Mature Living Magazine September 2013

PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE Sept 2013

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE OLDER, BOLDER INDIVIDUAL

One on one with Patsy McGarry

What to do and see in Castlebar

Balancing a loved ones needs with your own

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Contents

www.matureliving.ie

September 2013 I 10

18 28 30

T’S All-Ireland Final week and many westerners will be heading east in the hope that past disappointments will be kicked firmly into the past and a new era emerge. We wish best of luck to both teams for which should be an epic occasion and hope everybody who is lucky enough to get hold of a ticket has a safe journey to and from Croke Park. We include a special feature on the final in this month’s issue.

The next big event for your calendar, of course, will be Mature Living’s Lifestyle Show and Exhibition at Breaffy House House Hotel, Castlebar, on Friday, Nov. 22nd and Saturday, 23rd, which will incorporate an innovative Bake-off Competition for Active Retirement groups. This is a weekend not to be missed and we urge you to start making plans for it now.

Our One-on-One personality this month is Irish Times religious arrairs correspondent and Ballaghaderreen native Patsy McGarry, recognised particularly in recent years for his contribution to many religious and political debates, notably on TV 3’s Tonight with Vincent Browne. Patsy’s views on life, politics, religion, economics and almost anything make for compelling reading at a time when the attitude to religion and the Catholic Church, in particular, is undergoing dramatic change.

Elsewhere, we are delighted to welcome Patricia Conboy of Older and Bolder as a contributor. She talks about the likely problems coming down the track as a result of the abolition of the transition pension which comes into effect in January 2014.

We certainly share her views that the lead-in time for this major change has been far too short and poorly planned.

This month has seen the passing of our best-known and well loved poet, Seamus Heaney. We felt it appropriate to include some inspirational lines from some of his poems. Ar a dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

We include an extraordinary story of two disabled dogs who found a home for teach other. We deal with the important issue of caregivers looking after their own health . . . and we include an article which should be of interest to older men, the good news that so many men over the age of 75 are still sexually active. We have many other features in this, the September issue, including an unusual, but praiseworthy initiative – a charity cycle organised by Ballina Lions and the local cycling club where the currency is not money, but blood – to encourage donations to the Blood Transfusion Service.

We thank you for your continued support for our publication and to remind you that deadline for our next (October) issue will be 6th October, 2013.

Seamus Casey - Editor

LAST MONTH’S COMPETITION WINNER Congratulations to Nuala Killalea of Boyle, Co. Roscommon. who won a breakaway to the Downhill House Hotel The correct answer was “River Moy”

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

News Ballina Lions Club Blood for Life Cycle Seamus Heaney Remembered Mind the Gap! One-on-One with Patsy McGarry Things to do in Boyle Mill Times Hotel Competition Home Insulation The Bands of our Showband era Bowling Week at The Radisson Blu Sligo When there’s an ‘R’ in the month Wine Guide The Story of Eve and Dillon Technology News Elder Care: Balancing a Loved One's Needs With Your Own Angelscopes with Fiona Faery Castlebar Feature Mayo GAA Eye Testing Spot the Ball Motoring News Services Directory

4 6 10 14 16 18 19 20 24 26 28 29 30 31 32

34 35 38 40 42 43 45

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

30th September-4th October National Active Retirement Tenpin Bowling Week 4th next during which Active Retirement Groups are invited to avail of FREE bowling for all.

Secretaries who wish to avail of this limited offer for their group are invited to simply contact their local bowling centre from the list below and book the lanes required. All attendees will receive a FREE game of bowling and will also have the opportunity of participating in a series of prize draws.

Booking must be made in advance and are subject to availability. Lanes will be available from 10am each day.

Participating Centres in our region:

T

he sport of Tenpin Bowling first arrived in Ireland in 1963 and a combination of centre proprietors and the national sporting body, have decided on a programme of events throughout the year to

celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

Active Retirement Ireland is delighted to announce that as part of this programme, National Active Retirement Tenpin Bowling Week will run from September 30th to October

Bundoran Globowl - Bundoran, Co. Donegal (071-9842111) City Limits Bowl - Oranmore, Co. Galway (091-388100) Mayo Leisure Point - Castlebar, Co. Mayo (094-9025473) Planet Entertainment Centre Galway Shopping Centre, Galway (091-562820) Check out page page 26 for a special offers that the Radisson Blu in Sligo have for their upcoming bowling week.

Time to celebrate Positive Ageing

Poverty on the rise among older people, says CSO report

POVERTY levels rose among older people and their incomes fell, according to a new report from the Central Statistics Office.

The thematic report on older people showed that incomes of over-65s fell 5% between 2009 and 2011.

The numbers in consistent poverty rose from 1.1% to 1.9% over the three year period, while the deprivation rate among older people jumped from 9.5% to 11.3%. However, the report only captures one side of the problem faced by older people. “On the other side of the equation there are new charges and rising prices which have to be met from these declining incomes,” Age Action spokesman Eamon Timmins said. “These increased taxes, charges and costs have escalated since these statistics were gathered, leaving many older people seriously struggling to make ends meet.”The CSO’s Thematic Report on the Elderly uses findings from the Survey on Income and Living Conditions from 2004, 2009, 2010 and 2011. Between 2009 and 2011, it found the average gross weekly equalised income fell 5% to €407.28.

The main factors driving down income include falling earnings and reduced occupational pensions.

The report shows that among those hit hardest are people living alone, women and people in rural areas.

“Age Action is not surprised that the poverty indicators for older people are rising, with financial pressures increasing substantially on older people in the last 18 months,” Mr Timmins said. “Property tax, a trebling of the prescription charge and soaring energy prices are just some of the increased costs which have been introduced since 2011, with older people having to pay them from a declining income. The increased costs are on unavoidable elements of their cost of living – a roof over their head, essential medication and heat.”

Age Action believes the cuts introduced in the last two budgets are causing an even greater number of older people to live in poverty. Those problems look set to become more difficult if the Commission for Energy Regulation grants a recent application from Bord Gais for a 7.2% price increase in gas prices for domestic customers. If the price increase is granted, Age Action has urged the Government to reverse the cuts to fuel pay- ment supports introduced in recent budgets.

“The cumulative effect of multiple cuts on one side and rising costs and taxes on the other is hurting many older people and must be addressed by the Government in the October budget,” Mr Timmins said.

A New season of live opera’s, ballet’s and west end musicals IT’S that time of the year again and Positive Ageing Week is nearly upon us. The week takes place from Friday 27 September to Saturday 5 October and hundreds of events will take place around the country.

Local events this year will include social gatherings, keep-fit activities, arts and crafts events, walks and talks, classes and work- shops, day trips and mys- tery tours, exhibitions

and performances.

Some of the national highlights this year include an Over-50s Event at Dub- lin Zoo, a Positive Ageing Intergenerational Orchestral Performance at the National Concert Hall and the Google Silver Surfer Awards. In addition 14 Positive Ageing Week Towns will cel- ebrate by hosting a week- long calendar of events. The towns are Arklow,

Page 4 Mature Living September 2013

Ballymun, Boyle, Cashel, Drogheda, Dublin city, Dungarvan,Dundalk, Galway, Kinsale, Midleton, Sligo, Trim and Tullamore.

To find out what’s happening in your area, please see the Positive Ageing Week National Calendar of Events on the Age Action website at www.ageaction.ie or phone Age Action on (01) 475- 6989 for more details.

Mayo Movie World are proud to announce their schedule of live shows directly into Cinema screen’s transferring you to the venue of the show. Whether it’s Live Opera’s, West End Musicals or Ballet’s from Paris and London our Stage to Screen Season opens on Thursday 3rd October live from The San Francisco Opera. Our shows for October feature MEFISTOEFELE Opera live from San Francisco, DON QUIXOTE BALLET performing at the Royal Ballet and the wonderful Musical MERRYILY WE ROLL ALONG from London’s West End. For further details of Live shows please check out the website on www.mayomovieworld.ie, where you can book on line. Mayo Movie World, Castlebar (094) 90 27777

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News

Blood for Life Cycle

?

The route returns cyclists to County Mayo at Bonniconlon before finishing in Ballina.

Each cyclist participating in the event must find at least 5 donors who will give blood at an Irish Blood Transfusion Clinic taking place in the Downhill Hotel in Ballina between the 16th and 18th of September.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service requires 3,000 donations every week.

Giving blood makes it possible for many people to lead normal healthy lives.

Every year thousands of patients require blood transfusions in our hospitals, because they are undergoing surgery, recovering from cancer or have been in a serious accident.

T

he Ballina Cycling Club has joined forces with Ballina Lions Club to host a charity cycle with a difference. The currency supporters must pledge is not Euros, but blood.

The aim of this novel idea is to increase blood donations for the Irish Blood Transfusion service and to raise awareness about the importance of regularly giving blood amongst the general public.

The cycle is taking place on Sunday the 15th of September, over two routes

which weave between Counties Mayo and Sligo.

The 75k route starts in Ballina, makes its way to Swinford via Pontoon and Foxford and into County Sligo visiting Aclare and Tourlestrane before returning to Mayo at Bonniconlon and finishing in Ballina.

The 125k route starts in Ballina weaving its way to Charlestown via Crossmolina, Lahardane, Castlebar, Ballyvary and Swinford, before crossing over the Sligo border into Tourlestane.

Why Much Blood is Needed?

• Over 1,000 people receive transfusions every week in Ireland.

• Only 3% of the Irish population give blood, providing blood for a population of over 4 million.

• Only 5% of the Irish population eligible to give blood do so.

• A car accident victim may require up to 30 units of blood • A bleeding ulcer could require anything between 3-30 units of blood • A coronary artery bypass may use between 1-5 units of blood For clinic details see www.giveblood.ie or Call 1850 731 137. For more information contact Mattie Coleman on 087 6296914.

Visit the Mill Times Hotel in Westport

T

he Mill Times Hotel is a three star oasis, centrally located in the heart of Westport town. It is

a perfect location to explore the bustling town of Westport with boutique shops & historic landscape.

The 34 guest bedrooms are elegantly decorated, spacious & airy in a warm home away from home atmosphere.

Uncle Sams Cafe Bar is home to great company, impromptu weekend musical sessions, combined with a good quality bar food menu. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, or to unwind & relax, the bar is both versatile & friendly.

Temptations Restaurant, reviewed

by Irish food critics, is decorated with style and elegance, with its plush surroundings & exquisite lighting; it is the perfect venue for a romantic meal for two or a relaxed meal with friends.

The seasonal menu highlights the freshest of local produce offering some classic dishes with some

European influences on the evening dinner menu.

Few towns can compete with the charm, heritage, culture and atmosphere of Westport. From Cycling or walking along the 42 km Great Western Greenway from Westport to Achill, take in the coastal drives and sandy blue flag beaches, and the vast array of attractions and places to visit, Westport is the place to be.

Enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere of this boutique Westport hotel offering excellent value, with free limited basement parking, or pay & display parking adjacent to the hotel.

Please take the time to read their guest reviews on Trip Advisor.

There are free supervised children’s at Cheeky Monkeys Club every Sunday from 1 – 5 pm. There is great food, good fun and something for everyone.

As Autumn Evenings Draw in, Stretch your body and Breathe with Yoga A new series of Hatha Yoga classes begins on Wednesday 18th September at the Social Services Centre, Castle Street car park in Castlebar. Yoga for Beginners is at 6.00 pm and Yoga for Improvers is at 7.30 pm.

The cost is €55 for 6 week course or €10 per class. Contact Siobhán on 087 234 9183.

Siobháns’ classes are uplifting, combining breathing techniques with gentle movement.

Classes include floor based postures, seated and standing postures and relaxation for a greater sense of wellbeing. Practicing yoga has many benefits; it helps to relieve muscle tension, and increase energy, it is a way of reducing stress and can aid more restful sleep.

Yoga is suitable for everyone regardless of age or current level of fitness. If you are new to yoga and looking for a fresh approach to looking after your own wellbeing, try the Yoga for Beginners class at 6.00 pm on Wednesday 18th September. For those who have practiced yoga before and wish to further develop, come along to Yoga for Improvers at 7.30pm Wednesday 18th September.For further information or to book your place please contact Siobhán on 087 234 9183.

CO. SLIGO FLOWER & GARDEN CLUB will host a

FLOWER

DEMONSTRATION on Monday 14th October 2013, 8pm at The Sligo Park Hotel.

Active Retirement Ireland criticises “aggressive” paperless billing campaigns Active Retirement Ireland (ARI), the country’s largest community-based older people’s organisation has called on ComReg to act in consumer’s interests and to direct Irish telecommunications companies to inform subscribers of their rights to paper billing.A spokesperson said “Paperless billing is a clean, environmentally-friendly solution for companies, but we can’t gloss over

the fact that this doesn’t suit everyone. Many older people are not comfortable enough with technology to fully accept paperless billing, and with less than half of all older people regular internet users, the move towards online-only billing will negatively affect thousands of subscribers and customers.”

Meteor and Eircom are among the companies making what ARI has

labelled an “aggressive” move towards paperless billing.

“It’s a basic consumer right to have access to a bill,” said the spokesperson, “And in allowing providers to aggressively drive consumers towards paperless billing, even in cases where this would leave people without access to their bills, ComReg is not acting in the best interests of the customer.”

“Autumn Glory” by Christine Hughes – AOIFA ( Association of Irish Floral Artists) Details of Flower arranging classes announced on the night together with further details of the World Show for Flower Arrangers 2014, “ A Floral Odyssey” RDS Dublin.

Come & enjoy a relaxing evening! Who knows you might win one of the raffled floral exhibits !

Members: €5 / Non members €10

Who we are:

Helplink South is a non-profit making organisation with charitable status providing socially monitored alarms to the elderly, disabled or anyone living alone.

Our aim is to restore confidence, independence and peace of mind and encourage people to remain in their own homes and be a member of their own community.

Helplink South provides a 24 hr monitoring service 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We supply, install and maintain the socially monitored alarm and pendant.

Simply by pressing the pendant which is worn around the client's neck or on their wrist, within seconds they are in contact with the monitoring station whose team of professional caring operators will be able to make voice to voice contact, enabling them to reassure or send for whatever help is needed.

The service makes a real difference to people’s lives, not only for those using the service to maintain their independence, but also their families and loved ones.

How can the service help you?

Benefits of the Monitored Alarm at the touch of a button • Instant response - our highly skilled operators respond to your call and take the appropriate action to get the help you need when you need it.

• Personal service - friendly and dignified service.

• Complete reassurance - 24-hour link to the control centre.

• Easy installation - wireless system so no unsightly wiring.

Who would benefit?

The service is available to anyone of any age who would like to feel safer, more protected and independent in their own home. It also provides numerous benefits for: • Older, infirm or disabled people.

