ben Frumin Verified, Grant Clauser Verified, Harry Sawyers Verified, Samantha Schoech Verified, Liam McCabe Verified, Thom Dunn Verified, Hannah Morrill Verified, Dave Yager-Reisen
|
Wirecutter
Verified
Real Dads on the Best Father’s Day Gifts They’ve Ever Received
|
Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and if you're stuck for ideas, Wirecutter’s dads and gift experts are here to help. We asked the dads on our staff to share the gifts they actually loved … Wirecutter - By Christine Cyr Clisset, Abigail Keel, Ben Frumin, Grant Clauser, Dave Yager-Reisen, Harry Sawyers, Samantha Schoech, Liam McCabe, Thom Dunn, and Hannah Morrill • 34m Read more on nytimes.com
By Christine Cyr Clisset Verified, Abigail Keel Verified, Ben Frumin Verified, Grant Clauser Verified, Dave Yager-Reisen, Harry Sawyers Verified, Samantha Schoech Verified, Liam McCabe Verified, Thom Dunn Verified, Hannah Morrill Verified
|
Flipboard
Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It?
LIAM: The likelihood that the product will fail during the extended warranty period is quite low. People overestimate the failure rate. So you end up paying these premiums for protection that, in all likelihood, you will not end up using. CHRISTINE: I'm Christine Cyr Clisset, and you're listening to The Wirecutter Show. CHRISTINE: Hey there, it's Christine.
That Extended Warranty Is Almost Never Worth the Money. This Is Why You Fall for It Anyway.
Why extended warranties are a losing gamble Legally speaking, every item sold in the US is protected by an : The product will do the thing that a reasonable person would believe it’s advertised to do, for a reasonable amount of time. If it doesn’t, you’re entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund, said Steve Lehto, a Michigan-based consumer-protection attorney and YouTuber. “Reasonable,” however, leaves a lot of gray area.
What Plumbers Wish You Knew Before Unclogging Your Sink
When I asked if there was one best way to unclog a sink, master plumber Kassandra Hornik chuckled. That’s not how it works, she said. There are too many kinds of pipes and too many types of clogs. And even when the pipes and clogs are the same, Hornik and other industry pros I asked didn’t always agree on the best remedies. That said, there’s something of a loose consensus on a few strategies that tend to be safe, effective, affordable, and DIY-friendly.
Data Centres, Climate Obligations, And Mathematical Argument Limitations
Michelle Martin’s articles from William Fry are most popular: within Litigation and Mediation & Arbitration topic(s) William Fry are most popular: within Environment, Insolvency/Bankruptcy/Re-Structuring and Transport topic(s) The applicants (two environmental NGOs and three individuals) challenged An Coimisiún Pleanála's (Commission) decision to permit six two-storey data centre buildings on a 60-hectare site, with a 120MW gas-powered energy centre and associated substation infrastructure.
Unclogging a Hairy Drain Is Gross. This $15 Stopper Makes It Less So.
My wife and daughter have such nice hair. But as our household’s ersatz plumber, I wish I could convince them to stop brushing it over the bathroom sink. So far, no luck. Instead, every couple of months, as the drain inevitably slows to a trickle, I put on a pair of gloves. And I get down to the tedious business of disassembling the stopper and then dredging the foul, stringy sludge that’s caked around its stem like fuzzy pond scum.
11 Wirecutter-Approved Home Upgrades That Look Permanent but Peel Right Off
Don’t own your home, or don’t think you have the skills to update it? You don’t need to hire a handyman or ask the landlord’s permission for these home-improvement hacks. I cover home improvement for Wirecutter, and while I think that most people are more intimidated by power tools and drilling holes in their walls than they ought to be, I also have to admit that there are plenty of great, nonpermanent ways to upgrade your space.
This Is Not a Drill. These Renter-Friendly Curtain Hangers Leave (Almost) No Trace.
A decent set of window drapes can remedy all kinds of crimes against good taste, at least in the fenestration department. Among the offenders: plastic blinds with that twisty rod, poorly fitted shades that let in too much light, and bare windows that your landlord didn’t bother to cover at all. But if you want to hang a set of drapes and curtains, you need a rod or a ceiling track.
