Mature Living October 2013

PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE Oct 2013

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE OLDER, BOLDER INDIVIDUAL

Focus on Galway: Feature Inside!

Gluten -Free Living

Heart health destinations

Help your fearful dog at Halloween

Years of service to family and country

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Contents

www.matureliving.ie

October 2013

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FTER a spectacular Summer and Autumn a brrr is finally coming into the weather, though, in the west, particularly, we are still enjoying some beautiful sunshine. Seniors are currently smarting after further hits in this week’s budget and we are anticipating critical comments from groups representing older people before the Finance Bill comes up for debate.

One senior who has retired from politics but may have something to say about these issues is our One-on-One interviewee for the October issue, former TD and Minister, Mary O’Rourke. The Athlone-based former Deputy Leader of Fianna Fail spoke candidly to Mature Living last week about her political and personal life, in particular the importance of her family. She possesses a keen intellect and only last week wrote an open letter to Seanad Leader Maurice Cummins with 9 areas where reform could be implemented immediately. The article makes for compulsive reading, as does her book, “Just Mary – A Memoir”, published last year by Gill & McMillan.

Ironically, Mary shares the view of our writer, Mary Conaboy, that Ireland is a good place to grow old in. Apparently, we rank 12th among the 91 countries which are compared for the Age Watch Index.

When we go on holidays we seldom think, perhaps, what destinations are best for our health, particularly when it comes to food. In this issue we include a guide to the best and worst holiday destinations for your heart health. On a more sinister note we also provide information on the 10 worst cities for pickpockets with some good advice to avoid being pick-pocketed added in.

As Hallowe’en approaches those of us with pets will be wary of the fireworks and other frightening gadgets that make life a misery for our furry friends. For dogs, in particular, this can be a traumatic time, so we are happy to give some timely hints on how to help protect your pet and reduce some of the anxiety which is related to fireworks fears.

We offer some dating advice for mature people and remind those with dependants of the importance of making a will. Also, we ask grandparents to consider if their love for grandkids might sometimes be overdone, particularly if it results in making the kids fatter.

There are many other features in this issue . . . and it’s now countdown time to our Mature Living Expo in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar, on Friday, 22nd and Saturday, 23rd November, 2013. Make sure you book your place.

Our next issue is scheduled for early in November and deadline for copy is 4th November, 2013.

Seamus Casey - Editor

LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNER Dolorus Lynch of Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim who won a 3 night stay in the fantastic Mill Times Hotel, Westport

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

Front cover photograph courtesy of James Flynn, APX Photography, Tullamore.

Email: jpix@eircom.net

News Grandparents could be making kids fat One-on-One with Mary O’Rourke Choices when you’re facing the extraction of your remaining teeth Mature Dating: changing the way you think about what you want Competition Are you putting off the process of making a will?

Home Heating Services The Bands of our Showband era The best and worst holiday destinations for your heart health Food and Drink How to help your fearful dog over Halloween Some of The Worst Inventions of our time...

What is Coeliac disease?

Preparing your home for Christmas Angelscopes Motoring News Hotels Guide Spot the Ball Services Directory

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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

Protect yourself against pneumo

At the launch of a campaign to highlight the importance of pneumococcal vaccinations were, from left, RTÉ broadcaster Ronan Collins; Sharon Cosgrove, Asthma Society of Ireland; Eamon Timmins, Age Action; and Cait Donnelly, Diabetes Ireland. copy

I

t may be difficult to pronounce but smooth-talking broadcaster Ronan Collins is urging the public to become more familiar with pneumococcal disease and the potentially fatal risks posed by this health threat.

The RTÉ presenter has joined forces with four advocacy bodies to highlight the fact that the disease causes approximately 200 deaths due to pneumococcal pneumonia each year – even though a preventative vaccine is available from doctors.

Collins, who is lending his voice to a series of radio advertisements on the disease, launched the ‘Seven Reasons You Should Know Pneumo – The Real Faces of Pneumo’ campaign in partnership with Age Action, the Irish Patients’ Association, Diabetes Ireland, the Asthma Society of Ireland and Sanofi Pasteur MSD. Collins was also joined in a photoshoot to publicise the campaign by a collection of people representing those

at risk of contracting the disease. The DJ – who has diabetes himself – is warning at-risk groups about the importance of the vaccination.

He said that the wide diversity of groups supporting the awareness initiative underscored the serious risks posed by the disease, which causes a range of serious illnesses including serious pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning. ‘This disease causes hundreds of deaths, particularly amongst an extensive range of at-risk groups including everyone aged 65 years and older, people with diabetes and those who have a wide range of other medical conditions.

‘The good news is that a vaccine exists but the bad news is that there is low awareness of the disease and the need to receive protection from it. For example, only one in seven at-risk people over 65 have received their pneumococcal vaccine, which really is unacceptable in light of the illness and death the disease causes,’ the radio

host aded. Dr Andrew Murphy, professor of general practice, NUI Galway, and GP at the Turloughmore Medical Centre, Galway, said that pneumococcal disease vaccination should not be confused with the traditional flu vaccine, although it can be given at the same time to those at risk from both diseases.

He explained: ‘All those over 65 should be offered the vaccination, as should those whose health is compromised by other medical challenges such as diabetes, chronic heart, lung or liver disease. Smokers can also protect themselves from serious illness by asking their GP about the pneumococcal vaccination.’

The Seven Reasons You Should Know Pneumo campaign aims to highlight that: 1. pneumococcal disease will be present in Ireland this winter and is likely to cause 200 deaths due to pneumonia annually.

2. Six out of seven Irish people over 65 have not received the pneumococcal vaccination.

3. This leaves approximately 400,000 Irish people over 65 at risk from the pneumococcal bug.

4. Pneumococcal disease spreads by contact, coughing and sneezing.

5. Pneumococcal disease causes serious illness including pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia.

6. Pneumococcal vaccines exist which are recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.

7. For those at-risk individuals over two years of age the pneumococcal vaccination is generally a one-off injection available from GPs and is free of charge to people in certain at-risk groups.

Eamon Timmins, head of advocacy and communications for Age Action said: ‘People over the age of 65 are more vulnerable to many types of illness and pneumococcal disease is one of them and this is why we are encouraging them to avail of this potentially lifesaving vaccine.’

2-day Montessori-based Dementia Programming Workshop with Dr Cameron Camp Learn how to implement his innovative method and enable people with dementia in your care centre to enjoy meaningful daily lives.11th & 12th November, 2013, Dublin Dr Cameron Camp is returning to Ireland to deliver his Montessoribased Dementia Programming® (MBDP) training, in response to overwhelming demand from last years conferance.

What is Montessori-based Dementia Programming (MBDP)?

An evidence-based method for engaging people with dementia in meaningful activity throughout the day. Developed by Dr Cameron Camp and his staff over two decades, with proven benefits, it is based on the well known and respected Montessori approach.

Why attend?

MBDP is at the heart of a personcentred, non-pharmacological approach to dementia care.

At this workshop you will learn how to:implement this innovative method adapt it to meet the needs of your residents and workplace train others to implement MBDP Dr Cameron Camp is Director of Research at the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, Ohio, US, Dr Camp is an Internationally known psychologist, research scientist and educator.

He has developed a range of evidence-based cognitive and behavioural interventions, and delivers training workshops and seminars throughout the US, Australia and Europe.

Page 4 Mature Living October 2013

Who will be interested in this event?

Activity Co-ordinators, Nurses, Director of Nursing, Directors of Services, Care Assistants, Allied Health Professional and others who work with people with dementia.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Certificate of Attendance provided. Application for Category 1 An Bord Altrainais Approval pending.

The seminar is on Mon 11th & Tues 12th November, 2013 (Lunch & refreshments provided both days) Venue: The Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Co Dublin.

For further details, www.sonasapc.ie/conferences/confe rence.html

Sligo Park Hotel to host 2 Charity Fitness Days in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Reasearch THE Sligo Park Leisure Club is hosting 2 Charity Fitness Days in aid of Breakthrough Cancer Research and in conjunction with Flight for the Girls.ie Each day will offer both Members and Non Members the chance to try out all of the Fitness Classes in the newly refurbished Fitness Room and the opportunity to use all of the hotels new Fitness Equipment.

On Wednesday 23rd October the Sligo Park will be offering Body Blast Circuit Classes, Body Conditioning Classes, Spinning Classes and all Non Members will have the opportunity to try all the Gym and Pool Facilities.

On Thursday 24th October they will be offering Spinning Classes and Power Pump Classes.

All classes will be offered as a reduced rate and 100% of the processes will be donated to Breakthrough Cancer Research.

For more details you can contact the hotel on 0719190400 or visit www.sligopark.com

3rd Annual Cycle Thanks

SINCERE thanks to everybody who participated, volunteered and encouraged us in our very successful MS Cycle on Saturday, October 12th. We had 200 cyclists take part in what was a very enjoyable day and night. The third annual MS Cycle went from Carrick-on-Shannon to Longford and back Especially well done to the easy riders.

A sincere thank you to Mick McGuinness at Longford RFC, Billy Beahan and the motor cyclists, Roy Davis of Supervalu, Longford, Trailblazers Carrick on Shannon, Seamus Kiernan and the civil defence and the wonderful efforts of the Gardai. Many thanks is extended to Eamonn Considine and his family for organising this annual event.

So far the cycle has raised €21,000, with more to come. Thank you so much.

Check out their facebook page for further details

Ireland's Biggest Coffee Morning 2013 Northwest Hospice are thankful to everyone who got involved in this year's Coffee Morning We greatly appreciate the tremendous support of our community.

We would also like to thank Bewley's, the generous national sponsor of Ireland's Biggest Coffee Morning.

Thanks to Bewley's generosity, we were able to provide coffee free of charge to our coffee organisers. Note to coffee organisers: Funds raised through coffee mornings can be brought directly to North West Hospice, The Mall, Sligo in person or lodged to: North West Hospice Bank Account Bank of Ireland, Stephen St, Sligo Account No: 76980439 Sort Code: 90-54-40 Note: If lodging directly to the bank, please contact North West Hospice with the lodgement reference number, date and amount lodged. This enables us to track the lodgement and issue a receipt.

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News

Grandparents could be making kids fat

?

Grandparents who babysit their grandkids could be making them fat, according to new research.

T

oddlers who are frequently looked after by their grandparents are a fifth more likely to be overweight or obese than kids looked after by parents or neighbours.

Experts say grandparents tend to be less energetic and more likely to give the little ones treats and cakes.

The extra pounds could also be down to natural instinct, with grandparents looking back to a time when it was important for them to boost children’s survival chances by giving them more food. Researchers from Finland spent two years studying 9,000 families in the

UK with at least one child between nine months and three years old.

The study - published in the journal Evolutionary Psychology - compared the children’s weights, childcare arrangements and family backgrounds.

They found that children who were mainly looked after by their grandparents were 22 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese than those who stayed with their parents or were babysat by friends or neighbours.

Dr Antti Tanskanen, from the University of Helsinki, said: “Results show that children who were cared for

mainly by their grandmothers between the ages of nine months and three years were more likely overweight at age three than children who were cared for by their parents.

“A significant way that grandmothers may have increased their grandchildren’s survival rates in premodern and traditional populations was to improve grandchildren’s nutritional status.’ “The grandmaternal support that improved children’s nutrition status may have significantly decreased child mortality.

“However, grandmaternal support in modern societies may detrimentally affect children because it may increase the likelihood of a child becoming overweight.’

Dr Aric Sigman, a psychologist and lecturer in health and education, said grandparents may also be less savvy about the nutritional content of food, and because their children often began a family later in life, grandparents now tended to be older and frailer compared to previous generations.

‘Their nutritional understanding is from a different era so their simple understanding of what makes children fat is not as developed as later generations,” he said.

“People who are older have less energy and are less mobile so they simply can’t be as active with their grandchildren as previous grandparents.”

The latest figures show that a third of children are overweight or obese when they leave primary school aged 11.

€1Million Boost for Ageing Research

T

he Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland has launched a programme to promote ageing research over the next three years. It will fund five top quality researchers to create the next generation of leaders in research on older people and ageing issues.

The CARDI Fellows will be post-doctoral researchers who will study a topic related to healthy ageing and take part in training and development activities to build up their independence and leadership.

“This is a very new and innovative move for CARDI. Up to now we have awarded grants for research projects and helped make research relevant to policy and practice,” said CARDI Co-Chair, Professor Davis Coakley. “Now we will select and nurture some of the most promising scholars to help them become future leaders in ageing research.

“This will help us to ensure that Ireland, north and south, can respond well to the challenges of a rapidly ageing population and ensure that the needs of older people are met in coming decades,” said Professor Coakley.

The CARDI Leadership Programme in Ageing Research is funded by the Health and Social Care Research and Development Division Northern Ireland and The Atlantic Philanthropies.

