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Esther_McCarthy

Esther N McCarthy

Esther McCarthy is a columnist covering the chaos, comedy and complexities of life for Irish women.

Making decision on the move.

Esther McCarthy: Why the Irish small-talk question ‘Are you busy?’ drives me mad

From weather chat to competitive busyness, Esther McCarthy examines the everyday exchanges that make Irish small talk so entertaining

Sat, 07 Nov, 2026

Happy couple of tourists dragging their suitcases on the street.

Esther McCarthy: The unwritten rules of the footpath are being trampled on

Esther McCarthy runs er... walks us through the worst offenders

Sat, 24 Oct, 2026

Relaxed couple feeling cool during a heat wave

Esther McCarthy: Here is my recipe for a perfect Saturday night

If you’d like to join me on this lazy journey, here are three things I’ve been introducing in pursuit of the perfect Saturday night

Sat, 17 Oct, 2026

Man with clenched fist walks towards woman

Esther McCarthy: Avoiding a sex assault — a guide for men

I’ve seen lots of brilliant stuff on social media on how to avoid sexual assault, Maybe we should have a set of rules for the lads.

Sun, 11 Oct, 2026

woman engineer and working new project in power plant, Engineer Concept,professional,safety,industry

Esther McCarthy: I like my workmen sexy, not sexist!

Can you put me through to the hotline that helps harried women dig large holes? Thanks a mil

Sun, 04 Oct, 2026

Esther McCarthy: Away with the fairies for a paint and sip

Esther McCarthy: Away with the fairies for a paint and sip

Stuck in a house of paint, Esther escapes her drop cloth and step-ladder riddled home for a day of... painting?

Sat, 26 Sep, 2026

Family enjoys an exciting soccer match together at home, celebrating every goal with joy and enthusiasm

Esther McCarthy: The Traitors shows why we should bring back watching TV as a family

Esther argues for the merits of fighting for a good spot on the couch and watching telly together as a family

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026

Esther McCarthy: When does treasure become mere tat?

Esther McCarthy: When does treasure become mere tat?

I found a scroll in a cardboard yoke and pulled it out expecting it to be a print of some sort, Instead, it was my great-great-uncle Eugene’s teaching diploma from 1929.

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

Esther McCarthy: Thanks to Katie Taylor, girls can now punch above their weight

Esther McCarthy: Thanks to Katie Taylor, girls can now punch above their weight

Thanks to Katie, whether a girl walks or skips is completely up to her

Sat, 05 Sep, 2026

Single Mother At Home Getting Son Wearing Uniform Ready For First Day Of School

Esther McCarthy: Since when did back to school start in August?

Esther talks about the return of 'The Routine'

Sat, 29 Aug, 2026