Mature Living Magazine December 2013

PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE Dec 2013

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE OLDER, BOLDER INDIVIDUAL

Get on top of your Dental health

Top 10 Travel Destinations

Health and Wellbeing Feature

Seasonal Recipes and Wine Guide

• SLIGO • MAYO • GALWAY • LEITRIM • ROSCOMMON

Your Credit Union is The Best Place to Save and Borrow this Christmas at very Competitive Interest Rates LOANS AVAILABLE FOR ALL PURPOSES AT ULTRA COMPETITIVE RATES

Why your Credit Union is the best place to Save & borrow.....

• More Flexible loan terms repayable over 1-5 years • Some of the lowest interest Rates in the market for unsecured credit • In addition, the Credit Union provides loan insurace insurance at no direct cost to the borrower

Savings

Joining a credit union Joing a Credit Union is very easy, just contact your local Credit Union and they will explain how easy it is.

What do I need to join?

When applying for membership you will be asked for up to date proof of ID and proof of address, for example a current passport and recent utility bill. These are needed only to establish if potential members have the common bond.

This documentation is also required when the member wishes to open an account in the credit union. Depending on the rules of your credit union, to be a member there will be an entrance fee of not more than €1 and you will need to hold a minimum savings of between one and ten shares.

Whether you're saving for something in the future or just for a rainy day, regular saving is a good idea. Regular saving with your credit union is an even better idea. Call into your local Credit Union for more information.

Insurance Because your credit union was formed solely to help its members, it aims to offer fair and reasonable rates on savings and loans. But this is not the only advantage of being a member of your local credit union. Credit Union provides life savings and loan protection insurance at direct no cost to insurable members (terms and conditions apply) Additional insurance such as Repayment Protection Insurance or Death.

Benefit Insurance is also provided by some credit unions, provided the member pays the premiums.

Loans Most loans are from 1 to 5 years in duration. But may be repaid over a longer period if that best suits the borrower. From time to time individual credit unions will offer special loan rates so it is beneficial to check in with your local credit union regularly.

Call into your local Credit Union for more information.

Your Local Credit Union Offices Achill Credit Union Achill Sound, County Mayo Tel: 098 45959 Email: achillcu@eircom.net Ballina Credit Union O'Rahilly Street, Ballina, County Mayo Tel: 096 71066 Website: www.ballinacu.ie Email: info@ballinacu.ie Ballinrobe Credit Union Main Street, Ballinrobe, County Mayo Telephone: 094 9541402 Email: ballinrobecu@eircom.net Ballyhaunis & District Credit Union Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo Tel: 094 9630998

Website: www.ballyhauniscu.ie Email: info@ballyhauniscu.ie Erris Credit Union Upper Barrack Street, Belmullet, County Mayo Tel: 097 82388 Email: erriscu@gmail.com Castlebar Credit Union Credit Union Office, Market Square, Castlebar, County Mayo • Tel: 094 9022969 / Fax: 094 9022483 Website: www.castlebarcu.ie / Email: info@castlebarcu.ie Kiltimagh District Credit Union Main Street, Kiltimagh, County Mayo Tel: 094 9381848 Email: kiltimaghcu@eircom.net

St. Colman's Credit Union The Square, Claremorris, County Mayo Tel: 094 9371159 www.claremorriscreditunion.com info@claremorriscreditunion.com Swinford & District Credit Union Main Street, Swinford, County Mayo Tel: 094 925 2266 / Fax: 094 925 2271 Email: swinfordcu@eircom.net Westport Credit Union Lower Bridge Street, Westport, County Mayo Tel: 098 25614 Email: info@westportcu.ie

Ballaghaderreen & District Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon Tel: 094 9860522 Fax: 094 9860522 Website: www.ballaghcu.com Email: info@ballaghcu.com Castlerea & District Credit Union Barrack Street, Castlerea, County Roscommon Tel: 094 9620910 Website: www.castlereacu.ie Email: info@castlereacu.ie

Credit Unions are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

For hours and times of business please contact the local Credit Union or log onto the website www.creditunion.ie, CU locator section where relevant Thanking all our members for their loyal support in 2013 - We look forward to supporting you and your families in 2014

Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year from your local Credit Union

Contents

www.matureliving.ie

December 2013

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S

ome think Christmas is the best time of the year, Others dread it because it rehashes too many painful memories, And others do not know what to make of a time of the year when there is such an outpouring of giving, goodwill, and sharing.

For me I love it – the decorations, the tree, the gifts, the baking, the special meals, the surprises for people, and the carols – I love it all. It’s truly my favourite time of the year. I even love the cold weather…and the snow when we have it. As parents, we want to establish family traditions and make memories that our children can take with them all their lives. I have those special memories tucked away in my heart…and they help make Christmas so very special to me. I love it!

Our One-on-One interviewee for December is Brendan Shine. The Westmeath man is known throughout the land and indeed on foreign lands as the man that sings “Do you want your auld lobby wash downed”. It must go down as one of the bestknown songs ever. Inside he tells us what he is up to at the moment and how things are going for him.

This month also sees us introducing a new section into Mature Living. Health and Wellbeing incorporating Natural therapies gives you information on various therapies that are available. From yoga to Reiki to hypnotherapy This issue takes a break from the traditional Christmas lunch and offers recipes that are different but every bit as scrumptious for those that are not too fond of the turkey.

Loneliness at Christmas is a big problem for many out there.

Along with all the various groups we urge you all to look in on that person that you know will be on their own. Five minutes out of your day will mean an awful lot to someone that has no one to talk to.

There two fantastic competitions in this months issue so you have double the chances of winning a fabulous midweek breakaway in either Kiltimagh or Athlone. Be sure to get your entries in on time because you would be amazed how many arrive late to us There are, of course, many other interesting articles and features in your December issue. Closing date for copy for our January issue is 10th January. We urge you to take care in the colder weather and not to forget those that are less well off.

Thanks to you, our readers and advertisers, we've had another great year in 2013. Mature Living has continued to grow, and that's in no small part to the regular contributors who have made our magazine the best there is. So from all of us here we wish you all a very, very Merry Christmas wherever you are. See you in the New Year

Seamus Casey - Editor

LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNER Was Marian McGloughlin, Knocknarae Villas, Sligo who has won a break to Galway at the fantastic Park House Hotel. Congratulations!

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

News Juice drinks as sugary as fizzy drinks Shine on an International Music Life Holidays and heart attacks Get on top of your Dental Health and Comfort Cats suffering from 'Tom & Jerry' syndrome Mayo Competition Athlone Competition Home Heating Services The Bands of our Showband era Top 10 Travel Destinations in World 2014: Brazil, Denmark, USA and Others Butter-roasted supreme of chicken with wild mushroom & potato gratin Health and Wellbeing Food Allergy & Intolerance Testing The Benefits of Reiki Alternative Therapies Gulladoo Village Addiction Treatment Centre Hotels Guide Angelscopes 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

Juice drinks as sugary as fizzy drinks T

he amount of sugar found in some brands of cordial and diluted juice drinks is the same as, or higher, than the amount found in fizzy drinks such as Coca-Cola and 7UP, new research has shown.

The findings from Safefood revealed that a 200ml serving of the popular juice drink, Capri Sun Apple & Blackcurrant, contained 20g of sugar. This is almost the same amount found in a 200ml serving of CocaCola, which contains 21.1g of sugar and 7UP, which contains 22.4g.

Furthermore, some popular supermarket brands of cordials and diluted juice drinks were found to contain even higher sugar levels, with some containing the equivalent of five cubes of sugar in only a small glass.

According to Dr Cliodhna FoleyNolan of Safefood, ‘many parents may be under the impression that juice drinks that mention the term ‘fruit' are a healthier alternative for their children than fizzy drinks'. They may not realise that these drinks are often very high in sugar as well.

Also commenting on this issue, obesity specialist, Prof Donal O'Shea, pointed out that there is now ‘clear evidence' of a link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and weight problems in children and teenagers. There is also

evidence that if intake of these drinks is reduced, children can achieve a healthier weight.

"As parents, we tend to ignore the contribution of liquids to our kids daily calorie intake. We need to start viewing these drinks as ‘threats not treats' and certainly not something to be had everyday. Milk or water are best for our children," he said. A recent survey by Safefood of 900 parents throughout Ireland revealed that almost half of children are drinking soft drinks at least once a day. It also found that almost one in three drink cordials with their meals.

"Reducing a child's intake of such drinks and replacing with water or milk would be a practical step," Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan commented.

Safefood's tips for dealing with sugary drinks are: -Do not buy them in the first place.

If they are not in the house, they cannot be consumed -Do not offer soft drinks at mealtimes. Offer water instead -If eating out, including at the cinema, offer water. Drinking a sugary drink with foods that are high in sugar or fat is like getting a double dose of sugar.

Safefood also reminded parents that a small 100ml glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie with no added sugar once a day counts as one of children's five a day.

Give The Gift Of Dignity This Christmas Christmas is a time for giving. Age Action are urging you to consider giving the gift of dignity to an older person, to enable them live with greater independence in 2014.

Eileen (83) is a widow. She lives alone in north Dublin. Her husband died 10 years ago and her only daughter lives in Sydney. Two years ago Eileen had a stroke. She now

depends on an electric wheelchair to move outside her home.

Age Actions’s Care and Repair team maintains her garden, where she gets great joy, sitting outside most days.

Our volunteers will put up her Christmas decorations and then take them down in the New Year. A tutor from our Getting Started programme has taught Eileen to use a computer.

Page 4 Mature Living December 2013

She now chats with her daughter several times a week using Skype.

But Eileen needs more than computer skills and our DIY service to remain living independently. Our advocacy team are working hard to protect her pension, the number of hours she gets from her home help and her wheelchair accessible public transport from being cut. There are many older people in similar circumstances to Eileen. With Age Action’s help, they are living with dignity and independence in their own homes.

Age Action needs your support to continue with, and expand, our work in 2014 to help older people, like Eileen. We have launched our Christmas homebox campaign to raise urgently needed funds.

Please support out Christmas campaign by ordering a homebox and filling with coins with family and friends over the Christmas period.

We are asking our supporters to return the boxes by December 31st.

Alternatively, you can donate to our Christmas campaign by clicking here To order a homebox please email businessdevelopment@ageaction.ie with your name and address or call the fundraising team on 01 4756989 and we will post you out the box.

New Deals Website gives back to charity A new deals website has launched which aims to help Irish charities. Like other deals sites we have become familiar with it offers brand new items at greatly reduced prices. The added twist here, if you pick Third Age as your charity of choice when you register we receive 11% of any deal you purchase. So grab yourself a good deal coming up to Christmas and do something positive for older people across Ireland at the same time.

Check out the deals and register here www.dealeffect.ie

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News

Sligo lend a hand

?

About Getting Started

S

ligo Lend a Hand is a voluntary service, run by a committee made up of local community organisations and service providers. Initially run as a pilot programme in 2011, it has recently been relaunched in Sligo town, and will hopefully spread to further areas with the willingness and dedication of new volunteers, as information about the service spreads.

Older people and vulnerable members of our community need a hand sometimes. We are all aware of this, but it’s very easy to blame our own busy lives, with family and work commitments, etc, for not reaching out to help somebody to whom just an hour or so of our time could make a huge difference. Sligo Lend a Hand is an initiative set up to make it easier for the interested, willing and able among us to help those who may be in need; all you need to do is sign up to join a pool

of voluntary handypersons and helpers, whatever your skill set or level of experience. And all anyone in need has to do is contact Sligo Lend a Hand to avail of some helping hands!

The Lend a Hand Service is free of charge, and involves one or two of this pool of voluntary helpers visiting the home of an elderly or less able person to do an odd job or two. Small household tasks, which are easily addressed in everyday life can be much more of a challenge to some members of our community. The service includes minor repairs and small jobs inside and outside of the house, such as (but not limited to) installing locks, door chains and bolts, small paint jobs, minor repairs, cleaning and tidying, putting up picture hooks, setting electrical devices, light gardening jobs, replacing fuses/bulbs/plugs etc.

Sligo Lend a Hand is committed to the

safety and peace of mind of the people using this service. To this end everyone who visits a house in relation to services provided by Sligo Lend a Hand must go through selection, training and vetting procedures. Those availing of the service can be rest assured that they can safely allow volunteers to carry out the work required.

At this time of year particularly, Sligo Lend a Hand is a very valuable service for those who need their community’s support. Whether it be a minor job or a more urgent repair, the very act of offering a hand can be enough to change a vulnerable person’s whole experience of Christmas.

If you would like to avail of this service or would like to volunteer with Sligo Lend a Hand please do contact the coordinator on 0871776386 11-3pm Mon-Fri or email sligolendahand@hotmail.com

Elderly people 'facing Christmas alone' this year

AGE groups are calling for elderly people to contact their support services rather than spend Christmas alone as research finds that many have no-one to turn to as the festive period approaches More than a quarter of pensioners are

not looking forward to Christmas because of loneliness and concerns that it brings back bad memories, according to research.

Some 26 per cent of older people suggested that the festive season would

not be a time of happiness this year.

It emerged that a high number of over-65s faced the prospect of Christmas alone while large numbers of also feared it “brought back too many memories of those who had passed away”. Research also found that almost one-in-five had concerns about not being able to get out because of the cold weather and shorter days.

Figures also show that 26 per cent said they were “not looking forward to Christmas this year”.

Of those, 17 per cent said that Christmas brought back too many memories of those who had passed away, while a similar figure said they were facing the festive season alone.

Age Ireland called on older people to get in touch with their local branch, insisting the charity offered a range of services such as befriending, which might include home visits and telephone calls for those feeling lonely or isolated.

As part of our fight against digital exclusion, Age Action's Getting Started programme delivers training on computers, the internet and mobile phones to people over the age of 55.

Since 2006 Age Action has trained over 14,500 older people in 12 counties with the assistance of thousand of volunteer tutors. The training takes place in small classes groups and runs in libraries, community centres, family resource centres, corporate offices, and housing complexes for older people. Funding has come from a variety of sources such as government grants, private corporations, charitable foundations and Dublin City Council. The Getting Started programme has received government funding since 2009 under the Department of Communication, Energy and Natural Resources BenefIT scheme for digital inclusion. Age Action is partnering with Dublin City University, National University of Ireland Galway, IRD Duhallow and Access 2000 to train 3,590 people starting in August 2013 as part of the BenefIT 4 scheme.

Age Action runs classes in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Louth, Monaghan, Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Cork and Waterford. Our partners will run classes in Dublin, Galway, Wexford and North Cork. For more information please contact: Galway: 091 527831

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News

Get ‘singing and jingling’ at Moy Singers Threat to “Carols by Candlelight” Concert

community-rated health insurance

By Patricia Conboy

T

F

or music lovers of all generations, the award-winning Moy Singers have, over decades, always attracted sell-out audiences to their eagerly-awaited “Carols by Candlight” concert.

This year’s concert, which takes place in Hotel Ballina, on Sunday, 15th December, at 8 p.m., is in aid of Western Alzheimers and will showcase the very best of Mayo’s musical choral talent. Their Christmas concert has always been an evening when the true spirit of Christmas really kicks in - with a wonderful feast of Christmas music.

Everyone has their own very

personal Christmas favourites, and the Moy Singers have, yet again, chosen a wonderful musical reportoire that will entertain all generations. Under their new musical director Kathy Fahey, the choir present a wonderful mix of seasonal music -from the modern David Bowie to Bing Crosby, Aled Jones to the classical Pachelbal’s Canon with it’s moving and unique Christmas twist.

Combine that with all the Christmas standards from “Drummer Boy” to the touching “Oh Holy Night”, everyone will certainly be “Walking in the Air” with the musical talent assembled for a delightful night of

Christmas Choral entertainment.