Ireland’s volunteer of the year awards 2013 The Volunteer Ireland Awards are the major annual initiative to celebrate volunteering in Ireland. The Awards invite entries from both the North and South of Ireland. These Awards celebrate and recognise the thousands of remarkable people across the Island of Ireland who selflessly give their time and talent to benefit others and their communities. Launching the awards which are supported by Panadol & Volunteer Ireland Awards 2013, RTE Presenter Keelin Shanley called on people in Sligo to go to www.volunteer.ie and nominate ordinary people who do extraordinary things in their communities. This is a great opportunity for the Voluntary & Community Sector of Sligo to shine a light on the Sligo’s remarkable volunteers.

Members of the public can nominate their choice at www.volunteer.ie Whether it is helping a local sports club, raising funds for a charity or helping a local community group, we want to celebrate the selfless volunteers who regularly give their time to help to make Ireland a better place. You can nominate a volunteer you know and share their inspiring story.

Nominations can be received up to October 25.

Category winners and an overall winner will be announced at a special Awards ceremony on December 5th. There are ten different awards categories including Sports, Arts, Youth, Environment, Community, Disability, Education, Social Work, Awareness Also, as part of this year's Volunteer Ireland Awards campaign, one of the shortlisted 30 nominees will receive the Charity Hero Award, a lifetime achievement award honouring a volunteer who has - over the course of their life - made an extraordinary contribution to a good cause. The Charity Hero Award is a unique collaboration between the Volunteer Ireland Awards and the Better Together Campaign. The Charity Hero Award will be presented at the Better Together Awards ceremony in Dublin on December 12th. So go on line today and nominate your choice at www.volunteer.ie For further Information contact: Ronan Cavanagh, Cavanagh Communications: (086) 317 9731.

Sligo Volunteer Centre links volunteers who are interested in volunteering to organisations and community groups who are looking for volunteers.

There are lots of volunteering roles to choose from; please contact: Sligo Volunteer Centre 1 Gaol Road Sligo. Tel: 071-911-1042 or register your volunteer role/ register to volunteer on: www.volunteersligo.ie Follow us on facebook: www.facebook.com/sligovolunteercentre Twitter: @VolunteerSligo

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egacy giving is vital in order to secure the future of Dogs Trust. Dogs Trust saves the lives of over 1,000 puppies/adult dogs from destruction in the pounds each year. Our life saving work is only made possible thanks to the support and generosity of the general public. Leaving a % in a will can really go along way in helping continue our work.

We are highlighting the importance of this vital fundraising stream during Best Will in the World Week in October.

The size of the legacy can be any value – no donation is too small.

One legacy Dogs Trust received in 2013 will be helping build a memorial

garden on the grounds of Dogs Trust.

The garden will be located in a peaceful area, with trees and shrubs and a comfortable bench where people can come and tie a ribbon to the tree and have some quiet time remembering a pet that has passed away. What a lovely idea and thoughtful legacy for this person to request and leave behind – so others can enjoy a place too.

The bench will have an inscription in her name.

Any one else who leaves any value to Dogs Trust will have their name added to the bench also. A small tribute to acknowledge their thoughtfulness and generosity.

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Mature Living Exhibition

Helping you plan for tomorrow while enjoying today Mature Living Magazine is pleased to announce that the Mature Living Ultimate Lifestyle Show will be held on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd of November at The Brreaffy House Hotel in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

H

aving fun, sharing time with people you enjoy, surrounding yourself with things you like, are just some of the fundamentals of the exhibition. As a visitor to the Mature Living Exhibition, it will encompass all of these highlights and feature many more.

Visitors will be treated to a full array of

Register online before 20th November to receive free entry

shopping opportunities, interactive exhibits, main stage entertainment, informative presentations and a fun inexpensive day out with family and friends. This show promotes the richness of celebrating life as a mature person and is a combination of Lifestyle Shows, Health & Wellness Expos, Seniors Fairs and more...all under one roof! There will be exhibitors of

all kinds on the days offering the mature generation the perfect chance to discover all the latest products and services targeted directly to their age group.

This years show will also have a Mature Living Bake off between various active retirement groups and also non members. Each person will be given 8 key ingredients needed to bake an irish soda bread and a certain amount of time will be allowed to prepare and bake live in front of an audience. Each person is also allowed two secret ingredients of their own to make their cake unique. Places are limited so early booking is a must.

Telephone Seamus on 0852498067 Such a large event is of course sure to attract a host of exhibitors with more than 70 display stands and various seminars. See a wide variety of fun, exciting, interesting and informative displays, representing all facets of today's 50 Plus lifestyles. For the first time in history, you, the Baby Boomer and Senior are changing the definition of retirement.

Each show differs from the others from year to year, but they all have some things in common plenty of opportunities to take part in activities (for example dancing, yoga, t'ai chi, bowls, pilates etc); shows and demonstrations including live cookery, ballroom dancing, makeovers and beauty tips and the spectacular fashion shows; seminars (including financial

Who Should Attend: • • • • • • •

Baby Boomers Seniors Empty Nesters Children of Senior Parents Retirees or Semi-Retirees Caregivers Grandchildren who want to spend a quality day with their grandparent(s) • Those interested in a fun day out

information, tales of real-life adventure, relationship advice and our popular 'gardening question time'; and lots of exhibitors from travel companies, holidays and hotel getaways, health care providers, financial advice, energy-saving companies, insurance companies etc. As you can probably tell, every show is a fun-filled day out.

The Mature Living Ultimate Lifestyle Show gives Boomers & Seniors the opportunity to get their questions answered, to connect with companies, demonstrate and experience new products and services, come faceto-face with exhibitors who will inform, seminars that will educate and entertainment that will be fun and exciting.

Register online before November 20th to receive free entry Visit www.maturelivingexpo.ie for the latest details

Mature Living Ultimate Lifestyle Show Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd of November at The Brreaffy House Hotel in Castlebar, Co Mayo.

Find out more at www.maturelivingexpo.ie Page 8 Mature Living October 2013

Measuring Ireland as a place to grow old

By Patricia Conboy

H

ow does Ireland compare with other countries as a place in which to grow old? According to the new Global Age Watch Index, Ireland measures up quite well.

We rank 12th among the 91 countries which are compared for the Age Watch Index. Sweden achieves 1st place, the UK ranks 13th and Afghanistan is in last place. The findings in the Age Watch Index are based on an analysis of information about four dimensions of wellbeing for people aged 60 years and over. These are: income, health, education and employment, and supportive environments.

The index provides a report card for each country, including Ireland and these cards show some of the highs and lows of growing old in different countries.

On the income measures, Ireland scores well due to access to a State Pension system which provides a necessary protection against poverty in old age. In terms of access to pensions, Sweden and Afghanistan are at opposite ends of the spectrum with access for all older people to a State Pension in Sweden whereas there is no State Pension in Afghanistan.

On the health measures, Ireland again performs well in terms of both life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. At the age of 60, people in both Ireland and Sweden have a life expectancy of 24 years. In terms of years of healthy life expectancy, Swedes can look forward to 18.2 healthy years and, for Irish people, the expectation is of 17.6 healthy years.

In comparison, the figures from Afghanistan are grim. Life expectancy for Afghans at 60 is 16 years and their healthy life expectancy at 60 is 9.3 years.

All over the world, people are living longer. The challenge for policy-makers now is to narrow the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. Health in old age benefits both individuals and societies which then have to spend less on health and social care budgets.

As an international measure, the Age Watch Index has some shortcomings. Two in particular are evident when we look at how “Supportive and Enabling Environments” for ageing are measured. Ireland is rated very highly for its supportive environment. This rating is based on four indicators, all reporting the views of people aged 50 and over.

The first indicator is of social connections and reports that 97% of Irish people have relatives or friends they can count on when in trouble. Family and community bonds remain strong in Ireland and this is certainly something to be proud of and to protect for the future.

The second indicator is of safety with 73% of people reporting that they feel safe walking alone in the city or area where they live. The third indicator is of civic freedom with 95 % of people satisfied with the freedom of choice in their lives. The fourth indicator is of access to public transport with 74% of people reporting satisfaction with their local public transport systems.

However, the fact that the indicators merge findings for everyone over 50 years obscures the fact that, as people age, they have very different needs and experiences. People in their 50s, 60s and 70s live in very different circumstances.

Typically, older people in the 80 plus age group are more prone to loneliness as their peers die; feel less safe if they are living alone; and are restricted by lack of access to public transport in rural areas. On that basis, the findings of the Index on Ireland as a supportive environment for ageing need to be read with caution.

Another shortcoming of the Index as a measurement of supportive environment is that it does not provide information about older people’s access to health and social care services. In fairness to the Index, this is due to a lack of comparable information for 91 countries. However, since the rationing of health care is now emerging as a critical issue in Ireland, the profile of our environment for ageing is incomplete in the absence of findings on access to health and social care. Nonetheless, the development of the Age Watch Index is a progressive step in planning for population ageing.

If you would like to read more about the Global Age Watch Index 2013, visit : http://www.helpage.org/global-agewatch/

Gerry Walsh speaks with Mary O’Rourke Photograph courtesy of James Flynn, APX Photography, Tullamore Email: jpix@eircom.net

Years of service to family and country Page 10 Mature Living October 2013

M

ARY O’ROURKE may be retired from full-time politics but candidly admits she will retain a strong interest in politics until she dies. She is a member of her local Cumann in Athlone and our meeting in her welcoming home in Arcadia, Athlone, last week, was interrupted on a number of occasions by telephone calls from people seeking her views on Seanad Reform and other pressing issues.

T

he interview was timely in many respects as it provided her with an opportunity to express her delight with the outcome of the Seanad Referendum and she had just outlined her nine suggestions for an immediate improvement to the workings of the Second House to Seanad Leader Maurice Cummins in an open letter in the Irish Independent on Wednesday.

Mary’s enthusiasm for life and people is infectious, which has probably made her the consummate politician that she is. She possesses a wonderful positivity and sense of humour, qualities which have, undoubtedly, sustained her through political successes and failures, and some tragic losses in her personal life. In between sips of tea and delicious carrot cake she spoke freely and willingly about her career and family life, stopping sometimes mid-sentence to say “sure it’s all in my book anyway”. She was referring, of course to “Just Mary” –A Memoir, published last October by Gill & McMillan (available also in paperback for €10.99).

The No 1 Bestselling Memoir was winner of The John Murray Listeners’ Choice Award at the BGE Irish Book Awards 2012.

Most people who have read her

book have praised its content, particularly her fair and balanced approach to political issues, her experiences in a male-dominated world and the problems associated with balancing a political and family life.

Though Mary lives alone at present she is certainly not lonely. When I asked her about her greatest achievement in life the answer was swift and definite – it was raising her family. She has two sons – Feargal, who lives in Dublin with his wife and two children, and Aengus, a local town councillor, who lives in Athlone with his wife and four children.

Her principal hobby at present is her six grandchildren. Her beloved husband, Enda, who died in 2001, had been her eyes and ears in domestic issues while she was immersed in political life.

Mary (Lenihan) was born in Athlone in 1937, and following her early education at St. Peter’s, Athlone and Loreta Bray Convent (Wicklow), she attended University College, Dublin and St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. She began her early career as a teacher in St. Joseph’s College, Summerhill, where she taught English and History to Leaving Cert. She loved teaching, but politics was

RTE personality, Mary Kennedy and Mary O'Rourke before recording a Nationwide programme on the Athlone author and former politician.

Photos courtesey of David Flynn, Athlone (davidflynnireland@gmail.com) in her blood. Her father, Patrick Lenihan, while not in the Dail,

President Mary McAleese, with Mary at the launch of the book,'Just Mary'

was Mr. Fianna Fail in Athlone.

He was first elected to the Dail from the Longford/Westmeath Constituency, but was moved to Roscommon after the death of Gerry Boland.

Mary had two brothers – Brian and Paddy (both deceased) and a sister, Ann, who lives in Dublin.

Serving on Athlone UDC between 1974 and 1987, and on Westmeath County Council between 1979 and 1987, Mary was elected to Seanad Eireann in 1981 on the Cultural and Educational Panel. She stood unsuccessfully for the Dail at the February 1982 general election, but was subsequently re-elected to the Seanad. She was first elected to the Dail for Fianna Fail after the November 1982 General Election (when Fine Gael and Labour were in power). She was first elected for the Longford-Westmeath constituency and later in 1992 for the new Westmeath constituency.

In her distinguished career, Mary O’Rourke served as Minister for Education (1987 91), Minister for Health (1991-92) and Minister for Public Enterprise (1997-2002).

She was also appointed to the position of Deputy Leader of Fianna Fail in 1994 by Bertie Ahern after he became Leader.

In 1987, Mary, with her brother, Brian, held the distinction of being the first brother and sister in Irish history to serve in the same cabinet. In 2002 she came out at the wrong end of Fianna Fail’s vote management strategy when she lost her seat, though some would contend that her performance dip was partly due to her championing the privatisation of Telecom Eireann which proved such a financial disaster for so many small investors.

