Mature Living Connacht

PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE July 2014

Everyday tips for great skin

Never too old to skydive!

Births to mums over 50 soaring

Inspired Planting at Bloom

www.matureliving.ie

July 2014

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HE countryside is emblazoned in beautiful sunshine as we go to press for our July edition of Mature Living.

With so many FIFA World Cup enthusiasts glued to TV screens countrywide some would wish the heat wave could be bottled until mid-July at the latest.

For those of you who can enjoy it we encourage you to get out and savour the beauty of the countryside – it’s healthy and good for the economy, too.

Our One-on-One personality, renowned Irish soprano/harpist Mary O’Hara, is somebody who appreciates beauty and nature and she spoke to our Catherine Gilmartin from her home on the Aran Islands where she lives with her husband, Patrick.

Achieving national recognition at an early age Mary went on to make an influential contribution to Irish music, but many aspect of her private life make for interesting reading as well.

Throughout her life her strong faith has been central and she thanks God for her excellent health at 78.

When it comes to health we could all look to the Royal family for guidance on longevity and readers will be interested to learn some “secrets” from the oldest reigning British monarch, Elizabeth, and her husband, Prince Philip. In the same vein we reveal that the number of women over the age of 50 having babies has doubled in the UK in the past five years. We also talk about how to retain flexibility as we get older.

As it’s summer we give some timely advice on how to enjoy yourself while protecting against some of hazards out there – like sun stroke, dehydration, bug bites and the like, while providing complementary tips to achieving great skin.

It’s gardening time, of course, and our award-winning garden designer Leonie Cornelius features some of the latest planting trends inspired by Ireland’s top designers and featured at this year’s Bloom in the Park. If you live a more sedentary life and have trouble sleeping you might be interested in looking at our advice to achieve better sleep and brain health.

In a new section we provide an overview of Capital Acquisitions Tax and we highlight the diverse range of hobbies that seniors can opt for. It is the time of year when travel thoughts are foremost and for the more ambitious we feature some of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites which are of major cultural and architectural interest.

We have many other articles and features of interest in our July edition. The deadline for our August edition will be 18th July and we hope all our readers and advertisers have a pleasant and enjoyable summer.

Seamus Casey - Editor

LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNER The winner of last months breakaway to the Lough Allen Hotel was Lesley Healey of Breaffy, Ballina.

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

News World War II events recalled after death of retired Sligo priest One on One with Mary O’Hara - The Voice of an angel Six styles of lace to love Step-by-step, Overcoming Dental Phobia & Embarrassment Top tips for better sleep and brain health An overview of Captital Acquisition Tax Gardening with Leonie Cornelius Angelscopes Alternative Therapies The Bands of our Showband era Births to mums over 50 soaring 7 Summer Health Hazards House and Home Hobbies Competition Card making for beginners Best Apps for your Budget Fitness 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

Never too old to jump from a helicopter

FORMER US president George Bush celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in Maine. The 41st president jumped out of a helicopter while harnessed to a retired member of the army's parachute team. Mr Bush, who can no longer use his legs, could be seen floating to the ground using a red, white and blue parachute. RIGHT: ormer first lady Barbara Bush greets her husband and former U.S. President George H.W. Bush with a kiss after his successful skydive

Is your Health Insurance Plan Due a Health Check?

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ne of the biggest concerns of the elderly is being able to afford their health cover policy with about 300,000 people having cancelled due to the annual prices increases from all 4 health insurance companies people are falling back on the already under pressure public system.

Recent figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund show that there are approximately 50,000 people awaiting inpatient and day case procedures so going public isn’t an option for people who can’t afford to wait for procedures. Also you have to bear in mind going the public route isn’t exactly free unless you’re a medical card holder you will have to pay the public hospital levy of €75 per night up to a maximum stay of 10 days in any 12 months period, so that’s €750 to stay in hospital for a short to medium term. So what can people and in particular the elderly do to help try and keep a hold of their medical insurance having paid into it for years without claim and just when they need it most they are being priced out of the market?

1- Be prepared to take a small excess on your policy, the excess is the amount you will pay for any claim it can be as little as €75 on being admitted to a private hospital or as large as €500 depending which plan and company you are with and it can

Page 4 Mature Living July 2014

bring down the cost of your annual premium. There is no excess for public hospital and check with your insurer that the excess isn’t a daily excess as that will work out very expensive.

2- Get rid of the extras, most people want to be covered for the big medical emergencies in public hospitals with access to private hospitals if needs, if your plan covers day to day expenses and you aren’t claiming them best move to a hospital only plan, day to day expenses would include getting money back for GP visits consultants etc.

3- Ask your health insurance company for the corporate plan equivalent (plans that are offered to large companies) don’t be put off by the names of the plans Company Plan etc. these plans are available to all and in a lot of cases have better benefits and cheaper premium than the plans offered to the general public. Most of the older clients I speak to are in the traditional old Plan B space that most were covered on at one stage moving from that to a Corporate Plan can mean big savings without reducing your cover.

4- Look to the newer plans that may limit your access to the high tech hospitals Blackrock, Maher etc. but still cover you for all public and a lot of other private hospitals. Depending on where you are in the country you may never end up using one of the high tech hospitals but you are paying for them with your annual premium.

5- Don’t be afraid to split cover when renewing a family plan or a plan for a

couple if one member of the couple is more likely to be using a private hospital in the coming year they need to be on the correct level of cover but the other person may consider a reduced plan or taking on an increased excess to keep costs down.

Health cover is a huge concern for the elderly but if you know the right questions to ask your provider will be able to help you maintain a decent level of cover by trimming off some of the fat i.e. benefits, hospitals you may not be currently using. But as always let the buyer beware there are pitfalls when changing cover and you must understand the up-grade rule if you reduce your cover and want to go back to a higher level plan you may have to wait 2 years if you are under 65 and 5 years if you are over 65 for the higher benefits to kick in. In my experience a lot of mature people are still on the old legacy plans and are paying for the private room in the private hospital and by switching plans you may give your policy the health check that it is long overdue. Seek out independent advice speak to your health insurance company and use the Health Authority website www.hia.ie which is a very useful guide to comparing plans.

Mark Gilmore is a Qualified Financial Adviser who owns Money Tree Financial Services and can be contacted on 087-6788975 or by email at mark@moneytreefinancial.ie Mark Gilmore trading as money tree financial services is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

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• Sunday Aug 3rd 2:30pm, Opening of Crafts, Foods & Arts Displays in O'Carolan Heritage Park. (Exhibitors must book in advance) 3:30pm Official Opening of Festival 4:30 pm Return visit of Shebeen for traditional music and song - always a session not to be missed 6:30 pm Music Session - featuring Liam Purcell & Friends 9:00 pm Frankie Gavin & De Danann with Michelle Lally on vocals. Tickets available online • Monday Aug 4th 11:00 am Visit and laying of wreath at O'Carolan's grave - Kilronan Cemetery 12:00 pm Lecture in Kilronan Castle 3:00 pm Music, Song & Dance with Padraig Sweeney & Lough Allen Ceolteoir 4:00pm Music frorn Rakish (Street Entertainment)

News

RTÉ’s Cian McCormack gets on his bike for Morning Ireland

Morning Ireland Cian McCormack

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TÉ Radio 1’s flagship news programme Morning Ireland is taking its bike to the country’s high roads and byroads to bring interesting unheard stories

and voices to the station’s listeners.

The ‘Ireland by bike’ series will hear the tales of real people during the summer as reporter Cian McCormack travels on his

bike for two weeks in July stopping in towns, villages and communities from Cork to Donegal along the Wild Atlantic Way. ‘Ireland by bike’ will gauge tourism, economic recovery and the west coast’s post-storm cleanup, amongst other issues.

Cian will travel alone on his bike - carrying all the equipment he needs without back-up support to make daily reports on Morning Ireland from Monday 7th July to Friday 18th July. Listeners will be able to interact with the ‘Ireland by bike’ series directly by emailing: irelandbybike@rte.ie or on twitter: @cian_mccormack or @morningireland.

“If the cycling is going well – without any punctures or without major breakdowns - I’ll certainly arrive to Mayo sometime on Friday, July 11th. After that I’ll travel on to Sligo and Donegal. I expect to pass through Sligo on Saturday, July 12,” Cian said.

“I’m hoping to hear stories from people as I travel parts of the Wild Atlantic Way. I’d like to

hear from people who’ve set up new businesses in both Sligo and Mayo or from people who’ve turned things around in those counties,” said Cian.

“As importantly, we’re hoping Mayo and Sligo communities will tell us their stories too – maybe they are running an interesting local festival or have something positive to tell us. But also, I’m interested in seeing how areas have recovered after the heavy winter storms that hammered the country during the winter,” Cian added.

“Hopefully, before we get to Mayo and Sligo people can email us or contact us on twitter so we know their stories. The email is irelandbybike@rte.ie,” said Cian.

For Morning Ireland, Cian likes to hit the road to meet and talk to people about the issues that matter to them. He has broadcast from all over the country, taking the temperature of the nation in advance of elections, budgets and other important national events.

Beekeeping – a fascinating healthy hobby, fresh air and honey..... and it’s good for the environment!

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ccording to Albert Einstein, 'If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left.’ Well, knowledge of pollination and pollinators has moved on a bit. A more recent UN report states: “The fact is that of the 100 crop species that

provide 90% of the world’s food, over 70 are pollinated by bees”. Either way, it’s a sobering thought to consider how human existence on Earth would be effected by the loss of bees.

Take a constructive approach to it.....Consider a Bee legacy for your grandchildren. Many people take up

Beekeeping after retiring. If you’d like to know more contact us at Mill Lane Beekeeping: see ad. Or check out www.irishbeekeeping.ie for info on local associations all around the country.

There’s a little video made by Age & Opportunity. Search for You Tube then search for Mary McNutt The Bee Movie for a flavour of what beekeeping has meant to me! The best place to start your investigations is the Federation of Irish Beekeeping Associations (FIBKA). They have a great website: www.irishbeekeeping.ie that names all 57 Beekeeping Associations around the country with contact information for them all. If you don’t ‘do’ the internet, they have an excellent magazine: “An Beachaire”. Contact Dermot O’Flaherty, Hon. Manager at Rosbeg, Westport, Co Mayo Ph: 098-26585.

It’s simple to join your local association. They usually meet once a month, often run beginner’s courses, and run apiary practicals and you can ask all the questions you like before you commit to getting bees yourself.

For more information contact us at Mill Lane Beekeeping (see ad).

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News

World War II events recalled after death of retired Sligo priest

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he recent death of Ballinacarrow-born priest, Fr. Gerard Jordan, in England at the age of 95 has prompted us to republish an article by Irish Times journalist Patsy McGarry in “An Irishman’s Diary” from that newspaper on May 11th, 2010, the 70th anniversary of the British evacuation of Dunkirk (May 10th). It tells the remarkable story of the movements of seven seminarians for over three weeks in war-torn Belgium at the early stages of World War II. From the Irish Times, May 2010: SLIGOMAN Gerard Jordan and six fellow Sacred Heart seminarians were studying at the Belgium novitiate of Brugelette when Germany invaded that country 70 years ago this week, on May 10th, 1940. For them it would mean a remarkable journey through the epic chaos of war.

Despite the outbreak of hostilities the previous September, life in the novitiate flowed smoothly until that May day. But the previous night German forces headed towards France across Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Luxembourg was occupied in five hours, Netherlands in five days.

Belgium cried out for help.

On May 15th the novitiate was evacuated. Gerard Jordan and six companions were taken by lorry to the French border. Three miles short

of it they hoisted their packs on their backs and set off on foot. On May 18th they crossed into France.

Lorries, tanks and guns, some French, some British, were heading the opposite way towards the front while long columns of refugees were going in the same direction as the seminarians, away from it! Then the Germans attacked. They machinegunned and bombed the lines of refugees. Civilians and French soldiers huddled in every hollow. The Germans advanced towards Amiens with hundreds of French prisoners of war marching alongside them. But the seven seminarians walked on without hindrance, hoping to reach Calais and get back to England.

They came upon British forces who were fighting a delaying action as they themselves too retreated steadily seawards. A young officer from Dublin drew by the seminarians in a small army van but had room only for three.

The remaining four headed on foot for Dunkirk. French soldiers lay by the road, asleep, rifles beside them.

A fierce air battle raged overhead.

Many planes, Allied and enemy, were being shot down. The four young men slept that night in a shed.

The following morning they emerged to find the countryside swarming with German soldiers while desperate people, trying to get away, clogged roads and railway stations.

The Germans, however, did not interfere with the civilian population or the refugees on this occasion.

They, too, were headed for Dunkirk.

The seminarians followed the British army as it retreated towards Dunkirk. Hearing that it was surrounded they diverted back to Calais and passed a long line of German tanks halted all along the road “at ease”.

The German crews sat on the turrets, every man with a bottle of French wine. One soldier, between gulps, asked who they were and where they were going? He offered a swig from his bottle and gave them a drink. He laughed, “we will be going to England in a few days. Stay here and come with us.” The seminarians laughed too, but kept going.

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It was dusk when they reached Calais. British soldiers gave them tea, bread, sausages and 10 Woodbines each. The sergeant remarked that he had spare rifles.

“Why not take one each and join us” he offered. They laughed off that invitation too and crossed “no man’s land” to the British front line at Calais. Attacks from the air continued. The British said they expected to be made prisoners of war. They advised the seminarians to leave before daybreak.

They spent that night in a cellar with scores of refugees and next morning set out for Dunkirk again.

There were rumours of a large-scale evacuation. The British were still fighting a delaying action.

The Germans seemed to have no idea of the scope of the evacuation and halted their advance from May 23rd to 27th. It allowed 338,000 Allied soldiers to embark from Dunkirk.

By noon on May 27th the final action had begun. The seminarians were stopped by a German sentry from entering Dunkirk. Around its harbour a ferocious battle was taking place with the Allies trying to hold back German forces now attacking on all sides.

Thick smoke from a burning oil depot covered the entire area. The sea was calm as, to and fro, between the shore and the ships out to sea, went hundreds of small boats, gathering men from the beaches or picking them out of the water. On the evening of May 28th the seminarians heard Belgium had surrendered. They decided to return to Brugelette. En route they met long lines of German infantry advancing into France, marching three abreast, relaxed, carefree, bareheaded, helmets on their belts, rifles on the sling.

Damaged tanks and gun carriers, great quantities of ammunition, soldiers’ packs and broken rifles were everywhere. It seemed they were thrown aside as French soldiers tried to escape. Many did not. The seminarians offered prayers at around thirty graves, each marked by a rifle stuck in the ground with a French helmet on top. They came across a detailed supply-train loaded with rations. They asked the German guards is they could have some and were told to take as much as they wanted. They did. The rations were French.

They crossed into Belgium at Neuve Eglise on Sunday, June 2nd , and attended Mass in the village church. On June 6th they arrived back at Brugelette. They had walked over 300 miles in 22 days during which they had not slept in a bed or eaten at a table. Their feet were in a bad state. Gerard Jordan stayed on in Belgium throughout the war and was ordained in Louvain in 1946. He served most of his priestly life in England where he now lives in retirement. He was 91 last September.

Older People do not form a uniform group

By Patricia Conboy

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he bank bailout in 2008 imposed a heavy burden on Irish people. The cost has been estimated at €8,956 for every man, woman and child in the country. In addition, the effects of austerity measures have probably been felt by every family in terms of new taxes and cuts to health and social protection budgets. Inevitably, as government budgets have tightened, there has been a public debate on the impact of austerity on different sections of the population. When it comes to older people, the debate has often been skewed by an assumption that older people form a uniform group and have not suffered as badly as others. In this context, there are some points worth highlighting.

Older people are not all the same. As readers know, this is a group that differs by age, socioeconomic, health and family status. The impact of austerity measures on older people is influenced by these factors, and their experience over the lifecourse. In reality, people’s circumstances change significantly as they move from being ‘young old’(65+) to being ‘old old’(80+).

There are older people who are poor; older people who are on modest incomes; and older people who are well-off. According to the CSO, in 2011 people aged 65 and over had an average gross income of €407.28 per week. However, if we look at how income is distributed among the over 65s, we see significant differences. Those in the lowest 20 per cent of income (or quintile) had a gross income of €185.45 per week. The source of 85.6% of their income was social transfers (i.e. State Pension & related benefits). No more than 3% of income for people in this group came from occupational pensions. Those in the highest 20 per cent of income (or quintile) had a gross income of €842.14 per week.

Social transfers accounted for 37.3% of income in this group and 27% came from occupational pensions.

Inequality in early life carries into old age. For example, pension coverage in the working age population is inadequate at roughly 54%. People without pension provision will be poorer in later life.

Those with inadequate pension provision include large numbers of women, low-paid, part-time and casual workers. People need to have sufficient income to save for their pension and many cannot afford to do so; or cannot afford to save enough to secure a decent income. Government promotes pension saving through a system of tax reliefs.

However these reliefs have consistently favoured higher income earners (See Adam Larragy (2013), A Universal Pension for Ireland, Social Justice Ireland for an analysis of this and other pension issues).

We need to situate people in the context of their life-course. When people are younger, typical challenges are to get on a career ladder, access a mortgage, start a family. As people move into older old age, they face challenges such as the potential loss of independence, acquired disability, need for social, hospice or nursing home care, loss of larger numbers of family and friends to death.

If we see people in context, recognise and acknowledge the challenges that arise at different points of the life-course, our discussion of the effects of austerity will be more humane, balanced and nuanced. We may have to wear an economic straitjacket but we don’t have to ration our compassion for each other.

Twitter : @PatriciaConboy1 ; https://www.facebook.com/AgePolicyAnalysis

Crockets Award Winning Bar & Restaurant

Crockets on the Quay, Ballina The best of the North-West

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HEN visiting the North West this summer your stay will not be complete until you have experienced the best of what this region has to offer and if you include Crocket’s on the Quay in Ballina in your itinerary, you will probably be blown away with the experience. This unique and highly-accredited bar/restaurant and accommodation provider in such a scenic setting overlooking the internationally-famous River Moy, encompasses all of what’s good about the north-west under one roof.

Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way route, and close to Enniscrone, historic Killala, the Ceide Fields, the scenic Erris region, and central for such facilities as fishing, golf,

Chef James Devers

riding/pony trekking, walking tours and a whole plethora of activities across the region, the unrivalled package on offer at Crockets is well worth checking out.

The impressive premises has three different bars to suit all needs and tastes and food is served throughout the premises.

All the bars have TV coverage for sports events and excellent WiFi facilities; the larger of these can be themed as a sports bar or “Retro Disco” nite club depending on the occasion.

There is live music at weekends, featuring some of Ireland’s finest bands and singers with DJs on weekend nights also. The premises also has a large all-weather beer garden, complete with plasma screens and pool tables, ideal to watch games or relax with friends in comfortable and heated (winter) surroundings.

The Pub and Restaurant at Crockets has built up a phenomenal reputation for its food and its series of Listings is most impressive: 2013 and 2014 Michelin “Eating out in Pubs” Guide for UK and Ireland, The Bridgestone Guide, the Irish Times “Ireland’s Top Restaurants” and Georgina Campbell’s “The Good Food Guide Book” . Group bookings can be arranged and various set price menus on offer. A beautiful private dining room is also available for parties of up to 40 persons.

Food is served daily from 4 p.m. to 9.30 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 12.30 to 9.30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. An extensive A La Carte lunch menu is available Saturday and Sunday, with low calorie choices.

CONTACT: 00353 96 75930 For Mature Living readers it is well worth checking out the offer on this page, particularly if you are planning a trip to this region for the autumn.

For reservations and enquires about rates, etc., telephone 00 353 96 75930, or email: info@crocketsonthequay.ie.

Check out their website at www.crocketsonthequay.ie

ACCOMMODATION: To complete the Crockets experience eight en-suite guest rooms are available, with TVs and all modern conveniences.

This unique location can be used as a base to explore the best of what the north-west has to offer. If you prefer a slower pace it is ideal as a location to unwind, relax and enjoy a short break in the north-west of Ireland.

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Feature by Catherine Gilmartin

Mary O’Hara

The Voice of an angel

Catherine Gilmartin spoke to Mary O’Hara, an Irish Soprano and Harpist from County Sligo, who has made a groundbreaking contribution to Irish music. Mary has played an influential role in shaping and promoting Irish music throughout the world for decades to come through her recordings, radio, worldwide concert tours and TV appearances.