The true spirit of Christmas means nothing without children and the Moy Singers are delighted to include, as guests, the wonderful voices of the 50-strong Kilmoremoy Parish Children’s Choir and also the incredibly talented and harmonious Garvey & Garvey from Castlebar..

Share and enjoy this touching evening of the very best of Christmas music with your children, extended family and dearest friends. Tickets available at Hotel Ballina, Foxford Road, (096) 23600, Caffreys Gallery, Garden St, Ballina ( 086) 3306543 and choir members.

Mayo Hoteliers Attend Launch Of Tourism Ireland’s 2014-16 Marketing Plans A number of Mayo hoteliers and tourism enterprises attended the launch of Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans to promote Ireland overseas in 2014 and beyond, at an event attended by Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar. The event took place in the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin and was attended by Mayo tourism enterprises – including the Westport Woods Hotel, Ashford Castle and the Downhill House Hotel. Tourism Ireland aims to build on this year’s growth in

overseas tourism and to welcome 25.6 million visitors to the island over the coming three years – contributing some €12.6 billion to the economies, north and south.

2014 looks set to be another exciting year for tourism, with major events like Limerick City of Culture, the ‘Grande Partenza’ or ‘Big Start’ of the Giro d’Italia, as well as the Croke Park Classic, when the University of Central Florida takes on Penn State in their college football

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Page 8 Mature Living December 2013

season opener. Promoting the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s first longdistance touring route stretching all the way from the Inishowen Peninsula in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, will be a major focus of Tourism Ireland’s activity around the globe in 2014. Tourism Ireland’s targets for 2014-16 will see the island of Ireland welcome 8.9 million visitors per year by 2016, representing growth of +12% over 2013. This will include almost 4.3 million holidaymakers (+15% over 2013). Commenting on the year ahead, Niall Gibbons said: “Next year, we will place a major focus on highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way. We believe this exciting new tourism experience – showcasing the spectacular scenery and unique culture of the west coast – will have tremendous appeal in our markets around the world. We will promote key events, including Limerick City of Culture, the ‘Grande Partenza’ of the Giro d’Italia and the Croke Park Classic, encouraging prospective travellers to ‘book now’. We will also capitalise on important access developments – maximising the promotion of new, as well as existing, flights and sailings to continue to grow overseas tourism to Ireland.”

here are serious problems in the private health insurance market and the consequences for older people are potentially dire.

The cost of health insurance premiums, measured in relation to the Consumer Price Index, doubled between 2007 and 2012. The percentage of the population covered by private health insurance declined from 50.9 % in December 2008 to 45. 7% in December 2012. The proportion of younger adults dropping their health insurance cover is growing. Between 2009 and 2012, there was a 14 % decline in the percentage of people aged 18 – 50 years with health insurance. During the same period, there was a 5 % increase in the number of people aged 50 plus with health insurance.

These trends will continue. The implications for the maintenance of the principle of community rating in private health insurance are grave. A community rated system is based on a life-course approach. You pay more than you cost when you are younger in the expectation that you, in turn, will benefit when you are older. For community rating to work in a health insurance market with multiple providers, it must be supported by a balanced risk pool of subscribers and an effective system of risk equalisation.

The flight of younger people from private insurance unbalances the risk pool. Younger people are typically healthier and ‘cheaper’ for health insurers and older people tend to have higher rates of illness and to make more claims on their insurance for medical treatment.

Risk equalisation is a system for managing and distributing health insurers’ differences in costs due to the differing health status of their customers. Effectively, stamp duties are levied on health insurers to fund credits for older customers. In terms of market share of younger and older customers, VHI has the largest share of older customers : 78% of all customers aged 70 – 79, compared with 9% for Aviva, 6% for Laya and 0% for GloHealth.

If the system of risk equalisation is to be effective, the level of compensation to an insurance company for its older customer base – VHI in this case - needs to be adequate. In fact it is not. The Minister himself stated that risk equalization compensates insurers “for only a proportion of the higher costs of insuring older and less healthy people” and his rationale is that this will promote efficiency.

Health insurance companies with a younger market share have objected loudly to recently increased risk equalization charges and stated that these will be passed directly onto their customers. Increased premiums will inevitably result in a further flight of younger customers from the market. If companies are passing risk equalization charges directly onto customers rather than treating those charges as an integral part of their operating cost base, this is a clear signal that the current system of risk equalisation is not working.

Community rating, already fragile, is in danger. The irony is that this is happening at a time when the Programme for Government promises the introduction of universal health care for all. In the absence of community rating, the risk of ill health, and the costs of that risk, will be individualised rather than pooled as is currently the case. Older people will face escalating health insurance costs. They will also face the possibility that private insurance cover will become unavailable for certain types of care at older ages. It would be a tragedy if, as a society, we were to take such a backwards step due to a failure of policy and regulation.

Visit my blog : www.patriciaconboy.com Follow me on Twitter : @patriciaconboy1

CLLR JOHN O’H AR A

CLLR HUBERT KEANEY

Grove House, Bonniconlon, Ballina Phone: 087 2942949

Address: Drum Road Rathcormac, Co Sligo Phone: 071 9141090 hubertkeaney@hotmail.com

Wishing Everyone a Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year

Wishing Everyone a Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year

INDEPENDENT VERONICA CAWLEY St. Martin Rathbraughan Sligo.

Tel: 071 9170267 Mobile: 087 6494723 cawleyveronica@eircom.net Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year

CLLR MICHAEL FLEMING Address: Carrowreagh Cooper Tubbercurry Co Sligo Phone: 071 9185264 Mobile: 087 6702903 Wishing Everyone a Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year

CATHAOIRLEACH COUNCILLOR PAT MCGR ATH Ardnaglass Ballymote Co Sligo Phone: 071 9183225 Mobile: 087 6702792 Email: patmcgrath239@gmail.com Wishing Everyone a Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year

CLLR JOSIE EGAN No. 18 Healy Terrace, Ardnaree, Ballina, Co. Mayo

Tel: 087-6379388 Wishing Everyone a Happy Christmas & a prosperous New Year

CLLR PETER CLARKE Wishing you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year Ballina town council pclarke@cllr.ballinatc.ie Tel: 086 3930792

CLLR GERRY GINTY Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to All from Cllr Gerry Ginty Killala Rd. Ballina Phone: (096) 22614 / 70480 087-7659235 / Email: gginty@gmail.com

David Flynn speaks with Brendan Shine

H

e is one of the biggest stars on the Irish music scene, and has spread his talents across international waters over the past fifty odd years. He has recorded almost fifty albums, and over thirtyfive hit singles, most of them No. 1 hits. But it all began for him in his family’s country dancehall on the outskirts of Athlone in the late 1950’s.

BRENDAN Shine put counties Westmeath, Roscommon and Longford on the music map, due to his hit song, ‘Where the Three Counties Meet’ in 1973, but that was ten years after he first went professional as a musician, when he was just 16 years old.

“I said to my mother, I’m going off to play a gig in Kieran Kelly’s band, and she asked me for how long I was going, and I

said, six weeks, and then I started running,” he said laughing.

The now deceased Kieran Kelly had a successful midlands celli band throughout the fifties and sixties. However the first place Brendan played music was at a maypole dance with his father, Paddy, where he played button accordion – the machine that he has since mastered to perfection in music

Page 10 Mature Living December 2013

venues throughout the world.

Brendan’s grandfather, Pat Shine, built a dancehall in Kielty, Athlone in the early 1930s, and ran the popular music venue for almost thirty years. Brendan’s uncle, Owen Shine, was a schoolteacher who played fiddle and accordion on Radio Eireann in the 1940’s, and Brendan’s father played alto sax, and was leader of the family band during that popular

music era.

Brendan, who was born in 1947, began his music career early, with him first being a member of a church choir while he was still in national school.

He was taught piano and the rudiments of music while he was in St. Aloysius School, Athlone. Fr. Willie Regan then asked Brendan, when he was just 11 years old, to be the organist in Drum church in

South Roscommon. It was a role he played until he was in his mid-20s.

Christmas was a nice and easy time during Brendan’s childhood and early adulthood.

He remembers it being very much a family time and a time of community, but also he remembers Christmas shopping for his family revolving mostly around the shops in Connaught Street, Athlone and on the rest

of the Westside of the town.

“We did our shopping in McNeill's grocery shop, and Connaught Street was huge, and we rarely went over to the Leinster side,” said Brendan.

“But I first saw a Santa Claus in either Burgesses or Heaton’s in Church Street when I was a child. I can’t remember which.

But most of Christmas was spent at home with family, once the shopping was done.”

Brendan started off as a child getting Ludo, Snakes and Ladders and Meccano at Christmas. “Then we started getting things with batteries, which were probably bought in Egan’s in Connaught Street,” said Brendan, who had an Irish No. 1 hit with the song, 'Christmastime in Ireland' in 1974. The dancehall in Kielty was the only place in the midlands in the late 1950's which had a dance on Christmas night. “On Christmas night of course the essence was about Christmas and they played Bing Crosby’s White Christmas and Jingle Bells and the rest,” said Brendan.

On St. Stephen’s day and night, in his teenage years, Brendan and a group of other musicians and dancers used to head out all over South Roscommon hunting the wren.

“Eight of us used to go in a van, with legs hanging out the backdoor, and we played music and collected money at the houses, but most went out for the fun, but I don’t mind saying, I went out for the few bob,” he said laughing.

Brendan started touring with the Kieran Kelly band in 1963, but made sure he was always home for Christmas Day. But his favourite Christmas memory is the year his first child, Emily, was born on December 17th.

The first hit Brendan sang was ‘Treat My Daughter Kindly’ with the Kieran Kelly Band.

The ‘B’ side of the record was the ‘Banks of the Roses’. The group toured the Irish clubs in

England during Lent, because there were very few dances here.

Brendan went solo in 1970, when he was brought onto Rex Label records in Dublin by Michael Geoghegan, who was a cousin of ‘Wolf’ Geoghegan, a legendary music arranger from Athlone. ‘Wolf’ also played with Brendan in the Kelly band.

“It was around 1968, and Michael took on myself and Rosemary Brown (Dana) at the same time, and in my group we had Johnny Dawson on drums, my brother Owen on piano and bass, Larry Benson on fiddle, Bobby Dalton on accordion and me on button accordion,” said Brendan.

Brendan’s band was originally celli, but over the years moved to modern to country, to ‘easy listening’, with celli not forgotten. His first solo No. 1 was ‘O’Brien Has Nowhere to Go’ in 1971.Brendan is married

to his childhood sweetheart, Kathleen Kildea, and the couple have two girls, Emily and Phillipa, both of whom were heavily involved in Brendan’s music all of their lives.

Brendan had his own television series, ‘Nice and Easy’ on RTE in the early 80’s, and the girls, who were only in national school at the time, sang regularly on the programme.

Brendan also featured a singing duo, Eamon and Mary of ‘Two’s Company’ as regular guests on ‘Nice and Easy’.

“Kathleen and the girls have always been part of my gigs, and they were taught music from the word go, and my late brother Owen, who was a great musician, was a good influence on them,” said Brendan.

“Emily works with me these days in music on cruise ships. A lot of my following are families, so it has always been good to have my family as part of the

gigs.” Brendan and Kathleen have six grandchildren, Esmae, John-Brendan, Senan, Amelia, William and Xavier.

Athlone born and world famous tenor of the early 19th century, John ‘Count’ McCormack is one of Brendan’s idols, and he has an interesting story to tell about having met someone who once met the Count.

“About 15 years ago I played in Worchester, Massachusetts, USA, and there was an old man, about 90, who was retired as a stage manager from the club I was playing in, but he continued to come back,” said Brendan. “I was after singing ‘The Tumble Down Shack in Athlone’, and he came up to me after and asked where I was from. When I told him, Athlone, he said he remembered talking to a fellow that came to the club, 60 or 70 years previously, who was called McCormack!”

Although he sang on over thirty-five hit singles, Brendan’s biggest hit was probably, ‘Do You Want Your Auld Lobby Washed Down?’.

The hit song, which was a No. 1 in summer, 1979, coincided with the opening of RTE Radio 2 (2FM), and it was the new pop station’s most requested song that summer. The song was a surprise hit for Brendan during the height of the disco era. It was a hit across Europe during that hot summer of ’79, and much later on DJ, Vincent ‘Fab Vinny’ Hanley brought out his own version of the song.

Pope John Paul 11 visited Ireland that summer, and the song was playing when his plane took off at Shannon Airport for his next port of call in the USA. Brendan and his wife Kathleen had already opened their pub, in Baylough, Athlone in 1978, and following the hit song they opened the lounge, and called it ‘Shine’s Lobby’.

His follow-up song, ‘Catch Me

if you Can’ in 1980, was also a huge hit. Brendan has also been regularly featured on British television programmes, ‘Pebble Mill at One’ for the BBC, and ‘321’ for ITV. In the late 1980s, Brendan guest-presented an RTE chat show called ‘Saturday Live’, where he featured guest stars, Cardinal Tomas O’Fiach, comedian Noel V. Ginnity, and writer, Monica Carr. The show included a satellite link up with Terry Wogan in London.

Tom Moore from Athlone wrote many hits for Brendan in the 1980’s, such as ‘Dudgeons From Knockcroghery’ and ‘Carrots from Clonown’.

Much of Brendan’s work takes him abroad, particularly with popular cruise trips, out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“There is a spectacular scene of Irish American music, on the international cruise ships, which is great to see,” said Brendan. He is getting great satellite tv exposure at the moment throughout Europe, with the tv channel, Ireland West Music television (Channel 191). Brendan has recorded a Christmas special for the channel with his daughter, Emily, and with major Irish stars such as Michael English, Jimmy Buckley, Pat Feeney and the Conquerors. He will be singing ‘A Winter’s Tale’ and also his 1974 Christmas hit, ‘Christmastime in Ireland’. The show is set in the Royal Theatre in Castlebar, before a live audience.Brendan will also be on an upcoming ‘Glor Tire’ show on TG4, which will be recorded in the Quays, Galway.

Like all enduring entertainers, this talented musician and singer has no intention of retiring. Music is probably something one can never retire from anyway . . . and we look forward to experiencing his unique style and presence on the home and international circuit for many years to come.

Page 11 Mature Living November 2013

Health

Holidays and heart attacks how to reduce holiday stress and build more activity into your holidays.) Some people are so caught up in holiday activities they forget to take their medications or are unable to refill them while travelling.

Cold weather. The wintry weather can constrict blood vessels, and the extra exertion of tasks such as shoveling snow can trigger a heart attack.

Seasonal colds and flu can also be a burden to a stressed heart.

Even so, the holiday spike in heart attacks occurs in warm climates as well.

Hospital under-staffing.

Hospitals may be short-staffed during the holiday season — which can cause a delay in the time it takes to diagnose a heart attack and start clearing the blocked artery. In response, some hospitals are looking to speed care to people suffering from a heart attack with a policy called “door to balloon time”.

The idea is to reopen blocked arteries with angioplasties or other procedures within 90 minutes of arrival.

M

ore people die of heart attacks in December and January than any other time of the year. The culprits are the usual holiday merrymakers: rich festive feasts and more alcohol. Add to these risks a dose of holiday stress and something perhaps even more dangerous — simple denial.

Chest pain, which can be a signal of a heart attack, is all too easy to shrug off as indigestion, particularly during the holidays. After all, who wants to disrupt or dampen a celebration by overreacting to ‘heartburn’? Plus, with more people travelling over the holiday season, people are often reluctant to visit unfamiliar hospitals or emergency treatment centres.

The result? Precious minutes are lost.

“You have only a short window of opportunity to save heart muscle,” Dr. William Suddath of Washington Hospital Center was quoted as saying in the Associated Press. Dr. Suddath and his 24/7 cardiac team aim to start clearing victims’ clogged arteries within 15 minutes of their arrival in the emergency room.