She was nominated for the Senate, however, and became Leader of the Second House, before returning to the Dail in 2007 with her highest ever vote.

Her active political career ended with her defeat in the General Election of 2011.

While Mary O’Rourke says she enjoyed her various Ministerial roles, particularly her period as Minister for Education she still concedes that her greatest achievement in politics was being granted the privilege of representing so many people who had placed their trust in her for 29 years. Speaking about her brother, Brian, she was saddened by some of the events during the 1990 presidential election. Yet, she was proud that he had achieved the highest No. 1 vote; Mary Robinson was eventually elected through the PR system.

Page 11 Mature Living October 2013

Mary speaking at the launch of a TV campaign for Ruhama, of which she is patron, an organisation which supports women affected by prostitution She also praised her nephew, Brian, who had done tremendous work, which was recognised by voters who re-elected him despite the backlash against the party. He worked tirelessly to the end, though he knew what was coming down the tracks.

On the fall-out from the Celtic Tiger era Mary admits that major mistakes were made. There was a lack of regulation everywhere.

There was nobody to regulate the Central Bank. There was too much emphasis on construction and the taxes coming from that sector – letting it all rip for the building industry.

She had been critical of Brian Cowan and felt he should have resigned after the infamous “congested” interview in the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway, in late 2010. However, she regarded

Brian as a very sincere and honest man, who didn’t want to play the “media game” but had suffered because of this. In spite of all the promises made by current leaders to “clean up” politics after the events of recent decades Mary points to recent polls which indicate that people still don’t have faith in politicians.

Economically, she feels we are making headway slowly. This will continue if the government adheres to Brian Lenihan’s fouryear plan. She is saddened that so many young people have had to emigrate. Many of these will not return and she fears that older people will not be able to appreciate their grandchildren.

Some relaxation on austerity is imminent, but it wlll be there for a few years until the government can take in enough money to run

Mary and her two sons, Feargal and Cllr. Aengus O'Rourke

Page 12 Mature Living October 2013

the country.

In terms of the Coalition sticking to FF’s Plan Mary has, in recent years, been anxious to point out that there is more to unite her party and Fine Gael than to divide them – namely the approach to Northern Ireland, Europe and the current financial crisis. The days of Civil War politics are gone.

In August of this year, speaking at a gathering, she noted that her mother’s family were strongly republican with her grandmother providing a safe house in Drumcliff at the foot of the Benbulben Mountain. Her mother’s brother, Roger, was the boy soldier who brought down the bodies from the skirmish in which Michael McDowell’s uncle, Brian MacNeill, was shot. The bodies were laid out in the small dairy,

which was part of her grandmother’s house. Her grandmother had been left a widow in her late ‘20s with young children – her husband brought home to her mortally wounded in a local skirmish. They had different political leanings but when love struck all that went out the window. Her family have always been conscious of that mixed parental political background.

Mary’s father, Patrick, had been with Cumann na nGael and a Michael Collins follower in his early days. Later, Sean Lemass, then Minister for Industry and Commerce, sent her father as a young Civil Servant, to Athlone to start General Textiles Limited, a state initiative to run industry and raise employment, one of a few around the country. However, despite the admiration her father had for Lemass when he ran for the local Athlone Urban District Council in 1943 he ran as a Rate Payers’ Association candidate, which was then understood to have close connections with Fine Gael. He made it to head the poll on that occasion and Sean Lemass and Eamon de Valera must have swayed him to run for Fianna Fail afterwards. She deals with all these issues in her book.

Mary strongly believes that Ireland is a wonderful country to grow old in –particularly due to our climate, attachment to

family, our values and sense of community. At 76 she is thankful for her good health. Apart from some problems with her foot and the standard aches and pains from time to time, she feels great. Certainly, her mind, memory and ability to analyse issues is second to none.

Mary’s versatility has been revealed in recent times with regular appearances in the media in a non-political capacity. She has appeared on RTE’s Celebrity Bainisteoir, contributed to many radio programmes and has guest presented Tonight with Vincent Browne, who she regards as extremely capable and knowledgeable on a wide range of issues.

Her hobbies are, undoubtedly, politics and family. She likes to read, particularly biographies, both historical and political. Real life is much more interesting than fiction, she says.

Mary O’Rourke has few worries now. She has led a full life, doing what she loved – representing people at the highest level while providing her family with the love and security they needed. As the debate on Seanad Reform rumbles on and Ireland continues to climb out of economic recession in order to create a fairer and better society for all, her words of wisdom will be heard through many channels for years to come.

Mary’s autobiography, Just Mary, in shops priced at €10.99

OPEN 7 DAYS THURSDAY TILL 7PM, SUNDAY 2-6PM • www.ejsligo.com

Grattan St, Sligo • www.ejsligo.com • Tel: 071-91-70824

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

What are your choices when you’re facing the extraction of your remaining teeth?

Having the last of your teeth extracted can be a traumatic experience, and can result in feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness.

What are the advantages of a denture?

• It gives the impression of having teeth • It can aid eating certain foods • It’s easy to look after Considerations: • After tooth removal the bone that used to support the teeth shrinks away. This can be speeded up with the use of a denture which rests on them. And then the denture can become unstable and uncomfortable to wear.

• Food can collect underneath • It may affect speech and the ability to eat certain foods • It has less support and stability than a secured option.

What is a denture supported on dental implants?

Dental implants can be used to secure and provide additional stability for a full upper or lower denture. An implant is a small titanium screw which is placed into the jaw to replace a missing tooth root.

To secure a denture can require as little as 2 implants. These then clip or click onto attachments in the denture to give a highly aesthetic, long-term and functional result.

M

any people will be unprepared for the adaption they will need to make to adjust to how this will feel, even if they are already used to wearing some form of tooth replacement, such as a denture. For most, the adaption to the loss of the lower teeth is the most challenging, as this usually proves to be the biggest hurdle if a conventional denture is put in place.

In the past a denture was considered the only solution to this problem. People tended to accept that this was part of the aging process, and so any discomfort or unhappiness was, through necessity, to be stoically tolerated.

But our lives have changed dramatically since then. Now our later years can be some of the best of our lives. In our later years we do more, travel more, enjoy more, participate in

more hobbies, have more social engagements, and have a greater sense of the value of how we look and feel, than ever before.

Now when you face the removal of your last natural teeth, a variety of treatment options are available to restore your teeth in terms of both appearance and function.

What are the advantages of securing a denture on implants?

• An improved appearance • Increased functionality • Stability and reliability • An improved quality of life Considerations: • It can initially appear to cost a bit more than an ordinary denture, but it typically

works out more economical over the long term.

• You will need to remove the denture for daily cleaning of it and the implants, to keep them healthy, as you would with normal teeth.

What are Fixed teeth on dental implants?

Dental implants can be used to secure a fixed, full mouth bridge, which is a nonremovable solution, providing a highly stable and natural result. Between 4-6 implants are required to give a stable, long-term structure onto which the fixed bridge is secured. Again, this is a highly aesthetic, long-term and functional result.

What are the advantages of having fixed teeth on implants?

• A better quality of life • A natural and aesthetic appearance • Functionality is restored • A long-term solution • Stability and reliability.

Considerations: • It can initially appear to cost more, but, again, implants may offer a more economical solution in the long term.

• Good dental hygiene will be necessary to keep your dental implants healthy.

When you are facing the loss of your remaining teeth, or you have gone through this process already and are unhappy with your dental situation, looking into your options will open some doors. It is no longer necessary to put up with dental discomfort or embarrassment. The technology is available to make you confident, comfortable and smiling again.

The options are: 1. A conventional denture 2.A denture secured on dental implants 3.Fixed teeth on dental implants What is a conventional denture?

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. It is most often made of acrylic, and sometimes metal, and can be made to closely resemble natural gums and teeth.

‘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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Blueapple welcomes new patients.

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

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

Health and Lifestyle

Mature Dating means changing the way you think about what you want

F

or all the positive stories of long lost loves and happily married couples we print every month, we know that many are finding themselves back in the dating game for the first time in years.

While you would think your age would translate into mature dating experiences, many women (and men) find themselves reliving their teen years when it comes to the dating world.

Unreliability and confusion do not have to be a part of your dating-over-50 experience.

A lot of people who are dating in their 50s probably haven't dated since they were in their 20s-- they're paralyzed, they still have the old vision of themselves and the old vision of the boys they were dating,. We all mature -- most of us -- and this is the best time for anyone to date.

Though there are new realities to deal with if you're dating after 50 (illness, , sandwich generation concerns menopause or impotence), it shouldn't dampen your love life or make you settle for anyone less than who you deserve.

It's about undoing 35 years of thoughts, beliefs and truths that don't work anymore.

Relationship expert Lisa Palmer from a leading dating agency shared her six-step plan to help women start dating like a grownup. Tell us what you think of her advice -- and your own experiences dating after 50 -- in the comments below.

1. Fall in love with yourself.

If you find yourself dating again in your 50s, chances are a major life event -- whether it be divorce or losing your loved one - has given you quite the beating.

So before you rush out looking for love again, it's important to be ok with who you are, said Palmer. "It's about reacquainting yourself with who you are today and what value you hold in a partnership," she said. "A lot of people are still holding on to the old vision of themselves."

2. Getting past your list.

You know what Palmer is talking about. The internal list we all have that makes finding your perfect partner as hard as lassoing a unicorn. But holding on to that impossible list isn't fair to you or the men you date, Palmer said. Instead of focusing on things like appearance, the type of car he drives and "all the adjectives you've had since you were 24," she says, "really [figure] out the feelings you want to feel in a partnership and what that looks like in real life.

Women of maturity learn that there are so many different attributes of a man that count so much more."

past your limiting beliefs."

Palmer acknowledges that these beliefs can become as automatic as "blinking," but said it's a matter of first recognizing that those beliefs exist and working through why you feel that way.

"It's about being intellectual with your beliefs and realizing they aren't true," instead of being completely emotional, she said.

4. Casting the net.

"Make a plan of where and how you're going to meet the right men and how to get a date," Palmer advised. Whether it's

getting online (which is how Palmer met her husband), classes, or social meetups for post 50s, "get out of your house, because a lot of us do the same routine everyday at this point in our lives," she said. "We need to be proactive in going places where you're going to potentially meet eligible men."

Once you've reeled in a man of interest, there are a few things the mature woman dating over 50 needs to know.

"Men don't want to chase women," Palmer said, laughing.

"The whole Rules thing ... men in their 50s and 60s know what they want, they know how to get it, so they don't go for the hard to get stuff."

That doesn't mean you have to take the lead, Palmer said, but it does mean it's ok to show you're interested in the person. "Men love that," Palmer said. "They've been rejected since they were 14 years old at the dance. We think we have to deal with rejection, but they've had it 100 times worse. Compassion is the key to having an enjoyable time when you're dating. They're just like us and we're all people."

5. "Rendezvous to romance."

So you've fallen in love with yourself, created a more realistic and flexible list of the traits you'd like in a partner, broadened your social circle and got the date with a man you're attracted to... now what?

"On a first and second date you're not trying to figure out if you're going to marry him," Palmer said

with a chuckle. "You want to put your best foot forward and you want to show personality."

And putting your best foot forward means knowing what "baggage" needs to be checked at the door.

"You don't need to share about your kids who are ungrateful, your bankruptcy case from five years ago or your gout," Palmer said. "And never talk about exes or previous dates. Don't even go there."

6. "Should I stay or should I go?"

Fast forward to a future version of yourself who's a few dates in with this new man. You've reached the final step of dating like a grown-up: after all the self-reflection and open conversation "apply that to making the decision if they're still a good partner," Palmer said.

"Is he giving you the feelings that you've identified are important to you in your list? It's about getting that intellect back and making good choices."

If the person you've found continues to hit all the new and approved adult checkmarks you've made for yourself, great!

See how the relationship unfolds and revisit that list often. But if not, don't be afraid to start all over again.

"You're really special and you have a lot to give," Palmer said.

"The right man will totally dig it and the wrong man won't but that's ok."

It'll be easier this time around -now that you know how to date like a grown-up.

3. "I'm fabulous, so what's the damn problem?"

There's still more "me work" to be done when dating like a grown-up. There's still the matter of erasing "those recordings that play in your head about men and relationships," Palmer said. "'Men only want sex, men don't want relationships...' It's about getting

Page 15 Mature Living October 2013

Gardening Nursing Homes

Guide to choosing a Nursing Home C

hoosing a nursing home is an important decision and one in which you should take time to evaluate what your care needs are and which home can best meet these needs.

From our experience, the investment in time to find out about what options are available will help you make the right decision for you. This issue we look at visiting a nursing home for the first time Visiting Nursing Homes Finding the right nursing home for you can take some time.