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ligo native, Mary, who now lives in Inis Mor, Aran Islands, was born in 1935 into a privileged family. The O’Haras go back several generations; her mother is from another ancient Galway family, Kirwan, one of the twelve tribes of Galway.

Her mother and father met when they were at Galway University.

In her autobiography Mary, the youngest of four children, felt that her mother had a preference for the eldest daughter, Joan. They had a companionship between them that was not shared by the rest

of the children. Joan and her mother would spend a lot of time together and would go out leaving Mary and her brother behind with the maid. Mary thinks her mother was not very maternal. She always felt a plain Jane as her mother always told her she was pale and it did not help that she was given her sister’s cast offs to wear, which did not suit her; because Joan was a dark beauty she looked good in dark colours so her dresses were mainly black or other dark colours which did not suit Mary who was fair and always looked pale in them. In Mary’s opinion her mother regarded Joan as an extension of herself. Apart from all this Mary had a very happy childhood and had a close relationship with her father and brother Dermot, who was just over a year older than her.

During Mary’s early years, her father joined the British Army; he became a British Officer in the Indian Army and was posted to the North West frontier for five years; his letters, full of affection were really looked forward to.

In her autobiography Mary writes that from an early age she knew there was something radically wrong with her

Page 10 Mature Living July 2014

parents’ marriage. In her mind it was a disaster and she used to pray that they would separate; her mother was very difficult to get on with. Everyone knew that Mary sided with her father in their interminable conflict, and that if they separated she would stay with him and Joan with her mother.

When her father returned from the war the disagreements

began again. Her mother drank heavily for a long time and died when Mary was just seventeen.

As she had been at boarding school she never experienced an adult relationship with her mother, so never got to know what the reasons were behind her becoming an alcoholic and her black depression.

Mary was thirteen when she was sent to boarding school,

Sion Hill, next door to Blackrock College in Dublin, where Dermot went. As Joan was also in Dublin, at the Abbey School of Acting, her parents decided to move to Dublin, so Mary left Sligo.

By this time Mary had won her first competition at eight years old - Sligo's annual Music and Drama singing competition. At the age of 16 she had a radio broadcast under her belt. She went on to perform at Edinburgh International Fringe Festival with the Dublin University Players, and appeared on BBC’s Quite Contrary and The Ed Sullivan Show before starring in her own BBC television series.

At the age of 20, Mary was introduced to American poet, Richard Selig, in July, 1955; she fell in love and married him in 1956. They moved to the United States but sadly Selig died of Hodgkins disease 15 months after their marriage, and Mary continued to tour and record for four years.

In 1962, she became a Benedictine nun at Stanbrook Abbey in England, where she stayed for 12 years. I asked her if it was loneliness that prompted her to join the nuns but she said: “No, I never felt lonely in my life, I love being on my own, I love the silence, it is one of my biggest loves”. “The reason I became a nun was because I wanted to get to Heaven quicker to be with my husband. If I had not been a Christian I would have committed suicide”. “It was also a way of saying thank you to God for 15 wonderful months of happiness”.

For health reasons Mary had to leave the monastery in 1974 and found that her musical reputation had grown. She returned to performing and in a matter of months, she become one of the biggest international recording stars Ireland has ever produced.

Former African missionary priest Pat O’Toole became her manager and close friend. Ten years after Pat left the priesthood they got married in

Mary with her husband, Patrick O’Toole.

1985 and have been very happily married for the last twenty nine years. They both have a very strong faith after having devoted much of their lives to God. Mary O’Hara thinks highly of Pope Francis and believes he will make radical changes in the Catholic Church. Her faith is of the utmost importance to her and she says that the recent revelations about the Catholic Church have not impacted her at all. She went on to say, “Yes there are sinners in the Church, but look not on our sins but on the Faith of our Church. God has an infinitely loving plan for each and every one of us. We all have free will, he just leaves it to us”. She believes in miracles and quotes St Augustine, 5th Century, “A

miracle is contrary not to nature but to what is known of nature” We moved on to the subject of the harp and her career as a musician, The harp has always been a symbol of Ireland and of Irish music and is still played by many prominent artistes. When Mary was interviewed by Russell Harty on TV, (a famous British presenter who has now died), the public response was overwhelming and led to a publishers’ bidding war calling for her to do an autobiography.

The title of her first book, an autobiography, The Scent of the Roses, is taken from one of her favourite songs; her other books include A Celebration of Love, and A Song for Ireland, followed

by Travels with my Harp in May 2012. Mary retired from singing in 1994, and went on to say:

Marys sister, Joan O’Hara playing the much loved character Eunice in Fair City

“Nothing would induce me to go back performing again; that was my decision when my voice was still at its best. “Since then circumstances have intervened and I began to transcribe the songs and their accompaniments. Pat, my husband, has been printing them on the Sibelius programme. So far, we have produced six volumes with twelve songs in each. Each song is accompanied by a CD, not just of traditional but Irish art songs and songs from other parts of the world, including France, so it has a very wide range. There is an 11th Century French song and other beautiful ones that were sung on television so we were able to retrieve them.

Unfortunately, everything had to stop when Pat got sick. He was struck down with a very rare form of cancer that only two people in a billion suffer with.

We may very well revive our plans though because I have got so many songs that people say they would love to have written down”.

Mary says her health is excellent and she puts this down to a well balanced diet. She eats a bit of everything but not too much and does not drink alcohol, “I might have one glass of white wine once in a while!” she laughs, an infectious clear and beautiful sounding laugh – like a young girl, a sound that is a pleasure to listen to and it makes me laugh too.

Mary goes on to tell me that she and her husband used to

split their time between a 17thcentury thatched cottage in Berkshire, England and the Aran Islands but now live full time on Aran which makes her husband Pat extremely happy as he was born and raised on the Island and loves it. They both speak fluent Irish, Pat was brought up on the Island and spoke Irish as his first language having to learn English when he went to school.

Mary is currently writing her 5th book which is going to be about Aran and the outsiders who come here and why they love it.

Mary’s nephew, Sebastian Barry, son of her sister, Joan, the actress, who played the role of Eunice Dunstan in Fair City (she died in 2007), is a well known novelist and his current novel is based loosely on Mary’s parents, A Temporary Gentleman. His other novel, The Secret Scripture, is being filmed this year and is set in Sligo. It was based on an Aunt and Uncle of Mary in Enniscrone.

Finally, Mary offers this advice to any young person with ambitions for a career in the Arts: “I would say that I never set out to be a professional but once I agree to do something, whether its polishing the table or giving a concert, I give it 100 plus per cent; I commit myself totally to it, so if I say yes, I aim for perfection. We never reach perfection but it is only right that we should try. If you are going to do something aim for perfection, practice, practice, practice” . . . . and I hear the lovely musical laugh once more.

Page 11 Mature Living July 2014

Fashion

Six Styles of Lace to Love

A

chieving a sophisticated style is easy when adding lace to your look. If you want to spice up the way you look in an elegant way, then the trend to try this season is lace!

Lace comes in many patterns and designs, so whatever your taste may be you can find an appropriate piece to wear. Lace has a long history, starting in the 16th century when it was used in both fashion and home décor. Since then, lace has been a staple in almost every civilization and is a great fashion fabric to wear. Lace features an open pattern with holes and spacing with unique patterns throughout. The fabric is woven together or laced, hence the name. Lace in a garment is a must-have fashion piece that every woman should have in her closet.

In this article we are showcasing great lace pieces to introduce you to lace or if you’re already a fan, fun and affordable garbs to get your hands on!

1) Every Day Lace

2) Formal Lace

4) Unconventional Lace

6) Show Stopping Lace If you have a strong love affair with all things lace, then you’ll love our last pick: this Lace Off Ivory Lace Dress from LuLu’s.com features an all over lace design for those women who want to go all out. This stylish dress is made of ivory

For a work look with lace go for Hollow Out Buttons Back Lace Blouse by ChicNova.com. This bright coloured blouse features an all over hollow out lace detail and unique back button closure. The blouse makes for a classy choice to wear to work with a pair of pants or work skirt. It can transition easily to a casual weekend look when paired with the right pair of white pants or jeans.

3) Lace Accessories

Looking for a new way to wear lace? How about wearing lace on your sleeves?!

Nordstrom.com features this Stripe Lace Sleeve Tee, a nautical designed lace-sleeved shirt that can be worn every day. It’s casual enough to wear over jeans and can be dressed up for a night out. The lace sleeve tee is a new and trendy way to create a fashion forward look that will send your look sailing high.

5) Comfort Lace

Summer is upon us and there’s no better way to wear lace than on a light-colored dress with floral pattern. An everyday dress like the To Be Near You dress by LaceAffair.com is the perfect lace finished dress to wear this season, with its delicate weave complimented by its flow-y form. It’s the perfect dress to take you from day to night all season long.

but still want to show off a little lace. This fashionable lace sweater is casual enough to have handy wherever you go.

Not only that, its sassy and sophisticated style looks great on a variety of women.

Did you know that there are great jewelry finds that achieve the same great fabric lace look?

Jewelry with cutout designs mimic the same great detail achieved by lace fabric, so you get that same feminine flair that makes lace desirable. A great way to get lace in jewelry form is with this large Lace Cuff Bracelet from Emitations.com.

The gold tone design features a bohemian lace-style cutout design with a faux leather material in blue that adds a cool color combination. This cuff bracelet can be paired with the lace options above or worn separately with other garments to create a hint of lace with whatever you wear.

Page 12 Mature Living July 2014

This intricately designed popover sweater from Loft.com is a favourite for covering up when it gets chilly. Petite Lou & Grey Lace Stripe Popover is perfect for summer nights when you need a little extra warmth,

colored lace in a floral pattern that’s an absolute showstopper.

If you’re looking to really wow in your lace, this is the dress for you. I recommend wearing this to weddings and special events if you really want to work it.

The great thing about lace is that it looks great on women of all ages and body types. Lace is a must-have for all women and as we’ve just seen, it can easily be worn for a variety of occasions. There are so many lace options available to women these days; it’s just a matter of finding the look for you!

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Step-by-step, Overcoming Dental Phobia & Embarrassment that first time, ask them about coming in on an earlier occasion for a look around, just so you are familiar with where you are going, and so you can get a better sense of whether it’s the right place for you. Some modern dental practices don’t feel like dental practices at all, and you may feel more comfortable in a non-clinical environment like this.

Could this be you?

“I’ve avoided going to the dentist for years. I’m shaking just speaking to you.”

Or this “I’m so embarrassed by my teeth I cover my mouth when I smile or speak to people.”

Or this “I know my teeth are in a bad way but I am petrified of having something done about them; just the thought of sitting in the chair makes me feel awful.”

Is it time to rid yourself of the fear and embarrassment, and gain back your dental comfort and confidence?

Anxiety about dentistry and your teeth can have a detrimental impact on your everyday life. If they have never experienced it, family and friends can find it very difficult to imagine how it can affect you each day: the discomfort, the embarrassment, the stress of knowing things are gradually getting worse but not really knowing what’s going on.

If you are ready to take the bull by the horns, just work through the following steps.

Step 1: Find a dental practice you feel will work for you. If you know of someone who gets on well with their dentist, in particular if they were ever anxious, ask them. If possible, look for a practice with expertise in treating people who are anxious. If they offer anxiety relieving treatments, such as sedation, this is a positive sign. When going by recommendation, ask for the specific dentist’s name, rather than just the practice, so you know you’ll be seeing the same person.

Step 4: Establish the facts. That first visit with the dentist can be a big step, but you need to understand that there is nothing you are going to show the dentist they have not seen before – regularly. It’s their job to help people with their teeth; and you are unique and special, but not unusual. The first visit should usually be just about finding out more and getting to know each other. The upside?

1. Today you will really know what is happening in your mouth, rather than what you fear might be going on. 2. You will have a set of steps for making things better, and so you have the tools in your hands for banishing your dental demons; you are in control. 3. Today you conquered a metaphorical mountain!

Step 5: The treatment – stepby-step carry it through.

Hopefully you have found a dentist who understands the anxiety surrounding this experience for you. If so, they will bear this in mind in the planning of your treatment – breaking it into stages you are comfortable with. You have options for minimising the anxiety, including the use of anxiety relieving medications which will put you into a

temporary state of deep relaxation. Make sure this is all planned in a way you are happy with from the beginning, so you have a clear plan to work through. By starting with simple treatments your confidence will grow quickly.

Getting on top of your dental health will have many benefits, including some you haven’t even thought of. Poor dental health can impact on your overall body health, playing a role in other illnesses, so the positives of becoming dentally fit will be multifactorial. Many patients we see in this situation find that overcoming their dental anxiety leads to greater confidence in other parts of their life too. And there is of course no doubting the feel good factor in having a confident, healthy smile.

Step 2: Make the call. Just take a deep breath and do it.

Tell them how you feel, and, if they sound like they understand you, make the appointment. If they don’t, no harm done, make another call – this is about you, not them, and you will find the right people. Don’t let anything put you off.

Step 3: Get into the dental practice. If the situation of being in the dental practice is a trigger for you, rather than just the dentistry, and you feel it’s going to be very challenging

‘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.

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‘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’.

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‘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.

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Health

Smart Sleeping: Top tips for better sleep and brain health A

re you getting enough sleep — or maybe too much? How long you sleep each night could determine how quickly your brain ages.

Researchers from the UK found that middle-aged adults who slept less than six hours each night — and more than eight hours — are more likely to experience cognitive decline.

And this decline in brain function is equal to being four to seven years older, researchers said.

“There is an expectation in today’s 24-hour-a-day society that people should be able to fit more into their lives,” study author Jane Ferrie, from University College London Medical School, told HealthDay News.

“The whole work/life balance struggle is causing people to trade in precious sleeping time to ensure they complete everything they feel is expected of them. Our study suggests that this may have adverse effects on their cognitive function,” she said.

For the study, which was published in Sleep, researchers looked at the data of 5,431 men and women, aged 45–69, who had taken place in long-term study known as the Whitehall II study. Participants were asked how many hours on average they slept each night and if these sleep patterns had changed over a five-year period. They were also given a battery of standard tests to evaluate memory, reasoning, vocabulary, global cognitive status and verbal fluency.

Women who slept 7 hours per night had the highest score for every cognitive measure, followed by those who got 6 hours of snooze time, the study found. For men, the findings were slightly different: those who reported sleeping six,

seven or eight hours had a similar cognitive function.

For both men and women, however, getting less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours of sleep each night were associated with lower mental performance.

While it is widely acknowledged that sleep is important for the brain to restore and revitalize itself, it is still not understood why seven hours of sleep is optimal for most people, or why longer sleeping seems to be detrimental, Ferrie said.

Other risks of a sleep-deprived lifestyle Better brain health is not the only reason to get a good night’s sleep. Not only can sleep deprivation affect mental alertness and cognitive abilities, it can have an effect on our physical and psychological health as well. Poor sleep can increase the risk for obesity and diseases such as diabetes, experts say. Studies have also shown that people with a sleepdeprived lifestyle are less satisfied with their lives overall — and getting a good night’s sleep has also been associated with better longevity.

9 Tips for better sleep Set a schedule and stick to it.

Go to bed at a set time each night and get up at the same time each morning. Disrupting this routine may interrupt your inner ‘circadian clock’ and lead to insomnia. While ‘sleeping in’ on weekends may seem like a treat, it can make it harder to wake up early on Monday morning because it re-sets your sleep cycles for a later awakening.

Watch what you eat.

The general rule is: Don’t eat for at least 2-3 hours before

your regular bedtime. Eating too much may make you less comfortable when settling down for bed. It is best to avoid a heavy meal and spicy foods too close to bedtime.

Watch what you drink. A void drinks that contain caffeine, which acts as a stimulant. This includes coffee, chocolate, soft drinks, and nonherbal teas. Alcohol tends to keep people in lighter stages of sleep, robbing them of deep and REM sleep. (Smokers also tend to sleep lightly and often wake up early because of nicotine withdrawal.)

Get regular exercise.

Try to exercise 20 to 30 minutes a day. Keep in mind, however, that while daily exercise often helps people sleep, a workout

too soon before bedtime may actually interfere with sleep. In addition to making us more alert, our body temperature rises during exercise, and takes as much as 6 hours to begin to drop. Since a cooler body temperature is associated with the onset of sleep, it is better to finish your exercise at least 5 to 6 hours before going to bed.

Establish relaxing rituals.

Leave the day’s stresses behind with a warm bath, reading or another relaxing activity. Avoid arousing activities before bedtime like working, paying bills, engaging in competitive games or family problem solving.

Make your room sleepfriendly. Select your mattress, pillow and bed linens carefully for maximum comfort. Maintain a sleep-friendly temperature in the bedroom, usually between 18-21°C (65-70 degrees F).

(Extreme temperatures may disrupt sleep or prevent you from falling asleep.) You may also wish to consider using blackout curtains, eyeshades, earplugs, ‘white noise,’ humidifiers, fans and other devices. Install soft lighting in your bedroom and bath. And when reading in bed, consider using a book light.

Try deep breathing.

If you have trouble falling to

Page 16 Mature Living July 2014

sleep, try this relaxation exercise: take deep, slow abdominal breaths, and if possible, inhale through your nose. Even if your mind is a muddle of thoughts, try to focus on the flow of your breathing, inhaling and exhaling slowly.

Count your breaths, and when you get to 10 start over again.

Don’t just lie there.

Generally it takes about 20-30 minutes to fall asleep. If you still can’t get to sleep, don’t just lie in bed. Instead try reading, watching television, or listening to calming music until you feel tired. The anxiety of being unable to fall asleep can actually contribute to your sleeplessness.

Rise with the sun.

If possible, wake up with the sun, or use very bright lights in the morning. Sunlight helps the body’s internal biological clock reset itself each day. Sleep experts recommend exposure to an hour of morning sunlight for people having problems falling asleep.

Finally, see a doctor if your sleeping problems continue.

If you have trouble falling asleep night after night, or if you always feel tired the next day, then you may have a sleep disorder and should see a physician. Most sleep disorders can be treated effectively.

Health

A Functional Definition Of Flexibility What is flexibility?

A simple definition of flexibility is having the ability to bend without breaking. If you are flexible your joints move easily and without injury. Sound like you? Or does this description fit you better?

Anything from the joy of dancing and playing sports to simple things like backing out of your driveway or bending to tie your shoes can be affected by a loss of flexibility.

You are aging when your actions creak louder than your words. Milton Berle

A Definition Of Flexibility - The Whole Picture A number of factors influence flexibility ...

Your Body's Anatomy Joints. Your body has many types of joints, including ball and socket (shoulders and hips), hinged (elbows and fingers), modified hinged (knees), and gliding (spine). Each joint has it's specific range of motion. For example, to get something from a high cupboard your shoulder joint moves 180 degrees. Your elbow bends 145 degrees to allow you to bring food to your mouth.

Our daily activites are made of combined movements of several joints at once.

Connective Tissue. Your skin, muscle sheaths, bones, tendons, lagaments and cartilage all contain protein. Collagen, a fibrous

connective tissue, makes up 30% of the protein in these tissues.

Connective tissue plays a large part in how flexible you are. It is both elastic and plastic in it's ability to stretch. Elasticity is the ability to return to it's orignal resting length following a dynamic stretch. Plasticity is the ability to assume a new, longer length following a static stretch.

Muscle spindles are located Within the fibers of your muscles.

Their job is to monitor changes in muscle length and respond to it with increased muscle activity.

Static stretching is a good way to avoid activating your muscle spindles and gain more flexibility.

Golgi Tendon Organs are found near the junctions between your muscles and tendons. They respond to increased muscle tension by creating a relaxation response. Activating your golgi tendon organs can help improve flexibility.

Your Body's Environment Body temperature. Increasing your body temperature by exercisng or simply sitting in a warm bath for 10 - 15 minutes can help increase flexibility.

Furniture. The surfaces you lay, sit and work on can help or hinder proper body alignment and over time change your flexibility.

Your Lifestyle Exercise. As an adult you have approximately 604 skeletal muscles and 206 bones. Put simply, you were designed to move. With every step you take and every move you make you're stretching parts of you body. This helps keep it pliable. How active a life style you lead has a large impact on your flexibility.

Functional movements are whole body movments or multijoint movements that happen in your every day life. Raking leaves, picking things up from the floor and cleaning your home all involve functional movements.

What are the activites you do day after day? And more importantly how do you do them?

Proper body mechanics helps to keep you flexible.Good posture helps maintain good flexibility.

Nutrition. For your connective tissues to remain healthy and pliable they need to be well nourished. Eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking.