• Individuals who have been dis-

charged from hospital and require additional support and assistance at home.

• People at risk of domestic violence, racial harassment, repeat victimisation or burglary.

• Those living in high crime areas. • People of any age living alone.

How is the Connect installed in my home?

The Connect is supplied with the simple installation instructions and all that is required a telephone socket within two metres of a mains power socket on the same wall.

Why choose Helplink South: Helplink South promotes regular contact with our clients through testing the pendant and staying in touch with them.

• Birthday calls to clients wishing them a "Happy Birthday".

Also, the opportunity to receive a test call and check client details.

• Two pendants can be monitored in the one home at no extra cost.

• Morning call facility available to client on request - suitable for clients who may have carers or family away from home for a period time.

If you are 65 years or over and are part of a Community Alert Group, Active Age or Neighbourhood Watch etc, you may qualify for a grant through the Seniors Alert Scheme.

The grant does not cover the monitoring fee which is as little as 25 cent per day.

• Living Independently & Safe in your own home.

• Help at the Touch of a Button.

• Peace of mind for their families and loved ones.

• Friendly and dignified service.

• Easy installation.

• Simple to use.

• Making your home the best place in which to grow older.

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

Register online before 20th November to receive free entry

feature many more.

Visitors will be treated to a full array of 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, make-overs and beauty tips and the spectacular fashion shows; seminars (including financial information, tales of real-life adventure, relationship advice and our popular

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 '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 face-to-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 September 2013

A gap year at 65

By Patricia Conboy

H

oping to celebrate your 65th birthday next year and to retire from your job ?

Then the abolition of the State Pension(Transition), with effect from January 1 2014, is relevant to you and to your family. Currently if you are aged 65, retiring from your job and have sufficient social insurance contributions, you are entitled to a transition pension. When you reach the age of 66, you then automatically transfer to the State Pension(Contributory). Next year, all this will change.

The bolition of the transition pension will force approximately 15,000 older people to take a gap year before they qualify for the contributory state pension at age 66. This gap year presents a number of issues for the older people concerned. The first issue is the loss of a year’s anticipated income from the transition pension. The second issue is the risk to their social insurance records. Those who want to protect their records will have to either sign on for Job-Seekers Benefit or make voluntary social insurance contributions. The third issue is the uncertainty about level of pension income faced by those who have integrated occupational pensions.

These are pension plans with contributions and benefits integrated with the State Pension system. It is unclear how providers of integrated occupational pensions will respond to the change in the State system.

These are serious issues for those directly affected but the implications extend beyond the group who will retire next year. The abolition of the State Pension (Transition) is happening in the context of a policy decision that people should work longer and retire later. This policy was put forward in the National Pensions Framework in 2010 but successive Governments have failed to plan coherently for the implementation of what is a major policy change.

For example, policy and law will be out of step with each other next year. On reaching age 65, most employees are required by their contracts of employment to retire, regardless of their own preferences. Due to an exemption in the employment equality legislation, employers are allowed to set different ages for the retirement of employees . Many advocates for older people believe that mandatory retirement at age 65 is discriminatory and that this exemption should be removed. People on a gap year in 2014 will find themselves simultaneously forced out of work; denied a State Transition Pension; and faced with the option of applying for Job Seekers Benefit if they need income and wish to protect their social insurance record.

Hidden in the small print is the reality that the maximum individual value of the Job Seekers Benefit is 188 euro per week and the maximum individual value of the State Transition Pension is 230 euro per week. Individuals will lose out on income for which they have made PRSI contributions over many years.

At a minimum, employment policy and law should be consistent with each other. It does not make sense for Governments to introduce a policy promoting later retirement while retaining legislation that permits employers to end contracts of employment when people reach the age of 65 years. This exemption to employment equality legislation should be removed as a matter of urgency. In addition, the decision to direct 65 year olds towards Job Seekers Benefit as an alternative to the transition pension should be re-considered.

The lead-in time for this major shift in employment policy has been too short and poorly planned. The 15,000 older people who are in the firing line surely deserve better than this.

Tribute

Seamus Heaney Remembered "Even if the hopes you star!ed out with are dashed, hope has to be maintained."

Digging

Between my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests; snug as a gun.

Under my window, a clean rasping sound When the spade sinks into gravelly ground: My father, digging. I look down Till his straining rump among the flowerbeds Bends low, comes up twenty years away Stooping in rhythm through potato drills Where he was digging.

The coarse boot nestled on the lug, the shaft Against the inside knee was levered firmly.

He rooted out tall tops, buried the bright edge deep To scatter new potatoes that we picked, Loving their cool hardness in our hands.

By God, the old man could handle a spade.

Just like his old man.

My grandfather cut more turf in a day Than any other man on Toner’s bog.

Once I carried him milk in a bottle Corked sloppily with paper. He straightened up To drink it, then fell to right away Nicking and slicing neatly, heaving sods Over his shoulder, going down and down For the good turf. Digging.

The cold smell of potato mould, the squelch and slap Of soggy peat, the curt cuts of an edge Through living roots awaken in my head.

But I’ve no spade to follow men like them.

Between my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests.

I’ll dig with it.

"Then as the years went on and my listening became more deliberate, I would climb up on an ar" of our big sofa to get my ear closer to the wireless speaker."

Page 10 Mature Living September 2013

Blackber#$-Picking

Late August, given heavy rain and sun For a full week, the blackberries would ripen.

At first, just one, a glossy purple clot Among others, red, green, hard as a knot.

You ate that first one and its flesh was sweet Like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it Leaving stains upon the tongue and lust for Picking. Then red ones inked up and that hunger Sent us out with milk cans, pea tins, jam-pots Where briars scratched and wet grass bleached our boots.

Round hayfields, cornfields and potato-drills We trekked and picked until the cans were full Until the tinkling bottom had been covered With green ones, and on top big dark blobs burned Like a plate of eyes. Our hands were peppered With thorn pricks, our palms sticky as Bluebeard's.

We hoarded the fresh berries in the byre.

But when the bath was filled we found a fur, A rat-grey fungus, glutting on our cache.

The juice was stinking too. Once off the bush The fruit fermented, the sweet flesh would turn sour.

I always felt like crying. It wasn't fair That all the lovely canfuls smelt of rot.

Each year I hoped they'd keep, knew they would not.

A Kite for Aibhín

Air from another life and time and place, Pale blue heavenly air is supporting A white wing beating high against the breeze, And yes, it is a kite! As when one afternoon All of us there trooped out Among the briar hedges and stripped thorn, I take my stand again, halt opposite Anahorish Hill to scan the blue, Back in that field to launch our long-tailed comet.

And now it hovers, tugs, veers, dives askew, Lifts itself, goes with the wind until It rises to loud cheers from us below.

Rises, and my hand is like a spindle Unspooling, the kite a thin-stemmed flower Climbing and carrying, carrying farther, higher The longing in the breast and planted feet And gazing face and heart of the kite flier Until string breaks and—separate, elate— The kite takes off, itself alone, a windfall.

"Whether it be a ma%er of personal relations within a mar#iage or political initiatives within a peace process, there is no sure-fire do-it-yourself kit."

Mid-Ter" Break

I sat all morning in the college sick bay Counting bells knelling classes to a close.

At two o'clock our neighbors drove me home.

In the porch I met my father crying-He had always taken funerals in his stride-And Big Jim Evans saying it was a hard blow.

The baby cooed and laughed and rocked the pram When I came in, and I was embarrassed By old men standing up to shake my hand And tell me they were "sorry for my trouble," Whispers informed strangers I was the eldest, Away at school, as my mother held my hand In hers and coughed out angry tearless sighs.

At ten o'clock the ambulance arrived With the corpse, stanched and bandaged by the nurses.

Next morning I went up into the room. Snowdrops And candles soothed the bedside; I saw him For the first time in six weeks. Paler now, Wearing a poppy bruise on his left temple, He lay in the four foot box as in his cot.

No gaudy scars, the bumper knocked him clear.

A four foot box, a foot for every year.

“If you have the words, there's always a chance that you'll find the way.”

Tribute

(13 April 1939 – 30 Aug!st 2013)

Seamus Heaney was a poet, writer and lecturer from Northern Ireland. He was one of the most widely known and important poets working in English, or perhaps any language, today.

Heaney was born, the eldest of nine children, on a farm called Mossbawn, in County Derry thirty miles to the Northwest of Belfast, in Northern Ireland. He was brought up a Catholic. As a child he remembered watching American soldiers practising for the D-Day landings.

The family left the farm in 1953. He was educated at the local primary school and St. Columb's College, a Catholic boarding school in Derry to which he was awarded a scholarship. At St Columbs he was taught the Irish language. He then attended Queen's University, Belfast.

In the sixties Heaney trained as a teacher and worked in schools in Belfast and Ballymurphy. It was at this time that he first started to publish poetry, beginning in 1962. His first book, Death of a Naturalist, was published in 1966. It met with much critical acclaim. In 1965 he met and married Marie Devlin. (Devlin is a writer herself and in 1994 published Over Nine Waves a collection of traditional Irish myths and legends.) They had three children. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1995.

“Bet$een my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests; snug as a g!n.

The Har"est Bow

As you plaited the harvest bow You implicated the mellowed silence in you In wheat that does not rust But brightens as it tightens twist by twist Into a knowable corona, A throwaway love-knot of straw.

Hands that aged round ashplants and cane sticks And lapped the spurs on a lifetime of game cocks Harked to their gift and worked with fine intent Until your fingers moved somnambulant: I tell and finger it like braille, Gleaning the unsaid off the palpable, And if I spy into its golden loops I see us walk between the railway slopes Into an evening of long grass and midges, Blue smoke straight up, old beds and ploughs in hedges, An auction notice on an outhouse wall-You with a harvest bow in your lapel, Me with the fishing rod, already homesick For the big lift of these evenings, as your stick Whacking the tips off weeds and bushes Beats out of time, and beats, but flushes Nothing: that original townland Still tongue-tied in the straw tied by your hand.

The end of art is peace Could be the motto of this frail device That I have pinned up on our deal dresser-Like a drawn snare Slipped lately by the spirit of the corn Yet burnished by its passage, and still warm.

The Ireland I now inhabit is one that these Irish contemporaries have helped to imagine.

Song

A rowan like a lipsticked girl.

Between the by-road and the main road Alder trees at a wet and dripping distance Stand off among the rushes.

There are the mud-flowers of dialect And the immortelles of perfect pitch And that moment when the bird sings very close To the music of what happens.

I always believed that whatever had to be wri#en would somehow get itself wri#en.

Follower

My father worked with a horse-plough, His shoulders globed like a full sail strung Between the shafts and the furrow.

The horse strained at his clicking tongue.

An expert. He would set the wing And fit the bright steel-pointed sock.

The sod rolled over without breaking.

At the headrig, with a single pluck Of reins, the sweating team turned round And back into the land. His eye Narrowed and angled at the ground, Mapping the furrow exactly.

I stumbled in his hob-nailed wake, Fell sometimes on the polished sod; Sometimes he rode me on his back Dipping and rising to his plod.

I wanted to grow up and plough, To close one eye, stiffen my arm.

All I ever did was follow In his broad shadow round the farm.

I was a nuisance, tripping, falling, Yapping always. But today It is my father who keeps stumbling Behind me, and will not go away.

I can't think of a case where poems changed the world, but what they do is they change people's understanding of what's going on in the world.”

Twice Shy

Her scarf a la Bardot, In suede flats for the walk, She came with me one evening For air and friendly talk.

We crossed the quiet river, Took the embankment walk.

Traffic holding its breath, Sky a tense diaphragm: Dusk hung like a backcloth That shook where a swan swam, Tremulous as a hawk Hanging deadly, calm.

A vacuum of need Collapsed each hunting heart But tremulously we held As hawk and prey apart, Preserved classic decorum, Deployed our talk with art.

Our Juvenilia Had taught us both to wait, Not to publish feeling And regret it all too late Mushroom loves already Had puffed and burst in hate.

So, chary and excited, As a thrush linked on a hawk, We thrilled to the March twilight With nervous childish talk: Still waters running deep Along the embankment walk.

“All I know is a door into the dark” Page 10 Mature Living September 2013

Buzz Bikeswith Feature E-Biking Buzz Bikes, Sligo

The Many Benefits of E-Biking An electric bike has many advantages over other modes of transport, particularly during these times of austerity and a more discerning consumer.

Electric Bikes as part of a Healthy Lifestyle Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and many people suffer from not exercising enough.

Either they are so busy that it is difficult to fit in a sensible fitness regime, or they may have health problems that restrict the sort of exercise that they can undertake.

Electric bikes are an ideal solution to both of these problems as they are designed to be ridden in the pedal assist mode. The rider pedals and the motor assists. The rider can also select the amount of assistance given by the bike.

Once it is understood that riding an electric bike doesn’t mean that the rider has given up having any kind of input at all, the benefits become much clearer.

Riders who are less able can build their fitness by using higher levels of assistance at the start of their health plan and gradually reduce the level of assistance as their fitness levels increase.

Health research shows that riding an electric bike is not ‘cheating’ or ‘lazy’ and is in fact classed as moderate exercise. Adults are recommended to achieve 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity on five or more days per week. Riding a power assisted electric bicycle i.e. pedalling with assistance comes within this classification.

J

ARLATH owner of Buzz Bikes outlines some of the reasons they have seen such huge success over the last few years.

Up, up, up…

Burning lungs are a thing of the past when tackling hills and rough terrain by electric bike.

The lithium battery assists your own pedal power giving you that extra oomph to reach the top.

No more diversions to avoid the hills.

Easy on the purse No road tax. No insurance. No fuel costs.

No NCT. No congestion or parking charges.

Fitness first How many of us brush off the cobwebs from our old, tired bicycle in the garage, ride it a few times and then find the novelty soon wears off? Owners of electric bikes are said to cycle at least once a week, if not every day. This is in comparison to conventional bikes which are often used less than once per month. Electric bikes offer an easy, hassle-free way to incorporate fitness into your daily routine.

Fresh as a daisy Arriving at the office drenched in sweat after cycling for 10 miles isn't that appealing. Electric bikes make the daily commute effortless. The battery does all the work for you meaning that you will arrive at your desk or meeting refreshed and stress-free.

Because you care Research shows that a staggering 80% of all car journeys are less than six miles and emit harmful exhaust emissions. An electric bike, which costs just cents to recharge, is a great alternative and far more eco-friendly.

City slicker Enjoy the satisfying feeling of whizzing past traffic when getting about town.

On an electric bike, you can safely travel up to 15mph which is often much faster than the traffic around you. And why not take an alternative route to work? Check out the scenic route without having to worry about hills - let the bike do all the hard work for you.

