The Harrington Twins
The Harrington Twins [/hărʹ ɪŋ tǝn/], Sheila Nóirín Harrington (born 19 Marts 1958) and Siobhán Grace “Vonnie” Harrington (born 20 Marts 1958) are Érevish sisters who have achieved international recognition in their respective fields of journalism and photography, Sheila as an investigative reporter and Siobhán as a photojournalist. Both independently and in tandem, they have earned critical acclaim for their long-format collaborations and individual work.
They first came to prominence in 1983 when their three-part series exposing the international cover-up in the Crowsdaile Murder Affair was nominated for both a Silver Quill Award and a Dugero Prize. Sheila is currently employed as a foreign correspondent for Life & Times magazine. Siobhán is a freelance photographer who in addition to collaborating with her sister has completed several award-winning projects of her own.
Their mother, Caitlín Moira (O'Connell) Harrington (born 22 Crenyew 1937), is an accomplished artist and former director of the Sir Hugh Lavery Institute of Art at the University of Naus. Their father, Sean Owen “Siorcie” Harrington, Jr. (born 13 Marts 1934), is a renowned barrister and senior directing partner at the international law firm Harrington, Lynch & Dowd, which was founded by his grandfather, Owen Pól Harrington (1858 – 1933) in 1897.
They have two living siblings – an older brother, Orán Peadar Harrington (born 7 Trama 1956), and a younger sister, Bridget Treasa Harrington (born 5 Fearda 1962). Their younger brother, Tomás Padraig Harrington (30 Hocalta 1961 – 11 Fearda 1981), was killed in a motorcar wreck in the autumn of 1981.
The twins grew up in Gráigmór, attending the Saint Dáire Parish School before enrolling together at Belown Academy, the prestigious independent boarding school for girls in Farraige on the shores of Lough Seolta. After completing their preparatory education, finishing first (Sheila) and seventh (Siobhán) in their class, Sheila attended her parents’ flaithiúil máthair, the University of Naus, while Siobhán opted for the “Big City” life at the Ballmargath College of Arts.
Upon receiving her degree in Kiltic Literature from the University of Naus, where she was elected Editor-in-Chief of the university newspaper, Sheila spent two years as a Rodeán Scholar at Daváth University, earning a Master’s Degree in Journalism, and subsequently secured a position as a crime reporter with Life & Times magazine.
After graduating from the College of Arts, Siobhán was hired as an assistant in the Ballmargath studio of renowned photographer Pilib Seoin Griffin, where she refined her photographic skills for two years before setting out on her own as a freelancer.
From a distance it can be very difficult to tell the sisters apart, although faint distinctions become apparent as one draws nearer. Vonnie is a bit smaller, but certainly not more delicate than her sister, with a thinner face, a somewhat ruddier complexion and darker hair. In addition to these slight variations in their appearance, Sheila is left-handed, whereas Siobhán is right-handed. Yet despite such subtle but discernible differences, they are often mistaken for one another by people who have known them for years.
Blessed with a brilliant mind, Sheila Harrington is fluent in four languages, nearly fluent in two more and can read transcribed Laidin. She is also a talented musician, proficient at the pianó, veiholín and flúit, and has a very pleasant singing voice. In addition to her intellectual and artistic talents, Sheila is also very athletic. She is an accomplished equestrian, sailor and swimmer. In winter she enjoys skiing and figure skating, and she has even won several marksmanship competitions.
She is caring, generous to a fault, never judgmental and remarkably forgiving of others. Her compassion and deep emotional capacity make her a wise counselor, although her keen intellect is sometimes mistaken for aloofness or a “know-it-all” attitude. She does not take criticism well, even if it is meant to be constructive. She can be very moody and sometimes overly emotional, and holds grudges with an extraordinary tenacity.
Somewhat introverted, she enjoys being alone and spends much of her free time reading or listening to musical broadcasts, preferring classical music or big-bands who play the “smooth” style. She sometimes experiences periods of prolonged sadness, which can prompt a desire to escape from reality. She harbors a secret fear that the past will come back to haunt her.
Sheila is very spiritual, and deeply devoted to her Sanctist faith, which plays an important role in every aspect of her life. She is a true romantic and invests heavily in affairs of the heart. Her natural emotional commitment to relationships makes her a caring and supportive companion. She tends to be very idealistic, and always sees the best in others. She abhors cruelty of any kind.
She is a born leader, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to undertake many tasks at once, along with the courage and determination to see them through to the end. But she can also be impatient, even short-tempered, becoming frustrated with minor details and unnecessary nuance. When aggravated, her explosive anger can be very difficult to withstand.
Siobhán Harrington does what she wants the way she wants to do it. She is highly competitive, unafraid of conflict and driven by a desire to prove herself and her strength. Her courage and sense of adventure are expressed in her love of the outdoors and willingness to try new things and explore new places. She is an avid runner, hiker and mountaineer and enjoys all types of physical activity in her spare time. Like her sister, she is nationally ranked for her marksmanship with both handguns and long guns. In the evenings she frequents night clubs and dance halls with her friends and is a fan of the modern “hot licks” combos.