Stress causes your muscles to tighten. If the stress lasts over a long period of time these muscles may shorten. Learn to deal with stress in healthy ways.

At 80 years of age this britan got talent contestant had no What Causes Us To Lose Flexibil- issues with her flexibility ity As We Age? Do you have areas of pain or stiffhelp free the area and restore No functional definition of flexiness? Make note of them. flexibility.

Unfortunately when bility would be complete without knowing the main reasons women we decide to get fit, a definition How active and limber do you of flexibility isn't the first thing over 50 become less flexible ... want to be a year from now? 5 that comes to mind. But staying Inactivity. Their are definate years from now? Create a vilimber means having the freedom changes occuring in your body as to move, tiring less easily and de- sion for yourself in writing. you age, but ... A lot of the loss Once you've answered the quescreasing or eliminating areas of of function and flexibility associtions, compare where you are pain. To make your definition of ated with aging is due to being now to where you want to flexibility functional you need to sedentary. be. Set specific, realistic goals make it relevant to you. Answer Changes in your connective tisfor improvement. Goals that these questions for yourself sues. With passing years our colmatter to you. Then build a Are you noticing any movements lagen fibers tend to stick instead flexibility routine that meets that are difficult for you to do? of gliding easily over each other. your needs. Be sure to consult Write them down.

As a result our tendons, ligayour physician or physical theraWhat activites would you like to ments, joints and muscles bepist if you have back issues, are do? What movements do you come less flexible. Having a experiencing joint pain or have need to be able to do easily to do regular stretching program offother medical conditions. these things? Can you do them? sets these problems.

Diseases affecting your muscles and joints. Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and polymyalgia rheumatica make it painful to move, often leading to a less active lifestyle and increased stiffness. Injury. when your muscles and joints are injured fibrous nodules may form in the connective tissue limiting your MEDICAL SKINCARE ability to move. In addition to stretching, soft tissue techniques such as neuromuscular therapy or myofascial release may The most advanced technology for

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Solicitors

An overview of Captital Acquisition Tax (Gift/ Inheritance Tax)

C

AT is a tax on gifts and inheritances (benefits) received by individuals (beneficiaries) from other individuals (known as donors) The calculation of CAT is based on the following: 1. The value of the benefit.

2. The relationship between the beneficiary and the donor.

3. Any previous benefits received by the beneficiary from that donor or any other donor of a similar relationship. E.g. a gift received by a sister from a sister.

The emphasis is on what the beneficiary ( the person receiving the benefit) receives.

Inheritance- is taken on death.

Gift- is not so taken.

Once the taxable value of a benefit is established the CAT payable on that value must be calculated.

CAT payable depends on the relationship between the disponer and the beneficiary. It also depends on any prior benefits taken from any disponer of the same relationship.

The classes of relationship are known as groups: GROUP A: If the beneficiary is a child, a minor child of a deceased

child or where a parent inherits an absolute interest from a child.

The definition of a child is very wide and includes; natural, adopted, step child and can extend to foster children.

GROUP B: If the beneficiary is a lineal ancestor ( ie parent, grandparent) a lineal descendant other than child, brother or sister. It is important to note the definitions contained in the legislation.

GROUP C: This applies to any other category of beneficiary that does not come within the definition of group a or group b. This relates to aunts, uncles, cousins and strangers in blood. e.g. A benefit received by a nephew from an uncle comes under Group B. A benefit received by an uncle from a nephew comes under Group C. Each group has a threshold amount. The threshold amount is the amount below which no tax is payable. Any amount over the threshold is referred to as the “ taxable excess”.

The current thresholds are as follows: Group Thresholds Applicable for

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• 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.

Capital Acquisitions Tax YEAR Group A (Son/Daughter) (after indexation) Group B (Parent*/Brother/Sister/Niece/ Nephew/Grandchild) (after indexation) Group C (Relationship other that at A/B) (after indexation) On or after 06/12/2012 €225,000 /€30,150 / €15,075 There are certain reliefs which can be applied to the taxable value of the benefit.

There is an exemption applicable to gifts and this is referred to as the Small Gifts Exemption ( SGE).

The current value of the SGE is €3,000.00.

The main reliefs claimed are Agricultural and Business Relief.; AGRICULTURAL RELIEF Agricultural Relief: This is a very important relief affecting most farms in the country.

The relief operates by reducing the market value of 'agricultural property' by 90%, so that gift or inheritance tax is calculated on an amount - known as the 'agricultural value' - which is substantially less than the market value. In general, the relief applies pro-

vided the beneficiary qualifies as a 'farmer' .

Gifts and Inheritances taken on or after 20th November, 2008 'Agricultural property' means: • agricultural land, pasture and woodland situated in a Member State of the European Union; • crops, trees and underwood growing thereon; • houses and other farm buildings appropriate to the property; and • livestock, bloodstock and farm machinery thereon.

• A payment entitlement (within the meaning of Council Regulation (EU) No. 1782/2003 of 29 September 2003) To qualify for the relief the gift or inheritance must consist of agricultural property both at the date of the gift or inheritance and at the Valuation Date.

The Valuation Date is the date at which the property is valued for gift/ inheritance tax purposes.

For the purposes of the relief, a 'farmer' means: an individual in respect of whom at least 80% of his or her assets, after taking a gift or inheritance, consist of agricultural property on the valuation date of the gift or the inheritance.

BUSINESS RELIEF: Business Relief: The purpose of this relief has been stated to prevent the sale or break ip of family run businesses.

To qualify for the relief the relevant business property must have been owned for a continuous period of 5 years prior to the date of the gift or inheritance. However, if the inheritance is taken on the death of the disponer the relevant period is 2 years prior to the date of the inheritance.

Ownership by the disponer's spouse, civil partner or by a trustee will count for the purposes of satisfying this requirement.

At present the relief is 90 per cent. Certain types of businesses are excluded from being relevant business property and are thus excluded from the relief. **The materials contained in this article are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute or comprise legal advice on any particular matter.

You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any material contained on in this article without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice**

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.

Gardening

EJ Menswear celebreates 20 Years

By Rodney Munn

I

N 1994 both Finland and Sweden voted to join the European Union and Brazil were winners of the World Cup (for the 4th time), beating Italy after penalties.

In the same World cup Ireland had beaten Italy 1 - 0 with that famous goal from Ray Haughton , and made it to the next round after a draw with Norway. That same year Ireland won the Eurovision song contest with"Rock and Roll Kids" by Paul Harrington and Charlie McGettigan.

Down beat Dublin in the All Ireland Final by 1:12 to 0:13 at Croke Park, and Boyzone released their debut album “Said and Done”.

However, with all that going on here at home in Sligo we witnessed the birth of a business that has become a bit of a legend in its own lifetime. From humble beginnings in a small shop with 400 sq feet to an

outstanding Menswear treasure house with 10,000 sq feet over three floors catering for all that's needed by any man at any time of his life.

Eamonn Cunningham had opened this small shop at the bottom of High Street on the 21st of April 1994 featuring jeanswear and casual tops.

Essential Jeanswear as it was called did good business with some personal touches such as wrapping every purchase in brown paper and string, something now missing in this modern age.

Then as time moved on Eamonn moved into a new premises on Market Cross. The business is now on two floors with a suit and formal hire department added on. At this stage brands like Levis, Wrangler, Firetrap, Sonnetti and Mantinique were all leaders and then Tommy Hilfiger which became a major player on the world scene.

Then the year of 2002 became a pivotal point in the history of EJs. Eamonn moved into the fabulous bank buildings on Gratton Street, with its 100 year old architecture and outstanding frontage. This was a brave move when the world was

1994

rocked by 9/11 and the future was uncertain in many ways.

However, it was a move that proved to be an outstanding success, which has established EJs as a constant feature and an ever evolving business in these changing times.

EJS has brought the top brands to Sligo, Ralph Lauren, Gant, G Star, Lyle and Scott Eton shirt and as a result people didn’t have to travel to Dublin to see the best of ranges from all the leading fashion houses.

Then in 2007 EJs entered the DRAPERS AWARDS and won the Category for best independent menswear retailer, Irish and

2004

2014

British shops. This was a truly memorable occasion in the Grosvenor House Hotel in London amongst such illustrious company. Since then there have been more awards including one recently for the formal hire department which has gone from strength to strength.

So, 20 years in business is a truly remarkable achievement, especially after being hit with some tough recessionary years. There have been many victims of these difficult times including many well known names in Sligo. It is a testament to the resilient nature of this local businessman and to

the support from the local community that 20 years have passed and hopefully many more to come. So keep your eye out for some special events coming up in the year. Follow us on Facebook if you can. There will be something special for everyone. Some say the future is what you make it, and that to some extent is true, and our future also includes the facility to buy from EJS on- line which should be up and running by September, so keep an eye out for that too. So, finally, we just wish to say THANK YOU to all our customers and join us in celebrating 20 years.

Eyecare: What are Floaters?

F

loaters look like small, dark spots or strands that appear to float in front of your eyes. Floaters are very common and are normally harmless.

They are more common if you are short sighted or as you get older.

Some people notice they see flashes of light. These can be due to movement of the gel inside the eye.

Very occasionally, flashes or an increase in floaters can be a sign of a retinal detachment, which needs treating as soon as possible. This is more common

as you get older, or in people who are short sighted of have had eye surgery.

If you get any of the following symptoms and you cannot contact your optometrist, you should seek urgent attention from an eye casualty department at the hospital. It is important that you seek advise promptly if you have: A sudden increase in floaters, particularly if you notice flashing lights A new, large floaters A change in floaters or flashing lights

after you have had a direct blow to your eye A shadow spreading across the vision of one of your eyes

What are floaters?

Flaoters appear as black spots or something that looks like hair or small pieces of a cobweb. These can be semitransparent or dark and appear to float in front of your vision. If you have had these for years, your eye and your brain learn to ignore them. Sometimes the number of floaters increases as you get older. Occasionally an increase in floaters can be a sign of problems inside the eye.

Because they ‘float’ in the jelly of your eye, you will find that if you move your eye to try to look at a floater it will move away in the direction you move your eye. You might only see the floater if you are staring at a light coloured surface or at the sky during the day.

Some people find that floaters can be a nuisance, but most people get used to them. They rarely cause problems with your vision.

Why do floaters occur?

Some people are born with floaters.

Other floaters occur as you get older when the gel in the eye, the vitreous humour, naturally shrinks. The gel separates into a watery fluid and wavy collagen fibrils. The fibrils are seen as line-shaped floaters. Sometimes the gel shrinks enough to collapse away the light sensitive lining at the back of your eye, which is called the retina. Once the gel

has collapsed, some people see a large ring-shaped floater.

The collapse of the vitreous gel can pull on your retina. If this happens you would see this as flashes of light.

Floaters can also be caused by some eye diseases that cause inflammation. This is not very common.

Who is at risk of floaters?

Floaters are more common in people who are short sighted. They may increase if you have had an eye operation such as cataract surgery, or laser treatment after cataract surgery.

What might happen if I have floaters?

Most of the time floaters are harmless.

Sometimes they may be annoying, but treatment is not advised.

Occasionally a sudden increase in floaters - either one or more large ones or a shower of tiny ones – may be a sign of more serious eye disease such as a retinal detachment. This is when your retina pulls away from the back of your eye: it may lead to a sudden increase in floaters and possibly a blank spot or shadow in your vision which does not go away. This needs immediate attention.

If you notice these symptoms you should contact your optometrist straight away.

If you cannot do this you should seek urgent attention from an eye casualty department at the hospital. An ophthalmologist, a specialist eye doctor, will need to use eye drops and a special light to look inside your eyes to check if your retina is damaged.

Inspired Planting @ BLOOM Is colour the trend of the season? Award winning garden designer Leonie Cornelius outlines the latest planting trends inspired by Ireland’s top designers

I

admit it. I have the Showgarden bug. As a garden designer here in Ireland, Bloom in the Park, the festival on the June Bank holiday weekend is the most prestigious place to exhibit your skills.

Bloom, brought to you by Bord Bia, is Ireland’s answer to the Chelsea Flower show and is a wonderful celebration of Ireland’s top Garden Design, delicious food and family fun.

I have created showgardens at the festival in both 2012 and 2013 and the competition is a true challenge with tight schedules, real budgets and all the stress associated with building a showgarden. By exhibiting here you are not only showcasing your skills to the public but the designer is also entering into a serious competition which is judged by a panel of experts in the field, including some Chelsea judges.

When the crowds start pouring in

and you feel that you are creating a little bit of heaven for people to enjoy and get inspired by for their own spaces, you finally know all the stress has been worth it.

Much like the Chelsea Flowers show, Bloom visitors go to the festival to get ideas and to see what trends are happening in the garden world. It’s amazing how horticulturally knowledgeable many visitors are at Bloom. Phrases such as “I love how you have combined your Iris chysographes with your Stipa tenuissima” are not uncommon at Bloom and shows that the public loving your design is more than just a fancy.

This year I took a year out from building a showgarden and decided to visit Bloom in the Park to just enjoy it from a spectator and a writer’s point of view. Though I did have slight withdrawal symptoms, for me creating showgardens is addictive, I did enjoy seeing the inspiring designs immensely.

From urban rock star cool to the subtle natural approach, every style and trend was represented.

Bloom really has a wealth of inspiration and design ideas.

Here are some of the planting combinations and trends that particularly appealed to me.

Colour Colour was one of the main trends this year and we had two very distict schools of thought.

Where Kevin Dennis’s best in large category gold garden had limes green acers juxtaposed with the bright purples and turquoises of his graffiti and Marion Keogh’s bold and happy

Page 20 Mature Living July 2014

colour splashes were trending colour choices. In Chelsea I saw the Gucci garden exploring colour in just this way. The result was a rewarding combinations of joyful colour.

Fun and elegantly childlike in appeal. However, there was also a different colour trend that was apparent and it was in tune with the big names at Chelsea this year, with minimal pale yellows, whites and greens being the main colour palette. The gold medal gardens by Deirdre Pender, Paul Doyle and Andrew Christopher Dunne were fine examples of these simple palleted gardens that spoke more of form, texture and feel, leaving space and depth for the viewer to be drawn in.

Attitude There was a definite trend is gardens with a bit of an edge at Bloom this year. This years

Leonie Cornelius is an award winning Garden Designer, Interior Architect and TV presenter.

She is the Mentor for the 2014 Supergarden showon RTE1 www.blume.ie winning Supergarden by Cian Hawes used hard industrial Gabion walls which were cleverly softened with mosses and alpines. The overall winner Kevin Dennis had some colourful urban graffiti and spilling paint details on his water features.

Spires and Iris As was the case with Chelsea this year, the shape of the trending plant was a spire shape with the Iris plant also strongly featured. Foxgloves, both the native purpurea as well as the much loved Pam’s Choice as well as Lupins were featured in many

gardens including Ailish Drake’s Limerick Culture Garden. Spires of elegant blue Delphiniums and lilac Salvias featured in Tim Austen’s inspiring Peoples choice garden for Barretstown while Alan and David of GardensNow featured explosions of colourful Lupins and Foxgloves for their ‘Wellbeing Wetlands’ garden.

The choice of Iris ranged from an elegant pale blue scattered amongst grasses in Paul Doyle’s ‘Messenger’ garden while the native yellow flag Iris looked very much at home in Deirdre Penders ‘Idir’ garden.

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Angelscope for July

with Fiona Faery

F

iona Faery is an Irish Psychic Medium who unites people regularly with their loved ones in spirit & also offers psychic guidance with her Faery oracle card readings. She is a regular on Irish radio & has monthly columns in various publications. Fiona is known for her optimistic no-nonsense approach to life. She teaches workshops on mediumship and helps 'baby' mediums build their confidence & step into their power. Her spiritual poetry has found a home on her Facebook page; Fiona Faery where she posts a daily poem. Her poetry is aimed to motivate & empower, as Fiona believes in helping people connect with their soul purpose. She reads internationally through her website www.fionafaery.ie

Aries

Taur!s

Gemini

Angel of Children : The angel if children is guiding you to spend some time with your own inner child. It's time to make time for laughter in your life. Contact an old friend or ring a current one and reminisce and catch up. Do something that would make your inner child smile such as buying an ice cream or listening to a favourite song.

Things have been to serious around you as of late.

Allow the power of joy to fill your heart again as you let your inner child out to play. This can also mean an announcement of an arrival in the family.Lucky Day: 15th July Lucky colour: pink

Angel of new beginnings: It's time to turn a new page and begin a new chapter in your life. You are ready to move from the past and no longer dwell on old pain and resentment. New people and new opportunities are coming your way. It's time to rIse your hopes and expectations.

Positivity is very important around you right now. Only surround yourself with those that believe in you. Know at every ending is also a new beginning.

Lucky Day: 17th Lucky colour: Brown

Angel of retreat : Sometimes we need time alone. This angel advises you that your thoughts may have become scattered and your feel unfocused as of late. Spend time alone in nature, go for a walk, listen to some music. You are capable of making this decision on your own.

Your intuition only speaks to you in quiet moments. So make time for these quiet moments and start to listen.

Lucky Day: 21st Lucky colour: blue

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Angel of new love : For those of you that are single, have faith as love is just around the corner. You may feel guided to go somewhere new, Take up a new hobby, try a new course. This is the universes way of giving Cupid a helping hand. For those of you in relationships romance is a very important aspect of a relationship, have a date night and plan some couple time. Never forget love is the spice of life. Lucky Day: 11th Lucky colour: red

Angel of enchantment This angel guides you to stay firm on your present course. Have courage in your convictions. You may need to dig your heels in. Trust your gut and press ahead. You may need to bang very hard on the door of opportunity. Take heart for the universe is listening. September brings news of success.

Lucky Day: 18th Lucky colour: silver

Sagi#arious

Capricor$

Angel of listening The wonderful arch angel Michael makes his appearance felt in this card. You are being guided to speak your truth, you will find the courage when you seek it, for this angel is powerful ally to have by your side.

Are you also aware of what is being said around you? This angel encourages you to develop your listening skills and also helps you hear what is not being said as well...!

Lucky Day: 25th Lucky colour: navy

Angel of ideas and inspiration This cherub of inspiration sits on your shoulders at present giving you eureka moments. You can either dismiss this or act on it! If you have been feeling stuck in a rut as of late this may be your guardians way of helping you break free for it. It's time to try something new. If you've been feeling blocked, this angel is also showing you a creative solution to the current problem you face.

Lucky Day: 28th Lucky colour: jade

Angel of serenity This angel guides you to seek peace and tranquility. For you may have become caught up the drudgery that is life. Take time to smell the flowers, go for a peaceful walk, listen to some music. Your soul cries out for some peaceful/restful solitude. It's time to step back and allow things to happen around you.

Take some long awaited me time.

Lucky Day: 16th Lucky colour: white

Aquarius

Angel of forgiveness: When you forgive, you realise the real prisoner had been you all along. For the prison is anger, pain and resentment. You are not responsible for other peoples issues but you can take responsibility in how you choose to handle your current situation. The more you focus on happiness. No positivity the more you attract people and all manner of events that attract this in to your life.

On the other hand the more you focus on pain and betrayal the more people and situations of negativity will constantly barge you. It's time to let the past go and move into a happier future. Lucky Day: 19 Lucky colour: gold

Cancer

Angel of answered prayer: This beautiful angel has entered your spread to let you know heaven has heard your call.

Synchronistic events and people will enter your life as they are the universes way of answering your prayer. Try not to become to fixed or attached to how it is going to happen, simply trust that it will happen. Believe in your dreams and believe in the power of positive intentions. As the more fate and optimism you place the quicker your prayer will be answered!

Lucky Day: 29th Lucky colour: green

Scor"io

Angel of focus: This angel warns you of being over stressed and over worked. The angel of focus urges you to get your priorities in order. Notice the flowery garland in her lap, she's to pre occupied with others worries. It's time for you to look inward and focus on your own needs. It's time to clean house, start with your own!