This Is Not a Drill. These Renter-Friendly Curtain Hangers Leave (Almost) No Trace.
This ‘Handy’ 217-Piece Drill Bit Set Is on Sale for Only $20 at Amazon “It’s shaping up to be one of the best sets I’ve ever purchased.” Does it often feel like $20 doesn’t go as far as it used to? You aren’t just imagining things. With the average price for a gallon of gas hovering right around $3.30 nationally, $20 isn’t even enough for most people to fill half their …
Ireland's Policy Pivot On Data Centre Delivery
William Fry are most popular: within Environment, Insolvency/Bankruptcy/Re-Structuring and Transport topic(s) in Ireland The Government's January announcement of its Large Energy User Action Plan (LEAP) represents a step change in Ireland's approach to data centre delivery, setting out an ambitious plan-led approach for the future development of these unique LEUs. The sudden emergence and rapid rollout of data centres in Ireland have outstripped any centralised policy approach for this...
Finally, an Energy-Saving Mini-Split You Won’t Want to Hide
Some people stay at Hotel Lilien for the vibe. Originally built as a summer home during the Gilded Age, it was recently updated to become a boutique hotel in the Catskills. Others come for the skiing at Hunter Mountain a few miles down the road. I went there to test out the new heating system.
Can This Dual Showerhead Help Couples Shower Together Comfortably?
Toni Braxton made me believe that showering with your partner is the purest expression of romance. I was about 10 years old when her music video for “Un-Break My Heart” was in heavy rotation on MTV. I was old enough to start losing interest in Nickelodeon yet still so impressionable that MTV had an outsized influence on how I imagined the world must work. In the video, Braxton mourns the ripped, smoldering Tyson Beckford after a fatal but otherwise PG-rated motorcycle accident.
"Smash And Grab" Adjudication Dismissed By High Court
Liam McCabe’s articles from William Fry are most popular: with Senior Company Executives, HR and Finance and Tax Executives in Ireland with readers working within the Business & Consumer Services and Law Firm industries In Tenderbids Limited t/a Bastion v Electrical Waste Management Limited [2026] IEHC 5, the High Court (Court) rejected that "smash and grab" adjudication applies under the Construction Contracts Act 2013 (Act) and held that referral of a dispute to adjudication on this basis...
My Favorite Dusting Tool Is My Clothes Dryer
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to vacuum your curtains, puff up your pillows, or shake the dust out of a pile of stuffed animals, you could’ve put them in the dryer instead. The air-fluff cycle — sometimes called “air-dry” or “no heat,” depending on the brand — can tumble and filter away much of the stale-smelling, sniffle-inducing funk that builds up in the soft, fuzzy, hard-to-launder items around your house.
The $5 Tool That Fixed My Lumpy, Moldy Bathtub Caulk
For any budding DIYer, re-caulking a bathtub or sink is a rite of passage. Unfortunately, so is the sloppy, sticky cleanup after the first few botched attempts. A few hours into a project, many novices eventually settle for a lumpy, smeared-on bead with the texture of an Impressionist painting and all the charm of a motel bathroom. And I was one of them, until I picked up a $5 caulking tool.
Before You Buy an Air Fryer, Check for This Setting on Your Oven
Although air fryer mania has faded from its mid-pandemic peak, the countertop appliance has earned a permanent place in millions of kitchens. Just take a look at all the starchy finger foods in the freezer aisle with air fryer cooking directions printed right on the box or bag. And we get the appeal.
CRU Publishes Long Awaited Final Policy On Data Centre Connections
Fergus Devine’s articles from William Fry are most popular: in Ireland with readers working within the Advertising & Public Relations industries William Fry are most popular: within Environment, Transport and Real Estate and Construction topic(s) Since 2015, Ireland's annual data centre electricity consumption has increased by 5,731 GWh, equivalent to 1.36 million households' annual electricity demand.
From the ‘zone of contemplation’ to the‘valley of commitment’
On 29 October 2025, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) published its decision in On Tower UK Limited v AP Wireless II (UK) Ltd and Icon Tower Infrastructure Ltd LC-2019-000826, commonly known as Queens Oak Farm. This decision was quickly followed by Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure Ltd v Firoka (Kings Cross) Ltd.
