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Packed full of inspiring stories from women of every age working across many different sectors from beauty and health to arts and culture, this issue is a celebration of phenomenal Irish women that are our mothers, daughters, friends and colleagues. In celebrating the wonderful female figures in our lives, I also want to continue to shine a light on the challenges and issues that Irish women are faced with on a daily basis. An estimated 1.8 million women left the workforce globally as a result of the pandemic, with many having to put their careers on hold or abandon employment altogether. This has led to a significant regression for gender equality in the workplace; it is evident we have a long way to go.
Inspired by a graphic created by Hazel Chu with statistics from Women’s Aid, this issue opens with the names of all the women who have died in Ireland as a result of male violence. We must continue to speak their names, we must continue to acknowledge their lives and we must continue to do better for future generations of Irish women. This is my last issue as editor for a while as I take some time off to welcome my second baby and so I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s, grandmothers, foster mothers, stepmothers, mother figures, moms to be and dads who are both mom and dad. Acknowledging and sending love to those who have lost their mother’s, mothers who have lost their children, those who have chosen not to be mother’s and those yearning to be mother’s. We see you.
Until next time,
Donna xx
TRUSTWORTHY. RESILIENT. INCLUSIVE. COMMITTED. CONSCIENTIOUS. FEMALE-LED. WE ARE
CONTENTS
ON THE COVER Designer : Lia Cowan Photographer : Martha Mac Nulty Makeup : Gail Miller Stylist : Adam Walsh Hair Stylist : Amy Donoghue Model: Ella Redmond Agency: Morgan the Agency CONTRIBUTORS
LIFESTYLE 4 INSPIRED People, Places and Things Inspired by Galway and the West of Ireland 10 STRONGER TOGETHER Women Who Mean Business 31 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Olwen Fouéré 42 SINK OR SWIM Snámhaí Sásta FASHION 16 FÉRÍ Spring Awakenings 22 DISCOVERING DESIGN Emerging Irish Designers to Note 28 SPRING TRENDS 30 STYLE STATEMENT Irish Design SS22 BEAUTY 47 BEAUTY THROUGH THE DECADES 51 GLOW UP Top Tanning Tips
PREGNANCY 52 A GUIDE TO PREGNANCY SUPPLEMENTS
Atlantic Vows
Angela Burke
Conor Biggins
Kenneth Keavey
Kirsten Curran
Norah Coyne
Orlaith Melia
54 SOUND HEALING & PREGNANCY 55 YOUR PREGNANCY SKINCARE REGIME FOOD 58 GOODNESS ME! Galmere, a hidden Galway gem INTERIORS 35 THE FUTURE OF DESIGN 40 PURPLE REIGN Interior Trends WEDDINGS NOW 70 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Wedding Videography with Dreamcatcher Productions 72 SIMPLIFIED PLANNING With Atlantic Vows 75 REAL WEDDINGS Local Couples Tie The Knot
GALWAYnow.com for daily updates on fashion, beauty, arts & culture and so much more @galwaynowmagazine
Amber Doyle
@galway_now
@galway_now
Sorcha Dunne
INSPIRED
INSPIRED PEOPLE, PL ACES AND THINGS
From Galway and the West of Ireland
Wild Lane Aromatics wildlanearomatics.com, @wildlanearomatics Wild Lane Aromatics have carefully crafted a collection of deeply scented wax melts using a sustainably sourced blend of coconut and rapeseed wax. Everything is packaged and beautifully presented in eco-friendly recycled and recyclable materials.
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INSPIRED
Deirdre Murphy Design deirdremurphydesign.com, @deirdremurphyjewellery Deirdre’s work is influenced by the structure and lines found in architecture and nature, focusing on geometric and mathematical elements in both forms. Her pieces feature contrasting colours of yellow gold, silver or platinum, as well as intricate wire work. Deirdre has recently been shortlisted for the Design and Craft Council of Ireland Future Maker Award.
Emily Dillon Ceramics emilydillon.ie, @emilydillonceramics Emily Dillon is a ceramicist based in the West of Ireland. Her work focuses on simple forms and smooth surfaces, with occasional textile additions.
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INSPIRED
Carly McCann Pottery www.carlymccannpottery, @carlymccannpottery Originally from Canada, Carly McCann is an award-winning ceramicist who creates thrown pots from self-developed wild clay and glazes in the West of Ireland.
Maisie of Tilted www.tilted.ie, @tilted.ie Tilted offers handmade clothing and jewellery from the West of Ireland made using natural, organic fabrics dyed by nature.
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FEATURE
THE POWER OF MANIFESTATION
“WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT, YOU BRING ABOUT”
When you peel back The Law of Manifestation to its most simplistic form, the general rule is that your thoughts become things. If you think it, it will come – so, bearing this in mind, the aim is to keep thoughts positive and flowing, rather than focusing on a potentially negative outcome or obstacles.
T
he scenarios you envision, the goals you aspire to, the words you speak, and the dreams you dream plant the seeds for your future. Where possible, write down your aspirations and be concrete in what you wish to see unfold. Let go of the desired outcome, timeline and rigid expectations; trust that what is for you won’t pass you, and opportunities will present themselves to you when you’re ready to receive them. When practicing The Law of Manifestation, it’s important to note that the energy you extend outwards to the world and others will be mirrored by The Universe and returned to you double-fold. This is where the power of positive thinking and expressing gratitude for what we currently have can create powerful shifts in energy, thus attracting more opportunities in your future. If we feel good, we will think optimistically, and as a result we will take positive actions, which will in turn raise our energetic frequency, and thus attract high vibrational opportunities and people to come our way. Although manifestation centres around turning your dreams into a reality through attraction and belief, it does need you to take proactive steps toward whatever it is you desire. There is more to manifestation than just willpower and positive thinking. You can make your dreams a reality through ensuring your emotions, actions, words, thoughts, and beliefs are attuned to your goals and aspirations. To attract abundance in any aspect of your life, career, financial or love life, the fuel GALWAYNOW.COM
behind this is to live as though you already have your heart’s desires and to express gratitude to The Universe for bestowing these gifts upon you. Looking back at your accomplishments and life journey, you’ll likely notice that it was not one seamless stream from A to Z, rather a multitude of leaps, stalls and flows. Perhaps you experienced rejection from a job you yearned for, only for something more suitable and life-changing to come your way at the right time? We often have our hearts set on a particular outcome and expect our trajectory to be straight-forward and linear, which can knock us off-kilter should the road look different to our perceived version of success. When envisioning our desired outcome, The Law of Manifestation requires you to relinquish control and hand over the reigns to The Universe. In short, it asks for you to trust. One thing I learned during the Pandemic was the importance of refocusing the mind when it nosedives down a spiralling, negative rabbit-hole. It’s completely normal to have bad days; however, when possible, it’s nice to look for the silver lining in the midst of a thunderstorm. This can be difficult when you’re faced with many ‘what if’s’, doubts and perceived roadblocks but alternatively, what if it all works out? In my opinion, this simple question summarises The Law of Manifestation. Shift your perspective, refocus your mind, redirect your energy, and attract what serves your higher self. Believe that it will all work out, and watch the magic unfold.
Amber Moon Holistic, Nadia Beauty Salon, Doon, Kilrickle, Co. Galway @ambermoonholistic Instagram and Facebook
SPRING 2022
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FEATURE
STRONGER TOGETHER women who mean business
It’s no secret that women are expected to juggle multiple roles while keeping their personal and public lives running smoothly and balanced in the process. These six influential and accomplished business women discuss what it is like to be women in business, their hopes for a more inclusive world, career milestones, and advice on everything from starting your own business to supporting other women and learning the value of trusting your insight. Now more than ever, there is an increased pressure to ‘have it all’ but these women share a collective recipe for success and the secret to cracking the code; we are stronger together, it’s okay to start again and there is always room for more women and working mothers in business.
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FEATURE
Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan Ella & Jo
@ellaandjocosmetics ellaandjo.ie
What is the most rewarding aspect about being a woman in business? There is a spark shining inside of you when you are living and breathing in an environment that brings you so much joy everyday. For us, it’s the messages from customers after they have used our products telling us about how it has changed their lives. They feel great about themselves, they are taking time out for self-care; they have a spark of conversation with their mums, sisters and friends to tell them how great our products have made them feel and you can’t put a price on that. The support and sense of community is also incredible - we know there wasn’t always the same level of support and community as there is now but we have found some amazing friends through female-led programmes and our online community of women is so inspiring. How can we include women leaders who are also mothers and balance their time? I think flexibility and understanding are key here. A few years ago most events were late in the evening or early in the morning and that can continuously exclude people who have children. Incorporating the use of online spaces and zoom for meetings has brought a huge amount of flexibility to our lives. If you needed to be in Dublin for a 10am meeting this used to mean a 5am start and a 6am train as well as juggling and prep at home but now we can meet people worldwide in minutes and I think this change over the last two years has led to a more inclusive and adaptable work-life balance.
contact your local enterprise office to see what supports are available in terms of training, mentoring and innovation. There are also incredible female entrepreneurship programmes like EmpowerHer, Going for Growth and Acorns available, plus you can connect with local or online women in business networks. Last of all, remember to always believe in yourself! We have a podcast ‘See Her, Be Her’ where we discuss this in much more detail, it’s worth a listen. How can women support other women in their organisations? Celebrate their successes and acknowledge their accomplishments both online and in person. Likewise, if you see a woman struggling, ask yourself can you offer your services or skills in any way, can you give them an hour of mentoring or just meet for a coffee to allow them to express any challenges they are facing. The true act of a good business woman is one that will give opportunity to another woman when she’s not in the room. Remember, another woman’s success is not your failure. Always be kind, we are all human with home lives and lots of things going on and it’s not realistic to think that home won't creep into the workplace at certain times, so always put kindness first. Finally, If you see inequality happening in the workplace, speak up. How have you built confidence over the course of your career? Confidence comes in waves. Sometimes you believe you could take over the world and other times you have severe imposter syndrome. Taking time to look back at your achievements or getting into the habit of jotting down both achievements and struggles so that you can reflect on all that you have overcome can really help. Set goals throughout the year and practice pitching, public speaking and video creation. The more you do it the easier it gets, and don’t compare yourself to others, stay in your own lane and work at your own pace.
What would you say to women who are hoping to pursue a career in business? Mind your acorn! If you have a dream, your own gem of an idea, mind it and pursue it without others opinions until you can make up your own mind about it. So many dreams are crushed by well meaning comments and feedback from people who have never walked the entrepreneurial path. Once you’ve done this, go for it! Surround yourself with likeminded people and connect with people who encourage you and give you advice that is in your best interests. Make sure to GALWAYNOW.COM
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FEATURE
Lisa & Vanessa Creaven Spotlight Oral Care @spotlight_oralcare_ spotlightoralcare.com
What is the most rewarding aspect of running your own business? It is extremely important to enjoy the work you do and the environment you work in. We have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and running your own business gives you the opportunity to do what you love on a daily basis. There is nothing more satisfying for us than getting feedback from our customers and growing with them. Even at our dental practice we always strived to offer the latest in oral care advances to our patients so being able to create our own range of solution driven products with our customers in mind was very exciting and incredibly rewarding for us. What has been a career highlight for you? There have been a number of career highlights over the last five years! We now have seventeen products in the range, all of which are clinically formulated and tailored to target specific oral health needs using clean, active ingredients. We also identified that in our profession there is a lack of sustainability with billions of toothpaste tubes sitting in landfill each year. Our aim was to revolutionise the oral care industry by creating a range of oral care products that are cruelty-free, vegan friendly, free from toxins, ocean safe and 100% recyclable and we are proud to say we are continuing to do that.We have expanded, grown, and developed our brand even with the difficulties faced during the pandemic. We have built and maintained a team across three regions; Ireland, the UK and more recently, the US. Our US launch has resulted in us being available in 12,000 Ulta stores, 3,000 CVS stores and on Target. com. This launch meant setting up a US office and employing a team of people over there which was a massive step forward. On top of this, the investment we received from Irish development
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and growth capital fund manager Development Capital was a pinnacle moment and we have experienced rapid business growth in the last 12-18 months. The financial support and expertise that comes with this investment will allow Spotlight Oral Care to expand further and continue to revolutionise oral care. Are there any challenges you’ve faced specifically as women in business? I think that the financial world is still predominantly controlled and driven by men and we believe more women should be leading and making decisions in these spaces. It is especially important that women are represented in this industry given that most of the purchasing of health and beauty products and services is made by women. What are the benefits of having women in more leadership roles? There needs to be much more diversification in leadership. Diversification brings new perspectives and ideas to every industry. Having more women in leadership roles, we believe, leads to a more collaborative and diverse approach. Women can be excellent mentors and they are also amazing team leaders. Women are often criticised for being sensitive but we believe that sensitivity is a positive trait in leadership. Who has been your biggest female mentor or role model? We are truly inspired by all Irish women! There are so many positive Irish role models out there for us to learn from. This industry is hard but we are really holding our own as entrepreneurs and women in business which is absolutely great to see.