She does not dwell on the past, but rather looks forward with optimism to new opportunities just over the horizon. She is a risk-taker, often acting on emotion, which has resulted in many lessons being learned “the hard way.” Moreover, her extremely competitive nature makes it very difficult for her to cope with loss and failure, sometimes making her appear a “sore loser.”
In her relationships, Siobhán is a fun, magnanimous, and committed friend and partner. Due to her outspokenness and spontaneity, though, she sometimes lacks a degree of tact and can find herself in conflict with even her closest companions.
Like the rest of her family, she is a devout Sanctist who was brought up in the faith of her ancestors. For Siobhán, religious practice is less about daily prayers and devotions, and more significant as the structural basis for her overall moral code, to which she assiduously holds herself.
Due to Sheila’s tendency to be emotional, and Siobhán’s proclivity to be short-tempered, communication between the two can rapidly break down when there is a conflict. Yet because of their strong family bonds, both have been willing to make the efforts necessary to resolve differences large and small, even when their individual personalities make that challenging.
They first came to prominence in 1983 when their three-part series exposing the international cover-up in the Crowsdaile Murder Affair was nominated for both a Silver Quill Award and a Dugero Prize. Sheila is currently employed as a foreign correspondent for Life & Times magazine. Siobhán is a freelance photographer who in addition to collaborating with her sister has completed several award-winning projects of her own.
Early Life and Education
Sheila and Siobhán Harrington were born in the town of Gráigmór, Tyruallia, a well-to-do suburb 23 wmi. southwest of Naus. Due to the uniquely coincidental circumstances of their birth, the identical twins were born only seven nomeid apart, yet on different days. Sheila, the older of the two, was born at four nomeid before midnight on 19 Marts 1958. Her sister Siobhán followed at three nomeid after midnight on Imbridil Day, 20 Marts 1958.Their mother, Caitlín Moira (O'Connell) Harrington (born 22 Crenyew 1937), is an accomplished artist and former director of the Sir Hugh Lavery Institute of Art at the University of Naus. Their father, Sean Owen “Siorcie” Harrington, Jr. (born 13 Marts 1934), is a renowned barrister and senior directing partner at the international law firm Harrington, Lynch & Dowd, which was founded by his grandfather, Owen Pól Harrington (1858 – 1933) in 1897.
They have two living siblings – an older brother, Orán Peadar Harrington (born 7 Trama 1956), and a younger sister, Bridget Treasa Harrington (born 5 Fearda 1962). Their younger brother, Tomás Padraig Harrington (30 Hocalta 1961 – 11 Fearda 1981), was killed in a motorcar wreck in the autumn of 1981.
The twins grew up in Gráigmór, attending the Saint Dáire Parish School before enrolling together at Belown Academy, the prestigious independent boarding school for girls in Farraige on the shores of Lough Seolta. After completing their preparatory education, finishing first (Sheila) and seventh (Siobhán) in their class, Sheila attended her parents’ flaithiúil máthair, the University of Naus, while Siobhán opted for the “Big City” life at the Ballmargath College of Arts.
Upon receiving her degree in Kiltic Literature from the University of Naus, where she was elected Editor-in-Chief of the university newspaper, Sheila spent two years as a Rodeán Scholar at Daváth University, earning a Master’s Degree in Journalism, and subsequently secured a position as a crime reporter with Life & Times magazine.
After graduating from the College of Arts, Siobhán was hired as an assistant in the Ballmargath studio of renowned photographer Pilib Seoin Griffin, where she refined her photographic skills for two years before setting out on her own as a freelancer.
Physical Description
As is to be expected with identical twins, Sheila and Vonnie Harrington are remarkably similar in appearance. Both are of slender build and petite stature, standing 1.77 yds. tall and weighing just over 100 pds. Both have piercing bright blue eyes, long wavy strawberry-blond hair, and fair skin with a splash of freckles across the bridge of the nose. They are both very athletic and physically fit, and carry themselves with confidence and grace.From a distance it can be very difficult to tell the sisters apart, although faint distinctions become apparent as one draws nearer. Vonnie is a bit smaller, but certainly not more delicate than her sister, with a thinner face, a somewhat ruddier complexion and darker hair. In addition to these slight variations in their appearance, Sheila is left-handed, whereas Siobhán is right-handed. Yet despite such subtle but discernible differences, they are often mistaken for one another by people who have known them for years.