Explore further Some of the main reasons people state for not cycling more often is the worry of not being fit enough, running out of

steam and being unsure of the hills and terrain ahead. With an electric bike, all these problems disappear as the pedal assist motor kicks in and helps you climb those hills with ease. Thus allowing you to explore places you would never go before and experiencing all that the Irish countryside has to offer.

Get involved Not only does cycling provide an excellent opportunity to experience the great outdoors, it's also the perfect way to meet new people from your local area. Most places have a local cycling club and with your electric bike you don't need to be a fitness fanatic to join in!

Electric Bike Sales & Hire Ideal Christmas Gift!

Deposits being taken

Available on the Bike to Work Scheme

New Bicyle Showroom Now open For all sales & repars on both tradi!onal & electric bikes, at unit 8, Northwest Business Park, Colloney, Co. Sligo

www.buzzbikes.ie

Low Call: 1890 438 438 • E: info@buzzbikes.ie Page 12 Mature Living July September 2013 2013

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

Mind The Gap! T

his is one of the most commonly asked dental questions, and the answers are essentially quite simple. Because this is such a common dental quandary, in this article I’d like to simply break down what the options are for replacing missing teeth, and the pros and cons of each.

There are 4 options when you are going to lose a tooth, or teeth.

Option 1: The first option is to leave the space alone.

It may not be ideal, but it is an option. The main benefit of this is that it will cost nothing.

But what sort of problems can it cause?

The most obvious drawback of this choice is that if the space can be seen, you probably won’t like what it looks like. Missing and damaged teeth can be very aging, and most of us want to avoid anything that makes us feel less confident in our appearance.

Another problem is that the empty space can cause problems for the teeth on the opposing jaw. For example, if you lose teeth on the bottom, but still have teeth above the space on the top, this can cause ‘over-eruption’, where the teeth on the top no longer have teeth to bite against on the bottom, and so they erupt further out of the jaw than they should.

Losing back teeth and not replacing them brings even further challenges into play. Back teeth are designed to take the most force. When you lose a number of back teeth over time, you then start putting this extra pressure on the front teeth, which are not able to cope so well, and these teeth then start to experience premature problems.

These are just some of the most common problems that leaving a space can create; and so in most situations it is advisable to find some means of replacing lost teeth. So,

what are they?

Option 2: A denture.

In this case I am referring to a conventional denture, rather than an implant retained type.

Dentures can be made from a variety of materials, most usually including acrylic and/or chrome. They can take a number of different styles.

Some are held in place simply with the gum ridge, or they can clip around other teeth, or they can even use specialist forms of attachments which clip them onto crowned teeth.

What are the pros of dentures?

• Dentures are usually the most low cost and fast means of replacing missing teeth.

• A modern denture, with good quality teeth and a natural looking gum appearance, can look very well.

What are the cons of this restoration?

• If you haven’t worn a denture before, it can feel like an alien thing in your mouth.

• Unhappy denture wearers say they feel loose and insecure.

• Food can become trapped underneath.

• If they are clipped onto natural teeth, this can be hard on them, attracting plaque and pushing at the gum tissue. This will limit the lifespan of these teeth.

Advice?

• Your gums and jaws change shape when you lose teeth, and this will continue. If you have a denture, you should have a new one made regularly to adapt to these changes.

Option 3: A bridge.

There are two main types of bridge.

A traditional bridge is when you fill a space by crowning the teeth on either side of it. These then hold an extra tooth (or teeth) between them. A Maryland bridge is where the extra tooth is held in place by

What exactly are the Options for replacing missing teeth? And how are you supposed to decide which one will work for you? cementing a metal wing to the back of the teeth on either side.

What are the pros of a bridge?

• It will feel comfortable in your mouth, taking up no more room than natural teeth.

• It will look good.

• You can function as normal.

What are the cons of a bridge?

• The success of the bridge relies on the teeth on either side which hold it in place. If they deteriorate, the bridge will be at risk.

• You need to cut away some of the tooth tissue on the supporting teeth, so that they can hold the extra teeth in position. With a Maryland bridge this is minimal, but with a conventional bridge this is very significant.

Preparing these teeth to take this responsibility will usually have a negative impact on their survival and lifespan. If these are healthy teeth to begin with, this is an even less attractive proposal.

• A Maryland bridge can require cementing quite frequently, because it is not as secure as some of the alternatives.

• The approximate lifespan of a conventional bridge is 10 years, if well cared for.

Advice?

The life of a bridge is entirely dependent on the health of the supporting teeth. Therefore, it is advisable to only bridge teeth the dentist feels can bear the pressure they are going to need to support.

Option 4: Dental Implants.

A dental implant is a very small titanium screw. This is placed into your jaw in a short procedure.

Over a few weeks the bone grows around this, and then this is a very secure foundation for replacing natural teeth. They can hold single crowns, multiple teeth, or clip down dentures.

What are the pros of dental implants?

• They do not rely on other teeth.

• Most implant options will look and feel like natural teeth.

• They are very versatile, providing solutions for all types of missing teeth problems.

• If they are looked after well, they will last indefinitely, making this the most long term treatment option.

• They provide predictable results.

What are the cons of dental implants?

• Many people feel that the negative is that this option requires the greatest investment.

Advice?

• To give your dental implants the best start, select a very experienced dental surgeon who gets good results. A friend’s recommendation is always a good starting point.

After that, following the advice of your dentist on taking care of them will help them last for a very long time. The extra investment you make is usually paid off by how long the restoration will last in comparison to others.

So, how do you decide what will work best for YOU? It really is about deciding what you feel you will be happy with, and what suits your pocket. How long a restoration will last is a very difficult thing to predict, but a good dentist can help you based on their assessment of your personal dental situation and what we know about the treatments.

Everyone is unique, and ultimately what most of us want to achieve is something which looks good, feels good, and which will last. We will always advise that you invest your money in the option which ticks the most of your boxes, and one which has an eye on your long term hopes for your dental future.

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

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

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

www.blueappledental.com

Blueapple welcomes new patients.

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

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

Senior Resource Feature

‘Until there is a Cure’

Alzheimer’s or Other Dementias care: Family and Community Education Workshops

T

his September Home Instead Senior Care will be participating in a global campaign to host 1000 workshops during World Alzheimer’s month in September. As part of this initiative, 6 workshops will be hosted throughout Co. Galway to upskill over 300 family caregivers throughout the region..

In response to an increased need for solutions, Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and Home Instead Senior Care have joined together to host the release of Living with Alzheimer’s: A Journey of Caring - World Alzheimer Report 2013.

Roundtable Discussions will be held in three international capitals to address the global impact of the disease during World Alzheimer’s Month. Colman Gately, Home Instead Senior Care Galway outlines that the focus of the roundtables will be ’the family caregiver’ and will examine gaps in support, resources available for those impacted by the disease and how better to assist caregivers. At these events, ADI and Home Instead Senior Care will bring together key stakeholders in the fight to address families’ needs today and to find solutions for tomorrow. Attendees will include influential healthcare professionals, non-profit organisations, government officials, key media, opinion leaders and family caregivers discussing what the future holds for this disease.

Global roundtables confirmed are taking place in Washington D.C., London and Beijing between the 19th and 26th September.

Alzheimer’s disease is quickly becoming a global health crisis.

According to research conducted

by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the number of people living with dementia worldwide, estimated at 35.6 million in 2010, is set to nearly double every 20 years, reaching 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050. The vast majority of people with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for in their home by family caregivers during most of their disease.

Understandably, most of the research time and funding is devoted to finding a cure, but it is also important to make sure the importance of family caregivers is considered in the global fight against Alzheimer’s. ‘Hence the theme of our Home Instead global campaign is ’Until there is a Cure’ comments Mr Gately.

Although a vast majority of seniors want to age gracefully at home, many families think a

diagnosis of Alzheimer’s means an immediate move to a nursing home. “Through the Home Instead Alzheimer’s and other dementias CARE Programme, we help people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias remain safely in their homes in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. As the number of Alzheimer’s cases is predicted to surge by 50% in the next 20 years, more and more families will opt to care for their loved ones at home because it is a better solution for them”.

When asked about the different approach that Home Instead has developed for the care of people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, Gately outlines that instead of focusing on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatments and possible cures for Alzheimer’s, the emphasis is on the care and dignity of the individual, to help them live a more fulfilling life. Through their unique approach, Home Instead CAREGivers immerse themselves in the lives of their clients to connect with them and develop trusted relationships. “We want to offer this new approach free to families and communities to help them to understand and develop these techniques hence the ‘Until there is a Cure’ campaign”, he says. Home Instead Senior Care network research and work in homes throughout the world has highlighted two significant challenges that families face when caring for their loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias: Keeping their loved one’s mind engaged and managing behaviours that can include belligerence and aggression.

People with Alzheimer’s have diminished short-term memory they generally live in the past.

When you try to force them to live in the here and now, they can become uncooperative and difficult. At the core of our Alzheimer’s CARE Programme is the idea of Capturing Life’s Journey - a tool to help Home Instead CAREGivers and family members capture the senior’s life story and learn who they are as individuals. The stories and life experiences gathered in the Life Journal are used to provide personalised care to help mental stimulation, manage behaviours and give seniors with Alzheimer’s an opportunity to live more fulfilling lives. This concept will be introduced to participants during the educational workshops with more information available on how to go about creating a life journal.

Nothing like the Home Instead Senior Care network Alzheimer’s CARE Programme has ever been created before according to Colman Gately, owner of Home Instead Galway. He outlines that the research-based approach focusing on the behaviours, care and dignity of the senior with Alzheimer’s rather than on the treatments or a cure, required a unique team comprising of a diverse panel of ageing and dementia experts that allowed all aspects of the disease to be addressed.

The programme is based on the globally respected expert in dementia care and co-author David Troxel’s “best friends” approach to Alzheimer’s Care which encourages CAREGivers to

capture a loved one’s life journey and use that information to relate to them personally and care for them as individuals. .

Gately continues to be committed to elevating the professionalism of its dedicated CAREGivers. “Our office offers educational workshops that are highly interactive, dynamic and designed with techniques to accommodate all adults’ learning styles, which makes it more effective” he comments. This ongoing training will help them successfully manage behaviours and positively engage their care recipients.

“As part of our continuing effort to change the face of ageing, the Home Instead Senior Care network is now offering

Alzheimer’s CARE educational workshops free of charge to families and communities, even those who don’t use our services” he says. “We are committed to helping family carers, because most are in desperate need of solutions”. The free workshops are available across the country this September during World Alzheimer’s month as part of Home Instead’s global ‘Until there is a Cure’ campaign. Topics include: understanding behavioural changes, encouraging engagement and caring for yourself while caring for a loved one. Home Instead Senior Care can be contacted on 091 384160 or through the web at www.homeinstead.ie

Page 15 Mature Living September 2013

Gerry Walsh speaks with Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry The privilege of being a religious correspondent

I

HAD the good fortune to meet Roscommon-native and Religious Affairs Correspondent with the Irish Times, Patsy McGarry, during the Humbert Weekend in Ballina, in which he participated. He was delighted to talk about his career in journalism and his views on life generally. Apart from religion Patsy is gifted with an extensive knowledge of history, politics, culture and many other subjects, particularly in an Irish and European context. He has also a great love for his native place and provided stimulating and engaging company for an autumn evening.

His knowledge in the field of religion has come to the fore many times and has been put to the test on occasions on Tonight with Vincent Browne on TV 3.

Certainly, his contribution to debates on many related issues has been immense in recent years.

Patsy’s family came originally from the townland of Mullen near Frenchpark in Co

Roscommon where they had lived for as far back as folk memory stretches. In fact they lived in a traditional thatched country cottage which was built by his great-grandfather in the 1850s. In 1962 they moved to the Square in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Included in the premises was a public house which had long been closed but which his parents opened in 1963. He admits that some of the best education he received was behind the counter there.

“I am the eldest of seven.

There were six of us when we moved into Ballaghaderreen. I had been attending Mullen national school, then began at the De La Salle Brothers in Ballaghaderreen, followed by St. Nathy’s College where I was a day boy in what was then a boarding school. From there I graduated to what used be UCG and is now known as NUIG. I did an arts degree, and took a H Dip in Education. A brief period studying for a Masters in English followed before I got fed up. I led a very active extra-

Page 16 Mature Living September 2013

curricular life at UCG in the Drama Society, the Literary and Debating Society, and student politics. I also wrote for Unity, the student paper.”

He also recalled some shared experiences with both Pat Rabbitte and Eamon Gilmore during those days.

CAREER IN JOURNALISM In the absence of contacts he found it very difficult to break into journalism.

“In those days there was only one journalism course in Ireland. It was at Rathmines College in Dublin and they did not accept graduates, only people who had done the Leaving Certificate. I taught part-time all over the place, mainly at home in Ballaghaderreen and in Dublin.

Teaching jobs then too were very hard to come by, but I wasn’t really interested in teaching. Journalism was what attracted me.

“RTE advertised for continuity announcers and I thought it might be a route into

the newsroom there but between the days when the posts were advertised and when we were called for interview financial cuts at RTE meant there were no announcer jobs.

However they offered those of us who passed interviews the opportunity to do a course anyhow. I did so in the evenings and continued teaching.

“A colleague on that course went to New York where she studied journalism. On her return she began work as head of news at Sunshine Radio, one of the bigger pirate stations in Dublin. When I was due to go on summer holidays from Bolton Street College, where I was lecturing in a general studies course on history and economics, she asked me to fill in for one of her journalists who was going on leave. I did so and stayed at it for the summer.

Believing local radio was around the corner and this was a way into journalism, I continued with this” At Christmas (of 1983, in an act considered as lunacy by his family, Patsy joined Sunshine Radio. Later he was made Head of News there and believed legislation setting up independent radio was around the corner. They worked very hard at Sunshine, cleaned up the act and were eventually admitted as members of the National Union of Journalists, essential if you were to have a future in journalism in Ireland.

He left Sunshine in 1987 and began freelancing for Magill magazine and the Irish Press newspaper. He began working for the Irish Press in 1990 and became the paper’s theatre critic, a role held until 1995 when the Press closed down.

In 1992 he began writing for the Sunday Independent and the Irish Independent and crossed the Liffey to the Irish Times in 1994 where he’s been Religious Affairs Correspondent since 1997.

“I had always been interested in religion in Ireland but primarily from a political perspective. Up to that point in journalism I had written a lot of news analysis pieces which had a strong political flavour. But the influence of religion on politics in Ireland, north and south, was still great then, hence my interest in religious affairs and particularly where our major church, the Catholic Church, was concerned. As

history was one of my degree subjects, I also had a strong interest in the area from a historical perspective.”

VIEWS ON RELIGION AND ITS INFLUENCE Patsy admits that for the greater part of his adult life he has been an agnostic.