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FEATURE
Sharon Connellan & Aoibhín Garrihy BEO Wellness
@beowellness.ie beowellness.ie
What has been the most empowering aspect of running your own business? To have survived the past two years during the pandemic has been incredibly empowering! It was the best thing that could have happened to our business. We learned the hard way that business is about survival. You fall, you learn, and you get back up stronger – that’s what being in business is all about. We are learning every day that yesterday’s answer is often out of date. We continue to monitor, review and adapt. During a sink or swim period we had to adapt fast in order to remain relevant in the current economy and focus our offering on what was relevant to our customers' mindset and new realities. Despite so many variables, roadblocks, and challenges, we successfully opened our very own bricks and mortar store in our hometown of Ennis in Co. Clare in November 2021 which brought us a unique level of pride, empowerment and further ambition to grow. Is there a particular woman in your life that inspires you? When we think of inspirational women, we don't think immediately about those who have achieved success in a leadership role, as great as these women often are. We instead think of the women who have taught us about respect, compassion, honesty and humility - and without knowing it these are the women that make such an incredible difference to our lives. Inspiration comes from our everyday heroes and these are our sisters, mothers, aunts, teachers, colleagues and friends. As a woman it is important to always allow yourself to be the best you can be and to never underestimate your influence on others. Women are expected to perform multiple roles; what advice would you give to other women who are trying to find a balance? Today's world has put pressure on women to ‘have it all’ - get your steps in, drink your water, reply to texts, be a ‘girl boss’ and remain positive while doing so. We are expected to work like we aren't mothers and mother like we don't work. The sad reality is that there is an increased level of perfectionism and heightened excessive expectations which has led us to being obsessed with continually achieving bigger and better things. If we aren’t achieving what is perceived as ‘life goals’, some part of us feels like we are failing. When your personal and professional lives collide, be prepared to delegate. Delegating is key in achieving a work-life balance and it is crucial to learn the importance of saying, “No." It's OK to rest, recharge and stop trying so hard. For many women, it can seem impossible to find that sweet spot between work and home. Remember you're already doing your best, and that's enough. The next time someone asks you how you manage to do it all yourself, just smile when you tell them, "I don't." What do you believe is the key to staying motivated as a business owner? Motivation plays a huge role in business. It can be easy to run out of ideas or steam and sometimes things just don't work out the way you want them too. You need to be able to pick yourself up again and get back on track. Having a clear strategy, purpose, and vision helps. Motivation comes from remembering why you are passionate about your business. Knowing what drives your determination to get up in the morning and make things happen is key.
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What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs? Starting a business is challenging but if you can dream it, you can do it! Go with your gut, believe in your own ability and listen to yourself. Find a mentor, network and surround yourself with the right team. If you have people to bounce ideas off of you’re probably going to make more informed decisions. Through your network, you might find names of people who can help you cut through red tape. Don't try to start a business without having people you trust and respect advising you. In the beginning, your success all depends on you, so follow your dreams!
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FEATURE
Balancing Act NAVIGATING MOTHERHOOD AND YOUR CAREER
by ANGELA BURKE
O
With over 11 years experience working across recruitment & career consulting along with a post graduate qualification in career development & coaching, Career Consultant Angela Burke brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the world of work and careers. Angela uses this insight to help people navigate their career in a very practical, balanced way in alignment with their lifestyle needs.
ne shift down, one to go. A familiar routine if you’re juggling career and motherhood as you finish a busy days work and approach a second shift at home where mealtime, homework and house chores await. If you’re feeling the heat when it comes to balancing it all, you’re not alone. As a career consultant, I have had so many mums get in touch over the past year. They’re tired of running from one priority to the next yet feeling like neither their career or family are getting enough focus. The impact of the guilt and the “shoulding” lingers. Those working different shift patterns to their other halves feel like ships passing in the night. Getting out the door in the morning often feels tougher than a marathon. There is a strong desire for more balance and in one sense the pandemic has brought about much needed flexibility which is the foundation for balance, yet after a year of homeschooling while navigating business and career uncertainty, that desired balance can feel further away for some. When there is so much to do for everyone else, it’s no longer clear what you need, yet finding clarity can often be the key to finding balance. Have you asked yourself recently what you need at this stage of your life? It’s a powerful question yet one so often neglected. Let’s start with figuring out what you need from your career and whether those needs are being met. Perhaps when you started your business or accepted your current job, life looked a lot different to how it looks today as a mum juggling a busy career and a lively home. There are so many small tweaks that are available to you that could bring about greater job satisfaction and most importantly, balance. They could be tweaks on how you structure your day, how you delegate or how you approach your work. Once you figure out what you need from your career to facilitate your lifestyle, you can then identify the tweaks required to do so. In order to find balance across all areas of our life, we can apply this technique widely. Identify the key areas of your life such as career, family, relationships, finance or wellness and consider how happy you are
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in each. You will very quickly realise which areas you need to probe further to identify the changes needed in order to become more fulfilled and as a result, achieve a more balanced lifestyle. Through conversations with so many mums over the past year, I have noticed how quickly they have been to reject compliments on how incredible they are to simply just be doing it all, regardless of how “well” they feel the job(s) are being done. If you’re reading this during those sacred few minutes before you hear the word “mom” being called again, know that you’re doing it and doing it, is what matters. For more career advice and support or to avail of online career workshops and webinars, check out Angela’s website angelaburke.ie or follow Angela on Instagram @angelaburke. ie where there are a range of free resources available. Photography by Susie Kelly
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Worldwide mailorder burrenperfumery.com
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FEATURE
SPRING AWAKENINGS
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Combining the energy of old and new, creating pieces that inspire new stories
FEATURE
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FEATURE
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FEATURE Brand: FéRí Creative director: Faye Rochford Photographer: Zoe Ardiff Models: Ola Obadina and Lea Danh Hair / Makeup: Polina Perminova Feri.ie @ferifolk
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FEATURE
DISCOVERING
DESIGN
Emerging Irish Designers to Note JULIE PEELO | LIA COWAN | CHRISTINE MURPHY | BARBARA BENNETT
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DISCOVERING DESIGN
JULIE PEELO PEELO
@iampeelo | www.peelo.ie NCAD graduate Julie Peelo started her career with Irish designer John Rocha in Dublin. She then moved to Milan to work on accessories for the luxury label MARNI and was subsequently headhunted by John Galliano to start his accessory line in Paris. After this, Diane Von Furstenberg brought Julie to New York to create a handbag and accessory division for DVF. While in New York, she also worked on the re-invention of the Juicy Couture brand. Following a move home to Ireland, Julie became design director for Ireland’s largest retailer. In 2020, Julie launched her Dublin design studio and her
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own contemporary bag and accessories brand PEELO. This premium brand is designed in Dublin, made in Europe and worn around the world. Bags designed by Julie have been worn by numerous celebrities such as Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel. ‘Drawing inspiration from a love of both architecture and colour, my work blends materials and textures, and juxtaposes contemporary and vintage pieces to create new and beautiful collectable items’.
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FEATURE
DISCOVERING DESIGN
LIA COWAN @liacowandesign | www.liacowan.com
Lia Cowan is a conceptual artist and designer from Dublin and she is also a winner of the Longines Irish Champions Young Designer award. Her sculptural background informs and adds an experimental, light and playful nature to her work while her design approach focuses on meticulously exploring a diverse range of topics, themes, literature, poetry and prose. Lia’s Jewish and Irish heritage is integral to her designs and it has allowed her to draw inspiration from lived experience, folklore, mysticism and the past. Lia also explores themes of femininity and matriarchy where she examines the feminine and spiritual bond between woman and child. All of her items are handcrafted, hand embellished, hand-embroidered, and handheld with sewing, appliqué, needlework, and storytelling tying them together. Her work is sought after as each collection is completely unique and when you purchase one of Lia’s designs you are valuing an item which is carefully considered, curated and lovingly handcrafted. Each piece is an heirloom which is intended to be carefully passed down from one generation to the next. ‘As a past sculptor, playfulness and experimentation are very important parts of my creative process. Each piece I make tends to have a mind of its own and I love to follow its journey. I drape each flower, each sleeve, each collar. I love to play with volume, gathering fabric and using elastic to make each piece organic and unique’.
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DISCOVERING DESIGN
CHRISTINE MURPHY URBAN ARAN
@urbanaran | www.urbanaran.com
Christine Murphy is the founder of Urban Aran, an independent Irish knitwear brand for modern lifestyles which offers bold, colourful and considered knitwear. Through intuition, knowledge and passion Christine conceptualised her brand as luxury readyto-wear knitwear which is designed to last a lifetime. Her creative use of heritage Aran yarns and stitch-work combined with contemporary urban art designs have resulted in the creation of eclectic and sophisticated essentials for modern life. Christine is constantly challenging her design skills and offers a sophisticated and carefully curated colour palette. Her first collection launched in October 2021. Drawing inspiration from urban art in her home city of County Waterford in the South East of Ireland, Christine’s collections are influenced by urban art in all forms. Designed to be cherished, each piece delivers an engaging balance of opposing elements —past and future, masculine and feminine, strength and softness, structure and fluidity. ‘Urban Aran offers a distinctive design approach influenced by all forms of urban art executed in ethically sourced natural luxury yarns and vibrant colours. I am constantly challenging my design skills and offer a sophisticated colour palette in my work’.
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SPRING 2022
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DISCOVERING DESIGN
BARBARA BENNETT @babsttenneb | www.babsttenneb.com
Barbara Bennett graduated with a BA in Visual Communication from NCAD in 2017. She has since worked as a Graphic Designer with various businesses & retail stores, creating brands, products and packaging both in Ireland and internationally. After honing her design experience in Vancouver throughout 2019, Barbara returned to Ireland in 2020 where she immersed herself into painting and practicing on a variety of different mediums. During this creative exploratory period she combined two of her passions: vibrant prints, and a love of footwear. Influenced by these creative developments Barbara established her bespoke shoe customisation service in which she hand paints her original designs onto shoes.
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Barbara launched her first collection in June 2020 which instantaneously gained popularity on social media and as a result she has been receiving commissions and collaboration requests ever since. These detailed floral prints are created with sustainability in mind and designed to inspire those with a passion to be colourful, conscious and joyful while protecting the environment they walk on. ‘All my designs are inspired by flowers in my grandmother's garden. Each piece is created using water based and non-toxic paints because I believe protecting the environment is just as important as bringing beauty into it’.
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FASHION
Spring
trends
WITH YEAR-ROUND APPEAL by ORLAITH MELIA
The old saying of fashion being “in” or “out” is redundant. This year it’s all about being as wild and adventurous as you like or as basic as can be. Every personal style can be catered to in the year ahead with contemporary pieces made to live beyond the season.
ISSEY MIYAKE Plissé Long Sleeve Top €225, Brown Thomas
DEMELLIER Montreal Leather Nano Bag €370, Brown Thomas
Co-ords Continued Simplify your style with co-ords, the effortless trend that’s making a comeback. Co-ords have firmly established themselves as part of the staple wardrobe. They offer a simple way to feel put together and polished, however are as comfortable as wearing a tracksuit, requiring minimal effort but having maximum impact. Simply break up your look with contrasting accessories like a black bag to feel polished. Co-ords come in many forms, the past two years have led to an ongoing love affair with more forgiving comf o r t a b l e f a b r i c s . To g e t t h e m o s t o u t o f y o u r s e t mix and match it with your wardrobe to create endless outf it possibilities. For some, that kind of simplicity and flexibility is exactly what is needed from a staple wardrobe.
ISSEY MIYAKE Trousers €520, Brown Thomas 28 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
XTI Sandal €50, Greenes Shoes
ANIA SCHIERHOLT Jacket €369, Trousers €265 , Millars Connemara GALWAYNOW.COM
FASHION
AOIFE Vegan Leather Clutch €540
Low Key Luxury
SHARON Cashmere Boxy Crew Neck €329, Theo + George
On the other end of the colour spectrum is a rise in interesting, ultra-luxe but ultimately very wearable wardrobe staples in neutral s h a d e s . Ve r s a t i l i t y a n d e a s e a r e m o r e i m p o r t ant than ever, and this can be achieved with basics with a twist, modern classics, and muted tones, all of which are timeless pieces that can be worn for seasons and even years to come. Sophisticated shades with elevated details steal the show. Think low-key staples with interesting twists: a trench coat with quirky buttons or a quilted shacket with interesting stitch details. Let the understated details do the talking.