We recommend that you visit as many homes as possible so that you can compare the quality of services available and find the place that you can make your new home. Below is our guide to visiting a nursing home.

The Location Is the home in the right location for you?

Can relatives and friends easily visit?

Is the home easily accessible by public transport?

Is there a car park for you to use?

The look and feel of the home What are your first impressions of the home as you arrive?

Is the outside area well kept and tidy ?

Is the home and reception area welcoming when you first enter?

Is the home odour free?

Is the home clean and well maintained?

Does the atmosphere feel right?

Do the staff acknowledge you?

Is there evidence of independence being maintained where possible?

Is everyone's dignity and privacy being respected?

Are visitors welcome at anytime?

Does the home feel homely?

Accommodation & Facilities Does the home offer the type of bedroom you want?

Does the home offer single or shared rooms?

Are you able to look at an available bedroom?

Is the bedroom clean and bright?

Does the bedroom have ensuite facilities?

What furniture is provided by the home?

Are residents encouraged to bring some of their own possessions?

Does each room have a nurse call system?

Is there a variety of Living Spaces e.g. lounges, quiet rooms, dining room(s), hairdressing salon, outside sitting areas?

Does the home have a number of bathrooms with showers or specialist baths?

Is there a lift to any upper floors?

Are the corridors and doorways wide?

Does the home provide easy access for people in wheelchairs?

Are there handrails around the home?

Are there accessible gardens and out-

looks from the lounges and bedrooms?

The type of care Does the home provide the right type of care for your needs?

Can the home cope with any future changes in needs?

Are residents registered with the local GP Surgery?

Are residents and relatives encouraged to contribute to care plans?

Are care plans reviewed regularly?

Are you encouraged to contribute to any decisions made about the care of a resident?

The Staff Does each resident have one member of staff (key worker) who are responsible for aspects of their care from the moment they move into the home?

What qualifications do the staff have?

Does the Manager / Head of Department give you confidence?

Can the staff be seen around the home?

Catering Services Is there a current menu on display?

Is there a choice of menu at all meal times?

Can residents choose the time they have their meals?

How are residents who need help with eating assisted?

Activities Is there a regular activities programme?

Does the home have dedicated Activities staff?

Are residents consulted on the activities programme?

Are external groups and entertainers invited to the home on a regular basis?

How are residents' religious needs met?

Are special events such as anniversaries and birthdays celebrated by the home?

Are there regular exercise opportunities for residents?

Are relatives and friends encouraged to participate in activities?

Does the home display details and photographs of recent activities?

Standards Does the home have written policies and procedures?

Is the home's statement of purpose available?

Are quality audits carried out in the home?

Is there a resident group that meets regularly?

Is it clear what is included in the fee and what items are extras?

Does the home make available their latest inspection report?

Paying for Care Understanding the process of how to pay for nurisng home care can be confusing. In next months Mature Living we will provide more information on who will pay for what and what help is available.

Sonnagh, Charlestown, Co. Mayo • Tel: 094-9254269 • kathsmyth@eircom.net

Operating on a home !om home basis where Residents feel at home in an oldy worldy environment.

All Rooms Ensuite Respite Long and Shor" Ter#.

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Come and see St. Anne’s for yourself, call us today to ar$ange a viewing you will not be disappointed!

Member

A new standard in Demen!a Care The care and accommoda!on we provide at Sonas Nursing Homes, is se"ng a standard for others to follow. Our unique approach brings together the needs of our residents and their loved ones to create an environment of personcentered care for those with demen!a. We have now developed unique living environments known as "Households", carefully designed to combine the quali!es of homely communi!es, backed by the warmth and care of our dedicated staff.

Sonas Nursing Home Ard na Greine Enniscrone, Co. Sligo P: 096-37840, E: ard@sonas.ie,

To arrange a visit call us now or visit sonas.ie

2 Night Break

with Breakfast and Dinner on 1 Evening at the renowned

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Gurteen, Co. Sligo Wed 23rd Oct 2013 Body Blast Circuit 5.30pm Body Condi!oning 6.45pm Spinning 7.45pm All Classes - €8 per person Non-Members Gym and Swim Trial - €5 per person

Looking for somewhere to go on your ou!ng?

We can provide your group with an enjoyable experience of tradi!onal music, song and dance with live music and refreshments.

The following is a sample programme: Tea/coffee, sandwiches/scones on arrival • A live music session with local musicians • A fun opportunity to prac!ce old !me dancing • Friendly instruc!on can be provided • A visit to the exhibi!on/archive area Musicians and singers from your group are welcome to join in

in aid of

100% donated to Breakthrough Cancer Research

Thurs 24th Oct 2013 Spinning 12.45pm Power Pump 6.15pm Spinning 7.30pm All Classes €8 per person Pre-Bookin g for all Classes is re

Should you decide to visit us, we will make every effort to ensure that your visit will be a memorable one.

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Booking: John or Marie 071 9182599 Fee: €12 pp info@colemanirishmusic.com Open Mon-Sat, 10-6 all year round

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Shirts for all occasions

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n eclectic mixture of stunning patterns and sharp details, all designed to capture the imagination of the modern man, exists in the maze of pathways in EJ MENSWEAR, weaving a unique tapestry that feeds life into our collection of the staple in every man’s wardrobe, the SHIRT. From the chaos of stripes, checks and patterns comes a range of shirts that is united through their diversity. No two shirts are the same just as no

two moods or occasions are the same.

Here at EJ MENSWEAR we are passionate about providing a collection of shirts that is appropriate for each event in your life, be it a wedding,an interview, an end of season do, an anniversary,or your just out to impress,then we feel we have it. From casual wear with jeans, to semi dressy with chinos,and of course the special shirt to wear with your suit. When we look at the diverse selection of brands we have it covered in all areas.

SUPERDRY, G.STAR, DIESEL, all these brands specialize in casual shirts, striped and check shirts, and the last two seasons the denim shirt has made a revival, and a new trend is denim and cord elbow patches providing a new touch.

Then we have GUIDE and ADVICE, which are a slimmer fit and have a semi dressy look that can be worn with denim, chino,and trousers, equally at home with all three. These shirts

have new details, like double contrasting collars, different coloured button holes, and contrasting cuffs. These special features add a difference to your everyday shirt.

Fast becoming our most popular shirt in terms of the amount of shirts sold is the brand 6th Sense. These shirts have gone from strength to strength and continue to improve in quality. This season is a mix of stripes and checks, with inset contrasts and patterns inside the collar and down the front panel. They also are notable for their red button feature, the last button on the bottom of each shirt is red adding a playful but sophisticated touch.

Coming now to the more mature man we have the classic styles that never really date ,RALPH LAUREN,GANT,6th SENSE,ANDRE,STATE OF ART, these brands provide extra features that set them apart from your ordinary contenders.

To All Walkers 5 good reasons to go walking

Special features include an extra pleat at the back for comfort, extra buttons and stiffeners, extra double stitching for strength. These shirts last the test of time and transcend fashion.

At the back of the shop we have a suit department with a range of shirts that complement each suit. Some new features this season are the return of the pin collar; this could be as a result of the period dramas on TV. These can have a remarkable effect on fashion. Also the tab

collar which is an added bonus to any suit shirt as it helps to shape the collar and the design of your knot on the tie. The colours that sell best are of course white, blue, lilac, and some purple stripes, and the white collar, white cuff has also made a welcome come back.

So we encourage you to take that extra moment each morning to decide what story or man you want to be. You can be certain of one thing - we have a shirt that will suit whatever occasion you encounter.

1) Walking to stay healthy and fit.

2) Many walkers join a walking club just for the social ou!ng.

3) Hill walking is a great way to learn about nature and see new places.

4) Exploring the hills is much safer with a group.

5) Learn and share ideas about comfortable walking gear and healthy ea!ng.

Hill walking tours – guided group walks, school ou!ngs, Gaisce Award walks, fund raising events, and exploring the Miners Way and Historical Trails of North Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo.

Boyle Curlew Walkers – 24 guided walks and ou!ngs a year. Walks graded from ‘A’ for the experienced walker to level ‘C’ for short walks at a gentle pace suitable for first !me walkers.

Contact Philip James 0863353000 facebook – Philip walking tours www.walkingboyle.com and www.philipwalking.com

Page 23 Mature Living October 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

The Dubliners (1962-present) T here is little than can be written about the Dubliners which has not already been recorded by hundreds of other sources across the globe. They are one of the true legends of the Irish entertainment scene and from their formation in the early 1960's, they provided a unique mix of Irish music and humour, along with the legendary exploits of their members.

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

now.

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

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

Top left clockwise: Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke, Barney McKenna, Ronnie Drew and John Sheehan Page 24 Mature Living October 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

Lynch, not Luke Kelly who is with the group.

There is a possibility that the video clip was actually from 1964, not 1962.

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

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

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

In the mid 1960's the Dubliners were part of a handful of groups at the forefront of the Irish folk revival. Folk clubs sprang up all around Dublin and featured artists like the Dubliners, Johnny McEvoy, Jon Ledingham, the Johnstons, Ludlows...the list went on and on.

However, it was the Dubliners who possessed a special blend of story telling, musical skills, personality and bawdiness to make them unique on the scene. Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly were the driving forces behind the group's success and unique characters in their own right.

In 1964 Luke Kelly left the band for a short time and the late Bob Lynch was recruited to take his place. John Sheehan also joined the band at that time on fiddle and tin whistle. Luke would return to the band a couple of years later and Bob would leave, but John Sheehan also stayed, making the band a five piece.

1967 was the year the band had their big break. Their song, Seven Drunken Nights, released in early 1967 was banned by RTE, but played extensively by the pirate station, Radio Caroline. The end result was chart success in Britain where the song eventually climbed to Number 7 on the British Charts in March and was Number 1 in Ireland.

Suddenly, the Dubliners were major International stars. Their follow up single, All for Me Grog, was not nearly as successful, failing to chart in England and reaching

Dubliners on stage in 1972 Number 10 in Ireland. However, they followed it up with another British success, Black Velvet Band, which went to number 15 in the UK charts in August and Number four in Ireland.

They also released an album, Drop of the Hard Stuff, which went to number five in the UK charts in May of 1967.

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

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

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

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

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 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...

1988.

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

Since our site covers the Irish entertainment scene from 1955 to basically 1985, we finish the Dubliner's feature here. If you are interested in a detail account of the band's history since then, there are many sites on the Internet dedicated to the Dubliner's and their 50-plus year history.

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

Top singles - 1963/64

1. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Kiss Me Quick

2. Dickie Rock & Miami - From the Candy Store On the Corner 3. Dickie Rock & Miami - There's Always Me - (Piccadilly) 4. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Bless You (For Being An Angel) (HMV) 5. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - No More (HMV)

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

Page 25 Mature Living October 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

The Dubliners (1962-present) T here is little than can be written about the Dubliners which has not already been recorded by hundreds of other sources across the globe. They are one of the true legends of the Irish entertainment scene and from their formation in the early 1960's, they provided a unique mix of Irish music and humour, along with the legendary exploits of their members.

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

now.

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

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

Top left clockwise: Luke Kelly, Ciaran Bourke, Barney McKenna, Ronnie Drew and John Sheehan Page 24 Mature Living October 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

Lynch, not Luke Kelly who is with the group.

There is a possibility that the video clip was actually from 1964, not 1962.

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

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

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

In the mid 1960's the Dubliners were part of a handful of groups at the forefront of the Irish folk revival. Folk clubs sprang up all around Dublin and featured artists like the Dubliners, Johnny McEvoy, Jon Ledingham, the Johnstons, Ludlows...the list went on and on.

However, it was the Dubliners who possessed a special blend of story telling, musical skills, personality and bawdiness to make them unique on the scene. Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly were the driving forces behind the group's success and unique characters in their own right.

In 1964 Luke Kelly left the band for a short time and the late Bob Lynch was recruited to take his place. John Sheehan also joined the band at that time on fiddle and tin whistle. Luke would return to the band a couple of years later and Bob would leave, but John Sheehan also stayed, making the band a five piece.

1967 was the year the band had their big break. Their song, Seven Drunken Nights, released in early 1967 was banned by RTE, but played extensively by the pirate station, Radio Caroline. The end result was chart success in Britain where the song eventually climbed to Number 7 on the British Charts in March and was Number 1 in Ireland.

Suddenly, the Dubliners were major International stars. Their follow up single, All for Me Grog, was not nearly as successful, failing to chart in England and reaching

Dubliners on stage in 1972 Number 10 in Ireland. However, they followed it up with another British success, Black Velvet Band, which went to number 15 in the UK charts in August and Number four in Ireland.

They also released an album, Drop of the Hard Stuff, which went to number five in the UK charts in May of 1967.

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

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

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

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

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 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...

1988.

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

Since our site covers the Irish entertainment scene from 1955 to basically 1985, we finish the Dubliner's feature here. If you are interested in a detail account of the band's history since then, there are many sites on the Internet dedicated to the Dubliner's and their 50-plus year history.

