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Helen O’Rahilly

@helenorahillytv.bsky.social
6K followers 3.5K following 1.1K posts

Former telly executive in BBC & RTÉ. Live central Dublin after 30 years London. Politics, books, gardens, art, cats, travel, poetry. Friendly & approachable unless riled. No bots/trolls/MAGAs/Fascists/Anti-Vaxx please.

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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Brenda Fricker, you were so marvellous. Saw her first in 1982's "Ballroom of Romance". As a woman "left behind" she had to face the inevitability of ending up with Bowser Egan (played brilliantly by John Kavanagh). "Will you come into the field, Bridie?" stays with me still. RIP.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Lovely long weekend in Connemara, off the Sky Road. 20 years coming here and still love the sea air, the food, the wildlife - good for the soul!
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
Sometimes a wander around Dublin-by-sea is all that it takes. A balmy bank holiday. A good chat and stroll with an old pal and a slice of Chocolate and Guinness cake was perfect!
People’s ParkIce cream placeLocal electrical box painted for ice cream loving seagulls.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
My pet seagulls Rikki and Chuckee wake me every morning by tapping on the kitchen window. I saved Rikki 3 years ago and he’s back with his mate ever since. I’m a sucker.
Two seagulls in a roof
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Lovely lunch with old pal in Skerries. Fresh crab and prawns! Bright but breezy but good to get some Irish Sea air in the lungs!
Skerries seafrontRestaurant wallFishing boatsWooden huts by sea
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Still here! Sorry for absence. Visitors to Dublin and domestic events etc etc.
Photo of Trinity College library
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
A very happy 2026 to all my followers here. A sunset from Connemara in the west of Ireland. X
A sunset
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 30/12/2025
Such a lovey Christmas in Connemara. Walks, great food, family. Perfect.
West of IrelandOmey island NighttimeSeafood
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Have recorded a piece for RTE’s Sunday Miscellany about my grandfather Edward O’Rahilly and how the people of the County Clare town of Corofin came to his aid and saved him from an imminent death. This Sunday, RTE Radio One, 9.10am. Hope you enjoy!
Photo of Edward O’Rahilly.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
Got a lovely Danish designed mobile in @twentytwentyone in London. Hanging temporarily in my hallway to sort out the balance. I love Alexander Calder and this reminds me of his work. Adds a bit of joy to the house. Cats intrigued but out of reach of paws..so far.
Mobile hanging
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
Wonderful break in Cambridge and London this weekend. Seeing the brother in the university city and cousins in London. A little shopping may have been done!
CambridgeColumbia road flower market London Angela flanders perfume shop Columbia road london
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
Sent this to my good pal today - ok it’s from Temu but she loved it!
Image of woman scientist
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
I don’t think I’ve seen such a genuine outpouring of grief, love and appreciation for an Irish person since the passing of Seamus Heaney. All so deserved. A unique talent, a man who plugged into our deep connections with language and land. A profound loss. #ManchanMagan
Photo of Manchan Magan
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
After 4 months on Ozempic (.25mg for a month and .5mg for 3 months), my blood sugar has normalised. Side effects are 22 pounds lost and a BMI of 25, normal for my height and weight. I feel energised, sleeping better, walking more. Initial hiccoughs but proving to be a life saver.
Photo of Ozempic pack
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
The last roses of “Monica”. A summer reminder of my late Aunt - beautiful blossoms this season.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
Lovely Dublin walk today - the Arbour Hill cemetery where some signatories of the 1916 rebellion are buried. Then the National Museum at Collins Barracks - fine exhibition of Irish military through the years. Plus the death mask of Michael Collins - his anniversary this weekend.
Arbour Hill cemetery wallDeath mask of Michael Collins and his rosary beadsMilitary exhibition Barracks recreation
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
My #Ozempic journey continues. Month 3. Have lost a stone. Jeans falling off me. Nearly mooned Dublin commuters this morning as I made my way to the dentist. apologies.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Gracie update…
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
A sudden burst of sun in Dublin and out pops this passion flower! Such beautiful design.
Passion flower open
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Marvellous exhibition at the National Galleryof Ireland of the two women pioneers of Cubist art in Ireland.finishes on Sunday. Go see!
Photo of exhibition sign
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
On my walk today in Dublin I found Jesus. Literally.
Jesus in a crib
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
I’ve been on #Ozempic for two months now. Was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. So having it to lower blood sugar. Has worked well and, as a side effect, I’ve lost 5-6kg. Some vomiting which was unpleasant. Huge appetite suppressant so eating small amounts. Dad died from diabetes at 65. I am 60.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Had a marvellous holiday in Tuscany recently. Only wish it had been longer....