PAUL GREEN Trainer €175, Sheneil Shoes
ZIMMERMANN Mini Dress €850, Brown Thomas
LOULOU STUDIO Bruzzi Oversized Cropped Sweater €300, Brown Thomas
TOTÊME Quilted Coat €560, Brown Thomas
GANNI Cable Knit Cardigan €395, Brown Thomas
XTI TRAINER, €80 Greenes Shoes
Colour Saturation
JOSEPH RIBKOFF Shirt, €279 Treasure Chest GALWAYNOW.COM
Bold, bright, and beautiful is here to stay as we continue to experiment with eclectic colours and unique prints more than ever before. This year there is an array of colourful styles, from bold accessories in jewel tones to statement outerwear. Saturated shades are winning out as the biggest colour trend for the year ahead. While you don’t need to part ways with the neutral pieces in your closet, you’ll want to make space for more vibrant hues. Start by experimenting with a classic cotton shirt in shades of green or in a striped style, you’re guaranteed to wear this versatile piece on heavy rotation all year round.
MAJE 70's Print Dress €255, Brown Thomas SPRING 2022
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FEATURE
Style
statement Irish design making a statement for the Spring/Summer season.
“Designed with hope in mind following the long months of a pandemic that has turned the world upside-down”
“Rejoicing in the understated, intimate and special moments of connection we have missed so dearly”
MAGEE 1866 Design Director: Charlotte Temple Shop: magee1866.com Follow: @magee1866
“Let the lure of brighter days ahead wash over you, with pieces that transport”
KINDRED OF IRELAND Designer: Amy Anderson Shop: kindredofireland.com Follow: @kindredofireland
“Whimsical, typographic designs infused with hope and positivity” FEE G
Designer: Fiona Heaney Shop: Feeg.ie (also available at Treasure Chest Galway) Follow: @feeg_fiona_
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TIDINGS Designer: Niamh Gillespie Shop: tidings.ie Follow: @tidings.ie
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FEATURE
Olwen Fouéré A R TI ST I N RESI D EN CE
In conversation with DONNA REIDY-MAGUIRE
Photography by Emily Quinn
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SPRING 2022
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FEATURE
FORMATIVE BEGINNINGS Born to Breton parents and raised on the Aughris Beg Peninsula, Olwen Fouéré describes much of her childhood as “desperately trying to assimilate”. Her parents moved around quite a bit so she did not have the chance to attend the local school and develop friendships which she regrets. Her assimilation came by realising how amazing her surroundings were and developing a fascination with the people around her. She describes the significance that this wild, rugged and remote place had on her upbringing, “At that time there were very few foreigners settling in Ireland. I was very conscious that we were the “French family” and that we were different, so I felt like an outsider despite the fact that I was born there. But I thank the Gods that I was born in that part of the world because for me it was a hugely formative part of my person, my being. To grow up there, way out on the extreme west coast fostered an incredibly intense connection with nature. My most formative or my most intense relationship was with that part of the world, that land at the edge of the ocean. People often say how family shapes you and they do of course but I think where you put your feet down first can actually be a really powerful influence on you.” Olwen felt that she never really connected to an Irish identity as such or didn’t really begin to feel Irish util she started working in theatre as an actor, (“if I’m anything Irish, I’m Galweigan”) but now very much feels herself part of the Irish cultural landscape through her work.
and navigating her way through an intense journey. During this time, Olwen began to gravitate to dance and physical theatre, “The body is the site of everything that you do in live performance”. Immersing herself in various masterclasses such as Tai Chi amongst others gave Olwen a more eclectic training route than if she had attended a traditional drama school. Her lack of “formal training” seems to have contributed to her multi-layered, tr ansfor mative powers as an artist and performer, she seamlessly embodies people or entities in astonishing ways. “I call myself a reluctant actor, I’ve always been really lucky, never really thought of it as a career. I always want time off but when I get time off, I think what will I do? Acting is my way of communicating with the world. I’m a very solitary person so if I didn’t have an equally powerful way of communicating with the world, then I would become a total hermit.” I mention that I believe there is a misconception that actors are often extroverts or attention seekers. Most are introverts trying to connect with people. Olwen agrees, “I think fundamentally what you are trying to communicate is something that’s not within our everyday reality because our everyday reality is so reduced. It’s a form of spirituality, it’s a form of connecting with all those other dimensions of existence, all the more important ones that is”.
The body is the site of everything that you do in live performance
THE RELUCTANT ACTOR As one of the most celebrated live performers in Ireland with a slew of awards and accolades, how did this journey into the world of theatre and performance begin? “My interests were in medicine and the Arts. Initially I thought I would go down the route of painting or sculpture but slowly, through being in Dublin, I started going to some theatre and got more and more interested in it and decided to explore it further. At first, I didn’t really know if it was going to be as a theatre designer or an actor but it quickly became clear that acting was what I wanted to do”. Having no formal training as such, Olwen remembers walking up to the door of the Focus Theatre, knocking and asking if she could watch. The inimitable Deirdre O’Connell answered the door to Olwen and informed her that while she was not permitted to watch, she could take part… “ that knock on the door changed my life”. The Focus Theatre was producing some amazing work and was a melting pot of incredible actors at the time such as Gabriel Byrne, Margaret Toomey, Tom Hickey and Oscar-winner Joan Bergin. Olwen then began working with Peter and Jim Sheridan at the Project Arts Centre and spent two years performing in shows back to back, “there was an incredible energy in the place”. It was a period of hard learning, learning through exposure
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GOING SOLO Perhaps one of Olwen’s best known work is riverrun which she adapted, directed and performed as the voice of the river in James Joyce's Finnegan’s Wake. Produced by TheEmergencyRoom and Galway International Arts Festival in association with Cusack Projects Limited, it completed a hugely successful run at festivals and theatres around the world. The idea for riverrun came about when she was in Australia touring with Mark O'Rowe's Terminus. “We were asked to do some readings for Bloomsday while we there so I agreed to read Molly Bloom if they let me read some Finnegan’s Wake. I read the last page and I knew immediately that this was going to be my next project - the voice of the river, and off I went with it. It was a really significant
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FEATURE
Photography by Truffarelli
moment in my creative life". Having performed a range of one-woman shows, does she have a preference for solo work as opposed to ensemble? “The beautiful thing about solo is you can really create a world, you have full responsibility for this space so you can go very deep and very far into it whereas with an ensemble you do that with your role but you have to do that in the context of the world that is being created collectively. I love working as an ensemble but sometimes you might get an urge to do something and think, I better not do that so I don’t unbalance everything. You are having to work in a different way, it’s not that it holds you back necessarily but you have to negotiate the world in a different way whereas with a solo you can take bigger risks”.
Photography by Luca Truffarelli
WHAT’S NEXT Olwen has a host of upcoming projects for 2022 including a cameo as Princess Diana’s acupuncturist in Season 5 of The Crown, The ITV/Virgin Media Television adaptation of the Graham Norton bestseller Holding, a starring role in the Texas Chainsaw Massacre Sequel (Netflix) and in the Robert Eggers film “The Northman” starring Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy and Willem Dafoe. There are also installations, development works, film and further live performance to look forward to. Having worked continuously throughout the pandemic, does she look forward to taking some time off? “I am brilliant at doing nothing, I find solitude is something that I need. I’m less good at using time off when I feel I should be doing something. If I have earned it, I’m brilliant at taking time off.”
It’s a form of spirituality, it’s a form of connecting with all those other dimensions of existence
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www.tubstiles.ie
SHOP ONLINE
Moment - New bathroom furniture collection by Salgar
090 6424000 info@tubstiles.ie www.tubstiles.ie 34 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
Briarhill Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway • 091 752500 • galway@tubstiles.ie • Sandyford • Kylemore
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FEATURE
Jelly Stool - Conor Biggins
The Metamorphosis armchair - Tadeáš Podracký
Chair6 - Vincent Pocsik
“Chest of Drawers” - Wendell Castle
The Future of Design For the first time in two years, Design Miami was fully back in action. Bringing over 40 galleries and studios from around the world to Miami Beach, Florida, the avant-garde furniture fair sets the stage for global home decor trends. Galway designer Conor Biggins, representing Objective Gallery, was on hand to witness key trends and observations from this year’s event. GALWAYNOW.COM
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INTERIORS Vessel Scape - Niamh Barry
U
nder the theme of Human Kind, the work on display at Design Miami showcased a “design-led vision for a more equitable and interconnected future,” looking at how “design can play a role in shaping the world for the better,” according to Design Miami CEO Jennifer Roberts. The ceramics and furniture crossed decorative, social, and utilitarian sectors, attempting to break down divides between ’art’ as distinct from ‘design’. It was a great opportunity to see how designers from around the world are approaching design, where themes of storytelling and craft dominated. Objective Gallery represented this theme well, debuting works by J McDonald and Eny Lee Parker. Lee’s lighting took inspiration from prehistoric jewelry while J McDonald’s pieces looked at ways of bringing biological forms into the home. Evidence of human touch and creativity was highly sought after at this year’s fair. Works such as “Chest of Drawers” by the late Wendell Castle showed clear evidence of the designer’s playful imagination and skill capturing the hearts of many collectors and winning best in show. Organic forms, impossible to mass-produce, also took centre stage combining bold tones, natural materials, and raw textures. The Metamorphosis armchair by Tadeáš Podracký was an incredible example of this created using easily accessible
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materials from the designer’s studio during the pandemic. The goal of this piece was to reach the unpredictable by not designing the object’s appearance at first. Instead the process was controlled by quick decisions and reactions to the material and object itself. Irish Design is often featured at Design Miami too, captivating collectors from every walk of life. Joseph Walsh, a designer/maker based in Co. Cork creates elegant, gravity- defying works of art from wood for the world stage. Growing up on a farm near Kinsale, Joseph began wood carving at the age of eight, later taking a strong interest in the challenge of wood bending. He has since become a world leader in the technique, setting up his studio in 1999 next to his grandfather’s cottage. Here he has remained since, with his works reaching the four corners of the globe. Most recently Joseph Walsh showcased his work at Design Miami/Basel in Switzerland, and Podium X Shanghai. Another highly sought Irish designer is Niamh Barry in Co.Louth. In 1991, upon her graduation from the National College Of Art and Design, Barry established her studio practice. She quickly rose to prominence in the art and design world, becoming one of the leading figures in LED light sculptures. Niamh’s high-concept chandeliers are made of carefully worked bronze and glass, forming sculptures which look as though they have been plucked
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INTERIORS
Lumenoria Dining Table, Enignum RINN Chair and Shelf - Joseph Walsh Studio Magnus Dining Table, Gestures Sculpture and Enignum Locus Chair - Joseph Walsh Studio
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SPRING 2022
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INTERIORS
Swarm Credenza - J McDonald
directly from the artist’s notepad. Niamh’s work was represented by Sarah Myerscough Gallery at Design Miami in 2018. Other designers to note are Zelouf & Bell, cabinet makers in Co. Meath who have been showcased at the prestigious Maison et Objet Awards in Paris; and indigenous Irish basket weaver Joe Hogan from Co. Galway whose work was recently commissioned for the Loewe spring/summer 2019 fashion show in the UNESCO building, Paris. These creators are blurring the lines between art and design, raising the bar in the global design world, and ultimately paving the path for the future of ‘Irish Design’. The best part is that it’s still possible to meet with these creators and their works at various events in Ireland throughout the year. So what can we expect for the future of design? Well, after all I’ve seen this year, I believe these three design trends will play a big role in 2022.
Imperfection
Right now there is nothing more trendy than embracing imperfection. After decades of trying to control nature through design in an attempt to create ‘perfection’ we have taken a step back to appreciate the visual comfort that lies in the organic and raw elements of nature. I believe this trend will continue to grow playing a large role in the attraction of sustainable design.
Natural Design
Keeping in line with imperfection, nature will blend into our home surroundings more and more. Research has shown the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods, but our overall health and well-being. Natural color schemes have been proven to be more calming so expect to see more moss, olive and wood tones along with the use of grainy stone. Furthermore, furniture styles will likely take on a more biophilic design by taking inspiration from mushrooms and other plant life.
Positivity
Finally, after two years of lockdown, the world is crying out for a big boost of positivity. Many of us will leave Covid with a renewed sense of optimism and design will reflect this new outlook through bold patterns, exaggerated proportions and comforting curves.