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

Top singles - 1963/64

1. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Kiss Me Quick

2. Dickie Rock & Miami - From the Candy Store On the Corner 3. Dickie Rock & Miami - There's Always Me - (Piccadilly) 4. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - Bless You (For Being An Angel) (HMV) 5. Brendan Bowyer & Royal Showband - No More (HMV)

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

Page 25 Mature Living October 2013

Travel

The best and worst holiday destinations for your heart health Heart Heaven India - Tandori Chicken

Freedom The freedom of being a temporary nomad is proving very attractive to independent travellers who don’t want to be tied to airports and hotel check-in times. And because a motorhome means you can choose when and where to stop, serendipity is often just around the corner - a perfect café, secluded beach or bustling local market.

Wagon trains Many people take bikes, water sport and other equipment and a growing number tow a small car to use as a run around when they arrive at their destination. While we might not have the vast scale of American sites where these latter day wagon trains set up camp, there’s a good range of places to stop and of course, the chance to sample different local food, culture and scenery en route.

Home comforts Modern motorhomes are comfortable and well equipped – a far cry from roughing it in damp vans, someone twiddling a wire coat hanger trying to get a signal on a portable black and white TV while someone else battled with a reluctant barbecue. In fact, a recent Saga survey showed just how attached the over 50s are to their iPads , Kindles and other gadgets when travelling. Obviously, such items need to be stored securely out of sight when not in use; thieves too find lightweight, portable goods extremely attractive!

W

hen you fly out on holiday this year, do you know whether you're heading to a 'heart hell' or 'heart heaven' destination? Make sure your heart gets a holiday too with this list of the best and worst destinations for your health.

reveals that only 4% of people think about what they are eating when abroad, which can have damaging effects on their heart health. Saga Magazine provided Flora with the top ten 2013 holiday destinations and they've been split into ‘Heart Hell’ and ‘Heart Heaven’ destinations.

their preferred local dish to eat are:

Make sure your heart has a holiday too New research by Flora pro.activ

Heart hell destinations The top heart hell destinations according to respondents and

It's probably not a surprise to see the USA as the worst destination for heart health.

Tucking into a juicy rib eye steak, which was voted the most popular dish to eat whilst in the States, might look good on the plate, but is not good for your cholesterol, with nearly one and a half times as much saturated fat than the daily recommended maximum intake per portion.

Close behind is Mousakka from Greece which provides nearly 100% of the recommended daily amount per portion, followed by Jerk Chicken from the Caribbean.

The fact that only 4% of the Irish are thinking about saturated fat levels in food whilst on holiday is worrying, considering high cholesterol is a key factor of heart disease.

Don't overload Freed from the tyranny of airline baggage allowances, it’s all too tempting to load up the motorhome, especially when it comes to bringing goodies home. But, it’s really important to make sure everything’s stowed safely and weight’s distributed evenly, tyres are in good condition and at the right pressure.

Similarly, make sure that you meet the legal and other requirements for all the countries you’re driving through that include extension mirrors, road safety and breakdown kits and, if a proposed new law comes into force in France later this year, portable breathalysers.

Road trips - films and music Motorhomes are ideal for a flexible holiday, and while they can be an economical alternative to hotels, that has to be balanced against fuel costs. But, that aside, it takes a lot to beat the sense of freedom that comes from driving down that open road. We’ve all been influenced by road movies; Easy Rider, Thelma & Louise, Vanishing Point and many more, along with the soundtracks but do bear in mind that your version of Bat out of Hell might not be the best way to impress a gendarme.

Page 26 Mature Living October 2013

Heart Hell

USA - Rib eye steak

USA - Rib eye steak Greece - Mousakka Caribbean - Jerk chicken Italy - Pizza China - Peking duck Croatia - Lamb on the spit

The 10 worst cities for pickpockets When you're travelling abroad you need to be extra careful with your valuables and where there are tourists there are always people seeking to exploit them. Travel website TripAdvisor has come up with a list of the ten worst cities for pickpocketing and advice on how to beat the thieves.

Don't let pickpockets ruin your holiday 1. Barcelona, Spain

One of Prague's most romantic sites, Charles Bridge is lined with baroque-style statues and thousands of tourists who crowd its ancient stones each year, making it perfect for pickpocketing. Before taking in the view of the Vltava River and the Prague Castle beyond, be sure your valuables are strapped down.

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands With so many fun things to see and do amongst the friendly and laid-back atmosphere of this city, it's easy to drop your guard and let the pickpockets take advantage.

4. Madrid, Spain

9. Athens, Greece

standing by with napkins to help you clean up (and clean you out).

Heart Hell Greece - Mousakka Heart heaven destinations Fortunately, there are some popular destinations that will give your heart a heavenly break.

These popular local dishes are below the recommended amount of saturated fats per meal.

India - Tandoori chicken Canary Islands - Puchero canario (canarian stew) Spain - Tapas South Africa - Grilled game Tanya Footman, Senior Nutrition & Health Manager at Flora pro.activ says, “It is amazing just how much hard work people put into to being healthy before they go away – and then once on holiday they don’t give it a second thought!

“But there are some really easy ways that holidaymakers can try to make healthier choices for their cholesterol whilst away, even at those ‘Hellish’ destinations; try to avoid anything deep

fried, limit creamy sauces and you can ask the for dressings, sauces, butter and sour cream on the side.

“Don’t forget to eat your fruit and vegetables, even if it's pizza; make it a slice loaded up with vegetables, and experiment with unusual varieties that aren’t always available at home!”

Other interesting results from the survey 93% of Irish will make an effort to try the local cuisine but only 12% would think to check the saturated fat content of the dish Northern Ireland is the least health conscious region with only 20% thinking about the nutritional value of their food on holiday

Pickpocketing in Barcelona is almost a generally practiced and accepted sport. Las Ramblas, the famous wide, pedestrian walkway full of life, music, and people at all hours of the day and night, is the perfect place to get your purse poached.

Back in Spain again, El Rastro fleamarket and the crowded metro are often cited as spots where pickpockets operate.

Travellers should also have their wits about them that in the city's many museums, where distracted tourists are often preyed upon.

4. Paris, France

10. Hanoi, Vietnam The capital of Vietnam has its charming Old Quarter, littered with monuments and colonial architecture, making it a beautiful and unique place to visit, but also a place to stay alert for mischief.

2. Rome, Italy

Our biggest holiday eating concern is putting on weight (30%), followed closely by food poisoning (24.6%)

With its ancient buildings and astounding historical and cultural attractions, Rome is full of tourists admiring outdoor attractions like the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon, making it easy for pickpockets to lift a camera or purse.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Heart Heaven

As mentioned before, it's the outdoor attractions that can often be the worst places for thieves. When visiting the Parthenon, or anything else in this magnificent historic city, keep the bags close to the vest while your eyes admire the rest.

From the base of the Eiffel Tower to the steps of SacréCoeur, the City of Light draws enormous crowds. Trouble is often found below ground, in the city's metro system, where travellers should be especially cautious.

6. Florence, Italy It's certainly easy to be distracted by the majestic beauty and awe-inspiring works of art all around Florence. When you're admiring Michelangelo's David, or its replica in the busy Piazza della Signoria, be aware that others may be admiring your wallet.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina A common scam in this vibrant and culturally rich city involves you being suddenly covered in "bird droppings" (likely mustard), while a "friendly" local (likely a thief) happens to be

Top 5 Tips to avoid being pickpocketed Never keep your wallet or valuables in your rear pocket, even if it is buttoned down – it's by far the easiest target.

Beware of the distraction tactic in crowds - dropping something near you, squirting something on you, or simply jostling you.

Pickpockets often work in pairs or groups and can be difficult to spot. Be cautious with any strangers - sometimes people who don't look like they'd be a threat, such as children or the elderly, can be part of larger operations. Stay alert in confined spaces and near passageways. Try to avoid standing near the doorways of trains as groups of pickpockets can rush at you when the doors open.

Before you set off on a trip, only take what you need, leaving the rest on the hotel room safe. The smaller the bulge of your purse or wallet, the less likely pickpockets are to covet it.

Spain - Tapas

Page 16 Mature Living October 2013

Food and Drink

Darina Allen's winter leek & potato soup

To finish the white part of 1 leek a small knob of butter finely chopped chives

the potatoes, onion and leeks and toss them in the butter until they are well coated.

Season well with salt and freshly ground pepper and toss again.

Put a disc of greaseproof paper (called a cartouche by chefs) on top of the vegetables to keep in the steam), then cover the pan with its lid.

Cook over a gentle heat for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft but not coloured.

Uncover the pan and discard the paper. Pour in 850ml/11/2 pints of the stock, bring to the boil and simmer until the vegetables are just cooked – about 5 minutes.

Do not overcook or the soup will lose its fresh flavour.

Purée in a blender until silky smooth, in batches if necessary, then taste and adjust the seasoning.

Return the soup to a clean pan and stir in three quarters of the cream and all of the milk.

Method Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. When it foams, add

To finish the soup, finely shred the white leek and gently cook it in the hot butter for a

Ready in 40-50 minutes Skill level: Easy Serves 6 - 8 Of all the winter soups, leek and potato is one of the most comforting and familiar - and Darina Allen's makes the most of seasonal, local veg Ingredients 50g butter 450g potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm pieces (try Golden Wonders or Kerr Pinks) 1 small onion, cut the same size as the potatoes 450g white parts of leeks, sliced (save the green tops for another soup or stock) 850ml-1.2litres/1½-2pts light chicken or vegetable stock 142ml carton whipping cream 125ml full-fat milk

few minutes until it is softened but not coloured. Reheat the soup to a gentle simmer (add some extra stock at this point if

the soup is too thick for your liking), then pour into warmed bowls.

Drizzle the remaining cream

over each serving, top with a little pile of buttered leeks and a scattering of chives and black pepper and serve at once.

Muffin-topped winter beef stew M

uffin on stew? You’d better believe it – think of it as a lighter alternative to suet dumplings.

Ingredients For the stew 500g braising steaks, cut into bite-sized chunks 2 tbsp plain flour, seasoned with pepper and a little salt 2 tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 450g carrots, cut into chunks 2 large parsnips, cut into chunks 1 bay leaf 2 tbsp sundried or regular tomato paste 300ml red wine or extra stock 450ml vegetable stock For the topping 225g plain flour 3 tsp baking powder 140g cheddar, coarsely grated 2 tbsp olive oil 150ml milk Method Heat oven to 150C/fan 130C/gas 2. Toss the beef in seasoned flour. Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole. Fry the beef over a high heat until browned all over – it’s easiest to do this in batches.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add 2 tbsp water and the onion to the pan, stir well over a medium heat, scraping up the crusty bits from the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat and fry gently for 10 mins, stirring occasionally until the onions have softened.

Tip in the carrots, parsnips and bay leaf, then fry for 2 mins more.

Return the beef to the pan, stir in the tomato paste, wine if using, and stock, then bring to the boil. Cover and cook in the oven for 1¾-2 hrs until the meat is tender. Can be made up to 2 days ahead or frozen for up to 1 month.

Defrost thoroughly in the fridge before topping and baking.

Take out of the oven and increase the temperature to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5.

To make the topping, sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl and add half the cheese.

Mix olive oil and milk, then stir into the flour to make a soft, slightly sticky dough.

Add more milk, if necessary. Spoon the dough over the meat and vegetables, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake for about 15 mins until golden, risen and cooked through.

Page 28 Mature Living October 2013

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Petcare

How to help your fearful dog over Halloween Do you and your dog both dread Halloween season? Well, you are not alone. At this time of year, there are a high number of dogs presented to vets with severe anxiety related from firework fears which affects up to 74% of dogs (Sherman and Mills, 2008) with many more dog anxiety cases unrecognized and not reported 3.Stressed dogs pant a lot more, so place a water bowl either in or near the den, depending on whether it is likely to knock it over or not. Try not to change anything such as when your dog is fed, as this can upset its routine 4. Provide your dog with healthy treats and its favourite toy and put it in the den to encourage your dog to use it. A KONG® chew treat toy is ideal as it can be filled with food to keep your dog’s attention

W

hile Irish legislation does not allow the use of bangers or fireworks except under license, the reality is many households turn a blind eye and obtain them from the North or overseas.

Feeling afraid is natural in some situations and can protect an animal from harm; however a mild firework fear can progress to a more serious noise phobia if left unaddressed.

Even the slightest noise can cause panic and elicit sudden, extreme and excessive reactions in pets with noise phobias. In traumatic situations, such as the firework season, signs of stress in dogs include trembling and shaking, increased clinginess, cowering and hiding behind furniture and barking excessively.