Lucky Day: 24th Lucky colour: orange

Pisces

Angel of healing : The angel of healing comes around you, sending you blessings of abundance. The healing that is sent is emotional, physical and mental. She is also sending in a helpful friend or relative who will provide support and a shoulder to lean on. Angels come in all shapes and sizes and yours are coming in, in the shape of a trusted, loyal friend. Allow yourself to unburden you issues and develop a perspective on the issue your currently facing Lucky Day: 30th Lucky colour: moss green

Fiona Faery gives private 1-to-1 sittings at The Sligo Park Hotel on the last weekend of every month. She is also available for private consultations or One Question readings on her website www.fionafaery.ie You can contact Fiona to Book a Private Reading @ 0863736143

Alternative Therapies

Indian Head Massage I Psychic medium and spiritual healer

To make an appointment or for a brief informal discussion with myself directly. You can reach me on 087-8093783 or email cathysscript@gmail.com or visit my website www.cathysscript.com

7th SON FAITH HEALER AIDAN WRYNNE Mohill, Co Leitrim

www.faithhealer.ie is now attending

ROSCOMMON & BALLAGHADERREEN Every Monday

ALSO HOLDING CLINICS IN COUNTIES SLIGO & LEITRIM Aidan is also available at his home every Monday and Thursday at Mohill, County Leitrim. Aidan has consistent success in the treatment of: Back pain, arthritis pain, skin rashes, digestive problems, colic/reflux, migraine, warts/verrucas asthma, sinus and many more

Clinic times & venues available at www.faithhealer.ie

Aidan is happy to discuss in confidence any queries you may have Telephone 071 9631263 / 087 2423405 / Email: aidanwrynne@eircom.net

Are you Suffering from Geopathic Stress?

Have you or your family any of the following.

Unresolved or recurring illness, Tired on waking, Arthritis, Allergies, Fatigue, Insomnia, Poor memory, Irritation or Frequent arguments, Headaches, Depression, Cancer, MS, ME, these are common problems associated with Geopathic Stress. theirishhealer.

Robert Ennis • Tel: 086 8079723 • robertennis@mail.com

www.geopathicstressireland.net

Page 24 Mature Living July 2014

ndian Head Massage is a popular massage treatment which has been practiced in India for 1000s of years and still forms an integral part of that culture today.

The earliest references to massage in India can be found in the Ayurvedic texts. This ancient healthcare system suggested that a healthy lifestyle and massage, used in conjunction with herbs and oils, helped to improve and maintain good health and wellbeing. In Indian families, the massage is traditionally learned by young girls from their mothers and is part of their daily routine.

Massage is regularly performed for relaxation purposes on babies, children and at times of celebration, such as weddings.

The Indian Head Massage treatment itself is traditionally called Champi and was performed differently for men and women.

Treatments for women were originally practiced to beautify and improve the condition of their hair and scalp.

Different oils such as coconut, sesame, olive, etc, were massaged into the scalp and hair to nourish and invigorate.

The oil was also poured onto the hair and brushed through to the ends to create lustre. Although the treatment had many physical benefits, it also created a relaxing activity that created family bonding.

The treatment for men consisted of a more invigorating massage, with stimulating oils, to the head and scalp.

These treatments were performed by the barber, who offered them as part of the service, after cutting the hair.

The skills of the barber were traditionally passed from father to son and are still very much part of everyday life in India today.

The system of Indian Head Massage that is widely practiced in the West is known as Champissage. Champissage was developed and introduced to the West in the 1970s by a therapist named Narendra Mehta.

Narendra, having been bought up in India, regularly enjoyed the benefits of head massage, but felt that something was missing from the treatments.

The traditional massage does not include the face, shoulders, neck, or any balancing to the chakras (energy centres). Narendra believed that by

including these additional areas in the routine it would make the treatment more holistic and therefore more beneficial.

What are the benefits of Indian Head Massage?

There are numerous benefits to receiving Indian Head Massage.

One of the main benefits is that it is extremely versatile and can be performed almost anywhere, seated and over clothing, although massage over clothes does not produce the best effects. It is also excellent for relieving stress, so for these reasons, it has become a popular treatment that may be available in waiting areas such as surgeries, clinics, etc, hospices, at work premises and in the likes of airplanes.

Indian Head Massage is deeply relaxing and can create a feeling of calmness and harmony. It is greatly beneficial for improving and maintaining reasonable stress levels and for all stress related conditions. It has also been found to be most helpful for treating anxiety and is an alternative massage treatment for nervous people. Indian Head Massage can be useful for alleviating headaches and improving insomnia.

The massage consists of a mixture of deep, slow movements and rapid, brisk, invigorating strokes. This combination of movements relaxes, but also invigorates and energises the body and mind.

Treatment improves localised circulation, stimulates nerve endings and relieves tension and pain from taut, aching muscles.

The natural, moisturising oils such as coconut, sesame, mustard and almond used in treatment can improve the condition and appearance of the skin, scalp, and hair. Indian Head Massage can also be beneficial in cases of alopecia, as the treatment relives stress, and stimulates blood circulation and nerve endings in the head and scalp.

When is the treatment not suitable?

Indian Head Massage is not suitable for people who have migraine (currently suffering), neck, spinal or recent head injuries.

If you are being treated for a medical problem, or have a skin or scalp condition, it is advisable to seek advice from your medical practitioner before receiving Indian Head Massage.

Therapies

Leitrim’s Seventh Son Healer Aidan Wrynne Announces Launch Of New Website

Clinics now available in Swinford & Sligo

ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE THERAPY • Plexus Bio energy therapy • Kinesiology • Hidden mind corrective sounds therapy • Relaxation techniques For more information contact Vincent Murtagh @ 0868677757 Bioenergywest@gmail.com • www.hiddenmind.ie

I can help you find your true self, your gifts, your skills and your talents, so that you make a real difference in your business and/or personal life .... helping you to free yourself from any 'negative baggage' and empowering you to achieve this both easily and effortlessly. Imagine discovering the key that unlocks your full potential. - Carol Passemard

A

idan is the first natural healer to use thermal imaging to show the transfer of healing energy from his hands to the patient during his healing sessions. It is a groundbreaking achievement and it is the first time that thermal imagining has been used to show that there is a difference between Aidans hands and those of others. Aidan states that this will reinforce the belief and trust in the gift of the 7th Son Faith Healer. A video of this can be seen on his new website www.faithhealer.ie The new website gives a full breakdown of all the conditions which Aidan treats and answers any questions you may have in relation to his healing gift. It outlines what you should expect from a visit to Aidan, it gives details of the venues where he holds weekly clinics and testimonials from people who have visited Aidan for healing.

Aidan’s gift has been well documented over the years and has achieved extensive television and radio coverage nationally. He has appeared

on numerous television shows such as Kenny Live, Davis, Open House and Ear to the Ground as well as many other newspaper articles which was written about his healing gift. All of these have been included on his new website www.faithhealer.ie and can be viewed there.

Aidan understands all of the problems that people encounter in their daily lives and provides healing and support to help them to overcome their problems. He has much experience dealing with the everyday pains and rashes, aches and worries that inflicts today’s society from the infant to the senior citizen.

Aidan is currently holding Clinics in Roscommon Town & Ballaghaderreen every Monday and in Sligo and Bundoran every Thursday and he is always available to discuss, in the strictest confidence, any problem that people may have. He can be contacted at 087 2423405 / 071 9631263 or by email to aidanwrynne@eircom.net to confirm attendance.

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

www.breakthroughretreat.com E: carol.passemard@gmail.com

T: 087-1413026

Stéfan de Guylian As seen on Irish and International TV

Travel on a Mystical Journey...

International Clairvoyant, Medium & Psychic Tarotologist Native American Energies Platform Work Shamanism

Available for House Parties & Corporate Events

Contact Stefan: 087-6108105 • stefandeguylian@gmail.com Learn to understand and accept your self

Henry Schwab Healing

"tapping with EFT and using modern meridian and energy therapies is the way to go in therapy today.

I am again and again amazed how effective these therapies are compared with the typical psychotherapy/counselling . tapping seems to be so much faster and effective without going into the past in clearing all forms of anxiety, stress, anger, fears and phobias and seems even to work in eliminating allergies like hey fever( it did just that for myself!). to book an appointment or for any questions , please contact Henry at 071 96 62114 or send an e-mail to schwabhenry@gmail.com".

www.henryschwabhealing.com

Evikeens, Boyle, County Roscommon • Tel: 071 96 62114 Page 25 Mature Living July 2014

Food and Drink

A Taste of

P

ut a sweet twist on eggy bread with this indulgent brunchtime recipe Ingredients 50g butter 6 apricots, halved and stoned 200g/8oz caramel sauce (we used Bonne Maman confiture de caramel) 350g ready-made vanilla custard 8 small, thick slices brioche or white bread, or 4 large slices, cut diagonally Method Melt 1 tbsp butter in a medium-size frying pan.

Put in the apricots, cutside down, and gently fry for 2-3 mins. Flip over

T

he omelette is one of the most fundamental dishes in any cook's arsenal, and this recipe will teach you how to get it right every time

Ingredients 3 eggs, as fresh as possible, preferably organic and freerange, room temperature 2 knobs unsalted butter 1 tsp finely, freshly grated parmesan (or vegetarian alternative) To cook with herbs 2-3 chopped tarragon leaves 1 tbsp each snipped chives and chopped chervil or parsley To cook with cheese 3 rounded tbsp finely grated Gruyère Method Get everything ready. Warm a

20cm (measured across the top) non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them with a fork so they break up and mix, but not as completely as you would for scrambled egg. With the heat on medium-hot, drop one knob of butter into the pan.

It should bubble and sizzle, but not brown. Season the eggs with the Parmesan and a little salt and pepper, and pour into the pan.

Let the eggs bubble slightly for a couple of seconds, then take a wooden fork or spatula and gently draw the mixture in from the sides of the pan a few times, so it gathers in folds in the centre. Leave for a few seconds, then stir again to lightly combine uncooked egg with cooked. Leave briefly

Page 26 Mature Living July 2014

again, and when partly cooked, stir a bit faster, stopping while there’s some barely cooked egg left. With the pan flat on the heat, shake it back and forth a few times to settle the mixture.

It should slide easily in the pan and look soft and moist on top.

A quick burst of heat will brown the underside.

Grip the handle underneath. Tilt the pan down away from you and let the omelette fall to the edge. Fold the side nearest to you over by a third with your fork, and keep it rolling over, so the omelette tips onto a plate – or fold it in half, if that’s easier.

For a neat finish, cover the omelette with a piece of kitchen paper and plump it up a bit with your fingers. Rub the other knob of butter over to glaze. Serve immediately.

and cook for 1 min more until lightly golden. Add the caramel to the pan and melt until saucy – if it’s still too thick to coat the fruit, add a splash of water. Keep warm.

Mix the custard with 4 tbsp of water to loosen, then dip in the bread slices, turning to coat thoroughly. Melt half the remaining butter in a large non-stick frying pan. Lightly shake off any excess custard mixture from half the bread slices and fry in the butter for 2 mins each side until golden. Repeat with remaining butter and bread, then serve hot with the caramel apricots.

Add walnuts if desired

Food and Drink

A

fresh way to serve a salmon fillet. Summery and light, this Niçoise is a lovely summer dish Ingredients 400g baby new potatoes, halved 2 salmon fillets, skin on, (about 140g/5oz each) small handful black olive (we like Kalamata) small handful sundried tomato, chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed

juice 1⁄2 lemon 1 tbsp olive oil 200g green beans Method Bring half a large steamer to the boil, tip the potatoes into the water, then lay the salmon fillets, skin-side down, in the steamer basket.

Cover and cook for 6-8 mins until the salmon is cooked through, then remove and set aside. Continue to cook the potatoes for another 5-8 mins until tender, adding

T

the beans for the final couple of mins. Drain the veg, then tip into a large bowl.

Add the olives and tomatoes to the potatoes and beans, then gently flake in chunks of the cooked salmon, discarding the skin.

Whisk together the garlic, lemon and oil with some seasoning, and loosen with a few drops of water.

Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and serve.

he staple vegetarian dish is spruced up with a citrussy sourdough crustchunkily chop your courgettes, onion, peppers and tomatoes for extra texture

Method Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. In a small bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp of the oil and a good sprinkling of seasoning. Set aside.

Ingredients 50g fresh sourdough breadcrumbs 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 courgettes, chunkily sliced 1 red pepper, cut into chunks 1 yellow pepper, cut into chunks 1 large onion, very roughly chopped 4 ripe plum tomatoes, cut into chunks 2 garlic cloves, sliced 1 tbsp chopped thyme 1 tbsp tomato purée 2 tbsp white wine vinegar zest 1 lemon

Put the courgettes, peppers, onion, tomatoes, garlic, thyme, tomato purée, vinegar and the remaining olive oil in a bowl. Season well and toss together.

Tip the vegetables into a roasting tin and spread out in a single layer. Cover with foil and bake for 20 mins. Remove the foil.

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and bake for another 10 mins or until golden. Remove from oven and sprinkle over the lemon zest.

S

erve this super-creamy chocolate dessert on its own, or as part of an 'assiete' of mini chocolate puddings

Ingredients 568ml pot double cream 100g Green & Black's white chocolate, broken into pieces 1 vanilla pod, split or 1 tsp vanilla extract 6 egg yolks 2 tbsp golden caster sugar, plus extra for topping Method Heat the cream, chocolate and vanilla pod in a pan until the chocolate has

melted. Take off the heat and allow to infuse for 10 mins, scraping the pod seeds into the cream. If using the vanilla extract, add straight away. Heat oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3.

Beat yolks and sugar until pale. stir in the chocolate cream. Strain into a jug and pour into ramekins. Place in a deep roasting tray and pour boiling water halfway up the sides. Bake for 15-20 mins until just set with a wobbly centre. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hrs.

To serve, sprinkle some sugar on top of the brûlées and caramelise with a blowtorch or briefly under a hot grill.

Leave caramel to harden, then serve.

Page 27 Mature Living July 2014

Memories

T

The Bands of our Showband Era

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

Article and Photos courtesy of Gerry Gallagher www.irish-showbands.com

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 Dubliners (1962-present) T

here is little than can be written about the Dubliners which has not already been recorded by hundreds of other sources across the globe. They are one of the true legends of the Irish entertainment scene and from their formation in the early 1960's, they provided a unique mix of Irish music and humour, along with the legendary exploits of their members.

Led by their rowdy front men, the late Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew, the Dubliners took the Irish folk scene by storm and in the process, set the standard for Irish "folk"

music - then and now.

The origins of the band are a little fuzzy as they really started as a loose session group which got together on the fledgling Dublin ballad scene.

The original band was called the Ronnie Drew Group. Although every source I can find on the Internet sites Luke Kelly as an original member of the group with Bob Lynch joining after Luke left in 1964, on a recent episode of Reeling In The Years on RTE television, in 1962 the Ronnie Drew Group is pictured performing McAlpine's Fusiliers and

Top left clockwise: Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke, Barney McKenna, Ronnie Drew and John Sheehan Page 28 Mature Living July 2015

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 is Bob Lynch, not Luke Kelly who is with the group. There is a possibility that the video clip was actually from 1964, not 1962.

The Dubliners started out as a four piece with Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke and Barney McKenna. It was 1962 and Irish folk or ballad music was just starting to make a comeback in the pubs in Dublin and around the country. They were originally known as the Ronnie Drew Folk Group, but Ronnie did not like the name and Luke Kelly suggested The Dubliners, after the James Joyce book of the same name.

Although the Clancy Brothers are often cited as the first folk act to "break big," they did so mainly in and from the United States.

Meanwhile the Dubliners were hard at work singing their ballads in the backroom of Paddy O'Donoghue's pub in Merrion Row. The sessions were bawdy and the air was heavy with cigarette smoke and Guinness.

In the mid 1960's the Dubliners were part of a handful of groups at the forefront of the Irish folk revival. Folk clubs sprang up all around Dublin and featured artists like the Dubliners, Johnny McEvoy, Jon Ledingham, the Johnstons, Ludlows...the list went on and on. However, it was the Dubliners who possessed a special blend of story telling, musical skills, personality and bawdiness to make them unique on the scene. Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly were the driving forces behind the group's success and unique characters in their own right.

In 1964 Luke Kelly left the band for a short time and the late Bob Lynch was recruited to take his place. John Sheehan also joined the band at that time on fiddle and tin whistle.

Luke would return to the band a couple of years later and Bob would leave, but John Sheehan also stayed, making the band a five piece. 1967 was the year the band had their big break. Their song, Seven Drunken Nights, released in early 1967 was banned by RTE, but played extensively by the pirate station, Radio Caroline. The end result was chart success in Britain where the song eventually climbed to Number 7 on the British Charts in March and was Number 1 in Ireland. Suddenly, the Dubliners were major International stars. Their follow up single, All for Me Grog, was not nearly as successful, failing to chart in England and reaching Number 10 in Ireland. However, they followed it up with another British

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 www.irish-showbands.com . Apart from a few who enjoy near mythical

Dubliners on stage in 1972 success, Black Velvet Band, which went to number 15 in the UK charts in August and Number four in Ireland. They also released an album, Drop of the Hard Stuff, which went to number five in the UK charts in May of 1967.

Although the band would continue to have chart success at home, these would be the only charts successes the band had in England, but it was enough to put them on the road to international acclaim. In 1967 the band was touring the English Club and ballrooms of Ireland regularly and had started to make forays into the European market, but had not yet made any attempts to try their luck in America. In a Spotlight interview in July, 1967 Luke Kelly said, "We're taking things as they come. America?

I'd love a chance to play there and just see how they'd take to us."

In 1974, an article in Spotlight announced that Ronnie Drew had left the band and was replaced by Jim McCann who had been with the band on a temporary basis, following Ciaran Bourke's illness. Jim would stay with the band until 1979 when he left to again pursue his own solo career. Ciaran remained a member of the band, but would never perform with them again and sadly passed away in 1988.

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

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

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...

During the 1980's the band continued to tour, record, and have the craic. Ronnie Drew would return in 1979 to the band's lineup, but Luke Kelly would be replaced by Sean Cannon in 1983. Luke had suffered a brain tumour in 1980 which was removed, and although it was hoped he would make a full recovery, he had to leave the band and sadly passed away less than a year later at age 44. Around the time of Ciaran's death in 1988, Eamonn Campbell joined the band as a permanent member.

Since our site covers the Irish entertainment scene from 1955 to basically 1985, we finish the Dubliner's feature here.

If you are interested in a detail account of the band's history since then, there are many sites on the Internet dedicated to the Dubliner's and their 50-plus year history.

The death of Barney McKenna on April 5th, 2012 brought to a close a special era in Irish folk. Barney was the last surviving original member of the band and although John Sheehan has been with the band since 1964, he was not in the original group. Barney, Luke, Ronnie and Ciaran made history and have now all passed into history, although the Dubliner's live on.

Top singles - 1963/64 1. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Kiss Me Quick

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Dickie Rock & Miami - From the Candy Store Dickie Rock & Miami - There's Always Me - (Piccadilly) Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Bless You Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - No More (HMV) Butch Moore & Capitol - Down Came the Rain

7. Eileen Reid & Cadets - Fallen Star (Columbia) 8. Sean Fagan & Pacific - She Wears My Ring (Pye) 9. Dickie Rock & Miami - I'm Yours (Pye) 10. Joe Dolan & Drifters - The Answer To Everything 11. Butch Moore & Capitol Showband - Foolin' Time (Pye) 12. Eileen Reid & Cadets - I Gave My Wedding Dress Away 13. Pat McGeegan - Hawaiian Wedding Song (Decca) 14. Brendan O'Brien & Dixies - It's Only Makebelieve 15. Sean Fagan & Pacific - Distant Drums (Pye)

Page 29 Mature Living July 2014

Memories

T

The Bands of our Showband Era

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

Article and Photos courtesy of Gerry Gallagher www.irish-showbands.com

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 Dubliners (1962-present) T

here is little than can be written about the Dubliners which has not already been recorded by hundreds of other sources across the globe. They are one of the true legends of the Irish entertainment scene and from their formation in the early 1960's, they provided a unique mix of Irish music and humour, along with the legendary exploits of their members.

Led by their rowdy front men, the late Luke Kelly and Ronnie Drew, the Dubliners took the Irish folk scene by storm and in the process, set the standard for Irish "folk"

music - then and now.

The origins of the band are a little fuzzy as they really started as a loose session group which got together on the fledgling Dublin ballad scene.

The original band was called the Ronnie Drew Group. Although every source I can find on the Internet sites Luke Kelly as an original member of the group with Bob Lynch joining after Luke left in 1964, on a recent episode of Reeling In The Years on RTE television, in 1962 the Ronnie Drew Group is pictured performing McAlpine's Fusiliers and

Top left clockwise: Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke, Barney McKenna, Ronnie Drew and John Sheehan Page 28 Mature Living July 2015

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 is Bob Lynch, not Luke Kelly who is with the group. There is a possibility that the video clip was actually from 1964, not 1962.