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Hug Bed - Conor Biggins
Graduating from the University of Limerick in 2019, Conor took his design skills to New York City and secured a position with Chris Shao Studio (CSS), a high-end design firm based in SOHO, Manhattan and led by interior designer and businessman, Chris Shao. Conor helped design the studio’s first collection Objective, bringing to reality the Conor Biggins Jelly Stool and Hug Bed. As the furniture collection grew, the studio began to incorporate more independent artists and designers breaking away from CSS becoming the multidisciplinary brand, Objective Gallery. www.conorbiggins.com
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Step into Spring at
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INTERIORS
Finbar McHugh, “Trust”, Price on request
Olannmor x Mimi+Martha Merino Wool Round Cushion, €50
Kave Home Artifical Lavender Plant, €19.99
Connemara Carpets, The Mauve Tree
PURPLE
REIGN
Tom Dempsey, Dimensions Carpet, Pink Fizz Kaiko Concrete Spheres. Symphony Kitchens, Laura €25-€59. & Martha Ashley, Mimi Helmsley Classic Midnight Blue
EZ Living, Blue Velvet Chair, €319
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John Hanly, Cashmere Throw Mustard Midnight Blue Herringbone, €149.45
Farewell winter blues, welcome purple hues. It’s out with the old and in with the new with a vibrant and refreshing Colour of the Year from Pantone. For the first time in their history, Pantone have created a brand new colour “Very Peri” which merges shades of blue with a violet-red undertone. This unique shade somehow has the ability to evoke excitement and serenity simultaneously with Pantone describing it as displaying “a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression”. We want this year to be all about brightness, positivity and creativity so what better way to set the tone than by injecting that brightness into our living spaces? Whether you want to go big and bold with statement pieces or backdrops in this royal hue or would rather add pops of colour to lift existing neutral tones, we guarantee that the addition of this eye-catching colour will positively impact both your home and your mood!
Magee 1866 - Interiors Limited Edition - Purple Herringbone Donegal Tweed, €75 per metre
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FEATURE
Let’s talk... with KIRSTEN CURRAN
COMING INTO OUR OWN! LIFE IN OUR FABULOUS FORTIES
“Oh my God, can you imagine when we are 40? Absolutely ancient! That’s my mum’s age – my mum! Seriously, though – it’ll be all boring clothes, grey hair and NO social life. So “over the hill””. I am pretty sure this was the commonly held opinion of my confident-but-actually-very-insecure 17-year-old self and peers. Oh, how incredibly wrong we were! Indeed, today is another 40-something birthday (Happy Birthday to me in my PJ’s and with a glass of bubbles by my side), and it’s got me thinking, ‘Could it be that the fabulous-40’s has been my best decade so far?’ You know, guys, I truly think it is – by a distance. Trust me when I say this comes as almost as big a shock to my 40-something self, as it likely would to my 17-year-old self, who, to be fair, would have “knowingly” smiled and thought to herself ‘crazy old lady’. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when, as I am standing in the security queue in Dublin airport dressed in my “grown-up business woman” outfit – camel coat, cashmere jumper, silk scarf, leather tote and laptop, that I find myself smiling both nostalgically and with some envy at a group of very on-trend girlfriends in their early-20s excitedly heading off together to the States on their J-1s. Eternally excited, carefree, and full of confidence…also with amazing skin and make-up (how do they do that?). And sure, why wouldn’t they be all those things? Your 20’s are really the start of you, usually subconsciously, ‘figuring out what kind of woman you’ll be’. Having said that, I emphasise that it is only with ‘some’ envy because, whilst my 20’s were so much fun, I also spent most of them feeling very insecure, a bit rudderless, underselling myself when it came to boyfriend selection and totally and utterly skint. As for my 30’s? – the “let’s get serious decade” where we needed our ‘big girl pants on” (or were those only donned after we met our partners?). Yes, it was a good decade and I ‘ticked off’ a lot of the big ticket items: my career began to take off, I met an amazing man, we bought a house, got married but, strangely, deep down I still felt pressure to meet the (perceived) expectations of ‘other people’. You know the ones: When will you “get a real job”, “settle down’”, “get engaged”, “have a baby”, the list seemed to go on and
on. I like to think of these years as my ‘functional but boring’ decade… you know the one, where you are laying the foundations for what is to come next. ‘And just like that’, as Carrie Bradshaw would say, along rolled the BIG 4-0, and it soon became clear that this decade would be so different – better, empowering, invigorating. I can’t place exactly what and when it happened, but, for the first time in forever, I started to feel ‘contentment’ – definitely not to be confused with ‘complacency’. I started to accept myself – dare I say I even ‘liked’ myself (faults, quirks, mistakes included). To say it another way, I stopped giving a ‘proverbial’ about what others thought and started to focus on people, places and things that brought joy and enrichment to my life. In doing so, I suddenly had so much more headspace and energy - although I definitely need a ‘nanna nap’ more often. It’s not just me, I see it in all my 40-something friends – there’s a strength, a confidence and a general supportive air of ‘we are in this together girls’. We’re still exercising together, lunching together, going on weekends away together but, with our collective breadth and depth of knowledge and experience, we are also now supporting each other through the tough times – the only downside to this stage of life (elderly parents, teenage tantrums (our kids not us), peri-menopause, relationship struggles). So on reflection, I can truly say that I believe there’s nothing we can’t do – but this time for ourselves! Far from being the version my 17 year old self had imagined, I can assure her that you won’t worry so much about other people, will still be wearing the latest trends, be exercising more than you ever did, be financially independent, and be surrounded by true friends – albeit with a few more wrinkles…and a helluva lot of funny memories!
“
there’s a strenght, a confidence
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A 40-something wannabe journalist and fashionista, Kirsten Curran is somewhere on the scale between Victoria Beckham (ahem) and Bridget Jones (closer to reality). Working in the corporate business world, but forever thinking, living and observing all things fashion and style – the good, the bad and the ugly! Words by Kirsten Curran @kirsten_curran
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FEATURE
Sink or SWIM A TALE OF RESILIENCE AND COURAGE
WITH
Snámhaí Sásta 42 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
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FEATURE
by DONNA REIDY-MAGUIRE
In August of 2013, June Curtin lost her husband John to suicide. He was three months away from his 40th birthday. This tragic and devastating event irrevocably changed the lives of June and her two children, then aged just 5 and 9 years of age. The years that followed were incredibly difficult with an array of unanswered questions amidst unbearable grief.
“You find a way of living with it, I don’t know if you ever quite get over it but you find a way of moving forward. I had to get out of bed, put one foot in front of the other and just keep going”. Keeping going and staying busy taking care of her children was a priority for June through this period but she also admits it was an intense period of self-neglect. “I had to be there for my children but I also knew that if I wasn’t well enough myself I couldn’t care for my children. My sister in law Aoibhín also gently told me “You can’t serve from an empty vessel”. And so, it was time “to sink or swim”. Asking for help can be very difficult for people when they are going through a tough time and June agrees, “The bravest thing that any of us can do is ask for help. It look me a long time to reach out to any of my family to ask for help, they are all self-employed and work incredibly hard. They all put their lives on hold to help us when my husband died and I didn’t want to burden them again and tell them I was struggling and needed help. Asking them for help was the best thing I ever did.” Having tried a variety of things from yoga and everything in between with nothing having impact or effect, June decided to try sea swimming, (despite not knowing how to swim…). “I went down to the beach one morning at 9 o’clock. It’s almost like the minute you get into the water, you leave your troubles on the shoreline. I couldn’t think of anything but the waves coming at me at that very minute. I had no time to think of anything else. For those 10 or 15 minutes that I was in the water I felt amazing. It was the best I felt in years and I knew there and then that if I felt that good I wanted others to feel that way also.” That evening, June posted a message on her Facebook page saying she was going for a swim the following morning if anyone wanted to join. “I knew if I didn’t put it out there, I wouldn’t keep it up”. One of the locals – Mary, saw the message and decided to join June the following day. After an exhilarating dip, June said to Mary “I’ll see
you tomorrow” to which Mary responded “day by day June”. Two and a half years on, Mary still swims with June almost every morning and still utters the parting words “day by day June”. As more and more people got wind of this “daily dip” at Spanish Point beach, what began as a personal journey through grief and self-care for June has turned into a ground-breaking movement with people from all over the country making their way to Co. Clare to join June’s swimming group, “Snámhaí Sásta”. There have been up to 1400 people on the beach, all congregating for music, dancing and of course swimming. This immensely personal ritual for June has gathered an unforeseeable momentum and I wonder how she processes the enormity of this wonderful community that she has founded. Recently, she couldn’t make it to the beach in time for her morning swim but she still went down after to
“you can’t serve from an empty vessel”
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FEATURE
greet people. Seeing everyone in the water and for the first time ever, being on the outside looking in was a powerful moment for June, “It was just a bit surreal. I could hear the shrieks of joy and laughter from everyone in the water and the tears just ran down my face. I’m not one for praise or credit and I don’t think about that side of it but I looked around at all the smiles from men, women and children of all shapes, sizes and ages and the happiness that I witnessed made me so happy”. We often discuss the negative aspects of social media; many accounts merely parade as a dangerous façade of curated content showing only the “best bits” of people’s lives but for June, her Instagram account @snamhaisasta has emerged as a wonderfully
“Nobody has the perfect life, despite what you might see online. Nobody escapes this life without walking a step in pain but it’s all about how you deal with things when you fall on hard times.” positive and inclusive community for many. “The most important thing for me was that I was very open and honest in sharing my story. If I help just one person, I feel that my job is done. Nobody has the perfect life, despite what you might see online. Nobody escapes this life without walking a step in pain but it’s all about how you deal with things when you fall on hard times. I have fallen so many times, and have been incredibly unlucky in life but every time I fall, I get back up, I keep going, I won’t give up. That’s probably what I am trying to tell people, just keep going, you got this.”
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BEAUTY
THE GALWAY SKiN CLiNiC HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY DR. BRiAN HiGGiNS AND HiS TEAM FOR THE PURPOSE OF DELiVERiNG THE HiGHEST QUALiTY SKiN AND AESTHETiC CARE. Your skin is as individual as you are, and the experienced team at Galway Skin Clinic provide the most appropriate and effective treatments for each individual, on every step of their skincare journey. From providing high quality sunscreen to practicing advanced rejuvenation therapies, we aim to fulfil all your skincare needs. Our team of practitioners include medical, nursing and technical experts who provide a truly complete and comprehensive experience, from diagnosis through to treatment. We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic and helping you develop the beautiful, glowing skin that you deserve. Some of our treatments are perfectly appropriate as part of any skin care routine. These treatments include personalized facials, derma-blading and of course, the ever popular express and platinum Hydrafacials. Other treatments are more advanced and are targeted to treat specific skin concerns. These treatments will include a consultation with one of our expert clinicians. This approach ensures that treatments are specifically tailored to meet the needs of each client. Advanced treatments include hair restoration, PRP, microneedling, chemical peels and anti-wrinkle injections.
@GALWAYSKiNCLiNiC | 0858664280 | iNFO@GALWAYSKiNCLiNiC.iE
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PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) uses our body’s own natural healing ability to promote rapid cellular regeneration improving hair growth when used in the scalp and skin strength, texture and appearance when used on the face or hands. Microneedling with SkinPen, the only FDA approved microneedling device, stimulates rejuvenation and proliferation of the deeper layers of the skin. This can also be used to improve skin texture, elasticity and the appearance of scars while reducing pore size and hyperpigmentation. Chemical Peels are advanced exfoliative treatments which can hydrate and soothe the skin while reducing oil production, redness and pigmentation. Consultations include a review of your medical history, a clinical examination, and a thorough discussion of your concerns and expetations. A consultation is required for prescription medication. For home care, the Galway Skin Clinic has partnered with Skinceuticals and Mesoestetic. We have a broad range of effective skin care products so that you can look after your skin at home, as well as we will in our clinic.