Over-indulgence. High-fat meals stress the heart and can result in elevated blood pressure and heart rate. Too much salt can cause fluid retention, requiring the heart to pump harder. And while alcohol in moderation can be heart-healthy, overindulgence can put extra stress on the heart. More seriously, it can lead to “holiday heart

syndrome,” where alcohol irritates the heart muscle and triggers an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation. This in turn can cause a stroke.

Holiday busyness. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can lead to the disruption of healthy eating habits and exercise programs as well as elevated stress. (Read about

The bottom line To protect your heart heath this holiday season, experts advise to (1) watch what you eat and drink, (2) keep to your regular exercise regimen (as much as possible), (3) try to reduce stress, and (4) seek medical attention immediately if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack — don’t wait, and don’t automatically write it off as indigestion.

Warning signals of a heart attack Recognizing the signs of a heart attack can be vital in seeking timely medical treatment.

The Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation says to be alert for the following symptoms.

Pain - sudden discomfort or pain that does not go away with rest - pain in the chest, neck, jaw, shoulder, arms or back pain that feels like burning, squeezing, heaviness, tightness or pressure - in women, pain may be more vague - chest pain or discomfort that is brought on with exertion and goes away with rest, Shortness of breath difficulty breathing Nausea - indigestion - vomiting Sweating - cool, clammy skin Fear - anxiety - denial If you are experiencing any of these signals, the general advice is - Call 999 or your local emergency number immediately.

- Stop all activity and sit or lie down, in whatever position is most comfortable.

- If you take nitroglycerin, take your normal dosage.

- If you are experiencing chest pain, chew and swallow one adult 325 mg ASA tablet (acetylsalicylic acid, commonly referred to as Aspirin®) or two 80 mg tablets. Note: Pain medicines such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®) do not work the same way as ASA (i.e.

Aspirin®).

Rest comfortably and wait for emergency medical services to arrive.

Possible causes of Christmas coronaries

Page 12 Mature Living December 2013

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

Is 2014 going to be the year you get on top of your Dental Health and Comfort?

Tackling it Head On with Ulster & Ireland’s ‘Dental Practice of the Year’ 2013 pushed towards the front teeth, which are not designed for this degree of rough and tumble, often doing them damage.

studies have proven that smiling releases happy hormones, and so being able to smile freely provides a wealth of good feeling.

4. A Healthy Body: Being able to chew effectively and enjoy a healthy range of foods means the body can much better utilise the supplies it is being given.

At Blueapple we are a team widely known for our wealth of experience in helping people rebuild their smiles and dental confidence. With our commitment to advanced, proven technologies and award winning patient care, we offer a unique service in the West of Ireland. We would love to welcome you to discuss what your options are.

5.The Feel Good factor: For many people their teeth are a source of embarrassment; they have been used to limiting or hiding their smiles. Many

A

re you noticing a deterioration in your dental health?

Perhaps gradually losing more teeth, noticing a bit more wear appearing, experiencing more frequent bouts of pain, teeth becoming a little loose, teeth moving, dentures not fitting like they used to, gums feeling uncomfortable and inflamed?

These are common problems as we mature, and they are the warning signs that maybe it is time to take action, stop patching things up, and create a plan for the future.

What is ‘dental rehabilitation’?

Like rehabilitating anything,

‘dental rehabilitation’ is the term we use to describe the process for rebuilding dental health and function, usually with the associated benefit of making your teeth look great in the process.

So, what are the obvious and not so obvious reasons for taking this dental journey?

1. It has health benefits which go further than your mouth.

Your dental health has a very significant bearing on your overall health. Treating dental problems has huge benefits for your general sense of wellbeing and good health.

2. Looking Great with Natural Facial Enhancement: Your teeth provide a very important part of the scaffolding for your face. They naturally lift the skin, supporting your lips and the whole lower face.

3.Don’t underestimate the importance of Back Teeth: Often when people lose back teeth there is a tendency to not replace them because people can’t see them. But molar teeth are strong and powerful, specifically designed to do the donkey work! If you lose back teeth over time, this work is

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

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

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

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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.

Petcare

Cats suffering from 'Tom & Jerry' syndrome Vets warn of a new phenomenon whereby cats suffer seizures triggered by everyday sounds around the house, like the clicking of a computer mouse or the tapping of a boiled egg

I

f you ever irritated by the sound of your spouse crinkling a packet of crisps, or rustling with a newspaper, then spare a thought for your cat.

Vets are investigating an apparently new phenomenon whereby pet cats are suffering seizures triggered by everyday sounds around the house.

As well as the sounds of newspapers and crisps packets, the animals have also been observed having the reaction to the clicking of a computer mouse, the tapping of a boiled egg and even the sound of a tin of

cat food being opened.

The bizarre phenomenon likened to the cartoon Tom and Jerry - has also been triggered by the popping of pills from blister packs, the dropping of metal items on tiled floors or ceramic bowls and the hammering of nails, as well as the sounds of owners slapping their foreheads or clicking their tongues.

The new research began after International Cat Care (ICC), a feline charity, began receiving reports from owners across the country reporting the strange behaviour in their pets.

The charity passed on the accounts to a specialist veterinary centre, which is now investigating the issue, along with researchers from the University College London. The experts at the organisations believes the reaction is similar to reflex epilepsy in humans.

The vets, from Davies Veterinary Specialists, based near Hitchin, Herts, are now seeking more cases, so they can investigate what trends are behind the reactions, to establish if some cats are more prone and

some sounds more likely to trigger the response. Appeals are being posted in the ICC’s Cat Care journal, as well as major veterinary publications.

The team also want to conduct testing of affected animals, to see if there is anything genetic which may make some animals more likely to suffer soundinduced seizures. They believe it could even lead to greater understanding of similar conditions in humans.

The seizures in cats do not appear to be related to volume, because many of the “trigger sounds” are relatively quiet. The noises do not appear to be particularly unexpected, either, as most are relatively familiar, such as the noise of food being opened. Mark Lowrie, from Davies Veterinary Specialists, said: “We want to see if other vets and owners are aware of the problem. It could be they haven’t even associated these fits with noise. I’m sure that a pattern will emerge. It doesn’t seem to be occurring at times of stress. It is often when the cats are being fed – which is probably one of their

happier times of the day.”

The reactions suffered by the animals are described as being similar to a fit, with the cats displaying a jerking motion.

Others have less severe reactions, from being jumpy to freezing suddenly. They all recover, once the noise has stopped and the seizure ceased. One owner reported their cat, Moochi, had seizures caused by repetitious clicking or tapping sounds, which caused him to convulse and lose control of his balance.

Another animal, Jeffrey, has fits of around a minute in length,

caused by mouse clicks and the tapping of boiled eggs. Gracie suffered a similar reaction to the sound of a newspaper, which caused her to run in circles and collide with furniture. After that, she convulses.

Claire Bessant, chief executive of International Cat Care, said: “It is hard not to smile, because it does all sound rather Tom and Jerry, but it would be very nice to get to the bottom of it. People seem to be getting around it, by making sure they tip toe around their animals and try to avoid making the noise.”

FOXFORD, CO. MAYO

Jack Russell named Pet Slimmer of the Year a local animal shelter, before she was adopted by Angela Martin and her partner Steve around four years ago. But their desire to make up for her sad back story led them to feed her too many treats.

The extra food made Ruby morbidly obese, reaching 9.1 kg (1st 6lbs) and unable to jump on a sofa.

She was enrolled onto the PDSA Pet Fit Club and now weighs a healthy 6kg.

A rescue dog named Ruby loses a third of her body weight in six months.

A former rescue dog called Ruby has been crowned Pet Slimming Champion of the year by veterinary charity PDSA after losing a third of her body weight.

Ruby was an unloved and underweight stray who was found roaming the streets and taken into

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Mayo

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October 2013 • Sligo Now Magazine • Page 7

EyeGardening Care by Rachel Murray Eyecare - Tobergal Lane, Sligo • Tel: 071-9142860

Age related Macular degeneration

A

ge related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of sight loss in people aged over 50 in Ireland, with over 60,000 Irish people suffering from the condition. It is a painless disorder that affects the macula, a tiny area at the back of the eye that you use for seeing fine detail such as reading a book.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?

The symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred, distorted or absent central vision. Initially you may start to notice that you experience difficulty in reading, watching TV and recognising faces. You may see the outline of a face but not the features. There may be some distortion of vision so that objects appear larger or smaller than normal, or straight lines may appear wavy, so judging distances and heights can become difficult. You may not notice this if it happens in one eye as your other eye will compensate, so it is important to regularly check your vision in each eye separately. You can do this by looking with each eye separately at the straight lines on a door frame. If you notice the lines are distorted, you should see your optician straight away.

What is macular degeneration?

AMD happens when the macula becomes damaged. What causes this damage is still unknown, however smoking, a family history of AMD, sun exposure and a poor diet are considered to be risk factors.

Broadly speaking there are two types of AMD, usually referred to

as ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. Only about 10% of people have wet macular degeneration.

In Dry AMD the condition develops very slowly causing gradual loss of central vision.

Wet AMD results in a build up of fluid under the retina and is a much more aggressive from of the condition.

Does is happen more as you get older?

The incidence increases with each decade over the age of 50 to almost 15% by the age of 75.

Is there any treatment for AMD? There is no current treatment for Dry AMD to prevent vision loss (although you will not completely loss your sight).

There is evidence to prove that what you eat can affect your chances of developing AMD. Studies have shown that vitamins A, C and E and the minerals zinc and copper when taken together may help to slow the progression of dry AMD in

people who already have the condition. A balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables may help your eye health. There are a number of vitamin products available such as MacuShield which have been designed for people with AMD and you can buy these over the counter from your optician or pharmacist.

If the dry AMD is interfering with your ability to see fine details, you optometrist can advise you on special magnifiers which can help.

Wet AMD can often be treated if it is caught early enough and this is normally done be injecting a drug into the gel inside your eye.

Can I do anything to protect myself from getting AMD? Being overweight, having high blood pressure, smoking and a family history of AMD are risk factors for the condition.

Prevention is aided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, blood

pressure control, quitting smoking. The key to all of this is early diagnosis, people are encouraged to have sight tests every two years.

Remember, eyesight is one of the most precious gifts we have, so look after it. If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of AMD have your eyes checked this

week – acting early could prevent further damage to your eyesight. Contact Rachel Murray Eyecare to make an appointment, or simply call in and they will look after all your eye care needs.

Over the next few months, Rachel will be writing articles on common eye conditions.

Next issue, she will discuss cataracts which affects over half of those over 65.

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For example, insulating your attic can cut your heating bills by up to 20% Water heating is one of the most expensive electricity costs in the home. You can save money by only heating as much water as you need. Install a timer control switch for your hot water tank if you don’t already have one Reduce your heating to a comfortable 20°C. Lowering your thermostat by just 1°C can knock 10% off your heating bill Installing a lagging jacket can save you up to €2.50 a week in water heating costs and can pay for itself within three months

You should have your boiler serviced every year to help ensure it is safe, that it operates most efficiently, and to help avoid breakdowns.

Modern boilers are far more efficient and cost effective than older versions. Remember, it is illegal for anyone other than a Registered Gas Installer to service your natural gas boiler. Registered Gas Installers have completed safety training, conform to Irish standards and have insurance. Find a Registered Gas Installer at www.rgii.ie Doors and Windows A lot of heat can be lost through your windows, particularly if they are singleglazed. If you are buying new windows, do some research – more efficient windows can save you more in energy costs over their lifetime Block up leaks and drafts, particularly around windows, doors and the roof. Never block vents in your rooms as fresh air is needed Use heavy curtains, preferably lined ones, to keep in warm air.

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Wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is full before turning it on, or if your appliance has a half-load setting on it use this instead to save money Heating water costs you money, so use the lowest temperature recommended by the manufacturer when using your dishwasher and washing machine

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Unplugging all nonessential electrical appliances could reduce the average household electricity bill by between €50 and €100 a year You can try the Electric Ireland appliance calculator to find out how much each of your electrical appliances costs you to run Energy efficient appliances If you are buying new appliances, ask what energy rating they are.

The higher the rating, the more efficient the appliance will be, costing you less to run. ‘A’ rated appliances are the most cost efficient

If you are unhappy with the service you are getting from your electricity or gas provider, or if you think you are paying too much, you can easily switch to a new provider. There are currently four main electricity and gas providers on the market: Airtricity Bord Gáis Electric Ireland Flogas (gas only) You can find more information on energycustomers.ie How do I switch?

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Memories

T

The Bands of our Showband Era

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

here were hundreds of them. Irish bands of every size, description and musical genre travelling the roads and borheens of Ireland. They travelled the length and breadth of the country from the 1950's through the mid 1980's. Although "officially" the term showband was coined in the late fifties and was used to describe bands that played a wide variety of music and usually included a "show" during the night, the term was gradually applied to all the bands that played in the 1960's. As the

Irish music scene splintered in the late sixties into pop, country bands, the term was dropped but we still find it the best overall description of the bands of the "ballroom" era. In the early days, they travelled in whatever they could find...bread vans, hearses, and even cars (roof racks and all). In later years, many (if not most) of them travelled in converted Ford Transit vans (like the one pictured right) that were normally used for delivery services.

After a couple of windows were popped into the centre panels, a

All About the Freshmen (1962-1980) A lthough definitely one of the earliest "pop bands" the Freshmen, from Ballymena, were different from the rest of the showbands of the early 1960's. Billy Brown, an extremely talented piano and sax player, had been playing since he was twelve. By the time he got to college, he had his first professional gig with the Billy McFarland Band out of Belfast.

Two other members of the McFarland band, bass player Torry McGahey and sax player Maurice Henry became fast friends and they

all eventually decided it was time to strike out on their own, although in a 1971 Spotlight interview with Davy McKnight it was reported Tory had been sacked from the band and Billy and Maurice went with him. One way or another, together they formed The Freshmen in early 1962. They recruited the best of musicians, each one a singer in their own right. The original lineup included: Barney McKeon (vocals), Maurice (sax), Torry (bass), Damien McIlroy (guitar), Sean Mahon (trombone), Davy McKnight

(drums-who was training to be a teacher) and Billy (sax and piano).

The band's new sound took Northern Ireland by storm. They were starting out just at the same time as The Beatles and The Beach Boys and they were poised to ride the crest of the "pop" wave in Ireland. Before long, the band attracted the interest of a new manager, Peter Dempsey (band member Maurice Henry had previously handled the band's bookings). Peter ran dances in Andersontown and through this,

met Johnny Flynn and made a host of connections in the South...uncharted territory for the Freshmen.

By 1963, they were beginning to make inroads in the South when Barney decided to leave. The search was on for a replacement and the band recruited Limerick singer, Tommy Drennan. With Tommy out front, the band continued to prosper, garnering rave reviews from the press and the punters. Within a year though, Tommy had grown homesick and returned to Limerick,

Left to right: Derek Dean (vocals), Damien McElroy (guitar), Billy Brown (keyboards/sax), Davy McKnight (drums), Maurice Henry (sax), Torry McGahey (bass) and Sean Mahon (trombone) Page 24 Mature Living December 2013

row or two of old airplane seats were installed and the band was ready to travel "in style." Although style was a matter of opinion...if you're stuck in the back of a van on a cold and rainy winter's night, it may seem like "a long way to Tipperary," but it's even further to Castletownbere, Co. Cork!

It will be impossible to list all the bands that played the dance halls, ballrooms, marquees, parochial halls, community centres, hotels, and town halls across Ireland but each month we are

leaving the band in bit of a bind.

Billy filled in for a time, but eventually they found their ideal front man in Derek McMenamin, a handsome, tall singer whose good looks, charm, and talent rivaled any of the other leading front men of the time.

With Derek in place, the band cut its first record in London during a tour of England in February, 1964, She's The One You Love. Released in summer, the single faded quickly, making little impact. For a time in early 1964, Derek left the band to complete his college education where he was studying to become a teacher. By summer, he had taken his finals and was back with the band. At the end of 1964, the band announced that Derek was changing his last name to Dean and the band also changed its name to Derek and the Freshmen.