“Sometimes people confuse this with atheism but I have never had enough faith to be an atheist. Agnosticism is a condition of simply `not knowing’ and being able to live comfortably with that. It comes from two Greek words one beings its verb `to know’ and the other being `not’, hence `not to know’. I was a very religious youngster and got great consolation from religion then so losing it was a process of bereavement. It was not something I discarded lightly. It was,where I was concerned, a painful process of facing up to basic questions which had no answers.

“A few years ago I was asked to contribute to a book titled `What Being Catholic Means to Me’. As its editors were two people I liked I felt I could not refuse so I wrote about being an Irish Catholic agnostic, my cultural background being Irish Catholic. I have never made a secret of my agnosticism and when I went for the job as Religious Affairs Correspondent at The Irish Times I told them this but also asked whether they would appoint a member of a political party as political correspondent.

“All that said I respect faith, not unthinking faith but informed faith. I have no time for fundamentalism, whatever the context. I envy people of real faith. It is an extraordinary consolation to be able to believe this seemingly absurd existence has a purpose and meaning.”

I asked him if surprised with the revelations of recent years, particularly the extent of the abuse. “The year 1997, when I became Religious Affairs Correspondent, was the year Fr Brendan Smyth was jailed in Dublin for child sex abuse. He died a month into his sentence.

He was jailed for the first time in Belfast in 1994. His story was shocking, appalling, and brought down Taoiseach Albert Reynolds in 1994. But even with all that, I thought this Smyth case was a once off.

Patsy in mid debate on the Vincent Brown show had no idea what was coming down the line or that my own period as Religious Affairs Correspondent would be dominated by the clerical child sex abuse issue to the degree it has been. You could say the Catholic Church as we have known it in Ireland has imploded on my watch and through its own fault. The tsunami that this scandal has been,means that a form of Catholicism we have had in Ireland since the mid 19th century is being swept away.

“From a journalist’s point of view it is, as a colleague on the Irish Catholic once put it to me, “the story which keeps on giving.” Who in 1997 would have anticipated such shocking findings as were established in the Ferns report (2005), the Ryan report (May 2009), the Murphy report (November 2009) and the Cloyne report (2011) The miracle is that there is anything left of the Catholic Church in Ireland and that it continues to exist is something I attribute mainly to the priests in the parishes on the ground.

“Meanwhile, with immigration, we have seen a rapid growth in Muslims, Orthodox Christians and Pentacostalists here as well as among Hindus and Buddhists.

And then there has been the Northern Ireland conflict. I

covered the Drumcree crisis for about eight of my first years in this job. Then that began to fizzle out. All in all I could never have anticipated that what I always believed would be an interesting job would be as busy, crowded, and demanding as it has been. It’s been great.”

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRELAND NOW? Patsy believes the Catholic Church in Ireland is in transition. It is becoming a less powerful, less influential, more humble and more Christian institution. Its priest numbers are dropping rapidly. A new book by Fr Brendan Hoban of the Association of Catholic Priests has forecast that a priest will be a rarity in Ireland in 20 years time. He supplies the statistics to prove it. It is a fact that the average age of the Irish Catholic priest today is 64. They retire at 75. As the Americans say “you do the math.”

“In the meantime as these men grow older their workload increases with parish clustering and lesser numbers. In Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said that in seven years time (2020) there won’t be a priest for each of its 199 parishes. He also notes the absence of young people between the ages of 16 and 34 from church services.

“Already, and as it should be, more and more lay people are handling administrative/financial matters in parishes. This is being extended into liturgies with the growing number of permanent deacons. The day is not too far off in Ireland when we have a situation similar to what is already happening in continental Europe where most Catholic funerals, baptisms and marriages are presided over by lay people, mostly women, and where you have celebrations of the Mass without the Eucharist, in so far as that is not a contradiction in terms. At such events, in some Catholic

parishes in Europe, they have Mass without the consecration of the host and where Communion, consecrated by a priest previously, is disturbed at Communion time.

“Religion, like reading newspapers, is more and more the preserve of older people.

Weekly Mass attendance in Ireland is at between 30 per cent and 33 per cent but look closer and you will see that congregations are middle aged and older, whether that be an urban or rural setting. However, in some urban settings the numbers are much lower, down to 23 per cent in urban working class parishes. In Dublin, for instance, the average weekly Mass attendance is 14 per cent, with figures holding up best in middle class areas.

“Religious practice in the Protestant churches is at about 20/22 per cent weekly and of the same age profile. The most vibrant churches are the newer Pentacostal/Evangelical ones where they have an exuberant style of worship. Most of these attract our African immigrants.

But, in the scheme of things, they are small in number. Our Muslims, too, are avid attenders at their mosques on Fridays.

“Overall, religion in Ireland is in decline. This is becoming a secular society where there is tolerance for religion but less interest in its practice.”

HOBBIES/INTERESTS Patsy’s life is not all work and no play and he has a wide range of interests. Like most of his family he is sports mad, particularly where Gaelic football, hurling and rugby are concerned. He find soccer boring by comparison, unless the Irish international side is doing well and this week has told its own tale. As an inevitable news junkie he watches numerous current affairs programmes, and documentaries on TV. He also gets absorbed in news and

current affairs programmes on radio. Reading, once a great passion, now tends to be mainly work related. Theatre and films can be a problem since he works into the evenings. He also likes to socialise particularly in that other declining institution – the pub.

I asked about his interest in books and writers.

“I tend to go for biography and history when it comes to reading, having lost a certain patience with so much modern fiction which seems to be more about authors indulging themselves. A book I did enjoy recently was Michael Harding’s `Staring at Lakes’. I love all of John McGahern’s later works, in particular `That They May Face the Rising Sun’ and `Memoir’. A book I stumbled across and thoroughly enjoyed recently was “Skippy Dies’ by Dubliner Paul Murray. When it comes to newspaper columnists I very much enjoy Michael Harding and Hilary Fannin in the Irish Times, John Boland in the Irish Independent, as well as Justine McCarty, Brenda Power, and Kevin Myers in the Sunday Times.”

“I love music. Rock, pop, traditional, the occasional, popular classical piece – “the food of love….play on!” Coming from a family which can never keep off a dance floor, give me anything with a good beat and I’m happy.”

HOPES FOR THE FUTURE “By nature I am an optimist and believe we will come through this current recession, bruised maybe, but we will survive. We live in a lovely country with great people and a fabulous culture. Despite everything we

still have one of the highest standards of living in the world and the freedom to enjoy it, means allowing. I look forward, confidently, to better days ahead for us all. Personally, I anticipate a content old age.

And here’s hoping that’s justified.

“I feel very lucky to have the job I have and to have had it in these times. There is an old Chinese curse- `may you live in interesting times’. For normal people `interesting times’ mean upheaval, uncertainty, problems, difficulty. Journalism and journalists thrive in such awkward periods. Journalism is also described as the first draft of history and in my area of religious affairs I cannot deny that what I’ve been reporting on since 1997 has been historic, by any standard.

“I feel privileged to have been allowed a front seat before such momentous and significant events. Being a journalist also allows extraordinary access to all sorts of people and situations, something I have never taken for granted and never feel tempted to. I still pinch myself sometimes to remind myself that I really am at such and such hugely significant press conference or am about to interview such and such a personage.

“It is a cliché to say `get a job you enjoy and you’ll never work again.’ Well I am a living proof of the truth of that cliché. I love what I do. Of course it has its moments but in the main it has been an honour not a chore. Getting into it may not have been easy but it was worth every trying moment of effort and discouragement. “

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”

Page 17 Mature Living September 2013

Boyle

Things to do in Boyle Miners Way and Historical Trail Walking Route The Miners Way (41km) and Historical Trail (72 km) are combined long distance walking routes that take in the rolling hills and valleys of counties Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo, Ireland. The entire walking route is a moderate National Waymarked Trail taking on average 6 days to complete and is approximately 113 km long.

The walking route can begin in Dowra, Boyle or Arigna and follows many of the paths used by miners going to work in the Arigna Mines. The Miners Way links with the Historical Trail which traverses the Curlew, Bricklieve & Arigna Mountains, passing many features of interest including Carrowkeel megalithic tombs, Labby rock, wind farms, Sequoia Trees & the Bricklieve Mountains. The rough terrain & breathtaking scenery is spectacular and this is matched historically by the largest concentration of passage tombs in Ireland, believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BC. Lough Key Lough Key has for many centuries drawn people to its spectacular views, abundant wildlife, historic buildings and evocative islands. This beautiful landscape is steeped in a rich history.

Now after major development the historic backdrop encompasses a landmark cluster of unique attractions serving the needs of a 21st century visitor with a new lakeside centre

providing an ideal gateway for gentle leisurely activities or more energetic pursuits in the Park.

Things to see and do there, Tree Canopy Walk - 19th Century Servant Tunnels - Moylurg Tower Boda Borg Lakeside Cafe - Gift Shop - Caravan & Camping Park Adventure Play Kingdom Forest & Parkland Trails, Bog Gardens, Lakeside Walks & 19th Century Bridges King House King House is a magnificently restored Georgian Mansion located in Boyle, County Roscommon. It was built in the early 1700’s for Sir Henry King, whose family were one of the most powerful and wealthy in Ireland.

After its first life as a home, King House was converted into a military barracks in the 19th century for the famous Connaught Rangers regiment. At the end of Civil War in 1923 the barracks passed into the control of the newly formed Irish Free State Army.

Following many years as a merchants store, King House was saved from demolition in the late 1980s and restored to its former Georgian style by Roscommon County Council.

Marvel at the grandeur, savour the magnificence of the period rooms, or just have fun exploring our interpretive exhibitions designed for both adults and children alike!

Writing with a quill and ink or building a brick vault are just some of the many things to do, and a tour of King House would not be complete without a visit to the cold and forbidding jail cells!

To All Walkers 5 good reasons to go walking 1) Walking to stay healthy and fit.

2) Many walkers join a walking club just for the social outing.

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 eating.

Hill walking tours – guided group walks, school outings, 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 outings a year. Walks graded from ‘A’ for the experienced walker to level ‘C’ for short walks at a gentle pace suitable for first time walkers.

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

Boyle, Co. Roscommon

T: 071­96­62236 F:071­96­63524

E:joesimonhardware@hotmail.com Mon­Sat 9­6 lunch 1­2 daily

Coal bunker 150kg €60.00

Lo% ladder only €99.00

A"c insula#on: 150mm 6.87 sq mtr roll: €15.00

Deville 3 filter ash vac

200mm 5.93 sq mtr roll: €17.00

€65.00

Now stocking a wide range of Konig security products.

facebook.com/milltimeshotel

3 Nights Mid week Stay for 2

at the fabulous Mill Times Hotel in the heart of Westport

October Midwek Offer 2 Nights B&B and 1 Evening Meal In Temptations Restaurant

To be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize, simply answer the question and send your answer, along with your name, address, email address and telephone number into us at the addess below...

And no single supplement on select dates • Live Music ever# Sunday night

Question: What is the name of the famous pilgrimage mountain that lies close by to Westport?

!om €89 per person sharing

Enquire about Cycling and Golf Breaks, Day Trips and Golden Y ears offers

Send your entries into us at Mill Times Hotel Competition, Mature Living Magazine, Office 3, Unit 7, Northwest Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo Terms and Conditions Apply, Closing Date for entries is October 8th 2013

Mill Street, Town Centre, Westport, Co. Mayo

Telephone: 098-29200

www.milltimeshotel.ie • info@milltimeshotel.ie

Insulation

About Better Energy Homes

A

Special

DISCOUNTS r available fo h it w ’s over 50 rt ve d a this

Page 20 Mature Living September 2013

s with all schemes administered by SEAI, the Better Energy Homes scheme is subject to continuous review with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with respect to programme objectives.To date over â‚Ź115m has been paid in grant support towards 270,000 upgrade measures in 110,000 homes.There is also a noted continued downward trend in the typical cost of works, particularly in the case of wall insulation.

Therefore after a review with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources a number of scheme revisions have been agreed, which have now come into effect.

The two key changes to the scheme are: Revised grant amounts for all wall insulation types and Building Energy Rating (BER) Internal and external wall insulation grants will no longer be one single amount, but rather be based upon the house type.

Grants for attic insulation and all heating system upgrades in-

cluding solar remain unchanged. *Cash Grants are set value unless expenditure is below the set value, in which case the actual expenditure will be reimbursed. **A Building Energy Rating (BER) is an integral part of all grant applications under the Better Energy Homes scheme, whereby homeowners must undertake a BER on their home after grant aided works have been completed. A homeowner is entitled to BER funding of â‚Ź50 once per home. This funding will be applied to your grant application automatically provided you have never applied previously for BER funding. You will be informed during the online grant application process if BER funding is available for your home or as part of your Letter of Grant Offer if you have applied through the post. It is advisable that you apply for and undertake all planned grant aided works at the same time to minimise the costs of multiple BER assessments.

Superior Insulations are one of 10 national contractors that offer the grant processing

L

ooking for a solution for a warmer, draught-free home? Superior Insulations Ltd., provides NSAI approved insulation and ventilation solutions to keep your home warm, draught-free and breathable.

The Great News is that Superior Insulations can process the SEAI grant application which means that our clients don’t have to pay the grant price when paying for the job– we do

it all for you and you get a lovely cosy home. What does this mean in monetary terms?

Insulating with attic insulation and cavity bead insulation? Pay €500 less.

Insulating with external wall and attic insulation? Pay up to €3850 less.

Superior Insulations uses the Ecobead Platinum System – the best cavity wall solution in the market.

For homes with no cavity or have the cavity filled, the PowerWall External Wall Insulation system is the superior solution. Superior Insulations also offer a number of insulation solutions for attics, flat roofs and foundations.

So many customers are satisfied with their Superior Insulations experience and the testimonials are flowing in.

Check out what our customers are saying on our facebook page: Superior Insulations Ltd. Find out more about our products and services at www.superiorinsulations.ie or call 1890 253 221 now for a warmer home.

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Superior Insulations, Charlestown, Co. Mayo

Lo Call: 1890 253 221

Pay €500 Less for Cavity & Attic Insulation Pay up to €3850 less for External Insulation We are one of 10 national contractors that offer the grant processing for our customers

We take care of the paperwork and the you do not need to pay the grant amount up front which is a huge help in these times. Our region covers Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Longford

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New Ad Coming in

Focus on Fashion by Rodney Munn of EJ Menswear Sligo

There are four seasons each with its own inherent beauty

And like the poem says: The day becomes more solemn and serene, When noon has past-there is harmony in Autumn, and Lustre in the sky, which through the summer is neither heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been.

Y

es summer and autumn are very different, we have enjoyed a brighter summer, spent more time on the decking, enjoyed barbecues in the garden, sunsets at strandhill, walks along the beach. However the kids are back at school, the days are shorter and the general temperatures are down, this usually announces the coming of the wonderful, beautiful autumn season.