To help comfort and reassure a dog during the firework season a number of steps can be taken. Building a den, masking the noise of fireworks by having the TV or radio on and using an Adaptil™ Diffuser. Interchem (Ireland) Ltd have also launched a short film on firework advice featuring hints and tips on how to look after your dog which can be viewed on www.youtube.com/interchemir elandltd Adaptil, contains a synthetic copy of the canine appeasing pheromone that a mother dog produces to comfort and reassure her puppies. It is scientifically proven to help both adult dogs and puppies cope with fear of loud noises.

An Adaptil Diffuser should be plugged near a den or in the room where a dog normally has its basket around a week before Bonfire Night. This will allow the comforting pheromone to

build up to effective levels and ensures the pet is as relaxed as possible before, during and after the firework period. You can also apply Adaptil Spray to a dog’s bedding on the night of the event to optimise the effect.

Adaptil can also be used in a variety of other challenging situations. These include settling into a new house, staying home alone, travelling, staying in kennels, meeting new people and experiencing new places.

Hints and tips include: 1 Preparing a den for your dog to hide in while the fireworks are going off, ideally a month in advance so it is accustomed to using it. This should be covered to protect your dog from both the noise and flashing lights of fireworks. If your dog is used to sleeping in a crate, it is a good idea to cover the crate with a blanket or towel – the dog will like the familiarity of its crate and the blanket or towel will further enhance this security. It is advisable to make the den where the dog feels safe and where it would normally retreat. You can further enhance the comfort of this den for your dog by using a plug in Adaptil™ Diffuser and/or spraying the inside of the den with Adaptil™ Spray 2.If your dog has found its own bolt hole, such as under a bed or at the bottom of a cupboard, you should ensure it is accessible, comfortable and safe. Always wait until your dog is ready to come out of its den or hiding place – do not try to coax it out

5. Close doors and windows and draw curtains to reduce the noise from outside. Heavy curtains are beneficial, as they will help dampen the noise and black out the flashing lights from fireworks. Playing music or having the TV on will further mask the noise of fireworks, but ensure that the beat of any music used is not too similar to that of the fireworks. The lights should be kept on to minimise and detract from the flashes of the fireworks 6. Try not to go out while the fireworks are going off. Seeing you acting normally will help your dog feel more settled. If

your dog hides in a corner or under a bed, leave it alone and don’t try and coax it out.

Fussing over a dog that appears frightened can reward and encourage this behaviour. Do not punish your dog as this only confirms that there is something to be afraid of 7. Ignore any fearful behaviour and do not try to comfort your dog. Your dog will pick up on your anxiety and this may make the problem worse 8. An additional point to remember is to microchip your

dog. If it does escape, a frightened or confused pet can easily get lost. If a pet does go missing, it is likely to be hiding nearby, so pet owners should search the local area. If this is unsuccessful, they should phone their local Garda station and any veterinary practices or rescue centres in the area to see whether it has been handed in. If a dog goes missing, they should phone their local dog warden.

9. Also, remember to walk your dog early in the evening before the fireworks start.

Travel Technology

Some of The Worst Inventions of our time...

Baby Cage

Parachute Jacket

In the 1930s, London nannies lacking space for their young ones resorted to the baby cage. It's exactly what it sounds like: a creepy wire contraption, patented in the U.S. in 1922, that lets you claim that space outside your city window for your infant. Risky? Maybe, but so convenient.

This "baby cage" was marketed for families living in tenements without easy access to outdoor spaces.

Suspended from the side of the building, the baby would have access to fresh air and sunlight through the cage's wire frame, and still have sufficient room to play with toys, according to a patent filed in 1922 by an Emma Read of Spokane, WA. The patent also notes that the cage could double as a place to sleep, with removable curtains working to prevent a draft.

Honestly, you can probably guess where this is going. Down. Fast. Designed in 1912 by German inventor Franz Reichelt, the parachute jacket had a high-profile unveiling when Reichelt wore one for a jump from the Eiffel Tower. It didn't deploy. Reichelt died.

Leaded Gasoline

Agent Orange

Pull in to the local gas station and every pump has something in common. "Unleaded" is the new craze. For nearly six decades, gasoline companies ignored the known dangers associated with lead to get rich. Tetraethyl lead boosted the octane levels in auto fuel, but there was speculation surrounding the safety of that decision from Day One. In the Nov. 10, 1924, issue of TIME, a report showed that 35 men at the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey had come down with an "occupational disease." Symptoms ranged from insomnia to low blood pressure, all at the hands of lead poisoning. The EPA completed a full phaseout of lead gasoline in 1986, ending the quest to trade steady health for steady sales.

A potent herbicide used from 1961 to 1971 in the Vietnam War, Agent Orange was designed to cut through Vietnam's thick canopy of foliage to reveal enemy troops beneath. While it succeeded, the price was high: exposure proved deadly to humans, causing cancers, birth defects and a slew of other disorders.

Some 21 million gallons of it were dumped on Vietnam, resulting in hundreds of thousands of injuries and birth defects to Vietnamese citizens. U.S. veterans faced exposure too; they received a $180 million settlement from its manufacturers in 1984.

Asbestos

CFCs

At first glance, asbestos appears to be a construction worker's confidant. It is a versatile mineral fiber that excels at absorption and can withstand the harshness of heat. But when floor tiles or roof shingles need to be repaired or replaced, asbestos morphs into a homeowner's headache. Those same strong fibers that drive a building's start can turn nasty during remodeling or demolition stages. Inhaling the toxic particles in that state causes asbestosis — a condition instigated by fibrosis in the lungs, sparking chest pain, shortness of breath, nail abnormalities, clubbing of fingers and other complications. With those factors in mind, the EPA issued a ruling on July 12, 1989, banning most asbestoscontaining products. But two years later, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans overturned that decision, leaving only some products on the banned list: flooring felt, rollboard and corrugated, commercial and specialty paper. When a substance makes its way into the federal government's Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, something was wrong to begin with.

Short for chlorofluorocarbons, CFCs are nasty chemical compounds that wreak havoc on the environment. Used in refrigeration units and aerosol cans, CFCs combine with atmospheric ozone, neutralizing the molecular compound and weakening the ozone layer, an important environmental barrier that protects the earth's surface from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. While increased regulation since the 1970s has diminished their use, CFCs can endure in the atmosphere for nearly a century, making this a very long-lived mistake.

Betamax Betamax wasn't so much a bad product as a lesson in marketing gone awry. The also-ran to VHS in the video-format wars, Betamax was pushed by Sony as a proprietary format in 1975 before it was completely ready, in a race to get manufacturers on board. But while Betamax could record up to an hour of video, VHS could record up to two hours. That slight advantage was enough for VHS to gain a foothold in the market, one it never relinquished. Betamax became a footnote.

Page 31 Mature Living October 2013

Health

What is Coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease (pronounced see-lee-yak) is a condition causing some adults and children to react to the gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Some coeliacs are also sensitive to the protein found in oats.

Support with the gluten-free diet is essential. It is important that the gluten-free diet is healthy, balanced and nutritionally adequate. This is best achieved with advice from a properly qualified dietitian. Find a dietitian who's a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI).

Causes There is clear evidence of a genetic component to coeliac disease. As well as the genetic component, coeliac disease only occurs if it is triggered. These factors lead to coeliac disease in 1 in 100 people, but many cases go undiagnosed.

I

f a coeliac eats gluten the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged reducing the coeliac's ability to absorb the nutrients from food. This can lead to various symptoms and complications if undiagnosed. It’s an autoimmune disease and it’s not contagious. The only treatment is adhering to a glutenfree diet for life after a positive diagnosis has been made.

Medicine or drugs are not required. In the small intestine there are small finger-like structures called villi which absorb the nutrients from food.

When the villi are damaged (or atrophic) they can no longer absorb nutrients properly.

Gluten is in bread, biscuits, cakes, pasta, beer, pizza and in many manufactured foods where gluten is contained in the ingredients such as soups, sauces, gravy, salad dressings, crisps, chocolate, sweets and ready-meals. Coeliacs have to think ahead if they want to eat at a restaurant, need to take extra time reading labels when shopping and need to take care in their personal food preparation to avoid crosscontamination with gluten. Even a grain of gluten can cause harm and cause diarrhoea and other symptoms which can last for several days.

Symptoms Symptoms start to occur when coeliac disease is triggered. Find out more about what causes the onset of coeliac disease.

Coeliacs can experience one or more of these problems: • Diarrhoea • Constipation • Weight loss • Chronic tiredness • Anaemia • Failure to thrive in children

• Chronic mouth ulcers • Stomach pain and bloating • Indigestion • Bone pain • Moodiness or depression • Infertility • Recurrent miscarriages • Also flatulence, nausea, vomiting and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can indicate a need to be tested.

Symptoms vary from person to person and may be constant or only occur from time to time.

Some people will experience an itchy rash which can be caused by an associated condition called Dermatitis Herpetiformis.

Getting Diagnosed The first step towards diagnosis is a blood test. Following a positive blood test, the most conclusive way to diagnose coeliac disease is by taking a biopsy from the small intestine.

It is important to be on a gluten containing diet before testing in order to ensure the most accurate result. Four slices of ordinary bread a day for six weeks or more should be sufficient.

It is important not to self diagnose. A life long gluten-free diet is a big commitment which should only be undertaken if necessary. An official diagnosis is required to take advantage of the financial support available.

Blood tests Your GP can take a blood test for antibodies - Immunoglobulin A (IgA) anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies(IgA tTGA) and antiendomysial antibodies (IgA EMA).

If results show raised tTG or positive EMA then you should be referred to a consultant gastroenterologist for a biopsy.

Bear in mind that negative

Page 32 Mature Living October 2013

screening blood tests do not always exclude coeliac disease, as a small minority of coeliacs may also have IgA deficiency and the screening test results will be misleading. In children under the age of three the blood tests can be particularly unreliable.

There are some do it yourself test blood test kits available from abroad. The Coeliac Society recommend that you have a blood test organised by your doctor.

Treatment of the small intestine with corticosteroids temporarily if the inflammation is severe.

Taking dietary supplements if nutritional deficiencies are found.

However once the small intestine heals there should be no need for dietary supplements if your diet is well-balanced and nourishing. You should ask to see a dietitian to help you get started on a glutenfree diet which includes all the nutrients you need.

Biopsy The biopsy procedure is called an upper gastro-intestinal endoscopy or oesophagastroduodenoscopy (OGD). A gastroscope (a small tube) is passed through the mouth and down into the duodenum or jejunum. A very small piece of tissue is taken from the wall of the intestine. The tissue is examined under a microscope to check for damage to the villi.

Eating The Coeliac Society is here to help you stick to your gluten-free diet.

There are plenty of foods that are naturally gluten-free and the range of specialised gluten-free products is growing all the time.

Have a look at the choosing food section of this website for more information.

Having the Biopsy The biopsy is usually carried out in an outpatient clinic. You will be asked to fast overnight beforehand and the procedure itself takes 10 – 15 minutes (excluding waiting and preparation time). In adults it is usually carried out under light sedation, children are given a general anaesthetic. There is no pain when the biopsy is taken.

Treatment After Diagnosis As soon as you start your glutenfree diet you should begin to feel better very quickly through your gut may take a little longer to fully recover. However, this condition is life-long and you will not grow out of it, as was believed in the past. A gluten-free diet for life is the primary treatment and there is no cure at present.

Other treatments may include:

Recovery Symptoms usually improve within a few weeks of starting a glutenfree diet, however blood test results and biopsy may not return to normal for one or two years.

Children usually recover faster than adults.

Follow up Initially you should follow up with your doctor every 6 months. Your doctor will repeat the blood tests to ensure that the gluten-free diet has been effective. After your antibodies have returned to normal a further biopsy can be carried out to check that the small intestine has healed.

If your blood test and/or biopsy results show that you are responding well to the gluten-free diet it is important to stick to it. If you eat gluten your small intestine will become damaged again and your symptoms will return.

Genes A clear link exists between coeliac disease and certain tissue types, e.g. HLA DQ2. This means coeliac disease runs in families. HLA markers are found on white blood cells (an important part of the immune system) and have similarities to other markers found on red blood cells which are used to distinguish between blood groups. So far research has not identified a specific gene responsible for susceptibility to coeliac disease.

If coeliac disease exists in a family there’s about a one in ten chance for other members the family to develop coeliac disease. It’s important that all family members get tested even if they have no symptoms. It is possible to have coeliac disease without symptoms and it is damaging to your health if it goes undiagnosed and untreated. Other family members should not go on to a gluten-free diet without a proper diagnosis.

Triggers Several types of event have been implicated with the onset of coeliac disease: viral infections introduction of gluten during weaning (too much or too early).

The scientific community does not yet fully understand the processes that lead to coeliac disease.

Prevalence In the 1970s studies performed in Galway based on a positive biopsy result for coeliac disease showed the prevalence to be about 1 in 300 of the population of Co Galway, which was much higher than any other documented study.