In 1965, the band recorded and released more singles. The first, I Stand Alone, failed to make an impression. However, their recording of Yenka was a top ten hit in November 1965. Over the next two years, the band's reputation and status went from strength to strength. They became the top Northern Band to play the South and at one point were ranked as the number four showband behind only the Royal, Miami and the Cadets. In August 1966, the band announced that it was changing its name once again and would be known as Derek Dean, Billy and the Freshmen, an obvious nod to Billy's growing influence in the band.

In 1967, the Freshmen were part of the showband elite in Ireland.

Oliver Barry took over managing the band in mid-1967 and their record, Papa-Oo-Mow-Mow reached number seven in the Irish charts and stayed in the charts for eight weeks well into 1968. In September, 1968, the band announced a new image...gone were the tailored suits of the showband era and now the band took to the stage in "mod" gear. The move was actually seen as risky. A Spotlight

article in the September 7th issue stated, "Ballroom managers were aghast....they felt dancers wouldn't go for it at all."

They started a string of top ten hits and the band was doing extremely well as the money came pouring in. They released Go Granny Go, Number 12 in August 1968, Just to See You Smile, Number 9 in March 1969, and Halfway to Where, Number 10 in April 1970. In the April 26th, 1969 issue of Spotlight, an article reported that the band had claimed to have played before 16,000 dancers over the Easter week and that it must be some kind of record.

Things were going well for the Freshmen.

1970 was the year the band released their second album, Peace On Earth. The album was heralded as an artistic masterpiece and is still regarded by many as the greatest Irish pop album ever made. The same year, they performed their "Peace Concert" at the RDS in Dublin which featured noted actor Micheal MacLiammoir as narrator (the role he also played on the album). Amid all the success though, trouble was brewing. The band had become too identified with the Beach Boys sound and as the Beach Boys fortunes' faded, so too did the Freshmen's.

In February, 1971, it was reported in Spotlight that Billy had been sacked by the band. The article said that Billy had been ill for some time and started missing dates. Billy himself said he had been feeling ill and that his doctor thought it was either his appendix or gallstones, but that he was going into hospital within the week. In the meantime, the band voted to sack the all star singer songwriter and was looking for a replacement. which they found in Ivan Laybourne.

When Billy returned to health, he decided to form his own group, The Billy Brown Superband. He recruited one of the finest lineup of musicians perhaps ever to play the ballroom circuit. Billy was joined

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

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

For such a small country, it is difficult to comprehend the sheer

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

by Johnny Brown (bass), Dessie Reynolds (drums), Keith McDonald (sax), Pascal Haverty (sax), Tiger Taylor (guitar), and Mike Nolan (RIP-trumpet). The musicianship was excellent, but the band lacked originality and that "certain" spark, lasting less than a year.

The early seventies saw the Freshmen continue to slip in popularity and earnings. Following a false start with his superband, Billy teamed up with Mike O'Brien to form Brown and O'Brien in 1972.

In February 1972, original member Davy McKnight announced he was leaving the Freshmen to join Clubsound, however it took a couple of months for the band to find a replacement. A follow up article in May announced that Davy had joined the band who had changed their name to Warm Sensation. The band's lineup was Davy (drums), Eddie McCrudden, Barry McCrudden (keyboards), Harry Hickland (sax), Billy Bingham (guitar) and George Jones (bass).

Although it was rumoured Davy might be replaced by RTE's Ian McGarry, it was Linsey Lunney (College Boys) who came to the band on drums. In April, 1972, founder member Maurice Henry left the band to move into management.

In a Spotlight interview, Maurice jokingly said, "I've left the Freshmen mainly because of old age." The first act he signed was Cathy and the Fugitives from Mayo and shortly thereafter added the Sounds.

Meanwhile, Brown and O'Brien did not find the magic either and the band went to Canada. However Billy returned on his own and a report in Spotlight on October 12, 1972 claimed he would not be rejoining the Freshmen. Of course, Billy did rejoined the Freshmen after leaving Brown and O'Brien in October, 1972. He brought guitarist Tiger Taylor with him who replaced original member Damien McIlroy.

However, Linsey Lunny left the band around the same time. A blurb

original Freshmen lineup. Although Billy Brown had been an original member, he had left the band for several years. By 1980, the Freshmen, one of the greatest components of pop music in Ireland, were finally no more. After almost twenty years the band who had smoothly made the transition from 60's showband to 70's pop group successfully (while staying true to their legacy of producing quality music) called it quits. On the recent series "Little Bit of Showband," Derek recounted the story of a gig in Boyle when only a

The Freshmen in 1968 in Spotlight reported Damien was leaving the band at the end of September, 1972 and he went to South Africa. A month later in October, keyboard player Ivan Laybourne, reportedly went to Scotland, but ended up joining Damien in South Africa.

Throughout the mid to late seventies, the Freshmen continued to play, ending up as a six piece and trying to make a living in a scene that was slowly dying and well past its prime. Around 1978, Torry McGahey left the band, breaking the final remaining link to the

handful of dancers showed up and the decision was made to finish the band. And with a whimper, it was over...the Freshmen were no more.

In the years after the showband era ended, the late Billy Brown continued to record, write and produce excellent music. His reputation as one of Ireland's most gifted musicians continued to grow, but on June 6, 1999, at the age of only 56, Billy sadly passed away, leaving the Irish music scene without one of the guiding lights that had illuminated the landscape of the showband era.

Page 25 Mature Living December 2013

Memories

T

The Bands of our Showband Era

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

here were hundreds of them. Irish bands of every size, description and musical genre travelling the roads and borheens of Ireland. They travelled the length and breadth of the country from the 1950's through the mid 1980's. Although "officially" the term showband was coined in the late fifties and was used to describe bands that played a wide variety of music and usually included a "show" during the night, the term was gradually applied to all the bands that played in the 1960's. As the

Irish music scene splintered in the late sixties into pop, country bands, the term was dropped but we still find it the best overall description of the bands of the "ballroom" era. In the early days, they travelled in whatever they could find...bread vans, hearses, and even cars (roof racks and all). In later years, many (if not most) of them travelled in converted Ford Transit vans (like the one pictured right) that were normally used for delivery services.

After a couple of windows were popped into the centre panels, a

All About the Freshmen (1962-1980) A lthough definitely one of the earliest "pop bands" the Freshmen, from Ballymena, were different from the rest of the showbands of the early 1960's. Billy Brown, an extremely talented piano and sax player, had been playing since he was twelve. By the time he got to college, he had his first professional gig with the Billy McFarland Band out of Belfast.

Two other members of the McFarland band, bass player Torry McGahey and sax player Maurice Henry became fast friends and they

all eventually decided it was time to strike out on their own, although in a 1971 Spotlight interview with Davy McKnight it was reported Tory had been sacked from the band and Billy and Maurice went with him. One way or another, together they formed The Freshmen in early 1962. They recruited the best of musicians, each one a singer in their own right. The original lineup included: Barney McKeon (vocals), Maurice (sax), Torry (bass), Damien McIlroy (guitar), Sean Mahon (trombone), Davy McKnight

(drums-who was training to be a teacher) and Billy (sax and piano).

The band's new sound took Northern Ireland by storm. They were starting out just at the same time as The Beatles and The Beach Boys and they were poised to ride the crest of the "pop" wave in Ireland. Before long, the band attracted the interest of a new manager, Peter Dempsey (band member Maurice Henry had previously handled the band's bookings). Peter ran dances in Andersontown and through this,

met Johnny Flynn and made a host of connections in the South...uncharted territory for the Freshmen.

By 1963, they were beginning to make inroads in the South when Barney decided to leave. The search was on for a replacement and the band recruited Limerick singer, Tommy Drennan. With Tommy out front, the band continued to prosper, garnering rave reviews from the press and the punters. Within a year though, Tommy had grown homesick and returned to Limerick,

Left to right: Derek Dean (vocals), Damien McElroy (guitar), Billy Brown (keyboards/sax), Davy McKnight (drums), Maurice Henry (sax), Torry McGahey (bass) and Sean Mahon (trombone) Page 24 Mature Living December 2013

row or two of old airplane seats were installed and the band was ready to travel "in style." Although style was a matter of opinion...if you're stuck in the back of a van on a cold and rainy winter's night, it may seem like "a long way to Tipperary," but it's even further to Castletownbere, Co. Cork!

It will be impossible to list all the bands that played the dance halls, ballrooms, marquees, parochial halls, community centres, hotels, and town halls across Ireland but each month we are

leaving the band in bit of a bind.

Billy filled in for a time, but eventually they found their ideal front man in Derek McMenamin, a handsome, tall singer whose good looks, charm, and talent rivaled any of the other leading front men of the time.

With Derek in place, the band cut its first record in London during a tour of England in February, 1964, She's The One You Love. Released in summer, the single faded quickly, making little impact. For a time in early 1964, Derek left the band to complete his college education where he was studying to become a teacher. By summer, he had taken his finals and was back with the band. At the end of 1964, the band announced that Derek was changing his last name to Dean and the band also changed its name to Derek and the Freshmen.

In 1965, the band recorded and released more singles. The first, I Stand Alone, failed to make an impression. However, their recording of Yenka was a top ten hit in November 1965. Over the next two years, the band's reputation and status went from strength to strength. They became the top Northern Band to play the South and at one point were ranked as the number four showband behind only the Royal, Miami and the Cadets. In August 1966, the band announced that it was changing its name once again and would be known as Derek Dean, Billy and the Freshmen, an obvious nod to Billy's growing influence in the band.

In 1967, the Freshmen were part of the showband elite in Ireland.

Oliver Barry took over managing the band in mid-1967 and their record, Papa-Oo-Mow-Mow reached number seven in the Irish charts and stayed in the charts for eight weeks well into 1968. In September, 1968, the band announced a new image...gone were the tailored suits of the showband era and now the band took to the stage in "mod" gear. The move was actually seen as risky. A Spotlight

article in the September 7th issue stated, "Ballroom managers were aghast....they felt dancers wouldn't go for it at all."

They started a string of top ten hits and the band was doing extremely well as the money came pouring in. They released Go Granny Go, Number 12 in August 1968, Just to See You Smile, Number 9 in March 1969, and Halfway to Where, Number 10 in April 1970. In the April 26th, 1969 issue of Spotlight, an article reported that the band had claimed to have played before 16,000 dancers over the Easter week and that it must be some kind of record.

Things were going well for the Freshmen.

1970 was the year the band released their second album, Peace On Earth. The album was heralded as an artistic masterpiece and is still regarded by many as the greatest Irish pop album ever made. The same year, they performed their "Peace Concert" at the RDS in Dublin which featured noted actor Micheal MacLiammoir as narrator (the role he also played on the album). Amid all the success though, trouble was brewing. The band had become too identified with the Beach Boys sound and as the Beach Boys fortunes' faded, so too did the Freshmen's.

In February, 1971, it was reported in Spotlight that Billy had been sacked by the band. The article said that Billy had been ill for some time and started missing dates. Billy himself said he had been feeling ill and that his doctor thought it was either his appendix or gallstones, but that he was going into hospital within the week. In the meantime, the band voted to sack the all star singer songwriter and was looking for a replacement. which they found in Ivan Laybourne.

When Billy returned to health, he decided to form his own group, The Billy Brown Superband. He recruited one of the finest lineup of musicians perhaps ever to play the ballroom circuit. Billy was joined

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

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

For such a small country, it is difficult to comprehend the sheer

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

by Johnny Brown (bass), Dessie Reynolds (drums), Keith McDonald (sax), Pascal Haverty (sax), Tiger Taylor (guitar), and Mike Nolan (RIP-trumpet). The musicianship was excellent, but the band lacked originality and that "certain" spark, lasting less than a year.

The early seventies saw the Freshmen continue to slip in popularity and earnings. Following a false start with his superband, Billy teamed up with Mike O'Brien to form Brown and O'Brien in 1972.

In February 1972, original member Davy McKnight announced he was leaving the Freshmen to join Clubsound, however it took a couple of months for the band to find a replacement. A follow up article in May announced that Davy had joined the band who had changed their name to Warm Sensation. The band's lineup was Davy (drums), Eddie McCrudden, Barry McCrudden (keyboards), Harry Hickland (sax), Billy Bingham (guitar) and George Jones (bass).

Although it was rumoured Davy might be replaced by RTE's Ian McGarry, it was Linsey Lunney (College Boys) who came to the band on drums. In April, 1972, founder member Maurice Henry left the band to move into management.

In a Spotlight interview, Maurice jokingly said, "I've left the Freshmen mainly because of old age." The first act he signed was Cathy and the Fugitives from Mayo and shortly thereafter added the Sounds.

Meanwhile, Brown and O'Brien did not find the magic either and the band went to Canada. However Billy returned on his own and a report in Spotlight on October 12, 1972 claimed he would not be rejoining the Freshmen. Of course, Billy did rejoined the Freshmen after leaving Brown and O'Brien in October, 1972. He brought guitarist Tiger Taylor with him who replaced original member Damien McIlroy.

However, Linsey Lunny left the band around the same time. A blurb

original Freshmen lineup. Although Billy Brown had been an original member, he had left the band for several years. By 1980, the Freshmen, one of the greatest components of pop music in Ireland, were finally no more. After almost twenty years the band who had smoothly made the transition from 60's showband to 70's pop group successfully (while staying true to their legacy of producing quality music) called it quits. On the recent series "Little Bit of Showband," Derek recounted the story of a gig in Boyle when only a

The Freshmen in 1968 in Spotlight reported Damien was leaving the band at the end of September, 1972 and he went to South Africa. A month later in October, keyboard player Ivan Laybourne, reportedly went to Scotland, but ended up joining Damien in South Africa.

Throughout the mid to late seventies, the Freshmen continued to play, ending up as a six piece and trying to make a living in a scene that was slowly dying and well past its prime. Around 1978, Torry McGahey left the band, breaking the final remaining link to the

handful of dancers showed up and the decision was made to finish the band. And with a whimper, it was over...the Freshmen were no more.

In the years after the showband era ended, the late Billy Brown continued to record, write and produce excellent music. His reputation as one of Ireland's most gifted musicians continued to grow, but on June 6, 1999, at the age of only 56, Billy sadly passed away, leaving the Irish music scene without one of the guiding lights that had illuminated the landscape of the showband era.

Page 25 Mature Living December 2013

Travel

Top 10 Travel Destinations in World 2014: Brazil, Denmark, USA and Others Brazil

Brazil Travel guides publisher Lonely Planet has named the host of 2014 FIFA World Cup - Brazil - as the top tourist destination for 2014. As per the tourism ministry in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and S達o Paulo are two of the most visited destinations in the country.

This country is the belle of the ball with the FIFA World Cup followed by the 2016 Summer Olympics two years later, dodging the recession.

Denmark Lonely Planet has rated Denmark as the best tourist destination to visit with one's family as it is built

USA

for kids, especially the Legoland amusement park. "Copenhagen is home to Tivoli, a fairy tale of a central amusement park that dates to 1843. There is lots of free music, nightly fireworks and surprisingly good food," states the travel guide. As per the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) more than 8.7 million people visited the country in 2010.

USA Be it dirt cheap Jersey Shore or yahooing cowboy country of Texas, there's something about the US that makes you feel as though real life has morphed into

Denmark

Page 26 Mature Living December 2013

cinematography.

Do not forget the New York City and its big yellow taxis or iconic buildings. According to the World Bank statistics, the US has been the second most visited country by foreign tourists with Times Square in Manhattan, New York City attracting 35 million visitors yearly.