The rich variety of colour that the countryside takes on is truly

magical, comforting, and continues to inspire, photographers, painters, poets, song writers and clothes designers.

If you were to ask any menswear retailer which season excites them the most, reinvigorates their passion for the business would say without hardly one exception it would be the AUTUMN!AND this year is no different as the new collections are arriving everyday we are filled with expectation for a great season.

Looking at the colour pallet for this year we see the introduction of the new wine, burgundy, raspberry shades not only in knitwear, and shirts, but most notably in men’s chinos and cotton jeans, even for the mature man, yes I did say the more mature man! You will really have to try them with an

Guarantee Your Copy of THE MAGAZINE FOR THE OLDER, BOLDER INDIVIDUAL

for just €35 per year!

Due to the massive uptake on the last issue of Mature Living Magazine, not everyone could be guaranteed a free copy in their local outlet.

However, we now offer a subscription service.

M

ature Living is full to the brim with information on events, finance, travel, pets, food and drink, health, hobbies and much much more! For just €35 (to cover postage and admin costs) you can have Mature Living delivered to your door.

Mature Living is published once per month and a subscription covers 12 months.

Complete the form below. You can pay by cheque or Postal Order made payable to IBS Publications I would llike to subscribe to Mature Living Magazine for 12 issues.

Name...........................................................Telephone...............................

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Alternatively, you can pay via telephone using your credit or debit card. Simply call us on 071-9154538 with your details.

Cut out this form and send it to us at: Subscriptions, Mature Living Magazine, Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo

open mind, and ease yourself out of your comfort zone. Also new shades of tan, a darker beige, and a new Smokey blue all are welcome new additions this year, and could be a new addition to your wardrobe.

A new trend to look out for is appearing in knitwear, jackets and suits, and that is contrasting colour patches on the shoulders ,elbows and on pockets, this isn't new of course, but its revival is a welcome return to spice up the new collections.

The trend last year towards more earthy fabrics and colours continues this year with wool check jackets and suits, and heavier patterned knitwear with chunkier wool scarves, this adds a real country feel to your overall look.

This time of year of course we all naturally wear more clothes and so the chance to layer is a necessity, but with a little forethought you can successfully match your shirt, knit jacket, coat and scarf,thats part of the beauty of autumn to me.

Already arrived is the new collection from GANT, which is as usual FANTASIC! With the new aforementioned colours in its range it takes pride of place in the middle of the shop in a section all on its own.

The German brand of coats BUGATTI which we have done for a number of years now have added to their range lovely regular fit cotton jeans, and denim jeans ,which are

designed for the more mature man in mind. They also have a great new knitwear collection which are a change from the regular v and crew necks. This year we have added four new styles of jackets from BUGGATI which you have to try, they really are spot on as we say.

Also back this season is STATE OF ART, they are back with a bang with a great range which has excited us all when we see it.

So once again come in and enjoy the ultimate shopping experience at EJ MENSWEAR, we will guide you through the AUTUMN and beyond!

Page 23 Mature Living September 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

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

Joe Dolan (1939-2007) An Appreciation week for local dances and functions. Soon, the band was playing more and more and decided to take the plunge to turn professional at Easter, 1962. Indeed, it was no surprise when Joe, on qualifying as a compositor, parked that career and went in to music full time. On stage with his group, The Drifters, Joe was the guitarist and lead singer. Although successful locally, and playing regularly, the band was not well known outside of the Midlands.

Their big break came when Quinn Supermarkets booked the Drifters to play at heats of their national beauty contest. The gig exposed the band and their lead singer to audiences throughout the country and the die was cast for their success. It was 1964 when Joe and the band cut their first record, The Answer To Everything, which shot to the top ten of the Irish Charts, topping out at number 4. The B side was When You Say I Love You, written by the band's 18

Joe Dolan is mobbed on stage in 1966

O

n December 26th, 2007 the Irish entertainment world was rocked by news of the sudden death of Joe Dolan, one of the showband era's most charismatic and successful singers. Although Joe had been forced to cancel several tours earlier in the year due to illness, nobody was prepared for the news that he had died of a brain hemorrhage at the relatively young age of 68. For over forty-five years, Joe had packed in the crowds across Ireland and the rest of the world.

Joe's death was reported in newspapers across the world from the New York Times to the London Observer and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation, such was his worldwide fame. Over his career, Joe had more records in the Irish Charts than any other Irish artist - thirty three (33) chart hits in all (information from www.irishcharts.ie).

Joe was one of seven children of the late Patrick and Ellen Dolan. The second youngest boy in the family, Joe`s siblings were Dymphna, Patrick, Ben, Imelda, Vincent and the late James. The family lived in Grange South on the Ballymahon Road and after finishing school, in 1958 he joined the staff of the Westmeath Examiner where he served his apprenticeship as a compositor at their offices in Dominick Street on the advice of his brother, Ben. It would always be good to have something to fall back on, should music not work out.

As he was completing his studies at his chosen trade, Joe was already making an impression in the music world. The band he formed with brother Ben had started in the usual way, playing maybe once a

Page 24 Mature Living September 2013

Drifters Showband in 1964

year old trumpeter, Tommy Swarbrigg. The success of the record had a major impact on the band and on bookings. Suddenly, they were playing to crowds in ballrooms scattered from Dublin to Mayo and Donegal to Cork.

With a hit single under their belts, the boys took the dancehalls and ballrooms by storm. In the following years, Joe released a string of hits, including "I Love You More And More Everyday", "My Own Peculiar Way", "Aching Breaking Heart", "Pretty Brown Eyes", "Tar And Cement", "The House With The Whitewashed Gable", "Love Of The Common People", and "The Westmeath Bachelor".

Joe was soon one of the elite of the showband era.

Along with peers Butch Moore (Capitol), Dickie Rock (Miami) and Brendan Bowyer (Royal) they enjoyed superstar status in the ballrooms. His unique

singing style and song selection garnered him a string of top ten hits, which culminated with two number ones, Pretty Brown Eyes and House with The White Washed Gable. Following these successes, Joe and the Drifters were firmly in place as one of the "super" showbands of the era.

Success had not prepared Joe for the bombshell which dropped in July, 1968. A crisis hit the band when Tommy Swarbrigg and the younger members of the band announced they were leaving to form their own band, The Times. Tommy contacted his brother, Jimmy, who was living in London, and he returned to front the new pop band. The breakup of the band had several causes including, by Joe's own admission, the fact that he had been involved with more solo projects and could be away on the continent for weeks at a time, the band being off the road. Manager Seamus Casey (with Joe from Day

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

One) put the split down to musical differences between Joe and Ben and the rest of the band. One way or another, the band played their last gig in Castlerea.

The move left Joe and Ben alone, and they went about rebuilding a new band, that would eventually go on to even greater success at home and abroad.

They recruited: Frankie McDonald (trumpet), Gordon Coleman (guitar), Maurice Walsh (drums), Kieran Mc Donnell (keyboards), Seamus Shannon (trombone), and Patrick Hoye (bass). After adding a guitarist, Joe set down his six string and focused all his energy on singing.

1969 would be the year that Joe enjoyed massive success on the international scene. His single, Make Me an Island, stormed to the top of the British Charts, hitting number 3 and putting Joe on BBC's Top of the Pops. The single marked the first time Joe had recorded without the Drifters and although he was being marketed as a solo act outside of Ireland, in an article in Spotlight, he was quoted as saying.

"I'm part of the Drifters and always will be." The song went to the top spot in fourteen European countries, launching Joe into his extraordinary international career. Following the success of Island, Joe enjoyed a short run of success in the UK Charts with three singles in a row reaching the UK Top Twenty, a feat not equaled by any of his showband peers as far as we know.

Throughout the 1970's, Joe went from strength to strength. His records were snapped up across Europe and he made appearances on a wide variety of television shows. After a brief lull in the early seventies, in 1974 Joe released Sweet Little Rock n Roller, a number which although it failed to make a huge impact on the charts (stalling at Number 14 in Ireland), it became a major hit in Britain for Showaddywaddy five years later. More importantly, it remained one of Joe's best loved songs and one he continued to feature in closing his act throughout his career.

A clue to Joe's generous nature came in a 1974 interview with Paschal Mooney in Spotlight. When asked whether he felt snubbed by the home record buyers because his records had not done so well recently in Ireland, he said, "it's great that the home fans had the sense to put The Times at No. 1 and I hope they make it in England too. They deserve it."

A nice sentiment for the band that had left him just a few years earlier.

As the seventies progressed, Joe spent less and less time in Ireland and focused his efforts on "the continent" which was where the real money was.

This culminated in 1978, when Joe and the Drifters became the first Western entertainers to perform in Russia, long before the end of the cold war.

As the era of the showbands and the ballrooms ended, Joe, like peers Dickie Rock and Brendan Bowyer, just kept going. He continued to tour the continent as well as appear in cabaret and concerts

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...

Báidín Fheidhlimí Gael Linn Singles from 1968-80

around Ireland. Joe's staying power was demonstrated by the fact that even though Dickie and Brendan had their last Irish chart hits in 1989 and 1990 respectively, Joe had chart singles in 1993, 1997 and finally in 1998 with The Universal. A spoof remake of his hit Good Looking Woman with Dustin the Turkey even hit the number 1 spot in the Irish Charts in 1997. Joe became the only Irish artist to have charts hits in four consecutive decades.

Joe also continued to produce CD's and DVD's and in fact, his latest CD, Let There Be Love was riding high in Irish Charts at the time of his death.

Overall, it is difficult to measure the impact of showband artists like Joe on the Irish entertainment industry. Unfortunately, many of today's young stars pass off the showband era (and its stars) as poor imitations of their American and British counterparts.

While that can be said of many of the era's singers, Joe Dolan was always an original. Although his early singles may have followed the popular trend of the "showband sound" in the late sixties and into the seventies, Joe found his own sound and stuck with it for the next 35 years.

It is appropriate that the final words for this tribute should come from Joe himself. In the Vincent Powers book, Send 'Em Home Sweatin', when asked how he would like to be remembered Joe said, "I'd just like to be remembered as I am, as a person, and for what I've done in show business. I'd just like to be remembered for what I've done on stage and what I've done on record. Nothing else matters."

In 2008, Ben Dolan came back on the road with Joe's Band playing live to a video of Joe singing. His website is still going strong and further tours, along with more recordings have been announced as Joe's legend continues to live on. One of Ireland's truly unique entertainers, Joe's energy, talent, drive and enthusiasm will be missed by his family, friends and fans.

T

his CD will evoke memories of good times in the past, when the ballad boom was at its height and every pub and club in Ireland was echoing to the sounds of rousing Irish folk songs.

Emmet Spiceland were the first Irish boyband with songs such as ‘Báidín Fheidhlimí’ and ‘Nóra Bheag’.

It was Skara Brae who prompted the upsurge of the singing of songs as Gaeilge with their beautiful harmonies.

One popular song from the late 60s, that has endured better than most, is Seán Ó Sé’s version of ‘An Poc Ar Buile’ Adrienne and Lucy Johnston, Paul Brady, Mick Moloney were the four members of The Johnstons, who contributed handsomely to the folk revival with ‘Gleanntáin Ghlas’ Ghaoth Dobhair’.

The compilation has the sophisticated sound of We 4 singing ‘Cóilín’, music by Roger Whitaker and lyrics by Niall Tóibín and ‘Ná hOscail do Bheola’, again had Tóibín’s lyrics, this time to music by Jim Doherty.

Also included on the compilation are Mac Murrough, a very attractive three-piece ballad group from Wexford, and, from Dublin, the very popular group Deirdre Downes and The Broadsiders remind us of their sweet version of ‘Gleann na Smól.’

‘The eclectic meascán of styles is what makes this compilation such an engaging, warm, nostalgic experience and the music speaks for itself - by its excellence.’ Shay Healy CD €14.99 Available now in music stores, www.gael-linn.ie and for download.

Page 25 Mature Living September 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

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

Joe Dolan (1939-2007) An Appreciation week for local dances and functions. Soon, the band was playing more and more and decided to take the plunge to turn professional at Easter, 1962. Indeed, it was no surprise when Joe, on qualifying as a compositor, parked that career and went in to music full time. On stage with his group, The Drifters, Joe was the guitarist and lead singer. Although successful locally, and playing regularly, the band was not well known outside of the Midlands.

Their big break came when Quinn Supermarkets booked the Drifters to play at heats of their national beauty contest. The gig exposed the band and their lead singer to audiences throughout the country and the die was cast for their success. It was 1964 when Joe and the band cut their first record, The Answer To Everything, which shot to the top ten of the Irish Charts, topping out at number 4. The B side was When You Say I Love You, written by the band's 18

Joe Dolan is mobbed on stage in 1966

O

n December 26th, 2007 the Irish entertainment world was rocked by news of the sudden death of Joe Dolan, one of the showband era's most charismatic and successful singers. Although Joe had been forced to cancel several tours earlier in the year due to illness, nobody was prepared for the news that he had died of a brain hemorrhage at the relatively young age of 68. For over forty-five years, Joe had packed in the crowds across Ireland and the rest of the world.

Joe's death was reported in newspapers across the world from the New York Times to the London Observer and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation, such was his worldwide fame. Over his career, Joe had more records in the Irish Charts than any other Irish artist - thirty three (33) chart hits in all (information from www.irishcharts.ie).

Joe was one of seven children of the late Patrick and Ellen Dolan. The second youngest boy in the family, Joe`s siblings were Dymphna, Patrick, Ben, Imelda, Vincent and the late James. The family lived in Grange South on the Ballymahon Road and after finishing school, in 1958 he joined the staff of the Westmeath Examiner where he served his apprenticeship as a compositor at their offices in Dominick Street on the advice of his brother, Ben. It would always be good to have something to fall back on, should music not work out.

As he was completing his studies at his chosen trade, Joe was already making an impression in the music world. The band he formed with brother Ben had started in the usual way, playing maybe once a

Page 24 Mature Living September 2013

Drifters Showband in 1964

year old trumpeter, Tommy Swarbrigg. The success of the record had a major impact on the band and on bookings. Suddenly, they were playing to crowds in ballrooms scattered from Dublin to Mayo and Donegal to Cork.

With a hit single under their belts, the boys took the dancehalls and ballrooms by storm. In the following years, Joe released a string of hits, including "I Love You More And More Everyday", "My Own Peculiar Way", "Aching Breaking Heart", "Pretty Brown Eyes", "Tar And Cement", "The House With The Whitewashed Gable", "Love Of The Common People", and "The Westmeath Bachelor".

Joe was soon one of the elite of the showband era.