The Dubliners started out as a four piece with Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke and Barney McKenna. It was 1962 and Irish folk or ballad music was just starting to make a comeback in the pubs in Dublin and around the country. They were originally known as the Ronnie Drew Folk Group, but Ronnie did not like the name and Luke Kelly suggested The Dubliners, after the James Joyce book of the same name.

Although the Clancy Brothers are often cited as the first folk act to "break big," they did so mainly in and from the United States.

Meanwhile the Dubliners were hard at work singing their ballads in the backroom of Paddy O'Donoghue's pub in Merrion Row. The sessions were bawdy and the air was heavy with cigarette smoke and Guinness.

In the mid 1960's the Dubliners were part of a handful of groups at the forefront of the Irish folk revival. Folk clubs sprang up all around Dublin and featured artists like the Dubliners, Johnny McEvoy, Jon Ledingham, the Johnstons, Ludlows...the list went on and on. However, it was the Dubliners who possessed a special blend of story telling, musical skills, personality and bawdiness to make them unique on the scene. Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly were the driving forces behind the group's success and unique characters in their own right.

In 1964 Luke Kelly left the band for a short time and the late Bob Lynch was recruited to take his place. John Sheehan also joined the band at that time on fiddle and tin whistle.

Luke would return to the band a couple of years later and Bob would leave, but John Sheehan also stayed, making the band a five piece. 1967 was the year the band had their big break. Their song, Seven Drunken Nights, released in early 1967 was banned by RTE, but played extensively by the pirate station, Radio Caroline. The end result was chart success in Britain where the song eventually climbed to Number 7 on the British Charts in March and was Number 1 in Ireland. Suddenly, the Dubliners were major International stars. Their follow up single, All for Me Grog, was not nearly as successful, failing to chart in England and reaching Number 10 in Ireland. However, they followed it up with another British

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 www.irish-showbands.com . Apart from a few who enjoy near mythical

Dubliners on stage in 1972 success, Black Velvet Band, which went to number 15 in the UK charts in August and Number four in Ireland. They also released an album, Drop of the Hard Stuff, which went to number five in the UK charts in May of 1967.

Although the band would continue to have chart success at home, these would be the only charts successes the band had in England, but it was enough to put them on the road to international acclaim. In 1967 the band was touring the English Club and ballrooms of Ireland regularly and had started to make forays into the European market, but had not yet made any attempts to try their luck in America. In a Spotlight interview in July, 1967 Luke Kelly said, "We're taking things as they come. America?

I'd love a chance to play there and just see how they'd take to us."

In 1974, an article in Spotlight announced that Ronnie Drew had left the band and was replaced by Jim McCann who had been with the band on a temporary basis, following Ciaran Bourke's illness. Jim would stay with the band until 1979 when he left to again pursue his own solo career. Ciaran remained a member of the band, but would never perform with them again and sadly passed away in 1988.

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

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

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...

During the 1980's the band continued to tour, record, and have the craic. Ronnie Drew would return in 1979 to the band's lineup, but Luke Kelly would be replaced by Sean Cannon in 1983. Luke had suffered a brain tumour in 1980 which was removed, and although it was hoped he would make a full recovery, he had to leave the band and sadly passed away less than a year later at age 44. Around the time of Ciaran's death in 1988, Eamonn Campbell joined the band as a permanent member.

Since our site covers the Irish entertainment scene from 1955 to basically 1985, we finish the Dubliner's feature here.

If you are interested in a detail account of the band's history since then, there are many sites on the Internet dedicated to the Dubliner's and their 50-plus year history.

The death of Barney McKenna on April 5th, 2012 brought to a close a special era in Irish folk. Barney was the last surviving original member of the band and although John Sheehan has been with the band since 1964, he was not in the original group. Barney, Luke, Ronnie and Ciaran made history and have now all passed into history, although the Dubliner's live on.

Top singles - 1963/64 1. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Kiss Me Quick

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Dickie Rock & Miami - From the Candy Store Dickie Rock & Miami - There's Always Me - (Piccadilly) Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Bless You Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - No More (HMV) Butch Moore & Capitol - Down Came the Rain

7. Eileen Reid & Cadets - Fallen Star (Columbia) 8. Sean Fagan & Pacific - She Wears My Ring (Pye) 9. Dickie Rock & Miami - I'm Yours (Pye) 10. Joe Dolan & Drifters - The Answer To Everything 11. Butch Moore & Capitol Showband - Foolin' Time (Pye) 12. Eileen Reid & Cadets - I Gave My Wedding Dress Away 13. Pat McGeegan - Hawaiian Wedding Song (Decca) 14. Brendan O'Brien & Dixies - It's Only Makebelieve 15. Sean Fagan & Pacific - Distant Drums (Pye)

Page 29 Mature Living July 2014

Feature

Births to mums over 50 soaring Two sides to the ongoing debate

Shameless actress Tina Malone travelled to Cyprus for IVF treatment and conceived her daughter, Flame, with donor eggs, giving birth aged 50

T

he number of British women over 50 who are having babies has more than doubled in five years.

Every week in the UK around three children are born to a mother in her fifties, the latest figures show.

The dramatic increase in births to older women will deepen fears over the health of both the mothers and their babies.

Older women are more likely to have miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies while their children are more likely to be born with genetic abnormalities.

Midwives also warn that because older mothers and their offspring often require higher levels of care, extra pressure is put on the NHS. Health ministers revealed the sharp rise in older mothers in a parliamentary question. In 2012, there were 154 babies born to mothers over the age of 50, up by a third in a year.

The figure has more than doubled since 2008 when there were 69 births to women aged 50 and over. In 2000 the number was 44. The number of births to mothers aged 40 and over has also risen, up 13 per cent from 26,419 in 2008 to 29,994 in 2012.

It means one in 25 are to mothers who have turned 40.

Even someone who has a child aged over the age 35 is considered an ‘older mother’ by medical professionals.

Around 20 per cent of babies are born to women aged 35 or older, the highest proportion since records began in 1938.

At the same time, only 23 per cent of births were to women aged under 25 in 2012, down from almost half in the early 1970s. In some areas of Britain, including Windsor and Maidenhead, Brighton and East Renfrewshire, around one in

three mothers was over 35.

The trend is the result of women choosing to concentrate on their careers rather than settling down to have a family.

Changing medical advice and advances in IVF treatment also mean more are willing to risk delaying having children.

Other women are moving into new relationships later in life and are choosing to have more children with their new partner.

Earlier this year Shameless actress Tina Malone gave birth to daughter Flame at the age of 50, after travelling to Cyprus for IVF treatment. In 2007, Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross had

twin daughters in 2007 at the age of 44. Louise Silverton, director for midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives said: ‘There are an increasing numbers of older women who are having babies and these women tend to have more complications than younger women. ‘This is more pronounced as women have babies at increasingly greater ages. Older mothers are more likely to have increased rates of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies and genetic problems in the child and other issues such high blood pressure, diabetes and problems with the placenta.’ Last March a survey found almost three-quarters of people do not think women should receive IVF to help them conceive beyond their natural childbearing years. A quarter believe women should stop trying to bring babies into the world past the age of 40. The survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK found 31 per cent think the current age limit of 42 for IVF on the NHS is too old. Other research shows that children born to mums over 40 are healthier and brighter than those of younger women.

According to other research the offspring of older women are less likely to have accidents or need hospital care and more likely to have been vaccinated early, a study found.

Carole Hobson became Britain’s oldest mother of twins at 58 after conceiving through IVF at an Indian clinic. After four failed IVF attempts in Ukraine and Cyprus, donor embryos were implanted at a clinic in Mumbai. The single mother, now 61, spent more than £20,000 to have children and twins Frieda and Matthew were born by emergency Caesarean on Christmas Eve 2010. Nine weeks premature and each weighing 3lb 3oz, they spent two months in neo-natal are. The qualified barrister from Kent, said: ‘In Britain we need to be better at providing for women who want to be mothers later in life. It is an indescribable joy, but it’s non-stop – it is like a full-time job.’

Carole Hobson with her two-year-old twins Freida and Matthew

Page 23 Mature Living July 2014

They will also develop a broader vocabulary from a young age and achieve higher scores in IQ tests in a range of measures up to the age of five. The research, which was presented recently at The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health conference in Glasgow, is a rare piece of good news for the rising number of women who are delaying motherhood.

Previous studies have highlighted the growing infertility rates for older women and the greater risk of them developing diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

But the latest research appears to show gains for older mothers once they have given birth, possibly due to their greater experience and maturity.

Researchers at the Institute of Child Health, University College London and Birkbeck College, London, said their findings showed older mothers can make better parents.

Dr Alastair Sutcliffe, who worked on the study, said negative publicity surrounding the rise of older mothers was based on the physical risks of pregnancy and childbirth.

He said: ‘We have clear evidence that there are more desirable outcomes for children of older mothers compared with younger ages. We can reassure these older women that their children are probably better off.’

The Wellcome Foundationfunded study looked at 1,100 children born to women aged 40 and over, compared with 38,000 children born to younger women in Britain. The children’s ages ranged from nine months to five years.

Children of older mothers were less likely to be in accidents or need hospital admission, and were no more at risk of obesity.

Dr Sutcliffe said older mothers might be more risk-averse, possibly because they were less active and unable to run after their children, but they may also be better at

spotting and avoiding potentially risky situations.

The research also checked a number of outcomes linked to parenting skills, including naming vocabulary, picture and shapes identification and developmental IQ using established British assessment scales.

The findings showed greater ability among children born to older mothers once social class was taken into account.

Previous research found three times more children born to older mothers got five GCSEs compared with those born to younger women.

Dr Sutcliffe said: ‘We found a continuum which showed a link between the older ages of mothers and better outcomes. It was the effect of age per se.

‘The big question is why. Older mothers appear to have good parenting skills, they may be less impulsive, calmer and have more life experience that better equips them for the role. More women are giving birth at older ages, this isn’t going to go away, they are deferring motherhood for many reasons. ‘The evidence suggests that when the enormous difficulties of pregnancy and birth are over, they can make better mothers,’ he added.

Below: Marcia Cross, pitured here in Desperate Housewives, had twin daughters in 2007 at the age of 44

Feature

7 Summer Health Hazards

W

hen summer fun becomes unhealthy. Here, what to look out for and how to protect yourself.

Skin cancer If caught early, skin cancer is usually treated easily. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun (or from artificial UV light such as tanning beds) increases the risk for developing skin cancer. Other risk factors include: – Light skin, eyes or hair – Skin that burns or freckles easily – Unusual moles that are irregular in shape or larger or darker than normal moles – A family history of melanoma Protect yourself by having regular skin screenings and wearing the appropriate sunscreen. For extra protection, wear a sunhat if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time, and keep in mind the sun’s peak hours are between 10:00 am and 4:00pm.

While some experts advocate for short periods of unprotected sunlight to help with Vitamin D deficiency, the key here is moderation: most experts agree you should not be unprotected for more than 10 or 15 minutes.

Eye damage Sunlight can damage not only skin, but also your eyes. Long-

term exposure to UV rays can contribute to eye disease such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Bright light can damage your retina and even cause your eyes to become sunburned, a temporary but often painful condition known as photokeratitis. To protect your eyes, be sure to wear sunglasses that filter out 100 per cent of UV light, especially around water, which can reflect a tremendous amount of light to your eyes.

Food poisoning One of the great traditions of the season is cooking and eating outdoors, whether on your patio or on a picnic or camping trip.

Unfortunately, this can also mean an increase in food-borne illnesses. The most common culprit: letting the food sit outside in warm temperatures for too long. For more tips on summer food safety Bug bites Not only are they annoying and itchy, but mosquito bites can be serious if they infect you with a disease like West Nile or malaria. While the risk of getting diseases from mosquito bites is low, the annoyance factor is high indeed. Prevent bites by avoiding buggy areas when

ever possible and using a good insect repellent on your skin and clothing. Choose a product with about a 10 per cent to 30 per cent concentration of DEET, depending on how many hours of protection you need.

For extra protection, wear long pants and sleeves as well as socks, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are at their peak. To reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home, eliminate any standing water that may have collected in places such as used flowerpots. For more information, visit the Mayo Clinic’s webpage Dehydration Dehydration happens when you lose more fluid than you take in — and as a result, your body doesn’t have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. The summer heat can cause excessive sweating – especially when being physically active or while exercising — which in turn can lead to dehydration.

If lost fluids aren’t replenished, the consequences can be serious. While you can usually reverse mild dehydration by increasing your intake of fluids, more severe dehydration requires immediate medical treatment. To prevent dehydration, drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and replace lost fluids. Remember: thirst is not always an accurate indicator of dehydration, so drink plenty even if you’re not feeling thirsty.

mal mechanisms for dealing with heat (such as sweating and temperature control) are lost, heatstroke is potentially life threatening.

The main symptom of heatstroke is a significantly elevated body temperature — generally greater than 104 F (40 C) — with changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion and coma. If you suspect heatstroke, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical attention.

Other things you can do: – Move the person out of the sun to a cool or air-conditioned spot – Cover the person with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water − Use a fan or newspaper or indeed your copy of Mature Living to direct air onto the person Poor air quality The hazy days of summer may pose health risks, and not only for people with serious conditions such as asthma, heart dis-

ease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smog is actually a toxic mix of pollutants that, after long-term exposure, can damage lung cells, impair the immune system and increase risk for respiratory infection. Even short-term exposure can trigger symptoms in healthy people such as headaches, breathing difficulties, and exhaustion.

So what should you do? Stay informed on the air quality in your area through your local news or online resources. It is generally better to plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening, since the level of pollutants generally rises with the temperature.

Also, if possible, avoid traffic and heavily congested areas, especially during rush hour. On days when pollutants are high, it’s better to turn on the air conditioner and close your windows.

Heatstroke The most serious of heat-related problems, heatstroke often results from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake. Because the body’s nor-

Page 31 Mature Living July 2014

Take the Troubles Round the world - away from UNESCO World

ADVENTURE U TRAVELLING

Heritage Trip

NESCO World Heritage Sites are known to be the most impressive cultural, architectural and natural wonders on Earth, in need of both protection and celebration. Why not take a trip around the world to discover what makes these sights so unforgettable.

R

ound-the-world travel is not just for people taking a year out from studying – adventure travel is becoming more popular than ever with the over 50s, as empty nesters begin to enjoy making their own choices and strive to tick off items from their ‘I’ve always wanted to…’ list.Whether you are travelling alone or with others, once you have bought your ticket the thought of travelling can suddenly feel very daunting. Here are some top tips and advice to help fully prepare you, so that you can be confident you’ll have the trip of a lifetime.

Swot up Read as much as you can about your destinations, this way you will know more about what to expect and how to prepare yourself. It will also mean that you are less likely to miss seeing what you want.

Use trusted websites for accurate information. For instance, G Adventures has a travel guide section with information for all the popular travelling destinations, including cultural and historical information, places to see, and festivals and events. It also has practical information worth reviewing on topics such as health issues, weather information and pre departure practicalities. Supplement information from trusted websites with advice from other travellers where you can directly ask about others’ experiences. Forums can be great for getting a feel for places, but it is best to double check factual information with additional sources.

Make it easy to keep in contact Get yourself and your family Skype accounts. Skype is a cheap way to make calls abroad, and with a webcam you can also see each other (perfect for showing off the great tan you’ll have).

Bring hard copies of pictures of your family. These are more accessible and will feel more real than looking at digital versions online if you happen to miss those you’ve left behind.

If you enjoy writing, you may want to set yourself up with a blogging

Enjoy the National Parks of Western America

platform.

Wordpress accounts are easy to set up, or there are travel specific ones such as Trip Journal, Travellers Point or TravelPod which allows you to map your journey.

While you are at home with easy access to the internet, play with the design until you are happy and let people know the address, so as soon as you leave you can begin recording your experiences.

Choose a photo upload site, like Flickr, so you can upload pictures as you go – it will not only show everyone what you are up to, but it acts as a good backup should anything happen to your camera. You can also upload photos to Facebook, however, the quality is fairly low so Flickr may be a better option if you want to print them in the future.

If you have a planned itinerary, leave a copy at home so friends and relatives can feel safe knowing where you are. Mark times when you think contacting them may be difficult so they don’t worry if you don’t get in touch for a while. It is also a good idea to leave photocopies of your passport and plane tickets with an emergency contact. You should also consider providing your country’s embassy with a copy of your planned itinerary and contact information.

Get street wise It may sound geeky, but buy a money pouch. They really come in handy when you don’t have a safe place to keep your money. If you can get one that is fairly big but you are still able to sleep with, it will be useful in keeping your valuables safe overnight if the hostel has no locker.

Make sure you have different ways of accessing money. With most banks you can withdraw funds no matter where you are in the world, but it is a good idea to have a back-up way of withdrawing money (for instance travellers’ cheques).

Keep them in separate places, this way, if you lose one, you always have the other.

If you do get stranded without money, you can always have relatives transfer you some through Western Union, as long as you have ID with you, so remember to keep your emergency contact’s details handy just in case if you get stuck.

Get company If you are still worried about travelling, surround yourself with like-minded people. Group travel and tours are a fantastic way to travel where the organisation of getting from A to B, arranging accommodation and visiting highlights is all sorted for you. Many people feel much safer travelling in groups and long-lasting friendships can often be made with like-minded travellers. Research adventure travel tour operators to find a company that suits you and your needs.

S

tart your trip as you mean to go on with the stunning scenery of the American West. Make your way from Seattle to San Francisco with on the Camping in Yosemite and Yellowstone tour. Start with a coffee in the original Starbucks city of Seattle before exploring the dizzying mountains and

glaciers of Montana. The geothermal activity of Yellowstone National Park is next on the list, with a visit to the stunning 'Grand Prismatic Pool' - a must see! Finish with a hike through the spellbinding sequoias of Yosemite and arrive in San Francisco for the view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

See the Angkor Wat temples and the ancient highlights of Vietnam

Temple Complexes of Angkor Wat

A

n overland trip from Bangkok to Hanoi would be nothing without a visit to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and luckily our Cambodia and Vietnam on a Shoestring does just that. The Angkor Wat temples are sure to be a highlight of this round the world trip, with the stone faces of Bayon a particular favourite. Try and get to the temples at dawn for the ultimate sunrise over these ancient buildings. Moving into Vietnam, a trail of sites litter the north coast; from the quaint centre of Hoi An town to the historical citadel of Hue, just make sure you finish up in Halong

Bay, relaxing on a Chinese junk boat with a cocktail as you watch the sun go down.

Halong Bay

Follow the Andes south through Peru, Explore the rugged coastline of East Australia Bolivia and Peru

F

rom Sydney to Cairns - there's an awful lot of land inbetween.

Luckily for you, there's also a wealth of amazing things to see and do, including a trip to the Blue Mountains, just 1.5 hours drive from Sydney. Hire a car or campervan and head to the Giant Stairway to catch a glimpse of the Three Sisters rocks before heading up the shoreline for some more coastal wonders. Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef are unparalleled in their natural beauty but make sure you also head north of Cairns to the wet tropics of Queensland to paddle among the mangroves of the Daintree Rainforest.

Explores the temples of Japan Arrive in Peru for your surface sector trip to Santiago on the Southern Divide tour.

The climb from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuzco to Machu Picchu may well leave you breathless - and not just because of the scenery! Head down south through Bolivia following a trail of some of the most beautiful colonial and

F

rom Tokyo, the first stop on a UNESCO tour of Japan is sure to be Mount Fuji, the snow-capped scared mountain just outside the city.

After admiring (or climbing!) this magnificent peak, head north to the temples of Nikko before turning on your heel and moving south again to Kyoto and Himeji-jo, a 17th century castle. Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in the south of the country. Finally go back in time in the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama where you can experience the traditional Japanese way of life. With the Japan Rail Pass it is incredibly easy to get around so there's no excuse to miss any of the unique UNESCO sites.

pre-colonial buildings in South America.

Sucre and Potosi in Bolivia are filled with crumbling cathedrals, basilicas and oncehumming silver mines - the perfect introduction to a stunning country. Finish your South American adventure by crossing the Atacama Desert and arriving in Santiago, the capital city of Chile.

Marvel at the Moai of Easter Island

Travel overland from India to Nepal

T

T

he Moai of Easter Island really have to be seen to be believed. This tiny island in the middle of the Pacific has 887 of the statues and is a perfect stopover between Chile and New

Zealand.