India

India "The chaos, colour and brilliance of India make it a thrilling choice for family travel," states Lonely Planet. There are two excellent reasons to plan the next trip to 'Incredible India'. Firstly, the fall of the rupee against dollar that could give you the best travel value. Secondly, India is a hub to

all the ingredients for a special trip with elephants, palaces, castles, trains, beaches, jungles and wildlife parks and nature.

The travel guide has anointed the state of Sikkim as the best region in the world to travel to in 2014, while Kerela is the tourist destination to help keep everyone in the family happy.

Ecuador

Ecuador This South American country has reportedly boosted its 2014 advertising budget by 73 percent in an attempt to divert the attention from its rival Brazil.

There are several shopping package deals coming up that combine airfare, lodging, meals and excursions.

The travel website, Travelzoo, has Equador among the top five 'Wow Deal Destinations', which is certain to offer values beyond an ordinary trip.

Scotland Scotland is among the top three destinations to visit around the world in 2014 with Glasgow hosting the XX Commonwealth Games next year in summer.

The country's National Tourism Organisation has given a multimillion-pound facelift to Glasgow for the Games with new sports venues, improved transport links.

The Scotland government will also be observing the 'Year of

Australia

Homecoming' to welcome the Scottish diaspora back to the country by celebrating its heritage, food and drink.

Australia Leaving Melbourne and Sydney behind, Adelaide has been named as one of the world's top 10 cities to visit in 2014 for being transformed into the perfect host city. Even the Kimberley has been spotted as one of the hottest tourist destinations in the world with its giant gorges and scenic coast roads.

Sweden With its food, culture and scary urban legends, Sweden is among the top 10 countries for an eventful year. This Nordic country is home to a number of World Heritage Sites.

"Thanks to the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson, most people have a sense of what Sweden's like, even in the far north - cold, beautiful and a bit scary," says

Lonely Planet.

With its fresh pop-culture persona, northern city of Ume책 is the European Capital of Culture for 2014.

among the top 10 cities best for travelling in 2014. "Today, with two decades of freedom (and a renewed status as Latvia's capital) under its belt, the city is reclaiming its rightful title as the cosmopolitan cornerstone of the Baltic," as stated by travel guide Lonely Planet.

Under the Soviet Union, the city of Riga was smothered into obscurity, however, since past few years, 'hipster-chic cafes have spread like wildfire'.

Latvia The culture capital of Riga is

Japan Japan's Hokuriku, on Honsh큰's

Japan

Latvia west coast, is among the top destinations that would inspire the traveler through its cultural riches and captivate with its natural beauty.

"Bordered by the Sea of Japan and the magnificent Japan Alps, Hokuriku is saturated with culture, history and striking natural beauty," says Lonely Planet.

The travel guide also crowns the city of Kanazawa as the 'king' of scenic beauty on the east coast of the country,

Sweden

Scotland

Page 27 Mature Living December 2013

Food and Drink

Butter-roasted supreme of chicken with wild mushroom & potato gratin

Prep: 40 mins Cook: 1 hr Serves 4 Ingredients For the gratin 600g maris piper potatoes 350ml full-fat milk 350ml double cream 1 large garlic clove, smashed 1 bay leaf thyme sprigs, plus a few extra thyme leaves for sprinkling 50g butter 300g mixed wild mushrooms, cleaned and roughly sliced if large 50g Comté or Gruyère cheese For the chicken 200g softened butter zest and juice 1 lemon bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves very roughly chopped large pinch paprika 4 large chicken breasts, preferably supremes with the wing bone still attached 1 large shallot, sliced 1 garlic bulb, roughly chopped 3 thyme sprigs 200ml fresh chicken stock

To serve 1 tbsp olive oil 24 baby leeks, trimmed to the same size, boiled for 3 mins, then refreshed in iced water Method To make the gratin, peel and slice the potatoes no thicker than a 50p piece using a mandolin, if you have one. Bring the milk, cream, garlic, herbs and some seasoning to the boil in a large saucepan, then turn down the heat and simmer for a few mins.

Slip the potatoes into the hot milk mixture and simmer for 10 mins until just cooked. Drain the potatoes in a colander over a bowl to catch the liquid – reserve the milk. While the potatoes are simmering, heat half the butter in a frying pan until foaming. Fry the mushrooms for 2 mins until just wilted, season with salt and pepper and set aside.

Rub 2 small gratin dishes (or 1 medium) with the remaining butter, sprinkle over the thyme leaves and grate over some of the cheese. Fill the dishes halfway with potato slices, moisten with a little milk and

grate over more cheese. Fill up the dishes with potato slices, add enough milk to cover, then top with the mushrooms and the rest of the cheese.

For the chicken, mix about two-thirds of the butter with the lemon zest and half the juice, the parsley, paprika and some salt and pepper. Lift the skin slightly away from each breast, spread or pipe the flavoured butter under the skin, then stretch the skin back over. Chill up to a day in advance, if you like.

Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Heat the remaining butter in an ovenproof frying pan until foaming. Pan-fry the chicken, basting constantly with the butter until starting to brown. Add the shallot, garlic, thyme and stock. Place the chicken, skin-side up in its pan, on the higher shelf of the oven, and the gratins on the lower shelf. Roast both for 25-30 mins, then remove the chicken and rest for 15 mins, while the gratins continue to cook.

To finish, remove the chicken from the pan. Place the pan back

on the heat, squeeze over the remaining lemon juice and bring everything to a hard boil. Pass the sauce through a sieve, pressing down firmly on all the soft shallot and garlic. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in another frying pan and reheat the leeks until they start to colour. With the gratins cooked, you are now

ready to plate up.

Line six leeks up in a row in the middle of each plate.

Carve the chicken on a slant into five thick slices.

Neatly fan out each chicken breast over the leeks. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and around the leeks, and serve with the potato gratin.

Succulent braised venison Serves 8 Venison benefits from long, slow cooking, and this Scottish dish develops a beautifully earthy sweetness - try it as an alternative to turkey Ingredients 2 carrots, roughly chopped 140g turnips or swede, roughly chopped 2 onions, roughly chopped 3 celery sticks, roughly chopped olive oil and butter, for frying 1 garlic clove, crushed 1kg boned leg or shoulder of venison, cut into large chunks (or buy ready-cubed venison for stewing)

5 tbsp plain flour, seasoned with salt and pepper 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly (or rowan or hawthorn jelly) 450ml dry red wine (Rioja is good) 450ml beef stock 2 thyme sprigs 1 bay leaf Method Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Fry the vegetables in a little oil and butter in a heavy-based casserole for 4-5 mins until golden. Tip in the garlic and fry for a further min, then set aside.

Put the venison into a plastic bag with seasoned flour and

shake to coat. Add a little more oil and butter to the pan, then fry the venison over a high heat, stirring now and then, until well browned. Don’t crowd the pan – cook in batches if necessary. Set aside with the vegetables.

Add the redcurrant jelly and wine to the pan, and bring to the boil, scraping up all the bits that have stuck to the bottom.

Pour in the stock, then add the thyme, bay leaf, meat and vegetables. Season if you like and bring to the boil. Cover and transfer to the oven for about 1½ hrs or until tender. Remove from the oven and check the seasoning.

Spiced roast beef with red wine gravy Servings Serves 6 with leftovers Marinade your fillet with peppercorn, fennel and mustard seeds then roast until rare - the gravy is gluten-free too!

1 tbsp wholegrain or English mustard (check the brand is gluten-free) 3 red onions, skins left on, thickly sliced into rounds a few thyme leaves, to serve (optional)

Ingredients 2 tbsp mixed peppercorns 2 tbsp mustard seeds, yellow or black, or 1 tbsp of each 2 tsp fennel seeds 1½ kg fillet of beef 2 tbsp olive oil

For the gravy 2 tbsp olive oil 1½-2 tbsp cornflour 2 gluten- and wheat-free beef stock cubes (check the label) 3-4 tbsp redcurrant jelly 400ml red wine

Page 28 Mature Living December 2013

Method Up to 2 days before, crush together the peppercorns and seeds using a pestle and mortar, or in a saucepan with the end of a rolling pin or similar. Brush the beef fillet all over with the mustard, then roll in the peppercorn mix to coat.

Cover and chill.

Two hours before you are ready to start cooking, take the beef out of the fridge to come to room temperature.

Heat oven to 200C/180C

fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a pan big enough to hold the beef, and brown the beef all over, seasoning with salt. In a roasting tin, use the onions as a bed to sit the beef on – pat on any spices that have fallen off.

Roast for 20 mins for rare, 25 mins for medium, and 35 mins for well-done beef.

Lift the beef from the tin and rest on a platter, covered with foil to keep it hot, for about 30 mins. Set the tin with the onions and roasting juices over

the hob and stir in the oil, cornflour and crumbled stock cubes.

Mix in the jelly, then gradually stir in the wine and 400ml boiling water, scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom.

Simmer for 15 mins until reduced a little.

Season, then sieve into a clean pan to keep warm, discarding the onions. Slice the beef, scatter over the thyme, if you like, and serve with the gravy.

WINE GUIDE Food and Drink

with The Wine Buff, Tobergal Lane, The Italian Quarter Tel: 071 9140020 • www.thewinebuff.com Email: joe@thewinebuff.com

Why not try our Port at Christmas Van Zeller is a mighty name within the annals of Port Wine history: its ancient ancestral roots penetrate deep into a preNapoleonic landscape and run parallel with the evolution of the modern Douro valley.

Cristiano’s family established their Port Company officially in 1780 and it traded non-stop until the 1930’s. The business was sold in the middle of the 19th century and in 1932 was bought back by Cristano’s greatgrandfather, Luís Vasconcelos Porto, owner of Quinta do Noval, for his grandsons (his only

daughter and his grandmother Rita were married to his grandfather, Christiano van Zeller). With the Company, various brands came to Noval, such as Van Zellers, VZ and others. The company and brands merged with Quinta do Noval and were used in some countries as Noval stock.

In the 1980’s, when Cristiano was at the head of Noval, he decided it was very important to revive the company as an independent entity, with its own Quinta and Port stocks. This was done in 1987/88 in partnership with his great-uncles and cousins owners of Quinta de

Roriz.

With the sale of Quinta do Noval to AXA, in 1993, Van Zellers & Cº was kept under the new owners umbrella until his cousins João and Pedro, owners of Quinta de Roriz, took it back under the family name. The new owners of Noval, AXA, stopped producing and selling under the brands of Van Zeller’s & Cº. Eventually his cousins, decided to concentrate on one single brand, their quinta’s name, Quinta de Roriz.

The company and its brands were in the hands of his cousin João van Zeller, sole owner of Quinta de Roriz. At that stage, Van Zellers’ & Cº had no stocks and no commercial activity.

In Christmas 2006 Cristiano received a phone call from his cousin João offering him the company and all its brands (dating from the 19th century), as a Christmas present. This courteous gesture left him with the great responsibility to continue the old family name and company in the wine business.

Port and Food Port is traditionally consumed as an accompaniment to cheeses, with desserts or as a digestif. It is, however, much more

versatile. Consider it as any other wine when matching with food.

A Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV) or a 10-year Tawny with ‘gamey’ dishes, such as venison, buffalo, pheasant, and partridge.

Chill down a 20-Year Old Tawny Porto with foie gras and are also good with any desserts containing nuts and dried fruits.

A heavenly match is LBV with chocolate and desserts based on strawberries, raspberries, cherries and currants.

The best and most classic combination is Vintage Port served with a good quality Stilton but also consider blue cheese or a Cheddar, Gloucester or aged crumbly Parmesan.

Walnuts, chestnuts, cashews, and hazelnuts all bring out the best in port. Port can also be a dessert on its own with a small bowl of nuts or as a digestif after dinner. It is not however a wine for fast drinking. It demands a leisurely pace, contemplative sips and the company of good friends.

Styles of Port White Lovely served in a tall glass with crushed ice, tonic water, a sprig of fresh mint and

a twist of lemon.

Ruby Simple, young and fruity best used in cocktails, mixers or for cooking.

Tawny Barrel/cask-aged ruby port. The aging causes the color to change from purple to tawny brown. Aged tawny Can be aged for 10, 20, 30 or 40 years.

Colheita Aged tawny from a single vintage.

LBV- Late Bottled Vintage From a single year, bottled four to six years after harvest. Designed to be in a vintage port style but consumed much earlier because of the late bottling process.

Single quinta Made from a single estate (quinta). Single quinta is made the same way as vintage port but comes from grapes originating from only one farm.

Crusted A blend of different years, bottled young and developing like a vintage port.

Vintage The best wine, made with the best grapes from a single harvest. Aged for only two years in wood before bottling, these wines develop slowly over a long period (20 to 60 years) and develop heavy sediments or "crusts" that should always be decanted.

John's Christmas Roast Goose with apricot and sausage meat stuffing and a honey & clove sauce With John Kelly of The Riverbank Restaurant, Dromahair Ingredients For the Goose: 4-5.5 kg of fresh goose 4 lemons 3 limes 1 teaspoon of 5 spice powder 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt

Selection of herbs; parsley, thyme and sage A little olive oil for browning 3 tablespoons of clear honey Recipe: 1. Check the inside of the goose for any giblets or pads of fat. using the tip of a sharp knife lightly score the legs and the

breasts in a criss/cross pattern.

This helps the fat to render down more quickly during roasting.

2. Grate the zest from the lemons and limes, mix with 2 teaspoons of fine sea salt, the 5 spice powder and pepper to taste. Season the inside of the goose with salt then rub the citrus mix into the skin and sprinkle some inside aswell.

3. Stuff the fruit and herbs inside the bird and set aside for 15 minutes.

4. Heat the oven to 240 degrees celsius/fan 220c/gas 9. Place bird in a roasting tin, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with thyme leaves. Roast for the calculated time (see below) turning the heat down after ten minutes to 190c/fan 170c/gas 5.

5. Cover the goose with foil if its starting to brown too much.

6. Every 30 minutes or so, baise the bird with pan juices and pour off the fat through a sieve into a large heat proof bowl.

This fat can be used for cooking your roast potatoes and adding extra flavour to vegetables.

7.

At end of cooking, leave to rest for 30 minutes covered with tin foil to allow the bird to relax and add moisture so its easier to serve.

bowl and season with salt and pepper.

Stuff the ingredients into the neck of the goose pushing under the skin and cook with the goose.

Tip for roasting times: after the initial ten minutes at the high temperature, cook for 20 minutes per kg for medium rare, 25 minutes per kg for medium and 30 minutes per kg for well done and then 30 minutes for resting afterwards.

Recipe for honey and clove sauce

Recipe for apricot and sausage meat stuffing Ingredients: 60 grams of dried apricots cropped 120 grams of bacon pieces chopped and fried 1 large onion chopped and fried 100 grams of breadcrumbs 250 grams of sausage meat 2 tpsp of chopped parsley 1 egg Recipe: Mix all ingredients together in a

Ingredients: 4 tbsp runny honey 2 tpsp dark soy sauce 2 tpsp balsamic vinegar 2 tbsp tomato ketchup 2 tsp whole cloves 225ml beef stock salt and black pepper Recipe: Place all ingredients, apart from the seasoning, into a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer vigorously for 5 minutes or until the mixture has thickened to a sauce consistency which will coat the back of the wooden spoon.

Season with salt and pepper to taste then pass the sauce through a sieve into a clean saucepan.

Reheat gently and use immediately or cool and store in the fridge in a plastic container.

Travel Health and Wellbeing

Health & Wellbeing Food Allergy & Intolerance Testing

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the diagnosis of food allergy and intolerance is growing fast. There are many types of ‘tests’ available and so much information is available, it is difficult to know what is reliable and scientifically sound. This article looks at various tests available for diagnosing food allergy and intolerance.

Conventional Allergy Testing These tests are evidenced based and performed by competent health professionals: Skin prick test A small amount of diluted allergen (suspected protein that person is allergic to) is placed on the skin and the skin is then pricked. If a small swollen lump or ‘weal’ appears, in conjunction with a detailed clinical history, an IgE mediated food allergy may be diagnosed. This test is only performed under medical supervision.