Along with peers Butch Moore (Capitol), Dickie Rock (Miami) and Brendan Bowyer (Royal) they enjoyed superstar status in the ballrooms. His unique

singing style and song selection garnered him a string of top ten hits, which culminated with two number ones, Pretty Brown Eyes and House with The White Washed Gable. Following these successes, Joe and the Drifters were firmly in place as one of the "super" showbands of the era.

Success had not prepared Joe for the bombshell which dropped in July, 1968. A crisis hit the band when Tommy Swarbrigg and the younger members of the band announced they were leaving to form their own band, The Times. Tommy contacted his brother, Jimmy, who was living in London, and he returned to front the new pop band. The breakup of the band had several causes including, by Joe's own admission, the fact that he had been involved with more solo projects and could be away on the continent for weeks at a time, the band being off the road. Manager Seamus Casey (with Joe from Day

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

One) put the split down to musical differences between Joe and Ben and the rest of the band. One way or another, the band played their last gig in Castlerea.

The move left Joe and Ben alone, and they went about rebuilding a new band, that would eventually go on to even greater success at home and abroad.

They recruited: Frankie McDonald (trumpet), Gordon Coleman (guitar), Maurice Walsh (drums), Kieran Mc Donnell (keyboards), Seamus Shannon (trombone), and Patrick Hoye (bass). After adding a guitarist, Joe set down his six string and focused all his energy on singing.

1969 would be the year that Joe enjoyed massive success on the international scene. His single, Make Me an Island, stormed to the top of the British Charts, hitting number 3 and putting Joe on BBC's Top of the Pops. The single marked the first time Joe had recorded without the Drifters and although he was being marketed as a solo act outside of Ireland, in an article in Spotlight, he was quoted as saying.

"I'm part of the Drifters and always will be." The song went to the top spot in fourteen European countries, launching Joe into his extraordinary international career. Following the success of Island, Joe enjoyed a short run of success in the UK Charts with three singles in a row reaching the UK Top Twenty, a feat not equaled by any of his showband peers as far as we know.

Throughout the 1970's, Joe went from strength to strength. His records were snapped up across Europe and he made appearances on a wide variety of television shows. After a brief lull in the early seventies, in 1974 Joe released Sweet Little Rock n Roller, a number which although it failed to make a huge impact on the charts (stalling at Number 14 in Ireland), it became a major hit in Britain for Showaddywaddy five years later. More importantly, it remained one of Joe's best loved songs and one he continued to feature in closing his act throughout his career.

A clue to Joe's generous nature came in a 1974 interview with Paschal Mooney in Spotlight. When asked whether he felt snubbed by the home record buyers because his records had not done so well recently in Ireland, he said, "it's great that the home fans had the sense to put The Times at No. 1 and I hope they make it in England too. They deserve it."

A nice sentiment for the band that had left him just a few years earlier.

As the seventies progressed, Joe spent less and less time in Ireland and focused his efforts on "the continent" which was where the real money was.

This culminated in 1978, when Joe and the Drifters became the first Western entertainers to perform in Russia, long before the end of the cold war.

As the era of the showbands and the ballrooms ended, Joe, like peers Dickie Rock and Brendan Bowyer, just kept going. He continued to tour the continent as well as appear in cabaret and concerts

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...

Báidín Fheidhlimí Gael Linn Singles from 1968-80

around Ireland. Joe's staying power was demonstrated by the fact that even though Dickie and Brendan had their last Irish chart hits in 1989 and 1990 respectively, Joe had chart singles in 1993, 1997 and finally in 1998 with The Universal. A spoof remake of his hit Good Looking Woman with Dustin the Turkey even hit the number 1 spot in the Irish Charts in 1997. Joe became the only Irish artist to have charts hits in four consecutive decades.

Joe also continued to produce CD's and DVD's and in fact, his latest CD, Let There Be Love was riding high in Irish Charts at the time of his death.

Overall, it is difficult to measure the impact of showband artists like Joe on the Irish entertainment industry. Unfortunately, many of today's young stars pass off the showband era (and its stars) as poor imitations of their American and British counterparts.

While that can be said of many of the era's singers, Joe Dolan was always an original. Although his early singles may have followed the popular trend of the "showband sound" in the late sixties and into the seventies, Joe found his own sound and stuck with it for the next 35 years.

It is appropriate that the final words for this tribute should come from Joe himself. In the Vincent Powers book, Send 'Em Home Sweatin', when asked how he would like to be remembered Joe said, "I'd just like to be remembered as I am, as a person, and for what I've done in show business. I'd just like to be remembered for what I've done on stage and what I've done on record. Nothing else matters."

In 2008, Ben Dolan came back on the road with Joe's Band playing live to a video of Joe singing. His website is still going strong and further tours, along with more recordings have been announced as Joe's legend continues to live on. One of Ireland's truly unique entertainers, Joe's energy, talent, drive and enthusiasm will be missed by his family, friends and fans.

T

his CD will evoke memories of good times in the past, when the ballad boom was at its height and every pub and club in Ireland was echoing to the sounds of rousing Irish folk songs.

Emmet Spiceland were the first Irish boyband with songs such as ‘Báidín Fheidhlimí’ and ‘Nóra Bheag’.

It was Skara Brae who prompted the upsurge of the singing of songs as Gaeilge with their beautiful harmonies.

One popular song from the late 60s, that has endured better than most, is Seán Ó Sé’s version of ‘An Poc Ar Buile’ Adrienne and Lucy Johnston, Paul Brady, Mick Moloney were the four members of The Johnstons, who contributed handsomely to the folk revival with ‘Gleanntáin Ghlas’ Ghaoth Dobhair’.

The compilation has the sophisticated sound of We 4 singing ‘Cóilín’, music by Roger Whitaker and lyrics by Niall Tóibín and ‘Ná hOscail do Bheola’, again had Tóibín’s lyrics, this time to music by Jim Doherty.

Also included on the compilation are Mac Murrough, a very attractive three-piece ballad group from Wexford, and, from Dublin, the very popular group Deirdre Downes and The Broadsiders remind us of their sweet version of ‘Gleann na Smól.’

‘The eclectic meascán of styles is what makes this compilation such an engaging, warm, nostalgic experience and the music speaks for itself - by its excellence.’ Shay Healy CD €14.99 Available now in music stores, www.gael-linn.ie and for download.

Page 25 Mature Living September 2013

Travel

The impressive Radisson Blu hotel in Ballincar, Rosses Point, Co. Sligo

I

f you enjoy bowling, and also like to get away on a well earned break, then why not combine the two at The Radisson Blu hotel in Sligo? Join their resident bowls host, Eric Hamilton from the 17th November for 5 nights, for a fun filled week of games and activities in the very comfortable surroundings of the Benbulben Suite.

The package includes:• 5 nights B&B • 5 evening meals • Meeting Suite for bowling games each afternoon • Cookery demonstration with our executive chef, Joe Shannon • Live Music and Dancing • Gala Dinner with Prizes on the final night

Page 26 Mature Living September 2013

• Complimentary Tea/Coffee All guests will also enjoy full use of the Healthstyles Leisure Club with Pool, Gym, Sauna, Steamroom and Jacuzzi as well as special discounted rates for treatments in our Solas Spa & Wellness Centre during your stay.

The AA Rosette Award Winning Classiebawn Restaurant will serve their renowned Super Buffet Breakfast each morning.

All of this is for an amazing price of €315.00 per person sharing all inclusive. A €25.00 single supplement per night applies but if you book 2 rooms no supplement apllies The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Sligo is located in Rosses Point yet just five minutes drive from the city centre. It has stunning views across Sligo Bay and Benbulben Mountain. Sligo, Yeats County, offers shopping, theatre, culture and more. It is located within easy driving distance of some of the best golf courses and beaches in the county and nestled in the middle of the most breathtaking scenery.

For further enquiries please call 071 914 0008 or email info.sligo@radissonblu.com

Food and Drink

When there’s an “R” in the month… pressed. Near the hinge there is a “beard” which previously would have attached the mussel to a rock: pull this off. Any barnacles (round crater-like stony growths on the shells) should be chipped off with a small sharp knife. If you leave these on they dissolve when cooked and make the dish really gritty. e really careful with the knife.

You should be left with smooth black glossy mussels.

Fresh mussels from our Atlantic coast are so delicious I don’t think they need much work. I like to cook them really simply and serve them with really good bread & butter, followed by a green salad and some smelly French cheese. Eat this with soup spoons, as the cooking liquor is ridiculously tasty.

With Louise Kennedy of The Silver Apple Restaurant, Sligo

I

t is said that mussels should only be picked when there is an “R” in the month. Well, It’s September and you could do a lot worse than spend a couple of hours picking plump little mussels from the rocks at Culleenamore when the tide has just gone out.

Delicious, local and seasonal

food is available right on your doorstep.

When you get your stash home it is really important to clean them properly and cook them that day. Here’s how.

Put them in a sink with cold running water and rinse well.

Sort through them and discard any which are damaged or broken. You should discard any which are open and have no spring in their hinge when

Wild Sligo mussels with cider and thyme cream 60g butter 1 small onion 2 celery stalks, finely chopped 1 leek, white part only, finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, peeled & finely chopped 4 sprigs fresh thyme 175ml dry cider 100 ml cream About 1 kg mussels

Eating for your eye health SENSATIONAL SALAD Watercress and Avocado Salad Tossed with Poached Salmon Serves 2 200g poached salmon, flaked 1 bunch watercress 1 avocado sliced 100ml lemon juice (freshly squeezed) 100ml extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Flake the salmon by gently pulling apart into bite-sized pieces.

Toss the watercress leaves with the sliced avocado, add the salmon.

Make the dressing by mixing the lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl.

Season to taste with salt and pepper and drizzle over the salad.

Tip Avocados are one of the most nutrient-dense foods that exist, so it’s no wonder they’re great for your eyes. They contain more lutein than any other fruit. Lutein is important in the prevention of macular degeneration and cataracts.

They are also a great source of other important eye nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and vitamin E. This recipe is a favourite of The Mater Private Hospital

Page 28 Mature Living September 2013

Big handful fresh parsley, chopped Method Cook the first five ingredients together gently in a large heavy based pot until soft. Add the cider, cream & thyme and bring up to the boil. Add the mussels,

stir gently, put on a tight fitting lid and cook on high for about three or four minutes until all the mussels are open. Stir in a abig handful of chopped parsley & serve. This will feed anything from two to about five people, depending on how much you love them.

WINE GUIDE Food and Drink

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

W

elcome to our ‘Wine of the Month’ column where, each month, we will tell you about a red and a white wine that are on Special Offer in The Wine Buff to anyone who mentions this article.

Our white this month is Crémant d'Alsace

Wine Region: Alsace Country: France Grape Variety: Riesling Type: Sparkling Style: Medium Alcohol Content:12.0% 75cl Bottle, Natural Cork

Price: €23.95 Cremant is used to describe the sparkling wines (outside champagne) in France and use of the name means adherence to rules much the same as in Champagne. An elegant wine with restrained mineral fruit, dry, fresh and creamy apple notes at the finish.

Marthe Ginglinger is the 12th generation of her family to tend the vines of their vineyards.

Ginglinger have never used chemicals and have always protected the local flora and fauna. The Ginglinger family are extremely proud of their biodynamic traditions and have been issued with a ECOCERT since 2001 Situated in the northeast of France Alsace is on the border with Germany. The shape of the bottles gives a clue to the turbulent past of the region, which has indeed been part of Germany in its past, being returned to French ownership only at the end of the Great War. The wine is bottled in tall bottles called flûtes. The white wines of Alsace are of real world class quality.

Alsace wines are made in a French style, and tend to be drier, more full-bodied and higher in alcohol than their German counterparts - being vinified so that more of the sugar is converted to alcohol

during fermentation.

The naming of the grape variety on the labels of Alsace wines is unique amongst the "great" French regions. This was a marketing decision taken by the Alsaciens in the 1920's (long before the Australians and Californians thought of it!).

Unlike Burgundy with its scores of individual Apellation Contrôlée areas, the whole of the Alsace region is covered by only two ACs: Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru. This designation will appear on the label, along with the grape variety. The grapes of Alsace include the fragrant muscat, pinot-blanc, sylvaner, the full and luscious pinot-gris and the uniquely spicy gewürztraminer. But the finest wines are made from the riesling grape.

Alsace Rieslings are some of the greatest examples of this variety. Their bone-dry character is coupled by intense mineral and honey aromas with a great deal of finesse.

Our red wine this month is PUY LANDRY, COTES DE CASTILLON Wine Region: Bordeaux Country: France Grape Variety:Merlot - Cabernet Type: Red Style: Medium Alcohol Content: 12.5% Organic Status: Organic

Asparagus, Spinach and Gruyere Omelette

Closure: Natural Cork Price: €14.95

A deliciously light to medium

red, Puy-Landry offers you a delightful earthy flavour, delicate red fruits and an aromatic, long, lingering finish.

Selected by Irelands top sommelier as one of his all time favourite quality/price wines.

Spicy Carrot Soup 8 Carrots, roughly chopped 5 celery sticks, cut into pieces 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 litre of water 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Serves 2 5 eggs 100ml milk 50g gruyere cheese, grated 450g fresh baby spinach, washed dried and roughly chopped 4 asparagus spears, woody ends removed and diced Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Olive oil Beat the eggs and milk in a small bowl, add the cheese, spinach and asparagus.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Heat a small frying pan and spray with

olive oil.

Pour half the egg mix into the pan and cook on a medium to low heat for 4 minutes.

Using a palette knife or egg flip, fold the omelette in half and gently slide out of the pan.

Tip: Don’t forget to thoroughly wash all fresh spinach.

This recipe is a favourite of The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital

Regis Moro is one of the more renowned winemakers in the right bank Bordeaux region. His ranges of wines are of exceptional quality and are regularly rated amongst the stars of the appellations.

Côtes de Castillon is named for the town of Castillon-la-Bataille and the battle that brought an end to the Hundred Years War in 1453 between England and France. These days those battlegrounds across the rolling hillsides and gentle valleys are covered in vines stretched along the low ridge between Saint Emilion and Bergerac.

The wines are authentic, generous, powerful, fruity and flavourful. Several wine growers have older vines that produce concentrated wines with a good longevity.

The terroir of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux offers top quality soil for growing vines: on the side of the hills and on the plateau, the soil is composed of clay and limestone, with some sandstone.

The wines produced here are concentrated and powerful. At the bottom of the hills, on the alluvial terrace, closer to the river, the soil contains more silt and sand, with stones.

The wines here are smoother, charming and pleasant. Great with roast or grilled chicken, Irish cheddar cheese and stuffed pork chops

1 teaspoon of curry powder Salt heat up the olve oil in a frying pan, then fry the chopped garlic and chopped onion for 5

minutes.