The tiny village of Orongo is also worth a visit as well as the white beach of Ovahe to watch where the bright blue surf crashes onto the sand.

he fantastic journey from India to the foot of the Himalayas (the Delhi to Kathmandu Adventure) is one you won't forget in a hurry.

Experience the enigmatic Taj Mahal in Agra as well as the Jantar Mantar in the Pink City of Jaipur. Crossing the border into Nepal make sure you pass through Lumbini, the birthplace of the Lord Buddha and Chitwan National Park, where the wildlife of Nepal is a fabulous sight. From elephants and rhinos to the elusive tiger, Nepal is a quiet and colourful country that is sure to steal your heart.

Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand

F

rom Auckland it's an easy drive down to Tongariro National Park on a tour of the North Island.

The Tongariro Crossing is considered by many to be the best day walk in the world. Across the top of several active volcanoes with emerald and turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks and the looming mountain of Ngauruhoe (Mt. Doom to the Lord of the Rings fans out there!), this walk is one that you will never forget as you experience the natural beauty of New Zealand's north island. For more ideas on trekking in New Zealand, read Annie's recent blog post.

Interested? If this trip, or something similar catches your eye give your local travel agent a call.

House and Home

Open plan kitchen schemes T

he latest range of veneer finishes are designed to echo the appearance of living room furniture and therefore blur the lines between your open plan kitchen scheme and your living area. The veneers are available in 13 finishes, including a stone beech finish, four walnut finishes, six oak finishes and two pine finishes. The kitchen scheme at the bottom of the page, has been created by using the natural walnut colour veneer and contrasting it with graphite grey cabinets. Like the idea of your kitchen and living space blending seamlessly together? Here are some more schemes for you.

Muted, neutral tones are easy to work with and are a great choice for cabinetry as it blends effortlessly with the living space

The curved corner cabinet creates flow in this open plan scheme and is a great way to subtly direct your guests out from under your feet and away from the kitchen

Accent colours have been used here to define individual zones and pull the whole scheme together Knocking down walls to produce one larger, open plan area is an ideal way to transform a cramped, dark room. Glass screens have been used here, to separate the cooking area from the living space.

Curvy cabinetry adds a sense of flow to this kitchen. The large island creates a clear zone between the kitchen and dining area

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 Page 34 Mature Living July 2014

Open Plan Kitchen created by using the natural walnut colour veneer and contrasting it with graphite grey cabinets

EXTERNAL INSULATION

for Stone and Concrete Homes Insurance Quotes

Before

After

Grants up to €3,600

Drylining €1,800

Also Lime Plaster

Telephone James on : 087-618-0276

SKIP HIRE Septic Tank Emptying

Frank Gallagher, O’Connell Street, Ballymote, Co. Sligo

We also fit Tanks, Percolation Areas, Polishing filters, Pumps etc

Tel: 071-9197777 / 087-2311754 Waste Permit No. wwcpo-12-11041

Page 35 Mature Living July 2014

Bed and Breakfast with a difference"

Marjorie’s Kitchen offers premium specialised cooking courses to everyone, and we mean everyone. This is not a master class for nouvelle cuisine, but rather a professional friendly environment in which to learn and have fun doing so.

Looking for Bed & Breakfast with a difference?

Why not enjoy a break Brigown B&B with Mouthwatering homemade treats on arrival

The Quay, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 096-22609 / Mob: 087 2304986 Email: marjorieskitchen@hotmail.com

Have you ever wanted to paint in oils?

Would you like to create your own piece of art?

Have you ever looked at a pain#ng and thought "I wish I could do that"?

Have you not tried it yet because you think you have to be ar#s#c or have some experience?

If you have answered YES to any of the above ques#ons then our classes could be for you.

Telephone 086-0884972

or email edowdican@hotmail.com

DISCOVER FUN AND One in six over-50s are 'socially isolated' with few hobbies or engagement with society

O

ne in six people in England aged over 50 are 'socially isolated', according to a recent report in the UK. They have few socially orientated hobbies, little civic or cultural engagement with society, and may have very limited social networks.

The shocking statistic was a key finding from a report by the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), a project that aims to understand the economic, social, psychological and health concerns of an ageing society.

The ELSA research team showed that the least wealthy over-fifties suffer the most social isolation, with the wealthier among the same age group half as likely to become socially isolated, compared to the least wealthy.

The report suggest that focussing public health intervention efforts on less wealthy, less healthy older

people and on improving access to public and private transport for the over-50’s is likely to have the greatest impact in alleviating social isolation.

The ELSA project is an extensive research study that follows the lives of more than 10,000 English people throughout their older age and which reveals the complex inter-relationships between personal finances, social detachment and overall health and well-being. Previous reports from the project have shown how social engagement and hobbies are closely linked with long life and healthy ageing. These findings come from the fifth report of ELSA, which is led by researchers at University College London (UCL) and which is carried out in partnership with researchers at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the University of Manchester and NatCen Social Research.

Those who were recorded as

Malo

NO PARTNERS NEEDED! Annes Social Dancing Presents “Fun for fitness, Dancing” Sligo Road, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo Every Wednesday Night @ 8.30pm For More information Contact Anne on 087-6674561

having a greater enjoyment of life in wave one were more likely to still be alive nine to 10 years later than were other participants. The difference between those who enjoyed life the most and those who enjoyed life the least was marked, with nearly three times more people dying in the lower than greater enjoyment group.

Researchers also found that measures of psychological wellbeing that were taken in 2004/05 (wave two) could be used to predict which previously unaffected individuals would go on to suffer disability, reduced walking speed, impaired selfrated health, and to develop coronary heart disease by the time they were visited again in 2010/11.

ELSA coordinator Professor Andrew Steptoe, British Heart Foundation Professor of Psychology and director of the Institute of Epidemiology and

Health Care at UCL, said: 'These remarkable findings became even more astonishing when it became clear that the link between psychological well-being and long term health and survival was independent of other factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, wealth, education and baseline health.'

Women are more likely to become detached from leisure activities than men 'Women are more likely to become detached from leisure activities than men, but less likely to become detached from social networks; while widowed individuals are less likely to withdraw from leisure activities, cultural engagement and, in particular, social networks than those in a couple.'

ELSA began in 2002 and visits volunteer participants every two years. This is the fifth biennial report.

Giggles Drama School 2014

Yoga and Mindfulness Mediation are very ancient techniques witch nowadays grows in popularity all around the world for their results in mental and physical health.

Physically it promotes stability, energy, flexibility and relaxation.

Mentally it promotes concentration, balance and tranquillity.

Malo teaches a form of Yoga adapted to the uniqueness and needs of the individuals.

Helping People to feel better with Yoga is her passion. Yoga traditionally welcomes all. It can be practices with excellent results by every one of whatever age, physical condition or weight.

Being over 60 is a big advantage in terms availability and life experience.

Try a unique and non challenging practice that can change your life! Contact 086-3308999

Giggles Drama School provide drama classes and workshops for individuals and groups. Their aim is to provide a full range of courses to cover all interests and abilities. Drama is very popular in Mayo and Sligo and they provide regular classes in Kiltimagh: The Town Hall Theatre, Swinford: Scoil Muire agus Treasa and in Meelick National School, and in St Mary’s Community Centre, Curry, Co. Silgo. Giggles provide classes for people of all ages to explore drama and the theatre in a fun, safe and creative environment. For adults drama classes are designed to enhance creativity, acting technique, theory and experience in the theatre…

What you will learn in class:Drama: A practical introduction to acting skills and exercises, focusing on vocal work, movement, improvisation and script work with a practical performance at the end of the course.

Creating a Character: By using acting techniques and improvisation, you will focused on character development. Practical exercises are given to understand movement, how the body works, vocal work, creating different accents and objectives and what moves the character. Tel: 087-7929138 for more details.

Adult Art Aidan Moran Classes Golf Academy

Classes: Sewing, Dressmaking, Patchwork, Quil!ng: Private classes in my studio or larger groups at a loca!on near you: registered tutor with the Galway Roscommon Educa!on Training Board.

Also Cra" and Baking ac!vi!es for the elderly or mentally disabled in Homes / Residences

Glann, Charlestown, Co. Mayo.

Phone: 086­8330264 Email: thecra"sfairy@hotmail.com www.fairyhillcra"s.com

Page 36 Mature Living July 2014

Malo Duconte is a Yoga Teacher and a Therapist. Her teaching is adapted to the need of the individual or to the specificity of the group.

Groups & 1-to-1 classes on demands.

Be present, be now, this moment is your life!

Contact: 086 33 08 999 maloyoga@gmail.com

The classes cater for beginner and intermediate students. There is no fixed course as each student develops at their own individual pace, according to their ability and interests. Most of the students use either acrylic or oil paint, but watercolour and drawing tui!on can also be provided. Subject ma#er is an individual choice.

The Classes are taught by Paul Murray. For more details call 085-1359642 Classes take place on Wednesday mornings 10.30am -12.30pm

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Open: 11-9 Mon to Fri / 10-6 Sat & Sun Individual / Group Lessons Aidan Moran PGA Golf Professional Springfield, Castlebar Co.Mayo Phone: 086-8652172 Email: aidanmoranpga@gmail.com

EXCITING HOBBIES

1. Learning to play the piano or the guitar.

Of course, there are many other types of musical instruments that you choose from to learn how to play,

like the harmonica or the violin, but the guitar and the keyboards are two of the more popular instruments that many seniors like to learn how to play. Initial investment cost for a guitar or a portable elctronic ogran is fairly low. Remember the fun of picking up this hobby is in the learning process. It is much easier than most of us think and the joy of being able to play it at your next family or friends get together is indeed very rewarding.

2. Learning Magic Tricks Have you ever watched magicians doing their magic tricks and thought to youself that one day you too may learn how to do those tricks yourself. How cool would it be if you could, at the next family get together, impress all your family members including the grand children if any, with some amazing card tricks or coin vanshing tricks.

Actually learning the skills of

doing magic tricks can be a really rewarding hobby. Again the great thing about the internet is that there are so many sources of information on the internet for you to check out on how you can start your new hobby of learning magic tricks.

3. Keep Fit By Learning Tai Chi or Yoga In Less Than 10-Minutes Per Day, T’ai Chi or Yoga Can Help You Get Back In Shape and the best thing is that you can do it almost anywhere – in the garden, the local park or even in the comfort of your own home! Try to find out if there are any Tai Chi or Yoga classes being conducted near whre you live and enrol into one of them today. Besides being a great new hobby, Tai Chi or Yoga can provide many great benefits including : • Reduce Stress • Increase Muscle Strength • Decrease blood pressuree • Benefit patients with heart

Have you ever wanted to paint in oils?

Would you like to learn some of the techniques?

Do you want to create your own piece of art?

Have you ever looked at a painting and thought "I wish I could do that"?

Have you not tried it yet because you think you have to be artistic or have some experience?

If you could be shown how to paint something that you could exhibit and be proud of, would you be interested?

If you have answered YES to any of the above

questions then these classes could be for you.

My name is Eamonn Dowdican and I would like to welcome you to my day and evening oil painting classes which take place at Grange,Co Sligo and The Northside Centre, Forthill, Sligo and other local centres most weeks and weekends from September to June.

One of my main aims whilst conducting these classes is to show each person how to create their own artwork in just

Fitness Looking for things to do in Sligo?

Welcome to Seatrails! Try a guided walking tour or outdoor adventure and discovery tour with a qualified maritime archaeologist guide.

Visit fascinating ancient monuments, stunning land and seascapes and learn about the unique wilderness that surrounds you.

Seatrails guided walks and tours are for everyone-children, families, school and special interest groups and retired persons.

Contact Auriel on info@seatrails.ie, phone 087 2405071 or consult the website

www.seatrails.ie

disease • Reduce arthritis and back pain • Prevent depression • Improve sleep Most people initially consider T’ai Chi and Yoga to be a sequence of slow physical exercises –probably from images they saw on television and travel programmes – however, there’s a lot more to T’ai Chi and Yoga than just exercising.

”

"They say a hobby can help develop a positive attitude. A positive attitude may not solve all of my problems, but it WILL annoy enough people to make it worth the effort!"

a few short months of instruction.

The class numbers are deliberately kept small (between 7 and 9 people) You will find them relaxed and friendly with each person catered for in a very supportive and encouraging manner.

Beginners as well as those of you who have painted before are very welcome.

Contact details are (086) 088 4972 or email edowdican@hotmail.com

Niamh Moffatt

Contact Niamh on: 087-6269999 niamhmoffa#itness@hotmail.com www.niamhmoffa#itness.com

Discover the genius within you Write with inspirational facilitators Safe, supportive environment Find your unique writing voice Share and celebrate your writing with others all at a beautiful seaside location

Plenty of upcoming workshops, contact Órfhlaith on: 087 279 9108 or email writersinksligo@gmail.com www.orfhlaithnichonaill.com/summerfest

Social Dancing Every Thursday and Sunday The Welcome Inn, Castlebar 10pm­12.30 with Live Bands Every Tuesday The Park Hotel, Kil"magh 10pm­12.30 with Live Bands Admission €8

For more details call: 086 638 8529

GB

Gerard Butler Do you wanna dance?

Learn to dance with Gerard Butler Group and Individual Classes starting in September • Jive Classes • Set Dancing • Dance Workshops • Sean Nos Dancing

Tel: 086-8986004

Email: info@gerardbutlerdance.com

www.gerardbutlerdance.com

Glencross Home and Garden Workshop

Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Are you bored with you exercise rou!ne? Do you want to lose weight, feel healthier, boost your energy or have you a special occasion that you want to shape up for?

Strandhill Summerfest 4th July - 6th July 2014 A weekend of inspiration, encouragement, guidance and liberation for writers and would-be-writers at every stage in their journey to self-expression.

With Órfhlaith Ní Chonaill, Ted & Annie Deppe & Joe Kearney

Fun And engaging Pastimes As seniors embark on their new lifestyle, they soon find that they have new found additional “leisure time” as compared with while they were working full time.

With this new found “leisure time” to spare, many seniors start to consider new activities that they can now embark on and some of these activities include taking up some new hobbies.

Traditionally, they can take up outdoors hobbies like golf, tennis, photography and hiking and indoor hobbies like reading, playing chess and even bowling.

Some of the other “new hobbies” that seniors have taken up and found very rewarding include the following:

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

Giggles Drama School Get the most out of your garden Develop or learn new skills to help you around your home Learn something completely new!

Workshops covering vegetable and flower growing, general gardening skills, sewing and needle craft, cookery and baking. Whether you are a complete beginner or would like to further develop your skills, we can create the right workshop for you.

For further details please visit our website www.glencrosshomeandgardenworkshop.com or call Alis Glencross on 087-3819162

We provide Adult drama classes and workshops for individuals and groups. We aim to provide a full range of courses to cover all interests and abilities. Drama is very popular in Mayo and Sligo and we provide regular classes in Kiltimagh, Swinford, Meelick and Curry Tel: 094-9384262 / Mob: 087 7929138 Email: info@giggles.ie

www.giggles.ie

Page 37 Mature Living July 2014

DISCOVER FUN AND EXCITING HOBBIES Experience something new in the west!

Classes consist of Qigong and Tai Chi which is a short form of Wu style Tai Chi, it consists of 35 moves. As part of it's health benefits and lineage this so! moving form of Tai Chi cul"vates the mind & body with it's medita"ve quali"es.

7 Mail Coach Road, Sligo,

Commons Clay Café

Paint Your Own Pottery Studio & Restaurant

"Brigown" Bed & Breakfast began simply through a love and passion for cooking and offering great service to travellers.

Marjorie Nolan (proprietor & culinary connoisseur)'s introduction to the world of food and home baking stems from the simple beginnings of Ireland’s legendary ICA (Irish Countrywomen’s Association) and her Mum. Since the business began as a small humble offering ‘Marjorie’s Kitchen’ has expanded into an innovative and exciting business, offering premium specialised cooking courses to everyone, and we mean everyone. No experience is required to join a class with ‘Marjorie’s Kitchen’ - the novice cook can join in and leave having accomplished new skills and great user

friendly recipes which can be incorporated into everyday cooking.

This is not a master class for nouvelle cuisine, but rather a professional friendly environment in which to learn and have fun doing so. If you are a person who is sure you just can’t cook, then let Marjorie delight you … by proving you wrong! In her famous day course you will learn to create: • Mouth Watering Starters • Delicious Soups • Beautiful Breads • Amazing Main Courses • Delightful Desserts, incorporating fresh natural ingredients with interesting and creative ideas to include in your daily menu Plus ... Marjorie will get your creative

juices flowing, helping you come up with your own creations Marjorie’s passion and love of cooking comes to the fore with this her 4th Cookery book, entitled Marjorie’s Kitchen, ‘My Recipes for You’. The Book contains 324 pages packed with delicious, creative and easy to follow recipes, using locally sourced produce when available - guaranteed to whet the appetites of all food lovers and beginners alike. A Culinary Bible with a selection of photographs covering 13 Sections which includes Start in Style, The Bread Basket, Cakes, Cupcakes, Tray bakes & Bracks, Traditional Irish Cooking and Festive Fare, and includes napkin folding.

Seatrails walking tours

Try a different kind of heritage walk or tour this summer with Seatrails, Sligo's leading guided walking tours company. Seatrails is directed by Maritime Archaeologist Auriel Robinson who has years of experience working in the field, underwater and in researching archaeological sites. She has a love for the sea and coastal sites. If you wish, Seatrails will organise for you to have the opportunity to include other outdoor adventure activities such as Stand Up Paddling, Kayaking or horse-riding while you learn about your surrounding environment where your guide will accompany you! The tours are ecofriendly, relaxing, interesting and suit all ages. They are ideal for families. Sligo has a fascinating past and you will be taken to some amazing ancient sites that you never knew existed. Contact Seatrails to book your tour by contacting Auriel on info@seatrails.ie, phone 087 2405071 or consult the website www.seatrails.ie

Niamh Moffatt Fitness is a state of the art facility located in the Ballina Primary Care. Centre complex in Ballina, Co. Mayo. We offer group fitness class 6 days per week for people of all fitness levels and abailities. Our Tuesday and Thursday morning classes at 10:30am focus on fitness for the Over 50's age group and are great value at just €6 per class. Why not try one out - you can get your first class for FREE!! These classes are a great way to get involved in new groups, try a new hobby and get fit and healthy along the way..

Fitness TImetable Total Body Workout (Mon and Fri 13.10 - 13.40) Mens Circuits (Mon and Fri 13.40-14.10) Tabata Fat Burn (Mon 18.15 - 18.45) Morning Circuits (Tue and Thur 10.30-11.30) Post Natal Fitness (Wed 10.30 - 11.00) Core Strength (Tue and Thur 13.10 - 13.40) Boxercise (Wed 18.15 - 18.55) Pilates (Wed 19.00 - 20.00 and Sat 10.30 - 11.30) Body Burn Bootcamp (Thu 18.15 - 19.15)

CHANGE A LIFE: YOUR OWN So many people have it in them to be a Samaritans volunteer.

To touch another person’s life when it really matters, by helping them directly, or by keeping our branches running, is a rare gift.

From the satisfaction of helping someone through a tough time, to learning new skills or meeting like-minded colleagues, you get a lot back.

Different opportunities on offer A wide range of roles are all vital to keeping our service running.

Express your creative side, spend quality time with friends and family, and create a unique item for themselves or for gifts. Pottery Painting is available 7 days a week on a drop-in basis.

www.claycafe.ie • Phone: 094 937 3370 E-mail: mary@claycafe.ie Lakeside Retail Park, Unit 22, Old Ballindine Road, Claremorris Co. Mayo

Page 36 Mature Living July 2014

Apart from listening to people, we're always looking for people with skills in finance, fundraising or IT, for example.

Samaritans Sligo, 3 The Mall, Sligo • Tel: 07191-42011 (Lo-call )1850 609090

Limerick - City of Culture 2014

T

his year, it's all about Limerick, as the city continues its reign as City of Culture 2014. Enjoy a packed calendar of events, from theatre to sport, music to literature as Limerick cements its reputation as a cultural hotspot. The county has so much to offer, from the beauty of the Shannon region to the picturesque charm of Adare, one of Ireland's prettiest villages. Take a walk along Limerick's Garden Trail and relax afterwards in a cosy pub or restaurant. With activities to suit all ages, Limerick really is the perfect family destination for an exciting holiday this summer.