Blood tests A specific IgE test, formally known as RAST (Radio Allergo Sorbent Test), is carried out by measuring the amount of IgE

antibodies to a suspect food in the blood. The results are interpreted with a detailed clinical history to give a diagnosis of IgE mediated food allergy. This blood test can be organised by your GP or hospital clinician.

There are commercial companies who offer a similar blood test called MAST (Multi-Allergen Screening Test), however as there is no detailed clinical history available with this test, it’s difficult to give an accurate diagnosis.

Food challenges Very small amounts of the suspect food are given orally (in the mouth) and symptoms are observed. The food may be given openly or ‘blinded’ (when people are unaware they are being given

certain food). Again, this should only be performed under medical supervision where medical facilities and resuscitation equipment Food exclusion and reintroduction The suspected food or foods are excluded for a period of time and symptoms observed and recorded. If symptoms improve then the suspect food is reintroduced. If symptoms return then this would indicate that there is a problem with that particular food. This can be very time consuming and is best carried out under the supervision of a registered dietitian, especially if children are involved. It is important to ensure a well balanced nutritional intake

Alternative healthcare therapy

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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 Training courses also available for Bio energy therapy & Kinesiology in 2014 Page 30 Mature Living December 2013

io energy therapy is a hands off healing practice used to unblock specific energy blockages in the body, once these blockages are cleared & the body and mind start to function with less stress a huge response of healing can develop within the body. Kinesiology is a muscle based therapy often used to work with sports injuries as well as working on the deeper muscles of the body in a very light non intrusive manner.

Using these therapies as part of a balanced lifestyle can help maintain maximum vitality as well as keeping the immune system strong and balanced, these therapies are also very successful in dealing with adult problems such as sleep disorders/ Headaches/ Migraine / Vertigo/ Spinal problems / Back pain/ asthma / Dyslexia/ A.D.D/ Depression and a wide variety of ailments, as well as Children’s problems such as colic/ restlessness/ hyperactivity/ confidence issues/ concentration problems/ Dyslexia/ Dyspraxia/ Fatigue/ sleep disorders etc..

You do not need to have any illness too experience the benefits of these therapies, it is often recommended that people have the therapy to maintain the vitality they are experiencing,however it is proven to help physical, mental and emotional responses which may occur at any given time through our lives.

Travel Health and Wellbeing

during the test period and in the design of a diet where major food groups are excluded (e.g. dairy or wheat).

present there is no convincing evidence to support this test, and it’s not recommended as a diagnostic tool.

Alternative allergy tests There are also many commercially available tests that claim they can diagnose food hypersensitivity. These should be avoided as there is no scientific basis:

Kinesiology This is based on the idea that certain foods cause an energy imbalance in the body which is detected by testing the response of the muscle. The client holds the suspect food which is in a glass vial and the therapist tests the muscle response. The result can lead to many foods being eliminated from the diet however research studies show that this test is no better than chance.

IgG blood test This blood test looks at IgG antibodies present in the blood.

It’s claimed that an increase in IgG to a certain food indicates an intolerance to that food. At

Hair analysis A small lock of hair is sent off to a laboratory and the energy fields in the hair are scanned.

The results are compared to other established data to identify a food hypersensitivity.

Although this is used in testing for recreational drug use as well as lead and mercury poisoning, its use in allergy testing is unproven and has no scientific basis.

Leucocytotoxic or Cytotoxic test This is a blood test where the white blood cells are mixed with the suspect food and if

they swell this would indicate a problem with that food. There is no rational scientific basis for this test.

Pulse test The pulse is taken before eating the suspect food and then 15 minutes afterwards.

An increase of ten beats per minute would indicate food intolerance.

Research shows there is no connection between the increased pulse and food intolerance.

Electrodermal (Vega) test This test measures the

electromagnetic conductivity in the body.

An offending food will show a dip in the electromagnetic conductivity. Research studies show that this test is no better than chance.

These alternative allergy tests may suggest long lists of oods to be excluded from the diet unnecessarily. Excluding a major food group e.g. wheat or milk, or a combination of different foods, creates many practical difficulties. Without good nutritional advice, a restricted diet can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies leadin to malnutrition.

Sligo Park Health & Leisure Club It’s Never Too Late to get in Shape

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HATEVER your reasons for joining a Gym; we at the Sligo Park Health and Leisure Club are here to help you achieve your health and leisure goals.

Upon joining the Health and Leisure Club, our in-house fitness instructor will carry out a comprehensive one-toone fitness assessment, and tailor a programme to suit your individual needs and requirements.

The Sligo Park Health and Leisure Club is a central and convenient place to workout and meet friends. We offer the highest standard fitness centre with state of the art cardiovascular and resistance equipment.

Our Health and Leisure Facilities include:

• Sauna Jacuzzi • Steam Room / Plunge Pool • 16m indoor heated swimming pool • Fitness suite offering a variety of classes • Tennis Courts • Hi Tech Gym offering a range of equipment including: • Fixed Weights • Free Weights ranging from 2kg Dumbbells to 20kg Olympic Standard Weights • Aerobic & Cardiovascular Equipment including Treadmills, Cross Trainers, Rowing Machines and Much More Contact us on 071 9161053 for further details Or via Email leisure@leehotels.com www.sligopark.com

Page 31 Mature Living December 2013

Health

The Benefits of Reiki couch or sitting in a chair, therefore making it an easy treatment to receive.

Reiki helps the body to reach an inner state of harmony, physically, mentally and spiritually. As well as helping many physical ailments, it can also promote the changing of any negative mental habits, turning these into more positive and productive thought patterns. Once we begin to think more positively, our lives and our health become more positive too.

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eiki is a gentle, yet powerful form of healing and the benefits are felt on all levels. As a natural healing system, it can benefit everyone, from young babies to

adults and is a safe, noninvasive treatment. It can be used alongside other complementary therapies or conventional medicine. Reiki can be given on a treatment

Reiki and Stress Reduction Treatments with Reiki energy reduce stress within the body, thereby inducing a state of relaxation. The body can then be allowed to begin the healing process. While stress is not considered an illness, most people have experienced it.

When stress is being felt for a prolonged period of time, then the body can begin to be affected both physically and mentally, as it weakens the immune system. In todays world many people experience stress at a level that makes them ill and unable to work. In addition, to this many people

are now taking anti-depressants to allow them to cope with life.

However, Reiki can and does help with stress reduction, which has the added benefit of boosting the immune system.

Reiki encourages and supports positive personal choices, such as improving diet, taking more exercise, devoting time for rest or leisure activities, any may reduce the need for alcohol and tobacco.

Engendering greater inner harmony and balance, regular Reiki treatments promote a calmer response to life's challenges.

Reiki's gentle energy is easily adapted to most medical conditions and may be used safely by people of all ages, including the newborn, pregnant mothers, surgical patients, the frail and the elderly, in any situation.

Being complementary, Reiki works effectively alongside orthodox healthcare and natural remedies, expanding treatment options.

Reiki can enhance everyday living and regular sessions may help to promote development of a healthier, more resourceful state of being.

The physical, mental and spiritual practices of Yoga

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he term yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means yoke or union.

Traditionally, yoga is a method joining the individual self with the Divine, Universal Spirit, or Cosmic Consciousness. Physical and mental exercises are designed to help achieve this goal, also called selftranscendence or enlightenment. On the physical

level, yoga postures, called asanas, are designed to tone, strengthen, and align the body.

These postures are performed to make the spine supple and healthy and to promote blood flow to all the organs, glands, and tissues, keeping all the bodily systems healthy. On the mental level, yoga uses breathing techniques (pranayama) and meditation

Page 32 Mature Living December 2013

(dyana) to quiet, clarify, and discipline the mind. However, experts are quick to point out that yoga is not a religion, but a way of living with health and peace of mind as its aims.

Yoga has been used to alleviate problems associated with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, migraine headaches, asthma, shallow breathing, backaches,

constipation, diabetes, menopause, multiple sclerosis, varicose veins, carpal tunnel syndrome and many chronic illnesses. It also has been studied and approved for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress.

Yoga can also provide the same benefits as any welldesigned exercise program, increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress, and improving those conditions brought about by sedentary lifestyles. Yoga has the added advantage of being a low-impact activity that uses only gravity as resistance, which makes it an excellent physical therapy routine; certain yoga postures can be safely used to strengthen and balance all parts of the body. Modern psychological studies have shown that even slight facial expressions can cause changes in the involuntary nervous system; yoga utilizes the mind/body connection. That is, yoga practice contains the central ideas that physical posture and alignment can influence a person's mood and self-esteem, and also that the mind can be used to shape and heal the body. Yoga practitioners claim that the strengthening of mind/body awareness can bring eventual improvements in all facets of a person's life.

Hypnotherapy

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chieving altered states of consciousness can be dated back thousands of years to early cultures where chanting and dancing were used as healing rituals. Healing through the hypnotic state can even be traced back as far as the Druids who referred to the altered state as "magic sleep". However, it was not until the mid 19th Century that the current methods of capturing a patients' total concentration through eye contact and verbal suggestion were established. Even then several schools of thought were developed and when Freud decided not to use hypnosis in his field of psychoanalysis it was many years before hypnosis as a tool for healing was again taken seriously. In 1955 the British Medical Association finally approved hypnosis as a valuable technique in the world of healing.

Hypnotherapy uses the power of the mind to help heal physical as well as emotional problems. It helps the patient discover the underlying emotional and psychological causes to their ailments. It differs from hypnosis in that there is more interaction between the patient and the therapist in hypnotherapy, allowing the patient to discover more about the emotional background to his or her current problems. Hypnosis is more suggestive than therapeutic.

There is no doubt that our minds and bodies work together, when one is under stress, the other suffers. We have all experienced it - blushing when embarrassed, going pale with shock, having sweaty palms when nervous. These are just small instances of the way in which our minds can affect our bodies.

Medical literature is now full of studies confirming that many diseases are psycho-somatic (caused in the mind) or stressrelated. Some doctors have estimated that as much as 75% of modern disorders are actually induced through stress.

Fortunately, the power of the mind has also been shown to be a primary factor in healing many diseases, even cancer. It is therefore important in any physical or emotional health problem not to overlook hypnotherapy on the road back to health.

Health and Wellbeing

It’s Never too Late to Get in Shape 3 Monthly Leisure and Fitness Membership from Only €127 per person / €216 per Couple (Including Selected Fitness Classes) Personalised induction and program for each new member.

Sligo Park Health & Leisure Club, Pearse Rd, Sligo Tel: (071) 9161053 • leisure@leehotels.com • www.sligopark.com

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

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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. Please see ad on page 39 for full details of Clinic Venues

Page 34 Mature Living December 2013

Noreen Maloney,

Indian Head Massage Carrowgeeha, Milltown, Mayo/Galway Border Phone: 087 940 1632 • Email: noreen11@live.ie Indian Head Massage helps to increase the oxygen supply to the brain and that provides clarity of thought and concentration and in the relief of psychological strain, helps to relax muscle and nerve fibres, massage relieves tension, pain and tiredness.

Indian Head Massage helps to relax the sympathetic nervous system, slows down the heart rate, and reduces stress Noreen Maloney is an Indian Head Massage Therapist serving the Mayo area, her deep interest in energy work began in 2000 and she is a qualified practitioner in Indian Head Massage from the Marguerite Brady School of Reflexology & Natural Medicine. Noreen treats clients that have a wide range of ailments and conditions and is also a qualified Tera-Mai Reiki therapist.

I can only recommend Noreen and her work to each and everyone. Its a great way of releasing everyday stress's in a nice atmosphere by a wonderful therapist. Wishing you every success Noreen." Marian, Mayo

Health and Wellbeing

Western Salt Therapy Spas S EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL HEALING POWERS OF SALT

Do you suffer from:

Asthma, Chronic Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Bronchiectasis, Coughs, Wheezing, Smokers Cough, Mucosal Oedema, Colds & Influenza, Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, Eczema, Allergies, Psoriasis, Hay Fever....

Diamonds Car Park, Teeling Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 096−73587 / 085−8501081

alt Therapy is 100% drug free treatment and is a scientifically proven treatment for respiratory and skin conditions. Each session in our rooms is similar to that of salt caves and We have 2 treatment rooms one for adults and one for children.

The salt we use in the spa comes from the dead sea . We treat children from 6 mths and all sessions are tailored to there needs. We also offer private sessions for clients with skin conditions.

We open Mon - Sat 10-6 / Contact us on 096 73587 or 085 8501081 WHAT DOES DRY SALT INHALATION DO IN THE AIRWAYS? Dry submicron particles are transported into the airways by means of airflow that is caused by inhalation, reaching from the sinuses in the upper airways to the bronchioli and alveoli in the lower airways.

When inhaled, salt particles travel through the throat and main tract down into the bronchi, bronchioli and alveoli as well as upper airways (si-

nuses). As soon as the dry submicron particles are deposited onto the lining inside the airways, What can dry salt therapy do for your airways???

The tiny microscopic salt particles you inhale can reach the smallest part of your airways and help to: Loosen phlegm and clear mucus Reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways Strengthen the local immune system Improve lung function Cleanse the respiratory system Speed up the elimination of toxins The dry particles absorb a maximum amount of humidity. which can improve the expectoration of mucus significantly.. The dry particles can act as an active agent to decrease infection inside the airways. The salt particles could also act as an agent to stimulate the epithelium inside the airways to improve the transport of sputum out of the airways (mucociliary clearance).

Aura’s Aqua Aerobics – Give it a Splash!

A qua Aerobics classes, held at the Aura Leitrim Lesiure Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon have, for a host of reasons, proven to be one of the best exercise activities for senior citizens. The team at Aura highlight the benefits to seniors and they’re not just physical!

Okay, let’s look at the physics first. Aqua Aerobics is a low-impact exercise meaning that the buoyancy of the water protects the body, allowing for a more fluid and relaxed aerobic session. This also means that a greater range of motion is possible where it may not be with land based exercises.

Aqua Aerobics also expends more energy than many land based exercises due to the resistance of the water, although speeds are reduced.

Classes are also proven to improve balance and coordination in this supportive environment. Participants are afforded the comfort and safety of water which also removes the fear of falling.

Many of Aura’s regular Aqua Aerobics attendees will tell you that although this

method gives support and reassurance, it also noticeably boosts cardiovascular health. This is achieved through an energetic routine with uplifting music and instruction from the team at Aura.

Now that we’ve covered some of the physical benefits of Aqua Aerobics, it’s important to highlight the psychological benefits that often go unattributed – the social benefits! There is a tremendous social scene down at Aura, where Aqua men and women often share a coffee and chat well in to lunch time. It’s a warm and welcoming atmosphere and provides a social routine for seniors in the area. The benefits of this go without saying.

If you or yours consider themselves young at heart or fancy joining a group of like minded seniors, why not give Aqua Aerobics a splash. Classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11am and 8pm. Just call the friendly staff at Aura Leitrim on 071 9671771 or visit www.auraleisure.ie for more information.

Health

Therapeutic Benefits of Massage for the Elderly

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assage for the elderly has various physical and mental benefits, which results in the improvement of health and general well-being.

The techniques used for senior citizens differ greatly from those used with younger individuals so massage therapists strive to understand those differences in order to better treat their patients.

With regular massage, the

quality of life is greatly increased, allowing the older patients to feel younger, healthier, and balanced.

Massage for the elderly involves gentle stroking, kneading, and the application of light pressure on specific points. Studies show that massage facilitates communication and relaxation, and is therefore an effective therapy in the treatment of

Alzheimer’s patients. The manipulation of specific points on the body has also been shown to promote the natural lubrication of joints, greatly assisting in the pain management of patients suffering from the stiffness of arthritis.