Medical Consultation Microneedling PRP facial Hair Rejuvenation Chemical Skin Peel Hydrafacial Dermaplaning Patient Specific Facial Anti-Wrinkle Injections
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CHILL SPA AT THE ICE HOUSE “What was great before is beyond comparison now.” The first time we visited Chill Spa at the Ice House, what blew us away was how close to nature you felt. With the River Moy bubbling by, and the beauty of Belleek Woods creating a picture perfect view through every window, nature seemed to hold you in its warm embrace. Just being there made you feel better. The warm welcome and expertly delivered treatments took things to the next level. Today, that unique DNA has evolved, and thanks to huge investment, has been enhanced to surpass all expectations. What was great before is beyond comparison now. The new outdoor thermal area is stunning. Built to float above the Moy while the gentle waves lap underneath, it extends to create a new space that’s over 250 sq m. This area alone now features two state of the art sunken hot tubs, two pairs of ceramic baths for couples & friends treatments, a new 8 person sauna with floor to ceiling windows that look out across the river, and a new wellness room with unique quartz sand treatment beds. There are also showers with both plunge and rain options to give you a gentle caress or refreshing jolt between experiences.
an awakening for the skin that got us ready for all the hot and cold facilities to follow. Then on to the Aromatherapy Room where the gentle heat and relaxing fragrances of rose, calamine and lavender set the tone. Next, we tried the steam room which has to be one of the best in the country. It’s like stepping into a hot cloud. Then we tried the VOYA seaweed baths. It was a dull, drizzily morning, but that just made it better. We left the steam room, opted for the plunge shower and let out involuntary screams as the bucket of icy cold water cascaded from above. The hot seaweed bath was the perfect antidote. We lay opposite each other, ‘ooo’ing and ‘ahhh’ing as the drizzle fell and steam rose. All while the natural goodness of the seaweed and amazing views went to work. Afterwards, the new relaxation room beckoned. Heated wooden beds, gentle music and herbal tea were the perfect way to relax and prepare for the treatments to follow. Again the views on all sides are amazing. Your shoulders drop and before long you find yourself dropping off too.
With 5 treatment rooms inside along with the new Wellness Room outside, there’s so much to choose from. Nothing feels hurried. We had chosen the new outdoor Wellness room to try the Ghareni Warm Quartz Crystal Beds, and booked the Chill Spa Signature Facial for two. It’s billed as the ultimate pampering treat and it didn’t disappoint. Aromatherapy, acupressure, crystals, the warmth of the sand and the amazing feel of the VOYA oils, it’s just dreamy. Complete with a head, neck, shoulder, hand and arm massage, we could almost feel ourselves getting younger. Afterwards, sorbet in the new snooze room with it’s Himalayan salt walls to draw out any remaining impurities was the perfect way to finish. We let ourselves drift off and enjoy the peace. The staff couldn’t have made us feel any more welcome. To say we loved every part of our Chill Spa experience is an understatement. The best thing was that we were staying two nights and could look forward to doing it all again, but differently, the very next day.
TO BOOK YOUR TREATMENTS, CALL 096 23500 OR EMAIL SPA@THEICEHOUSE.IE
We started with the Experience Showers, THE QUAY, BALLINA, CO. MAYO
FEATURE
BEAUTY THROUGH THE DECADES THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO INNER HEALTH AND OUTER BEAUTY AT EVERY AGE.
Teens
The combination of young skin and hormonal changes during teenage years means the best thing to do when it comes to your skincare routine is to keep things simple. Implementing a good cleansing routine along with regular use of SPF should be the main goal. Hormonal imbalances are very common during teenage years often leading to acne prone skin. Ensure makeup is thoroughly removed and skin is cleansed gently twice daily to remove dirt and clear pores. During teenage years, it is vital that growing and changing bodies have all the nutrients they need so adding a simple supplement is advisable. Multivitamins with higher levels of iron are particularly important for young girls as they begin menstruation.
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Skincare:
Skingredients AHA Cleanse contains Lactic Acid which gently exfoliates the skin, while also flooding it with moisture, resulting in a bouncier, plumper complexion. €31, skingredients.com
Supplement:
Teen Revive is suitable for teenagers aged 13 to 18 and contains 22 active ingredients formulated to support the heart, brain, bones, and immune system. The sachets are unflavoured so easy to add to smoothies, yoghurts, fruit juices or even water and the powdered format ensures the quickest and best way to deliver nutrients throughout the body. €19.95, reviveactive.com
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BEAUTY
20’s
Your 20’s are all about being preventative and creating good skincare habits. Every skincare specialist, dermatologist and aesthetician will tell you that the most important thing you can do for your skin is to religiously apply sunscreen as part of your daily routine. Not only will it help to prevent skin cancer but it also helps to deter discoloration, wrinkles and signs of aging. Monthly periods are a common cause of iron loss and women naturally store less iron in their bodies than men so it may be something that you need to include if you are not getting enough through your diet. Too much iron can also be a problem so it is essential that you get advice from your GP before taking any new supplements.
30’s
If you don’t have a good routine down in your 30s don’t panic, it’s never too late to start. Your 30’s is a good time to introduce products with active ingredients such as a retinoid. It is also a great time to include some additional eye care in the form of an eye cream or gel. Eye creams are specifically formulated to treat the delicate skin around your eyes and can work to minimize fine lines, brighten and soothe and are a great addition to skincare kits for those of us burning the candle at both ends. With 32 being the average age of first-time mom’s in Ireland, now is a good time to introduce folic acid, (to prevent neural tube defects in babies) if you are going down the route of trying to conceive.
40’s
If you haven’t already introduced a retinol into your skincare routine, then now is the time! Retinol contains vitamin A which is anti-aging and will also nourish the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinoids can cause sensitivity so ensure you build up usage slowly and make sure to use in conjunction with an SPF as the active ingredients can make skin more photo-sensitive. Gut health is vital no matter our age and maintaining a healthy gut helps to contribute to a strong immune system, effective digestion and good sleep. Introducing probiotic foods or supplements to your diet are a great way to keep your gut in tip top condition. 48 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
Skincare:
Skin Formulas Day Cream, SPF 50 has a lightweight, satin-like finish. Enriched with antioxidants, this broad-spectrum SPF shields the skin from harmful UVA/UVB and Blue Light exposure to protect and improve skin’s firmness, elasticity and luminosity. €35, skinformulas.ie
Supplement:
Active Iron contains a nonconstipating iron formula that uses innovative technology to target the body’s natural site of absorption in the small intestine. Active Iron is clinically proven to have x2 better absorption of ferrous sulfate and is kind enough to take on an empty stomach. €21.99, activeiron.com
Skincare: Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel utilizes tetrapeptides, caffeine and soothing Rosemary Leaf Extract to hydrate, firm and smooth the delicate skin around your eyes, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles while reducing puffiness. €65, Dermologica.ie Supplement: Proceive Women is formulated to support the nutritional needs of women when trying for a baby and delivers high levels of carefully selected, key ingredients to contribute to the regulation of hormonal activity, fertility and reproduction. €27.95, procieve.com
Skincare: Pestle and Mortar Superstar retinoid night oil is a luxurious formulation which combines fast-acting and absorbent retinoid so that the actives are effective at low concentration. €76, pestleandmortar.com Supplement: Seabody digestion supplements contain Fucoidan extract in combination with Calcium which contribute to the normal function of digestive enzymes. They also contain Vitamin B12 for tiredness and fatigue and Vitamin C & D3 for the immune system. €49, seabody.com GALWAYNOW.COM
BEAUTY
50’s
Around the age of 50, the pH level of our skin changes. This can lead to an increase in skin sensitivity or exacerbate previous conditions such as eczema or rosacea. Many women going through menopause, will notice considerable changes to their skin and hair due to changing hormone levels. Now is the time to introduce calming and soothing products and rituals to your skincare routine. Adding in a supplement, specifically targeted to symptoms associated with menopause is also a good idea to help to replenish and rebalance the body.
60’s
As you reach your 60’s, chances are you know what products you love (or hate!) and you have a good routine that works for you. Serums are the most effective products for boosting moisture levels in the skin so are an essential addition to your skincare arsenal. Look for serums that contain active and hardworking ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, retinoids, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants such as vitamin C or E. As we age, it is essential to look after our bone health to avoid problems like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis so look for supplements that contain vitamin D and calcium.
70’s +
As you age, your skin requires extra help restoring natural skin processes, like maintaining moisture. Adding a luxurious facial oil can help to prevent dryness and bring comfort to the skin. It’s a good idea to avoid heavily fragranced products or use hot water during your routine as they may contribute to dryness. Now is not the time to skimp on supplements, a good multivitamin for overall wellness and containing ingredients that contribute to cognitive function and brain health are a good choice. GALWAYNOW.COM
Skincare: Avène, is a renowned world leader in sensitive skincare and have introduced a new patented postbiotic active ingredient called D-SensinoseTM. Their tolérance soothing skin recovery balm contains this new active ingredient and is recommended for all types of hypersensitive, reactive, intolerant and allergy-prone skin in need of instant soothing relief and long-lasting comfort. €22, avene.ie Supplement: Cleanmarine MenoMin For Women is specially formulated for menopausal and peri-menopausal women and contains a broad range of vitamins and minerals designed to help regulate hormonal activity, reduce tiredness and fatigue and maintain healthy normal bones. €27.99, cleanmarine.ie
Skincare: Nunaia Nourishing Radiance Serum, a multi-award winning organic facial oil serum is a radiance-boosting, superfood serum. Formulated with potent sustainably sourced botanical actives, it helps to balance the skin’s natural moisture levels, reduce redness and the appearance of inflammation, and enhance skin tone and texture. €79, nunaia.com Supplement: Irish company Sona Nutrition provide high quality, accessible and affordable nutritional supplements to the Irish market such as their Sona Calcium with added Vitamin D which helps to promote bone health, boost your immune system and improve inflammatory response. €5.30, sona.ie
•Always speak to your doctor or healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your diet.
Skincare: Kinvara Precious Facial Oil contains extract of Bakuchiol seeds which exhibit retinol-like properties without any of the challenges associated with using a retinol, i.e. gradual introduction to your skincare routine. It helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of ageing but has the added benefit of delivering these noticeable results, completely naturally, safely and gently. €44.95, kinvaraskincare.com Supplement: Wellwoman 70+ is the first supplement developed for woman aged 70+, providing a comprehensive range of 26 vitamins, trace elements and specialist advanced nutrients specifically formulated to help support general wellbeing as well as key areas of health including heart, brain and immune health and cognitive function. €17, vitabiotics.com SPRING 2022
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FEATURE
Tried & Tested
THÉRAPIE CLINIC
M
GALWAY
y skin had been feeling dry and very dehydrated and in serious need of TLC when a friend recommended Skin Theory Peels from Thérapie clinic. With the peels promising optimal skin health and radiant, beautiful skin I was excited to try them out in the hopes of adding a much needed boost! My initial consultation was completed online before my appointment and discussed further with my therapist Grace when I arrived. Grace suggested that an enzyme skin peel would be an ideal fit for my concerns and would help to achieve a smoother, firmer and more revitalised appearance. Using products from the popular Image range, Grace began the treatment with a double cleanse using both a vitamin C cleanser followed by a glycolic cleanser. The enzyme peel and enzyme mask were applied and the treatment concluded with a soothing serum and some SPF to protect the skin. Grace used a variety of wonderful techniques to apply the various products contributing to a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. My skin both looked and felt revitalised, soft and smooth and I am already looking forward to following up with another treatment.
An Enzyme Skin Theory Peel costs €99.95 with a course of six for €479
42 WILLIAM ST, GALWAY | 085 8664280
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| WWW.THERAPIECLINIC.COM
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FEATURE
glow
Vagabond, Hedda Boot, €145, Sheneil Shoes
up
BATHE, BUFF AND BLEND YOUR WAY TO THE PERFECT BRONZE
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to the huge range of tanning products on the market today. From lotion to mousse, instant to developing, there are beautiful, high quality products available for every skin type and concern. Irish brands are leading the way when it comes to tanning tools and accessories with many of their products doubling up to treat and improve skincare conditions and concerns as you tan. We have chosen some innovative (and downright handy!) products that you need in your tanning toolkit this season.
Tan Republic Tanbag , €29.95
He-Shi Overnight Hyaluronic Tan Balm, €22.50
Bellamianta Luxury Tanning Illuminating Bronzing Drops, €25
Iconic Bronze Luxury Double Sided Tanning Mitt €7.99
Iconic Bronze Luxury Double Sided Tanning Mitt, €7.99
Dripping Gold’s Born To Shine Hydrating Body Glow Oil, €14.95
TanOrganic BFF Brush, €24.99 Lusso Tan Original Bathbomb, €10
Cocoa Brown Back Applicator, €7.99
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FEATURE
A Guide to
Pregnancy Supplements A Guide to Pregnancy Supplements
by SORCHA DUNNE | @SORCHATERESADUNNE
Pregnancy places a high dietary demand on the body since your baby is entirely dependent on what you eat as their sole source of nutrition. Even if you already consume a healthy diet, supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals during pregnancy can be highly beneficial for you and your baby's health, particularly in your first trimester. On the contrary, some supplements should be avoided during pregnancy or avoided in high amounts. We break down all you need to know about what to take or what to avoid.