Horse Racing To celebrate Independence Day and the 4th of July celebrations taking place in Limerick, Limerick Racecourse are holding an All American Race Meeting on Sunday, 6 July starting from 2.30pm 06 July 2014 Limerick City, Co. Limerick Gather by the Feale Festival Five day summer festival for all the family with open air concerts, Battle of the DJ's, carnival, tag rugby, craft beer, heritage events, Viking games, kids art and hobbies, teen disco and family fun day.

Date: 16 July 2014 To 20 July 2014 Twilight Racing at Limerick Racecourse With horse racing, top class entertainment and a sizzling BBQ package, Twilight Racing in Limerick is a must this summer!

Date: 25 July 2014 Location: Patrickswell, Co. Limerick

Brief Exchange Outdoor graphic design poster exhibition, featuring work by 35 Irish based designers. Each designer wrote a design brief in exchange for another. The results will be found in advertising spaces around the city. Date: 05 August 2014 To 17 August Sarsfield's Day Festival Weekend Historical re-enactment to commemorate Patrick Sarsfield and the heroes of Limerick in 1690 and their heroic defence of the walled city in repelling William of Orange and his army. 08-10 August 2014 World Club Rugby 7s This August, Thomond Park will host some of the world's biggest clubs including Saracens, New South Wales Waratahs, Stade Français, Moscow, Auckland, San Francisco, South Africa's Blue Bulls & Munster Rugby.

Date: 09 August 2014 To 10 August 2014 Limerick & District Canine Club All Breed Championship Dog Show A great day out for all the family and for dog lovers!

Date: 21 August 2014 Location: Adare, Co. Limerick Limerick Show An event for all with horse and pony showing and jumping, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, horticulture, art, craft, photograph and baking, trade stands, dog show, family entertainment and music.

23 & 24 August Patrickswell, Co. Limerick

Our new hop on/ hop off route can be picked up at any one of 9 a"rac#ons in the city. Enjoy the informa#ve commentary with your friendly driver guide as we show you our city da#ng back to the arrival of the Vikings in 812. Let us entertain you with the wealth of history and folklore that our lovely city has to offer while you capture the panoramic views. This is a fun and informa#ve tour which takes approximately 90 minutes and we look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Telephone: 061-394033 Or email info@redvikingtours.com Book online @ www.redvikingtours.com

FLYING BOAT MUSEUM THE FOYNES FLYING BOAT & MARITIME MUSEUM, WHICH IS HOUSED IN THE ORIGINAL TERMINAL BUILDING IN FOYNES, RECALLS THAT NOSTALGIC ERA WHEN FOYNES BECAME THE CENTRE OF THE AVIATION WORLD FROM 1937 TO 1945.

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE We Look forward to welcoming you and assure you of a great day out for all!

Our amazing story is told through a comprehensive range of exhibits and graphic illustrations featured throughout the original Terminal Building including in our authentic 1940’s cinema; the Radio and Weather Room complete with transmitters, receivers and Morse code equipment; the Brendan O’Regan restaurant and of course, the only full sized replica B314 flying boat.

MARITIME MUSEUM THE NEW FLOOR OF THE FOYNES MUSEUM IS NOW OPEN! THIS NEW EXHIBIT COVERS THE HISTORY AND PERSONALITY OF THE RIVER SHANNON FROM LIMERICK DOWN TO LOOP HEAD. THE RIVER IS A HUGE FEATURE IN THE HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY OF IRELAND.

Coffee Shop

O'Regan Restaurant is a great place to enjoy a snack or a light lunch. Mouth watering food, all cooked in-house, or sample an Irish Coffee in the place it was invented".

Foynes Flying Boat, & Maritime Museum, Foynes, Co. Limerick • Tel: 069-65416 www.flyingboatmuseum.com Open March to September • Admission Rates: Adults: €11.00 / Seniors/Students: €9.00 / Children under 14: €6.00 / Children under 5: FREE Family Ticket: €28.00 (2 adults and up to 4 children)

Visitor Attractions / Things to do A visit to King House is a truly unique experience...

Marvel at the luxury and splendour of what was once the King family home.

Explore the history of King House from its incarnation as a Connaught Rangers military barracks.

Pay a visit to the cold, forbidding jail cells.

See our exhibit on Boyle’s own starlet of the silver screen, Maureen O’Sullivan.

Finish your visit with refreshments at Aunty Bee’s, our award-winning tea room.

Opening Hours: 11:00am-4:00pm, Tuesday-Saturday Admission: €5 adult, €2 student, senior, child.

Email: kinghouse@roscommoncoco.ie Address: King House, Main Street, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Phone: 071 966 3242 Website: www.kinghouse.ie

Page 40 Mature Living July 2014

Belleek Castle: A Cultural Adventure and a piece of Irish Heritage

B

elleek Castle, Ballina’s hidden gem, located in 200 acres of woodland with trees up to 300 years old. Belleek Castle was built in 1831, commissioned by Sir Arthur Francis KnoxGore. The castle was designed by the prolific Irish architect John B. Keanes,.The Knox-Gores lived in Belleek until the early 1940's.

Marshall Doran, a merchant navy officer and an avid collector of fossils and medieval armour, acquired the then run-down manor house in 1961.

Marshall commenced the monumental task of converting the former manor house into a fine hotel and mediaeval tourist attraction.

Visitors would find him swinging hammer and chisel on immense blocks of granite, a red bandanna tied around his head against the perspiration, holes in his trousers and worn shoes with toes protruding. He worked alongside other

stonemasons, and taught his tradesmen proper adze technique, and how to use a drawknife to age and fashion wood in the mediaeval style.

Marshall never lost his love for the sea. Many of his architectural works carried a nautical theme, frequently blended with a Spanish influence, particularly at Belleek, where he built the “Armada Bar”, modelled on the typical captain’s quarters in a Spanish Armada galleon.

The timbers were salvaged from a Swedish galleon wrecked at Bartra Island in Killala Bay in 1927. Marshall

kept his young son, Paul, on the beach for weeks, cutting and collecting huge timbers from the galleon for integration into the Armada Bar. Marshall stained them, so as to match one another, using a combination of Guinness, cow dung and milk – his own concoction.

Castle Tours are run on a daily base. You explore the history of the Castle, learn more about the interior design and see the private dining room.

You will also get to see the Mediaeval Banqueting hall, the armoury, the fossil room and Grace O'Malley's bed.

CASTLEBAR, CO. MAYO

Why choose a Hotel when you can have the Lux!r" of a Resor#

2 Night Midweek Break with Breakfast and Dinner on one evening

Mat!re Living magazine have teamed up with The Breaff" House Resor# in Castlebar to offer one luck reader a 2 night midweek break for t%o people, with Breakfast and Dinner on one evening.

To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize simply answer the question below and send your answer along with your name, address, email and contact telephone number to Breaff" House Resor# Competition, Mat!re Living Magazine, Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo or alter'atively you can email your ent(" to us at : competitions@mat!reliving.ie

Q: What Town is Breaff" House Resor# located in?

Planning a relaxing break away? Then look no f!r#her than Breaff" House Resor#, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. The Resor# is renowned for its war) welcoming staff and offers an excellent range of onsite facilities which includes our award-winning Leisure Cent(e, with 20 met(e pool, Sauna and Jacuzzi. Our Breaff" Spa offers a wide-range of pampering Elemis t(eat)ents, g!aranteed to indulge the senses whilst relaxing the whole body and mind.

Fleadh Cheoil Programme to have broad appeal

D

etails have been announced in relation to the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann programme, which will take place in Sligo later on this Summer.

From outdoor concerts on the Gig Rig with Sligo favourites Dervish to a series of Fleadh Fusion events presented by Music Generation to gala concerts such as the Boroimhe and De Cuellar Suites, Fleadh 2014 promises to be a superb mix of concerts, sessions, exhibitions, lunchtime readings & recitals and different eclectic events which will appeal to the broad church of Fleadh visitors to Sligo this August 10th17th. Speaking ahead of the official Fleadh Cheoil 2014 launch on June 21st, Chairperson of Fleadh Cheoil 2014 Bartley Gavin said that “Sligo is open to visitors from all over the world this Summer. We think that the Fleadh programme offers something for everyone. The musicians will have scope for playing music on the streets or in the pubs, concerts will cater for a wide range of traditional music fans, and we also want to create a carnival atmosphere in the town to make sure that everyone will return home with great memories, not just of the Fleadh itself, but of Sligo.” Some of the Fleadh highlights include concerts, pageants, a Fleadh river festival, street theatre, lectures and exhibitions,

competitions, street sessions and much more besides. And in this regard, programme director Rhona McGrath says that the focus will be on returning to the roots of the Fleadh by providing space and access to musicians who want to play on the streets in impromptu sessions, a key part of the traditional Fleadh.

“Anyone who knows Sligo will be aware of the great tradition of music in the county. We want to revisit the theme of the rambling house made famous by the likes of Michael Coleman by encouraging pubs, hotels and restaurants to open their doors to musicians, and as the entire centre of Sligo will be closed to traffic, this means that there will be plenty of opportunities for musicians to set up on the streets as well,” she says.

The Fleadh will be bookended by the Peace III Colmcille street pageant which takes place on the opening day of the festival, while the Peace III Carnival will end Fleadh 2014 with a spectacular closing ceremony which will take place along the banks of the Garavogue River, which runs through the centre of town. During the week, visitors can take in any number of fringe events such as workshops covering many aspects of traditional Irish music from instrument making to expert tuition, to guided walks and tours of Sligo’s most iconic

historical sites like the megalithic tombs of Carrowmore, the climb to the top of Knocknarea and walks around Sligo Abbey – to name but 3 locations that lie on Sligo’s doorstep – and a large number of family and youth-focussed events such as the trad disco, youth Céilí and much more.

Then you’ve got the competitions. Up to 10,000 musicians are expected to descend on Sligo to compete at all levels and in all age groups,

Simpler phones for smart people

S

ince last summer, Lisa (64) and her iPad have been inseparable. “We bought it originally to do video calls with the kids, but it soon replaced my computer” Lisa says and adds “It is quicker to read my news and check my email, even when I’m watching TV. But the one thing that frustrates me is that it is designed for youngsters.

I always need my glasses to see all the small text and icons, and don’t get me started on my smartphone!”

This is familiar story in many families, but in Lisa’s family it took on special meaning, as her son Lari (31) took it as his mission to make smartphones and tablets easier to use for people of all ages. Working together with an old friend from school, Jukka (29) they created a smartphone with bigger icons and simpler options that has already been used by thousands of people across the World. “We built this for our parents, but quickly realised that people across the World also found their smartphones equally frustrating to get started with” says Lari. “What we do is bring back the common sense in the phone design. We let people focus on the things that really matter and put all the complicated bits in the background.”

The simpler smartphone only has 6 big

icons on the screen, email, photos, contacts, Google, messages and applications. “What we found is that many people only really want to stay in touch with friends and family and occasionally look up information on the internet, so you don’t really have to make smartphones with tens or hundreds of blinking options.” says Jukka. “By leaving a lot of things out, we were able to make text bigger, and that really helps for people with less than perfect eye-sight.”

Originally from the land of Nokia, Finland, Lari and Jukka recently moved their company to Dublin to take part in an initiative run by the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) on Crane Street. “Ireland is a great place to start a technology company and when most of our customers come from either the United States or United Kingdom, Dublin is a very central location for us.” With the help of new Irish contacts, Lari and Jukka have designed a new simpler smartphone that will be available starting December 2014.

“We put a lot of care and attention into the design. It is a simple phone to use, but you will have a full internet experience on a big and easy to read 5’’ screen.”says Lari and adds “Our dream is that people of all ages can benefit from smartphones without all the hassle.”

Lari and Jukka call their phone “Zilta.” It can be pre-ordered on their website www.zilta.co for 149 Euros with postage in Ireland included in the price.

from individual musicians to Grúpaí Ceoil, and one of the highlights is certain to be the annual All-Ireland Céilí Band Competition, which takes place at the Knocknarea Arena on Fleadh super-Sunday, a fitting way to close the competitions for this year.

All in all, it looks like Fleadh 2014 will appeal to the huge numbers of people expected to travel to Sligo this Summer. And it’s hard to think of a more spectacular setting for the

Fleadh. With blue flag beaches located just minutes from the town centre, golf clubs, riding stables, walking trails and every other conceivable outdoor pursuit on Sligo’s doorstep – just take a look at the Fleadh Promotional video to check out some of the options available and the Fleadh itself taking place in the shadow of Ben Bulben, one of Ireland’s most iconic mountains, Sligo looks set to be a spectacular celebration of our culture and music.

Seniors embrace smartphones, but when will smartphones embrace seniors?

O

ne of the biggest technology trends in the 21st century has been so called “smartphones.”

A smartphone is a mobile phone with more advanced computing and networking capability, generally used to access the Internet in addition to making calls.

Anyone commuting regularly on the DART will have noticed that smartphones are absolutely everywhere these days. Incredible as it sounds, the average person checks their smartphone up to 150 times a day. But the use of smartphones hasn’t been as popular among seniors. In fact, only a third of over 55s had a smartphone in 2013, and

many older people are not as active in using the “applications” that come with their phones, such as games, applications for watching video or listening to music.

According to the technology and finance company Deloitte, people over the age of 55 are a driving force of new smartphone sales in developed countries like Ireland and the United Kingdom. In fact, almost a half of seniors already have a smartphone by the end of this year.

Yet Deloitte has observed that one in four over-55s has never downloaded an application on their phone and many buy them only as it is increasingly difficult to find basic mobile phones.

Major technology companies are finally starting to take notice of the “silver economy.” On certain Samsung smartphones you can now activate an “Easy” mode with less clutter. A Japanese company called Fujitsu has recently launched a special phone for seniors in France and Doro, a phone company specialising in seniors, have also released their own smartphone. The most recent company to enter the sector is Dublin-based Zilta, that designs age-friendly simpler smartphones.

Arts and Crafts

Card Making for Beginners C

ard Making is a hobby that is growing in popularity all the time, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s simple, inexpensive, requires very few materials, and is great fun.

Making your own cards can even be good for your bank balance – since you’ll never need to buy pricy shop-bought cards again.

If you’d like to give card making a go, but aren’t sure what you’ll need to get started, read on – this article is for you.

The basic materials you’ll need When you’re starting out in Card Making, the best approach is to keep it nice and simple.

The first thing you’ll need is some blank cards to act as a base for your designs. These are usually referred to as ‘card blanks’, and you’ll be able to find them in any good craft shop. White A6 card blanks are a nice standard size and colour, and suitable for any occasion, so you’ll probably want to start with a good quality pack of

these. Next you’ll need something to create the main design on the front of your card.

This can be either an image, some wording, or both, and there are several ways you can add this to your card.

Rubber stamps are one of the quickest and simplest ways. A stamp and ink pad will help you create a beautiful design that you can then colour in however you choose.

There are a few different types of rubber stamp, but ‘wood mounted’ stamps are the simplest to use. They feature designs mounted onto a block of wood, and are ready to use straight away – you just ink them up and stamp them straight onto your card. You might like to choose a picture design for the front of the card, and a wording stamp to add a greeting inside.

And don’t forget your ink pad for stamping. These come in a bewildering array of colours, but a small black one is all you’ll need to start with.

Next you’ll need some pens, pencils, chalks or paints for colouring your stamped image.

ProMarker pens are extremely popular for colouring stamped pictures, and very easy to use.

Their ink is semi-transparent, so you can apply them in layers until you get the shade you’re looking for, and you can also blend colours together – which means one pack will give you

hundreds of potential colours.

However, pencils, chalks and paints can work out a little cheaper, so go with whatever suits your budget.

And finally, if you want to add a message or a bit more detail to the front of your card, sheets of stickers are a great way to do it.

You can get sheets of stickers with assorted messages, as well

as sheets full of pretty decorative items like flourishes, borders, etc. All you do is peel them off the backing sheet and stick them where you want them.

And that is really all you’ll need to make your first card. As you decide to get more involved in your card making, there are plenty more things you can

experiment with – embellishments, patterned papers, glitter glues, etc – and that voyage of discovery is all part of the fun.

But for now, some card blanks, a rubber stamp or two, an ink pad, some pens and stickers is more than enough to create a beautiful card that you can be proud of.

Family History & Genealogy

F

amily History or Genealogy has seen a huge upsurge in interest in recent years. It has gone from being the preserve of the few to being almost a national pastime for the many. And why

not. Our ability to research our family history has never been greater, and there is something about these troubled times that tends to make us want to look backwards and to delve more into our own history. And

even though this upsurge in interest began in better times when people seemed to have an abundance of time on their hands and limitless money in their pockets, this trend continues today almost

because of the troubled times in which we live.

If ever there was an ideal time to research our Family History, our Third Age seems as good a time as any to do it. For many of us, we have more free time than we are used to.

Hopefully the same can be said of money although the sums involved are not great at all.

But it seems an ideal time not only to reflect on our lives and to discover from whence we came, but to pass on that information to the next generation so that they too have a better understanding of their own personal history.

For many of us now in our Third Age, we were not as fortunate as today’s younger generations.

Our parents were invariably busy people, many of them working five and a half or six day weeks and some of them holding down part-time jobs as well. Not only did they not have the time or the money to delve too deeply into their

family history, the facilities we have today were not at their disposal either.

On top of that, the generations that immediately preceeded ours had suffered a couple of World Wars. They did not want to look back because it invoked little but bad memories. They only wanted to look forward to better times.

So for many of us today, our family history, or at least such of it as was known by our parents, passed with their passing. Today however, things are different. We have the opportunity and maybe even the obligation to teach our children something of our own family history so that they in turn can pass it on to their children in order that they might have a better understanding of their past than we do.

So if you would like to trace your own ancestry and leave a family tree and the history of your family to your own children, why not start today

Travel Technology

Best Apps for your budget W

hether you’re digging yourself out of debt, saving for a specific goal or trying to get a better handle on your budget, there’s an app to help you reach your financial goals. We scoured the internet to see which apps are winning the most acclaim.

Your Bank’s App Most major banks, credit card companies and investment companies now have them and experts say they’re a good place to start. Checking balances, making transfers and paying bills is just the beginning. You can check on your investments, find the nearest branch or bank machine and access a variety of other tools such as mortgage calculators.

Mint.com Personal Finance (free, available from iTunes and Android) Mint.com is the darling of the online budgeting world so it’s no surprise that the app has received so much acclaim. Like the online tool, Mint lets you connect all of your accounts in one place to track and categorize your spending, pay bills, check your balances and double-check your budget before you buy. You can also set up reminders for upcoming payments and receive low account balance notifications.

The ability to sync your account with your smart phone, tablet and computer has another bonus: you can go online to disable the app on your devices if you lose them.

Easy Envelope Budget Aid (free, iTunes and Android) Many financial experts advocate using envelopes or jars as visual aids to tame spending — but perhaps you want to go high tech? EEBA lets you create a budget system using up to 20 virtual Envelopes for regular and irregular expenses. Then, you record your spending and the app keeps a running total. You can check your Envelope balance before spending, and there’s no need to connect your bank accounts or put your information at risk.

The app can sync with multiple devices so all members of the household can work with a common budget. If you’re worried about data loss, the app automatically backs up data online too.

You Need a Budget (€2.99, iTunes and Android) Widely popular YNAB used to

be for desktops only, but now you can extend much of its functionality to your smart phone and tablet too. (You will need the latest version of the software to use the app, however.) You can check your budget and enter transactions on the go, and the app will automatically sync to your desktop when there’s an internet connection available.

Want to try it before you buy?

The YNAB software is available for a one-month trial (and costs €40 to purchase) and users can download a free version of the app known as YNAB Lite.

Receipts (99c, iTunes) Whether you’re tracking expenses for work or home, this app makes it easy to manage all those receipts. Using the camera in your device, the app lets you take a picture of the receipt or bill and enter relevant details on the spot.

Not only will it record the date and location of your transaction, it will add up expenses in different categories as well. Consider the app a digital archive of receipts that you can search, print, email and export to other programs.

If you don’t have an Apple product, there are similar apps available for other devices as well — such as Smart Receipts Pro (98c, Android). iExpenseIt (€2.99, iTunes) If you’re looking for an expense tracker that’s more robust, experts pick this app for the additional features. For example, you can use a variety of currencies, calculate vehicle mileage, track spending trends and see how much room you have left in your budget — among many other reporting features. When you need to claim expenses, you can export data to a CSV or HTML file — complete with a digital copy or your receipt.

Debt Manager (€1.99, iTunes) This app is one of many that use the “Debt Snowball” method to help you get your debts under control. Simply enter your loans and payment information, set priorities and start playing with the numbers.

