Brendan’s bid to document the homeless crisis in show
Singer’s family hit by tragedy
Brendan Courtney RTE star Brendan Courtney wants to tackle the homeless crisis in his next documentary.
The 45-year-old has become a social warrior off the back of his topical films such as We Need To Talk About Mam, which launched last night.
He said homelessness is only one of the many crises which need to be given a spotlight.
Speaking ahead of the season finale of This Crowded House tomorrow, Brendan told the Irish Mirror: “We need to talk about direct provision.
“We need to talk about alcohol, we need to talk about drug addictions and there’s loads more.
“I live right beside Merchant’s Quays services and I think we need to talk about homelessness.
“And we are, but are we talking about it in a broadwide way, because it’s a crisis.”
Homelessness isn’t the only issue on his radar as the Dublin presenter revealed he has been thinking about working on something soon to highlight the fight for gay rights globally.
He said: “It is an area that really interests me.” Country star Big Tom passed away in April A SON of country legend Big Tom has suffered a third tragedy after his partner died in childbirth.
Dermot Mcbride’s girlfriend Rita Bogdanova passed away suddenly at the weekend due to health complications after giving birth to a baby girl.
The tragedy came 11 months after his mother Rose’s death in January, and seven months after losing his famous dad.
The couple’s baby survived the birth.
Rita and Dermot have been “soulmates” for years, her death notice read.
They have two other children, a teenage boy and a sevenyear-old girl.
The Mcbride family, who live at Oram in Castleblayney, Co Louth, appealed for privacy.
A post on RIP.IE said: “The death has occurred of Rita Bogdanova suddenly at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
“Cherished soulmate of Dermot Mcbride, beloved mother to Ciaran, Amelia and their new baby girl. Daughter of Peteris and Antonija and sister of Irina, also deeply regretted by the extended family and friends.
“Funeral Mass is Wednesday at 11am in St Patrick’s Oram.
“Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.”
Big Tom died at the age of 81, surrounded by his family in April.
His funeral was attended by several close friends including country stars Daniel O’donnell, his sister Margo, Susan Mccann and Michael English.
Tributes poured in as music fans mourned the death of the legendary singer.
Outside the church, crooner Daniel said: “We’ll remember him for his music.
“Everybody has a song and numerous Big Tom songs are special.
“But we’ll remember him for the man as well – the humble man who I suppose went to the top of his world but yet was as grounded as anybody could ever be.”
Meanwhile, due to Rita’s death the launch of the book Big Tom: The King Of Irish Country at Bridge Street Lounge in Castlebar, Co Mayo, tomorrow has been postponed.