It is felt that in most Caucasian populations the prevalence is nearer 1 in 100 although biopsy confirmation is lacking in many studies. Many cases of coeliac disease go undiagnosed.

Health

Gluten-Free Living Ireland has one of the highest prevalence of Coeliac Disease in the world. As a result, there is reasonably good awareness of the condition throughout the country. However it is still vital to be vigilant when shopping, eating out or visiting friends and family. Over the next couple of magazines we will cover all aspects of living with coeliac disease and following the gluten-free diet.

T

he gluten-free diet means avoiding foods that contain wheat, barley, rye and oats. There's plenty of information available to help you to choose food successfully.

The Food List The Food List is indispensible for shopping. It’s a comprehensive list of suitable manufactured products on sale in Ireland and many members refer to it as their 'Coeliac Bible'.

Why you need it It’s not enough to just read labels checking for ingredients that contain gluten. Food can get cross-contaminated during the manufacturing process. The Food List team work with manufacturers and supermarkets investigating products to make sure they comply with the standards for ‘gluten-free’ and ‘very low gluten’ foods and that no crosscontamination is occurring during the manufacturing process.

Staying up to date The Food list is published once a year however products within

the list are subject to change so you need to stay on top of updates. Updates are issued on the website, through the monthly e-zine and on a recorded message that plays on the office phone after 6pm. As well as using the Food List always read labels as manufacturers may change ingredients without informing the society. The Food List also contains information on basic ingredients and vitamins and medication.

Watch Out There are some types of products which you may not realise could contain gluten. It is particularly important to read the label and check the Food List. Gluten may be an ingredient in manufactured and processed foods where wheat flour or barley derivatives are commonly used as a processing aid or a binder, a filler or as a carrier for flavourings and spices. Some examples are listed below. Any ingredients containing gluten must be marked on the label.

Sausages, burgers and processed meat where flour may be used as a binder.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye (and countless food products like pasta that contain those grains)

Cereals where the main ingredient may be gluten-free (eg corn flakes or rice cereals) but malt extract or malt flavourings, both based on barley, are used in the flavouring. Stock cubes, soy sauce, gravy, sauces and salad dressings where flour may be used as a thickener.

Crisps and flavoured snacks or nuts where wheat starch may be used in the flavourings or to ‘stick’ the flavourings on.

Sweets and chocolate bars where wheat flour or wheat starch is often used.

Processed cheese, processed yoghurts and grated cheese where a gluten-based ingredient may be used to thicken or separate.

Flours derived from gluten-free foods such as potato flour or rice flour may have crosscontamination problems.

Squashes or cordials which may contain barley.

Naturally gluten-free foods There are whole categories of foods that are naturally glutenfree. If you’re buying something in a packet or tin always read the label to make sure something with gluten hasn't

been added.

• Natural Raw Meat (fresh, smoked, frozen) • Natural Raw Fish (fresh, smoked, frozen) • Shellfish (fresh, frozen) • Fruit (fresh, frozen, tinned in syrup or natural juice) • Fresh herbs and plain individual spices • Dried beans, peas, lentils and pulses • Plain natural nuts and seeds • Eggs • Dairy products including milk,

cream, butter, natural yoghurt, natural cheese, crème fraiche • Pure oils and fats • Rice (all varieties of natural rice) Naturally gluten-free flours Please note that naturally gluten-free flours are not regulated in Republic of Ireland and can be contaminated with gluten during milling. The flours listed below are naturally gluten-free however great care must be taken when purchasing these flours.

To ensure you are buying a brand that is not crosscontaminated, always check the Food List.

• Rice Flour • Brown Rice Flour • Polenta • Maize/Cornmeal • Buckwheat • Corn Starch • Potato Starch • Tapioca Starch • Soya Flour • Potato Flour • Chickpea/Gram Flour • Lentil Flour • Cassava • Quinoa • Millet • Chestnut Flour • Sorghum • Teff For further informsation contact Coeliac Society of Ireland, Carmichael House, 4 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7 Tel: 01-872 1471 Email: info@coeliac.ie

Page 33 Mature Living October 2013

House and Home

Dont’s when furnishing our home Decorating mistakes to avoid

A

ll home interior magazines give ideas and advise for the different styles of home decoration, but there are some things which you should always have in mind when designing and decorating your first apartment. If you keep in mind the possible errors, then it is easier to avoid them afterwards. We offer you some tips that will make you aware of the most common decorating mistakes.

Do not put all furniture to the walls

options for furniture and accessories. It will be much more difficult to find a sofa that matches the colour of your walls than finding the right furniture for you and then pick a matching colour.

Interior decorating mistakes often happen when neglecting this simple rule.

Do not underestimate the natural focal point in a room

One of the most common decorating mistakes – choosing the colour of the walls first.

The market offers incredibly big variety of colours. Picking up the wall colour first will significantly narrow your

If an item or a piece of furniture is a natural focal point, for example a fire place or a large window, take advantage of that and design the whole interior around that point and emphasize this accent with a beautiful decoration.

Do not place any furniture, especially if you have tight enough free space on the walls, or the living room to the kitchen is open. You’d better group the furniture and bring it to the center of the room. This would create a warm and cozy atmosphere for conversations. A console table behind the sofa is a beautiful way to divide the areas.

Do not put obstacles on the paths Organize your space so that you can move around the room freely and without obstacles.

Thus the room will look clean and well-organized. We believe

every surface should be covered. Try organising your collections in smaller groups.

that a chair in front of the door or a table in an area with a lot of movement is not a good idea.

Leave enough room for easy access and movement in the room.

Do not use colours and items that “fight” with each other Contrast is a beautiful thing and the eclectic style is actually a great way to decorate a room, but some colours and objects of different styles just do not fit well together.

Do not clutter your shelves

Various old things are lovely memories and a personal element in the interior but you should not overdo it. You better avoid the accumulation of many small items in one place. Not

Interiors

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Best Will In The World

Are you putting off the vital process of making a will?

During Best Will in the World Week, from Monday 21st - Friday 25th October, you can avail of a will consultation with your local solicitor for just €50.

A

will is a witnessed document that sets out in writing the deceased's wishes for his or her possessions, (called his or her 'estate'), after death.

Reasons for making a will It is important for you to make a will because if you do not, and die without a will, the law on intestacy decides what happens to your property. A will can ensure that proper arrangements are made for your dependants and that your property is distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights of spouses/civil

partners and children.

What happens if you die having made a will If you have made a will, you are called a testator (male) or testatrix (female). A person who dies having made a valid will is said to have died 'testate'. If you die testate, then all your possessions will be distributed in the way you set out in your will.

It is the job of the executor or executors you named in your will to make sure this happens. There are legal limits as to how much of your property goes to which person, as set out in law in the Succession Act, 1965.

An executor can be a

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beneficiary under the will. In other words, the executor can also inherit under the will.

After you die, somebody has to deal with your estate, by gathering together all your money and possessions, paying any debts you owe and then distributing what is left to the people who are entitled to it. If you leave a will before you die, one or more of the executors you named in your will usually has to get legal permission from the Probate Office or the District Probate Registry for the area in which you lived at the time of death to do this. Permission comes in the form of a

document called a Grant of Representation.

If you did not name any executors in your will or if the executors are unable or unwilling to apply for a Grant of Representation, documents called Letters of Administration (With Will) are issued. When your estate is distributed, the legal rights of your spouse/civil partner and children, if any, will be fulfilled first after any debts are paid before any other gifts are considered.

What happens if you die without a will or your will is invalid A person who dies without a will is said to have died 'intestate'. If you die intestate, this means your estate, or everything that you own, is distributed in accordance with the law by an administrator. To do this, the administrator needs permission in the form of a Grant of Representation. When a person dies without a will or when their will is invalid, this Grant is issued as Letters of

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At Murphy Ballantyne, Solicitors, our service combines the personal touch of the family solicitor with a range of specialist advice relevant to clients. We provide a strictly confidential, courteous service, all at the highest professional standards.

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Galway, a welcome Escape Focus on Galway

G

alway City is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city.

Along with being a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and long winding promenade, it also has a buzzing cosmopolitan city centre. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colourful shop facades and busy café/ bar culture. The city is also well known for its many festivals throughout the year with huge crowds gathering for the annual Galway Arts Festival, Races and numerous other events. Old Ireland is present too with turf fires and traditional music

featuring in many pubs to compliment your enjoyment of a well earned pint of Guinness.

Take an evening stroll along the promenade and watch the sunset over Galway Bay or watch the salmon fishermen in the River Corrib from the perfect vantage point of the Salmon Weir Bridge

Whether its drama, traditional music, late night clubs or simply soaking up the vibe on the bustling city streets, you’ll find plenty to do at night in Galway.

The Town Hall Theatre is the best option for seeing a visiting production company’s latest dramatic performance. There are many nightclubs dotted around Eyre Square.

Alternatively walk down Shop street to Latin Quarter near Quay Street and you’ll find plenty of old world bars where you can sit by a turf fire and join in the craic.

A welcome escape...

Time passes easily when you stop by the Salmon Weir Bridge and study the steadfast fishermen jostle with the tumbling River Corrib below.

The Corrib river meets the crystal waters of the Atlantic Ocean at the Spanish Arch, where small fishing boats and wild birds provide an idyllic backdrop to the famous shimmering sunsets over Galway Bay. The Market Galway's famous bustling market has been trading in Church lane by St. Nicholas' Church in the centre of the city for literally centuries. You will find hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce and locally produced crafts. There's a great variety of food available, Madras curry, Yummy Crepes, Japanese Sushi, and mouth-

watering handmade cookies among many others ... or you can buy the ingredients for a delicious gourmet picnic. Many people come to the market to chat as well as to shop and it's a good place to meet local artisans and hear local issues discussed.

The market is open Saturdays and Bank Holidays from 8am to 6pm and Sundays 12 noon to 6pm. The Christmas Market runs every day from 9am to 6pm between the 14 & 24 December with lots of homemade Christmas foodstuffs and a lovely atmosphere with all the decorated stalls lit with mainly battery powered lights and candles.

Spanish Arch & Medieval Walls Framing the river east of Wolfe Tone Bridge, the Spanish Arch is thought to be an extension of Galway's medieval walls. The arch appears to have been designed as a passageway through which ships entered the city to unload goods, such as wine and brandy from Spain.

Today it reverberates to the beat of bongo drums, and the lawns and riverside form a gathering place for locals and visitors on any sunny day.

Galway

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Eyre Square In the Galway city centre, there is a square public park. The plot was officially presented to the

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There is a memorial to President John F. Kennedy on the spot where he addressed the people of Galway on 29 June 1963 shortly before his assassination in Dallas, Texas on 22 November 1963. Despite the official name change, the park is still mostly referred to as

Eyre Square.

It is difficult to overestimate the importance of the visit to Galway by President Kennedy. In part, the significance is due to the strong connection between Ireland and the United States as a result of the large number of emigrants. As the first US President of Irish Catholic descent, President Kennedy was a great source of pride for the people of the Republic of Ireland.

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Angelscope for October

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 miracles This Angel gives hope! It's been a rough month for you Aries. Work/family life could be causing stress! The good news is a miracle is on the way! Just get out of your own way, try not to analyze the why's & how's ! Just let it happen!

Also for those of you looking to start a family it's a very auspicious sign!

Lucky Day:5th Oct Lucky color: Blue

Leo

Angel of Healing This Angel heralds a time of healing into your life. Healing can occur in many shapes; a broken heart, an argument or illness It tells you to be gentle with yourself & watch how you treat your body. Do you put yourself down or allow others to do so?

This month give yourself some much needed TLC....you're worth it!

Lucky Day:15th Oct, Lucky color: Green Lucky Colour: Pink

Sagi#arious

Angel of new beginnings This Angel is about fresh starts & those that wish to turn over a new leaf , this is the month to do it.

It could be to try harder on that course, save harder for that car!

This card is asking for a commitment on some level, to take the plunge & admit to yourself -who am I kidding?

Actions speak louder than words so its time to walk your Talk!

Lucky Day:17th Oct Lucky color: Gold

Taur!s Taur!s

Angel of Emerging Hope It's your time Taurus. There are seeds you will plant this month that will have long reaching effects into your life next year.

This could be an investment of time or energy, such as buying a new home , starting a new job or course.

Either way a time for planning, laying down roots & do what is Taureans do best ! Plough straight ahead!

Angel of Emerging Hope Lucky Day:8th Oct Lucky color: Yellow

Virgo

Gemini

Angel of Power This Angel shoots from the hip It may be time to speak your truth!

This is the month for you to step into your power Gemini. You may ruffle a few feathers with your home truths & honest words. It's time to stop sitting on your hands & be very clear in your communications.

Ask for that raise, or ask that guy out!

You will leave no stone unturned this month as this month is all about clarity! The truth will set you free!

Lucky Day:20th Lucky color: Pink

Libra

Angel of self acceptance This Angel is how you see yourself?