Add a teaspoon of curry powder, then stir.

Add all of the remaining ingredients except the salt and cook until the vegetables are tender.

Mix in a blender until the soup is smooth. Add salt to taste and serve.

Tip: Mum was always right about carrots!

Carrots contain betacarotene, a carotenoid pigment found in bright orange fruits and vegetables that is also a precursor for vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a major role in eyesight by preventing night blindness and helping with the maintenance of a healthy, clear cornea (outer membrane of the eye).

This recipe is a favourite of Fighting Blindness

Page 29 Mature Living September 2013

Petcare

The Story of Eve and Dillon, two disabled dogs who found a home in each other

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his is Eve, an 11-monthold Catahoula mix. She was found freezing in a Bear Valley snow drift at just 9 weeks old. She is both completely deaf and missing an eye, and was rescued last Christmas by Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, a nonprofit that is dedicated to rescuing canines from the high-volume kill shelters of Kern County, Calif.

"It was amazing that she hadn't frozen to death or been

eaten by wildlife because we live in the middle of the mountains," Zach Skow, Marley's Mutts' executive director, told HuffPost.

But Eve's journey to happiness was far from over.

Her disabilities made it difficult for her to interact with other dogs, and she was constantly chasing shadows due to her inhibited senses. This led to a failed adoption shortly after her rescue.

He found a new family in Eve. "As soon as Dillon ran into her--that's literally what happened-- they became best friends," Skow wrote. Though their rescuers expected their disabilities to drive them apart, Eve and Dillon formed a special bond in which each made up for what the other

lacked.

The Marley's Mutts crew held out hope that the pair's beautiful friendship would not be broken up by adoption -and their prayers were answered much sooner than expected.

According to ABC, the rescue's Facebook posts caught

But that was before she met Dillon.

This handsome mutt has a heartbreaking story of his own.

The 2-year-old Border Collie mix is completely blind and was found abandoned at a boarding facility after his family never returned to pick him up.

the attention of local resident Shelley Scudder. Despite already having two dogs at home, she decided to make room in her life for both of the disabled pooches. They were adopted together in July How's that for a happily ever after?

Animal Attraction: Help your pet beat the back to school blues

BACK-TO-SCHOOL season is an exciting time for the whole family, but it can be disruptive, stressful and even dangerous for pets. As schoolbags are filled, lunches are packed and homework piles up our fourlegged friends could face some unusual health hazards during this transitional time.

While school supplies may not seem like drool-worthyEve afterschool snacks to many pet parents. “ When household schedules change, it’s not uncommon for pets to become stressed, which may result in uncharacteristic behavior such as eating things they normally wouldn’t. What might start out as a nuisance (a literal case of ‘the dog ate my homework’) can quickly turn into a trip to the vet, so keep any school projects and papers packed away – or at least out of reach of curious pets’ paws.” Apart from developing an unusual appetite, additional signs that your pet is feeling stressed can range from bathroom accidents and compulsive licking, to excessive whining, meowing or barking. If left untreated, stress can escalate into separation anxiety or self-destructive behavior. Sticking to a schedule – including routine mealtimes, bathroom breaks, exercise and even set bedtimes – can help pets feel more relaxed.

To further help stressed pets ease back into the school year safely, take notes on these tips from Petplan:

Food for thought: Popular lunchbox favourites can prove perilous for pets. Grapes and raisins (including those baked into cookies!) can cause fatal kidney failure in dogs, while chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea and heart problems. So keep backpacks and lunch bags off the floor, and stow snacks safely and securely.

After-school activities: Pets who suddenly find themselves alone for hours on end may experience separation anxiety or become bored, so give them fun things to do during the day.

Select special toys to keep brains engaged, or hide food-stuffed treats around the house. Leave a radio on so the house isn’t completely quiet, and consider doggy day care a few days a week if it fits your family budget.

Socializing with other four-legged friends can perk up even the poutiest pooch!

Class is in session! Physical exercise is important, but pets can benefit from mental exercise, as well. Pick a new trick or two to teach your furry friend, and have the whole family work together on training him. If your pet is athletic, consider enrolling in an obedience or agility class. Your pet will enjoy the stimulation of learning something new, and the whole family will benefit from the additional time spent bonding together.

Travel Technology

What is a Blog?

A blog may be comprised of news, commentary, diary-like passages or some combination of all three, but the defining characteristic of a blog is always chronological order. Whenever a writer creates a new post, it appears on the page directly above the last post. This allows visitors to read the most recent happenings first and scroll down to as many later entries as they like.

Inner Workings Bloggers begin their work by logging in to a Content Management System. This is the inner workings of the blog, where the writer can create new posts, edit old ones, manage user comments and set up the blog's look and feel.

Blogging tools such as Wordpress and Blogger have slightly different systems, but their main functions are the same, allowing writers to manage their blog through an online interface.

While Wordpress's software can be hosted on any website, both services provide web hosting for bloggers who need it.

How it Looks As with any website, a blog gets its look and feel through different coding languages, usually a combination of HTML, PHP and CSS. However, most Content Management Systems make it easy to change a blog's appearance through preset "themes." The default theme for blogs using Wordpress, for example, contains black text against a white background, with a blue heading. Other blogs may have a black background with white text. Themes can also control the way columns appear on the right or left sides of the page. These columns are useful for linking to the blog's archives, popular posts, recent reader comments, advertisements or to other blogs entirely. Changing the theme is easy to do without any knowledge of coding languages and the theme has no effect on existing posts.

Writing and Tagging Posts Most blogs focus on one subject or a range of topics, so it helps to tag or categorize each post for future reference. For

example, a political blog might write several posts on polling issues. Tagging a post as "polling" will allow readers--and the blogger--to quickly look up all posts about polling by clicking a link on the blog's main page. The one exception to the chronological nature of blogs is the option to write a post that is permanently linked on the main page of the blog. This is particularly useful for dedicated information pages about the blog or its writer.

references another blog through a link, the linked blog is automatically notified, and sometimes the mention is displayed on that blog's page in the form of a comment. Another way to connect with another blog is to link with it permanently in a section of the main page called the "Blogroll."

Like a trackback, the linked blog

is typically notified of this through a Content Management System. To rapidly expand readership is to get attention from a major blog or website, or from a content aggregator such as Digg. Because these sites have such a large readership, many blogs clamor for this kind of attention, so getting it is difficult.

Community Interaction One key feature of blogs is the ability for readers to publish their own reactions directly underneath the blogger's original post. Bloggers can control how this process works: A reader may need to supply a valid email address or register an account with the blog to comment. In some cases, the blogger must approve comments before they appear on the site.

Expanding Readership "Trackbacks" are a way for one blog to expand readership.

Usually, when one blog's post

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Health

Elder Care: Balancing a Loved One's Needs With Your Own

When you're a caregiver, finding time to take care of your own health can be challenging but doing so will help both you and your loved one. burnout, alcohol and drug use, and other problems.

Self-neglect: Carers are more likely than non-carers to eat poorly, be sleep deprived, not exercise, not rest when ill, and postpone medical appointments.

Death: Carers are at higher risk of dying than the general population.

D

o you provide assistance for an older person who needs care? People of all ages can be carers, but it is very common for older people to become carers to their spouses or other loved ones, and – too often – they begin to neglect their own health at an age when they should really be paying more attention to it.

Caregiving is both mentally and physically stressful, and caregivers are considered to be

at increased risk for physical health problems and depression.

If you are a caregiver in your senior years, it is even more important that you take care of your own health.

The Health Effects of Caregiving Whether caring for an ailing spouse or another loved one, many carers become so concerned with their careproviding role that they neglect

their own health, putting themselves at increased risk of: Poor physical health: 16 percent of carers say that their health declined after they become caregivers.

Psychological stress: Approximately half of all people who provide Alzheimer's care, a common type of elder care, report experiencing distress.

The effects of psychological stress can be widespread and may include depression,

Caring for Yourself While Providing Care When you’re involved in the stress and chaos of providing elder care, or any type of caregiving, it can be difficult to take a step back and focus on yourself. Keep in mind: The loved one you are caring for will be the first to benefit when you make your own health a priority.

Follow these suggestions for taking care of yourself while providing elder care: Participate in stress-reducing activities. Find things that you like to do to relieve the stress of caregiving. Take a yoga class, garden, meditate, or spend time with a friend. Do these activities regularly and you’ll have a better sense of control over your situation.

Get your own medical care.

You may be spending a lot of time at the doctor with your loved one, but don't use that as an excuse to skip your own medical visits. Make sure that you are getting regular checkups and any testing vital for your own good health.

Exercise regularly. Exercising

will help reduce stress and keep you in good physical shape. Book regular appointments for yourself to take a brisk walk, attend an exercise class, or do some other type of physical activity that you enjoy.

Take breaks. It is important that you get some time away from caregiving, though this can be especially difficult if you are providing elder care for someone who needs around-theclock attention. Don't be shy: Ask another family member to step in and help. A friend or neighbor might be willing to give you a break. Also inquire about respite care resources in your community; options include day visits or short stays at a senior care facility.

Practice positive self-talk.

Many caregivers impose a huge burden on themselves, so it is important for your psychological health to replace negative thoughts with positive thinking.

For example, instead of telling yourself, "I never do anything right," try focusing on the positive by thinking, "My aging parents enjoy spending time with me." If possible, talk about this with your loved one, who may be able to give you peace of mind by letting you know exactly what you are doing right.

As you begin to focus on your own health, you will feel more vital and energized, which will improve the quality of care you give to your loved ones.

Many Men Over 75 Still Sexually Active

O

lder people are sometimes assumed to have little or no interest in sex, but research shows many are still enjoying their sexuality, even into their nineties.

Life for men aged 75 or older doesn't mean an end to sex, according to an Australian study.

The researchers found that almost a third of these older men were sexually active at least once a year — including about 1 in 10 men aged 90 to 95.

What's more, many older men who are sexually active say they'd love to be having more sex. Others are forgoing sex due to health issues, low

testosterone levels or simply a lack of partners.

The study, based on a survey of Australian men aged 75-95, most of whom were married or living with a partner, found that younger seniors were busiest of all: 40 percent of those aged 7579 said they'd had sex in the past 12 months. But even among those aged 90-95, 11 percent reported sexual activity with someone else over the prior year.

"Although many people, including some clinicians, continue to believe that sexual activity is not important to older people, our study shows this is not the case. Even in the 10th

Page 32 Mature Living September 2013

decade of life, 1 in 5 men still considered sex important," said study lead author Zoe Hyde, a researcher at the University of Western Australia.

The findings appear in the recent issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Several studies in recent years have tried to analyze sexuality in older people, who are sometimes assumed to have little or no interest in sex. The popularity of Viagra and related drugs seems to suggest that's hardly the case, but solid numbers have been tough to find.

However, one 2007 study in the New England Journal of

Medicine reported that a bit more than half of people surveyed in the U.S. aged 65-74 reported recent sexual activity, as did 26 percent of those aged 74-85.

In the new study, researchers examined the results of a sexuality study of almost 2,800 Australian men who didn't live in nursing homes or other healthcare facilities. Among other things, the researchers asked the men if they'd had sexual activity with a partner — not necessarily intercourse — within the past year.

Overall, close to 49 percent of men aged 75 to 95 considered sex at least "somewhat

important," and just under 31 percent had been sexually active with another person at least once during the previous year.

As for older women, studies have suggested that pain and lack of satisfaction are major issues for them, said Dr. Stacy Tessler Lindau, an associate professor who studies sexuality at the University of Chicago. "If men are having sex, they report satisfaction. That's not necessarily true for women."

Lindau's 2007 study found that only 17 percent of women aged 75-85 reported having some sort of sex over the past year, compared to 39 percent of men.

Health

What's a Healthy Body Weight for Your Age? N utritional needs change as you get older, and you may find that you have to fight the battle of the bulge throughout your senior years.

Shouldn't one of the joys of aging be to finally forget about your weight and just relax?

Unfortunately, even as a senior you have to think about weight management. In fact, it can become more difficult as you age because of changes in your body.

Why It's a Challenge to Maintain Your Weight as You Age It can be perplexing: You find it a little harder to fit into your regular pants, and an extra walk each day just isn't taking care of those extra pounds.

Even if you haven't changed your diet habits, your body is changing. It's much easier for seniors to gain weight and much tougher to lose it.

If you feel like you're slowing down a little, you may be right, and your body is too — specifically, your metabolism.

Metabolism is the process that your body performs to burn and use calories, and when it slows down, you don't use as many calories as you once did. Any unused calories turn into

pounds and unwanted weight gain.

This means that as you age, your calorie intake should be lowered to prevent weight gain.

If you're giving your body more than it needs, you’ll be putting on more weight.

Exercise may also be more difficult for you as an older adult, or maybe you're just not getting as much activity into your day as you should. Health problems, arthritis, and soreness may seem like good excuses to skip exercise, but you're doing yourself more harm than good by being sedentary.

Research suggests that regular physical activity can help boost memory, improve balance, and prevent depression among people over 65.

What's Your Healthy Weight?

Maintaining a healthy body weight can keep you in shape through your senior years and ward off a host of health problems like: Diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels Stroke Some cancers Loss of mental acuity Ask your doctor about what

your healthy body weight should be. One indicator of being overweight is your body mass index, or BMI. The Everyday Health BMI calculator will do the math for you; all you need to enter is your height and current weight.

Keep in mind that BMI isn't always the best indicator for everyone — another reason to talk to your doctor about the goal weight you should shoot for.

Maintaining a Healthy Body Weight How do you achieve a healthy body weight, especially if your aging body is working against you? It's a tough job, but you can absolutely maintain a healthy body weight as a senior.

First, figure out how many calories you need to eat in a day to get to and maintain your ideal weight. Women over age 50 who are inactive and get little to no exercise need about 1,600 calories each day. That number jumps to 2,000 to 2,200 for very active women, and it's in the middle, at about 1,800 calories, for those whose activity levels are average.

Men over age 50 need about 2,000 calories each day if they're not very active, and

between 2,200 and 2,400 if they're moderately active. Men who get a lot of physical activity each day need between 2,400 and 2,800 calories.

Start with these basic numbers in mind, then meet your needs with healthy foods — not just any old calories. To stay full and satisfied while losing weight, try these changes to your diet: Add foods rich in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Limit salt and fat.

Drink a lot of water.

Choose lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey without skin,

instead of hamburger or steaks marbled with fat.

Eat and drink lots of low-fat or fat-free dairy products.

Remember to add exercise into your weight management equation. Make a commitment to yourself to get active. It’s okay to start out slowly, then gradually increase your activity level until you're working out and burning calories on most days of the week. The more exercise you get, the better you'll feel — and the easier it will be to maintain your weight.

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

Eating Berries Might Help Preserve Your Memory Blueberries, strawberries found to prevent mental decline in study of older women.