I’m an HVAC Expert Who's Spent His Life in Old, Drafty Houses. This Is My Favorite Space Heater.
After a decade of testing and reporting on home-heating systems and a lifetime of dwelling in drafty old houses, I’m convinced that if you need a space heater, nothing is as comfortable as an oil-filled radiator. When I was growing up, my family had one, and it helped my brother and I get through the frigid Boston winters (unfortunately, our creaky old central furnace couldn’t always keep our bedrooms cozy).
Don’t Fall for Fake Deals. These Amazon Cyber Monday Sales Are Verified by Our Experts.
You may have already polished off your last leftover-turkey sandwich, but the holiday-sales hype is still in full swing at Amazon. And our expert deal hunters have been hard at work identifying Cyber Monday deals that are actually worth adding to your cart. The Wirecutter Deals team tracks prices on Wirecutter’s favorite products all year long, so they know when a discount is too good to be true and when a sale is just plain good.
The Best Cleaning Deals on Vacuums, Organizers, and More Ahead of Cyber Monday
I’ve tested hundreds of vacuums, robots, mops, and cleaning appliances at Wirecutter over the years, and I can honestly tell you: It’s not every day you come across truly delightful, effort-saving products. That’s why we here at Wirecutter spend an inordinate amount of time running tests to find the cleaning items that are worth having in your home.
Avoid Lousy Amazon Black Friday Deals. These Real Deals Are Still Kicking.
Finding the best Black Friday deals at Amazon can be overwhelming — there’s a lot to scroll through! — but we’re here to make it easy. Our full-time deal hunters spend all year tracking prices on products that our journalists have put through thousands of hours of rigorous testing.
Avoid Lousy Amazon Black Friday Deals. These Are the Real Deals (Trust Us, We Know).
Amazon got started early this year: The retailer’s Holiday Deals listings have been up since before most folks got around to putting away their Halloween decorations. But so far, our Wirecutter Deals experts have been impressed with only a select few of those supposed discounts. Finding the best Black Friday deals at Amazon can be overwhelming — there’s a lot to scroll through! — but we’re here to make it easy.
The Best Black Friday Cleaning Deals on Vacuums, Organizers, and More
I’ve tested hundreds of vacuums, robots, mops, and cleaning appliances at Wirecutter over the years, and I can honestly tell you: It’s not every day you come across truly delightful, effort-saving products. That’s why we here at Wirecutter spend an inordinate amount of time running tests to find the cleaning items that are worth having in your home.
EZ Outlet Electrical Outlet Extender: A Solution for Hidden Outlets
You’ll know from the picture above whether the EZ Outlet is the kind of extension cord you’ve been looking for. It’s a neutral-looking box that sticks to the wall, teleporting a regular outlet 2 to 3 feet up or to the side, out from behind a couch or dresser, without the clutter of a too-long extension cord or a too-bulky power strip. No surprise, it’s a hit on TikTok.
This Gel You Likely Already Own Works Surprisingly Well at Cleaning Dirty Grout
The white grout on my bathroom floor was beautiful — at first. But wow, does it pick up stains quickly. I can’t just keep up with the requisite scrubbing to prevent dirt, body oils, and other standard lavatory gunk from gaining a foothold in this pearly yet porous cement. So, on almost any given day, there’s at least a touch of an orange-brown hue, sometimes with a hint of gray mixed in.
iRobot Is in Trouble, but Roomba Is Already Dead
I visited iRobot’s headquarters outside of Boston a handful of times in the 2010s, back when its status as the world’s preeminent consumer-robotics company seemed untouchable. The lobby had a display case filled with the groundbreaking robots that its engineers had brought to life.
iRobot Is in Trouble, but Roomba Is Already Dead
As a pro robot vacuum reviewer, I saw the Roomba downfall coming. iRobot's stock market woes suggest that people don't consider Roombas to be "the best" anymore. As a professional robot vacuum reviewer, I've been iffy about the Roomba legacy for a while now — and further evidence just dropped to back me up. You no longer need to wonder whether Roombas are the best …
Changing Times: Construction Contract Updated By RIAI
WF William Fry More William Fry is a leading corporate law firm in Ireland, with over 350 legal and tax professionals and more than 500 staff. The firm's client-focused service combines technical excellence with commercial awareness and a practical, constructive approach to business issues. The firm advices leading domestic and international corporations, financial institutions and government organisations. It regularly acts on complex, multi-jurisdictional transactions and commercial disputes.
