Espresso Mornings

Jessica Borza is an Irish curvy model and digital creator who has gained a following for her body-positive modeling and social media presence. She’s appeared on Irish television shows such as Ireland AM and RTÉ Today

Enzo Forte was part of the golden era of boy bands. He performed with a group called Broken Hill, which was managed by Keith Duffy of Boyzone. The band even had the opportunity to support Beyoncé in Dublin. Their journey came with both highs and lows, experiencing the thrill of making it while also facing the challenges that came with the industry.

In 1968, Donato Borza and Domenico Vella gathered a group of Italian immigrants for casual Sunday kickabouts in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. Those informal matches grew into Lazio F.C., an enduring amateur football club that became a pillar of the Irish-Italian community.

I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Angelo Vecchio, Paddy Marsella, Stan Barnes, and Rudi Marsella to hear their first-hand stories. They spoke candidly about the ups and downs of running and playing for an amateur side

“At just 22, Alexandra, a widow from Odesa, Ukraine, moved to Ireland in search of a better life—leaving everything behind.”

Claire Roche is a hilarious comedian I always enjoy chatting with. We both grew up under strong leadership—her dad was in the military, and my mum ran our house like a general. She’s now juggling family life, kids, a husband, and still finding time to bring laughter to the stage.

This October, she’s launching a brand-new show for a great cause, with all proceeds going to the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre. Comedy with heart—don’t miss it!

Saturday, 12 October 2025 at 8:00 pm

Mikey McDonnell is a talented singer-songwriter from the greater Dublin area whose music blends folk, acoustic, and heartfelt storytelling. His captivating performances at intimate venues like The Queen’s in Dalkey and community gatherings like Blackrock Park have earned him a loyal following. But Mikey is not just an artist—he’s a compassionate advocate. Regularly lending his voice to Irish Cancer Society fundraisers, he proves that for him, music is as much about connection and giving back as it is about melody. With dreams that cancer—and anything else—can’t stop, Mikey McDonnell is an uplifting presence on and off the stage.

Colm Doolan is an Irish mindset coach, endurance athlete, and the host of The Sober Mess Podcast. Based in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, Colm has transformed his life from battling addiction to becoming a prominent advocate for sobriety and mental well-being

Darragh Humphreys, a dedicated schoolteacher, has captured audiences as the star of the hit mockumentary Fran the Man. Seamlessly balancing his day job in the classroom with a rising film career, Humphreys brings the beloved character Fran Costello to life with authenticity and heart. His ability to shift between teaching and performing showcases a rare blend of talent, passion, and versatility.

Stephen Bradley is an acclaimed Irish film director whose latest feature, Fran the Man, has just hit cinemas. Over the years, Bradley has built a diverse and impactful filmography, showcasing his talent across a range of genres—from dark comedy to biographical drama. His career includes standout titles such as Sweety Barrett, Boy Eats Girl, and the award-winning Noble, which earned international praise for its heartfelt portrayal of Irish activist Christina Noble.

In reflecting on his journey behind the camera, Bradley often credits the films that first inspired him to pursue directing—stories marked by emotional depth, visual boldness, and strong character-driven narratives. These early influences helped shape his distinctive voice in Irish cinema and continue to fuel his passion for storytelling today.

Seán Begley, a Galway native, is a stand-up comedian, teacher, comedy lover, and dad of four. We chatted about how losing a parent to cancer shaped him, where he finds inspiration for his comedy, and even swapped a few favourite movie picks.