You can try out some different scenarios — such as a rise in interest rates or increasing your payments, for example.

Debt Manager also lets you see how much time and interest you’re saving, plus keeps you motivated by charting your progress.

The app also has tips and instructions to guide you

through the process, plus it lets you create customized reports of your payment history.

IOU Debt Manager (free, iTunes and Android) Borrowed a few euro from a co-worker to cover lunch, or lent a friend cab fare? This app lets you keep track of debts big and small.

You add a contact or “account” and then enter the details of what is owed to you or what you owe to someone.

You can keep track of partial payments, and set up email reminders.

This app isn’t just about money — it’s a handy way to keep track of items as books, tools and movies that you borrow and lend. (You can even add a picture.) You can also note if you owe someone a phone call or an email, or whose turn it is to bring food to games night.

Bloomberg (free, iTunes and Android) There are plenty of publications offering apps that let you track the latest market

data and news affecting the markets, but this app goes one step further and helps you track your favourite companies and indices over time.

The content isn’t just articles: listen to interviews with experts, watch featured videos and tune in to the 24/7 TV network through your device.

Before you download…

These apps are just a few examples of the hundreds of options available — there’s bound to be something available that suits both your devices and your preferences.

Before you buy it or try it, consider: Does this app meet your needs? Developers can pile on the features, but the best app for you is one that you’ll use on a regular basis.

Read the user reviews, consider the screen shots and see if there are any demos or tutorials online.

Is the app available in your country?

Financial apps aren’t necessarily universal — we found many popular apps that weren’t available in Ireland and didn’t mesh with Irish banking institutions or financial regulations.

Should you pay or not?

Many apps have “free” and “pro” or “deluxe” editions.

The upgraded versions often have additional features you may or may not find useful, but they’re also free from ads.

How secure is the app and how much person information are you required to enter?

How secure is your device?

Beware of any app asking for your account passwords — they could be fraudulent or could invalidate any protections you have through your bank.

As with any technology or application, not everyone will find these apps useful or helpful.

Ultimately, it’s important to find a system that works for you — whether it’s a pen and paper or the latest app.

Page 45 Mature Living July 2014

Feature

The Royal Secrets of Longevity

Here are some of the factors that are quite possibly the reasons Queen Elizabeth continues to enjoy good health.

Adopt them to improve your chances for longevity and health. Go ahead — live like the Queen. results. Even mild exercise, such as a 30-minute walk a day, can help lower blood pressure and stress levels.

H

er Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, recently celebrated her 88th birthday.

The oldest reigning British monarch, along with her husband Prince Phillip (who turned 93 on June 10, 2014), have both exceeded the life expectancy for Irish women and men – which is 83.3 and 78.8 respectively, according to the latest report from Statistics Ireland.

But Dr. Michael Gordon, program director of palliative care who trained in Scotland and met the Queen’s mother, feels that nowadays, being in your 80s is not so old. “I’m a geriatrician and, in my practice, that’s like late adolescence.

She’s not 100 yet. Her mother, the Queen Mother, lived to 101, and there’s a pretty good chance, barring the unexpected, that Elizabeth can get there herself.”

Yet even the best genetic makeup can be destroyed by external environmental factors.

Researchers say we accelerate the aging process if we smoke, eat poorly, drink heavily, don’t exercise and are overstressed.

Successful aging, says Gordon, is measured in both quantity of years and quality of life — not simply breathing but retaining vitality and enthusiasm, enough to make life well worth living.

Here are some of the factors that are quite possibly the reasons Queen Elizabeth continues to enjoy good health.

Adopt them to improve your chances for longevity and health. Go ahead — live like the Queen.

Get regular medical screenings “The Queen has regular medical screenings and access to medical care that keeps her in good health. Preventive screenings for both men and women should include measurements for blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar.

The results can catch deadly yet avoidable diseases such as heart attacks, stroke and diabetes.

Page 46 Mature Living July 2014

Men may also be advised to have an annual prostate check, and women, a regular breast examination, mammogram, pelvic exam and pap test.

Get regular exercise The Brits are big walkers, and so is the Royal Family. They’re known for their enjoyment of long walks on the grounds of Balmoral, where they stayed during their summer vacations.

The Queen Mother and the Queen both were always avid walkers.” The Queen is also known for her love of horses — she breeds horses and ponies — and horseback riding has excellent health benefits.

Longevity specialist Dr. Vincent DeMarco says that after a good diet, exercise offers the most health benefits. “It improves almost every measure of health we can devise, and there is a lot of evidence supporting the relationship between exercise and longevity.” How much exercise you need varies according to your medical and fitness history and current test

Stay mentally sharp Queen Elizabeth is still a functioning head of state involved with high-level meetings that would keep her mentally acute. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said in her memoirs, “Ministers take their regular meetings with the Queen very seriously … they are quietly business-like, and Her Majesty brings to bear a formidable grasp of current issues and breadth of experience. She is in a position of leadership and not just a figurehead for many of the foundations she’s involved with. There are residences in different parts of the country, which allow her to change her environments and be [mentally] stimulated by change. The Queen has also visited the Google headquarters in London, indicating an interest in the Internet, and is said to e-mail her grandchildren, too. Anything that challenges your mind — staying engaged at work, puzzles, strategy games, reading, dance or music classes, debate and conversation — will keep you mentally in shape as the years go by. Use it or lose it.

Manage stress By no means has the Queen had a stress-free reign or an easy time as a parent. Three of her four children — Charles, Anne and Andrew — had failed marriages ending in scandalplagued divorces that threatened the very existence of the Monarchy itself. 1992 was a year the Queen would dub “Annus horribilis,” capped by a devastating fire at Windsor Castle, destroying priceless artifacts and reaping a repair bill to the tune of a reported 40 million pounds.

As the monarch, even though she is not a policy-maker, she has had more than her share of issues to deal with — her father, George VI, was not meant to be king and, when her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated for the

love of Wallis Simpson, her family was thrust into the pressure cooker. Aside from losing her father, who succumbed to lung cancer at what we’d now consider a relatively young 56, and consequently having to take the throne at 26, she has faced wars — from surviving the Blitz, her family falling victim to the IRA, her son Andrew fighting in the Falklands, her grandson Harry serving in Afghanistan and her troops in the much-opposed war in Iraq to London being a constant target linked to the War on Terror — and social approbation, perhaps most

By no means has the Queen had a stress-free reign or an easy time as a parent. Three of her four children — Charles, Anne and Andrew — had failed marriages ending in scandalplagued divorces that threatened the very existence of the Monarchy itself.

notably her country’s outpouring of emotion in response to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the subsequent criticism of what was perceived as the Queen’s unfeeling reaction.

It’s not just a job where she sits around being nice to people.

She does live in a stressful environment, but the stresses may not all be negative,” says Gordon. He explains that ongoing stress in life gives human beings creativity, tenacity and interest in life, as long as it’s not destructive stress.

Feature Destructive stress leaves you feeling constantly, personally threatened.

Chronic destructive stress increases the risk for stroke and heart disease. Research suggests that meditation, deep breathing and chanting are helpful in reducing stress levels.

fact that she’s been with the same person for all these years has provided a very stable relationship for her. Protect or improve your emotional health by staying in touch with friends, family and the greater community.

Prince Philip, 93

Help others — help yourself Volunteering and sharing with others can be gratifying and meaningful. Charity work is quite important to Queen Elizabeth, patron of more than 600 organizations. During her Golden Jubilee in 2002, she asked that people wishing to commemorate the occasion make a donation to one of her favourite charities: Barnardo’s, Cruse Bereavement Care, I CAN (which helps children with speech and language difficulties), the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution or the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. “The Queen is doing it [as much] for herself because it’s really good for her,” says Gordon. “The look on the faces of the recipients can’t help but make her feel good and feeling good is a good thing.”

Maintain a constant body weight Though not known for wearing revealing fashions, the Queen has never appeared overweight.

According to Dr. Walter Willett, chair of the department of nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, next to not smoking, staying lean is probably the most important thing we can do to stay healthy and live longer. This could also be the secret to the slim and trim Prince Philip’s turning 93 while still carrying on effortlessly. Leanness matters because fat cells produce hormones that raise the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Study after study confirms that extra weight, especially around the belly, cuts years off your life.

Eat a variety of healthy foods The typical British diet, by and large, has not been a healthy one because it’s heavy on fats and carbohydrates but this has certainly changed There is a better range of fresh fruits, vegetables and grains more typical of a Mediterranean diet available.” This kind of antiinflammatory diet has been linked with promoting longevity and, as noted in To Set Before a Queen, the cookbook edited by Maureen Owen based on the cookery of Alma McKee, cook to the Royal Family during the 1950s, Queen Elizabeth benefited from meals prepared with fresh vegetables, game and poultry provided by the royal estates, long before the benefits of this kind of diet came to light. Fish, too, is a staple on the royal menu, with it being served, during McKee’s time, nearly every day. And with her son Charles, Prince of Wales, a long-time leader in the organic farming movement, the Queen is tapped into eating well.

“I’m willing to assume that, because of her status, the choice of foods for her is probably pretty balanced and well-prepared,” says Gordon.

Drink a cuppa tea … and barley water High tea, taken precisely at 5 p.m., is a British ritual enjoyed

by Her Majesty. “Tea has numerous health benefits: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti–heart disease,” says DeMarco. “Various teas have various benefits. Green tea is the most widely studied and

probably the most beneficial.

The longest-living persons in First World countries come from Japan. This may be due to two factors: green tea and fish.”

Barley water, usually flavoured with lemon or other fruit, is a popular British drink and a favourite of the royal household. Owen included McKee’s recipe for barley water — 1/2 cup pearl barley, 2 1/2 quarts boiling water, two lemons, six oranges and brown sugar to taste — to which the Royal Family were apparently all “addicted.”

The Queen has been quoted as crediting it for her peaches-andcream complexion. Barley is a rich source of soluble and

“There is no question that in this family, alcohol is part of their normal activities, and small amounts of alcohol, unless there is an illness or contraindication with medication, appear to have a beneficial effect on the heart and brain,”

insoluble fibre; barley water is said to help support the kidneys, especially in times of stress, and may be therapeutic for those who have kidney and bladder ailments. A royal warrant has been bestowed on the British soft drink brand Robinsons, makers of barley water.

Alcohol … in moderation The Queen Mother was often the subject of comedic parody claiming she was tipsy from drinking whisky. “There is no question that in this family, alcohol is part of their normal activities, and small amounts of alcohol, unless there is an illness or contraindication with medication, appear to have a beneficial effect on the heart and brain,” says Gordon.

Anecdotally, he recalls a patient who attributed his longevity — he lived to be 105 — to having a nightly shot of Canadian Club whisky. Studies show evidence that having red wine — rich in the antioxidant resveratrol — in moderation is good for us.

“That’s one of the benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Not just fruits and vegetables, but wine as well.

Keep a pet Queen Elizabeth has a special love for dogs, especially the Pembroke Welsh corgi. In a study at State University of New York, Buffalo, stockbrokers with high blood pressure who adopted a pet showed a 50 per cent decrease in blood pressure compared with their

counterparts without a pet.

“Getting a positive response from an animal may make one feel better and likely has an effect on the metabolic system to produce higher levels of positive hormones, improving feelings of well-being.

Stay connected People who are connected to those around them — through marriage, friends, a spiritual community or other networks — tend to live longer than those without strong ties. The Queen has a rich social life. She and Prince Philip reached their 60th year of marriage in 2007, making Elizabeth the first monarch to celebrate a diamond wedding anniversary. They’ve had a long life together, engaged in raising a family of four children and now eight grandchildren. The

Have a spiritual focus Aside from her official religious role as supreme governor of the Anglican Church of England, Queen Elizabeth is said to regularly attend services. In her 2000 Royal Christmas Message to the Commonwealth, she said, “To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me, the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.”

Organized religions “are a positive influence when they help give meaning to life, allow people to look at the world in a positive way and to forgive the weaknesses of their fellow man,” adds Gordon, “but this can also be done without organized religion. If you look at spirituality as something that drives you to do good, right and moral things, then that’s also a positive influence.”

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother lived to the age of 101

Page 47 Mature Living July 2014

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

Donegal Summer Golden Breaks 3 B&B + 2 Dinners - €139pps/€159 single 2B&B + 2 Dinners - €109pps/€139 single

Offers valid Sunday - Thursday, Dinner consists of 2-courses, Complimentary tea/coffee on arrival, Complimentary spa thermal session 20% Discount Vouchers for McElhinney’s Department Store Variety of walking trails nearby Contact us for a 50+ Active Breaks Brochure Competitive Group Rates Available Ballroom Dancing for Pleasure Week September 21st – 24th, Oct 27th – 30th

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 packages available September 5-7th Country Music Weekend: Johnny Brady, Jimmy Buckley, Stephen Smyth, Michael English and Mike Denver.

August 3rd Nathan Carter live in concert August 4th John McNicholl live in concert August 22-24th Taste Of Donegal Food Festival NB: For prices ,information on facilities and attractions visit www.Abbeyhoteldonegal.com

Active Retirement Breaks 2014 July & Aug!st

2 Nights B&B & 2 Dinners - €149 3 Nights B&B & 3 Dinners - €209 4 Nights B&B & 4 Dinners - €259

We are happy to assist in the planning of your trip and can plan an itinerary to suit your needs showcasing all that our wonderful area has to offer.

Prices are Midweek Sunday to Thursday Subject to availability / Selected Dates

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…

Breakaways

Put Spring in your Step with Randles & Dromhall Hotels, Killarney award winning Kayne’s Bistro. All our guests enjoy complimentary access to our Leisure Club and for pure indulgence a visit to our Zen Day Spa is an absolute must. This location provides for superb mountain views and easy access to all the main tourist attractions. We are happy to arrange transfers, day trips or activities such as golf, jaunting car rides or boat trips. We also offer Wheelchair and Interconnecting Rooms as well as being pet friendly. We are happy to tailor make special package for longer stays or quote for groups wishing to travel together.

3 nights Dinner/Bed & Breakfast

May/June & September - €199pps July & August - €219pps Free parking, Wi-Fi and daily newspaper We look forward to welcoming you to stay with us

C

elebrating 50 years in business at the Dromhall Hotel this year the Randles Family hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you to stay. Choose from the 4* Dromhall Hotel or enjoy the atmosphere which a Manor House can offer with a stay at the Randles Hotel. Within easy walking distance of the Town Centre, with private on-site parking these hotels offer 1st class facilities complimented by the genuine welcome of family run hotels. Enjoy a variety of restaurants and bars including the

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

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Services Directory

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Emmet St, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 096-70669 Anytime

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Plumbing, Tiling, Electrical and Special Needs Work Carried Out Also Bath resurfacing Call Liam Beirne 087-7783633 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.

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WESTERN WINDOWS & GLASS

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GORDON SHERLOCK

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• A cost-effective way to add an extra room to your house.

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• 25 years of experience in the Tarmacadam business • Free Advice and quotations • Fully insured

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.

Family Run Camper Van Hire Discover the magic that is the West of Ireland

Be it a short 3 day stay by the shores Of Achill Island or a two week exploration of swimming with dolphins in Kerry to climbing Irelands Holiest Mountain, Croagh Patrick. From Donegal to Dingle, Connemara to Cork or Galway to Giants Causeway, Ireland West Motorhomes allows you have the holiday you crave and deserve.

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Services Directory

PADRAIG BURKE Funeral Directors Rosebank, Attyrory, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

www.westlok.ie

WE ARE THERE FOR YOU TO PROVIDE EXCELLENCE IN FUNERAL CARE WHEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY NEED IT MOST.

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• • • • • •

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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.

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Services Directory

HEADSTONES

SLIGO OIL SERVICES 085-1459-300

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Headstones manufactured to your specifica!on Headstones cleaned and names added

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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?

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Tel : Office 1800 283067 / 087-7997671

www.chimneyrepairs.ie

SEAMUS GALLAGHER MEMORIAL CARDS We provide a service which we hope can be of benefit to you when choosing a Memorial card, Bookmark, Wallet Card which reflects the life of a loved one. At a time when it is so difficult to choose a card, prayer, photograph etc, we will call with you personally, if you so wish, to advise & help you make the right decision.

We can be contacted at any time by calling 0872448642

SEAMUS GALLAGHER HEADSTONES Large selection of headstones Cleaning & restoration Inscriptions & Chippings Tel: 0872448642

G. Kilpatrick

Windows & Conservatories • uPVC Windows & Doors • PVC Fascia & Guttering • Free Quotation No Obligation • Quality and Reliability Guaranteed

INSTALLERS OF BIRDIE COMB NO MORE NESTS IN YOUR ROOF

T: 074-9142557 M: 087-6779595 WE REPAIR: HINGES, DOOR LOCKS, LETTERBOXES, PVC GUTTERING

Feature Article Services Directory

PADRAIC CRYAN STONE WORK

CAMPERVAN CONVERTERS

Profesionaly converted campervans done with all light weight ply wood and full insula!on and top of the range appliances.

Can be converted to any style or any van.

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

Aistear Furniture

Makers of Bespoke Furniture & Quality Kitchens Mullagh, Killsallagh, Westport, Co. Mayo Tel: 098-23886 • Mobile: 087-6708306

info@aistearfurniture.com • www.aistearfurniture.com

• 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

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, gambling and other dependencies.

Hope House... “where recover$ begins”

MICHAEL KEAVNEY Tarcmacadam & Tarspraying Specialists

ALL TYPES OF PLANT HIRE

QUALITY GRAVEL STONE

ALL AT VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES! 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

Pavior Machine Hire Tipper Lorry Hire 8 and 6 Wheel

Turlough, Castlebar, Co. Mayo 094-902-3853 / 086-250-3230

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 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 To windows, doors and patio doors

Expert patio door repairs!

• Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc

Suitable for: • People with limited mobility • People who have had hip surgery • People with back aches

Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windows and doors. Fully insured GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED

For details of your local stockist Phone Noel: 087-9896948

Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

AQUA WINDOW CLEANING Pure Filtered Water No Ladders Used Windows, Doors Front & Back All Frames from €20 Gutters, Downpipes, Fascias, Windows & Doors from €60 Also: Power Washing, Moss Removal and Fungus Removal

Call John: 087-6124715

WEST OF IRELAND WINDOWS & DOORS SERVICING

Repairs to all makes of Windows & Doors, Fogged Units, Hinges & Handles Replaced.

Tel: 087-3542249

DATING CLASSIFIEDS 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.

IRISH LADY 50’S would like to hear from artist single, any age, anywhere, for firendship and companionship.

Replies in a stamped envelope to box number 1040 at the usual address.

SINGLE SINCERE LADY Late 40’s - Interested in meeting a kind and loving male for friendship / relationship. No seperated or divorced.

Replies in a stamped envelope to box number 1044 at the usual address.

FREE DATING* CLASSIFIED

"Our Glass Balustrades will stop the Cold Atlantic Breeze ensuring that only Your Wine Remains Chilled.

Glass & Metal are Pre-sprayed with 6k Protective Coating which means very low Maintenance for you!

Glass is 8mm toughened Safety Glass Prices from €200/linear meter Call us today for a

FREE

quotation

"pride in our work"

Far Finisklin Road, Co. Sligo

Tel: 071-91 61924 Email: sales@sligoglass.com

www.sligoglass.com

We also Provide an emergency glass repair service

terests for a friendship maybe leading to a relationship Replies in a stamped envelope to box number 998 at the usual address.

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 stamped envelope to box number 1023 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 at the usual address.

SHY SLIGO LADY lakes cinema, concerts and DVDS, Music etc. Would like to hear from a Gent 60+ with similar in-

GENTLEMAN WIDOWER 54 yrs. Landscape gardener W.L.T.M. female professional, not married. In the northwest for friendship and craic. 6ft 1', blue

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

eyes, hair salt & pepper. Looking for lady 40 -47yrs. Longtime relationship. Replies in a stamped envelope to box number 975 at the usual address.

All applicants are individually matched by me - Call Jane on 087-3345116 Email hello@firstclassdating.ie

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.

Irish owned & operated.

Page 55 Mature Living July 2014

www.yeatssociety.com info@yeatssociety.com

071-9142693

The Art of James Murray, Fleadh Exhibition Imirt Le Do Thoil

Exhibitions

Michael Longley Donal Ryan Sinead Morrissey Joan McBreen

Readings

Remembering Seamus Heaney

Special Events

27th July - 8th August

Yeats International Summer School

The 55th Annual