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FEATURE
What supplements should be taken during pregnancy? FOLIC ACID
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, a B-group vitamin, and is required for a baby's cells to divide during pregnancy and form the neural tube (the primordium of the brain and spinal cord). A lack of folate can cause the spinal cord to fail to close properly, resulting in a neural tube defect, also referred to as an NTD. However, supplementing with folic acid reduces this risk by 70%. The World Health Organisation recommends that women supplement with 400µg/d of folic acid while attempting pregnancy and until they are three months pregnant (it is important to note that over half of pregnancies are unplanned; thus, all women of childbearing age should supplement with folic acid daily).
IRON
A pregnant woman needs twice as much iron as a non-pregnant woman to make more blood to supply oxygen to her baby. Therefore, not consuming an adequate amount of iron can lead to iron deficiency, increasing the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery. Iron deficiency can also affect the mother after pregnancy. For example, it may increase feelings of tiredness (which can reduce milk production) and irritability, cause headaches, decrease immune function, and increase the risk of postnatal depression. Healthy pregnant women should supplement with 16-20mg of iron a day throughout pregnancy.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D3 helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in a pregnant women's body, as well as her baby's. Calcium is needed to help strengthen the baby's rapidly developing bones and teeth and boost muscle, heart, and nerve development. Like calcium, phosphate also helps strengthen the baby's bones. It is also vital for many bodily functions such as clotting, kidney function, tissue and cell repair, muscle concentrations and a normal heart rhythm.
FISH OIL
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for fetal development. For example, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), one of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, is a major structural component of the retina, the part of the eye that receives light and converts this light into neural signals to send to the brain, enabling you to see. DHA is also essential for the growth and development of the baby's brain and forms an integral part of the grey matter of the brain tissue. Ongoing research has shown that it can also prevent pre-term labour, increase birth weight, and reduce the risk of allergies in infants and the risk of their mothers developing antenatal and postnatal depression.
MAGNESIUM
According to research, getting enough magnesium during pregnancy can help keep the uterus from contracting too soon. Magnesium also aids in the development of strong teeth and bones in your unborn baby.
GINGER
Ginger has been found to combat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can even help relieve morning sickness.
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What supplements should be avoided during pregnancy? VITAMIN A
Vitamins A is essential for fetal vision development and immune function; however, too much can be harmful and even cause birth defects and liver toxicity.
VITAMIN E
Like vitamin A, taking too much vitamin E during pregnancy can cause birth defects, as well as heart defects after birth.
HERBS
Various herbs have been found to cause adverse effects during pregnancy, such as uterine contractions. Some herbs that should be avoided during pregnancy include dong quai, black cohosh, goldenseal, yohimbe, saw palmetto, tansy, red clover, angelica, yarrow, wormwood, blue cohosh, pennyroyal, ephedra, and mugort. Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements if pregnant or planning to conceive to rule out any potential risks or adverse reactions with other medication. Your doctor may even advise you to supplement with some other supplements while pregnant, such as vitamin C, vitamin B12, and calcium, depending on your diet and whether you could be at risk of deficiency.
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FEATURE
PREGNANCY SAFE
SKINCARE Aesthetician, founder of Skin Formulas and new mum GERALDINE JONES talks us through skincare during pregnancy and beyond.
Pregnancy skincare can be a bit of a minefield, what are some things you need to avoid? Retinol, Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide would be the main ingredients to avoid in pregnancy. These are commonly found in skincare for acne and breakouts. For this reason, we developed our Clear Skin Treatment serum as it contains none of the above and is amazing at calming inflammation, reducing bacterial activity and preventing scarring and red marks on the skin. Prebiotics are our hero ingredient here. They act as a superfood for the good bacteria in the skin restoring calm and skin health.
to protect the skin while adding a beautiful, natural glow - no need for makeup!
Are there any products you should add to your regime during pregnancy? This depends on if there are any changes to your current skin condition. Our Vit C serum is amazing for collagen stimulation and a wonderful product to use on a growing bump and breasts to minimise the appearance of stretch marks. If you’re suffering with dry skin on the body during pregnancy, our Oil and Milk Cleanser also doubles up as a super hydrating body oil that nourishes the skin.
Championing Female Entrepreneurship is a huge passion for you and you launched Skin Formulas while pregnant. What tips or advice do you have for working moms and budding entrepreneurs? Do not give up on your dreams, if you truly believe in yourself and your business you can achieve anything. Go easy on yourself and achieve what you can with the resources you have. My family are always my main priority and my goals are set around them. I am making my work life adapt to suit my home life and this way I am happy and have the best headspace to drive the business forward.
The postpartum period can often be tough on skin and hair, what are your recommendations during this time, keeping in mind that new mums don’t have much time! Keep it simple, but effective. Time is certainly the biggest obstacle and having two kids under two myself, I totally understand! A dual effect cleanser like our Daily Foaming Cleanser is ideal as it cleanses and exfoliates with a natural blend of AHA’s. For best results, use this cleanser every day. Next, our Hydra Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a drink of water for the skin. It is incredibly hydrating as it draws moisture into the skins’ deeper layers. Finish the routine with our Day Cream SPF50
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Stretch marks, Melasma or Acne are all common pregnancy skincare issues, what would be your top tips in dealing with these conditions. Speak to a professional if you can as you may need some special attention if particularly affected. My top product recommendations would be Vit C to improve the appearance of stretch marks, SPF for melasma to ensure it doesn’t worsen and a deep-cleansing cleanser for acne.
About Skin Formulas Skin Formulas is a professional-grade, luxurious skincare range created with advanced active ingredients, antioxidants and natural extracts that feed the skin exactly what it needs to address specific concerns and deliver noticeably more healthy skin. Skin Formulas’ aim is to make skincare clear and accessible, whether you are a skincare expert or a total novice. @skinformulas | www.skinformulas.ie
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FEATURE
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SOUND HEALING PREGNANCY Honouring the womb and baby
From the sound of your heartbeat to the sound of every movement you make, your baby resonates with the vibrations within you. The unity and peace between mother and baby is a very special connection. During your pregnancy, you want to feel peaceful, calm and connected to your baby and their life starting within you. Babies are uniquely tuned-in to their environment, so this is the perfect time for them to receive these joyful vibrations.
S
ound Therapy can be extremely useful especially in group pregnancy and mother and baby sound baths as each sound resonates differently within the body, helping to release any fears or blockages, creating space within and reconnecting. An immersion of beautiful sounds bathes you and baby, clearing the mind and bringing you to a relaxed state. The vibrations help to reenergise mind, body and soul by shaking up that which is “stuck” and letting it flow in the right direction - a whole body “tune-up” of sorts. Sound Therapy uses all aspects of sound from mantras and tones, bowls and gongs, drums and ocean sticks, crystal tones, pipes and chimes in one-to-one treatments, sound baths and yoga and meditation classes. The frequencies used in sound are vast, some are used for physical aspects, some for brain patterns, some for bone or joint injuries and some for emotional and mental thought patterns. The most beautiful sound is the sound “OM” which is the sound of peace and is said was the first sound ever heard in the universe. This range of sound bring you into a space of peace and calm, helping you release the endorphins you need to take away the stressors of this especially momentous time in your life. The classes also start and finish with mudras and mantras to honour the mother and child within us as well as who we were both pre- and post-conception. Encouraging chanting and breathing gives mum useful
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tools they can use during labour and birth and give a sense of inner confidence at a time where many new mums experience fear and anxiety. The benefits of sound healing are immense, from helping to relieve pain, stress, fear and anxiety to bring you to a sense of acceptance and empowerment or helping you regain control of your life. It is also a terrific way for mums pre- and post-natal to come together in a community and share their journeys and support each other. The most common responses I hear are improved sleep, increased energy levels and a calmness in labour/birth. You can never really tell how sound healing will affect you; your journey will be unique, and the frequency needed will find you! All you have to do is relax, enjoy and imagine how beautiful it will be for baby to hear these calming sounds and undertake this journey with you before they arrive on this planet.
Norah Coyne connemarahealing.com | 087 0563411 Facebook @soundhealinggalwaytherapyandtraining @connemarahealingintuitivemassageenergyandsound
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FEATURE
Elaine O'Sullivan F.A.O.I. Optometrist and Practice Owner
MYOPIA MATTERS AND MANAGEMENT
Optique Opticians, based at Briarhill Shopping Centre offer a wide range of services including myopia management.
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yopia, a condition also commonly known as short sightedness occurs when the axial length of the eye is longer and light rays focus in front of the retina, resulting in a blurred image. This is normally corrected by glasses, contact lenses or by laser refractive surgery. If you think your child is myopic, owner Elaine O’Sullivan F.A.O.I. recommends making an appointment for a consultation as there are now options based on clinical trials, that have proven to slow the progression of myopia in children. Children should be examined for early detection of all types of focusing problems especially if there are signs of vision problems and/or family history of such. We examine children from age four and above. For children under the age of four, we generally advise that they are seen by an Ophthalmologist. The key to managing all visual problems is early detection, early intervention and early treatment with ongoing management. This enables children with vision problems to reach their highest visual potential and to limit and slow down factors which potentially affect their cognitive ability and can involve further myopia related ocular disease complications.
Myopia prevalence is rising at a steady rate and one in two people are expected to be myopic by 2050 – that is 50% of the world’s population. Myopia linked with increasing age is associated with risk of eye diseases such as myopic macular and retinal degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment and cataract. It is therefore important to consider Myopia Management and the slowing of its progression as early as possible in childhood which is the critical period that myopia actively progresses. As children’s eyes actively grow in length (axial elongation), their myopic prescriptions increase accordingly leading to dependency on glasses or contact lens correction and restricted visual ability in everyday life. It is, however, the increased risk of eye diseases later in life which can lead to quality of life issues, vision impairment and irreversible blindness, with resultant effects of socio- Grainne Cotter economic financial burden. F.A.O.I. Optometrist
OPTIQUE OPTICIANS, LEVEL 1, 18 BRIARHILL SHOPPING CENTRE, GALWAY 56 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
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FEATURE
SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR - Complaints of ocular fatigue and/or headaches - Blurred vision far away i.e. the board in the classroom or not seeing objects in the distance - Eyes turning in or out (strabismus) - Sitting too close to digital screens or the TV - Holding reading materials such as books or digital devices at close range - Blinking and rubbing of eyes more than usual Squinting or peering at objects resulting in concentration and/or retention difficulties
Less time spent outdoors has been found to encourage myopia development due to insufficient stimulation of the retina from daylight. Research has shown that the developing eyes of a child need a minimum of 90 minutes outdoors every day and the rate of myopia progression has been proven to slow down during the summer months as a result of ambient daylight and exposure to bright sunlight. There is also a link with nutrition, obesity and lack of cardio-vascular activity. More green time, less screen time!
OPTICAL TREATMENTS Currently, there are four types of optical treatments for myopia: 1. Multifocal Contact Lenses - MiSight Contact lenses, the first soft contact lens licensed by the F.D.A. 2. Orthokeratology – specialised rigid contact lenses worn overnight to slow down myopia. 3. Atropine eye drops. 4. Myopia Management spectacle lenses. Once a child has developed myopia, some myopia progression is to be expected even when myopia management strategies such as multifocal contact lenses and glasses are prescribed. We do know that the rate of progression of the myopia is faster for younger children than for older children, therefore it is imperative that children are examined at the earliest possible opportunity. RISK FACTORS The two main risk factors are genetics and behavioural influences in one’s environment. More time spent indoors doing prolonged near vision tasks has shown to cause progression of myopia e.g. a lot of close range reading and prolonged use of portable digital devices such as tablets and smartphones. Poor lighting is also a contributing factor.
For more information or to book a consultation visit optique.ie info@optique.ie, +353 91 386 669 Open Monday – Saturday, free parking and wheelchair accessible.
BOOK ONLINE WWW.OPTIQUE.IE GALWAYNOW.COM
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INFO@OPTIQUE.IE
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091 386 669 SPRING 2022
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FOOD
Goodness Me!! Galmere: a hidden Galway gem
With over 40 food awards from Blas na hEireann to Great Taste, there’s a hidden foodie gem on our doorstep.