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Little Gracie’s surgery shave…already growing a little bit in the last week.
Cat with shaved patch Cat with patch
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Eye ointment for a cat. 31€! I spend more on the cats than I do on myself. 😏
Cat ointment tube
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
Harold the Heron is back!
Heron in back gardenHeron eating from bowl
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 24/04/2025
Brave Gracie is back home, post op, and is starving!
Cat eating from bowl
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
He’s back in my back garden. Being divebombed by the local seagull gang!
Heron on wall
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
Caught little minx Gracie. Hunger brought her out to a food bowl and I grabbed her by the scruff! Took 3 days of waiting!
Grey cat
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Gracie is on the lam again. Pulled off her collar with AirTag and is now wandering the lane behind my house! Have seen her for the last two nights so have been able to leave her food but she is beyond my reach so far! Hoping tomorrow I will be able to catch the grey minx.
Grey cat
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Today marks the start of ‘winged insect repellent day’: up went the back door net. Had a flurry of tiny yokes last night and decided this was the day. Officially Summer here in Dublin 9 even if the temperature is pants.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Gorgeous retro designs from Seasca (seascadonegal..com). I bought this cushion cover based on 70s Irish stamp design. Other area designs on their website.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 12/04/2025
Met an old pal from my teenage years this week. Her mam gave her this photo of me from 1983, having lunch in their kitchen. God almighty, I don’t know if it’s the perm or the hideous pink top that is making me barf. It was the 80s, that’s my excuse.
Me in the 80s
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Got the best news today from a recent screening. Phew! Get tested if offered. Might be a brief ‘pain in the ass’ but so worth the reassurance. #BowelScreen #MaterHospital
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
What better way to start off my delayed birthday night than a perfect dry martini at the Horseshoe Bar in The Shelbourne!
Martini
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Off to my favourite place for Easter: Connemara. Such pure air and the beautiful light on the Atlantic Ocean. A balm for the soul.
Sheep on a roadWhite horse on hillSea view Irish shrine
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Had a haircut in my normal place this AM & I swear to God there's nowhere else where you get such a laugh: the sounds of all ages of women giggling, chatting, holding the world to rights…balm to the soul. If we could be linked to a national grid it would solve many a problem.
women chatting in an old hair salon
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Sleepy Gracie. 20 days since her Great Escape. She hasn’t shown the slightest interest in going beyond the garden again. Lesson learned 😏
Sleeping cat
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Four years gone today. Remembering Aunt Mona. Raising a whiskey and lemonade to her!
Aunt in chair
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
New doors were fitted today. Very impressed. Cats reserving judgement… great Irish company #PortaDoors of Waterford. 8 weeks from measurement to installation. Great customer service.
New doors
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
The best tea and toast ever! Post colonoscopy at Mater hospital in Dublin. All went well!
Yeas and toast
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Yes he’s surrounded by yes men/women and the craven eejits who hang onto his brand, but it will hit him. He’s a washed-up coke-addled rapist. How fucking dare he claim to represent Ireland. We need to call him and his ilk out. Reclaim the real Ireland: decent & welcoming. #McGregor
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
No point in hand-wringing about Con** McGr****. He’s using social media to game his brand. Humiliate, laugh, take the piss out of him. Make him a pariah. How dare this rapist say he represents Ireland. Nothing to do with class, Ballyfermot etc. He is the worst of us. Shame him.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
1 of the great Irish dismissive comments is: “the fecking cheek of him/her”. Usually it’s local. Now the majority of decent people have a global reason to shout it, more profanely: “the *fucking* cheek of him”. McGregor hasn’t a clue (no surprise) how he’ll be treated here now.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Gracie, asleep. Looking at my late Ma's photo. Have to admit I asked her to help me find her. Not into 'woo' but sending her thanks for getting the little minx back 🙂
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 16/03/2025
No more great escapes for Gracie: she’s a tagged kitten now!
Apple tag and cat collar
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Blanket monster.
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
A Gracie shaped lump under the rug. A new sleeping place.
RugCat under rug
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Caught Gracie!!! She’s home!!
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Helen O’Rahilly @helenorahillytv.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Gracie spotted just now!
Cat on wall
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