Personality Characteristics
As much as their physical appearance may be close to identical, the personalities of the Harrington twins could not be more divergent. Although both are bright, sharp-minded, witty and engaging, each has developed a unique personality that is quite separate and distinct from her sister’s, presenting a study in contrast.Sheila – The Reserved Intellectual
Older sister Sheila tends to be the quieter of the two, neither overly talkative nor prone to demonstrative outbursts. She is empathetic, intuitive, gentle and extremely faithful. Despite being a bit shy and reserved, her selfless nature, tolerance, compassion and willingness to help others without expectation of repayment distinguish her as a strong and valuable friend. Yet at times these admirable traits can cause her to be overly trusting.Blessed with a brilliant mind, Sheila Harrington is fluent in four languages, nearly fluent in two more and can read transcribed Laidin. She is also a talented musician, proficient at the pianó, veiholín and flúit, and has a very pleasant singing voice. In addition to her intellectual and artistic talents, Sheila is also very athletic. She is an accomplished equestrian, sailor and swimmer. In winter she enjoys skiing and figure skating, and she has even won several marksmanship competitions.
She is caring, generous to a fault, never judgmental and remarkably forgiving of others. Her compassion and deep emotional capacity make her a wise counselor, although her keen intellect is sometimes mistaken for aloofness or a “know-it-all” attitude. She does not take criticism well, even if it is meant to be constructive. She can be very moody and sometimes overly emotional, and holds grudges with an extraordinary tenacity.
Somewhat introverted, she enjoys being alone and spends much of her free time reading or listening to musical broadcasts, preferring classical music or big-bands who play the “smooth” style. She sometimes experiences periods of prolonged sadness, which can prompt a desire to escape from reality. She harbors a secret fear that the past will come back to haunt her.
Sheila is very spiritual, and deeply devoted to her Sanctist faith, which plays an important role in every aspect of her life. She is a true romantic and invests heavily in affairs of the heart. Her natural emotional commitment to relationships makes her a caring and supportive companion. She tends to be very idealistic, and always sees the best in others. She abhors cruelty of any kind.
Siobhán – The Passionate Extrovert
Siobhán, on the other hand, is extremely outgoing and energetic, displaying enthusiasm and passion in everything she does. Always exhibiting a cheerful disposition, she is active, dynamic, and very competitive. As a result, she can sometimes be impulsive, trusting her instincts entirely and taking action before fully thinking a matter through. In her dealings with others, she is uncomplicated and direct.She is a born leader, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to undertake many tasks at once, along with the courage and determination to see them through to the end. But she can also be impatient, even short-tempered, becoming frustrated with minor details and unnecessary nuance. When aggravated, her explosive anger can be very difficult to withstand.
Siobhán Harrington does what she wants the way she wants to do it. She is highly competitive, unafraid of conflict and driven by a desire to prove herself and her strength. Her courage and sense of adventure are expressed in her love of the outdoors and willingness to try new things and explore new places. She is an avid runner, hiker and mountaineer and enjoys all types of physical activity in her spare time. Like her sister, she is nationally ranked for her marksmanship with both handguns and long guns. In the evenings she frequents night clubs and dance halls with her friends and is a fan of the modern “hot licks” combos.
She does not dwell on the past, but rather looks forward with optimism to new opportunities just over the horizon. She is a risk-taker, often acting on emotion, which has resulted in many lessons being learned “the hard way.” Moreover, her extremely competitive nature makes it very difficult for her to cope with loss and failure, sometimes making her appear a “sore loser.”
In her relationships, Siobhán is a fun, magnanimous, and committed friend and partner. Due to her outspokenness and spontaneity, though, she sometimes lacks a degree of tact and can find herself in conflict with even her closest companions.
Like the rest of her family, she is a devout Sanctist who was brought up in the faith of her ancestors. For Siobhán, religious practice is less about daily prayers and devotions, and more significant as the structural basis for her overall moral code, to which she assiduously holds herself.
Interpersonal Relationship
As both middle siblings and identical twins, the relationship between the two sisters has been a complicated one. They share a lot in common, in particular their intellect, creativity, generosity and friendliness. However, in some areas they do not match up as well, and often find themselves in competition with one another. As the older sister, Sheila consistently assumes the lead role between the two, which can sometimes be irritating to Siobhán, whose natural instinct is to take charge.Due to Sheila’s tendency to be emotional, and Siobhán’s proclivity to be short-tempered, communication between the two can rapidly break down when there is a conflict. Yet because of their strong family bonds, both have been willing to make the efforts necessary to resolve differences large and small, even when their individual personalities make that challenging.
Notable Work
Collaborations:
- “Whitewash – The Heiress, the Diplomat and the Scapegoat” (Three-part Series) – Life & Times Magazine (1983).
- “Kajon Swamp Culture – Modern Life in the Mascotic Marshes” – Life & Times Magazine (1984).
- "A Conversation with Brian Pierce” – Life & Times Magazine (1985).
Sheila:
- “Coincidence Leads to Stolen Art Recovery” – Life & Times Magazine (1983).
- “Forced Labor on a Fanaile Plantation” – Life & Times Magazine (1984).
Siobhán:
- “Cadavers of the Höchstehöhle” – Adventure Magazine (1984).
The Harrington Twins
Siobhán Grace “Vonnie” Harrington (right)
Children
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