Have you become judgmental against yourself? Have you been too quick to quit or turn down opportunities you feel you may not be suited to?

It's time to listen to your gut. In life we all have knocks & falls. It's time now to believe in yourself. Be aware of those around you that are only to happy to let you kick yourself, open your eyes to the potential withing & leave the naysayers behind in the dust!

Lucky Day:28th Oct Lucky color: violet

Angel of manifestation This Angel is both lucky & unlucky depending on your perspective!

If your thoughts are negative he warns you that your intentions create your reality so be careful what you create!!!

If you're the optimist ...congratulations! It's a great month to put those dreams into effect!

Design a vision board, see yourself where you want to be & leave the rest up to your Angels!

Lucky Day:30th, Lucky color: Orange

Capricor$

Aquarius

Angel of enchantment This Gorgeous card is all about the boy! So for you single Saggies, there's a romantic encounter mid month to set your pulses rating!

For those in relationships, bring the fun in & organise a date night. Even the most living relationships hit a dull patch every now & then!!!

Either way a lovely month to feel gorgeous & loved up!

Lucky Day:22nd Oct Lucky color: Silver

Angel of friendship This Angel is about communication.

Friends come & go into are lives.

If you feel you are being taken for granted or someone is draining your energy, pull back.

You need to define your boundaries!

For when people see where the line is drawn they won't be so tempted to cross it!

Lucky Day:26th Lucky color: Purple

Cancer

Angel of Blessings Gorgeous card! I tend to pick this a lot for weddings & new arrivals.

Either way a lovely surprise or unexpected windfall comes your way this month.

You are always surrounded & protected by your angels.

This card tells you to believe in yourself, for when you do good things always happen to those who feel they deserve it!

Lucky Day:10th Oct. Lucky color: Red

Scor"io

Angel of celebration Good news is on the horizon.

This Angel always reminds me of a party & the fun connected with a get together. Feel lovely news around a family member & a great month for connecting with old friends!

It doesn't have to cost money, just a good old catch up over a cuppa can work a treat !

Lucky Day:14th Oct Lucky color: Amber

Pisces

Angel of Retreat This card is about having space to contemplate & think.

Every now & then we need to remove ourselves from the world.

This time is about re-assessing our goals in life, relationships etc Remember a little quiet time is good, just don't get too bogged down in melancholy as this time is about priorities & not to dwell in the past!

Time to move onward & upward!

Lucky Day:12th Lucky color: Turquoise

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

Motoring

Things we can ALL do to make our roads a little safer what you are signalling.

Two narrow escapes for me have taught me that people are not really thinking much of the time. They put on the indicator and straight away pull out. I would say I've never seen people so pre-occupied.

And that is dangerous.

1. Mobile phones We've got to stop using them at the wheel.

Think of trying to drive with one hand tied behind your back. Or your eyes closed. It's much the same thing. If it is so important that you should take a call, then pull over and give it your full attention.

Driving requires your full attention. A second's distraction at 100km/h means you travel 'blind' for 88 feet. That is how much ground you are covering. PLEASE, if you

do nothing else this week – STOP. 2. Children Please make sure they are securely strapped into your car. I am shocked at how often I see them given the freedom of the cabin by otherwise doting and loving mothers and fathers. But they are reckless mums and dads if they expose their children like this. Make sure the child-seats are properly secured, too.

3. Lights

Turn on your lights in the evenings. I have been amazed at the number of cars I've met over the past few weeks where people have driven off, under street lights, without a flicker of illumination on the car. Suddenly they are in darkness and can't see or they are in darkness and can't be seen. Really dangerous.

4. Thought for deed Just because you indicate does not give you the right to do

5. Shortcut cyclists There are junctions and junctures where cyclists find themselves at the end of their track. There is always the temptation to cut in or out, or take a shortcut. Too many take a chance. Again, I'm taken aback at the numbers cycling at night without a light of any sort.

6. Pedestrian dodgers You can't just dodge your way through traffic when crossing the road. Stop. It has reached the point of madness the way people feel they can take to the road while traffic flashes past them.

7. Roundabout horrors We should all go back to our Rules of the Road. Nobody knows what to do in roundabouts. If you

want to save yourself the price of a scary movie, watch the hairraising antics at the Sandyford Industrial Estate roundabout any weekday morning.

8. Speed merchants If we all knocked 10kmh off our speed, we'd be significantly safer. Not only that, there would be far fewer 'small' accidents and far fewer repair and touch-up bills.

Believe me, as one who has cut back, you will feel a lot safer and in control behind the wheel.

9. Lane hoggers For God's sake stop hanging out there on the outside lane of the dual-carriageway or motorway doing 70km/80km. It is ONLY FOR OVERTAKING. Got that? This causes huge angst and the dangerous practice of 'undertaking' (people overtaking on the inside).

10. Red runners Stop running red lights.

The whole place is at it. Two, three cars can pass through after the lights have gone red.

Madness.

Car 'sold out' on Facebook before it even gets here A CAR has 'sold out' before it even gets here after five people bought the Irish allocation on Facebook.

Ford last week launched a limited edition of their Fiesta-based crossover, called the EcoSport.

The company made 500 'available' on Facebook across some European countries, with the UK getting 120 and Ireland five.

We understand the Irish buyers are from Louth, Cork, Wexford, Mayo and Kerry.

The motor comes with either a 123bhp 1-litre EcoBoost petrol or 90bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine. And it costs €23,995 -- for both diesel and petrol.

These limited edition models also have an upgraded version of the marque's Sync AppLink infotainment system -- it has new apps and functionality.

Among them is 'Autoread' which reads out emails and text messages and allows you to dictate replies through the car's voice-recognition service.

Ford Focus breaks through the 100g/km barrier

F

ord is unveiling a new 1-litre EcoBoost engine in its Focus early next year that it claims will do 67.5mpg and become the first petrol family car to dip under the 100g/km mark.

It is so 'green' (99g/km) it will not have to pay vehicle excise duty in the UK, while in France there's a €200 discount going from the new-car registration tax.

Here, buyers will pay €180 annual road tax.

The 100bhp specially calibrated version of the 1-litre, three-cylinder engine will have super-low rolling resistance tyres, revised underbody aerodynamics and revised gearing.

To put that in context: the 1-litre is now as powerful as the 1.6-litre that drove the first Focus 10 years ago – only its emissions are 47pc lower.

There are two other versions of the engine in the range – with 100bhp and 109 g/km; and 125bhp and 114g/km.

Already in the Fiesta, B-MAX, CMAX and Grand C-MAX this engine will also be used in the EcoSport SUV, Transit Connect and Transit Courier commercials, Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Courier people movers as well as the new Mondeo.

What is EcoBoost? Basically, it uses a special low inertia turbocharger, split cooling system and direct fuel injection. It's called technology.

No word on what the 99g/km version will cost yet.

Page 41 Mature Living October 2013

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.

Visit the stunning Leitrim countryside unforgettable break. A family re-union can be rounded off with a lavish evening meal It is an ideal wedding venue or conference centre. The central location of the hotel in Leitrim facilitates tours and visits to the surrounding unspoiled countryside. The location facilitates visits to the many nearby lakes that comprise the Leitrim countryside and shopping in nearby Sligo or Enniskillen A visit to Lough Allen hotel & Spa in Drumshanbo is a must and there are packages to suit any budget.

I

T’S summertime and one of the best places to base a home holiday or a week-end break is, undoubtedly, the Lough Allen Hotel in County Leitrim. Situated on the shores of Lough Allen, only 14 km from the bustling town of Carrick on Shannon, it is only a short walk to the town of Drumshanbo.

The hotel has offerings to compare with the top hotels in Ireland and also has the stunning Leitrim countryside.

Spa treatments, leisure centre and a sumptuous candlelight dinner are all part of what’s on offer for an

Drumshanbo • Co Leitrim www.loughallenhotel.com

Mid Season Mid Week Special

2 Nights B&B and 1 Dinner Just €99 pp 3 Nights B&B for just €99pp

To Book Call 071-9640100 or email reservations@loughallenhotel.com

Golden Escapes

Go West for a Truly Relaxing Over 50’s Holiday

H

otel Westport is secluded in 7 acres of beautiful woodland in the heart of Westport. You’ll discover a uniquely friendly, comfortable and stylish hotel, abounding in warmth and relaxation.

Hotel Westport offers a variety of holidays and are renowned for their theme breaks – Over 50s (where you get an extra night’s Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for FREE!), Golf, Walking, Bridge, Indoor Bowling and Wellness and their fabulous Christmas Programme.

As part of their Over 50s Programme they take care of your every need! The holiday includes a full Irish Breakfast each morning (served until a leisurely 11am!), and a four course Table d’Hote dinner each evening in the AA Rosette Islands Restaurant. Groups and Individuals are welcome to join Hotel Westport’s Over 50s

Programme. Group Discounts apply. Hotel Westport organise Day tours too - Knock Shrine, Kylemore &/or Ballintubber Abbey, Foxford Woollen Mills, Achill Island, The Céidé Fields (at your own expense) and more tours are being added all the time like the Titanic Village and Hennigans Heritage Farm.

Alternatively, for those of you wanting something a little more relaxing, book a treatment in their luxurious Ocean Spirit Spa. Choose from an array of treatments – specialised massages, reflexology, soothing facials, exotic hand and foot spa treatments, luxurious body peels and wraps. Games and entertainment are organised for the evenings too. You won’t want to go home!

The Hotel has 129 bedrooms with all the comforts of home.

The award-winning AA Rosette ‘Islands Restaurant’ overlooks

the Carrowbeg River, while the ‘Maple Bar’ provides the perfect ambience for music and chat over drinks amongst friends.

Avail of the extensive leisure facilities on hand, relax with a good book in the patio gardens or take a stroll along the Carrowbeg River into the multi-award winning town where there is an excellent mix of shops.Hotel Westport is located in the

perfect place to take in one or more of the many outdoor activities in the local area: Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Clew Bay, with 365 islands, blue flag beaches, horse riding, golf, surfing, fishing, walking and shopping - just to mention a few and has direct pedestrian access through the grounds of Westport House and located on the Great Western

Greenway - 42km of uninterrupted walking and cycling taking in breathtaking scenery on the way, from Westport through Newport and Mulranny and onto Achill Island!

A warm, friendly welcome awaits you at Hotel Westport, “One of Ireland’s best loved Hotels”. Call Hotel Westport NOW to book your Holiday 00 353 98 25122.

?

Page 43 Mature Living October 2013

WIN €50! WIN €50! WIN €50! WIN €50!

Congratulations to Stephen Feehilly of Grange, Co. Sligo - Last month’s winner

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HOW TO PLAY The ball has been remove You have to decide where d from the picture. it was, and place a ‘X’ on the picture.

The X Should mark where you think the centre of the ball is and can only be marked in one box per entry - Only one ent ry per person will be permitted.

If more than one correct will be picked at random answer is received then the winning entry from the winning entries.

Winner will be notified by pos t. Terms and conditions apply Send entries to ‘Spot the Ball’ Mature Living Magazine, Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo

Page42 42 Mature MatureLiving LivingOctober May 2012 Page 2012

ENTRY FORM

Name____________________ ______________ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _ Telephone_______________

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Ad dre ss_ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _____________________________ ____________ ___________________________ ____________ ___________________________ ____________ ________________________ _______________ Email Address______________ _____________

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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

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

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)

Addic!on Treatment Centre Foxford, Co. Mayo

Call in confidence: 094"9256888 Email: hopehouse#eircom.net www.hopehouse.ie

Rehabilitation Cent!e specialising in the t!eat"ent of alcohol, dr#gs, gambling and other dependencies.

Hope House... “where recover$ begins”

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 Cavity Wall Insulation Attic Insulation Sound Proofing Drylining Spray Foam Insulation

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.

Bar, Hotels Private Houses All Upholstery undertaken Huge Selection of fabrics Contact: 086-8361070 or 071-9622700

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

New & Existing Residential Commercial Industrial

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

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)

Glass & Metal are Pre-sprayed with 6k Protective Coating which means very low Maintenance for you!

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

Glass is 8mm toughened Safety Glass Prices from €200/linear meter Call us today for a

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Far Finisklin Road, Co. Sligo

Tel: 071-91 61924 Email: sales@sligoglass.com

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We also Provide an emergency glass repair service

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

"Our Glass Balustrades will stop the Cold Atlantic Breeze ensuring that only Your Wine Remains Chilled.

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:

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(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

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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 October 2013

BETTER HEALTH... BETTER BEAUTY... BETTER YOU

3 Steps to Christmas

Join our Christmas Club Now How does it work?

Choose your ideal gift

Pick up your Gift Pay off little by little each week Join our Christmas Club before end of October

Spend €70 or more between now and Christmas to receive

a FREE GIFT SET worth €20 Available on all our Christmas Gifts and Perfume Excludes Special Offer Stock

O’Rahilly Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Tel: 096-21698