Torx Screws: The Best Screws You’ve Never Used
When I took on my first significant DIY carpentry project earlier this year (a shed-sized playhouse for my daughter), I was let in on a secret: Pros swear by Torx-head screws, an all-around better alternative to the formerly ubiquitous but flawed, finicky Phillips head. If, like me, you’ve ever felt like you’re fighting your drill or screwdriver, allow me to let you in on another secret: Your beef was actually with Phillips-head screws.
We’ve Swept All The Prime Day Vacuum and Cleaning Deals To Find The Very Best
The right cleaning tool can make the difference between a cumbersome chore and a smooth one. We’ve put dozens of vacuums, mops, and carpet washers through heavy-duty cleaning tests, with bags full of pet hair, jars of peanut butter and Nutella, and the most pernicious mess of all, packets of glitter. But even when we find a price cut on a cleaner that aced our rigorous tests, it still might not be a worthwhile discount.
We Uncovered Many Best-Selling Smoke Alarms on Amazon That Don’t Meet Basic Safety Standards
Modern homes are full of synthetic materials that burn fast and release toxic smoke. So it’s absolutely crucial to own top-notch smoke alarms. Unfortunately, if you’ve equipped your home with suspiciously inexpensive smoke alarms — especially if you bought them online — you might not be able to trust that they’ll work well when you need them the most. It’s not that you can’t find a good smoke alarm online. You certainly can if you know what you’re looking for.
I’ve Tested Over 100 Vacuums for Wirecutter. I Won’t Buy Another Cordless.
If you need a vacuum cleaner, a skinny, brightly colored cordless stick vac should be the last type you consider. I should know: I tested more than 100 vacuums for Wirecutter from 2013 through 2021 (and still dabble whenever something truly novel or ridiculous comes out). I’m not saying it’s always a bad idea to buy a stick vacuum, just like it’s not always a bad idea to pay for an Uber when you could take the train or ride a bike.
I’ve Tested Over 100 Vacuums for Wirecutter. I Won’t Buy Another Cordless.
45 Things Our Readers Loved After Buying Them From Our Posts, So You Probably Will, Too Readers *just like you* bought these products, then loved them enough to recommend them. We asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about the best products they bought from our Shopping posts (plus saved up their recs from the comments on other posts) and found when people mentioned us in their …
These Cheap Crystals Won’t Cure All Your Dishwasher’s Woes. But They’re Worth Trying.
Ideally, a great dishwasher should be able to completely clean a load of dishes, without any pre-rinsing. Unfortunately, dishwashers don’t always produce sparkling results, and there are plenty of possible reasons for why your machine might come up short. If you’re left with hazy, mineral-caked dishes whenever you run your dishwasher, your main problem is probably hard water.
Behold the Satisfying Steel-Peeling Action of This Garden-Tool Sharpener
By my count, there are at least a dozen different types of sharpeners that you can use to touch up your cutting tools. Some look like modified versions of a basic kitchen-knife sharpener. Other options include old-school whetstones, power tools of all shapes and sizes, and even whetstone attachments for power tools. Simple metal files, even the ones that come in a lot of popular multi-tools, can work too.
My Neighbors Stared. I Cut My Lawn With a Scythe Anyway.
Finally, after months of fiddling and frustration, my scythe was actually cutting something. The massive blade on this ancient mowing tool sliced through row after row of overgrown weeds with nice, easy swings. And it was quieter and worked faster than a modern-day string trimmer. Up to this point, I’d been hacking and grunting my way around the yard.
10 Ways to Make Your Washing Machine Work Better
If you’re not adjusting the settings on your washing machine’s control panel, you’re doing your laundry wrong. Modern washers usually have dozens of cycles, settings, and options, and while some are pure fluff, others can help scrub away stubborn stains and dingy buildup, get rid of odors and residue, and save you time and money. I’ve been writing about and reviewing washing machines since 2011.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Liam
Contact Liam, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack