Mature Living Magazine

PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE Dec/Jan 2014/15

FOR THE OLDER, BOLDER INDIVIDUAL

Top tips for travelling alone

The happiness index

Boomers busting out of demographic

Christmas Cooking with a twist!

WIN two tickets

to Christy Moore at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar

www.matureliving.ie

December / Januaruy 2014/15

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ARD to believe it’s Christmas again and the festive spirit has been with us for most of December. Some forecasters are predicting a big freeze-up through Christmas, to last throughout most of January. If a cold spell should materialise we urge people to give special thought to the elderly living alone, to call on them regularly. While many of them cherish their, it is better to risk a little abuse than to regret not having checked in on them if conditions become difficult.

At the end of another year, we thank all of you for supporting Mature Living, including the many active retirement members and friends who came to our very successful Expo in Sligo last month. We promise the 2015 event will be even better.

In this Christmas issue Sligo native and internationallyrenowned artiste Sandy Kelly talks to Kate Winter about some of the defining moments of her life – growing up in a performing family, taking care of her mother, the challenges of parenting a special child, the joys of performing at the highest level and, in particular, meeting legendary country singer Johnny Cash. Most important, she speaks about the contentment she now experiences in her home in Strandhill.

Most of us have experienced the trauma of bereavement.

While it’s not an easy subject to talk about we explore the emotional effects of bereavement while pointing out that it’s natural and human to grieve the loss of a loved one.

We all think of food at Christmas, don’t we? We look at some special offerings like buttered sprouts and chestnuts and Moroccan spiced cauliflower and almond soup. On the health food front we explore the top foods to boost our immunity systems. In a new section Parent and Relationship Mentor Anthony Cross answers some questions on relationships and family matters and provides some advice on how to resolve conflicts maturely. He also offers some practical advice on the common issue of loneliness, particularly after a bereavement. We also reveal the results of research which shows that many boomers are not behaving in the predictable way that is expected from people in their demographic. They are embracing the latest technology and engaging in activities commonly associated with people of a younger age, introducing the modern concept of “cross-demographic fertilisation”. Read on . . . . this issue of Mature Living can only surprise you further.

Our garden designer Leonie Cornelius introduces some creative ideas for an inspired Christmas display . . . . and there are many more articles and features in our December issue. So, until we meet in 2015, I thank all our readers and advertisers for your support over the past year and wish you a joyful and peaceful festive season.

Seamus Casey - Editor

LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNER Congratulations to Dominic O’Dowd from the Liberities in Dublin who was the lucky winner of last months competition

Editorial: Seamus Casey seamus@matureliving.ie Design: Stephen Finney steve@matureliving.ie Advertising Sales: Lisa Gilmartin lisa@matureliving.ie

News European seniors call MEPs to join forces for an age-friendly EU Defining moments with Sandy Kelly How to be seductive at 60 New Year. New You. Emotional effects of bereavement Top Foods To Boost Your Immunity A Merry Modern Christmas Alone for the holidays Is this your Grandmother too?

10 Everyday superfoods Single travel: tips for travelling alone Technology The happiness index What is Osteoporosis?

Relationships & Family Matters Competition The Bands of our Showband era Cooking & Recipes Agony Angel Solicitors Guide Alternative Therapies Services Directory Dating

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Published by: IBS Publications Limited Riverview House, Barrett Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo and Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo.

Tel/Fax: 071-9154538 / 096-77743 Web: www.matureliving.ie • Email: info@matureliving.ie

The information in Mature Living is carefully researched and believed to be accurate, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Statements or opinions expressed herein are not necessary those of the editor or publisher. Advertisements within the publication are not endorsed by the publisher. Neither are any claims made within the advertisements. Before consuming any products mentioned in the publication readers are advised to consult with their general practitioner or equivalent professional for opinion or advice.

News

European seniors call MEPs to join forces for an age-friendly EU "Involving older citizens in the shaping of EU policies that concern them is the most effective way to meet older people's current and future needs and address Europe’s demographic challenge. This is also the most appropriate response to the increasing lack of confidence EU institutions and policy makers are currently facing", stated Marjan Sedmak, AGE Platform Europe President at the closing conference of the Active Seniors Citizens for Europe (ASCE) project organized at the European Parliament on 8th December.

"The ASCE project is an example of positive initiatives that can bring the EU closer to its citizens and foster a greater sense of ownership among older citizens", added Mr Sedmak.

Helping older European citizens to engage in a constructive dialogue with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to help shape the EU political agenda has been the overall objective of the two-year ASCE project, coordinated by AGE Platform Europe, run in Ireland by Active Retirement Ireland and Age and Opportunity, and co-funded by the Europe for Citizens Programme.

From September 2013 to December 2014, ASCE has involved 10 partners from 8 countries to enable older citizens - men and women - to take part in the relevant EU policymaking processes and in the European elections, organizing workshops and training trainers to use and spread the training material developed by the project (based on AGE Platform Europe's publication ‘Active Citizens for Europe: A guide to the EU’).

Michael Maher of ARI and Ellen Reddin of Age Friendly Ireland (right) with Maude Luherne, AGE Platform Europe Projects Officer and ASCE project coordinator.

On the occasion of the project closing conference, AGE Platform Europe and the project partners called on the newly appointed MEPs to take their responsibilities to address demographic challenge in a more democratic way through enhanced dialogue with older citizens and civil society organisations.

The focus of this work, which brought together older people from Active Retirement Associations & other organisations, was to create a greater understanding of how the EU works and for older people to meet and discuss issues with their MEPs. The meetings explored the value of the EU and what difference it made to everyday life. Speaking at the conference, Michael Maher of Active Retirement Ireland's Eastern Region South, highlighted the importance of MEPs working with older people in their constituencies

to hear their issues and concerns and ensure they were kept informed of the work going on in the EU to support the rights of older people.

Marjan Sedmark also referred to the volunteer work of retired people within their own countries and the need to value and promote this at EU level as a major contribution to society and to minimising age discrimination. He cited his own experience of being busier now with his role as President which is a volunteer position than when he was 'working'.

In addition to this project, AGE Platform Europe and ASCE partners are also campaigning for the reestablishment of the Intergroup on Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity, aimed to support the collaboration of MEPs committed to finding innovative, sustainable and fair solutions to demographic change.

Donal MacNally Consultant Approved Centre

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onal MacNally Hearing is an Irish owned independent company. All our audiologists are university graduates and are registered with the Department of Social Welfare and Family Protection. Our aim is to provide you with our expertise in a professional and friendly manner. We are committed to providing the very

highest standard of hearing care to our patients and in recognition of this we have been accredited as a Consultant Approved Centre.

The accreditation required the practice to undergo a variety of clinical audits on customer care and hearing healthcare, which are set by an independent advisory board. The board passed us late last year and

we are now one of only three Consultant Approved Centre’s in Ireland.

As Consultant Approved Centre’s are committed to following a strict code of practise you can be rest assured you are making the right decision when you chose to visit us at Donal MacNally Hearing.

The accreditation is just the newest addition to our centre where we offer the latest hearing aid technology at affordable prices as well full Audiometric hearing tests, ear protection and wax removal. So why not come in and see for yourself the difference a fully accredited centre could make to your hearing and quality of life. Services Provided: Daily wear hearing aids from leading manufacturers. Clinical Hearing Assessments. ENT Specialist Support. Tinnitus Management. Ear wax removal and ear care. Hearing aid repairs. Swim Moulds. Noise protection. Hearing aid batteries.

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News Finance with Ken O’Neill of Flanagan Ford Financial Advisors

Money Matters New Years Resolution N

ew Year’s resolutions don’t change much. At the top of the list you’ll always find diet and exercise, spend more time with family, quit smoking or drinking, and save more money or get out of debt.

Almost no one follows through—and almost no one gives it a second thought.

Maybe you should. Failed New Year’s resolutions have a real cost. When you give up on your diet, what becomes of that expensive juicer?

When you abandon the treadmill, you do not get a refund.

Too many people give up on their goals within 30 days and with more again giving up within three months.

Perhaps most interesting, many of us made the same resolutions each of the last five years!

So this year why not switch it up a bit and, at least as it concerns your money, make some commitments that won’t cost a cent, will help you in the long run—and you are able to keep.

Here are some simple financial New Year’s resolutions that you might consider and ones that will help in the long run and that you are able to keep.

• Complete a financial health check.

This will give you a clear picture of your finances and helps you identify where you might need to make changes. You should complete this

at least once a year especially if your income is changing or about to change.

• Identify your goals. Whether it’s saving for a holiday, paying off credit card debt or starting an emergency fund, we all have different goals.

Write yours down. Once you have set your goals it is easier to stick to your budget. You may have many goals so split them between short term, medium and long term goals.

• Make your budget and stick to it.

Be honest and as accurate as you can about the figures in your budget. If there are a few of you in the family make sure to include all and review your budget regularly. If you don’t keep to it don’t be discouraged.

Start again. It can take time to adjust to a new spending pattern.

• Shop around, switch and save.

Shopping around on simple deposit accounts will save you money.

Switching electricity providers may save you money, switching phone and broadband providers may save you money. Remember small changes can amount to big savings.

• Don’t count it as saving money when you buy items on sale. No matter how much the price is reduced, you’re still spending money, not saving it. If you need it buy it. If you are buying it because it is on sale ask yourself, do you really need it?

• Eliminate wasteful spending. Candidates might include lottery tickets, groceries that end up going bad, gifts the recipients don’t like, infrequently watched premium cable channels, most extended warranties, mediocre overpriced airport and

roadside meals, clothes you rarely wear and subscriptions to magazines you don’t read.

• Have a frank financial discussion with your children. Tailor your remarks depending on their ages. Possible topics include how much financial help you’ll give them with college and other goals, your own retirement readiness, the financial blunders you’ve made, what estateplanning steps you have taken and how much they can expect to inherit. Having a proper plan in place will save money here.

Flanagan Ford Financial Advisors was established in 1998 by Shane Flanagan & Tom Ford. Since then Ken O’Neill, Tess Monaghan & Sinead McGill joined our team, further adding to our company’s expertise and knowledge and reinforcing our commitment to providing a first class service and experience to our clients.

We pride ourselves on providing impartial advice to our customers and we are very aware of the trust they place in us. We believe that the key to our success is the personal service that we consistently provide. Our pledge is to provide ‘Trusted Financial Advice for Life’ to our clients and we do all in our power to earn their trust.

Flanagan Ford Ltd Financial Advisors, Shell House, Wine Street, Co Sligo Tel: 071 915 9222 / Fax: 071 914 5134 info@flanaganford.ie www.flanaganford.ie Flanagan Ford Limited t/a Flanagan Ford Financial Advisors is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Kilcoyne Funeral Directors & Funeral Home THOMAS STREET, CASTLEBAR Tel.: 094 9021646 anytime Fax: 094 9027930 Email: kilcoynefuneraldir@eircom.net Member of Irish Association of Funeral Directors.

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Clinic every Saturday from 2pm in Thomas Street, Castlebar.

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News

Singing legend Daniel O’Donnell Opens State-of-the-art Hearing Centre in Cavan

H

idden Hearing, Ireland’s largest hearing healthcare provider has launched its new hearing centre at 19 Main Street, Cavan town.

The state of the art hearing centre was officially opened by legendary singer, Daniel O’Donnell on Thursday 4th December.

The new Hidden Hearing facility offers the best professional hearing care, help and advice in a supportive environment, and the latest digital technology to diagnose and treat hearing problems. To

celebrate the official opening of the new Hidden Hearing Cavan branch and to promote better hearing health, Hidden Hearing is offering free one-to-one hearing assessments.

Jim Fulham, Senior Audiologist with Hidden Hearing Cavan said: “Hidden Hearing has invested significantly to ensure that our branches have the very latest technology available worldwide and the facility here in Cavan compares positively with any other hearing healthcare centre

across the world. Hearing loss is sometimes ignored by people and with one in six people in Ireland suffering from the condition it is a serious issue here. The most important thing is to take action on your hearing loss as soon as you notice a problem, because the longer you delay, the worse the problem will become.”

Daniel O’Donnell, guest of honour at the event, said: “I’m delighted to officially launch this new Hidden Hearing centre and it’s fantastic that the people of Cavan will have

access to the best hearing healthcare facilities. My advice for people is that hearing loss is nothing to be embarrassed about. Don’t put off addressing your hearing loss, there’s no reason in the world for people to miss out on music, family events or other social activities because of hearing loss.”

Visit the new Hidden Hearing branch at 19 Main Street, Cavan or call 049 438 0242 to make an appointment for a free oneto-one hearing consultation with a qualified audiologist.

MLM Healthcare MLM Healthcare, a HSE approved company are delighted to announce the recent launch of their new on-line shop and homecare showroom located at Finisklin Road, Sligo.

Established in 1981, MLM Healthcare a 100% Irish owned company, provide healthcare equipment, continence care, daily living and mobility aids that are used in the home and nursing care market MLM Healthcare are leading stockists of global healthcare brands including the TENA Continence Care and Days Healthcare daily living and mobility aids product range.

MLM Healthcare’s most popular home care products include bedroom furniture, walking aids and bathroom and toileting appliances.

The company’s general manager, Leo McNally said “since opening our new showroom and trading on-line, we have been able to achieve new clients signups and distribute our products to a wider audience helping us to grow our business”.

Leo continued to add “If we do not

have what you require in stock we can order it and offer a next-day distribution service. Our staff are always on hand to offer you their skill and expertise to provide you with a

product that matches your particular needs”. MLM Healthcare’s complete homecare product range can be viewed either in-store or on-line at www.mlmhealthcare.ie.

'Older people are self-rationing their medication'

Mairead Hayes, Chief Executive of the Senior Citizens Parliament. Photo- El Keegan THE treatment of older people by the public health system is a key concern for Mairead Hayes, chief executive officer of the Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament.

She welcomed Leo Varadkar as the new Minister for Health, but said there was an urgent need for an improvement in the service.

"The level of services available to young and old have deteriorated. There is a perception of inertia surrounding all of the services," the group said.

Ms Hayes said that older people were losing medical cards on a daily basis and those who retain them are self-rationing their medication because of prescription charges.

Step-down and community care places have waiting lists and places in residential care are difficult to access, Ms Hayes said.

And the State's Fair Deal scheme is a further problem, the group said.

"The parliament considers this matter so grave that it is calling on government to appoint a special emergency cabinet group to resolve the matter and for the appointment for a fixed period of individual ministers who will be given total responsibility to deal with specific areas whether they are by life-cycle category or by care type."

The Senior Citizens' Parliament has called on the Government to treat the health situation as an emergency.

It wants a round-table conference of all stakeholders to work together to solve the problem and to bring some realistic solutions to the table.

"We are confident it can be done and we are willing to assist. To this end we have not made any serious recommendations in this submission beyond the call for health to be declared as an emergency," the group said.

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Feature by Kate Winter - Photos: Anna Leask

DEFINING

MOMENTS with

Sandy Kelly Page 10 Mature Living

S

andy Kelly has been hailed as "Ireland's greatest ambassador" (Johnny Cash), "One of the top female artists in the world" (Willie Nelson) and our "Queen of country music" (Hot Press). She has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as writing, directing and starring in a long-running Broadway production, presenting her own radio and TV shows and even having a hit stage show based on her own life. On a crisp December afternoon in stunning Temple House, Co Sligo, Sandy shares the defining moments of a life spent in and out of the limelight with Kate Winter.

LOSING MUM When Sandy was sixteen, having grown up travelling and performing, steeped in show business, her mother became unwell with a brain haemorrhage, and was just thirty seven when she underwent extensive surgery to save her life. Sandy spent most of her time at the hospital by her mother's bedside during this period, leaving only to do gigs at night time with her father. She was young, but very capable in both guises; as the smiling, entertaining performer, and as the more serious, dedicated care-giver. In fact, the experience defined a lifetime of

these clearly defined roles, with a gregarious onstage persona never belying the sensitive and quietly serious soul beneath.

The country star's secret dreams of pursuing a different career at the time were jettisoned too, as Sandy expains: "At the time, believe it or not, my dream was to be 'normal'. I wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to be like 'real people' as I used to call those outside of showbusiness. The night that my mother had her surgery changed my life forever, because for the next eight years I became her carer and I had to give up all aspirations of school, of education, of leaving the industry."

And so, Sandy's path to international fame was set at a young age, despite her unusual cravings for the everyday existence most girls dream of escaping.

BECOMING A MOTHER Having children of her own was another one of those lifechanging things for Sandy.

William came along first, two years into her marriage to Michael Kelly, when she was twenty five years old. Though she describes him laughingly as "The child from hell", she also counts herself blessed to have had such a close and enduring relationship with her drummer son. She tells me, "He's been a huge part of my life. We even worked together for many years, until he figured out that I wasn't cool enough and told me

'Mam I love you but I can't listen to one more minute of your music'."

Sandy's daughter Barbara came two years later, bringing a completely different experience of motherhood with her arrival.

She was born with a cyst on her brain which caused irreparable damage, and in a bizarre repetition of history led to her having to have the same operation at just a few months old that Sandy's own mother had been through. In some ways, Sandy feels that she was almost fatefully prepared to care for her special needs daughter by the prior experience with her mother. And she describes Barbara as a blessing in her own right too, "Barbara showed me that sometimes miracles hide in shocking or difficult circumstances. Having her made us a different family, because she's a miracle. She made my priorities shift and change and she made us aware of how much there is in life to be grateful for."

WHEN SANDY MET JOHNNY The now legendary tale of how Johnny Cash heard Sandy on the radio as he was driving through the Irish countryside and called up to ask her to come see his show in Omagh that night is the stuff of fairytales. Sandy's career had been moving along steadily, with several successful bands and a Eurovision appearance behind her, and she was taking a new direction with her country style. But when Sandy met Johnny, everything changed. "I'd been trucking along for what felt like forever.

It took a long time for me to actually believe it was happening. I was utterly starstruck."

Sandy went to the gig that

night, where he invited her up on stage to sing with him. She also went to visit him at home in Nashville, where again, in a room full of the most famous faces in country music, she performed with one of her heroes. After that, things moved quickly, with Johnny asking Sandy to record a duet, "Woodcarver", and offering invaluable advice and support along the next stretch of her career.

"I went on to work with Johnny for a period of ten years. It changed my life completely.

What he gave me above all else, was recognition and respect. In this industry, I've often experienced people telling me that I'm not 'proper' country or not country 'enough'. Once Johnny acknowledged me and recorded with me, I had the stamp of approval."

THE SANDY KELLY SHOW When Sandy was offered a TV show of her own by the national broadcaster, RTE, she once again felt her life was changing.

She went from singing in dance halls and marquees and concerts, to performing a variety of roles on The Sandy Kelly Show, not dissimilar to the valuable experiences of her first youthful forays into the world of showbusiness. " I was singing with the concert orchestra one second, doing an interview with a guest the next, dancing to Nine To Five with the dancers, then singing a love ballad like I Wanna Know What Love Is, it was a real mix of entertainment."

Despite the misgivings of some of her peers, who may have felt she was diluting her appeal by performing in such a varied way, Sandy's star rose and rose. The show was a huge success, with

eight hundred thousand people tuning in each week and second only in ratings to The Late Late Show at its peak.

HEART AND HOME Though Sandy has built a sustainable and successful stage career for herself, using all the skills accrued along the way, and still performing her Patsy Cline musical after 25 years, her more recent defining moments come in the shape of family and home life. Her niece and namesake Sandy was the first arrival to become a true highlight of her life seventeen years ago, though in the last few months stiff competition has arrived in the form of first grandson, Frank, named after her deceased father.

"If nothing else happened in my life, I'd be happy with what I have now. Family is the most important thing. When Frankie came along, I realised I needed to start looking after myself better, walk more, work a little longer, eat healthier. He's given me a fresh attitude to life."

Sandy also takes great pride in her son William's musical success with local band Rackhouse Pilfer, calling herself a 'groupie', and explaining how "Seeing his talent, and the band's success has made me settle back a little. Because the family tradition, the music, has been passed on, and is safe in their hands."

And her new home in Strandhill, where Sandy moved four years ago, is where the heart is, described by the singer as "the perfect place for me" and the place she has found "perfect contentment".

Well deserved contentment and success, Sandy Kelly, and we wish you many more years of the same!

Page 11 Mature Living

Fashion

How to be seductive at 60 ...without looking desperate like Madonna A

t 61, Jilly Johnson is five years older than Madonna But she says looking sexy is more about what you keep on When she saw the star's shoot she thought it was desperate not daring In the interests of sisterhood, here are her tips that she had a recent Daily Mail for stripping off in style When I saw the photo of Madonna in bondage gear and a cardigan, baring her breasts for a magazine, I felt an overwhelming urge: to do up her buttons.

I’m no prude — how could I be, when I first modelled topless myself at 16? — but it made me uncomfortable. To me, these Bra, €38.50, and knickers, €16.50, Rosie for Autograph, marksandspencer.com

shots are less daring than they are desperate. Madonna is a gutsy, smart woman who I admire, but she doesn’t need these kind of pictures. We’ve seen her promote this look before — about 20 years ago. It’s time she moved on.

At 61, I’m five years older than her and I’m certainly not saying an older woman can’t have sexy photos taken. But I feel I should let her in on a secret — it’s no longer as simple as taking your clothes off. At our age, it often has more to do with what you keep on.

So Madonna, in the interests of sisterhood, here are my tips for stripping off in style . . .

TAME YOUR TUM The first rule about stripping off over 50 is to keep movement to a minimum. Mature flesh doesn’t travel well: if you turn round too fast your bottom arrives a few seconds after the rest of you — the antithesis of sexiness.

Fortunately, well-chosen lingerie

Mimi Holliday body, €90, Fenwick

that is sturdy, yet sexy, can work age-defying miracles, hold in wobbly bits and counteract the effects of gravity. This bra, for instance, boosts my bust, but doesn’t show too much flesh, so it solves the problem of crepey cleavage. The wide strap at the back gives good support and flattens back fat.

The pants have a tummy-slimming panel at the front and come up high enough to hide some of my jelly belly, which is the bit of myself I feel least confident about.

DON'T PINE FOR THE PAST Madonna has always been the Queen of Reinvention, but now she seems to be stuck in the past. The trouble with harking back to your heyday is that it simply invites unflattering comparisons between your appearance now and what you looked like before. You need to move on and create a new image for yourself.

I experienced this first-hand, modelling for Janet Reger in the Seventies and then again aged 58.

The first time round, it didn’t occur to me to be self-conscious, even though the underwear left little to the imagination and I was in the window of their Bond Street store. Three decades

Page 12 Mature Living

later, I needed all the structure and cover I could get, yet still felt insecure about the results.

In this shot, I’m wearing a lacy body but, instead of revealing what’s underneath, it’s just suggested by the nude material.

Even so, I can’t say I like this photograph.

I am at least a stone heavier than in my heyday, and it just reminds me of what I’ve lost.

However, it’s important that I try to remind myself of everything I’ve gained in life. That was then and this is now — live in the present.

'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY I like this pose a lot. It looks daring — but, actually, you don’t see a thing. And, most importantly, it puts a smile on your face.

If you’re posing for a slightly risqué shot, it’s much better to have fun with it than to look as if you’re taking yourself too seriously. If you can laugh at yourself when you’re in this slightly vulnerable situation, it will come across as innocent fun, not sleazy or attention-grabbing.

Much better to position yourself as one of the Calendar Girls, your modesty hidden by a strategically-placed plate of buns (or Christmas wreath in my case), than as underdressed mutton

hoping to pass as spring lamb.

Yes, people will laugh — but with you, rather than at you.

A couple of years ago, rather stuck for a Christmas present for my husband, I simply wrapped myself from head to foot in yards of satin ribbon. However, unable to hold the pose, I fell flat on my gift-wrapped derriere.

After he stopped laughing, he said it was the best present he’d ever had.

Feature with Sonya Hamill of Blue Apple Dental - Irish Dentistry’s Dental Practice of the Year 2013

NEW YEAR. NEW YOU. and look good. Or, lastly, dental implants can offer a very versatile and natural looking treatment choice.

5) Wishing to get rid of a denture.

It is very common now that you may wish to get rid of having a denture altogether. Popular reasons for this are: dislike of the feel of wearing a denture; dislike of coverage of the palate of the mouth; dislike of the movement; dislike of the appearance; a wish to have something fixed which feels more like natural teeth.

I

s 2015 going to be the year you get to smile with confidence?

The start of a new year offers the potential to make the changes which will make a difference to our health and wellbeing.

Is this the year for you to seize the opportunity to solve your dental problems? Get a feeling of control over the condition of your teeth? Or overcome anxiety about your teeth or dentistry?

Here are 6 of the main reasons we find people seek us out, especially at the start of the year are: 1) Loose, uncomfortable dentures.

There are a variety of treatment options for overcoming problems with dentures. Typically the most common difficulty people experience is with a loose lower denture. This is caused by the

loss of bone in the lower jaw following the loss of teeth, meaning the ridge can be insufficient to support a denture well. The most predictable and life enhancing treatment for this is just two dental implants, which a denture can then clip on and off. This gives back comfort and stability in a very simple way.

2) Starting afresh.

If you feel there are a variety of problems going on in your mouth, possibly starting to see an increasing occurrence of things going wrong bit by bit, or occasional pain, this can be the prompt to take a fresh stance on your dental health.

Seeking a fresh look at your mouth and the direction it is heading in, so that you can take control of the situation and plan for the future. There’s no better time than today.

6) Overcoming dental anxiety Dental anxiety can be very debilitating. There is no time like the present if you have decided now is the time to conquer your fear. Seek out a dental practice you feel has the understanding and skills to help you build up your confidence, so you can gradually take control of your dental situation.

If you’d like to explore your options finding your smile confidence in 2015, call us today on 04866386111, and take the first step on your fresh, new dental journey!

3) Because you want your teeth to look better.

Studies show that their smile is the first thing the majority of us notice about people when we first meet them. It is, after all, the shortest distance between two people. Making your teeth look better can be very simple, from some simple stain removal, to professional whitening, to reshaping the teeth, or even some quick, simple, adult tooth straightening.

4) Missing Teeth Whether you have one or more missing teeth, replacing them has a number of options. The simplest method is a denture. In a practice like ours this can have a variety of options for materials, and the results can look very natural. Alternatively, you could have a bridge, supported by other teeth, which will feel secure in your mouth

‘Blueapple Dental & Implant Team’ is an award-winning dental practice in the village of Belcoo in Co. Fermanagh, run by husband and wife team, James and Sonya Hamill.

Blueapple carries out all forms of dentistry under one roof, and focuses on helping people overcome their dental challenges, to re-establish their dental health, comfort and beauty. They believe that there is no-one they can’t help regain their dental confidence.

‘Blueapple Dental & Implant Team’ has won multiple awards, including ‘Best New Practice’, ‘Best Young Dentist in the UK & Ireland’, and most recently ‘Best Patient Care in Ireland 2012’.

www.blueappledental.com

Blueapple welcomes new patients.

Just call 048 66386111 to make an appointment for your consultation.

‘Such encouragement and support I have never experienced before and empowered me to complete the procedure without sedation….My trust in Blueapple across all aspects of my dental experience is always upheld each time I visit the practice. I cannot emphasise enough the transformation that has occurred in my life in terms of panic and anxiety. ‘ An anxious patient, Sligo.

Feature Editorial

Emotional effects of bereavement the situation we are in.

With time, you’re likely to reach some acceptance of the past and move towards a more rewarding present.

Y

ou are probably reading this guide because someone close to you has died recently.

Although bereavement is a highly personal and often distressing event, many people go through a range of recognisable reactions and emotions when someone they are close to dies.

Sometimes people are shocked and upset by their changing and powerful emotions when they are bereaved. Realising that these feelings are quite normal may help.

Grief Grief may affect you emotionally, physically, mentally and also affect the way you relate to others. If the death was expected, you might be telling yourself you should be able to cope, yet you can’t.

When you’re bereaved, you have to cope with a world that can feel as if it’s fallen apart.

In practical terms, your life may have changed dramatically. You may have less money, and have to eat, sleep and live alone for the first time, or be faced with household tasks that you haven’t done before.

Grief can make you feel many different things. It’s important to remember that these feelings are not bad or wrong. They are a normal part of bereavement.

Emptiness and depression Feelings of depression and emptiness can hit you when the reality of the death begins to sink in.

Although it may feel almost unbearable at the time, this seems to be a period when some inner healing takes place.

Afterwards, people say they feel lighter, more in control of their lives and better able to look forward.

Sadness is a natural response to bereavement, but some people may become depressed. This can be managed and you should see your doctor for help and advice.

Page 14 Mature Living

You don’t have to try to cope on your own. If you have thoughts of suicide, talk to your doctor or someone you trust. Remember that you can phone Samaritans, day or night, on 08457 90 90 90.

Anger You may feel anger at the injustice of your loss, or at the lack of understanding in others.

You might be angry at yourself and at the person who died, who has left you feeling abandoned, frightened and alone.

These feelings are normal. Don’t bottle up your feelings – try to think about the reasons for your anger. Talking about your feelings with someone who isn’t emotionally involved in your loss can help.

Fear Feeling fearful and anxious is very natural – your familiar world has been turned upside down. You are likely to feel that you have little control over your life, your thoughts and feelings.

Feeling out of control is likely to make you feel vulnerable and afraid. But as you get used to coping, you will become more confident.

You may have fears about practical issues, such as how to manage on a smaller income and handle household tasks.

Mixed feelings It’s normal to have mixed feelings. You may think about things that you wish had been different, or ask yourself endless ‘what ifs’ about decisions you could have made. Try to reach a point where you’re being realistic about the past.

When a difficult relationship ends with death, any chance of mutual understanding or reconciliation is lost. But if you suppress upsetting thoughts or feelings, you risk becoming angry, bitter or depressed.

Try not to be too hard on yourself or anyone else. No one is perfect and we can only do our best with

Your thoughts Many bereaved people find it hard to concentrate, and feel confused and forgetful. Your thoughts may constantly return to the person who died, with painful questions and fears running through your mind. Alongside this, you may have a sense of relief if they died at what seemed to be the right time for them.

As you think and talk more about the person and listen to what relatives and friends say, you’re likely to start building a fuller picture of them than you had before. As it grows over time, you’ll probably find that this picture becomes a part of your life and a source of comfort.

There are many fantastic support groups out there who can support you after the death of someone close. Your local doctor can put you in contact with them.

Looking to the future When you lose someone you love, you can feel that your life doesn’t have much meaning, or that you no longer have anything to offer.

Looking back at your life and taking stock of your contribution to the world can help you to realise that bereavement doesn’t take that away.

Sometimes the people who help most aren’t the obvious ones.

There are befriending and other support services in many areas – ask at your place of worship, if you have one, or your local active retirement groups, doctor’s surgery or local library, or search online for local services.

It’s also important to look forward, however difficult this may be. Whatever your age, you always have something to offer the world. Make the most of every opportunity to spend time with other people, keep in touch with friends and family, have a holiday or volunteer to help out with a good cause.

There are no magic answers. It takes time to regain confidence, feel less overwhelmed by your loss and start to make sense of the world again.

Help and support from others, especially those who have gone through a similar loss, may help you to cope with your bereavement.

Physical effects of bereavement Physical changes after bereavement can include difficulty getting to sleep, vivid dreams and long periods of wakefulness. You may lose your appetite. Some people feel tense and short of breath, or edgy and restless; others feel slow and lethargic.

You’re likely to feel exhausted, especially if you were caring for the person who died or had been through an anxious time before their death. Strong emotions and dealing with all the things that need to be done after a death can also leave you tired and drained.

Take extra care of yofurself – try to eat well and get some rest even if you can’t sleep. Take gentle exercise if you can. Be kind to yourself – don’t try to do too much while you’re grieving.

Coping with loss Adjusting to a death is gradual and happens differently for everyone.

Talking about the death and the person who died, dealing with the practicalities of your new situation and trying to think of the present as well as the past can all help you take in the reality of the death.

Memories of other losses Bereavement can trigger memories of earlier losses that you thought you had coped with.

Perhaps you didn’t realise at the time how deeply affected you were, or maybe it was difficult to talk about your feelings.

Memories of these unhappy times can come rushing back and this can be extremely distressing.

You may need to mourn these losses and talk about your experiences before you can start to cope with your more recent bereavement.

If you’ve lost your husband, wife or partner If you’ve lost your husband or wife, the HSE has local branches in some areas that you can join for support, and a national confidential telephone service, which connects you to another bereaved person.

If your grandchild has lost a parent If your grandchild has lost a parent, you may want to contact Barnardos who provide a Children's Bereavement Service for children and young people who have lost someone.

Support for people bereaved by suicide Console provides support to people bereaved by suicide.

Contact Console on 1800 247 247.

Living Links also provides support to people bereaved by suicide.

L&B Home Care Services Pairc Mhuire Newbridge A Helping hand in your home 24 Hour Care Contact Bridget: Ph: 087-2054857 email: lbhomerespite@eircom.net www.lbhomerespite.com Providing quality home care since 2005

Home Care Provider to HSE

Health

Top Foods To Boost

Your Immunity Boost your ability to fight off infections this cold and flu season with these healthy foods sometimes hard to know if we’re getting enough of the right ones. While the information about supplements and “super foods” can be confusing, health experts are clear on one thing: it’s a healthy diet — not any single food or supplement — that makes a difference for keeping your immune system strong.

Eating a wide variety of healthy foods ensures you’re covered when it comes to essential infection-fighting nutrients like protein, vitamins A and C, zinc, beta-carotene, selenium and a host of other anti-oxidants.

O

ur immune systems are responsible for fighting off attackers like viruses, bacteria and toxins — but sometimes they need a little help. Here, how to give your immune system a boost.

Healthy habits make the difference Let’s forget colds and flu bugs for a moment. Research on how our immune system functions is pretty consistent. We know we’re better able to fight off infections when we get enough sleep, keep stress in check, exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet that provides plenty of nutrients.

In contrast, when we’re lacking in these key areas, we’re more likely to get sick and have a harder time fighting off a bug.

It doesn’t matter if we’re trying to fight the flu or ward off longer term threats like diabetes and cancer. The preventative measures are essentially the same.

However, when it comes to vitamins and minerals, it’s

Page 16 Mature Living

Immune-boosting choices Citrus fruits. We know the virtues of vitamin C for fighting colds, so it’s no surprise that citrus foods often make the grocery list. Keep in mind that whole fruits are better than juices as they keep the original pulp (fibre) intact.

Red fruits. The more colour, the better! Not only are they visually appealing, fruits like berries, prunes, raisins, red grapes and plums are rich in anti-oxidants.

Dark green vegetables. Leafy greens (like cabbage, spinach

and kale), broccoli, peppers and Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins C and E. Make a salad, or steam them with some garlic for a tasty side dish.

Orange-coloured fruits and vegetables. They’re high in beta-carotene which helps boost the immune system. On the veggie side, try pumpkins, carrots, peppers, squash and sweet potatoes. For fruits, choose nectarines, apricots, peaches, mangoes and melon.

(Many of these foods have vitamin C too.)

Of course, orange and green aren’t the only colours.

Dietitians recommend choosing a wide variety of colours and textures. Try steaming or stir frying a colourful mix, or tossing them in a salad with vitamin C sources like grapefruit segments. Aim to include as many colours as possible in your meals.

Honey. It’s good for your gut — or rather, the good bacteria in your gut. It’s also a favourite sweetener for tea and great for soothing sore throats.

Oats and barley. In addition to being some serious comfort food, these grains feature fibre,

vitamins B and E, selenium and beta-glucans — which helps the immune system recognize and destroy intruders. A hot bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit or honey is an instant warm-up in cold weather and a good way to kick-start your day.

Spices. Who says bland is better? Many seasonings like cinnamon, cloves, oregano, sage, thyme and turmeric are also packed with anti-oxidants.

Ginger is particularly handy during flu season because it will help calm queasy stomachs.

Garlic. Good news for garlic lovers — this potent food contains phytochemicals that help kill bacteria. It’s also thought to have antiviral properties as well.

Tea. Black or green, tea contains protective antioxidants like polyphenols (which are anti-inflammatory and infection-fighting) and catechins (also known for their anti-inflammatory properties).

Tea also helps soothe the throat, and provides a caloriefree way to stay hydrated.

Lean meats. We need protein to fight infections, but high-fat cuts of meat are still a no-no. A little bit of red meat is okay, but chicken and turkey are better choices.

Chicken soup. There are many theories as to why this classic remedy is so soothing — it could be the amino acids that block inflamed cells, the chicken itself and the healthy veggies.

You can’t go wrong stocking your freezer with this favourite — and it’s an easy meal to prepare when you don’t feel like cooking.

Seafood. Salmon, mackerel and herring are good choices for getting some protein, and shellfish — like shrimp, mussels and oysters — pack a triple punch with selenium and zinc added as well.

Legumes. Meat doesn’t have to be your only source of protein.

In fact, dietitians recommend we should be getting more vegetable-based proteins like beans, lentils and nuts in our diet. Many legumes are easy on the budget, and they’re also a source of zinc too. Enjoy some peanut butter on whole-grain crackers or toast, or substitute

our white blood cell count. It’s also a way to cure a sweet craving at a time when we should be cutting back on sugary foods. Try topping plain yogurt with fresh berries, or mix in a little honey to sweeten.

What foods should you avoid?

No surprises here: Processed foods, fatty foods and foods

lentils for beef in your spaghetti sauce.

Mushrooms. Button, Portobello, cremini… It doesn’t matter which variety you choose, they all contain beta-glucans. Serve them up on the side or use

high in sugar aren’t recommended. (After all, they aren’t the best choices even when you are healthy.) Sugar can actually impede immune system functioning, so try not to fill up on sugary drinks when you’re sick.

If you want the full effects, make these food choices a healthy habit. Don’t wait until you’re already sick to start

eating a healthier diet. Think bright, deeply coloured produce, whole grains, lean meats and healthy spices and you’ll be on the right track for better health this fall and winter.

Sources: American Dietetic Association, EatRightOntario.com, Forbes.com, Ohio State University Extension, WebMD

them to top your favourite dishes.

Yogurt. It may seem counterintuitive to put bacteria into your system, but research has shown that pro-biotic cultures in yogurt help bolster our immune system by increasing

Christmas Gift Giving Getting To You? 2) Baked goods from your own kitchen: Fill a beautiful little vase with your home-made cookies, crackers or something else you like to bake. Friends or family will enjoy an edible gift and think of you whenever they use the vase.

H

ere, simplify and save with these affordable gifts from the heart Shopping for something special for your loved ones can be fun and rewarding. Or not.

If your heart-felt attempts at gift-giving tend to turn into frantic, costly shopping marathons that miss the mark then maybe it’s time to pause and reflect. For most people the challenge is definitely time as we tend to shop late, shop rushed and they don’t think about things ahead of time. But with a little pre-planning there are some great options.

Here are some ideas for affordable gifts from the heart: 1) Preserves: “We’re really big fans of gifts you make yourself,” says Sebastien, recommending things like a home-made jam or jelly in a little mason jar along with a recipe for how to use it.

Or your own marinated olives, peppers or pickles.

“It’s a nice little touch and very personalized.

A favourite gift of ours is this pepper sauce we always receive from a friend and we look forward to that every year.”

3)Picture this: “What do you get the father or brother who has everything?

Well, since most people appreciate a gift with sentiment we recommend preserving memories. Take photos from the past year and put them into a book. There are lots of online options for selfpublishing at affordable prices.

You only do the work once but you can get a gift for everyone in the family by simply ordering multiple copies. “Then you can all look back at the great moments you’ve shared and enjoy them for years to come.”

A calendar that features a different picture for every month is another personal, affordable option and something many business centres offer.

4) Personalized serving pieces: “It seems everybody’s always

scrambling to find the right serving board or plate. So if somebody’s over at our house and says, ‘oh, I really love that aged wooden planter’ or whatever it happens to be, we always keep that in mind and try to find something similar to give them as a gift.

5) Parting party gifts: If you have a big family gettogether over the holidays and want everybody to leave with a little somethingwhy not try “hot chocolate lolly pops”. You simply fill icecube trays with melted chocolate, adding in tiny bits of candy cane or mint if you like. Mix them up and put the tray in the freezer. Once the chocolate cubes are almost solid, insert lolly pop sticks and return to the

freezer until fully frozen. When they’re done, wrap individually in a little acrylic bag tied with ribbon and a note that says, ‘thanks so much for joining our holiday celebration.’ Include instructions, which are to heat a big mug of milk, insert the chocolate lolly pop for a few minutes, then voila, a rich, yummy hot chocolate.

Page 17 Mature Living

DESIGN STORIES WITH LEONIE CORNELIUS

A Merry

Modern Christmas WORDS, STYLING and PHOTOGRAPHY Leonie Cornelius

Garden Designer and Interior Architect Leonie Cornelius shows us some unusual ideas for an inspired christmas display for the her creative surf loving clients in Strandhill. extraordinary. The couple wanted to combine industrial style with the spirit of the old cottage and I was delighted to be brought in to help them design the kitchen and the garden.

The creative ethos behind the house, and really everything these guys do, is totally unique.

My designs often feature the combination of architecture and nature working in harmony and this idea is a great combination of modern design and natural touches.

The design ethos behind the christmas idea had to marry the style of the house and untimately reflect Jane and MIles. A creative, surf loving, design orientated couple who love food, nature and embrace life to the fullest.

A

t this time fo the year our towns, villages and cities start to explode with glittering lights and crazy colour. Just in time for christmas we like to surround ourselves in festive cheer. Tinsel, snowflakes, lightchains.you can’t but help getting caught up in the spirit of christmas with all that happy colour and cheer. This year however I wanted to create something totally different. A calm, natural approach with a modern flair, perfect for this special time of year.

W

ith this in mind, I decided to surprise my good friends and clients Jane and MIles of Shells Surf Cafe with a customised christmas display for their wonderful house in Strandhill.

Jane and Miles vision for the small derelict cottage which they bought and rebuilt with love and dedication has been

Page 18 Mature Living

My initial concept was Wood on Wood on Wood. I love the idea of an alternative christmas tree and I love doubling up on the same material which has been treated differently. Wood has so many faces, from long planks of reclaimed timber to chopped braches to form a christmas tree shape to paper used to make the round hanging baubles. For the tree itself I decided to cut down some birch branches from a large old birch

tree. This particular birch has very deep dark bark and creates a beautiful, almost ethereal sillhouette against the background.

By placing the branches against the fully clad wall of reclaimed timber in the dining room I created a wood on wood effect that is really interesting. It makes the birch branches almost feel camouflaged and therefore make any decorations appear to be almost floating in mid air.

Intsead of using a pot or a bucket I sourced a cut off slice from an old tree that had fallen down. Frost had weakened the inside and had created a natural hollow in it’s centre. The ivy which happened to be growing on it was a fortunate bonus.

What a perfect holder for the branches.

Determined to follow the concept through to the end I sourced decorations that are also various treatments of wood. Small cut off branches creating a christmas tree shape, cut offs creating a love heart and recycled paper spheres.

The added clear glas baubles give a hint of shine without being overly glitzy or glam.

It’s a kind of earthy and natural look that you would almost

want to keep for the whole year it’s so subtle and natural.

To see more of our beautiful Design, inspiring stories and fantastic food inspiration and recipes check out SurfCafe Living, the new book by Jane and MIles which combines their vision for great food and creative living. A perfect Christmas present. www.shellscafe.com Leonie Cornelius is an award winning TV Garden Designer, Interior Architect and writer who runs her own businessBLUME design house. corneliusleonie@me.com @leonie_Cee

Health and Wellbeing

ALONE FOR THE

HOLIDAYS

HERE, 5 TIPS FOR HAVING A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON IF YOU’RE ALONE

Volunteer.

Reaching out to help others boosts your happiness is so many ways. Not only will you no longer be alone, but you will also feel great about helping out other people. Volunteering helps boost our self-confidence and helps us appreciate what we have in our lives, rather than focusing on what we do not have.

How can you find the best volunteering match for you?

Choose a group about which you feel passionate: the elderly, homeless, children stuck in the hospital, animals, nature. Then look for opportunities to lend a helping hand.

For example, if you are an animal lover, contact your local animal shelter to see if you can spend some time giving TLC to the orphaned puppies or homeless felines.

I

f you are single, divorced, widowed, or recently separated, it’s not uncommon to feel unhappy or even depressed during the holiday season. With all the images of couples and families smiling at each other, it is easy to feel like you are missing out on all the fun.

Even worse, many of my single clients think there is something wrong with them because they are alone. To make matters worse, people in their lives, and society as a whole, do not always help with this sense of being an outcast.

Let’s look at the top 5 tips to

having a happy holiday when you are alone: Be with friends — old or new.

Social support is a proven buffer to depression. So spend time with people you like. Are all of your friends with their families?

Then make new ones. They do not need to be your favorite people in the world, or even someone who you really know well. Look for people who are also alone and you might like to get to know better. Maybe it is a co-worker, neighbor or person you see at the gym. Think of fun things to do that will not seem awkward. For example, you may

want to have them over for Chinese takeout or make-yourown pizza dinner rather than a more traditional menu.

Or go do something, like going on a snowshoe hike or taking in the latest released movie.

Pick a Project.

This may be a great time to do that item on your to-do list that has been staring at you for a while: cleaning out a closet, organizing your photos, rearranging your bedroom. Take advantage of this time alone.

And just think of how great it

will feel to have the task completed, and what a wonderful gift to give to yourself.

Travel.

Jump in your car and go somewhere — anywhere. Or look on-line for last minute deals. Get in touch with a friend you haven’t seen for a while and plan to visit them. Or, if that is too adventurous for you, be a tourist in your own town. Go to your local museum, try out a new restaurant (even if for take-out) or check out the attractions near you. Enjoy the new experiences.

Take a “you” inventory.

So often we go though life as if on automatic pilot. We get up, go to work, come home, watch TV and then crash in bed. Take this opportunity of “you time” to really figure out… you. Who are you? What are your strengths? What are your goals?

What are your most important values and how can you apply them? Research shows that making conscious decisions to spend your time applying your values and strengths promotes greater happiness and health.

Feature Editorial

Is this your Grandmother too?

D

o you have any Idea how difficult it is to try & trace you relatives in Ireland, when you’re not even sure what your father’s surname is? Well, let me tell you, it’s nigh on impossible. We always thought that my dad was called John Joseph McGrath (or possibly McGraw) – that’s what is on my birth & his marriage certificate, anyway. Apparently, though – my mum was never sure! She once found an old funeral card in one of my dad’s old suits and it had the surname ‘Gough’ on it (she thought that’s what it said anyway) and, when questioned, my dad told her to shut up and forget all about it!

Needless to say – she did try to trace the funeral directors on the card – but to no avail & so she then threw the card away!

My own name – to all intents and purposes is Katherine Mary McGrath – I am one of five children (2 boys and 3 girls) born to an Irish father & English mother. Sadly, both of them no longer alive – my Mum having

Page 20 Mature Living

died a few years ago and my dad back in 1991. Somehow, though I wanted to have one last stab at trying to find my dad’s relatives before I admit defeat – which is the reason behind my appeal to you.

The story so far is a simple one- repeated many times back in the 1930’s & 40’s no doubt.

Here was my father, John Joseph – a young man from a poor family. From what he told me on his death bed, don’t get too excited, he did have senile dementia by then) he was one of 4 children. There was an older brother Michael (a builder apparently), his sister Mary (possibly Mary Ellen) and a younger brother, Pat. Their mother was called Margaret Elizabeth and his dad was called John Joseph as well, and, according to my dad’s wedding certificate -he was a blacksmith. How much of this is true & how much is mixed up with MY own family is pure speculation – I just thought I’d better give the full version - but

my elder brother is also called Michael – the next is Pat – my mum was called Marjorie Elizabeth, etc.

Anyway, the tale goes that, since there was no work or vocation for him at home in 1934, at the age of 17 (we believed all our lives that he was born on 1/3/1917), he left the shores of Eire to make a life for himself in England – where he spent most of it fixing the plant & machinery that built the motorways. Very proud we all were of him for that – he was always referred to as a fine figure of a man and he was a lovely dad - if a bit too fond of the pub & bookies at times! We all loved him - BUT - he never told us anything about his family – we knew not from whence he came. We were unaware of all our Irish relatives, aunties, uncles and cousins etc., although we did know that his mum & dad were already dead (both by 1949 at the latest). Funny though, when you are young yourself – you don’t really care or think about those sorts of things – we never thought anything of it. We never had this other set of relatives – so we didn’t really miss them. It was only when we got older & started to have our own children that we wondered about our Irish roots & if anyone would be ‘out there’ who would wonder what had happened to their brother or their uncle John (aka Jack); by which time of course – it was too late.

Both my mum & dad wouldn’t talk about any of it – they had put the past well & truly behind them – maybe it was too hurtful for them to drag up –maybe they just didn’t understand why we needed to know. My Mum did tell us later on, that when they had first met she kept asking my dad for info on his family – but he had basically told her to drop the subject, as he wasn’t going to tell her anything – he had left all that behind, so eventually she had given up.

Part of me never really forgave her for that – but that was her way. I am a little bit more tenacious –as you can see!

We have tried haphazardly to find our Irish family a few times –back in the eighties my two brothers went around Sligo on a whim trying to find somebody, anybody - to whom we were related, but I think that was just an excuse for them to get away from home for a while & basically they just ended up in all the local pubs! My dad was alive back then & he still wouldn’t tell them anything!

Then back in 1998, my husband, son and I spent 3 days out of a lovely holiday in Ireland (my first visit to the land of my father –ever) in the GRO research room office in Dublin trawling through McGrath/ McGraw names on birth certificates - trying to pinpoint one to the date of birth & vague geographical area. My dad maintained he was from Sligo we always thought the town – but he could have meant the county – the only other places he ever mentioned to me –by then in a slightly ‘Alzheimer’s’ way, was something that sounded like Caron Fouler (Carn Foller?) and Belmullet. After that stint in Dublin– finding absolutely nothing – even I began to doubt our surname was what we had always believed it to be and would have given up altogether if not for the photograph of my Irish grandmother.

This came to light after my mother’s death in 2008. It was tucked inside an old bible and, I for one, had never seen it before (although my youngest sister had). My Grandmother looks so like my dad used to when he was young -she really does, and, apparently the little blond haired tot she is holding

in her arms IS my dad.

I don’t know why my dad became estranged from his family altogether. We know that he did go back for his father’s funeral (his father died at only 54 years of age). That was a big deal in those days (no cheap flights then!), but – apparently when his mum died (rumour had it, that he was his mums favourite) they couldn’t track him down, as he was working all up and down the country on the roads – so he missed her funeral and he never forgave them. I also have a theory – in that we found out – when we were all quite grown up – that he had been married (to a woman called Gwendolyne May) before he met my mum and that he had to get divorced in order to re-marry. We imagine that would not have gone down to well at all back in his homeland at the time. Maybe that was a cause of the rift as well. One thing is for certain – we will never know. After my mum died, we searched all her papers – high & low – for any scrap of a clue of our father’s origins & came up blank – apart from the photo - so I send this (plus a couple of others of my father as a young man) with my fingers crossed & hoping the internet can work some magic. I am asking – if there is anyone out there who also has a photo of this lady in an old album and knows who she was- or who recognises any of the names I have given and can link them to my father. I know it’s a long shot but it’s all I’ve got.

Thanks for listening. Yours Hopefully, Kathy McGrath

“I’m feeling great I’ve more flexibility.......

I feel 10 years younger.”

Call 071 9671771 to Join Aura Leitrim today

Stay-cations

A must do in 2015 STAY-CAT ION! RELAX IN A LUXURY HOTEL… “A vacation from your vacation”. You’re not the only one to feel exhausted upon returning from a vacation.

That need for just one more day before returning back to work. Well, avoid the stress of travel all together and have a stay-cation in beautiful Ireland!

Check into a luxury suite, sleep-in and then take in those popular tourist attractions that you just haven’t gotten around to yet. We’re all guilty for procrastinating on visiting Irelands unique hidden gems, but make it happen during your stay-cation!

Reasons to make your next vacation a stay-cation: Ireland is beautiful! Tourists have been saying that for years.

There’s a laundry list of incredible things to do (that even the locals haven’t seen it all) Save money– an opportunity to splurge (a little) on a hotel minus the exorbitant travel expenses for you and your family If you forgot to pack anything, you’re only minutes away from home Less stress, enough said

Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway

meetings, incentives and midweek & weekend hotel breaks in Galway, Ireland. Of all Galway Hotels, guests enjoy unrivalled personal service in the warmth of one of the few 5 Star Hotels in Galway Ireland.

Luxury is a necessity at Glenlo Abbey – if you are looking for luxury hotel breaks in Ireland – then you have found the perfect 5 star Galway hotel!

The Villa Rose

Kilford Arms Hotel

City Centre Kilkenny The Kilford Arms Hotel Kilkenny is situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, adjacent to all the tourist attractions and just meters from the main bus and railway station and the new McDonagh shopping centre. A very comfortable family run hotel with 60 rooms, two bars, fabulous Kilkenny restaurant.

Compimentary Private Parking Available on Site.Whether its business or pleasure make the Kilford Arms your home away from home!

Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway A manor to which you can become accustomed...

Galway’s 5 star luxury hotel, glenlo abbey, is the ideal resort property for galway weddings,

The Villa Rose Hotel is a 4 Star, family owned, boutique spa hotel located in the bustling town of Ballybofey, Co Donegal.

Centrally located on the N15 between Lifford and Donegal Town it is an ideal base from which to experience all that Hotel Westport

Clarion Hotel Sligo

Donegal and the North West of Ireland have to offer.

Hotel Westport Hotel Westport is a family owned 4-Star Award-Winning hotel. Nestled in 7 acres of beautiful woodland in the heart of the heritage town of Westport in County Mayo on the stunning West Coast of Ireland.

You'll discover a uniquely friendly, comfortable and stylish hotel abounding in warmth and relaxation, and this has been duly recognised having recently been awarded the AA Courtesy & Care Award Winner 2013 / 2014.

Clarion Hotel Sligo Situated in an idyllic scenic location on the Atlantic coast, overlooked by the spectacular Benbulben mountain, the Clarion Hotel Sligo exudes classic contemporary style complete with Elizabethan façade. Only 8 km from Sligo airport, 2.5 hours from Dublin and within walking distance from the bustling town of Sligo, this truly is a wonderful holiday

destination.

The Clarion Hotel Sligo has rooms to suit every guest’s needs with 74 superior bedrooms and 89 suites with kitchenette facilities.

Harbour Hotel Galway

Make the most of our waterfront location in the heart of Galway, where just a 3 minute stroll from our hotel will take you to Eyre Square and the city centre, including Shop Street and the bustling bars & cafés of Quay Street.

Meander along the cultured streets and enjoy the pace of life unique to the West of Ireland. You are assured of a very warm welcome upon arrival.

The team will welcome you to our modern, comfortable, family owned hotel and take excellent care of you throughout your stay.

They offer secure parking and are easy to find by car, or from the bus & rail stations Ashdown Park Hotel

The beautiful Ashdown Park Hotel, part of the Redmond Hotel Group, is a family run hotel and is located in the Sunny South East of North Wexford in the town of Gorey.

Situated in its own private grounds it is minutes away from the boutique boulevard of Esmonde Street, miles of sandy beaches and a range of top class golf courses, the hotel boasts 79 beautifully appointed guest rooms.

The Ashdown Park, is one of the most renowned hotels in Wexford and can truly boast of bringing your food directly from farm-to-fork as much of produce used within the hotels kitchen is grown naturally without using pesticides and nurtured on the Redmond Family Farm not far from the Ashdown Park.

The Royal Marine

The 4 Star Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is an historic and much-loved luxury landmark hotel, dating back to 1828, located in a prime South Dublin position overlooking Dublin Bay. Its unique location, close to Dublin City Centre & Dun Laoghaire ferry port & the DART line, but also within easy reach of County Wicklow, The Garden of Ireland, makes The Royal Marine Hotel in South Dublin an ideal accommodation choice for leisure and business travellers alike.

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Happy New Year!

The 5 Resolutions those over 50 should never ever make T

is the season of broken promises. The flip of the calendar page to a new year always holds such promise as we resolve to change this or that behavior -- lose weight, exercise more, wash that man right out of our hair. You get the idea. But most of the time, our resolve melts away faster than the snow on the ground in Ireland. And what we are left with is muddy brown slush and a pantry full of ready made dinners.

We would like to propose a more realistic list of resolutions for 2015. Here is our list of five resolutions no boomer should ever make.

1) I won't wear reading glasses.

Since our arms don't appear to grow longer with age -- clearly an evolutionary oversight -- it just keeps getting harder and harder for most of us to read.

Do you know what percentage of the population eventually succumbs to needing reading glasses? Try 100 percent. And yet, there are hold-outs among us, resisters of the inevitable.

Now nobody is suggesting that anyone should resort to wearing one of those librarian-like reading glass ropes around your neck to stop you from putting your glasses down and forgetting where they are, but surely it's time to go for the glasses. Don't put it off another year.

2) I won't get a hearing test because there is nothing wrong with my hearing.

There is nothing wrong with your hearing but you need the TV volume turned up high and every time someone says "Did you take out the garbage?" you ask "What's wrong in the garage?" There is a strong relationship between age and reported hearing loss: 18 percent of American adults 4564 years old, 30 percent of adults 65-74 years old, and 47 percent of adults 75 years old or older have a hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness. Don't fight the inevitable because when you do, every relationship in your life suffers.

3) I will retire this year.

While you may like to, and while there may be a couple of generations measuring your office for new drapes, the truth is that mid-lifers are likely to stay working longer. The reason why is simple: We can't afford to retire. The recession blew a whole through our retirement funds and while housing values have ticked back up, we are still shoveling out from our debts. On top of that, many of our adult children are still unsettled, which is a euphemism for unemployed and living in their childhood bedrooms. So don't be making any rash promises to the Harley in the carport that the two of you will be hitting the lonesome highway any time soon.

According to a survey by TD Ameritrade, the average Baby Boomer is a half-million dollars short on retirement savings. And 74 percent of Boomers surveyed

say they will need to rely "heavily" on Social Security in retirement; the average Social Security check is a whopping $1,230 a month. Just rent "Easy Rider" a few more times.

4) I will have amazing sex three times a week, just like I did when I was in my 20s.

We actually don't know anyone over 50 who says this, but for the one guy out there who puts lifts in his shoes and faithfully glues on a hair piece each

morning and thinks this thought in his head, we want to say: No, no you won't. Given the technological and pharmaceutical advances of the past few decades, it shouldn't come as a surprise that many older adults are still sexually vigorous, or as one news outlet quipped, sexually viagarous.

The discussion isn't a whether they are or not -- they most certainly are according to a large Indiana University study -but a how often and how good.

Weigh in, readers, you know you want to.

5) I will skip my mammogram/colonoscopy/pap smear/prostate exam because I just don't have time/don't want to pay the co-pay/find those tests to be so unpleasant.

We hear you on all of the above but don't do it.

Top 10 New Years resolutions for 2014 1 Lose Weight 2 Getting Organized 3 Spend Less, Save More 4 Enjoy Life to the Fullest 5 Staying Fit and Healthy 6 Learn Something Exciting 7 Quit Smoking 8 Help Others in Their Dreams 9 Fall in Love 10 Spend More Time with Family News Years Resolution Statistics

45% Percent of us who usually make New Year’s Resolutions.

17% Percent of us who infrequently make New Year’s Resolutions.

Percent of us who absolutlely never make New Year’s Resolutions.

38% Percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolution 8% Percent who have infrequent success.

49% Percent who never succeed and fail on their resolution each year.

24% People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t explicitly make resolutions Type of Resolutions Self Improvement or education related resolutions 47% Weight related resolutions 38% Money related resolutions 34% Relationship related resolutions 31% Age Success Rates Percent of people in their twenties who achieve their resolution each year 39% Percent of people over 50 who achieve their resolution each year 14% Length of Resolutions Resolution maintained through first week 75% Past two weeks 71% Past one month 64% Past six months 46%

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Colm Dunne (Financial Broker) is an Independent Financial Advisory company based in Dublin. We value our independence highly, so you can be absolutely sure we are not tied to any one financial institution. This guarantees that you receive only CLEAR, CONCISE, IMPARTIAL Advice. In other words, a Financial Services provider that YOU can TRUST.

We offer an extensive range of "Capital Secure" investment options which are NOT available through the high street banks.

You can invest from as little as €10,000 for Short term (6 to 12 months), Medium term (up to 2 years) or Longer term (5 to 6 year) options. With the added security of Full or Conditional capital protection at maturity.

• Income Protection • Critical Illness • Mortgage Protection • Business Protection • Savings and Investments • Retirement Planning • Wealth Management • Mortgages For a FREE no obligation financial review at a time and place that suits YOU call 086-2870547 or email: colm@colmdunne.ie Company Reg.No.399554B. Colm Dunne is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Colm Dunne is a member of the Professional Insurance Brokers Association.

M

ost people with hearing loss report that before they got hearing aids they struggled to hear conversations when there were a lot of people around them or they were in a busy place. So if you have started to struggle to hear, then Christmas can be a very difficult time as you are surrounded by friends and family and may find that you can’t get involved in the conversation as you won’t be able to hear what they are saying.

If you have been putting off getting a hearing aid because you don’t want your friends and family to know that you need one then Lyric is the perfect solution for you. The Lyric hearing aid from America is available from Donal MacNally Hearing and is the only100% invisible hearing aid available. It sits 4mm away from the ear drum and as such delivers exceptional sound quality, but because of this placement no one will know how well you can hear.

Now available on a risk free 30 day trial you can come in and try Lyric to make sure you don’t miss out on anything this Christmas. Call 01 832 4007 to make an appointment with one of our Lyric trained professionals.

The

Kilford Arms Hotel

John Street, Kilkenny • Phone: 056-7761018 Fax: 056-7761128

The Kilford Arms Hotel Kilkenny is situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, adjacent to all the tourist attractions and just meters from the main bus and railway station and the new McDonagh shopping centre. A very comfortable family run hotel with 60 rooms, two bars, fabulous Kilkenny restaurant. Complimentary Private Parking Available on Site.Whether its business or pleasure make the Kilford Arms your home away from home!

Over 55’s Special Offer 1 Night Bed & Breakfast (Sun - Thur) Only €59 2 Night Bed & Breakfast (Sun - Thur) Only €99 3 Night Special Bed & Breakfast (Sun - Thur) Only €139 Subject to Availability.

Email: info@kilfordarms.ie • www.kilfordarms.ie

Healthy Living

10 EVERYDAY Superfoods don’t have to be exotic or expensive — in fact, many are grown in Ireland, easy on the budget and readily available at the grocery store. Here, some of our top choices.

Allium family vegetables W

e’re familiar with the health benefits of garlic and onions, but experts like Dr. Perricone extol the virtues of the entire Allium family, including chives, leeks, shallots and scallions. This family contains flavonoids which prompt the body to produce more glutathione — a chemical which helps get rid of toxins and carcinogens. Members of this family can also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce the risk of blood clots and certain cancers and help fight neurological diseases. They also help support the immune system. How to use them: Recipes aren’t hard to find because these ingredients are commonly used, but try to find ones where they get a chance to shine. To switch things up, try milder leeks or shallots in a stir fry or vegetable dish instead of onions, or toss them in a salad. Some alliums like garlic should be enjoyed raw for maximum benefit because cooking can harm some of their protective properties.

MUSHROOM, CHICKEN AND LEEK POT PIE Prepared pastry and pre-sliced mushrooms make this tasty meal quick to prepare. For even faster preparation substitute left over cooked turkey cubes for the chicken.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes Baking Time: 25-30 minutes Ingredients 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4) 2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil, divided 2 large leeks, white part only, sliced (2cups/500 mL) 1 lb (500g) slicedFresh Mushrooms 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried tarragon 2 tbsp (25 mL) all purpose flour 3/4 cup (175 mL) chicken stock ½ tsp (2 mL) salt ¼ tsp (1 mL) pepper 1 9”/22cm deep dish frozen pie shell, thawed

Method Cut chicken into 3/4-inch (2 cm) cubes. In large non-stick saucepan or deep skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned but still pink inside, about 3-4 minutes. Spoon into 6 cup (1.5 L) baking dish or deep pie plate.

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining oil to same pan. Sauté leeks, mushroom and tarragon for 2-3 minutes; cover and cook about 3 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Sprinkle in flour and stir to blend. Gradually stir in chicken stock, salt and pepper. Bring to boil and stir until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Spoon mixture over chicken. Invert thawed pie shell over casserole pressing pastry edge to baking dish and crimp or flute the edges. Cut 3-4 slits in pastry.

Bake in 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and pastry is brown.

Makes 4 servings.

Beets N

utritionist and author Jonny Bowden calls them “red spinach” for a reason: those potent pigments are thought to help ward off certain cancers like colon cancer. They’re also high in folate (an essential B-vitamin) and manganese, and the betaine found in beets can help fight inflammation in the body.

How to use them: Cooked is okay, but the best benefits come from the raw, fresh form. Grate it onto a salad or vegetable dish for an attractive splash of colour. You can also marinate them in olive oil, fresh lemon juice and herbs.

SPINACH AND SAVOY CABBAGE SLAW WITH ROASTED BEETS AND SESAME VINAIGRETTE Prep time: 20 minutes Makes 6 servings Ingredients: 4 tbsp (60 mL) seasoned rice wine vinegar 2 tbsp (30 mL) sesame oil 2 tsp (10 mL) soy sauce 1 tsp (5 mL) hot pepper jelly, melted 1 tsp (5 mL) ginger, finely minced 1 tsp (5 mL) garlic, minced 4 cups (1 L) savoy cabbage, cored and shredded, about a 1/2 head 3 cups (750 mL) baby spinach 4 green onions, finely sliced 2 tbsp (30 mL) toasted sesame seeds 4 medium roasted beets 2 tbsp (30mL) crumbled blue cheese Directions: 1. Whisk together vinegar, oil, soy sauce, hot pepper jelly, ginger and garlic.

Toss with shredded cabbage, spinach, green onions and sesame seeds.

2. Cut roasted beets into wedges and gently toss with salad. Sprinkle blue cheese over and serve immediately.

SUPERFOODS Prunes

T

hey’re not as sexy as other superfoods, and often elicit a few jokes and giggles. While known for helping to promote regularity (thanks to the fibre), they’re also packed with phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid – which are powerful antioxidants that help prevent cell damage. They’re also a good source of beta-carotene and potassium — which offers a helpful boost for the heart and the bones.

Prunes also help the body absorb iron, and despite their sweet taste they won’t raise blood sugar levels like other dried fruits.

How to use them: Enjoy them on their own, or chop them up and use them as a topping for cereal or in a trail mix. You can also use them in appetizers, stuffing and with roasted meats. Serving sizes don’t have to be huge — a quarter cup is sufficient.

BANANA & PRUNE MUFFINS Preparation time: 20-25 minutes Ingredients 125g caster sugar

3 medium bananas mashed 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp cinnamon 3 tbs vegetable oil 1 tsp vanilla ½ tsp bicarb soda 185g prune puree 1 egg 220g plain flour ¼ tsp salt

Method 1. Preheat oven to 180oC. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan.

2. In a 3. Mix together flour, baking powder, bicarb, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Stir into egg mixture.

Stir in prunes. Spoon mixture into muffin pan.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Dark chocolate

Y

es, experts agree that chocolate can be part of a healthy diet. Various studies have shown that chocolate has antioxidants which help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s also a great way to give our mood a little boost.

However, most of us reach for the wrong stuff when that sweet craving hits, so we’re not reaping the full benefits of those disease-fighting flavonoids. Cocoa is the key — but milk chocolate and some dark chocolate don’t have enough, and white chocolate doesn’t have any. Look for dark chocolate that’s at least 60 per cent cocoa, though some sources recommend 70 per cent and above.

How to use it: Do we really need advice on how to enjoy chocolate? Yes, because dietitians warn to keep the portion sizes small — a small piece each day is enough.

Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on a fruit salad, or make your own hot chocolate from scratch. Many appetizer, side dish and main course recipes also use chocolate as a flavouring so they’re a good way to get some of this superfood without the fat and sugar of chocolate desserts.

Chocolate Beef Stew Ingredients 2 lb. or so blade pot roast, cut into large chunks 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 3 stalks celery, chopped

3 onions, peeled and chopped 3 carrots, peeled and chopped 1 can (28-ounce) tomatoes 1 cup beef broth 1 dried Ancho pepper, seeded and chopped 1 Tbsp ground cumin 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp dried oregano 2 heaping spoonfuls of cocoa powder Salt to taste 2 oz 70% dark chocolate, chopped Directions 1. Dry the beef chunks well with paper towel and heat a large heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add a thin film of oil and when thin wisps of smoke begin to appear, carefully add a single layer of beef. Patiently sear the beef on all sides adding the unmistakable richness of flavour that can only come from browning. Depending on the size of your pot you may have to do this in several batches so the meat doesn't overwhelm the works and cool the pan. When all the beef has been browned add it back to the pot.

2. Add the celery, onions and

carrots. Add the tomatoes, chopping them a bit with a spoon. Add beef broth, Ancho, spices and cocoa and stir well.

Season with salt and bring to a simmer. Continue simmering until the beef is very tender and the broth has thickened, about 1-1/2 hours. Stir in the dark chocolate and serve immediately!

Super spices. What you put on your food can be just as important as what you cook.

For example, one teaspoon of cinnamon has as many antioxidants as a serving of blueberries — making it a superfood favourite. Hot

pepper (think cayenne or ground red pepper) contain capsaicin, another antioxidant which is also thought to boost the metabolism. Allspice, cloves, ginger, oregano and sage are also packed full of antioxidants.

How to use them: Give bland cooking a pass and get creative in the kitchen. Cook vegetables in ginger or your favourite herb blend. Try a Mexican Hot Chocolate or sprinkle some cinnamon in your coffee, or on your toast or oatmeal. Look for soups that contain turmeric, or add some herbs to your grilled cheese or mashed potatoes.

Health

By Edwina Jagger

L

ast weekend I went on a date with someone new. As I was getting ready, I stared in the bathroom mirror while brushing my teeth, and sighed when I noticed my roots: a quarter-inch of silvery-grey seemed to have sprung up overnight and now bordered my dark brown tresses. I keep dye on hand to touch up my roots between hair appointments. But it was too late to remedy the problem, an hour before the date. Relieved that I was meeting him for the first time at a dimly-lit wine bar, I mentally clicked through the standard woman-who-is-marriedto-her-stylist calculations: When was the soonest I could get an appointment? What was my cash flow situation? Were my roots as glaringly awful as they appeared? Should I just throw in the towel and cede victory to Mother Nature by finally -- after 25 years of peroxide -- going grey?

I started coloring my hair when I was 27, as my first grey hairs

presented themselves. My mother was all grey by 40, and my grandmother sported a silver streak in her hair, perpetually coiffed in a stylish up-do, at the same age. But I couldn't bear the thought of yielding to my DNA. I was way too young to look old, I thought.

Now that I'm 52, I'm old enough to look "old." When I consider the time and money I'd save by letting nature have her way with me, it seems silly not to go grey. And considering I'm on a mission to disrupt the cultural narrative that older women aren't hot, it seems slightly hypocritical.

Have I bought into the notion that men can be silver foxes, but women cannot? Cultural narratives shape the way we think about women. When young women are put on a media pedestal, older women compare ourselves unfavourably. And many men do too. If Hollywood and fashion magazines courted women of a certain age in the same manner as young women, however, we might come to believe that grey hair and

wrinkles are beautiful in their own way. We might see the character that's apparent in physical signs of aging as sexy. A deeper, richer sexy that young women don't have.

Still, I don't think being older means you should go grey or eschew a judicious amount of injectables. If you adhere strictly to the logic that aging gracefully = 100% natural, then we'd all have to stop shaving, plucking, doing squats, and getting mani-pedis.

And then there's this: what if gray hair simply doesn't suit you? The silver fox above has fair skin and light eyes that work with her hair colour. The gray seems to enliven her. Grey hair on me, with my olive skin and brown eyes, might wash me out. Which seems a valid reason as any to keep my colour the way it's always been.

Aging should not mean you have to limit your choices. Grey hair, crow's feet, slackened skin: none of these detracts from desirability. Because being sexy at any age comes down to one thing.

Confidence.

Meningitis is still here so know the symptoms this winter M eningitis and septicaemia are deadly diseases that can strike without warning, killing one in ten, and leaving many survivors with lifelong effects. The risk heightens as winter approaches when people’s immune systems are weakened from fighting common illnesses making them more vulnerable to bacterial

meningitis. Children under five and students are most at risk, however Meningitis Research Foundation is warning everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms as the diseases can strike anyone at any age and not all forms are currently covered by vaccines.

Diane McConnell, Ireland Manager of

Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) said: “Parents are often unaware just how vulnerable their children are to meningitis and incorrectly assume that current vaccines offer blanket protection but this isn’t the case.

There is no single vaccine that can prevent all forms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia, however there are effective vaccines available that provide excellent protection against some forms.”

For many years MenB has killed and disabled more young children than any other infectious disease but it is still not vaccinated against in the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule. A vaccine has been available privately in Ireland since December 2013 but its introduction into the Immunisation Schedule is still being considered by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).

Diane McConnell concludes: “The Charity urges NIAC to make a positive decision about the introduction of the MenB vaccine as we know that it will save lives. We are now in the the peak period for meningitis and septicaemia so it’s more essential than ever that parents are well informed and have the confidence to seek medical help fast if they fear for their children.”

Anyone who would like further information about the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia or have any concerns should visit: www.meningitis.org or call the Freefone Helpline: 1800 41 33 44

Travel

W

hile the prospect can sound daunting, travelling alone can offer a unique experience and be a rewarding way to travel.

Read our top tips for single travellers to help you get the most out of a solo holiday.

Being a single traveller can be a liberating experience. It offers you the freedom to only visit the places and do the things that interest you. Nevertheless, it can seem daunting, and not everyone will enjoy the experience.

Before embarking on your big adventure abroad, it may be worth taking a short break in Ireland first. It will allow you to see how comfortable you feel in your own company. If you don’t like the experience, you can go home with minimal stress and without feeling like you have wasted your time and money.

Page 32 Mature Living

Alone or in a group?

It may seem obvious, but think about what you would like to do on a holiday and where exactly you would like to go. You may have spent a lot of time on past holidays on the beach or in restaurants with a companion, but this may not be as much fun while travelling solo. You may instead prefer a group holiday on which you can be with people with shared interests, such as on a safari, hiking trip or visit to a cultural site. It doesn’t have to be an active holiday either.

Many spas and retreats are popular with single travellers.

If you would like to travel as part of a group, think about who your companions would be.

Would you prefer travelling with fellow silver travellers or people of all ages? Some companies specify age ranges, so do check what works for you. Some tour

groups also have singles as well as couples in them. How do you feel about this?

Share these preferences with your tour company before you book because they should be able to steer you in the right direction. And if you book late – not normally advised because you don’t always get the best deal – you could always ask the agent to share some information about others in the group.

Your tour operator will be able to offer excellent, specialist advice, but they may not necessarily have first-hand experience of being a single traveller. It’s often possible to join a forum attached to your holiday company before you leave the UK, which enables you to discover more about travelling alone from people who have done it. Reading the comments and posts from others can be highly informative and very useful.

Once abroad It can be a bit daunting working out where to go and what to do at the airport if you’re unfamiliar with solo travel, so keeping an eye out for baggage labels from your travel company can help you pick out fellow travellers, even if you don’t talk to them directly.

If you do however want to break the ice and are feeling a little nervous, have a few preprepared conversation gambits ready. Chatting about your journey or other travel

experiences are easy and inoffensive subjects to get the conversation started. Food and weather (both home and abroad) seem to be universally acceptable too.

Tours often have a manager or director who is a fount of knowledge, as well as the group’s facilitator. They can often suggest others for you to join up with if you fancy a new restaurant or an additional visit somewhere. Every group will have some folk you really enjoy, and some you are happy never to meet again. What’s more, this is, thankfully, usually mutual!

There may well be a moment or two when you just want to be on your own. At mealtimes, if alone, a magazine or paper can disguise any awkwardness, and it’s probably easier to find a casual eatery too. Formal dining can be somewhat threatening by yourself. It is also a good idea to revisit restaurants and cafes where you had good service

because there is a good chance the staff will remember you and be more engaging.

Keeping safe While alone in a bar or restaurant, you may come across some over-friendly interest, which can be upsetting. It is best to avoid reacting angrily to these approaches because this could make the situation worse. Tell the person that friends are arriving any minute and you would like to be left in peace. If they do not take the hint, explain your situation to a member of staff, who will most likely be supportive.

You should plan your days out in advance, but even the most organised person can lose their bearings. You should ask for help, but pretend that you are on your way to see friends.

Don’t immediately let on that you’re alone, and it is better to ask someone at work in a shop or restaurant rather than

someone wandering the streets.

Similarly, whipping out your guidebook can mark you out as a tourist.

As a pre-caution, it’s always a good idea to let the tour guide or reception staff know roughly where you are going and when you aim to return. They can advise if there are any unsafe places to avoid and know where to look if you are running late.

When you get home, do take a moment to visit a solo traveller forum and leave tales of your happy memories, which may be just what inspires a first timer to go it alone!

Note: The information given is by way of suggestion only. It is correct, to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions on our part.

Questions to ask before travelling One of the most important things to do when booking your holiday is to ask questions, particularly if you have special requests or need to be 100% certain that your exact requirements are in place.

It might be useful to mentally map out your journey, from leaving home to arriving at your destination, considering all the potential challenges on the way.

And then do a similar exercise for your daily routine when you’re away.

With these in mind, you can then really quiz the tour operator or travel agent. Why

not write down your queries and the answers you’re given too, so you can compare different companies to find your perfect holiday.

Transfers and transport If you're going to the airport, do you need a specially adapted taxi? Will there be assistance from the car park to check-in and through to the plane? If you would like a wheelchair or buggy, the airline will need to know in advance.

Maps of many airports are now available on the internet, so you can easily find toilets, reserved seating and information points.

Perhaps you will want to know if you can keep your wheelchair until you get to the aircraft, the airline will decide this given the information you provide. If you can’t, then the airline must provide a suitable wheelchair for you. How about attaching a laminated photocopy of how to dismantle/assemble your wheelchair, so it can be handled properly?

Likewise with oxygen canisters, it’s as well to mention this when booking, most airlines need at least 7 days’ notice and there is usually a charge for carrying these.

If you have a medical condition that could affect your suitability to fly, get a certificate from your doctor to show you are well enough to travel.

Blind, partially-sighted or deaf passengers, particularly those travelling alone, should let their

travel companies and airlines know so staff can provide immediate assistance should there be an emergency.

On arrival at your destination, you will need to ask about getting to your transfer through the airport, and how the transfer vehicle will accommodate your needs. If you are renting a car, and need a hands controlled car, this will certainly need to be requested well in advance and confirmed to you in writing.

Remember, you are entitled to certain levels of assistance by European law when you fly, if you are a person with reduced mobility (PRM).

At your destination So what do you need in your accommodation, be it a hotel, cruise ship, self-catering cottage or log cabin? Consider asking about: outside and inside ramps for wheelchairs, lifts, a suitably adapted room, with flat floor shower, grab rails, bed and light switches at the correct height, notices in Braille and induction loops.

Some travellers prefer to hire equipment at their destination, if this is you, be very sure you’ve checked it is available, the cost and if it can be delivered to where you are staying.

It may also be useful to find out about adapted leisure facilities such as swimming pool lifts. If you’re staying in a resort, any maps of the town or hotel will

be useful, local tourist information websites usually have a wealth of information.

If you require a special diet, do check that this can be provided before booking.

And it can be useful to know just how far a main hospital is from where you’re staying, just in case.

Of course, if you are out and about on organised excursions, you’ll want to ask questions about the transport: are ramps or hydraulic lifts available? How many steps are involved when visiting attractions? Will suitable toilets will be available on the trip? And can equipment, such as

mobility aids, can be taken along?

And finally...

Once you’re comfortable that all your questions are answered satisfactorily, and you are making a reservation, it’s really advisable to get all your requests written onto the booking form and confirmed back to you, so everyone is absolutely clear about what you want. Note: The information given is by way of suggestion only. It is correct, to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions on our part.

Page 33 Mature Living

Travel

W

hile the prospect can sound daunting, travelling alone can offer a unique experience and be a rewarding way to travel.

Read our top tips for single travellers to help you get the most out of a solo holiday.

Being a single traveller can be a liberating experience. It offers you the freedom to only visit the places and do the things that interest you. Nevertheless, it can seem daunting, and not everyone will enjoy the experience.

Before embarking on your big adventure abroad, it may be worth taking a short break in Ireland first. It will allow you to see how comfortable you feel in your own company. If you don’t like the experience, you can go home with minimal stress and without feeling like you have wasted your time and money.

Page 32 Mature Living

Alone or in a group?

It may seem obvious, but think about what you would like to do on a holiday and where exactly you would like to go. You may have spent a lot of time on past holidays on the beach or in restaurants with a companion, but this may not be as much fun while travelling solo. You may instead prefer a group holiday on which you can be with people with shared interests, such as on a safari, hiking trip or visit to a cultural site. It doesn’t have to be an active holiday either.

Many spas and retreats are popular with single travellers.

If you would like to travel as part of a group, think about who your companions would be.

Would you prefer travelling with fellow silver travellers or people of all ages? Some companies specify age ranges, so do check what works for you. Some tour

groups also have singles as well as couples in them. How do you feel about this?

Share these preferences with your tour company before you book because they should be able to steer you in the right direction. And if you book late – not normally advised because you don’t always get the best deal – you could always ask the agent to share some information about others in the group.

Your tour operator will be able to offer excellent, specialist advice, but they may not necessarily have first-hand experience of being a single traveller. It’s often possible to join a forum attached to your holiday company before you leave the UK, which enables you to discover more about travelling alone from people who have done it. Reading the comments and posts from others can be highly informative and very useful.

Once abroad It can be a bit daunting working out where to go and what to do at the airport if you’re unfamiliar with solo travel, so keeping an eye out for baggage labels from your travel company can help you pick out fellow travellers, even if you don’t talk to them directly.

If you do however want to break the ice and are feeling a little nervous, have a few preprepared conversation gambits ready. Chatting about your journey or other travel

experiences are easy and inoffensive subjects to get the conversation started. Food and weather (both home and abroad) seem to be universally acceptable too.

Tours often have a manager or director who is a fount of knowledge, as well as the group’s facilitator. They can often suggest others for you to join up with if you fancy a new restaurant or an additional visit somewhere. Every group will have some folk you really enjoy, and some you are happy never to meet again. What’s more, this is, thankfully, usually mutual!

There may well be a moment or two when you just want to be on your own. At mealtimes, if alone, a magazine or paper can disguise any awkwardness, and it’s probably easier to find a casual eatery too. Formal dining can be somewhat threatening by yourself. It is also a good idea to revisit restaurants and cafes where you had good service

because there is a good chance the staff will remember you and be more engaging.

Keeping safe While alone in a bar or restaurant, you may come across some over-friendly interest, which can be upsetting. It is best to avoid reacting angrily to these approaches because this could make the situation worse. Tell the person that friends are arriving any minute and you would like to be left in peace. If they do not take the hint, explain your situation to a member of staff, who will most likely be supportive.

You should plan your days out in advance, but even the most organised person can lose their bearings. You should ask for help, but pretend that you are on your way to see friends.

Don’t immediately let on that you’re alone, and it is better to ask someone at work in a shop or restaurant rather than

someone wandering the streets.

Similarly, whipping out your guidebook can mark you out as a tourist.

As a pre-caution, it’s always a good idea to let the tour guide or reception staff know roughly where you are going and when you aim to return. They can advise if there are any unsafe places to avoid and know where to look if you are running late.

When you get home, do take a moment to visit a solo traveller forum and leave tales of your happy memories, which may be just what inspires a first timer to go it alone!

Note: The information given is by way of suggestion only. It is correct, to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions on our part.

Questions to ask before travelling One of the most important things to do when booking your holiday is to ask questions, particularly if you have special requests or need to be 100% certain that your exact requirements are in place.

It might be useful to mentally map out your journey, from leaving home to arriving at your destination, considering all the potential challenges on the way.

And then do a similar exercise for your daily routine when you’re away.

With these in mind, you can then really quiz the tour operator or travel agent. Why

not write down your queries and the answers you’re given too, so you can compare different companies to find your perfect holiday.

Transfers and transport If you're going to the airport, do you need a specially adapted taxi? Will there be assistance from the car park to check-in and through to the plane? If you would like a wheelchair or buggy, the airline will need to know in advance.

Maps of many airports are now available on the internet, so you can easily find toilets, reserved seating and information points.

Perhaps you will want to know if you can keep your wheelchair until you get to the aircraft, the airline will decide this given the information you provide. If you can’t, then the airline must provide a suitable wheelchair for you. How about attaching a laminated photocopy of how to dismantle/assemble your wheelchair, so it can be handled properly?

Likewise with oxygen canisters, it’s as well to mention this when booking, most airlines need at least 7 days’ notice and there is usually a charge for carrying these.

If you have a medical condition that could affect your suitability to fly, get a certificate from your doctor to show you are well enough to travel.

Blind, partially-sighted or deaf passengers, particularly those travelling alone, should let their

travel companies and airlines know so staff can provide immediate assistance should there be an emergency.

On arrival at your destination, you will need to ask about getting to your transfer through the airport, and how the transfer vehicle will accommodate your needs. If you are renting a car, and need a hands controlled car, this will certainly need to be requested well in advance and confirmed to you in writing.

Remember, you are entitled to certain levels of assistance by European law when you fly, if you are a person with reduced mobility (PRM).

At your destination So what do you need in your accommodation, be it a hotel, cruise ship, self-catering cottage or log cabin? Consider asking about: outside and inside ramps for wheelchairs, lifts, a suitably adapted room, with flat floor shower, grab rails, bed and light switches at the correct height, notices in Braille and induction loops.

Some travellers prefer to hire equipment at their destination, if this is you, be very sure you’ve checked it is available, the cost and if it can be delivered to where you are staying.

It may also be useful to find out about adapted leisure facilities such as swimming pool lifts. If you’re staying in a resort, any maps of the town or hotel will

be useful, local tourist information websites usually have a wealth of information.

If you require a special diet, do check that this can be provided before booking.

And it can be useful to know just how far a main hospital is from where you’re staying, just in case.

Of course, if you are out and about on organised excursions, you’ll want to ask questions about the transport: are ramps or hydraulic lifts available? How many steps are involved when visiting attractions? Will suitable toilets will be available on the trip? And can equipment, such as

mobility aids, can be taken along?

And finally...

Once you’re comfortable that all your questions are answered satisfactorily, and you are making a reservation, it’s really advisable to get all your requests written onto the booking form and confirmed back to you, so everyone is absolutely clear about what you want. Note: The information given is by way of suggestion only. It is correct, to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions on our part.

Page 33 Mature Living

Travel Technology

5 common online scams to watch out for O

nline scams are when criminals use the internet to try and con people into giving them money or their personal information. They usually do this through fake websites, bogus emails and even chat rooms, so be alert when using your computer, smartphone or tablet.

If you’re worried something might be a scam, don’t respond.

Talk to a friend or family member or contact your local avtive retirement group.

To help you stay alert while using the internet, read about these 5 common online scams: Email scams - Beware emails pretending to be from your bank or another trusted organisation such as revenue. These ‘phishing’ emails will direct you to a fake website where you’ll be asked to enter your account details. It'll look exactly like your bank’s website, but it is a fake and it's only set up to steal your personal details.

Your bank will never ask for your PIN or password. Don’t reply to the email, open any attachments or click any links.

Computer viruses (sometimes called malware) are programmes designed to break into your computer. Fraudsters often hide viruses in email attachments, photos and other files you can

download from the internet. The virus can take over your computer and give control to criminals, or it can for example, scan for your private information, send out spam email or host illegal websites.

Ensure your computer has up-todate antivirus software, and always use a secure site when buying security software online.

Most computers come with a firewall, and turning this on will stop some viruses getting through.

Online shopping - Be cautious when entering your credit card details and personal information on a shopping website.

Relationship scams - Some people use social networks such as dating websites or chat rooms to scam people. Once they’ve gained your trust, they’ll start asking you for money, often by telling you an emotional or hard luck story. Trust your instinct. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Most sensible and logical people can fall for this kind of trick, so it’s always worth talking to a friend or relative about it, especially if things seem to be moving fast. Never send the person money or give them your account details. Be wary of moving from talking on a chat room or dating site to communicating by email. If you

Protect your computer

A

computer connected to the internet is at risk from rogue programs called viruses. They spread from computer to computer in email attachments and files downloaded from the internet.

If a virus infects your computer, it can make it slow and even leave you open to identity theft. To keep your computer safe, you should have security software installed and up to date. You will need: anti-virus software to look for and remove viruses firewall software to create a barrier between your computer and the internet, which will block viruses and prevent anyone from connecting to your computer without permission anti-spyware software to prevent programs that allow unwanted adverts to pop up, track your activities or scan your computer for private data, such as credit card numbers.

How to choose security software There are many types of anti-spyware, anti-virus and firewall software available, but the best option for beginners is to purchase a complete suite from a reputable

Page 34 Mature Living

arrange to meet, make sure it’s in a public place, tell someone else where you’re going and don’t give away too much information too quickly.

Health scams - Unrealistic claims may be made about medicalrelated products, such as miracle health cures, and fake online pharmacies may offer medicines

provider, such as McAfee or Norton.

You can download these programs from the internet or visit a computer store on the high street to ask for guidance.

It’s a good idea to check with your internet service provider, because they will often offer security software as part of your broadband deal. There are also popular free alternatives available online, such as AVG, Avast and Microsoft Security Essentials (if you have Windows 7, Vista or XP).

Keep your computer updated Whatever operating system your computer runs (e.g. Windows or Mac OS), keep it updated because this will give you stronger protection from new viruses. You should receive notifications when new updates are available, but you can also update your software manually.

If you use Windows, find the ‘Windows Update’ icon – this could be in your ‘Start’ menu or listed in ‘All Programs’. You can also go to the Windows Update site, where you will find instructions on how to enable your computer to automatically download and install updates

cheaply. However, once bought, the medicine can turn out to be poor quality and some can even harm your health.

What to do if you fall victim to a scam Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to trick people – anyone can be a victim of a

as they become available.

If you have the older Windows XP, note that Microsoft is no longer sending out security updates for it.

This will make your computer more vulnerable to infection with a virus.

Visit Get Safe Online to find out what to do to stay safe.

You can get the latest software updates for Mac OS through the Mac App Store. Visit the Apple site for instructions on how to update your software.

Protect your wireless network If you have a wireless router, check that your wireless network is secure so that people living nearby can’t access it. It should be the case that only people with a wireless ‘key’ (i.e. password) can connect to your network.

Users will be prompted for the key when they try to access the network for the first time. If this doesn’t happen and no padlock symbol is displayed next to your wireless network, your network is currently not protected.

Read the instructions that came with your router to find out how to set up a wireless key and make your network more secure.

scam.

Don’t suffer in silence. Contact your local garda station if you think you’ve been scammed. The information you give can help track down the fraudster.

If you’re concerned about whether a scheme is legal, contact the Citizens Advice Service for advice.

Email scams

I

f you’ve ever received a suspicious email claiming to be from your bank and asking for security information, you may have been the target of a common scam called ‘phishing’. This is when criminals send bogus emails to thousands of people in the hope that they will disclose private information.

A common scam is for a fraudster to send an email claiming to be from your bank or another trusted organisation, which directs you to a fake website where you will be asked to enter your account details. The website will often be cleverly designed to look like the real organisation’s website.

These are common signs that an email is a phishing scam: the sender’s email address doesn’t match the organisation’s real website address the email uses a general greeting like ‘dear customer’ instead of your actual name there’s a sense of urgency, e.g. threatening to close your account if you don’t act immediately there’s a link that may look similar to the proper address but is in fact slightly different and will take you to a fake website you’re asked for personal information, such as your username or password.

Banks and other financial institutions will never ask you for your personal information in an email.

Never reply to scam emails, even to say ‘no’. This will let the sender know that your email address is active and it is likely to encourage them to send more.

Most email accounts can be set up to block spam (i.e. unwanted emails), so check your settings or the help pages of your email account

QUALITY USED VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLES 142G VW Golf 1.6 3DR Extras “0” mileage..........€22,500 142G VW Beetle 1.6TDI Design “0” mileage.........€23,500 142G VW Touran 1.6TDI 7 Seater “0” mileage.....€29,500 142G VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP H/L “0” miles.....€32,500 142GVW Passat 1.6TDI C/L Estate “0” mileage.....€31,000 142G VW Passat 1.6TDI BM (White) “0” mileage..€27,000 142G VW Polo 1.2TDI T/L “0” mileage.................€16,950 141 VW Passat Estate “R” Full Leather (White)......€32,500 141 VW Scirroco 2.0TDI 140BHP..........................€26,500 141 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI ........................................€25,950 132 VW Beetle 1.6DSL Design...............................€21,000 132 VW Golf 1.6TDI A/T.......................................€21,500 132 VW Jetta C/L A/T..........................................€24,500 132 VW Jetta 1.6 TDI Highline...............................€21,000 132 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Trendline..............................€18,500 132 VW Golf 1.6TDI.............................................€19,500 132 VW Polo Cross TDI Extras...............................€16,500 132 VW Polo 1.2 5DR...........................................€13,950 132 VW Passat 1.6TDI BM....................................€22,500 2013 VW Up 1.0...................................................€11,500 2013 VW Polo 1.2 TDI C/L....................................€15,500 2013 VW Touran 1.6TDI 5 Seater..........................€24,500 2013 VW Caddy Maxi TDI 7 Seater Extras............€27,500 2011 VW Caddy Life TDI 5 Seater..........................€21,500 PASSAT RANGE 141 VW Passat 1.6 BM Choice..............................€23,450 141 VW Passat 1.6TDI “R” line..............................€26,500 141VW Passat 1.6TDI Comfortline.........................€25,500 141VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP C/L........................€27,500 131 VW Passat 1.6TDI C/L....................................€23,500 132 VW Passat 1.6TDI “R” Line.............................€25,500 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI C/L .................................€19,950 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI T/L...................................€18,500 2011 VW Passat 1.6TDI C/L...................................€17,500 2011 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP Sports C/L...........€17,500 2010 VW Passat 1.6TDI C/L..................................€14,500 2010 VW Passat 1.4TSI Highline............................€10,500 POLO RANGE 141 VW Polo 1.4 C/L A/T.....................................€18,500 141 VW Polo 1.2TDI.............................................€16,500 141 VW Polo 1.2 5DR...........................................€14,950 131 VW Polo 1.2TDI..............................................€15,000 131 VW Polo 1.2 TDI Cross....................................€17,500 2012 VW Polo TDI................................................€13,500 2012 VW Polo 1.2 Comfortline Petrol.....................€12,950 2011 VW Polo 1.2TDI............................................€12,500 2011 VW Polo 1.2 5DR.........................................€11,500 GOLF RANGE 141 VW Golf 1.6TDI Comfortline..........................€23,500 141 VW Golf 1.6TDI Trendline..............................€22,000 141 VW Golf 1.6TDI Highline Sports Pack.............€25,500 132 VW Golf 1.6TDI Automatic.............................€22,500 131 VW Golf 2.0TDI 150BHP Highline..................€24,500 131 VW Golf 1.6TDI 5DR......................................€19,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI 5DR....................................€18,500 2012 VW Golf 2.0TDI 140BHP Highline................€22,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI 5DR Plus.............................€19,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6 TDI A/T Extras..........................€21,500 2011 VW Golf 1.6TDI 5Dr.....................................€16,500 2011 VW Golf Plus Comfortline A/T (15K).............€18,000 2010 VW Golf 1.6TDI ..........................................€13,500 2010 VW Golf 1.4 5DR ..........................................€9,500 2008 VW Golf 1.9TDI...........................................€10,500

JETTA RANGE 141 VW Jetta 1.6TDI H/L......................................€25,000 141 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Comfortline..........................€23,500 141 VW Jetta 1.6TDI T/L.......................................€22,000 132 VW Jetta TDI Highline....................................€24,500 131 VW Jetta TDI Comfortline...............................€22,000 131 VW Jetta Petrol...............................................€19,500 2012 VW Jetta 1.6TDI...........................................€18,500 2011 VW Jetta 1.6TDI...........................................€16,500 2010 VW Jetta 1.6TDI...........................................€14,500 2009 VW Jetta 1.6TDI...........................................€11,500

ESTATE CAR RANGE 141 VW Passat 1.6TDI Comfortline DSL Estate.......€28,500 2011 Skoda Eligance DSL Estate A/T.....................€18,500 2011 VW Passat 1.6DSL Estate.............................€18,500 2011 VW Passat Highline DSL Estate (Extras).........€21,500 2009 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BH Highline................€11,500 2008 VW Passat 1.6TDI Comfortline Estate..............€9,500 2002 VW Passat 1.9TDI Estate................................€3,500 2005 VW Golf Estate..............................................€6,500 2002 VW Golf TDI Estate........................................€2,950 2000 Audi A4 TDI Estate.........................................€2,000

AUDI RANGE 2011 Audi A7 3.0TDI Quatro ( Extras) ..................€32,500 2010 Audi A4 TDI Advant ....................................€16,500 2009 Audi A4 TDI Extras......................................€15,000 2009 Audi A3 1.6TDI 5DR....................................€13,500 2008 Audi A3 1.6 A/T............................................€9,500 2008 Audi A3 1.9TDI 5DR.....................................€11,500 2007 Audi A6 2.0TDI.............................................€9,500 2006 Audi A6 3.0TDI V6 Quatro (Auto)..................€7,500 2006 Audi A6 2.0TDI..............................................€7,500 2006 Audi A4 TDI..................................................€6,500

BMW RANGE 131 BMW 316 DSL ( White) (extras)......................€27,500 2003 BMW 316 DSL ..............................................€4,500 2002 BMW 318i DSL..............................................€2,500 2001 BMW 316 DSL...............................................€1,850

AUTOMATIC RANGE 141 VW Passat 2.0TDI Highline 140BHP DSG.......€32,500 141 VW Golf Plus A/T TDI Comfortline.................€24,500 141 VW Golf 1.6TDI Comfortline..........................€25,500 141 VW Polo 1.4 C/L A/T.....................................€18,500 2013 VW Up 5DR.................................................€13,500 2013 VW Golf 1.6TDI C/L.....................................€22,500 132 VW Jetta 1.6TDI C/L......................................€25,500 2012 VW Golf Plus C/L A/T..................................€19,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI H/L.....................................€21,000 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI “R” Line..............................€21,000 2012 VW Jetta 1.6TDI T/L.....................................€18,500 2012 Opel Astra 2.0CDTI 5DR A/T........................€18,500 2011 VW Passat 2.0TDI C/L 140BH DSG...............€19,500 2011 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Highline (20K)....................€19,000 2011 VW Golf Plus TDI C/L...................................€19,500 2011 Skoda Elegance EST A/T..............................€18,500 2010 VW Golf 1.6TDI C/L.....................................€14,500 2010 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Comfortline (50K)...............€14,500 2010 Volvo S40 DSL Extras A/T............................€14,500 2009 VW Polo 1.4 C/L A/T.....................................€9,500 2008 VW Jetta 1.6TDI C/L......................................€9,500 2007 VW Jetta 1.6TDI C/L......................................€8,000 2007 Mitsubishi Colt A/T.........................................€6,500 2003 VW Golf 1.6 C/L...........................................€3,500 1997 Nissan Micra 1.0 A/T.....................................€1,350 7 SEATER RANGE 141 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 Exec 7 Seater Com........€42,500 141 Mitsubishi Outlander 7 Seater DSL.................€32,500 141 VW Touran 1.6TDI 7 Seater.............................€28500 132 Opel Zafari DSL 7Seater.................................€24500 131 VW Sharan 2.0TDI 7 Seater DSL....................€35,500 2013 VW Caddy TDI Maxi 7Seater Extras.............€27,500 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0DSL 7Seater...........€24,500 2011 VW Sharan 2.0TDI 7Seater..........................€29,500 2010 VW Touran 1.6TDI 7seater............................€17,500 2008 Mitsubishi Grandis 2.0TDI 7Seat (Leather)....€10,500 2008 Kia Carnival DSL 7Seater...............................€8,500 2008 VW Touran TDI 7 Seater..............................€10,500 2007 Opel Zafari DSL............................................€8,000 2006 Opel Zafari Petrol 7Seater.............................€6,500 2006 Peugeot 307 DSL 7 Seater.............................€6,500

HYUNDAI RANGE 141 Hyundai 130 Van...................................€14,500+VAT 131 Hyundai Veloster Coupe 1.3 5DR....................€18,500 2011 Hyundai i30 SW 1.6DSL...............................€12,500 2009 Hyundai Getz 1.1 5DR...................................€7,500 2008 Hyundai 1.6 Coupe LX...................................€7,500 MITSUBISHI RANGE 141 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2DSL Extras 5Seater.........€42,500 141 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 DSL Passenger..................€25,500 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2DSL Passenger........€29,500 132C Mitsubishi L200 5 Seater..............................€27,500 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8DSL..............................€16,500 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Passr 2.2DSL 7 Seat.....€25,500 2011 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1 5DR...................................€9,000 2010 Mitsubishi L200 5 Seater DSl 4X4.................€18,500 2010 Mitsubishi L200 5 Seater Extras A/T..............€18,500 MAZDA RANGE 2008 Mazda 3 1.6 DSL .........................................€9,500 2007 Mazda 6 2.0 Touring DSL .............................€7,500 2006 Mazda 3 1.6 A/T..........................................€5,500 2003 Mazda 6 2.0DSL €2,500 FORD RANGE 2011 Ford Mondeo DSL........................................€13,500 2011 Ford Focus 1.6 DSL.......................................€11,500 2011 Ford C-Max 1.6DSL......................................€16,500 2009 Ford Focus DSL..............................................€9,000 2009 Ford Focus Dsl Estate.....................................€8,500 2008 Ford Mondeo 1.8DSL....................................€9,500 2007 Ford Focus 1.6 DSl.........................................€7,500 2006 Ford Focus 1.6DSL.........................................€6,500 2006 Ford Fusion 1.4 5DR......................................€5,000 2006 Ford Mondeo DSL.........................................€4,500 2005 Ford Fiesta 5DR Petrol....................................€4,500 2005 Ford Fiesta 1.4 DSL........................................€3,950 NISSAN RANGE 2012 Nissan Qashqui 1.6 DSL Passenger...............€18,500 2011 Nissan Duke1.5 DSL (19K)............................€15,500 2011 Nissan Micra 1.0 5Dr...................................€10,500 2011 Nissan Note DSL 1.5 Van.......................€6,500+VAT 2008 Nissan Primera 1.6 Petrol...............................€6,500 2007 Nissan Note 1.5DSL SVE...............................€6,500 2007 Nissan Almera 1.5.........................................€4,500 2007 Nissan Tida 1.5 DSL.......................................€9,950 2007 Nissan Tida 1.6 Petrol....................................€4,500 2006 Nissan Almera...............................................€3,000

OPEL RANGE 132 Opel Zafari 7 Seater DSL...............................€22,500 2012 Opel Insignia 1.8 SDI....................................€11,500 2011 Opel Combi 1.3 DSL Van................................€7,500 2011 Opel Vivaro 2.0DSL Comm...........................€11,500 2010 Opel Antara 2.0CDTI Design Model.............€12,500 2010 Opel Insignia 2.0TDI....................................€12,500 PEUGEOT RANGE 2012 Peugeot 3008 DSL Extras.............................€18,500 2010 Peugeot 308 1.6DSL....................................€10,500 2009 Peugeot 407 1.6 HDI SR................................€8,500 2009 Peugeot 207 5DR...........................................€7,500 2008 Peugeot 308 1.6DSL......................................€6,500 2008 Peugeot 307 1.6 5DR.....................................€7,500 RENAULT RANGE 2011 Renault Kangoo 1.5DSL Van...........................€8,500 2008 Renault Scenic 7 Seater Petrol.......................€8,500 2007 Renault Megane 1.4 petrol.............................€4,950 2006 Renault Megane Coupe DSL..........................€6,000 SEAT RANGE 2007 Seat Cordoba 1.4DSL 5DR............................€6,500 2003 Seat Ibiza 1.2 5DR........................................€2,000 2003 Seat Inca 1.9 DSL Van...................................€2,500 SKODA RANGE 2012 Skoda 1.6 DSL Elegance...............................€17,500 2011 Skoda Fabia 1.2 5DR Ambient......................€10,950 2011 Skoda Octavia 1.9 DSL.................................€15,500 2011 Skoda Yeti DSL.............................................€16,500 2011 Skoda Elegance DSL A/T..............................€18,500 2007 Skoda Superb 1.9 DSL Extras.........................€7,500 TOYOTA RANGE 2012 Toyota Avensis 2.0DSL Strata........................€21,500 2012 Toyota Auris1.4DSL (Lunna Model)...............€17,500 2011 Toyota RAV 4 2.2DSL Passenger 2x2(13K)....€21,500 2011 Toyota Avensis 2.0DSL Aura.........................€14,500 2011 Toyota Avensis 23.0DSL Estate......................€14,500 2011 Toyota Corolla D4D......................................€15,500 VOLVO RANGE 2010 Volvo S40 2.0DSL A/T.................................€14,500 2007 Volvo S40 1.6 DSL.........................................€7,500 2006 Volvo S40 1.6 DSL.........................................€6,500 2006 Volvo V50 2.4 DSL A/T..................................€6,500 SPECIAL OFFERS 2004 Hyundai Elantra 1.6.......................................€2,000 2004 Citroen Picasso 1.6........................................€2,500 2004 Citroen Xsara 1.5 5DR...................................€2,500 2004 Mazda 2.0DSL Touring Model.......................€2,500 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.3 Petrol............................€3,500 2004 Mitsubishi Grandis Petrol 7 Seater..................€4,000 2003 Citroen Multispace 1.4 5Seater......................€2,500 2003 Opel Astra 1.4 Petrol.....................................€2,500 2002 VW Passat CL Petrol.......................................€1,500 2002 VW Golf TDI Estate........................................€4,500 2002 Citroen Saxo 1.0 ..........................................€1,500 2002 Honda Accord 1.8 Petrol...............................€1,500 2001 Honda Civic 1.4 5DR......................................€1,500 2001 VW Golf DSL.................................................€2,500 2000 VW Polo 1.4 Saloon ( tested).........................€1,000 1998 VW Polo 1.0 5DR ( Tested).............................€1,500 1989 VW Passat TDI ( Tested ).................................€1,500

Ageing Parents

The happiness index Y

ou may have grown up hearing that your schooldays were likely to be the best days of your life, but research suggests that we’re actually at our happiest after the age of 70.

According to biologist and author Lewis Wolpert, we reach a peak of happiness in our 80s, which means that for many of us, the best is yet to come.

'What emerges is that people in their teens and 20s tend to be averagely happy but this declines steadily until early middle age,' says Professor Wolpert. 'But from the mid-40s, people tend to become ever more cheerful, perhaps reaching a maximum in their late 70s or 80s.'

Research certainly backs this up. A study of 341,000 people by the National Academy of Sciences in America showed that enjoyment of life tends to decline throughout early adulthood, rising again from the late 40s or early 50s to reach a maximum around the age of 85.

What’s more, in 2012, a new report from the Office for National Statistics revealed the UK’s ‘happiness index’ for the first time - and found that teenagers and those above retirement age are the most likely to be satisfied with their lives.

'It certainly seems that we get happier post-60, even if age is starting to impact upon our health,' agrees psychologist

Susan Quilliam. 'Clearly, there will be exceptions - particularly

5 tips to boost your mood

Boosting your mood and helping yourself feel more positive is a great thing to do, no matter how tough life can be.

It may be that something as simple as singing along to a favourite piece of music or watching an episode of a classic comedy does the trick.

Or, if you’re feeling lonely, spending time with others - especially children or animals - can help to bring some light back into your life.

We asked psychologist Susan Quilliam for her top 5 tips on how to lift your spirits...

1. Smile 'When you smile it triggers mood-boosting hormones in the brain. So even if you don’t feel happy, put a smile on your face and you may soon start to feel more positive.'

2. Keep busy 'It doesn’t matter whether you tidy up the garden, wash the dishes or go for a walk - any activity that helps to break up your routine and gives you a sense of achievement will do the trick.'

3. Talk to someone 'It doesn’t matter whether you meet up face to face, talk on the phone, chat online or use Skype, connecting with other people helps to bring you out of yourself.'

4. Help others 'Research shows that helping other people will help to lift your mood. So do a favour for a friend, donate to charity or volunteer.'

5. Live in the moment 'If you’re feeling low, try to regulate your breathing and pay attention to what you can see, hear and feel at the present moment. This will help you to feel calm and bring you back into emotional balance.'

Page 36 Mature Living

for people for whom life has dealt some cruel blows - but, in

Why growing old is great

For years, Virginia Ironside has been one Age Actions most popular agony aunts. Now, she’s decided to collate much of her wisdom in a book about why it’s great to grow old. The message from Virginia Ironside is loud and clear – stop grumbling about getting old and start making the most of it. As one of our longest serving agony aunts it should come as no surprise to find Virginia, 65, dispensing advice to other baby boomers about getting the most out of their twilight years.

In her book, The Virginia Monologues: Twenty Reasons Why Growing Old Is Great, she gives the lie to virtually all negative thoughts about the ageing process, including death itself.

'It’s all too easy, when being alone, to start to feel that you are just a non-person' “I see death as something rather wonderful to look forward to,” she writes. “I see it as a merciful relief from all life’s anxieties and troubles. The idea of coming back again, even as a chirpy robin let alone a human being, fills me with horror.”

But the lion’s share of Virginia’s book is devoted to thinking positively, and where possible humorously, about the mixed blessing of moving from middle to old age.

Five reasons to be cheerful

You have more confidence than you did when you were younger.

You can stand out from the crowd if you put a bit of effort into looking good and choosing your clothes carefully.

The lessening of the sex drive is a bonus for most of us.

You can discuss your ailments openly with your friends in the certain knowledge they will want to discuss theirs.

There is a lot of anxiety about being on your own, but a lot of benefits as well.

Living alone for more than a decade, Virginia says she is not sure she could cope with being with somebody any more. “I’ve got used to being on my own,” she says. “I do miss being with somebody but I’m not a great compromiser.”

In the book she advises ageing singles, widows and divorcees to revel in their singularity: “If there is nobody else to make you feel special, you’ll have to do it yourself.”

general, this can be a very positive time.'

Enjoy yourself Among other things, she recommends a daily soak in a hot bath, with bath oil, or a weekly massage if you can afford it.

She also lists half a dozen plus factors to being alone, including: not having to wrestle your partner for the remote control not having to suffer anyone’s unscheduled mood swings not having to apologise for being late home and, if you’re a woman, not having to shave your legs Virginia believes one of the greatest boons of ageing is the arrival of confidence you never had as a younger person. You can turn down invitations to social occasions with the flimsiest of excuses; you find yourself smiling at strangers in the street; you can lie with impunity in order to get the attention of shop assistants, waiters and disinterested troubleshooters on the end of a telephone line. 'When I was young everyone older than me was frightening,' admits Virginia. 'The confidence comes not with just feeling others are a threat but actually no longer being a threat. If I’m not frightened of you and you’re not frightened of me, then that breeds confidence – and friendliness – on either side.'

Coping with isolation The business of how older people interact with strangers is a recurring theme in the book, especially as it relates to loneliness and unlooked for solitude.

'I’ve sometimes got dressed in order to go to the local library, discuss the weather with the librarian, exchange a book and come home again, just to get clear the whole idea of who I am,' confesses Virginia.

'It’s all too easy, when being alone, to start to feel that you are just a non-person, a glass of water poured into another glass of water. Without other people, it’s easy in no more than a few hours, to imagine yourself as just a blob of nothingness. A small bit of conversation can usually put things right.'

Another antidote to isolation, she says, is the impetus to keep yourself looking good, which doesn’t mean having Botox injections or tummy tucks, but rather dressing stylishly and if you’re a woman, taking trouble over your make-up.

'The Virginia Monologues: Why growing old is great' (Fig Tree, £7.99) is available now in paperback.

Some security advice from Mark at Barton Smith Lock & Safe Our business is your security. Serving the public in Sligo for over 225 yrs.

If your home looks difficult to enter the chances are a burglar will move on.

• Don’t leave spare keys outside. Use a KEY GARAGE. • Don’t leave car and house keys visible. Have you have a second car key? We can cut 90% of all car keys • Fit a snap secure cylinder.

• Lock your back gate and install patio door locks and bolts • Keep all ladders locked in the shed. Wheelie bins are often the perfect height to stand on to reach a window so chain them to a wall or fence away from the house.

• Fit second lock on your front door. For a wooden door fit a 5 lever mortice deadlock.

• Find out who is calling by fitting a spy hole in the wooden front door and a door chain to a PVC or Wooden front door.

• Join your local Neighbour Watch or Community Alert scheme. Burglars will be aware that someone maybe watching them.

For advice please call to us at Millennium House, Stephen St, Sligo Tel: 071-9144344 www.barton-smith.ie info@barton-smith.ie

Celebrities we lost in 2014

Quotes From Post 50 Celebrities We Lost in 2014 S o, here we are at the end of another calendar year -- 2014. When December rolls around, we tend to reflect on who we've lost in our own personal lives as well as those bigger-than-life mortals we affectionately call: celebrities. Mature Living is acknowledging those celebs from across the pond in our own peer group -post 50 -- who left us this year. In tribute, we thought we would pick out a quote from each one that might elicit a laugh, a tear, a fond memory and/or a reason to never forget why their lives and legacies touched our hearts.

Juanita Moore (99)

Phil Everly (74)

Russell Johnson (89)

"The Oscar prestige was fine, but I worked more before I was nominated. Casting directors think an Oscar nominee is suddenly in another category. They couldn't possibly ask you to do one or two days' work."

"Don and I are infamous for our split, but we're closer than most brothers. Harmony singing requires that you enlarge yourself, not use any kind of suppression.

Harmony is the ultimate love."

"I was at a speaking engagement for MIT... and I said, 'The Professor has all sorts of degrees, including one from this very institution [MIT]! And that's why I can make a radio out of a coconut, and not fix a hole in a boat!'

Ruth Duccini (95)

Pete Seeger (94)

Folk singer and activist ("Where Have All the Flowers Gone?") -- Passed away on Jan. 27, 2014

Shirley Temple (85)

The most famous child actress of all time ("Curley Top"); U.S. Ambassador to Ghana and Czechoslovakia - Passed away on Feb. 10, 2014

"The one thing that I'm most proud of, during the Second World War, I worked on airplanes in a defense plant. I was a Rosie the Riveter. I'm really proud of that."

"Do you know the difference between education and experience? Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't. "

"I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. Mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph."

Ralph Waite (85)

Mickey Rooney (93)

Harold Ramis (69)

"You only mature when you face problems you can't deal with."

"I'm the only man in the world with a marriage license made out to whom it may concern." (He was married eight times.)

"You can't not have feelings about country clubs, whichever side you're on."

Oscar nominated actress for her role in "Imitation of Life." -- Passed away on Jan. 1, 2014

Actress, "The last surviving female performer/Munchkin from the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz")" -- Passed away on Jan. 16, 2014

Actor (John Walton, Sr., "The Waltons) -- Passed away on Feb. 13, 2014

Singer who was one half of The Everly Brothers ("Bye, Bye Love") -- Passed away on Jan. 3, 2014

Actor on radio, television, film ("Andy Hardy") and Broadway ("Sugar Babies") -- Passed away April 6, 2014

Prof. Roy Hinkley, "Gilligan's Island" -- Passed away on Jan. 16, 2014

Actor, writer, director (Egon Spengler in "Ghostbusters") -- Passed away on Feb 24, 2014

James Brian Hellwig (54)

Bob Hoskins (71)

Actor, ("Who Framed Roger Rabbit") -- Passed away on April 29, 2014

Actress best know for her role of Alice on "The Brady Bunch." -- Passed away on June 1, 2014

"No WWE talent becomes a legend on their own. Every man's heart one day beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something larger than life then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized."

"I've played so many historical characters because most horrible dictators are short, fat, middle-aged men."

"I'm convinced we all have a God-shaped space in us, and until we fill that space with God, we'll never know what it is to be whole."

Casey Kasem (82)

Eli Wallach (98)

Tommy Ramone (65)

"Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars."

"Having the critics praise you is like having the hangman say you've got a pretty neck."

"Even from the very beginning, the type of fans the Ramones generated were the kind of people who wound up running industry, who became professors and scientists. Our staunchest fans were always a little bit more on the outside, the type of people who didn't fit in with society. And once these people start running things, I think they started to inform the general public - 'Hey, by the way, the Ramones started it all.' That's when the general population started becoming aware of how special the Ramones were."

James Garner (86)

Robin Williams (63)

Joan Rivers (80)

The Ultimate Warrior...Wrestler -- Passed away on April 8, 2014

Disc Jockey (American Top 40), radio personality, voice of Shaggy in the "Scooby-Doo" franchise. -Passed away on June 15, 2014

Film and television actor ("Maverick," "The Rockford Files") -- Passed away on July 19, 2014

Film actor ("The, Good the Bad and the Ugly"), television and stage actor -- Passed away on June 24, 2014

Comedian and actor ("Mork and Mindy," "Mrs. Doubtfire") -- Passed away on Aug. 11, 2014 (It was hard to pick just one quote so we picked four.)

Ann B. Davis (88)

The original drummer for the Ramones --July 11, 2014

Comedienne, actress, television host ("Fashion Police); producer, writer -- Passed away on Sept. 4, 2014

"Marriage is like the Army; everyone complains, but you'd be surprised at the large number of people who re-enlist." (Garner died a month before his 58th wedding anniversary.)

"People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured if you have enough money, you can have a key made."

Lauren Bacall (89)

Mike Nichols (83)

Film ("The Mirror Has Two Faces") and Broadway ("Woman of the Year") actress -- Passed away on Aug. 12, 2014

"Here is a test to find out whether your mission in life is complete. If you're alive, it isn't."

Comedian, (Nichols and May); actor, film ("Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," "Silkwood") and Broadway director ("Barefoot in the Park") -- Passed away on Nov. 19, 2014

"People think they know you. They expect you to be literally like you are on TV or in the movies, bouncing off the walls. A woman in an airport once said to me, 'Be zany!' People always want zany, goofy sh-t from me. It takes a lot of energy to do that. If you do that all the time, you'll burn out."

"In England, if you commit a crime, the police don't have a gun and you don't have a gun. If you commit a crime, the police will say, "Stop, or I'll say stop again."'

"Death is nature's way of saying, 'Your table is ready.'"

"Do you think Adam said to Eve, 'Back up, I don't know how big this gets."'

"When I was 17, for my first job, I worked at the midtown Howard Johnson's. A customer asked me what our ice-cream flavor of the week was, which was a dumb question, because there was a huge banner showing that it was maple. So I told him that it was chicken. The customer laughed, but the manager fired me immediately. They were bastards there."

What is Osteoporosis? and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

O

steoporosis is a disease of the bones. It happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone or both. As a result, your bones become weak and may break from a minor fall or, in serious cases, even from simple actions, like sneezing or bumping into furniture.

Osteoporosis means “porous bone.” If you look at healthy bone under a microscope, you will see that parts of it look like a honeycomb. If you have osteoporosis, the holes and spaces in the honeycomb are much bigger than they are in healthy bone. This means your

bones have lost density or mass and that the structure of your bone tissue has become abnormal. As your bones become less dense, they also become weaker and more likely to break.

If you’re age 50 or older and have broken a bone, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider and ask if you should have a bone density test.

Osteoporosis is Common About 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women

Osteoporosis is Serious Breaking a bone is a serious complication of osteoporosis, especially when you’re older.

Broken bones due to osteoporosis are most likely to occur in the hip, spine and wrist, but other bones can break too. Broken bones can cause severe pain that may not go away. Osteoporosis also causes some people to lose height. When osteoporosis causes the bones of the spine, called vertebrae, to break or collapse, it affects your posture and causes you to become stooped or hunched.

Osteoporosis may even keep you from getting around easily and doing the things you enjoy, which may bring feelings of isolation or depression. It can also lead to other health problems. Twenty percent of seniors who break a hip die within one year from problems related to the broken bone itself or surgery to repair it.

Many of those who survive need long-term nursing home care.

Osteoporosis can Sneak up on You Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because you can’t feel your bones getting weaker.

Breaking a bone is often the first sign that you have osteoporosis or you may notice that you are getting shorter or your upper back is curving forward. If you are experiencing height loss or your spine is curving, be sure to talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional right

away as the disease may be already be advanced.

Just for Men Although women are at greater risk, men get osteoporosis too. If you think you can’t get osteoporosis because you’re a man, think again. As our population ages, even more men will get the disease.

Facts and statistics: Up to one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Men older than 50 are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer.

Each year, about 80,000 men will break a hip.

Men are more likely than women to die within a year after breaking a hip. This is due to problems related to the break.

Men can break bones in the spine or break a hip, but this usually happens at a later age than women.

What Puts Men at Risk?

Many of the risk factors that put women at risk for osteoporosis apply to men as well. For example, family history, taking steroid medicines, not exercising, smoking, drinking too much alcohol or having low testosterone levels can put you at risk for getting osteoporosis.

Evidence also suggests that low estrogen levels in men can lead to bone loss, as does having other medical problems such as chronic kidney, lung or gastrointestinal disease, prostate cancer and certain autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

If you have risk factors for osteoporosis, or aren’t sure, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.

What Women Need to Know Being female puts you at risk of developing osteoporosis and broken bones. Here are some facts: Approximately one in two women over age 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis.

A woman's risk of breaking a hip is equal to her combined risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.

There are multiple reasons why women are more likely to get osteoporosis than men, including: Women tend to have smaller, thinner bones than men.

Estrogen, a hormone in women that protects bones, decreases sharply when women reach menopause, which can cause bone loss. This is why the chance of developing osteoporosis increases as women reach menopause.

Page 40 Mature Living

Now the good news: People used to think that osteoporosis was an inevitable part of aging. Today we know a lot more about how to prevent, detect, and treat the disease.

You are never too young or old to take care of your bones. Good lifestyle habits can help you protect your bones and decrease your chance of getting osteoporosis. And, if your healthcare provider hasn’t talked to you about your bone health, it’s time for you to bring it up!

In the five – seven years following menopause, a woman can lose up to 20% of her bone density.

What’s Your Risk?

Osteoporosis and bone health issues vary for girls and women of different ages and ethnic backgrounds. Caucasian women, and older women, are most at risk for osteoporosis; however, osteoporosis and low bone density are common among other groups as well.

Prevention and Healthy Living Osteoporosis and the broken bones it can cause are not part of normal aging. There is a lot you can do to protect your bones throughout your life. You’re never too young or too old to improve the health of your bones. Osteoporosis prevention should begin in childhood. But it shouldn’t stop there. Whatever your age, the habits you adopt now can affect your bone health for the rest of your life. Now is the time to take action.

What can you do to protect your bones?

Get enough calcium and vitamin D and eat a well balanced diet.

Engage in regular exercise.

Eat foods that are good for bone health, such as fruits and vegetables.

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to 2-3 drinks per day.

Are You at Risk?

There are a variety of factors both controllable and uncontrollable - that put you at risk for developing osteoporosis.

It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about your risk factors for osteoporosis and together you can develop a plan to protect your bones.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors Being over age 50.

Being female.

Menopause.

Family history of osteoporosis.

Low body weight/being small and thin.

Broken bones or height loss.

Bone Basics Some people think of bones as

hard and lifeless, but they are actually living, growing tissue.

Your bones are made up of three major components that make them flexible and strong: Collagen, a protein that gives bones a flexible framework Calcium-phosphate mineral complexes that make bones hard and strong Living bone cells that remove and replace weakened sections of bone Did you know… that throughout your life, you constantly lose old bone while you make new bone?

Children and teenagers form bone faster than they lose bone.

Even after children and teens stop growing taller, they continue to make more bone than they lose. This means their bones continue getting denser until they reach what experts call peak bone mass, the point when you have the greatest amount of bone you will ever have. Peak bone mass usually happens between the ages of 18 and 25.

The more bone you have at the time of peak bone mass, the less likely you are to break a bone or get osteoporosis later in life.

As you age, you can lose more bone than you form.

After you reach peak bone mass, the balance between bone formation and bone loss might start to change. You may start to slowly lose more bone than you form. In midlife, bone loss usually speeds up in both men and women. For most women, bone loss increases after menopause, when estrogen levels drop sharply. In fact, in the five to seven years after menopause, women can lose up to 20 percent or more of their bone density.

Osteoporosis happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone, or both.

“

A woman’s risk of breaking a hip due to osteoporosis is equal to her risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer combined. And a man age 50 or older is more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than he is to get prostate cancer.

Food and Your Bones The food that you eat can affect your bones. Learning about the foods that are rich in calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that are important for your bone health and overall health will help you make healthier food choices every day. Use the chart below for examples of the different types of food you should be eating every day.

If you eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables, you should get enough of the nutrients you need

every day, but if you're not getting the recommended amount from food alone, you may need to complement your diet by taking multivitamins or supplements.

Good-for-Your-Bones Foods Dairy products such as low-fat and non-fat milk, yogurt and cheese contain Calcium. Some dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D. Canned sardines and salmon (with bones) contains Calcium.

Fatty varieties such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines contains Vitamin D Collard greens, turnip greens, kale, okra, Chinese cabbage, dandelion greens, mustard greens and broccoli all contain Calcium.

Spinach, beet greens, okra, tomato products, artichokes, plantains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, collard greens and raisins contain Magnesium.

Tomato products, raisins, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, papaya, oranges, orange juice, bananas, plantains and prunes contain Potassium.

Red peppers, green peppers, oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, strawberries, brussels sprouts, papaya and pineapples. contains Vitamin C. Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, collard greens, spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens and brussel sprouts contain Vitamin K. Calcium and vitamin D are sometimes added to certain brands of juices, breakfast foods, soy milk, rice milk, cereals, snacks and breads.

Studies have also shown that a moderate intake of certain alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages like wine, beer and tea may also be good for your bones. More research is also needed to better help us to better understand the relationship between these drinks and bone health.

More Tips for Eating for Good Bone Health Beans (legumes). While beans contain calcium, beans contain magnesium, fiber and other nutrients, they are also high in substances called phytates.

Phytates interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the calcium that is contained in beans. You can reduce the phytate level by soaking beans in water for several hours and then cooking them in fresh water.

Meat and other high protein foods. It’s important to get enough, but not too much protein for bone health and overall health. Many older adults do not

get enough protein in their diets and this may be harmful to bones. However, special high protein diets that contain multiple servings of meat and protein with each meal can also cause the body to lose calcium.

You can make up for this loss by getting enough calcium for your body’s needs. For example dairy products, although high in protein, also contain calcium that is important for healthy bones.

Salty foods. Eating foods that have a lot of salt (sodium) causes your body to lose calcium and can lead to bone loss. Try to limit the amount of processed foods, canned foods and salt added to the foods you eat each day. To learn if a food is high in sodium, look at the Nutrition Facts label. if it lists 20% or more for the % Daily Value, it is high in sodium.

Aim to get 2,400 mg or less of sodium per day.

Spinach and other foods with oxalates. Your body doesn’t absorb calcium well from foods that are high in oxalates (oxalic acid) such as spinach. Other foods with oxalates are rhubarb, beet greens and certain beans.

These foods contain other healthy nutrients, but they just shouldn’t be counted as sources of calcium.

Wheat bran. Like beans, wheat bran contains high levels of phytates which can prevent your body from absorbing calcium.

However, unlike beans 100% wheat bran is the only food that appears to reduce the absorption of calcium in other foods eaten at the same time. For example, when you have milk and 100% wheat bran cereal together, your body can absorb some, but not all, of the calcium from the milk.

The wheat bran in other foods like breads is much less concentrated and not likely to

have a noticeable impact on calcium absorption. If you take calcium supplements, you may want to take them two or more hours before or after eating 100% wheat bran.

Alcohol and Caffeine Alcohol. Drinking heavily can lead to bone loss. Limit alcohol to no more than 2 - 3 drinks per day.

Caffeine. Coffee, tea and soft drinks (sodas) contain caffeine, which may decrease calcium absorption and contribute to bone loss. Choose these drinks in moderation.

Coffee/tea. Drinking more than three cups of coffee every day may interfere with calcium absorption and cause bone loss.

Soft drinks. Some studies suggest that colas, but not other soft drinks, are associated with bone loss. While more research will help us to better understand the link between soft drinks and bone health, here is what we know: The carbonation in soft drinks does not cause any harm to bone.

The caffeine and phosphorous commonly found in colas may contribute to bone loss. Like calcium, phosphorous is a part of the bones. It is listed as an ingredient in colas, some other soft drinks and processed foods as “phosphate” or “phosphoric acid.”

Some experts say people get too much phosphorous, while others believe that it is not a problem as long as people get enough calcium. The harm to bone may actually be caused when people choose soft drinks over milk and calcium-fortified beverages.

Luckily you can help make up for any calcium lost from these beverages by getting enough calcium to meet your body’s needs.

More Examples of Bone Healthy Food Recent research has found that olive oil, soy beans, blueberries and foods rich in omega-3's, like fish oil and flaxseed oil may also have bone boosting benefits.

While additional research is needed before the link between these foods and bone health can definitively be made, the many overall health benefits of these foods make them excellent choices to add to your diet.

Page 41 Mature Living

Feature

Boomers are busting out of their demographic

H

ow important are boomers as consumers?

So important that we’ve broken through the traditional demographic niche, reports an international company specializing in consumer behaviour and related marketing opportunities.

“New Trend: Post-Demographic Consumerism,” declares trendwatching.com, based in London.

“People – of all ages and in all markets – are constructing their own identities more freely than ever…time to throw out the traditional (and tired) demographic models of consumer behaviour!’

Evidence?

In the UK, women now account for the majority of video game players, and there are more gamers aged over 44 than under 18.

Twitter’s fastest growing demographic between 2012 and 2013 was the 55-64 year age bracket, growing 79 per cent.

Consumers – of all demographics and in all markets – increasingly buy and use products and services from the same mega-brands: Apple, Facebook, Amazon (the technology sector is especially universal), IKEA, McDonald’s, Nike and more.

Page 42 Mature Living

While 48 per cent of those who had used “neo-sharing” collaborative consumption platforms (such as Airbnb, Zipcar and Kickstarter) were aged 18-34, 33 per cent were aged 35-54 and 19 per cent were aged over 55.

If you look at the list of the 1,000 favourite artists for 60year-olds and the 1,000 favourite artists for 13-yearolds, there is a 40 pet cent overlap. (George Ergatoudis, Head of Music, BBC Radio1) The trend gurus give more examples of overlaps and crossovers — they call them “heritage heresies” — and of “cross-demographic fertilization.”

Rolls-Royce made its debut recently in the gaming world.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith was added to the Xbox One game, Forza Motorsport. The ingame simulation replicates the original vehicle, down to the retractable hood ornament.

Skateboarding’s countercultural origins seemed very distant when New York skate store SHUT unveiled a $15,000 gold plated skateboard “polished to a mirror finish and fully functional.”

High end auction house Sotheby’s has teamed with eBay for live online auctions,

allowing for real-time bids on art, watches, jewellry, antiques and fine wines.

In a pilot program, CNA language school launched the Speaking Exchange project in Brazil. Young students learning English were paired with elderly Americans living in a retirement home. Students and teachers could chat via webcam, on a range of subjects as suggested by the course. Each conversation was recorded and automatically stored on a private YouTube channel, allowing CNA’s teachers to evaluate students’ development.

Asilo Padre Cacique, a retirement home in Porto Alegre, Brazil, hosted an activity day a few weeks ago for its elderly residents, featuring a skateboard exhibition and graffiti artists.

The message here is that people of boomer age and beyond aren’t about to accept the conventions of old age or to ignore what’s new and exciting. We upended expectations about behaviour all our lives, beginning in the ‘60s and we’re not going to stop now that we’re in our 60s.

Smart marketers may at last begin to realize how adamant we are about doing away with the concept of dotage

Relationships & Family Matters ANTHONY ANSWERS There are many challenges and difficulties that can arise in relationships that can cause deep distress to our wellbeing. Relationship mentoring can create the vital emotional space. This space allows individuals to grow in the very strength which makes it possible to face and resolve conflict maturely.

Anthony Cross is a qualified Parent and Relationship Mentor, he is a member of IARM ( Irish Association of Relationship Mentors). Anthony runs courses and workshops and is also available for one to one and group ?consultations. Tel. 0872493878. Email apcross@eircom.net . www.apccounselling.com

Q. Dear Anthony My wife has recently made friends with a neighbour newly arrived on our estate. Since then whenever I return home from work this neighbour is either in my house with my wife, or my wife is missing and gone over to her house. I’m very frustrated about all this and have told my wife so, but she says that I’m being possessive and controlling. I just want things back the way they were before. What do you suggest I do?

Paul. Longford A . Paul, Firstly what concerns me here is your use of the word “missing” to describe your wife’s absence from the house. This makes it appear that she has gone AWOL , left her post, absconded without permission!

I feel what’s really “missing” here is mature communication. Communication is the life-blood of all relationships. Try letting your wife know what’s arising within you regarding the time she now spends with your new neighbour. Let her know how you feel, instead of pointing out what you think she is doing wrong and what she needs to correct. Taking this approach will lead to a less oppositional response and help bring about a mature resolution for both of you.

Q. Dear Anthony, My husband died 2 years ago leaving me a widow at 50. My two children are married and are living their own lives. I constantly experience feelings of unbearable loneliness and emptiness. My late husband was my life and my world. My family and friends say I need to try get out and socialise more but it wouldn’t be the same because I did everything with my late husband. What can I do? I can’t continue like this.

Anne. Wexford Anne, it is clear from your correspondence that you and your late husband were very close. Going everywhere together and doing everything together. This closeness and dependency means for now it may be very difficult for you to go places by yourself, or even accompanied by a friend. In time solid support from family and friends will help to relieve this emptiness and desperate loneliness.

Gradually you can again begin to find meaning in your life.

However this immense void, and the suffering it can bring, will only truly be eased with more belief in your relationship with ‘self’. This is the one relationship no one can ever take away from us. We are devastatingly reminded of this sometimes through loss and bereavement or when someone close leaves us. In developing this relationship with ‘self’ you will discover your own uniqueness and strength.

You can overcome fear, and begin to take the necessary steps to enjoy living your life fully and independently again. In time you will begin to find your wellbeing is truly in your own hands. Take small but persistent steps on this journey of healing and self- discovery. This is the path towards greater wellbeing.

Therapies

Plumbing & Heating

Make your fire last longer.

Light it upside down I

love burning timber in our stove; timber is clean to handle, there is very little ash left afterwards, it is good for the environment and the ash can be spread on the garden afterwards, unlike coal ash. However, one of the difficulties with using wood in our small stove is that it burns quickly and as a result a lot of tending is required to avoid it going out. We usually have to add logs every 30 or 40mins. So I decided to try the unusual and counter intuitive upside down method of fire starting.

This is designed to allow the fire to burn for a longer time using the same amount of timber while producing less black smoke. It started life with campers who wanted a fire that would last for 8 to 9 hours, through the night, without them having to wake up to add more timber. This is possible using this method in a large fire, so while it wouldn’t last 8 hours in our small stove; I wanted to try it to see how much more time I could get, without putting logs on the fire.

Fire Starting

After 30 Mins The method is simple: When setting the fire, put a layer of large logs across the bottom.

Then put logs above, but in the opposite direction Then a layer of smaller logs above this.

Then layer of sticks in the opposite direction.

Then two layers of dry kindling, each in opposite directions.

Then a layer of ripped paper with fire lighters on top.

My stove isn’t big enough for all these layers, I only had one layer of logs on the bottom row. The principle seems to be that because the fire is burning from the top, it burns for longer. Like a candle it only burns the timber at the top at any time. A normal fire is started from the bottom and shortly afterwards lighting, all the timber is alight at the same time. With the upside down method much less ash is produced as the embers from the top fall though the successive layers and are thoroughly burnt. In a regular fire the first embers produced are at the bottom of the fire and simply fall

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through the grate once they are small enough, whether they are completely burnt or not.

I did all this, lit the fire lighters, (at the top), and noted the time. It burned slowly for a while and then took off….slowly; I had to open the stove door for a few minutes to get the fire to take properly. It gradually burned through the layers of wood and it took an hour to reach the lower layer. The heat given off was good and I probably used less wood overall. More wood is used at the start than usual but none is added, compared with a regular fire where less wood is used at the start and more is added during. It was two hours and twenty minutes before I had to put the first log on the fire and as I said earlier it would last a lot longer in a larger fire or bigger stove.

It’s definitely worth doing, especially if you are busy in the house and don’t want to be checking the fire that often. However it is of more use with an open fire, where there is little control. A stove is controllable and the fire burn rate can be slowed to a certain extent by restricting the air inflow through the adjustable valve.

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WIN two tickets

to Christy Moore at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar

Just Text Your Name to 083-1308855 Before 22nd December 12 Noon - Winner will be notified this same day by phone.

FRIDAY 2nd JANUARY 2015 • DOORS 7pm • SHOW 8pm

C

hristy Moore will be kicking off 2015 with a very special and rare performance at The Royal Theatre. Christy will be joined by a band of four musicians with whom he has been tentatively arranging his songs with; Máirtín O’Connor (accordion), Cathal Hayden (fiddle/banjo), Seamie O’Dowd (guitar) and Jimi Higgins (percussion). Anyone who has caught the band performing with Christy at select shows over the last year (including Live at the Marquee and The Iveagh Gardens) will testify what a special performance this is.

From Glór Theatre in Ennis, journalist Gerry Quinn wrote a rave review in the Irish Examiner, emphasising both the subtlety and the dynamism of Christy’s onstage companions: “Christy opened the show on his own with a trio of songs… then allowed the ensemble to flex their muscles behind the Kildare man’s heartfelt vocals and perform a memorable evening of song that utilised an extensive back catalogue.

“Firm favourites like Jimmy McCarthy’s ‘Ride On’, Moore’s own ‘Delirium Tremens’ and ‘Lisdoonvarna’ were speckled among an engaging and eclectic set. ‘The Ballad of the Faithful Departed’ was performed in tribute to his its writer, Philip Chevron, of The Pogues, who died recently, and the segueing of the song ‘McElhatton’ into the jig ‘Larry the Beer Drinker’ evoked memories of early Planxty in their hey-day. A two-song encore featured a heartfelt and polished version of Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Hurt’, followed by the ubiquitous ‘Joxer…’ to finish off a joyful and emotional night’s music and song.” Tickets on sale at: €39.50 / €44.50

To Purchase Tickets: Tickets By Phone: 094 902311 or 0818 300 000 Tickets Online: www.TheRoyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and Peaceful New Year

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The Bands of our Showband Era Memories

T

here were hundreds of them. Irish bands of every size, description and musical genre travelling the roads and borheens of Ireland. They travelled the length and breadth of the country from the 1950's through the mid 1980's.

Although "officially" the term showband was coined in the late fifties and was used to describe bands that played a wide variety of music and usually included a "show"

during the night, the term was gradually applied to all the bands that played in the 1960's. As the Irish music scene splintered in the late sixties into pop, country bands, the term was dropped but we still find it the best overall description of the bands of the "ballroom" era.

In the early days, they travelled in whatever they could find...bread vans, hearses, and even cars (roof racks and all). In later years, many (if not most) of them travelled in converted Ford Transit vans (like the one pictured right) that were normally used for delivery services. After a couple of windows were popped into the

centre panels, a row or two of old airplane seats were installed and the band was ready to travel "in style."

Although style was a matter of opinion...if you're stuck in the back of a van on a cold and rainy winter's night, it may seem like "a long way to Tipperary," but it's even further to Castletownbere, Co. Cork!

It will be impossible to list all the bands that played the dance halls, ballrooms, marquees, parochial halls, community centres, hotels, and town halls across Ireland but each month we are planning to feature a band from the west with the help of Gerry Gallagher and

Tina Reynolds

www.irish-showbands.com .

Apart from a few who enjoy near mythical status (such as the Royal Showband and a handful of others), most bands came together, played for a few years and then either reinvented themselves, changed their name, or just disappeared, their members either returning to civilian life, or scattering to two or three

new bands.

For such a small country, it is difficult to comprehend the sheer number of bands that the country produced. Almost as hard to imagine, is the number of dance halls that once dotted the countryside, many out in the "middle of nowhere." Pick up next months issue for another blast from the blast from the showband era...

All editorial and photographs are kindly supplied by Gerry Gallagher from www.irish-shownbands.com Over the years Gerry has built up what can only be describe as the definitive guide to the showband era.

I would like to thank Gerry for allowing us to reproduce the articles and photos in Mature Living. If you would like to know more about your favourite band or who was number one in a particular year visit www.irish-showbands.com

Bands: Tophatters • Mexicans • Real McCoy • Nevada • Solo Cabaret

1968 Page 46 Mature Living

T

ina Reynolds is one of the best known female vocalists to come out of Ireland. Her real name was Philomena Quinn and she was born with Tuberculosis in Greystones, County Wicklow.

Separated from her family at birth, Tina left the hospital when she was four years old and because her mother was too ill to care for her, she was sent to an orphanage with her sister.

Finally when Tina was nine, her mother was well enough to care for her and she went home to Greystones. Along with her family, she went to England in 1963 for her sister's wedding. Again, her mother became ill and shortly after passed away and the young teenager decided to stay with her sister and got work as a telephonist. Having grown up singing, she got her real start in the business when, at the age of sixteen, she won a talent contest at Butlins, Skegness. When her win

was reported in the Wicklow People back home, Tom Cranny, manager of The Mexicans, sent her a telegram, asking if she was interested in joining a showband.

She didn't hesitate and quit her job to return to Ireland. She immediately adopted the stage name, Tina, and started her career with The Mexicans Showband. Tina's life would change when drummer Desi Reynolds joined the Mexicans. They fell in love, but Tom Cranny suggested they wait before getting married. Tina was 17 and Desi only 15. After four years traveling with the Mexicans Tina learn everything she could about the business. After the tragic death of Tom Cranny in 1968, the Mexicans broke up and Tina and Desi joined Jim Farley's big band, The Tophatters, the resident band in the Top Hat Ballroom. In an era when most of the lead singers were men, Tina was one of the few women to shine.

Article and Photos courtesy of Gerry Gallagher www.irish-showbands.com Glen more than matched the star quality of their predecessors, and The Nevada continued to enjoy success from one end of the country to the other. In 1976, Tina released I'll Do It All Again which spent eighteen weeks in the Irish charts peaking at number three.

In February, 1976, fate dealt another severe blow to Tina when she was injured in yet another accident, this time returning from a gig in the Seapoint Ballroom in Salthill, Galway with the Nevada. It took Tina many months to recuperate

1972 In 1969, Tina joined The Real McCoy, one of the first “pop” bands to break through on the Irish ballroom circuit. Their up tempo, danceable pop music, combined with Tina's excellent voice and good looks, made the band a favorite with punters.

Tina had her first hit record in 1971 when they recorded, "I Don't Know How To Love Him" from Jesus Christ Superstar.

The record hit number one in the Irish charts and helped make Tina a household name. The band followed up with two more charts singles in 1972 and 1973.

In 1972, Tina had her first shot at the National Song Contest singing, Don't Need Your Sympathy, but tied for third behind Sandie Jones who sang the Irish language number, Ceol an ghrá.

In June, 1973, Tina's career was set back when she was seriously injured in a road accident on the outskirts of Portlaoise on the way home from a gig, along with several other members of the Real McCoy. Her injuries were so severe, it took almost a year for her to fully recover and she did not return to the Real McCoy. In October, 1973, it was

reported in Spotlight that Tina had fully recovered from her injuries and was on holidays in Spain before she would return to cabaret, as well as being selected to sing all of Ireland's 1974 National Song Contest entries for Eurovision. The winner was "Cross Your Heart," written by Chips front man, Paul Lyttle.

Unfortunately, this was the same year ABBA was to break all Eurovision records with their world wide hit, "Waterloo."

Sadly, Tina's marriage to Desi broke up just a month after Eurovision and the couple split.

However, the international exposure proved Tina could hold her own with any female vocalist and shortly after returning from Luxembourg, she was asked to join top pop showband, The Nevada in late 1974, replacing Kelly, who split from the band around the same time Red Hurley went his own way as well. As an aside, Red would represent Ireland at Eurovision two years later in 1976 with the song, "When."

Also joining The Nevada and replacing Red Hurley was Glen Curtin, popular vocalist from Cork with The New Blues. Together, Tina and

from her injuries and when she finally healed, she returned to the Nevada. During this time she shared the spotlight with two more male singers, Ronnie Medford and Roy Taylor. Finally, in 1978, Tina announced her "retirement" from the showband scene.

No longer wanting to be away from home, not to mention the hassles of traveling up and down the country, Tina switched her focus to a career on the Dublin cabaret scene and family life.

In leaving the band scene, an interesting side note is that her replacement in the

Nevada was mistakenly reported in Spotlight to be Kim Newport.

In 1979, Tina was once again a part of the Eurovision contest when she sang Hiding Behind Our Smile with Red Hurley in the National Song Contest, but they came in last and it was Tina's final foray into the contest. Although retired from the showband scene, Tina continued to sing in cabaret and various functions for several years, but retired after a relatively short time.

However, over the fourteen year period she spent on the

showband scene, Tina was one of the country's first and best loved female stars. At the same time, her career also highlighted some of the dangers associated with life in an Irish showband.

Tina with ONJ in 1974

1975

1978 Page 47 Mature Living

Food and Drink

with a twist

Prep time :15 mins Cooking time: 15 min Ingredients 1¼kg Brussels sprouts, trimmed (or if buying pre-trimmed, buy 1 kg) 6 rashers smoked streaky bacon, cut into bitesized pieces (or use more, if you like) 200g vacuum-packed chestnuts 50g butter Method Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then tip in the sprouts. Once back to the boil, cook for 5 mins. Drain, run under the cold tap

Prep time:5 mins Cooking time: 25 mins Ingredients 1 large cauliflower 2 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp each ground cinnamon, cumin and coriander 2 tbsp harissa paste, plus extra drizzle 1l hot vegetable or chicken stock 50g toasted flaked almonds, plus extra to serve

until cold, then drain again.

Heat a large frying pan, add the bacon and gently fry for 10 mins until crisp and golden.

Tip out of the pan, leaving the fat behind, then add the chestnuts and fry over a high heat for about 5 mins until tinged. Tip out of the pan.

Add the sprouts to the pan with a splash of water, then cover and finish cooking over a medium heat for about 5 mins, stirring now and again, until just tender. Uncover, turn up the heat, then add most of the butter and sauté the sprouts for 2 mins more. Tip in the bacon and chestnuts, season generously with salt and pepper, then serve with the last knob of butter on top.

Method Cut the cauliflower into small florets.

Fry olive oil, ground cinnamon, cumin and coriander and harissa paste for 2 mins in a large pan.

Add the cauliflower, stock and almonds. Cover and cook for 20 mins until the cauliflower is tender. Blend soup until smooth, then serve with an extra drizzle of harissa and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

Cooking time : 20 mins Cook: 1 hr, 30 min Ingredients 3kg King Edward potatoes, cut into large chunks 175g goose fat 4 tbsp sunflower oil (or 8 tbsp if you’re not using goose fat) flaky salt Method Boil the potatoes for 5 mins in salted water until the outside of the potatoes starts to soften. Drain well, return to the pan and shake to fluff up the outsides – alternatively, you can scratch them with a fork. (This process will make them crispier.)

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Put the goose fat (if using) and oil in a large shallow roasting tin and heat for 8-10 mins until the goose fat has melted and the mixture is really hot. Remove from the oven, carefully tip in the potatoes and stir well to coat them in the fat.

Spread them out as much as the space allows and roast underneath the turkey for 45 mins, turning frequently and adjusting the positions so that they brown evenly.

When the turkey comes out of the oven, turn up the heat to 220C/200C fan/gas 7, season the potatoes with the flaky salt and roast for another 30 mins, turning halfway through the cooking time, until beautifully golden.

Food and Drink

If you fancy something a bit different this Christmas try these festive alternatives It is best to start this recipe the day before as you’ll need to cook the turkey legs and leave them overnight.

If you don’t want to roast a whole turkey, just an individual breast will work, but make sure you still cook it to 70°C. Alternatively you can do a chicken in the same way. If you don’t have sourdough bread, you can just use nice crusty bread instead.

Serves 8 Ingredients 1 x 5kg (11lb) turkey Vegetable oil for cooking 75g (2¾oz) butter 250g (9oz) bacon lardons 2 onions, diced 3 cloves of garlic, grated ½ a bunch of thyme, tied together (plus an extra 2tbsp of thyme leaves, for the crumble topping) 350ml (12fl oz) white wine 1ltr (1¾pt) chicken stock Salt and pepper For the crumble topping

100g (3½oz) sourdough bread, torn into pieces and toasted, then crushed 100g (3½oz) vacuum-packed chestnuts (from supermarkets), chopped 100g (3½oz) pork scratchings, crushed 50g (1¾oz) dried apple 1 jar of cranberry sauce or jelly 1 orange Method The day before… Preheat the oven to 170°C/fan 150°C/gas 3. Carefully separate the legs from the crown of the turkey.

Place them onto a wire rack, season and then place on a baking tray. Cover with foil and roast for 3 hours until they’re cooked through and the meat can be picked from the bone easily. Remove from the oven and leave to cool. When cold, flake off all the meat from the bones and keep in the fridge overnight.

The next day… Preheat the oven to 170°C/ fan 150°C/gas 3. Place a deep-sided roasting tray onto the hob on a medium heat and pour in a little oil.

Add the butter and the bacon lardons and cook until crispy.

Remove the lardons with a slotted spoon and drain on some kitchen roll. Add the diced onions and the garlic to the tray and sweat down until soft. Put the bacon lardons back into the tray, add the tied thyme and the white wine and bring up to the boil. Reduce until thick and syrupy, then add the chicken stock and bring back to the boil.

Season the turkey crown and place it into the tray. Cover the whole tray and turkey with tin foil and place in the oven for 2 hours. Check it’s cooked by inserting a digital temperature probe and making sure that the thickest part of the breast has reached 70°C. Leave to rest with the foil on for half an hour. Take off the foil and remove the turkey. To make a gravy, place the tray on the hob, remove the thyme and skim off the excess fat, then bring to the boil. Stir in the flaked leg meat and heat up gently. Reduce to a meaty sauce consistency.

Meanwhile, make the crumble topping by mixing together the crushed sourdough bread, chopped chestnuts, pork scratchings, dried apple and 2tbsp thyme leaves.

Peel the skin from the turkey crown and chop it up. Fry in a

little oil in a non-stick pan until it goes crispy. Brush the crown with the cranberry jelly and cover with the crumble mixture. Add the fried turkey skin and grate the zest of the orange over the top. Serve with the gravy and season.

Prep:30 mins Cook:2 hrs, 40 mins Ingredients 1 whole leg of gammon, smoked or unsmoked, around 5kg weight bonein 1 cinnamon stick 1 tsp peppercorns 1 tsp coriander seeds 2 bay leaves about 25 whole cloves For the glaze 200ml maple syrup 2 tbsp coarse-grain mustard 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce Method Put the gammon in a very large pan and cover with cold water. Add the spices and bay. Bring to the boil, then turn down and simmer for around 1 hr 50 mins, topping up the water level with boiling water, if necessary. Scoop off any scum that rises to

the top every now and then.

Carefully pour the liquid away (I like to keep it for making soup), then let the ham cool a little while you heat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Lift the ham into a large roasting tin, then cut away the skin leaving behind an even layer of fat. Score the fat all over in a criss-cross pattern, then stud cloves all over the ham. Can now be chilled for up to 2 days.

Mix the glaze ingredients in a jug. Pour half over the fat, roast for 15 mins, then pour over the rest and return to the oven for another 35 mins, basting with the pan juices 3-4 times as it bakes. Turn the pan around a few times during cooking so the fat colours evenly. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 15 mins before carving. Can be roasted on the day or up to 2 days ahead and served cold.

Mystical Guidance Diadem’s Angel Light

Agony

if you have a question you would like an answer or advice, it could be to do with love, finances, family etc. please send it to susan@matureliving.ie

Angel

with Susan Hughes

W

e all feel stuck on occasion so it is good to get help where we can. Susan Hughes is a spiritual psychic medium and working with her angelic guides and psychic intuitions she can provide guidance and hope. Susan is based in Dublin where she carries out private one to ones. Add Susan Hughes Spiritual Medium on Facebook for information on classes and events or call 087 6771352 if you would like to arrange a private sitting.

SUFFERING IN SILENCE

Q

Dear Susan, I have a question for Angel Agony. Naturally, it's about love.

Two years ago a psychic friend of mine told me that I was going to be together with another friend whom I dearly love and care for. We have a close and loving relationship and this summer we almost made a commitment to each other but he then distanced himself. How could I have misinterpreted the message that I thought I was given? Suffering in Silence, Roberto, Wexford

A

Hi Roberto, firstly let me say I am sorry for your pain, love can sometimes feel to be a lonely existence but that feeling is a hiccup on this journey. I know I will probably sound like the bleating sheep mentioning over and over about freewill and I know that no prediction is solid due to it. When I see into the future on anything I point out that this is potential and not actual so you were caught out when things did not work out how another person interpreted it would. As I feel into this situation I sense that he still has friendly thoughts towards you but that there were situations in his life that left him unable to commit to a relationship with you. I do not want you to sit around waiting forever for his return as this will prevent you from leading the important life you need to lead. I sense you are loved by many but of course that is not the same kind of love as you want with the one you have chosen to give your emotional heart. My honest opinion is this, do not hang around waiting for him but I feel that in time he will return to make a commitment but he has ‘stuff’ that needs to be resolved which is part of his journey and needs to take place first.

COLOUR CARD FOR YOU: GOLD which calls for you to attract abundance in all that you seek. It is a colour of awareness and one that strengthen the spirit and the resolve so I know you are being support in this journey.

Stand on the Shoulders of Prayer As I sit and wallow in this pool of despair I hear my name called, it is whispered through the air The whisper says do not sit on your own in your pain and your sorrow Come sit and chat with my friends, Hope and Faith and you will find your suffering they can narrow They will point you to their supports, prayer and intent and when you stand on their shoulders you will see the real you that is by others seen With your radiant soul, your power of integrity and all the joy for others you have been So do not sit in pain and sorrow, instead come stand on the strong shoulders of prayer and intent Then you will see the bright world that is your new tomorrow © Suebh

Q A

AM I MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE?

Dear Susan I have a question regarding a big change I am planning in February and usually once I have made decision I am happy with it. However this time I would like a little help in assuring me I am making the right choice. Thank you! Jeanne, Athlone

Hi Jeanne, Ok so I so not know what your decision is about so I am just putting it out to the Universe for you and I will pick a tarot card to see what comes. As I shuffled the cards I felt that you are 95%& happy with your decision which in my opinion is as good as a 100% considering the most we can expect at any time is 60%! I feel this refers strongly to your spiritual self, the truth of you so to speak and I also feel this has been a long time in the making. This decision has not come without blood sweat and tears but now it is made I sense a balance has been found both within yourself and externally too. So all told it would seem that this is a correct decision you made but of course freewill always prevails and you can at any time make a new decision if needs be.

COLOUR CARD FOR YOU: EMERALD – Calm your mind, body and soul. I like this as it tells you that you can ease your thoughts and know that from more relaxed stance things will become easier for you. This colour will help you overcome fears and released frustrations whereby you can increase you self-esteem which attracts abundance. Good for you!

WILL I EVER TRAVEL AGAIN?

Q

Dear Susan, Do you feel I will ever be able to travel because every time I make plans to something happens to prevent me going? Four months ago my Grandad suddenly passed the day before I was going in to purchase my ticket and I stayed to support my Mam cos she took it really bad. Jacqui, Dublin

A

Hi Jacqui You will never know how grateful your Grandad is to you for staying with his daughter , your mother, in her time of great sadness and need and you did absolutely the right thing for all. He always prided himself in helping his family out in times of needs and I know he is so very proud of you for taking up that mantle when you did. When one door closes another one always opens but sometimes we just have to wait. Now I know you are impatient and chomping at the bit to get going but I feel that you were held back for reasons there were valid. Had the

passing of your Grandad happened while you were away you would have become very unsettled and homesick, perhaps even so much that you returned home so the travelling experience would not have been all it could be. I feel there is a new date for this to occur and I feel strongly drawn to April. Wishing you well on your travels, keep safe and enjoy them.

COLOUR CARD FOR YOU: INDIGO, improve your vision.

Ah now this is not about your physical sight, it is about how you see your future. You need now to bring .positivity to it and stop seeing why you didn’t go which is causing depressed energy, Look now at how and when you will go! Make your dream a reality

I GAVE UP ON MY DREAM...

Q

Dear Susan My question is on work/my purpose. About a year ago I gave upon my dream and what was my passion as I was feeling so stuck I didn't know where to go with it. I started down a totally different path where I have invested quite a bit of money and time yet every day is such a dread to work on it. Lately I have been missing my passion so much and feel I have been getting nudges to follow it again so the question is do I let this new path and the money go and follow my dream and my heart ?

Thanks xxx much love, Maxine, Carlow

A

Hi Maxine, Your question is intriguing to me because it seems to contain the answer which means you know it. I'll bet if I told you to keep on with the new work which you dislike so much you would be upset and astounded wouldn't you? The saying about turning your hobby into a business and you will never feel like you are working is so relevant here. My feeling is that you are getting tired and worn out doing something that drags and drains you. Yes ok you have invested funds but your health and well-being is not a fund that can be replaced and that is where your thought process needs to be. The

choice is completely yours and I will not take from your expression of freewill but I will point out that you have been told already, do you really need me to tell you what you feel never mind know?

COLOUR CARD FOR YOU: WATERMELON. this is a card that reminds you to have fun and that your inner child needs her play time. It is a colour of gentleness and kindness and I feel you need this right now. You seem ti be a kind and gentle person caught up in a cold and sometimes cruel way of living and it just does not feel right for you. This colour brings the fun back, helps heals the scars of harshness and returns the joy to you.

Send all your questions into Susan - susan@matureliving.ie

Feature with Vincent Deane & Co. Solicitors, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Advance Care Directives A

n advance care directive, sometimes known as a 'Living will', is a statement about the type and extent of medical or surgical treatment you want in the future, on the assumption that you will not be able to make that decision at the relevant time. There are a number of different words and phrases used to describe advance care directives. In some countries, there is legislation which provides for the recognition and enforcement of such directives and in some cases provides for the way in which they should be made. There is no such legislation in Ireland.

This does not necessarily mean that these advance care directives are not valid but it does mean that information and guidance from other jurisdictions may not apply and you should not rely on such information or guidance. In some countries there have been court cases where the validity of advance directives has been considered but again, there has

been no such case in Ireland.

An advance care directive may be valid and enforceable because by making such a statement, you may have withdrawn your consent to specific medical or surgical treatment. It is not possible to state with absolute certainty that such a directive would be enforced because this depends on exactly what it says and whether or not it addresses the precise circumstances you face.

In some countries it is possible to appoint someone else to make decisions on your behalf if you are not capable of making them yourself. In Ireland this power is granted by creating an Enduring Power of Attorney. An Enduring Power of Attorney however specifically does not allow for the making of health care decisions by another person. While you may suggest to your doctor or hospital that the wishes of certain people may be taken into account, you cannot give anyone else any legal right to make decisions about your

VINCENT DEANE & CO.

SOLICITORS Tel: 094 -9022980 094-9022981

Thomas Street, Castlebar, County Mayo Email: vincentdeane@eircom.net Fax: 094 9022 922

Deerpark Business Centre, Claregalway Road, Oranmore, Co. Galway

Tel: 091-795941

Email: law@obriensolicitors.ie Joan C. O’Brien, B.Comm., LL.B. John Keane, B.Comm., LL.B., Dip. Emp. Law

• Wills & Probate • Property Sales & Purchases • Personal Injury Claims* • Employment Law • Family Law • Court Attendances * In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or portion of any award or settlement.

health care. Neither can you ensure that the doctor/hospital will abide by their wishes.

What is an advance care directive? There is no legislation on advance care directive in Ireland. In general it can be defined as a statement about the kind and extent of medical or surgical treatment you want in the future, on the assumption that you will not be able to make that decision at the relevant time. Sometimes the terms living will, advance statement, advance decision or advance refusal are used. Remember however, there are no precise definitions of these terms but they are all advance decisions about medical or surgical treatment. People usually make such directives to limit the treatment given in order not to prolong life, for example, a Do Not Resuscitate Order. Some people however make them in order to state that they want all possible treatments to be provided. It is unlikely that such a directive would be enforceable as it does

not take account of the likely success of the treatment or of the costs involved.

Given the fact there is no legislation addressing directives in Ireland, this doesn't necessarily mean that they are not valid in Ireland but their status is unclear. There has been a court case in which it was suggested that properly made advance directives would be valid and enforceable but this was not the issue in the case and so there was no ruling. It does seem that an advance directive which is clear and specific may be regarded as giving or withholding consent to specific treatment when you were in a position to make an informed choice.

There is no doubt that an advance directive is not enforceable if it specifies doing something which is illegal. For example, an advance directive stating that you want to be given medication which will hasten your death would not be enforceable. Withdrawal of treatment is not the same as

positive action to end life. A directive which specifies the kind of treatment you want is unlikely to be enforceable especially if it conflicts with the doctor's clinical decision. A directive is unlikely to be considered valid if it relates to circumstances which clearly were not envisaged when it was drawn up. Legislation was recently passed in the UK dealing with advance directives. The UK Mental Capacity Act 2005 uses the term advance decision. It provides that advance decisions made by mentally competent adults to refuse specified treatments may be valid if specific conditions are met. More stringent conditions are required for advance decisions to refuse life sustaining treatments.

In the UK, an attorney appointed under a Lasting Power of Attorney (similar to an Enduring Power of Attorney in Ireland) does have the power to make health care decisions on behalf of the person granting the power).

CONOR A. MAGUIRE

SOLICITORS Conor A. Maguire BA (ES)

T: 071-9855983 • M: 087-6739454 E: mail@camsolicitors.com skype: conor.maguire31 Lower Main Street, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim (Sub Office) High Street, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim (Tuesdays 4-7pm)

Tel: 071-9144479

Elphin Street, Boyle | 19 Chapel Street, Sligo

At Murphy Ballantyne, Solicitors, our service combines the personal touch of the family solicitor with a range of specialist advice relevant to clients. We provide a strictly confidential, courteous service, all at the highest professional standards.

Please contact John or Carol on the above number to arrange an appointment or email john@murphyballantyne.ie or carol@murphyballantyne.ie

www.mcgregorsolicitor.com Contact Mary for a quote Tel: 096-33456 Market Street, Killala • mary@mcgregorsolicitor.com

• Personal Injury Claims* • Employment • Property Sales & Purchases • Family Law • Wills & Probate • Court Attendances Efficient, Confidential & Affordable Legal Services * In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or portion of any award or settlement.

Alternative Therapies

Energetic medicine T

he therapies in the “energetic medicine” category have been developed in order to restore harmony within the body’s natural energy fields.

The Benefits of Energetic Medicine Have you ever felt out of sorts but couldn’t quite put your finger on why? Perhaps an energetic medicine treatment would do you the world of good. The therapies in energetic medicine allow you to reconnect with your body’s own innate energy systems, bringing them back into harmony and rebalancing them.

Clear your mind of past traumas by using core energetics, or use the healing power of colour in order to heal your body and stimulate your energy centres.

Even your environment has an effect on your energy so ensure that you are living in the most

enhancing the body’s energy centres, known as chakras. Each one of the seven colours coexists with one of the main chakras. If one of the chakras is unbalanced, using the appropriate colour on the body can help to rebalance the chakra. This therapy can be used to treat both physical and emotional problems. The colour may come in the form of coloured light, massage using colour saturated oils, visualising colours, wearing coloured clothing or eating coloured foods.

positive environment possible by using Feng Shui.

Energetic medicine is fantastic as many of the therapies are completely non-invasive and only do as much as you are comfortable with at any given time. For example, Reiki is a pure energy treatment that can be given without necessarily having to touch the body! By freeing the energy in your body, whether it is contained in the muscles, in the cerebrospinal fluid, or in the subtle unseen energy systems, you are freeing yourself from negative emotions, enhancing your health in general, and inviting fresh, new positive energy into your life. Who wouldn’t love that?

Core Energetics Core energetics builds upon disciplines such as psychology, psychoanalysis, characterology, psychodynamics, Reichian therapy, and bio-energetics, and it works on the boy, mind, energy, and soul system in order to access and clear unconscious childhood traumas. This therapy

Colour Therapy Colour therapy uses the seven colours of the spectrum in order to stimulate the body’s healing process while also balancing and

is capable of healing the deep seated causes of things such as depression, addiction, insomnia, relationship problems, and even physical illnesses. Grounding methods are used in core energetics to ensure that the therapy remains safe. The client learns how to direct their own energy and consciousness so that they can take full responsibility for their power.

Craniosacral Therapy Craniosacral therapy is a hands on healing technique, where the therapist will mobilize and release the craniosacral system.

This therapy focuses on cerebrospinal fluid, in particular, the irregularities in the flow of the fluid. The movement of the spinal fluid within and around the nervous system creates a vital bodily rhythm which is as important to the body as is the heartbeat or the breathing rate.

This is a non-intrusive therapy that improves general wellbeing, reduces stress, and improves sleep, amongst other things.

Crystal Therapy Crystal therapy uses semiprecious and precious stones to enhance mental, spiritual and physical healing.

The therapy is based on the belief that certain crystals and gems possess energy that can positively affect imbalances in the human energy fields, thus promoting health and wellbeing.

Stones are placed around the body or on specific energy points and the person accepts the vibrations that the stone has to offer, whether consciously or unconsciously. The interaction between the stone’s vibrations and the vibration of the body triggers a series of responses, including the creation of spontaneous energy.

To make an appointment or for a brief informal discussion with myself directly. You can reach me on 087-8093783 or email cathy@cathycavanagh.net or visit my website www.cathycavanagh.net

Holistic Therapies Stéfan de Guylian Aromatherapy • Massage • Reflexology As seen on Irish and International TV

Carmel is a qualified nurse and has Diplomas in Reflexology, Therapeutic Massage & Aromatherapy coupled with Post-Graduate training in reflexology in pregnancy , working with people undergoing cancer treatment including their Carers.

1 0%

DISCOUNT with on an treatment y w this advertith

Home treatments available on request

Airport Road, Strandhill, Co. Sligo Contact Carmel Clarke: 087-6323903

International Clairvoyant, Medium & Psychic Tarotologist Native American Energies Platform Work Shamanism

Available for House Parties & Corporate Events

(Holistic therapies Sligo)

7th SON FAITH HEALER MICHAEL O’CONNOR

www.handsonfaithhealing.com ALL CONSULTATIONS ARE IN PRIVATE

Michael regularly travels all over Ireland and Northern Ireland helping to heal people from all sorts of ailments. From eczema and asthma to stress and back pain; he has seen it all.

Clinic times & venues available at www.handsonfaithhealing.com or contact Michael on 087 2301359 for an appointment Page 52 Mature Living

Travel on a Mystical Journey...

Contact Stefan: 087-6108105 • stefandeguylian@gmail.com Learn to understand and accept your self

Henry Schwab Healing

Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy(Dip.Hyp./Psych.,ADHP),EFT Master Practitioner (AMT), Advanced Practitioner of Meridian Therapies, Master in Reiki & Seichem (Tera Mai)

LEARN TO UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT YOUR SELF calm, relaxed and in control REIKI may help you to heal pain in your body, back and joints, relaxing and balancing your body and mind.

TAPPING ( EFT = emotional freedom therapy) may be very effective to overcome your anxiety, fears, phobia and negative thinking to free you from mental and emotional stress.

TAT(Tapas Acupressure Technique) may heal old trauma and many allergies.

Matrix Reimprinting = transforming your past, present and future.

Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy are available.

ANXIETY , BEREAVEMENT , CHILDHOOD ABUSE , CONFIDENCE , DEPRESSION , EATING DISSORDER , FEARS & PHOBIAS , PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT , RELAXATION , STRESS MANAGEMENT, STOP SMOKING , WEIGHT MANAGEMENT , and any other problem of a psychosomatic nature, i.e. caused by the mind it is never too late to turn your life around - www.henryschwabhealing.com

Evikeens, Boyle, County Roscommon • Tel: 071 96 62114

Breakaways Explore Wicklow, Experience Dublin

T

• Afternoon Tea for two on arrival (scone, sandwich, pastry, tea/coffee) • Two nights B&B and 2 course dinner on one evening of your choice • Bottle of House Wine with Dinner • Complimentary morning newspaper • Full use of The Merrill Leisure Club facilities • Concessions for Royal Bingo (one evening) • Bring the grandchildren, up to two children (u12years) share complimentary accommodation.

Complimentary Merrill’s Activity Camp starts July 1st

he Royal Hotel, set in seaside resort of Bray, offers guests the best of both worlds, only a short distance to the heart of Dublin city (30 minutes by DART) and on the border of Wicklow County guests are spoilt for choice with a range of activities, walks and places to visit.

Boasting 128 bedrooms , the hotel offers a choice of standard rooms, the recent addition of over 30 deluxe rooms which are contemporary and spacious in their design & we also have several family rooms to accommodate a family of up to five compliment the make up of our rooms.

The Quinns Bar with its olde world meeting modern day in its décor offers a sumptuous dining with our bar menu and live music every weekend with locally renowned musicians, the Quinns Bar is the perfect place to meet old friends and new.

The Heritage Restaurant serves a selection of carefully chosen Menus to suit all appetites using the finest locally produced ingredients. The Heritage Restaurant is the perfect venue for all occasions from an intimate meal for two to a family celebration.

Our recently refurbished and extended Merrill Leisure Club, exclusive to guests and members comprises of a 14 metre swimming pool, Children’s Pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi. Steam-Room, a fully equipped Gymnasium. The Merrill Beauty Rooms offers special discounts on massage and beauty treatments exclusive to our guests. Merrill’s Activity Camp, which is a complimentary service offers a wide range of activities to children aged 4 years and above.

The camp takes place daily from 10am – 1pm and 6.00pm – 9.00pm each evening, during all school holidays.

Sligo Park Hotel and Leisure Club HOTEL & LEISURE CLUB

Over 55’s Special Offer 3 B&B + 3 Dinners From

€150pps

4 and 5 Night Breaks also Available

Subject to Availability Available on Selected Dates

Pearse Road, Sligo • Tel: 071 919 0400

www.sligoparkhotel.com • Email: Sligo@leehotels.com

A

warm welcome awaits you at the fourstar Sligo Park Hotel and Leisure Club, On the outskirts of Sligo Town in the Heart of Yeats’ Country set in quiet parkland and surrounded by some of the most scenic countryside in Ireland ranging from the majestic Benbulben to the gentle waters of Lough Gill. In the heart of Yeats’ country for over 40 years, the Sligo Park Hotel is a well established favourite.

Relax in the spacious lobby; take a stroll into town or venture to the nearby ancient sites including Carrowmore, Slish Wood, Dooney Rock & Knocknarea or an abundance of woodland retreats.

Wherever your interests lie, Sligo is sure to have something to offer.

Stroll along Atlantic shores taking in some stunning scenery. Why not try your hand at pottery, take a walk up Knocknarea mountain or go surfing in Strandhill?

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa

O

ffering one of the best locations in and around Dublin, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa has become known as one of the finest hotels in Ireland. The best of both worlds allow you to easily access all that Dublin city centre and surrounding shopping has to offer and yet the tranquillity of Dunboyne Village is on the doorstep.

Seiod Spa has 18 treatment rooms and a luxurious hydrotherapy pool.

The Terrace Lounge is a delightful conservatory area overlooking the magnificent gardens and is a perfect setting to unwind with a pre-dinner drink. The 2AA Rosette Award Winning Restaurant – The Ivy, where the journey through your taste buds takes over and for wine lovers a special treat is in store. Any visit to Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa would be incomplete without a visit to the Sadlier Bar, where locals gather and mingle with guests in a

friendly festive setting.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa features 145 oversized modern guest rooms; 2 junior suites featuring separate bedrooms and living room areas and two presidential suites that must be seen to be believed.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa – a must visit hotel with great service and stunning facilities.

Visit www.dunboynecastlehotel.com and see the amazing special offers.

After a days exploring, sit back and relax in the jacuzzi before savouring the atmosphere of the Rathanna bar and Garden Terrace and enjoying the creative delights in the Hazelwood Restaurant.

Sligo is surprising !

Relationships

A

s we grow older our bodies change and, living in a culture obsessed with youth, it's sometime hard to feel confident about how we look. Ceri Roberts talks to some experts who share their tips on how to feel body confident in later life.

We all have days when we feel invisible, unattractive and selfconscious. Often it’s because we compare ourselves, unfairly, to the way we looked when we were young.

After all, we live in a culture which is obsessed with youth, so it’s harder to be body confident if we’ve gained a few pounds, our hair has turned grey, or our skin has started to wrinkle and sag. 'The dominant focus on youth and attractiveness means that older people are often depicted as less valuable and less visible,' says Dr Emma Halliwell from the Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England.

'However, psychologists have repeatedly shown the way you look is not related to the extent that someone is happy, popular, loved or successful.'

With this in mind, we asked the experts for some tips on how to improve our body image and boost our self-confidence in later life, so that we can look and feel - our best.

DOs DO pay yourself one compliment each day 'Self praise has as much, if not more, effect than a compliment from someone else,' says

Page 54 Mature Living

psychotherapist Marisa Peer, author of Ultimate Confidence.

'You might feel a bit silly, but say something great about yourself first thing every morning. If you can learn to feel good about yourself, others will feel positively towards you too.'

DO experiment with colour It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, and wear the same type of clothes every day. But you’d be surprised how introducing some colour into your wardrobe can help you to look and feel younger.

If you normally wear neutral shades like navy, black, grey or brown, think about adding a colourful scarf or tie, or add a vibrant handbag or socks.

'This is an easy and affordable way to keep up with fashion,' says fashion stylist Luanne McLean.

DO see changes in your appearance as part of you 'Your body tells a story about who you are and what has happened in your life,' says Dr Emma Halliwell.

'The lines around your eyes show your sense of humour and the amount of times you laughed. Your stomach may have carried children and allowed you to bring up a family.

'By telling a story about your appearance you begin to see your body as a friend rather than an enemy to battle against.'

DO do gentle, regular exercise 'Lots of older people avoid

physical activity, and that includes walking, because they’ve lost confidence in their body and worry that they are too old, too unfit or might hurt themselves,' says Ana Barretxeguren, founder of Pilates Studio.

'But regular, gentle exercise like pilates can help you to feel less vulnerable. It improves balance and keeps you strong and flexible, which reduces the risk of falls - and means you’re less likely to hurt yourself if you do take a tumble.'

DO focus on the things you like about your appearance 'The ageing process can be tough, but it happens to us all eventually,' says Marisa Peer.

'Instead of mourning the loss of your youthful figure or smooth skin, focus on your good points.

'Stand in front of the mirror and notice all your good points your nice smile, the twinkle in your eye, your lovely hands or your great posture. Research has shown that this is really beneficial.'

can work with you on gentle exercises that are suitable for your level of fitness.'

DON'Ts DON’T compare yourself to other people 'It’s common for men and woman to make appearance comparisons with their friends, family members, celebrities and other people in the media,' says Dr Emma Halliwell.

'Research shows that doing this leads to increased body dissatisfaction. So when you notice yourself doing this, actively turn your attention to something else until you begin to break the habit.'

DON’T wear clothes that are too small - or too big 'Sizes vary between stores, so don’t stick with a set size just because you can’t face going up or down the size scale,' says Luanne McLean.

'Wearing clothes that fit you perfectly is more important than a number on a label, and you’ll feel more comfortable and confident in clothes that flatter your shape.'

DON’T spend too much time on the sofa 'It’s not always easy for older people to exercise, especially if they have a heart condition or joint issues,' says Ana Barretxeguren. 'But it’s important to keep moving as we get older, as regular exercise helps us to look and feel better.

'Pilates is a great option because a qualified instructor

DON’T call yourself old 'This is a negative word, so cut it out of your vocabulary,' says Marisa Peer. 'Call yourself "wise" or "experienced" instead.

'Remember that other cultures place much greater value on age and experience, so focus on the fact that you still have a lot to offer which isn’t based on youth or the way you look.'

DON’T slouch 'Start paying attention to the way that you stand, sit and walk,' says Ana Barretxeguren.

'So many people tell me that they stand differently after a few Pilates classes.

This is because the exercises improve core strength and encourage you to focus on your posture. Standing and sitting correctly not only protects your back, it immediately makes you look taller, slimmer and more confident.'

Breakaways

The Luxury Glenlo Abbey

A

Manor to which you can become accustomed...

Galway’s 5 star luxury hotel, Glenlo Abbey, is

the ideal choice for your breakaway in Galway, with unrivalled personal service it is the perfect place for either

relaxation or an activities based holiday.

The wildness of Connemara is right on our doorstep and the

vibrancy of Galway City is only minutes away.

The ideal location for exploring the West of Ireland - With its superb dining options. including the River Room Restaurant overlooking the estate, the Oak Cellar Bar, and three elegant Receptions Rooms, where guests can enjoy a relaxing drink, afternoon tea, or take time out to relax and read the newspapers.

And the PULLMAN RESTAURANT ABOARD THE ORIENT EXPRESS, a 66 seater restaurant comprising of 2 of the original carriages from the Orient Express is a “must”

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa

O

ffering one of the best locations in and around Dublin, Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa has become known as one of the finest new hotels in Ireland. The best of both worlds allow you to easily access all that Dublin city centre and surrounding shopping has to offer and yet the tranquillity of Dunboyne Village is on the doorstep.

Seiod Spa has 18 treatment rooms and a luxurious hydrotherapy pool.

The Terrace Lounge is a delightful conservatory area overlooking the magnificent gardens and is a perfect setting to unwind with a pre-dinner drink.

The 2AA Rosette Award Winning Restaurant – The Ivy, where the journey through your taste buds takes over and for wine lovers a special treat is in store. Any visit to Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa would be incomplete without a visit to the Sadlier Bar, where locals gather and mingle with

guests in a friendly festive setting.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa features 145 oversized modern guest rooms; 2 junior suites featuring separate bedrooms and living room areas and two presidential suites that must be seen to be believed.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa – a must visit hotel with great service and stunning facilities. Visit www.dunboynecastlehotel.com and see the amazing special offers.

Harbour Hotel, Galway

T

he Harbour Hotel is the ideal venue to experience the

excitement and vibrancy of Galway. The Harbour Hotel deliver the

complete experience with their City Centre waterfront location is

right in the heart of the Galway City with ample car parking space, and unrivalled hospitality, it couldn’t be easier.

Just a 3 minute stroll from our hotel will take you to Eyre Square and the city centre, including Shop Street and the bustling bars & cafés of Quay Street. Meander along the cultured streets and enjoy the pace of life unique to the West of Ireland. You are assured of a very warm welcome upon arrival.

Our team will welcome you to our modern, comfortable, family owned hotel and take excellent care of you throughout your stay.

Breakaways

Active Breaks at The Villa Rose Boutique Hotel and V-Spa

T

he Villa Rose Hotel is a 4 Star, family owned, boutique spa hotel located in the town centre of Ballybofey, Co Donegal.

Situated between Letterkenny & Donegal Town it is an ideal base from which to experience all that Donegal and the North West of Ireland have to offer.

The hotel comprises 57 beautifully appointed bedrooms, contemporary in design with the emphasis on absolute comfort acting as a home away from home. All bedrooms are ensuite and include safe, tea/coffee making facilities, complimentary bottled water, plasma screen tv & complimentary wi-fi.

Avail of free parking and complimentary newspapers each morning. Facilities include Fara’s Restaurant & Wine Bar for a delicious meal in modern and elegant surroundings, The Forge Bar with live light entertainment, The ‘Wee’ Bar serving lunch, bar food & specialty coffees overlooking Ballybofey’s bustling main street & The V Spa for pampering & relaxation.

The Villa Rose offer a wide range of holidays for the 50+ market including Ballroom & Sequence Dancing and 50+ Active Breaks including a range of

Winter Golden Getaways 2B&B+2Dinners €99pp / 3B&B+2Dinners €139pp Free Tea/Coffee on arrival - Free Spa Session Ballroom Dancing Holiday

4 Nights B&B, 4 Evening Meals Dancing to Live Bands & Tuition €239pp February 22nd - 26th 2015

Group Rates 2015

2 Nights B&B + 2 Dinners €109pp / 3 Nights B&B + 3 Dinners €149pp With Free Spa Thermal Session, Tea/Coffee, Entertainment & Activities Call Group Organiser Leona for more info...

4 Star, Family Owned, Town Centre hotel

Reservations: 074-9132266

Ballybofey, Co Donegal Email: reservations@villarose.net • www.villarose.ie

optional entertainment & activities to partake in during your stay. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break away or for an exciting trip with the possibility of meeting like minded friends then the Villa Rose is the destination for you. Contact Leona McGee – dedicated 50+ Events Marketing Coordinator at the Villa Rose for full details

Active Retirement breaks in the beautiful costal town of Donegal

T

he Abbey Hotel is located on the main square of the beautiful coastal town of Donegal. The small harbour town lies at the heart of Co. Donegal making it the ideal place to explorer the north west. The superior 3-star Hotel is right next to Donegal Castle, Donegal Bay Waterbus, Craft village, Donegal railway and heritage centre, and a short distance from Salthill gardens, 2 blue flag beaches and some of Donegal’s top walking and hiking trails.

Comfortable bedrooms each feature a flat-screen TV, telephone and individual private bathroom. Most rooms also overlook Donegal Bay and the

River Eske.

The award winning Market House restaurant has a menu of excellent international cuisine.

Guests can dine in a room full of character, and drink from the wide selection of wines.

The Eas Dun Bar, with its unique 2-tier interior design, offers regular live entertainment and music almost every night of the year.

Guests have complimentary use of the leisure centre facilities next door, including a pool, spa bath, steam room and gym.

During your visit hotel offers complementary parking, free Wi-Fi in all rooms throughout the hotel and a voucher of Tea/Coffee and scone. No

single room supplement Thursday to Sunday. For weekend rates please contact reception.

Other Entertainment Available: 21st Dec. Nathan Carter & Band 28th Dec. Sharon Shannon, Frances Black & Mary Coughlan 29th-31st Dec. Christmas & New Year Dancing Getaway 1st Jan. Johnny Cash, June Carter Tribute Show 30th Jan. Country Music Weekend. Jim Divine, Jimmy Buckley, Stephen Smyth, Declan Nerney, Robert Mizzel NB: For prices ,information on facilities and attractions visit www.Abbeyhoteldonegal.com

Active Retirement Breaks 2014 December 2014

2 Nights B&B & 2 Dinners - €99pps 3 Nights B&B & 3 Dinners - €139pps 4 Nights B&B & 4 Dinners - €179pps

Other Entertainment Available: 21st Dec. Nathan Carter & Band 28th Dec. Sharon Shannon, Frances Black & Mary Coughlan 29th-31st Dec. Christmas & New Year Dancing Getaway, 1st Jan. Johnny Cash, June Carter Tribute Show 30th Jan. Country Music Weekend. Jim Divine, Jimmy Buckley, Stephen Smyth, Declan Nerney, Robert Mizzel

Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal • Tel: 074-9721014 Email: oisin@abbeyhoteldonegal.com

www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com

...With so much to choose from, what better way to spend a day or so than at the beautiful Royal Marine Hotel…

A

short drive along the South East coast will bring you to Dun Laoghaire, where overlooking the bay you will find the Royal Marine Hotel. Steeped in history, and a favorite with the locals, this landmark hotel is an impressive sight on the Dun Laoghaire skyline. A hotel has stood here since 1828. Many celebrities, and even royalty have passed through its doors over the decades. In 2004 this magnificent old building closed for restoration, a painstaking labour of love by the present owners.

Situated in an elevated site on 4 acres overlooking Dublin Bay, the hotel has stunning views that on a clear day stretch as far away as Howth; and yet is still only a short journey from down-town Dublin. The original hotel has been extensively but sympathetically renovated with precise attention to detail.

And it is just this same attention to detail, we extend to you as our guest – whether overnight or simply joining us for a drink in our bar or dining in our restaurant.

The large bay windows and high ceilings of the Bay Lounge highlight the grandeur and historic feel that is central to the hotel style. Lavishly furnished it is a comfortable and ideal venue to meet friends and family for coffee, lunch or perhaps to enjoy the age-old tradition of afternoon tea whilst overlooking the gardens, with spectacular views of the harbour. Our resident pianist completes the ambience every Saturday afternoon.

Or perhaps dine in relaxed style in our Dún Bistro where the delights of the Restaurant are matched only by the professional friendly service and stunning views over the harbour. Serving an Early Bird Menu, Table d’hote

and a la Carte Menus.

Try out lively Hardy’s Bar for a local drink (named after the famous actors and world famous partners Laurel & Hardy who stayed in the original Royal Marine Hotel). Food served every day until 10pm. Live music every Saturday night.

The Pier Health Club offers state-of-the-art cardio and resistance equipment, free weight area and a luxury 18 metre swimming pool. We are proud to offer our members a spacious, relaxed and welcoming environment in which to exercise. Or simply retreat into the hushed tranquillity of the sansanaSpa (the only Failté Ireland ‘comprehensive’ spa in Dublin) and choose pampering delights from our extensive treatment menu.

With so much to choose from, what better way to spend a day or so than at the beautifully restored Royal Marine Hotel…

Knock House Hotel Christmas is nearly here

D

o something different this Christmas and join us here at Knock House Hotel! Arrive to the warmest of welcomes, feel the festive atmosphere and relax.

During your break with us we cater to your every need , and it’s a lovely opportunity to make friends and mix with like- minded people. Enjoy our Four Seasons Restaurant which overlooks a beautiful garden and captures the magnificent spire of the Basilica. Over the years it has earned an enviable reputation of food, wine & service.

Knock House Hotel is within minutes of wonderful attractions including Knock Marian Shrine and Museum.

Within a short drive; Fr

Peyton Memorial, Museum of Country Life (Turlough ), Foxford Woollen Mills and the Western Greenway Cycling Route, and within an hour’s drive, Kylemore Abbey, Michael Davitt Museum and Ceide Fields.

Local outdoor activities include hiking and walking, golf, horse riding and angling.

You can choose to stay for 2, 3, 4 or 5 day packages which includes: your accommodation, lovely festive food, fun, games, entertainment, present, a shopping day trip and much more. Early booking is essential call Karen on 094 9388088 to request our Christmas brochure or to make a booking.

Visit the stunning Leitrim countryside be rounded off with a lavish evening meal It is an ideal wedding venue or conference centre.

The central location of the hotel in Leitrim facilitates tours and visits to the surrounding unspoiled countryside. The location facilitates visits to the many nearby lakes that comprise the Leitrim countryside and shopping in nearby Sligo or Enniskillen A visit to Lough Allen hotel & Spa in Drumshanbo is a must and there are packages to suit any budget.

Drumshanbo • Co Leitrim www.loughallenhotel.com

Mid Week 2 Nights B&B Offer 2 Nights B&B for 2 people Only €99 Available Sun-Thur Only...€49.50pps

O

Please mention Mature Living Leinster when booking

ne of the best places to base a home holiday or a week-end break is, undoubtedly, the Lough Allen Hotel in County Leitrim. Situated on the shores of Lough Allen, only 14 km from the bustling town of Carrick on Shannon, it is only a short walk to the town of Drumshanbo.

The hotel has offerings to compare with the top hotels in Ireland and also has the stunning Leitrim countryside. Spa treatments, leisure centre and a sumptuous candlelight dinner are all part of what’s on offer for an unforgettable break. A family re-union can

To Book Call 071-9640100 or email reservations@loughallenhotel.com

Why choose a Hotel when you can have the Luxury of a Resort

P

4 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

€199 pp

5th Night B&B FREE

Offer Available Selected Dates Only – Call for Details

INCLUDES: Full complimentary daily and nightly entertainment program Transfers local Bus & Train Station Use of the leisure centre facilities

Escape to Breaffy House Resort to Relax, Unwind and Revive To Book: Call us now on 094 90 22033 or email to reservations@breaffyhouseresort.ie Bookings on line www.breaffyhouseresort.com Page 42 Mature Living February 2014

lanning a relaxing break away, the ideal location is Breaffy House Resort which is located in the heart of Co. Mayo. Set on 90 acres of gardens and rolling woodland. The House dates back to 1890, retaining some of its original Country House atmosphere whilst offering all of the luxury of a modern day hotel. The Resort is renowned for its warm welcoming staff with an excellent range of facilities. The Resort includes Spa, Leisure Centre with 20 metre pool, Sauna and Jacuzzi. The Resort offers deluxe rooms which include a range of suites, superior, standard rooms with all the facilities that your guests would require – direct dial telephone, multichannel colour T.V., radio, hairdryer, trouser press and tea/coffee making facilities.

This year we have put together an amazing offer of 4 nights Dinner B&B and 5th night B&B FREE when you book our Golden Breaks package. This offer includes 3 course dinner each night in the Mulberry Restaurant and breakfast each morning, along with 5th Night Bed & Breakfast free. Transfers can be

arranged from local bus and train stations based on minimum numbers. Complimentary on site parking should you wish to drive. We have chosen a selection of arrival dates each month which means we can provide in-house activities such as wine tasting, table tennis, bowling, grow your own garden and pottery painting. This is the ideal location to explore Mayo.

The Hotel is just 20 mins away from the scenic town of Westport. All guests have complimentary use of the swimming pool, sauna, seam room, Jacuzzi, and gym. You may also take part in one of our many classes, which include Aqua Aerobics, Over 55’s workout and the increasing popular Zumba. If you fancy some pampering, enjoy some time out in Breaffy Spa. Which offers a range of facial, body and massage treatments to leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at leisure between 7:30am –10:30am each morning and Dinner each between 6:30pm – 8:45pm. The Mulberry Bar serves food for 12-9pm each day for snacks, light bites and main courses.

Services Directory

CHIMNEY

PROBLEMS FREEFONE: 1800 200 510

Relining, Repairing, Rebuilding Normally no opening of walls , Free Insurance Quotes, National Guild of Master Craftsman

Creating the perfect personalised momento of those we dearly miss

NATIONWIDE SERVICE

Oil Kits Supplied and Fitted, Stoves and Ranges Fitted

Declan 087-9974893

For a consultation in our comfortable surroundings, please pop in to our shop Upstairs at JT Office Supplies, Ballina, Co. Mayo.

Tel: 086 7792771

Westport Foot Clinic

Westport, Co. Mayo

Chiropodist: Martin Mc Nally Tel: 087 222 6260

DEAD AND WORN-OUT ANIMALS

• Free 24/7 Call out service • Free Surveys • Discreet soloutions • Regular Inspections • Senior Citizen Discounts West Pest is an expert pest control company based in the West of Ireland but covering all areas. We cater for domestic, commercial and agricultural customers. We deal with all pests including: Rats, Mice, Wasps, Bees, Flies, Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, Bedbugs, Pigeons and other Wild Birds.

We will respond to any emergency within an hour.

Tel: 089-461-2664 info@westpest.ie • www.westpest.ie

Middleton Travel Middleton Travel Sligo - People on the move

We can cater for all your trips: • Family Outings • Airport Transfers • The Races • Golfing Trips • Sporting Trips • Stag & Hen Parties • Corporate Events • Office Parties Middleton Travel, 11 The Elms, Woodtown Lodge, Sligo Tel: 071-9162890 • Francie: 086-8143464 Keith: 087-2918668 Email: middletontravel@eircom.net www.middletontravelsligo.com

TREACY COACHES BALLINA • Traditional Tin Smiths • Copper • Aluminium • Zinc • Stainless Steel • Lead • Titanium • Natural Slate • Ornamentation

Contact: Tom Rogers Strokestown, Co. Roscommon SAME DAY COLLECTION SERVICE SERVICING LEITRIM & SLIGO FARMERS FOR OVER 20 YEARS

071-9634783 / 9633344 Only Licensed Knackers Yard & Service in NorthWest Lowest Prices and Daily Collection Guaranteed

All forms of cladding & roofing in tradition standing seam and batten roll in Copper, Zinc, Aluminium Stainless steel and Lead Sheet.

Specialist flashing kits for chimneys,dormers, box gutter valleys and pitched valleys for slated roofs.

Design, layout and detailing services for both commercial and private projects.

Welding and fabricating of Stainless Steel and aluminium.

GG Roofing, The Grove, Kilmovee, Co. Mayo 087 2437259/094 Boyle,Phone: Co. Roscommon Telephone:9649296 071-9670010 Email: info@ggroofing.ie Email Us: info@pureflowers.ie••www.ggroofing.ie www.pureflowers.ie

Daily Service to SLIGO departs Ballina at 7.30am and departs SLIGO IT at 5.15pm Monday to Friday * We Accept Travel Passes *

Enquiries tel: 096-22563

Services Directory KSC PAVING & DECKING CENTRE, BALLINA

WHEELIE BIN SERVICE SKIP HIRE (All Sizes)

096-32500 www.loftusrecycling.com

• PATIO SLAB • BRICK PAVING • FENCING • COLOURED CHIPPING • DESIGN • SUPPLY •FIT

STONEWORKS

• WISHING WELLS • GARDEN WALLS • FISH PONDS • STONE ROCKERIES • BUILD • SUPPLY • DESIGN

Call Martin on 086-0316833

COFFEE HOUSE & ART GALLERY

Harmony Hill, Sligo Tel: 071-91-45810 Tolan Street, Ballina Tel: 096-24763 www.tegre.ie

East Brothers GARDEN MACHINERY

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Emmet St, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 096-70669 Anytime

Email: info@ballinafuneralhome.ie Website: www.ballinafuneralhome.ie

GRAVE CARE

• COLOURED CHIPPINGS • SLABS • BARK • FANCY BRICKWORK • SUPPLY • FIT • MAINTENANCE FREE

Meet You Here FREE CONSULTATION IN YOUR HOME OR OUR SHOWROOMS.

McGowan's

Phone: 071-9162140 Market House, Market Yard, Sligo www.sligofuneralhome.ie info@sligofuneralhome.ie

All Services Provided Authorised representative of Horizon Funeral Planning Talk to us today for help and advice in your Pre-Need arangements

Shane McDonagh Tree Surgery and Agri Contractor

Open for Homemade Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee and Drinks Professional & amateur artists display their work at the ‘Meet You Here’ Coffee House - These pieces are also for sale at an affordable price.

We also retail special gifts for that special someone.

Cathedral Street, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon Open 8am - 5pm • Tel: 087-7095874 Winner Of Best Causual Dining In Rosscommon

• Tree Pruning / Reduction • Tree Removal & Hedge Maintenance • Stump Grinding and Log Splitting Fully Insured

Tel: 087-2116836

PROPERTY & GARDEN SERVICES Covering the Connacht area Sit Happenz will travel outside of Connacht www.sithappenz.wix.com/sithappez

• Petrol Chainsaws for Property Maintenance • Chainsaws for Agriculture and Horticulture • Electric / Cordless Chainsaws

BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON

Tel/Fax: 071-9662710 • Mobile: 086-2427554

Gazebos & Garden Sheds Built, fencing, grass and hedge cutting, carpentry, flooring, doors, power-washing, painting interior and exterior, gardens cleared, etc

All home and garden jobs

Call: 086-861-5781

In home dog training service. Teaching puppies & old dogs new tricks.

Sit Happenz is a professional in home dog training provided by Cer!fied Animal Behavior Consultant Ashlee Dolan, CABC. Call or e-mail today: Ashlee Dolan

Phone: 085 194 6653

sithappenz@thedoghousemail.com

Services Directory

PADRAIG RUANE Heating & Plumbing

Contact John Foy on M: 085-8893518 • T: 071-9164532

"We don’t just treat, we solve the problem" Sligo Pest Control has over 12 years experience in treating domestic and commercial pests.

Pests treated include mice, rats, bed bugs, flies, fleas, wasps and bees, woodworm and birds.

We are fully qualified, fully insured and can supply references if required.

Eyecare for your Family Market Cross , Sligo | T: 071 91 38775 Manorhamilton | T: 071 98 55444 Carrick-on-Shannon | T: 071 9671850 Open Mon-Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm

www.mcpartlanopticians.ie mcpartlanopticians@gmail.com

Western Mobility Stairlifts Straight & Curved

• Oil & Solid Fuel Central Heating • Domestic Solar Systems • Hot Water Heating • Ground Source Heat Pumps • Air to Water Heat Pumps • Installation of Wood Pellet stoves

Tel: 071 9130497 Mob: 087 2654493

Doni Feeney Painting & Decorating

GET A FREE QUOTE CALL 086 2461115

• Platform Lifts • Level Access Showers • Walk in baths

Stonemasonry Services Construction Restoration Memorials 086-1953006 / 096-30003

Free no obligation survey

LO CALL 1890-253038 Mobile: 087-7783633

From single rooms to complete house or commercial refurbishments we have it covered so if you require Professional and Efficient pain"ng and decora"ng come to Doni Feeney Pain"ng and Decora"ng today!

Keane’s Garage TEL: 086-0563130 Roll-R-Doors, Derryhillagh, Castlehill, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Tel: 096-51382 • Mob: 086-1650132 info@rollrdoors.ie • www.rollrdoors.ie

Roll-R-Doors offer a full range of Domestic and Industrial Garage Doors and Accessories. Specialising in both replacement and removal of old doors with new garage doors and installation of new garage doors, Give Roll-RDoors a call on 086 165 0132 to see what we can do for your projects needs.

MERCEDES SERVICE • Full dealer service facilities • Full Mechanical Repairs • Star Diagnostic Service

Get the same service as your main dealer at a fraction of the price!

Quality, Affordable Homecare In Your Community Providing dedicated homecare across the West, Northwest and Midlands since 1996

• Home Help • Light Housekeeping • Care of the Elderly • Overnight Care • Meal Prepara"on• Personal Care • Companionship • Respite Care Why se#le for a franchise when you can choose a local, proven homecare service?

Choose RHS Home Services - World Class, Quality Homecare in Your Community For Your Free No Obliga"on Consulta"on Call Us Now:

Urlaur, Killkelly, Co, Mayo Tel: 094-9649006 - www.keanesgarage.com

Roscommon: 09066-25988 Galway: 091 388785 Mayo: 09493 82156 www.rhshomeservices.ie

Services Directory

GS

PADRAIG BURKE CONTRACTS Funeral Directors GORDON SHERLOCK

Specialists in tarmac & asphalt driveways Telephone: 071-91-30070 • Mob: 087-2969872

www.sligotarmac.com

Rosebank, Attyrory, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

WE ARE THERE FOR YOU TO PROVIDE EXCELLENCE IN FUNERAL CARE WHEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NEED IT MOST.

Specialising in laying tarmacadam, asphalt and stone mastick asphalt.

From small household driveways to tennis courts, large industrial areas, farm roads, estates, car parks and more

• 25 years of experience in the Tarmacadam business • Free Advice and quotations • Fully insured

TEL: 096-72652 BOB: 087-9852827 • GERRY: 086-8581961

We are confident that our workmanship wil impress anyone, we can count on our past customers to verify our professionalism and attention to the finest detail.

WARNING!!!

Upto 80% of Heat Generated by an Open Fire and almost 20% of Heat from your Central Hea!ng System escapes up an open Chimney!

Prevent this wastage!

TERRYS STOVES SLIGO Buying a Stove???

Talk to Terry first • Free Survey Available • Solid Fuel Stoves • Gas Fires

PHONE: 087-2066910 / 071-9197925

www.terrysstoves.com terrysstoves@gmail.com

ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE "Our mission is to provide a dedicated centre of excellence delivering a quality client centred approach with compassion and dignity while respecting the values and beliefs of all our clients" Who can come to the Centre?

Anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's alcohol, gambling or substance use. A doctor's referral is not necessary.

What does treatment envolve?

We offer a 4 week programme. Addiction is a life threatening condition which can be effectively treated through timely intervention. We know that although recovery is a difficult and complex process - change is achievable with the help of highly trained professional staff and with feedback from other recovering addicts, and those concerned about recovery.

Gulladoo Centre, Cornafest, Co. Leitrim

Tel: 049-4339605 Mob: 086-8638842 Email: info@gulladoocentre.com

All Services Provided

Authorised Representative of Horizon Funeral Planning

Tel: 087-9385571 / 071-9621343

email: padraigburkefuneraldirectors@gmail.com

Drumkeerin Stone www.ap-motors.eu

Unit 2, Ardnaree, Ballina, Co. Mayo

• • • • • •

Servicing 5% Discoun Panel Beating t Tracking • Parts Light Setting NCT Preparation Valeting • Recovery with th is Advert

Ariel Dym 096-70993 • 086-8978395

Golden Gravel Suitable for Driveways, Paths, Flowerbeds etc.

Available in 6mm,14mm,20mm and 30mm stone mulch.

Building sand and Golden blinding.

Supplied in ton bags or bulk loads.

Na!onwide delivery available.

Tel: 086-8142496

CHIMNEY Michael REPAIRS Langan Pipe & Petroleum Installations IRELAND • 20 year guarantee • 25 years experience • Relining and rebuilding • Smoke and soot problems solved • Free estimates • Free assistance with insurance claims Tel : Office 1800 283067 / 087-7997671

www.chimneyrepairs.ie

Ardagh, Ballina, Co. Mayo Mobile: 086-2647271 • Tel: 096-70528

info@pipeandpump.ie • www.pipeandpump.ie

• Pipe & Pump Installations • Pump Maintenance • Pipe Work • Tanks and tank gauges • Control systems • New and Refurbished Pumps • Civil Works • Refurbish canopies • Fabricate & install bottom loaders

Feature Article Services Directory

Professional Relationship Counselling Couples & Individuals Fees Based on Personal circumstances

Ballina 096-21478 accordballina@eircom.net

Castlebar 094-9022214 N5 Moneen Business Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo Tel: 094-9026373 • Fax: 094-9024353 Email: info@walterdonoghue.com www.walterdonoghue.com

We offer you a unique and friendly approach to campervan hire, with us you get to join a community of camper nuts and share your adventure with all your friends.

With Facebug you get to hire a chilled out VW T4 camper with all the usual comforts plus Wifi to check your email, catch up on work or connect to your social networks and a streaming webcam to share your journey with your friends.

We like to keep it simple so campers cost.... €110.00 per day or €700.00 per week which includes insurance

Call us on 085­850­5555 Email: info@facebugcampers.com www.facebugcampers.com

accordcbar@eircom.net

Charlestown 094-9254944 accordcharlestown@eircom.net

• Water Analysis • Water Filtration • Water Softening • Well Drilling • Pump Supplied and Fitted • Rain Water Collection & Purification • Sewage Treatment Systems IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Email: waterteck@eircom.net Website: www.waterteck.com Phone: 086-8072249 071-9658976

GIBLIN STONE ...everlasting

Choosing a memorial for a loved one is a very personal thing.

Quality • Experience • Service

Addic!on Treatment Centre

Foxford, Co. Mayo

Call in confidence: 094"9256888 Email: hopehouse#eircom.net www.hopehouse.ie

Rehabilitation Cent!e specialising in the t!eat"ent of alcohol, dr#gs, GRANITE COUNTERS gambling and other dependencies. & FIREPLACES IN MARBLE, GRANITE ALSO AVAILABLE, CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS

Church Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo Phone: James 087 9061833 • Brian 086 1957788

www.giblinstone.com

Hope House... “where recover$ begins” 2014

HEAR Ltd.

HEARING CLINIC Gerard Feeney BSC, MSHAA, MISHAA, MIHS Hearing Aid Consulta!on will a"end:

Matt O’Flaherty Chemists, William Street, Galway. Tel: 091- 556664 Furniture recovering and restoration including covering of chairs, 3 piece suites, headboards, car seats and boat seats.

Hotel and Bar seating, Office furniture and other Contract / Commercial furniture.

Repair of sails, tents and other outdoor gear for sports and leisure.

We provide a service of Colour consultancy and Interior advice.

We retail upholstery fabrics and essentials.

Collection and delivery can be arranged at a small fee, depending on distance.

Boradruma, Snugboro, Castlebar • Tel: 094 9023532 / 086 8350608 Open Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Visit us online at www.boradrumaupholstery.ie

Mc Sharry's Pharmacy, Golden Island, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Tel: 090-6474799 Hayes & Hayes Pharmacy, St. Brendans Street, Portumna. Tel: 090-9741025 Stauntons Pharmacy, Main Street, Castlebar Tel: 094-9024045 Appointment Necessary FREE HEARING TEST, CONSULTATION AND ADVICE Latest Digital Technology Available.

PRSI Grants of up to 50% per aid may apply.

Repairs to all makes of hearing aids.

Services Directory

Aluminium & PVC Repairs TANK CLEAN To windows, doors and patio doors

Boyle, Co. Roscommon • Septic Tanks Emptied

Expert patio door repairs!

Pre-Cast Sewage Treatment Units Septic Tanks & Rainwater Tanks Supplied & Fitted New Percolation Areas & Polishing Filters Installed All Work to EPA Standard Permit No. 13-11160-01

• Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windows and doors. Fully insured GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED

Call today for a site visit - David Regan: 087-9125128 • Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

PADRAIC CRYAN STONE WORK Based in Roscommon, Padraic Cryan Stone & Blockwork Services is an Irish company with over 16 years experience in the Irish Construc!on Industry that prides itself on exceeding customer expecta!ons and delivering all work on budget and within the agreed !meframe.

We provide General Building work from Restora!ons to New Builds, and Stoneworks and are happy to meet you at your convenience and provide you with a quota!on.

Call Padraic on (086) 2867950 today for a FREE no hassle quota!on

Resistant Stove Glass WEST OF IRELAND Heat We can Cut Robax Stove Glass to required WINDOWS & Size & Shape While U Wait....

SCHOTT ROBAX is a DOORS SERVICING heat resistant Ceramic

Repairs to all makes of Windows & Doors, Fogged Units, Hinges & Handles Replaced.

GREEN ACRES Single man, 55, good jobm would like to meet

sincere lady, foreign ladies please reply too!

Replies with a stamped envelope to Box number 1101 at the address below.

MALE 50’S North Mayo (Newport) kind, caring, sincere, likes cooking, walking, swimming, people, conversation, seeks a femaile for friendship and companionship Replies in a stamped envelope to box number 1050 at the usual address.

FREE DATING* CLASSIFIED

We Always have Stove Glass in Stock & can cut it while you wait.

Tel: 087-3542249

DATING CLASSIFIEDS UP FOR A BIT OF CRAIC Mature prof. Lady, good sense of humour is looking for ‘kinda’ handsome, good natured, GSOH, sensible, house trained gent, 65ish plus, who likes fun date out, cosy nights in, dancing & singing to a new beginning with a happy ending. Replies with a stamped envelope to Box number 1111 at the address below.

Glass, suitable For 99% of Woodburning Stoves & Fireplaces Robax has an extremely low thermal expansion which allows it not to be effected by extremely high temperatures or sudden temperature changes.

NORTHWEST LADY Single, sincere, loves dancing, drama, creativity and adventure travel. N/S 40+ would like to share part of my jorney with you.

Replies with a stamped envelope to box number 1115

SLIGO LADY 50 BUT LOOKS 10 YEARS YOUNGER Would like to meet nice, respectable, loving, genuine, honest man for fun and dancing and see what happens. Replies in a

Far Finisklin Road, Sligo

Tel: 071­91 61924

sales@sligoglass.com • www.sligoglass.com

stamped envelope to box number 1023 at the usual address.

PRETTY TALL SLIM 60’S Retired nurse many interests, wltm gentleman over 6ft tall to have and to hold for yhe rest of our lives to enjoy ala. Leinster.

Replies in a stamped envelope to box number 1080 at the usual address.

SLIGO LADY SEEKING MALE Late 50’s, likes music, dancing, walking and travel. N/S, S/D, profrssional l;ady, loving, caring, and honest. Interested in friendship maybe leading to a relationship. Replies in a stamped envelope to box number.

"pride in our work"

SINGLE, MATURE, ATTRACTIVE LADY Medium height and build, long brown hair, Interests are reading, history, philosophy, Gaelic, TV, Music, concerts, theatre, walking, travelling, loves animals - especially dogs. Wishes to meet somone like minded. Replies in a stamped envelope to box number 1109 at the usual address.

ROSCOMMON LADY Likes dancing, walking would like to meet widower 60-66 in Boyle area for friendship.

Replies with a blank stamped envelope to Box number 1120 at the usual address.

WRITE YOUR ADVERT HERE:

THE FOLLOWING DETAILS ARE FOR OFFICE USE ONLY AND WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. These details MUST be completed for all adverts NAME: ADDRESS:

(MAX 30 WORDS) - *Phone numbers will not be included in these adverts.

Post the completed form to Mature Living Magazine, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo

TELEPHONE NUMBER:

STRICTLY PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY - BUSINESSES CAN CALL 071-9154538 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY SALES REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT OUR EXCELLENT RATES.

Page 63 Mature Living

Merry Christmas from all at Where quality costs less

Winter is upon us so now is the ideal time to purchase a Stove or Fireplace. O’Dowds can provide a professional installation service. Distance no object.

• Stylish fireplaces and stoves to compliment any room.

• Professional Installation Service.

• Award Winning showroom with choice and value.

• Beams, Flue systems & accessories all under one roof.

MASSIVE

SALE

Starts 5th Jan

Station Road, Carrick-on-Shannon Tel: 071-9620153 OPEN: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (Closed Tues 23rd Eve - Reopens 5th Jan)

View our catalogue online at www.odowdscarrick.com