Therapists administering massage for senior citizens are also trained to incorporate stretching in the massage session. The specific stretching technique involves the application of just enough pressure on the joints, soft tissue, and muscles to make the massage safe for an older individual while still retaining its efficacy. Patients greatly benefit from massage by gaining an increased range of motion, strengthening of muscles while reducing tension, and a higher quality night’s sleep. Those who undergo regular massage have reported sleeping deeper and for longer, which allows the body time to regenerate and repair itself, resulting in an overall state of

greater well-being. Massage also improves posture and reduces tension that accumulates in the muscles over many years. This not only assists seniors in obtaining higher quality rest but also helps them avoid and manage painful age-related conditions, such as degenerative disc disorder and spinal stenosis.

Studies have shown that the effects of aging take place faster in people lacking mental stimulation and who engage in little physical activity. Further studies have shown a link between a reduction in physical activity to an increase in depression, which leads to many age-related diseases and conditions. Due to the connection between the physical and mental, any treatment for the aged should aid in improving the balance between the two. By manipulating the body and stimulating the mind, massage provides the perfect balance needed for an individual’s health to thrive.

Your natural health and well being, MADE SIMPLE!

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e are all made up of energy, it is our life force, and we have hundreds of energy points in our bodies, the main energy centres are called the chakras,

There are seven major chakras in our bodies and these energy centres (chakras) can get blocked causing us to be out of balance. Im going to discuss these chakras and the ways in

which we can balance them in these monthly features. I will be outlining the steps we can take to firstly understand our energy centres, which brings about heightened awareness , and then the actions we can take to help get them and keep them balanced. Using crystals is one of the ways we can balance our energy. Crystals are very powerful healing tools which can aid in our natural well being. I will be discussing crystals, their attributes and uses each month.

THE CROWN CHAKRA Our life force, energy, comes in through the top of our heads and goes right down through every cell of our body to our feet and out our toes. The crown chakra, also known as the 7th chakra, is located about an inch above the top of our head. Its colour is violet and it is literally our connection to God, The universe, whatever your belief system is, this is where we 'connect' with all there is. When this energy point is balanced we feel connected and when its out of balance we quite simply feel disconnected!

The main thing that knocks this energy point out is when we over think! Thinking about things that happened in the past, or that have not yet

Page 36 Mature Living December 2013

happened in the future, neither we can do any thing about as we are only ever in the present moment. So this over thinking, or worrying, can cause our crown chakra to become unbalanced. When our crown chakra is out of sync it is often hard to sleep and it can be very hard to get anything finished.

The crystal that can help Balance the crown Chakra is called Amethyst. It is violet in colour (same colour as the crown chakra). Placing an Amethyst crystal tumble stone under your pillow can help you sleep. Having it close to you helps bring about a feeling of Peace. Holding it in your hand and meditating also helps to balance the crown chakra.

Marleen Duffy Reiki Master Healer and Teacher, www.angelworld.ie

Achieve better Wellbeing, more Joy, Happiness and Inner Peace with Nicole Lordan at Body Mind Therapy

W

ould you like to feel more energised and alive again? Look no further!

Nicole Lordan - founder of Body Mind Therapy Galway - is a hugely experienced (over 15 years in the complementary therapy business), supportive and successful therapist. She offers powerful and very healing Wellbeing Programmes, many Transformational Workshops and a wide range of Complementary Therapies such as Massage, Reflexology, The Dorn Method (a safe and very effective Manual Therapy to align the spine and joints), Cupping, Metamorphic Technique.

Nicole is specialised in offering solutions and interventions for back- and joint pain. Her powerful and personalised Wellbeing Programmes are unique and very popular as they focus on the body and the mind and also promote the development of inner skills like relaxation, visualisation, affirmations and positive thinking. Working with the body / mind connection reveals the emotional, mental and spiritual elements of physical dis-eases.

Nicole’s supportive and very unique approach has helped many people to move beyond limitations in order to heal and to achieve better wellbeing, joy and happiness.

If you want to live life to its fullest, contact Nicole today to make an appointment (086 793 0196). Quote ‘Mature Living’ and get 10% off your first treatment or wellbeing programme.

Testimonial: “Nicole is an extremely professional, knowledgeable, kind and very approachable therapist. Her centre in Tuam is a serene, inviting and very relaxing place.

As a woman in my sixties it is the first time that someone actually listened to me and addressed my problems. My health, wellbeing and confidence have improved dramatically with Nicole’s help and support. Thank you, Nicole.”

Mary K., Tuam Nicole Lordan Physical Therapist, Vice-President Irish Massage Therapist Association (IMTA) Wellness Trainer, Wellbeing Coach, Workshop Facilitator, Teacher Body Mind Therapy, Shop Street, Tuam, Co Galway Phone: 086 793 0196 Email: nicole@bodymindtherapygalway.com

Health and Wellbeing

Gulladoo Village 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"

D

o you wonder if you or a loved one has a problem with drink, gambling or other dependencies?

Are you confused, angry, worried about what might happen,

wishing you knew where to go for help? At the Gulladoo Village they cover every aspect of addiction such as codependency, anger management, motivational interviewing,

resentments, relapse prevention and the twelve step programme.

One to one counselling if offered and group therapy sessions which incorporates all aspects of the programme,

enabling the client to live a life free from addiction. Residential stay is for thirty days.

Situated in Cornafest, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim, Gulladoo Addiction Treatment Centre caters for Alcohol, Gambling and other dependencies. Located in a peaceful, tranquil environment ideal for the purpose it serves, the Centre offers exceptional facilities and expert counselling in a completely confidential setting. The staff at the Treatment Centre are dedicated to providing a quality recovery programme specialising in the Minnesota Model (12 Step Programme), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Egan’s Model. The residential Treatment Centre will offer a variety of approaches to individuals gripped by the obsession of alcohol, gambling and other dependencies.

Addiction Treatment Centre "Our mission is to provide a dedicated centre of excellence delivering a quality client centred approach with compassion and dignity while respecting the values and beliefs of all our clients" Who can come to the Centre?

Anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's alcohol, gambling or substance use. A doctor's referral is not necessary.

is not immediately available, you can leave your contact details and they will return your call. Our Counsellors have extensive experience of dealing with difficult and sensitive issues.

What does treatment envolve?

We run a 4-week residential programme. Addiction is a life threatening condition which can be effectively treated through timely intervention. We know that although recovery is a difficult and complex process change is achievable with the help of highly trained professional staff and with feedback from other recovering addicts, and those concerned about recovery.

Can I visit someone admitted for treatment in the Centre?

Yes. Vistiting is permitted for family members by arrangement on Saturdays and Sundays from 2.00p.m. to 4.30pm.

A member of my family doesn't think that he/she has a problem! What can I do?

Call us and ask to speak to one of our Counsellors. If one

Gulladoo Treatment Centre is situated on a hillock overlooking the beautiful and tranquil lake of Gulladoo. An area renowned for its spectacular scenery and charm,it is also an exceptional location where one is overwhelmed by its tranquility and serenity.

There are five houses in the Treatment Centre, all containing excellent living facilities, dining room, kitchen, living room and en-suite bathrooms. Each house has a spectacular view of the lake and grounds of the Centre. There are private rooms for group therapy and confidential counselling sessions.

The private Castlette entrance leads to an imposing lower courtyard which rambles along the lakeshore to a floating jetty, where the many passageways and meandering walkways give this centreit’s soothing and inspirational appeal.

The following testimonial from an ex-client should give you a clearer picture of the work done at Gulladoo Village “I came in the gates of Gulladoo on the 5th of Feb at 3 o clock and I didn’t know what was in store for me. We began this extraordinary program. To me it was like something I have never heard of. Knew what some words meant alright, but as the program moved on it made a lot of sense to me. Confronting my addiction, hearing about it and my behaviour, getting to know about the person I was before my addiction took me over. Coming to Gulladoo treatment centre was a great experience for me. It opened up a lot of areas of my life that were closed down. Very nice scenery around too and the accommodation is just perfect. The program is working wonders for myself, so the best of luck to all that visit Gulladoo.

May everything go very well for you like it did for me. So enjoy your stay and leave all the emotional baggage here. Take care, my regards.”

- Ex-client J.

Martin Quinn MIAAAC Accredited Professionally Qualified Counsellor • Available for Private Consultations Gulladoo Centre, Cornafest, Co. Leitrim, Ireland Telephone: 049-4339605 Mobile: 086-8638842 Email: info@gulladoocentre.com Page 38 Mature Living December 2013

Alternative Therapies

Health Benefits of Kinesiology T

he fight/flight (or stress) response is a feedback loop between the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary in the brain and the adrenals. This is called the HPA axis. When stress is perceived the adrenals are quickly prompted to release hormones including adrenaline and cortisol to enable the body to quickly respond to the stress.

Digestion and immune function are immediately reduced so the body can take action. That’s why digestive problems and regular illness are common in highly stressed people. The fight/flight response is essential if you are in immediate danger. However in today’s fast paced society, many of us activate this response constantly – even if we’re not in real danger. Work pressures, traffic, deadlines, money problems, relationship stress, the list is endless … and the fight/flight response is not designed to work continuously. The hypothalamus, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body becomes fatigued and stops functioning efficiently. You literally become ‘out of balance’. Stress is sometimes called the ‘silent killer’.

You can continue to live in a stressed state quite well for some time with few health issues. Living on adrenaline becomes normal. The inevitable exhaustion is addressed with short term fixes such as more coffee, sugar hits or a glass of wine. If stress continues finally everything can seem to fall apart at once.

Stress can have many negative side effects like: • Anxiety or panic attacks • Mood swings • Insomnia • Problems with concentration and focus • Digestion issues • Constant colds or illnesses, or difficulty recovering from illness • Inability to relax or enjoy life even when nothing is ‘wrong’ • Memory problems Kinesiology helps your body to restore balance by defusing the stress in your system. It can also help you become more aware of the underlying factors that are causing your stress. Regular Kinesiology sessions are an excellent way to ensure you manage your stress levels and enjoy optimum health.

The Kinesiology Clinic • Annette Reilly • Telephone: 085 785 8770 • www.neki.ie Kinesiology Clinics in Longford, Swinford and Ballina.

7th SON FAITH HEALER AIDAN WRYNNE Mohill, Co Leitrim

www.faithhealer.ie

is now attending ROSCOMMON TOWN & BALLAGHADERREEN / SLIGO & BUNDORAN Aidan is also available at his home every Monday and Thursday at Mohill, County Leitrim Clinic times & venues available at www.faithhealer.ie or contact Aidan at 087 2423405 for an appointment

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 ALL CONSULTATIONS ARE IN PRIVATE

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

Alternative Therapies

We offer a range of holistic therapies to suit the individual needs of each client.(Aromatherapy Massage,Angel Therapy, Angel Card Readings,Bach Flower Remedies,Crystal Healing Therapy, IET Therapy, Reiki and much more.

We have created an oasis you can come to that will nurture all senses and provide a supportive environment for the rejuvenation of mind body and spirit.A dedicated space away from all distraction. We hope that Sanctuary is somewhere where people know is going to leave them feeling brand new, relaxed and ready to face the world with a smile and a positive attitude.We are constantly updating our therapies so we can offer a wide range of healing therapies to suit each client,we just want to make you feel amazing!!!

Finding light and energy through growth

Sanctuary Holistic Centre, Fairgreen, Westport, Co. Mayo Lisa Shackleton 087-9978383 • Maureen Cusack 087-4186092

Alternative Therapies

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Dietary Therapy, Prepared Herbal Medicine (VHI Healthcare, Laya Healthcare, AVIVA Approved)

CAROLINE MOORE LIC.TCM Cert. Prep CHM, MPRTCM

Main Street, Fairgreen, Drumsna, Co. Leitrim cm.acupuncture@gmail.com www.chinesemedicine.ie

Tel: 086-055-0342

Bio Resonance Testing At

Sligo Wellness Centre

The following list is an example of some complaints that are commonly treated using our Bio Resonance System

• Arthritis • Gut Problems • Bowel Problems • Indigestion • Headaches • Kidney Problems • Sluggish & feeling tired all the time • Recurring colds and infections • Eczema • Migraines • Insomnia • Heart disease • Asthma • Hypothyroid

Bio Resonance is a health scan that identifies areas that are out of balance in the body and that need treating.

Treatment is provided using natural remedies and dietary advice – all tailored to individual needs.

If you can’t attend our clinic we can test using a small hair sample.

Contact us on 071 9153828 to find out more about this service. Providers: Grainne Gilmartin and Jay Kelly

I facilitate for you through my therapeutic way and process. A unique and profound blending of all my spiritual gifts; of empath, channel, psychic medium and spiritual healer. A transformational and deep experience of energy psychology.

My way and process is profound, simple, compassionate and non-judgmental. Working on all levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

You will be guided, encouraged and supported in a safe way at all times.

I facilitate for you and with you to enable and allow you the time and space to be brought to awareness and to come to accept and acknowledge the aspects of your-

self that are in need of healing.

Truly to work through my blended process is a unique and healing experience. It is a long term solution. You will never look back at your life as lived to this point in the same way again. You will have reclaimed your true inner strength. You will feel empowered and confident in a calmer way. You will know and understand the emotionality of your psychology and become clear.

I will also guide you by providing self-healing tools that you can utilise daily that will assist you on your journey from this point forward. For true, real and lasting healing is a process.

My therapeutic sessions are conducted via skype or phone.

To make an appointment or for a brief informal discussion with myself directly. You can reach me on 00353 87 8093783 or email cathysscript@gmail.com or visit my website http://www.cathysscript.com

The Kinesiology Clinic Hip Pain (Testimony) I was suffering with pain in my right hip for almost four years and in the last two years it got even more painful. I attended a Physiotherapist for several sessions but I was just not progressing at all. I had hip x-rays four January’s in a row but all they showed up was mild osteoarthritis. Mild was inconsistent with the severe pain I was experiencing.

Last year I ended up having a hip replacement but found I was still getting very bad pain and soreness in the hip area. I thought once I had the operation that everything would be alright again and that the initial pain would be gone but unfortunately that was not the case. I found I wasn’t progressing with any milestones even a few months after surgery.

I attended Annette for a few sessions of Kinesiology a few months later and have had huge improvement since. I still get soreness the odd time but nothing in comparison to the pain I had been experiencing. I can now do all the normal things like standing, walking or going out to the shops and my hip joint feels perfect.

Anne Corkery, Ardagh, Co. Longford

The Kinesiology Clinic • Annette Reilly • Telephone: 085 785 8770 • www.neki.ie Kinesiology Clinics in Longford, Swinford and Ballina.

Alternative Therapies

I

facilitate for you through my therapeutic way and process. A unique and profound blending of all my spiritual gifts; of empath, channel, psychic medium and spiritual healer. A transformational and deep experience of energy psychology.

My way and process is profound, simple, compassionate and non-judgmental.

Working on all levels; physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

You will be guided, encouraged and supported in a safe way at all times.

I facilitate for you and with you to enable and allow you the time and space to be brought to awareness and to come to accept and acknowledge the aspects of yourself that are in need of healing.

Truly to work through my blended process is a unique and healing experience.

It is a long term solution. You will never look back at your life as lived to this point in the same way again. You will have reclaimed your true inner strength.

You will feel empowered and confident in a calmer way. You will know and understand the emotionality of your psychology and become clear.

I will also guide you by providing self-healing tools that you can utilise daily that will assist you on your journey from this point forward. For true, real and lasting healing is a process.

My therapeutic sessions are conducted via skype or phone.

Seventh Sense Teoranta - Holistic Therapy Centre -

Reiki & Seichim

Massage & Crystal Healing

Reflexology

Healing

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

Health & Healing Combined Therapies for best Results Nora Keane Reg. Nurse A.F.P.A

Acupuncture • Kinesiology • Allergy & Bioresonance Testing • FCT Testing

Kinesiology and food allergy testing €60 Acupuncture and Acugraph €60 Filed Control Therapy (FCT) €120 including test and all remedies.