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ounded over 30 years ago in a Galway city restaurant, Galmere Foods has now mushroomed to a team of over 70, nestled in the Ballybrit Industrial Estate with their products available on the shelves of every major Irish supermarket – Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, Centra, Supervalu, Dunnes and Spar. This powerhouse company make over 13 million pots of soup a year including many award-winning foods for supermarket own labels and a range of much-loved Irish brands. As a gold member in 2021’s Bord Bia’s Origin Green Sustainability Programme, Galmere’s love for great food, sustainability, community, and customers alike is something we really admire in a business. It warms us to know that such a vibrant and creative culinary brand is flourishing here in Galway.
goodness is poured lovingly into Pestle + Mortar Fresh Green Basil Pesto. Growing basil in this way ensures there is no need for pesticides, the carbon footprint is low, and people are guaranteed the freshest pesto in Ireland! There’s also a Red Sundried Tomato Pesto, if you’re in the mood for a far-flung, sun-kissed flavour! ROOTS AND SHOOTS
PESTLE AND MORTAR SAUCES
Galmere works closely with Irish farmers to harvest fresh and seasonal vegetables for their ranges and hit green gold when they started growing their own basil in a vertical digital farm last year. All that fresh
Their range of Vegan Meal Bowls, Roots And Shoots is a perfect way to get your five-a-day and with Spring upon us, there is zero doubt that this delicious range of foods will take up permanent residence in the kitchen fridge. Roots and Shoots is plant-based, vegan-friendly, gluten and nut free and all the packs are 100% recyclable. Each meal tastes delicious including firm favourites such as the hearty Chickpea Butternut Tagine and Kerala Aubergine. Slow cooked for over two hours after toasting their aromatic spices, the meals heat in minutes, making them perfectly convenient after a long day. Widely available (and now in prestigious Irish store, Avoca), this range is a healthy, hearty, delicious addition to every Irish household.
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WWW.PANDMSAUCES.COM GALWAYNOW.COM
FOOD RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME Here’s some fresh recipes from leading recipe developer, food stylist and photographer, Jennifer Oppermann to inspire for Easter and all seasons. These easy-to-prepare meals will bring life and colour to your table and palette.
Tantalising Tuscan Style Seabass with Pesto Panzanella Serves 2 2 seabass fillets (pin boned) one per person 125g baby tomatoes halved 100g crusty bread cut into small cubes 15g black olives (approx 6) 1/2 tub of fresh green pesto 70g (reserve 1tsp of pesto for garnish) 1/2 tbsp rapeseed oil for frying the fish Squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkling of ground black pepper Garnish: Fresh herbs preferably basil, pepper, lemon wedges, drizzle of pesto.
1. Drizzle some rapeseed oil and a sprinkle of black pepper over the halved baby tomatoes then place on a baking sheet in a 180° preheated oven. Cook for about 15-20 mins until they are soft and remove. 2. Place the cubed bread on a baking sheet and cook for about 5 minutes, until they are golden and crispy but still soft in the centre, remove from the oven and set aside. 3. Put the bread and pesto in a bowl and mix until the bread is coated. 4. Add some rapeseed oil to a preheated pan on medium heat and place the seabass fillets skin side down. Add them one by one holding them flat with a spatula to prevent them curling. Cook for 3 to 4 mins each side and remove from the heat. 5. Add the tomatoes and olives to the bread and pesto, mixing gently. 6. Place the mix on a serving plate and arrange the sea bass fillets on top skin side up. 7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, black pepper, lemon wedges and a sprinkling of pesto GALWAYNOW.COM
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FOOD
Stacked Beef Burgers With Pickled Red Onion & Pesto 680g Minced Beef 1 Tsp. Sea Salt 1⁄2 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper Your Choice of Oil for Cooking 1⁄2 Red Onion Sliced Thinly into Rounds 1⁄2 Lemon (Juice for Pickling)
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150g of Mozzarella Sliced into Rounds 1 Large Tomato sliced into Rounds 8 Lettuce Leaves 4 Burger Buns 4 Tbsp of Pestle + Mortar Green Pesto
1. Add the minced beef to a mixing bowl, add in the salt and pepper and mix it through the mince thoroughly. Shape the burgers in to 1 inch thick rounds. 2. Heat a frying pan with a small amount of oil, add the burgers and cook until they are golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side ensuring each one is cooked through.
3. Add the mozzarella on top of the cooked burger and grill until it is melted. 4. Stack the burger buns with the beef burger, lettuce, pickled red onion and sliced tomato. 5. Spoon the pesto over the top of the burger, put the bun top on and serve immediately.
For more information visit galmere.ie Images by Jennifer Oppermann
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FEATURE
McD’s
Creating magic in every home ….. There are approximately 184 days of Spring and Summer this year, that’s 184 opportunities to make the most of our 2022 Spring/Summer range here in McD’s Loughrea and Galway Crystal. At McD’s we take great pride in our shops and with the convenient locations, state of the art garden centres and vast range of products, McD’s Galway Crystal and Loughrea provide the perfect shopping experience all under one roof.
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Planting Potatoes
Garden Furniture
Launching in early March, this year’s garden range is set to be our biggest and best yet, so why not start planning now? This season why not make furniture your garden’s most impressive feature. The stunning Monaco range brings luxury and comfort to your outdoors and makes for a very stylish summer. At McD’s our extensive range of outdoor cushions and décor ensures that your garden will never be boring. Vibrant colours and unique patterns bring life to your outside space and will set it apart from the rest.
Here at McD’s, we’re incredibly lucky to have our very own horticulturist, Marie. Below is her guide on how to grow your very own seed potatoes. First earlies – around late March. Second earlies – early to mid-April. Maincrops – mid-to late April. 1. Plant the seed potato in a small hole (approx. 6 inches deep) in the soil/ compost.
Solar in Style
Why not harvest some light and brighten up your garden with solar powered lanterns and stakes.
Blazing Barbeques
2. As the potato plants grow, continue topping up the compost around them. This is part of her “no-dig” method and helps the potatoes grow much better. 3. Continue to feed and water throughout the season. 4. Harvest earlies after 12 weeks and the main crop after 22 weeks or when foliage wilts.
This year, we are delighted to be stockists of Grillstream Barbeques. Some of our favourite features include: • A new revolutionary hybrid system, giving consumers the freedom to cook on both gas or charcoal. • A dual grill system which captures the fat and juices and channels them into a collection tray, meaning minimal mess and no flare ups.
Biodiversity
This is the perfect season for embracing biodiversity so why not start with birds? Feed - The golden rule for choosing feed is providing a wide variety of different foods to cater for every taste in order to attract a diverse mix of bird species! Our stock of sunflower hearts, peanuts and mealworms are sure to entice an impressive range of birds to your garden. At McD’s we stock a variety of feeders to cater for different feeds and provide camouflage and safety for the shyer birds.
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Why not call into our stores and shop the full extensive range of seed potatoes and other seeds and bulbs we have on offer.
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GARDEN
the
Green Life WORDS BY
KENNETH KEAVEY
greenearthorganics.ie
Back in March 2020, it seems like an age ago now, just before the world went a bit sideways we had a visit from the Claregalway Educate Together national school of 60 or so excited children. It was a wet, windy and extremely mucky day. The kids were here to learn about food and how it’s inextricably linked to sustainability, healthy eating, climate change, and crucially the health of our land and soil.
T
hey had such fun. I think my favourite moment of the tour as I was digging carrots was watching all the small hands grabbing and grappling in the mucky soil to pull out those lovely little carrots. At one stage, in a field completely saturated with muck and water there were sixty children running and jumping all over the place, loving nature and being outside. I did extend a little compassion to the teachers who would have to round them all up at the end of the day! They were very enlightened little people; they knew about the bees and about pesticides and climate change. It’s funny that whilst us adults will do all we can to avoid the muck and the puddles, children embrace the messiness of it all. They are instinctively happier outside and seem to have an innate appreciation of the beauty of nature and just get on and have fun whatever the weather, and after harvesting those carrots they were adamant they were going to eat them all for their tea, and I bet they did. What we as adults do now and the vision of the earth our children learn to see will shape the future of our planet. We are the guardians of that vision, and it would be wise to remember they do as we do; not as we say.
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A little example and a little nurturing are all it takes to open our children’s eyes to the value of food. We had another school here a year earlier and some of the kids thought carrots came from a supermarket shelf not from a field! You should have seen their excitement when they pulled their first carrot ever. This disconnection from the land and the growing of food is the product of our modern food system. For most of us we are only 2 generations removed from having grown our own carrots. How easy to change this and re-educate both ourselves and our children about the value of food, about the origin of food, and about the value of the land that we tread upon beneath our feet. “Despite all our accomplishments we owe our existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains” Paul Harvey We are not all blessed with a little patch of ground… I get that, but we all can manage a little flowerpot on the windowsill planted with some seeds, and how exciting to see the plants flourish. Maybe we owe it to ourselves and to our children to find out a little more about how our food is produced?
Kenneth Keavey and his wife Jenny started Green Earth Organics box delivery scheme in 2006. Farming on 40 acres of organically certified land with another 10 acres split between a wild life biodiversity area, native woodland forestry (3000 trees) and red clover/grassland, Kenneth is the 3rd generation of his family to farm these lands.
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FEATURE
Care in the Community Ensuring a high level of care and independence for their residents is of the utmost importance to these local caregivers along with offering a broad range of activities and interests to contribute to an enjoyable, safe and comfortable living situation.
Corrandulla Nursing Home
AL Homecare We all want our elderly relatives to get the best possible care....ideally in the comfort of their own home. But how do we go about organising this? Affordable Live-in Homecare (ALHomecare for short), is helping elderly people in Galway (and nationwide) stay in their own home for longer at an affordable cost and have placed over 500 live-in carers nationwide since 2013. The service provides a carer who comes and lives with the client in the client’s own home. They are there at night for the client’s comfort and reassurance or in case of an emergency. Then by day the carer does housekeeping, prepares meals, keeps company and provides personal care, if required. All ALHomecare carer’s are garda-vetted, reference checked and provided with ongoing training and support. The carer develops a dedicated and supportive relationship with your relative which gives you and your relative great peace of mind. Live-in care means consistent, reliable and dedicated care in your relative’s own home. www.alhomecare. ie, Manager: Tom Quinlan 087 744 0729.
Originally built as a Franciscan Monastery dating back to the 1850s, the Hayden family purchased the building in 1989, converting it to Corrandulla Nursing home while retaining many original features, including the original Church. The family have now run the nursing home for 32 years to date. Situated on a 4-acre site of landscaped gardens that also includes 16 independent living units and affiliated with NHI, Irish Therapy Dogs, AIGNA and CEOL, the team at Corrandulla Nursing Home strive to maximise residents’ choices and access to services while empowering their rights as members of the community. The team are passionate about wanting residents to feel that this is their home by personalising their space as much as possible. Residents also involved in the daily running of the home through meetings and surveys where they can contribute to how they want things to change or continue. The highly qualified team at Corrandulla Nursing Home endeavour to keep their residents happy, healthy and with a high quality of life whilst in their care. corrandullanursinghome.com, 091 423 669, corrandullanursinghome@gmail.com
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Right at Home Right at Home Galway provide in home support including personal care, companionship, preparing meals, light household duties & picking up of prescriptions, to elderly & disabled adults who wish to continue to live independently. They have an amazing team of carers throughout Galway, Mayo & Roscommon who go that extra mile to ensure their clients get the best quality care. Their carers provide home care services for almost any family and practically any situation and lets loved ones enjoy healthy lives in the comfort of a familiar environment. Right at Home will tailor their care to your unique situation through a Custom Care Louise Laheen Duggan, Plan carried out Overall carer of the year 2021 through their Right at Home. adult care providers and include whatever your loved one needs from any of their elder care categories. Rightathome.ie, Galway 091 376536, Mayo & Roscommon Ph: 090 6409084 GALWAYNOW.COM
Night and/or Daytime Care Available For less than the Cost of a Nursing Home or Private Visiting Care Service
Carer duties: Housekeeping Preparing meals Keeping company Personal care, if required Night only care also available All our carers are Garda vetted and provided with ongoing training and support. Three week trial period with all placements.
For more information, phone
Eileen on 087 991 6791
Tom on 087 744 0729
www.alhomecare.ie
M OT H E R’ S DAY GIF T VO U C HE R S Indulge in a luxury gift experience at the Galmont Hotel & Spa. Monetary gift cards can be redeemed against an overnight stay, food and drink or a fabulous treatment in the award-winning spirit one spa.
Call 091 538 300
For a little inspiration visit thegalmont.com 68 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
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FEATURE
Designer: Carolyn O’Sullivan, Not Another White Dress Photographer: Patrick McHugh Model: Emma A/ Catwalk Modelling Agency Venue: Mount Druid Florals: The Wild Bunch Hair & Make-up: Lisa Smyth Jewellery: Baumann Jewellers notanotherwhitedress.ie, @notanotherwhitedress
TOP TIPS. INSPIRATION. REAL WEDDINGS
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FEATURE
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – Director of Dreamcatcher Productions talks us through his top tips for your perfect wedding video. GAVIN GALLAGHER
There are lots of wedding videography styles out there to choose from, what advice do you have for couples during the selection process? Similar to music, wedding films have a wide variety of styles and genres. This area has grown significantly in Ireland over the last 5 years and much of this growth and development is thanks to camera technology. Videographers can now achieve a really cinematic feel. If your budget is limited and you simply want a record of your day, you should look for an experienced videographer that delivers straight forward, simply edited, good quality wedding videos. Moving up in budget you’ll begin to see an increased level of production with videographers using multiple cameras, gimbals, drones etc. and more bespoke highlights edits. Great footage is nothing without a talented editor and colour grade artist which will bring the footage to life and create a wedding film that reflects the personalities of the couple. Choose an experienced videographer that fits your budget and style. What are some good questions to ask when choosing your videographer? Most of the time the work and online reviews will do the talking and you will know quite quickly if you’re dealing with an experienced professional. Of course there are super talented videographers just starting out who may not have years of experience who are hungry to prove themselves but experience is valuable in this game. If you’re looking at a videographer who is fresh to the game, check out as much of their work as possible. A phone call or zoom can help to get a sense of their vibe. A degree of trust is required when hiring a videographer and you have to base your expectations on the style of their portfolio of work. I always assure my clients that only the best moments make it to the final film so just have fun and enjoy the process.
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Many couples feel uneasy in front of a camera, what are your top tips to make them feel comfortable? This is a conversation I have with all my couples in the lead up to the wedding and I reassure them that nerves are normal. Most of the couples you see on our website and social media have never been in front of the camera, then all of a sudden it’s your wedding day and you have a photographer and videographer documenting intimate moments. I remind them that a wedding film is not just lots of shots of the couple kissing! The couple and their love is central but it’s also about family, friends and heart-warming speeches. Some couples may want to spend an hour or more on their portrait shoot and others just five minutes. I suggest that you do what feels right for you and your comfort level. Talk us through a typical day of filming? For our style of films we encourage couples to separate their photoshoot into 2-3 scenes so it’s not overwhelming or too time consuming. This can involve a video shoot after the ceremony in a nice location like a beach, forest or the venue where I like to slow things down and try and create nice intimate moments with real chemistry. After the drinks reception or during the meal we may be lucky enough to have a sunset shot opportunity. I like to make this shoot more energetic and playful. This shoot may only take 10 minutes and gives us so much to work with. The day has been broken up into sections and you’ve become more at ease with the camera. When or how did you get started? Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly academically driven in school and was instead a mildly dyslexic day dreamer! While on a family holiday, my father bought a high-8 camcorder and I became obsessed. After studying Film & TV production in Ballyfermot I moved back to Lahinch and made short surf films of my friends, which in turn led to me
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FEATURE
filming their weddings. That gave me the opportunity to create my first portfolio and things evolved from there. I’ve since learned that there are many talented, creative people with dyslexia. We don’t see things in linear format and this is actually a great advantage especially for video editing. As you create a story you are moving back and forth in time, bringing the viewer on a journey in a non-chronological format. Just like a complicated jigsaw puzzle, with video editing you are memorising shots then placing them over dialogue and interlacing the music and working with colour. Seeing the film come to life is such a rewarding feeling and I can spend hours obsessing over an edit. How would you describe your style? We aim to create beautiful love stories with an ethereal and cinematic feel. When people watch our films I really want it to feel as if the third wall is never broken and you the viewer are part of this wedding day. What has been one of the most memorable weddings you have captured and why? I could write a book on the things I’ve seen so you’ll have to wait for that one. I once convinced a couple to get naked and dance in a fountain at Ashford Castle. It was 6am and they had rented the castle privately for 3 nights. That was a pretty wild one. What lies in store for 2022? It’s looking like one of our busiest years ever and I’m genuinely excited about every wedding we’re booked for. I guess we’re just aiming to produce even more beautiful films than last year.
dreamcatcherproductions.ie | info@dreamcatcherproductions.ie | +353 85 121 7888 | @dreamcatcher.films GALWAYNOW.COM
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FEATURE
Simplified Planning with ATLANTIC VOWS
You are engaged, congratulations! Now where to begin with the wedding planning? Firstly, it is really important to enjoy this time and embrace the joy and excitement of being engaged. Make sure to celebrate this special time before jumping straight into planning. That said, here are some of my top tips to simplify your planning and start your wedding preparations.o u 72 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
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WEDDINGS
COMMUNICATE
Your wedding day is about you and your partner celebrating your love in the way that you both want. To begin your planning process make some time to sit and talk to your partner about some of these important topics: • Would you prefer a big or a small wedding? (perhaps draft a rough guest list as a guide). • Will you have a destination wedding or keep things local? • When would you like to get married, what year or what season? • Would you like a church wedding or a personalised / secular ceremony? • What are your priorities for your big day? E.g. venue, music, ceremony? • I advise couples to write down three words that they would like to describe their wedding day and use these words as tools in making decisions throughout the planning process.
NAIL DOWN THE BUDGET
There is no point rushing into planning or going to view venues until you have a good idea of your wedding expectations and of course your budget. It’s important to discuss how many guests you will have and therefore how you will fund the wedding; will you set up direct debits, saving accounts or do you have family that will contribute if you need to borrow? Review your incomings and outgoings and look to see if there are any unnecessary spending habits that you can rejuggle and put towards the big day. It’s really beneficial for couples to know what they can afford before going forward. Once you have these questions answered you are ready for the next big tick on the wedding preparations - “The Venue”.
securing your important suppliers early is a key factor for a smooth planning process.
CHOOSE YOUR CREW!
Your Bridal Party are there to support you, listen to you, be by your side in the lead up to your wedding day and more importantly are there on the day to take charge, co ordinate and keep you both organised and calm. Whether you want 1 or 10 in your “I Do Crew”, choose wisely so that you are surrounded by positivity, helping hands and fun on the day!
KEEP A SECRET
Make sure to keep some surprises for your guests and don’t reveal all your plans. Everyone will have an opinion or idea but just remember it’s your day and you should do it your way!
PRIORITISE & SIMPLIFY
Break down your tasks and make a list of three top things you want to achieve in the lead up to the day every month. Create a basic excel or word document “to do list” that you can add to or tick off as you go along to track progress and keep stress at bay. Wedding planning can get overwhelming and stressful so if you find yourself getting caught up in it all, take a step back and remind yourself what is important and what your day is all about – marrying the love of your life!
CREATE A WEDDING EMAIL
To keep all your wedding quotes, information and RSVP’s in one place, I always advise couples to set up a wedding email address from the start (gmail is a straight forward option). Having one email account that you can both check and utilise is an easy way to keep on top of all things wedding related!
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Your venue will likely be one of the biggest expenditures on your budget so you want to make sure that you make the correct decision. Do your homework, talk to other couples, research reviews and then reach out to your top venues to ask for available dates, a brochure with pricing and their terms and conditions. Once you gather all this information then it will be time for you both to discuss and arrange tours of your favourite locations.
ACT FAST
Once you have your venue and date locked in, you can go full steam ahead! I always advise couples to book key suppliers as quickly as possible, such as your photographer, videographer, entertainment, celebrant and any other suppliers that are important to you. They often book up well in advance so
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Orla Martin & Padraig O’Connor tied the knot recently and celebrated in style with friends and family at the Salthill Hotel. Dress: The White Room Grooms Attire: Eddie Murphy Menswear Flowers: The Art of Blooming Weddings Photographer: Angela Farragher Photography Hair: Bridal Hair By Carrie Makeup: Orla Duffy Make Up Artist Invitations: Calligraphy by MCW
Máirín Ní Mhainnín & Declan Hanley celebrated their wedding recently at the Connemara Coast Hotel. Their wonderful photography really captured the spirit of Galway. Dress: Pronovias, Thistles, Galway Bridesmaids Dresses: Pamela Scott Suits: Corless Formalwear Flowers: Séamus Florist Sundries Cake: The Twelve Music: Silver Dollar / ALIAS Photographer & Videographer: Molten Sky Media Honeymoon: Santorini, Greece Lights & Flower Wall: Grá Lights Galway Bridal Alterations: Trendy Threads by Beata
Maria Higgins & Aonghus Kane were married recently at St. Mary’s Claddagh Church followed by an evening of celebrations at the Raheen Woods Hotel. Dress: Ennis Bridal Boutique Grooms Attire: Corless Formalwear Galway Bridal Accessories: Rosie and Dott, weddingbelles.ie Bridesmaids Dresses: Coast Fashion Bridesmaids Jewellery: Kate Spade Florals: Athenry Flowers & Gifts Photographer: Emilija Jefremova (emjcamera) Hair: Natalie O’Brien Bridal Hair Makeup: Eilish Moran Music/Band: Late Night Radio Band
Paula Lane & Eoin Walsh
wed recently at St. Joseph’s Church, Maree followed by a sparkling reception at the Clayton Hotel Galway. Dress: Brummel & Co Grooms Attire: Patrick Bourke Menswear Flowers: Flower Haven, Oranmore Photographer: John McMahon Photography Videographer: ER Films Wedding car: Alan, Wedding Car Galway Makeup: Ciara Egan Hair: Natalie O’ Brien Church Singer: Nicola McGuire
FEATURE
GET TO KNOW
Amy-Joyce Hastings Award-winning actor, filmmaker and writer. What first drew you to the film and television industry? I started in it quite young. I enrolled in drama classes aged 7 at the Gaiety School of Acting and then through that had my first auditions for film. I got cast in a Working Title film called ‘Fools of Fortune’ and after spending a month on set shooting a period drama, I was hooked. Can you tell us about your favourite on-set or press tour memory? I shot a film called ‘The Very Stuff’ in Carraroe in the 90’s. I was 14 and it was my first lead role, opposite some brilliant Irish actors. We spent a couple of days on a big céilí scene that was the climax of the film. That was amazing craic. What do you feel has been your biggest career achievement so far? I produced and starred in a romantic comedy called ‘The Callback Queen’ shot in London and Snowdonia in Wales. It was my first time both in front of and behind the camera on the same project. It was a huge journey to take it from an unfinanced script through to a cinema release. We had many adventures with it from a 5 week summer shoot in London, a glamorous premiere in Rome, to a week in a Santa Fe cinema hosted by ‘Game of Thrones’ author George R. R. Martin. I learned so much from that experience, culminating in two IFTA nominations at the 2016 Awards. Can you tell us about some of your most recent projects? ‘Who We Love’ is a new Irish feature based on the IFTA nominated LGBTQ short film ‘Lily’. It’s a coming-of-age and coming-out story and I play a great character called Oonagh in it. She’s brilliant - tough and sarcastic with fantastic one liners. Another recent feature release is mystery thriller ‘The Green Sea’. As a writer, my latest screenplay ‘Perspective’, just picked up an award at an international literary festival. You are a mom of two, has that changed your perspective of working in the creative industries? Of course, it changes everything! You’re suddenly aware there are no supports in place for mothers/parents in the creative industries. Freelancing becomes more precarious. The main challenge is time and availability. Where I used to spend an entire day on a self-tape, now you only have this tiny window where the baby is napping, and you’re trying to get it done fast and quietly. 80 | S P R I N G 2 0 2 2
It’s forced me to be more efficient with my time, but for a perfectionist there’s a newfound freedom in that. Many artists have had a particularly challenging time during the past two years because of the pandemic. How did it affect you/ your work? When the first lockdown happened my oldest was 4 months and I had only started taping as an actor again when everything ground to a halt. I have a newborn now so basically motherhood and the pandemic have totally coincided for me. The whole of 2020 I decided to just roll with it and enjoy the precious extra time at home with my baby. I was pregnant again in 2021 so that second year I pivoted to writing a lot more. I’ve written a manuscript of a novel called ‘After The Rain’ and some short stories and screenplays. If you’re creative and in the business of storytelling, you just have to create. You adapt. What are your plans for the year ahead? I’ve a few irons in the fire. Besides enjoying motherhood (which is its own full time job!) I’m looking to attach a producer to ‘Perspective’ and hopefully get some funding secured so I can direct the short film. I’m going to be approaching literary agents for the first time with my novel. And in the next few months I really want to get stuck back in to acting, having taken a couple of years out.
amyjoycehastings. com @amyjoyhas
Favourite thing about Galway? Though I’m currently living in Portumna, my family comes from Oughterard. So I’d have to say kayaking on the Corrib does it for me. Connemara is such a special place too. There’s nowhere quite like it. Describe what you would do on an ideal day off in Galway. My perfect days spent in the city are during the Film Fleadh every July. Ideally a hot sunny day spent with a gang of friends, hanging out at the rowing club or overlooking Lough Atalia. Then a nice dinner somewhere on Quay Street and a movie in the Town Hall Theatre. That’s my ideal Galway day, and luckily I get a week of them every year! GALWAYNOW.COM
GALWAYnow.com SPRING 2022
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