Special discounts on courses of treatments. Complementary food allergy test and kinesiology with course of Acupuncture treatments.

Boleybeg West, Barna, Co. Galway For appointments, bookings or queries, Please phone 071-916-4465 Dromahair, Co. Leitrim Open: Tue-Fri 10am - 9pm / Saturday 11am - 6pm All treatments by appointment with Eileen Crowley

Tel: 086 8549493 E-mail: healthandhealing12@gmail.com www.galwayhealthandhealing.com Acupuncture treatments are covered by the main Health Insurers. V.H.I. Laya Health care, Aviva, H.S.F. Hospital Saturday fund will give 50% back for each treatment.

Golden Escapes

Knock House Hotel Christmas is nearly here

D

o something different this Christmas and join us here at Knock House Hotel! Arrive to the warmest of welcomes, feel the festive atmosphere and relax.

During your break with us we cater to your every need , and it’s a lovely opportunity to make friends and mix with like- minded people during this joyous time of year.

Our Christmas breaks run from Monday 23rd December to Saturday 28th December and you can choose to stay for 2, 3, 4 or 5 day packages which includes: your accommodation, lovely festive food, fun, games, entertainment, present, a shopping day trip and much more.

Early booking is essential call Karen on 094 9388088 to request our Christmas brochure or to make a booking.

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

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.

Angelscope for December

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

Angel of New opportunity This angel is an extremely auspicious sign. Good things are happening, you may not be able to see it yet but you will soon! This is a great card if you've Been looking to change jobs or seek a promotion. It also may signal the end of a dry spell i.e. your luck changing for the better. Things are certainly looking up for you! It also cautions you to raise your expectations, you deserve the best so expect it!

Lucky Day:10th Dec Lucky color: Green

Leo

Trust your intuition This is the card of intuition, to trust your gut feeling. You may be feeling an urge to go to a certain place or call a certain person...do it! I don't believe in coincidences only synchronicities! You may also have alarm bells ringing over trusting a certain person, listen....as this is your inner truth, it will not lead you astray.

Energy never changes, people do...so if you feelings are going against gut...listen to your gut!

Lucky Day:Dec 25th Lucky color: Purple

Sagi#arious

Angel of Body Movement This Angel is Go!Go ! Go! Christmas is a time for rushing about. Getting last minute presents etc. This card cautions you not to burn yourself out! We put ourselves out gladly for those we love but sometimes the martyr in us can take it to extremes! Pace yourself! All will be done in perfect timing, delegate, ask for help!

This card also cautions you if you've been feeling sluggish or apathetic to get out & about! As we can fall into a rut without being aware, call a friend go for coffee , look at the Christmas lights, it's time to restore wonder in your soul! Lucky Day:23rd Dec Lucky color: white

Taur!s Taur!s

Breaking free One of my favorite cards. She is under obligation to no one. She is free to choose & create her own destiny. This card enters your life if you have been feeling a bit world weary. If the bills keep flowing in and you feel as if you're in an endless cycle.

Firstly, give thanks for the ability to be able to pay your bills, this card also mean breaking a cycle of debt. This card means its time to stand on your own two feet, take responsibility for your life. You are the captain of your own ship, take the helm and charter your course! Lucky Day:21st Dec Lucky color: Blue

Virgo

Family harmony This Angel of Harmony is a gorgeous card to get just in time for Christmas .

You can in invoke her strength for harmonious relations around Christmas , it also means a resolution around a family situation , if battle lines have been drawn, step away. This will resolve itself in time. It also urges you to lift the phone or contact a family member for an overdue catch up. As with family , you may be out of sight but your never out of mind!

Lucky Day:Dec 17th Lucky color: Silver

Capricor$

Raising your Standards This card advises you that you deserve the very best. Have you been settling? Do you feel you're being treated as 2nd best?

Are you being overlooked for a Job or promotion? We judge people by our own standards, and can feel let Down when someone acts in a way not keeping with our own integrity.

If you want something, it's up to you to go and get it! You show the world how to treat you! So how's about you lead by example and treat yourself in the best possible way , others will follow your example Lucky Day:28th Dec Lucky color: pink Lucky color: Silver

Gemini

Angel of self reliance This Angel appears to be giving herself a pat on the back. This Angel reminds you to take pleasure in the small things, little accomplishments that might go unnoticed by others but for you are milestones on your path to self-worth.

Saying No! Making a deadline, paying a bill on time! All these little things are what make life flow easier for you so well done!

Alternatively, this also cautions you if you e been letting the little things run away with themselves! That little bill may turn into a nasty surprise if it comes in on the double! So pay attention to the little things , sort your own affairs out first, rely on yourself and you won't be let down !

Lucky Day:18th Dec / Lucky color: Brown

Libra

Angel of Laughter The joy in this card literally leaps from the page at you!

She reminds you not to take yourself so seriously and surround yourself with people who lift your energy and raise your spirits. Laughter is a tonic for the soul and can make you feel ten times better! So call a friend , watch a funny movie etc.

If others have been draining you , remember if someone doesn't add to your life subtract them!

Lucky Day:Dec 24th Lucky color: Gold

Aquarius

Romantic partner If you're single, romance is on the way so pucker up under the mistletoe as you've caught the attentions of someone around .

This could be an office romance or a connection to a colleagues friend. It shall happen when you least expect it, so get your Christmas sparkle on & get ready to shine! For those that are in relationships , don't forget the mistletoe as romance is so important in a settled relationship . Make time for each other and have your own secret Santa!

Lucky Day:22nd Dec Lucky color: Black

Cancer

Angel of Awakening This is my card of legal & financial affairs. It warrants caution in your business dealings. It urges you to read the small print, look for any catches or loop holes etc A need to re-write , re-draft or reapply may be in order.

This is a card of delays so you may feel a house sale is taking forever or a bank is dragging its heels on a loan approval.....you get the picture! Deep breathe, realize you may have to Amend a few things, in some cases go back to the drawing board but know this, this angel is here for YOUR protection! So take heed & proceed with caution!

Lucky Day:22nd Dec Lucky color: Red

Scor"io

Angel of quiet time We all need a wee but of calm & quietness every now & again. Some time away to allow our peace of mind to return away from the maddening fray .

Get out for a walk. Listen to a meditation cd. Put the do not disturb sign up!

A long soak in a hot bath can be enough to warm the cockles of your heart! TLC is needed toward yourself, so take so e time out just for you , loved ones will reap the benefit afterward as you will be calmer, more settled and ready to face whatever life throws at you! Lucky Day:Dec 27th Lucky color: amber

Pisces

Angel of Music Rocking around the Christmas tree! Put your favorite music on and lift your spirits ! The Angel of music will lift your heart with the soothing strains of your favorite artist or group . It can change your mood instantly! Try it! See his you feel after listening to your favorite song.

Music is one of our greatest gifts , never take it for granted S it's a source of comfort & inspiration to those who seek it!

So turn the radio up & celebrate!

Lucky Day:30th Dec Lucky color: bright pink

I would like to wish you all a very happy & magical Christmas. May all your dreams come true!

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

Services Directory

Irish Shamrock Trees

Whitethorn & Beech Hedging Trees and more

• Aeos & REPS Specialists • All trees and tree plants • Refridgerated trees • Trees from €2.00 • All year round planting • Best Value Trees in Ireland.

We pride ourselves on our truly friendly and efficient service.

Tel: 087-2743914 24 HR www.irishshamrocktrees.com

North West Counselling SLIGO OIL SERVICES Counselling for people with addictions

eg. Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling

• Relapse Programme • One-to-one Counselling • Referral system for private clients to White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre • Addiction and General counselling available • Supervisor available for counsellors Afternoon, evening and weekend appointments available

TERRYS STOVES SLIGO Buying a Stove???

Talk to Terry first • Free Survey Available • Solid Fuel Stoves • Gas Fires

PHONE: 087-2066910 / 071-9197925

www.terrysstoves.com terrysstoves@gmail.com

ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE "Our mission is to provide a dedicated centre of excellence delivering a quality client centred approach with compassion and dignity while respecting the values and beliefs of all our clients" Who can come to the Centre?

Anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's alcohol, gambling or substance use. A doctor's referral is not necessary.

What does treatment envolve?

We offer a 4 week programme. Addiction is a life threatening condition which can be effectively treated through timely intervention. We know that although recovery is a difficult and complex process - change is achievable with the help of highly trained professional staff and with feedback from other recovering addicts, and those concerned about recovery.

Gulladoo Centre, Cornafest, Co. Leitrim

Tel: 049-4339605 Mob: 086-8638842 Email: info@gulladoocentre.com

Did you know that your boiler could be costing you extra money?

Counsellors are professionally trained and are fully accredited or working towards accreditation.

Did you know that even having 3mm deposit of soot on the inside of your boiler will increase oil (ref: OFTEC) costs by over 8%

For appointments ring: 087-2879707, or 074-9723822 Email: taborhouse2004@eircom.net Tabor House, Drimark, Donegal Town

Sligo Oil Services Professional OFTEC Boiler Service Can Save You Money

Helping people to recover

STONE WARNING!!! GIBLIN ...everlasting Upto 80% of Heat Generated by an Open Fire and almost 20% of Heat from your Central Hea!ng System escapes up an open Chimney!

Prevent this wastage!

085-1459-300

Choosing a memorial for a loved one is a very personal thing.

Quality • Experience • Service

GRANITE COUNTERS & FIREPLACES IN MARBLE, GRANITE ALSO AVAILABLE, CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS

We will optomise your Boiler for Maximum efficiency with reduced fuel costs, Carry out a full Carbon Monoxide audit to ensure Family Safety is a priority.

A New Oil Nozzle fitted and we supply you with a Full detailed printout (from the latest Anton Flue Gas Analysis equipment)

Having Difficulties paying your Bills?

Problematic Issues explored

TOTALLY CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE AVAILABLE!

Providing experienced help, writing letters and making phone calls on your behalf.

Providing support and enabling you to make positive change. No nonsense approach. Informed legal advice and your specific position explained. Excellent track record of successfully helping towards realistic solutions.

Situation dependent Modest Fee.

Contact 087 2058768 or 098 50872.

Church Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo Phone: James 087 9061833 • Brian 086 1957788

www.giblinstone.com

CHIMNEY REPAIRS IRELAND

• 20 year guarantee • 25 years experience • Relining and rebuilding • Smoke and soot problems solved • Free estimates • Free assistance with insurance claims

Tel : Office 1800 283067 / 087-7997671

www.chimneyrepairs.ie

The Biggest & Best Value Fireplace Showrooms in Ireland

Save €€€s by calling to us • Fireplaces • Stoves • Gas • Oil • Solid Fuel • Electric • Granite Worktop Specialists

Sligo Road, Enniskillen.

Phone: 048 66 326 327

Feature Article Services Directory

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

Flat Roofs

Fixed For Good

Addic!on Treatment Centre TX Upholstery Services, based in Carrick on Shannon, and Donegal ‘covers’ anything.

Domes!c, Industrial and commercial – you name it, we will cover it

FOR A FREE ROOF SURVEY WITHOUT OBLIGATION CALL 087-2698198 Low Cost No Joints Seamless No cracking No reflec!ve paint required Resists algae & moss Works on all old weathered roofs Permanently flexible over extreme temperatures Professionally applied Proven life of 30 years Fully Insured No Hot Works World’s No.1 Flat Roof Solution Now in Ireland Beirne Coa!ngs Ltd, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

Our service include: • Suites of furniture • Repairs • Replacement of foam in cushions • Boost sea!ng • Headboards • Beanbags • Boats Don’t delay; call 0749736719, mobile 086-4106433 for Sligo Donegal area’s…and 071-9622700, mobile 086-8361070 for Carrick on Shannon

MAKERS, SUPPLIERS & FITTERS • Water Analysis • Water Filtration • Water Softening • Well Drilling • Pump Supplied and Fitted • Rain Water Collection & Purification • Sewage Treatment Systems

MACE MIDDLE, CLAREMORRIS. www.mcganns.com

A full listing of products and rates are available on request

IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

• Angles • Beading • Centre Pieces • Corbels • Corner Pieces • Cornices • Dado Rails • Niches • Plaques

Email: waterteck@eircom.net Website: www.waterteck.com Phone: 086-8072249 071-9658976

TELEPHONE: 094-9388208 MOBILE: 087-2503184

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”

Pay €500 Less for Cavity & Attic Insulation Pay up to €3850 less for External Insulation Just pay for the cost of the insulation job less the SEAI grant amount! www.superiorinsulations.ie

Superior Insulations, Charlestown, Co. Mayo

Lo Call: 1890 253 221

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

The Ideal Christmas Gift

For details of your local stockist Phone Noel: 087-9896948

Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

Matt McGowan

Tel: 071-91 46858 Mobile: 087-206 9031

Maintenance, Landscaping, Hedge Trimming, Decorating Also: Leylandii trees topped and trimmed, Gutter Cleaning, Power Washing & Removal of all Green Waste (Grass, Hedging, Trees etc) Specs. for Planning Permission for trees & landscaping Roof Cleaning, Supplier of Trees and Hedges, Decorative Pea Gravel, also supplied Hedges and Trees WEST OF IRELAND MAN 75 Living alone, 5’5” would like to hear fom lasy without ties.

Replies to Box number 1026 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 with a box number 1023 at the usual address.

SHY SLIGO LADY lakes cinema, concerts and DVDS, Music etc. Would like to hear from a Gent 60+ with similar interests for a friendship maybe leading to a

Brighten up your home • Heat Resistant Tempered glass • Hygenic & Easy to clean • Painted Colour of your choice • Easily fitted over existing tiles Novemb e Special r Splashb : a ck Prices reduced b y 2 0%

"pride in our work"

Far Finisklin Road, Sligo

Tel: 071-91 61924

sales@sligoglass.com • www.sligoglass.com

relationship Replies with a box number 998 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 with a blank stamped envelope to Box number 1012 at the usual address.

GENTLEMAN WIDOWER 54 yrs. Landscape gardener W.L.T.M. female professional, not married. In the northwest for friendship and craic. 6ft 1', blue eyes, hair salt & pepper. Looking for lady 40 -47yrs. Longtime

FREE DATING* CLASSIFIED

Glass Splashback Centre

relationship. Replies with a blank stamped envelope to Box number 975 at the usual address.

SLIGO MAN WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM LADIES age 50 years onwards, my age is 55 years, friendship and romance.

Replies with a box number 1011 at the usual address.

YOUNG AT HEART LADY in mid - 60’s. w.l.t.m. genuine gentleman foor friendship. well travelled, enjoys dancing, gent of similar age. Replies with a blank stamped envelope to Box number 965 at the usual address.

GENTLEMAN, 50’S Many hobbies, gardening, cooking, walking, wildlife, swimming, would like to meet a kind, genuine, female for companionship and romance. Replies with a blank stamped envelope to Box number 1022 at the usual address.

To Reply to Any Box number, simply place your letter in a Blank, Stamped Envelope and then send this into us at: Dating Section, Mature Living Magazine, Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co.Sligo.

WRITE YOUR ADVERT HERE:

NO. OF ISSUES TO APPEAR IN (MAX 2) : SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: THE FOLLOWING DETAILS ARE FOR OFFICE USE ONLY AND WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED. These details MUST be completed for all adverts NAME:

(MAX 30 WORDS) - *Phone numbers will not be included in these adverts.

ADDRESS: Post the completed form to Mature Living Magazine, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo

TELEPHONE NUMBER: EMAIL:

STRICTLY PRIVATE ADVERTISERS ONLY - BUSINESSES CAN CALL 071-9154538 AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR FRIENDLY SALES REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT OUR EXCELLENT RATES. Please tick if you do not wish to avail of offers and information we may offer from time to time

Page 47 Mature Living December 2013

The perfect low-impact exercise class