R

egular consumption of berries, such as blueberries or strawberries, may help keep your brain functioning well as you age, new research suggests.

The study found that women with the highest intake of berries appeared to delay cognitive aging by up to 2.5 years. Cognition refers to brain activities such as thinking, remembering and reasoning.

"Given that we know that fruits and vegetables are good for our health in general, our findings add to the idea that we should be consuming more, especially berries, as a way to help maintain memory in older ages," said the study's lead author, Elizabeth Devore, an instructor in medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, in Boston.

"Berries are a simple dietary intervention that may be helpful to the brain," Devore added.

Results of the study were published last month in the Annals of Neurology.

Berries and other fruits and vegetables are rich in substances known as flavonoids.

Flavonoids help protect the body's cells from damage and

reduce inflammation.

"Flavonoids, which are antioxidants found in berries, apples, citrus fruits, tea, red wine and onions, have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers," explained nutritionist Nancy Copperman, director of public health initiatives at the North Shore-LIJ Health System in Great Neck, N.Y. Berries contain a particular flavonoid called anthocyanidin.

Devore said anthocyanidin helps give berries their rich colors, and it's found in fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, elderberries, and red and concord grapes.

Devore explained that one of the things that's special about anthocyanidins is that they can cross the blood-brain barrier and that these flavonoids tend to locate in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

Another recent study, also from Harvard but from a different group of researchers, recently found that berries might help reduce a man's risk of Parkinson's disease.

The current study included

data on food consumption from the U.S. Nurses' Health Study, which began in 1980 and collected dietary information every four years. In the period between 1995 and 2001, the researchers began measuring cognitive function in just over 16,000 female volunteers.

At the time the researchers started measuring cognitive function, all of the study participants were older than 70.

Cognitive function was measured twice with a two-year interval between each assessment.

The investigators found that women who had the highest intake of blueberries (more than one serving a week) and strawberries (more than twice a week), appeared to delay cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years. Devore said other berries may also contribute to a

reduction in cognitive aging, but there wasn't enough consumption of other berries, cherries or grapes to be able to study the effects of these fruits.

A serving of blueberries or strawberries is a half-cup, she noted.

While the study found an association between eating berries and maintaining mental function, it did not prove a cause-and-effect relationship.

Page 33 Mature Living September 2013

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Welcome to Castlebar

C

astlebar (gaelic Caisleán an Bharraigh) is the county town of Mayo and also the administrative seat for the county. It is a busy bustling Market Town and is one of the fastest growing towns in the country. Castlebar was originally a garrison town and derives its name from a settlement around the de Barra Castle in the 11th century. A town steeped in history with one of the oldest buildings being Christchurch whose foundation stones were laid in 1739. Since then it has featured in the battles of 1798 and has been the birthplace of many a famous son.

Famous Castlebar People Castlebar is the birthplace of many historical people including: Charles J. Haughey - former Taoiseach of Ireland, Louis Brennen - inventor of the mono-rail torpedo, Margaret Burke Sheridan - world famous soprano It is also the home place of Lord Lucan a Present day Castlebar is a town with a good infrastructure and with businesses covering a vast spectrum of products and services. The County Library in Castlebar has a wealth of information and resources on matters of local, historical and genealogical interest.

Arts, Sports and Leisure are also well catered for with numerous facilities, exhibitions, competitions and festivals which include the world famous International Four Days Walks and the Guinness Castlebar Blues Festival. We also have great accommodation facilities including B&B's, self-catering accommodation, hotels and hostels.

Most importantly of all is that they pride

ourselves in the welcome we give to all our visitors whether here on business, visiting relatives or just here on holidays.

Access The town is well serviced with good roads including the N5 to the East and North and the N60 & N84 to the South.

Iarnrod Eireann provide regular daily railway services both to and from Dublin.

We are also linked by regular Bus services to every part of the country.

Castlebar is only 28 miles from Ireland West Airport Knock.

Tourism Castlebar has numerous attractions for the visitor. It has received international recognition for both walking and angling.

It is also centrally located for touring Mayo including Ballintuber Abbey, The Ceide Fields, Croagh Patrick, Foxford Woollen Mills, Moore Hall, Pontoon and the Turlough Round Tower. Annual festivals include the International Four Days Walks, The Blues Festival and The Heritage Day. The range of facilities in Castlebar include, swimming, bowling, golf, pubs, cafes, horse riding tennis and many many more.

Arts, Sports and Leisure Castlebar has a vibrant arts community with amateur drama groups, pantomime groups, choral societies, dancing schools, exhibition centres and display outlets.

There are currently very good sports facilities in the town both for outdoor and indoor use. There are also many natural amenities in the area suited to outdoor recreation.

FOR SALE: 5 Wheatfield Manor This elegant 4 bed spacious detached residence on its own ground, meticulously presented, and built to an extremely high standard, with exceptional features in an excellent location, Within walking distance of Castlebar town centre and convenient to all amenities, schools etc.

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You are invited to visit us at our new boutique and browse the awe-inspiring collection we have just for you. Our *iendly and cour+eous staff will be at hand to help you choose the desig) fit for your dream day.

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Mayo GAA

Mayo v Dublin - The Story of an Intriguing Rivalry A

timer to decorate the scoreline with a few more super points, bringing his haul for the evening to eight, which saw him surpass Joe Corcoran as Mayo’s all-time top scorer.

“We never got near the pitch of that game at all. From start to finish there was only one team in it,” said a shellshocked Dublin manager Pat Gilroy afterwards.

head of their meeting in the All Ireland Final we take a look back at five memorable games between two intense if infrequent rivals.

While there are remarkably few championship clashes between the two to reflect on – nine in total and only two in the last 26 years – there is usually plenty of drama involved whether Dublin and Mayo meet in the championship or the Allianz League.

All-Ireland Semi-Final 2012: Mayo 0-19 Dublin 0-16 “Dublin! Dublin in Croke Park, it doesn’t get any bigger. An All-Ireland semi-final with 82,000 people in Croke Park!”

The words of the legendary Mayo playmaker Ciarán McDonald, a man who six years earlier had written his name indelibly into the great Dublin-Mayo narrative, summing up what the sight of a Sky Blue jersey in late August at HQ means to any Mayo man.

Going into this game against the reigning All-Ireland champions without their captain and attacking fulcrum Andy Moran, few gave Mayo much chance.

David Clarke saves brilliantly from Alan Brogan

However, playing some sweet attacking football orchestrated by Alan Dillon, James Horan’s side raced into a 0-12 to 0-6 lead at the break. With Aidan O’Shea and Barry Moran outstanding in midfield, the Westerners were 10 clear (0-17 to 0-

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7) at one stage in the second half after a run of five consecutive scores, including three from Cillian O’Connor.

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy’s decision to risk bringing on the injured Alan Brogan at half-time backfired as the then Footballer of the Year lasted just 17 minutes before being hauled off again with a groin problem.

In a frantic finale, Dublin kicked eight points in a row and threatened a monumental comeback, but goalkeeper David Clarke made an incredible save from Bernard Brogan three minutes from fulltime and O’Connor then ended a 22minute spell without a score in injury time before Séamus O’Shea added the insurance point.

“We seemed to run out of juice a little bit, and they were coming at us in waves, so it was last-ditch defending but we managed to keep it out, and we showed great character at the end," said Horan.

Allianz Football League Division I 2012: Mayo 0-20 Dublin 0-8 The first attempt at this Round 2 fixture was abandoned at half-time last February when fog descended on MacHale Park and forced the referee to postpone the game. Back for a second attempt at the same venue in late March, according to the Irish Times, “Dublin walked down a blind alley and got mugged.”

There were more than 12,000 witnesses in Castlebar but many struggled to offer an explanation. Mayo had lost to Cork a week earlier while Dublin beat Donegal by nine points. There was nothing to suggest a massacre.

However, with Alan Dillon, Conor Mortimer and Michael Conroy all giving an exhibition of long-range point-taking, Mayo were 0-13 to 0-5 ahead at the break after a first half bombardment.

Dublin had Paul Flynn sent off at the start of the second half and Diarmuid Connolly then followed him to the line for a second yellow card offence.

The dismissals ended any forlorn hope of a Dublin revival, and it was left to Mor-

All-Ireland Semi-Final 2006: Mayo 1-16 Dublin 2-12 The afternoon famously started with a row over territorial rights to warm-up in front of the ‘Hill’ and ended up with Ciarán McDonald kicking a storied winning point for Mayo. The notoriously shy Crossmolina man had changed and was in a car on the way back home 15 minutes later, but it is a moment that will be remembered by fans of the Green and Red forever.

Conor Mortimor in action

After the pre-match furore died down, Dublin looked to have the match wrapped up when they led by 2-11 to 010 after 46 minutes thanks to goals from Conal Keaney and Jason Sherlock.

However, Mickey Moran’s charges lit the after-burners in the final quarter and outscored their opponents by 1-6 to 0-1 over the remainder of the game to cause a massive upset. Andy Moran got the goal that got the ball rolling, but McDonald’s moment of genius two minutes from the end settled the game.

“I remember kicking that point and the crowd going crazy,” McDonald recalled in an interview with GAA.ie last summer. “I remember being seven points down and the substitutes that we put in all clicking. I remember Andy Moran’s goal.

“But my biggest memory is giving an absolutely brutal pass that Darren Magee cut out. The ball went down to the far corner of the Canal End and I said to myself, ‘here we go again’.

“It went out for a ‘45’, a combination of Clarkey (goalkeeper David Clarke) and David Brady punched it out. It just shows the thin line from one second being totally elated to making an absolute mess of things a minute later.”

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The Dubs trying to retake the Hill in 2006

All-Ireland Semi-Final Replay 1985: Dublin 2-12 Mayo 1-7 The drawn game at Croke Park finished 1-13 apiece, after Mayo had taken an early lead through a Noel Durcan goal but they allowed Dublin to take control of the game by half-time. With the help of an excellent performance from

Willie Joe Padden in action in 1985

prodigy Pádraig Brogan, and a point from the boot of 42-year-old Billy Fitzpatrick, the Westerners came back to level the game.

Inevitably, Dublin were far too strong in the replay. The game, however, will be fondly remembered for Pádraig Brogan’s remarkable goal, voted that season’s best, and a brilliant performance from Willie Joe Padden.

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All-Ireland Semi-Final Replay 1955: Dublin 1-8 Mayo 1-7 The first game was played in a rainstorm and Dublin only earned a reprieve when Nicky Maher, wearing goggles over his spectacles, kicked a late free to force a 1-4 to 0-7 draw and a replay.

Although Mayo at the time were considered to be past their best having won back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 1950’51, they once against fought to the bitter end against a Dublin side playing a new brand of ‘modern’ football.

However, Dublin, who featured the late Kevin Heffernan, prevailed by a single point on a much more benign day in Croke Park the second time around only to lose to Kerry in the final.

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Angelscope for September

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 Truth & Integrity This month is all about truth, being true to yourself and speaking your truth to others. You may feel like a referee or mediator, as your advice will be called upon this month. Try and not get pulled into situations that do not concern you.

It is also a time to clear up any legal or financial concerns.

Follow your intuition and listen to your gut.

Lucky day: September 15th Lucky Colour: Purple

Leo

Angel of support There is a wonderful flow of support around you this month, you have the midas touch in relation to projects and will start to see results as this is a month for things to happen. Stay focused and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Help can take shape as a helpful stranger or useful contact. Determination will reap massive rewards.Lucky day: September 11th Lucky Colour: Pink

Sagi#arious

Angel of Miracles This card tells you to believe in your dreams miracles happen every day we just don’t see them, light a candle make a wish, throw a penny into a fountain, hope is the bond that strengthens our faith and resolve. Have faith your dreams are being answered and allow divine timing to let it happen.

Lucky day: September 22nd Lucky Colour: Yellow

Taur!s Taur!s

Angel of Forgiveness This month is about putting the past behind you, you may need to be the bigger person in a family situation or friendship dispute. It is also a time to stop being so hard on yourself. Perhaps you have that bar raised a little too high.

Stop pushing yourself so hard. Allow forgiveness to flow and let the healing begin.

Lucky day: September 28th Lucky Colour: Green

Virgo

Angel of Abundance It is either a feast or famine with you, pay attention to your thoughts as they create your reality.

If you are an optimist thing swill flow seamlessly this month, your hunches will pay off and favours will be returned. If you are a pessimist take cover, as one calamity will lead to another, so be careful with your thoughts!

Lucky day: September 30th Lucky Colour: Gold

Capricor$

Angel Of Meditation This is the month to go within, as truly all answers we seek are within us.

You may feel quite lonely or down this month. Take time to clear your head and sooth your thoughts by taking a walk outside or going to a restful place. Step away from any dramas and give yourself room to think. The end of the month will bring a resolution to a stressful situation. The sun will never set on your dreams.

Lucky day: September 26th Lucky Colour: Magenta

Gemini

Angel of Focus The angel with the broken wing reminds you that your priorities are first and foremost to yourself. The well of giving will dry up if you do not let yourself receive. It is time to make yourself a priority and start setting healthy boundaries and plans for the future.

Lucky day: September 15th Lucky Colour: White

Libra

Angel of Study What lesson is currently running through your life Libra?

If there is plans and dreams you long to follow why hold back? The lesson here is about confidence, to take heart and follow your dreams. For those of you considering a course of study this is your sign to say go for it.

Lucky day: September 18th Lucky Colour: Indigo

Aquarius

Angel of Trust This is the card of self-belief. Your trust and confidence have been broken in the past. Learn from these lessons and move forward learning to trust your instincts and intuition, you may feel guided to act a certain way or ring a certain individual, Trust your intuition. Do not allow others to tell you what to think.

Lucky day: September 7th Lucky Colour: Turquoise

Cancer

Angel of Listening This month is about listening to your inner truth and following your instincts.

Be careful of your words this month and articulate yourself carefully in relation to areas of work and finance.

An unexpected windfall or lucky bonus falls in around mid month, luck is on your side.

Lucky day: September 14th Lucky Colour: Blue

Scor"io

Angel of Spiritual Growth This may be a tough month for you, you may feel challenged or compromised in a family / work situation. Beware of following others advice or well-intentioned counsel. There is a reason if you have nagging doubts around a person / situation. You need to set healthy boundaries as you are the one who shows others how to treat you. Your patience may be tested.

Lucky day: September 21st Lucky Colour: Black

Pisces

Soulmate Your buttons are being pressed this month, your soul mate can be your spouse, lover, friend, or family member. They are sent here to teach us lessons about ourselves, to experience the dept and power of love and also the breaking points of patience and sanity! Have patience with yourself and a loved one this month. Try to listen and not just in defensively. There is a thin line between love and hate so try to get the balance right.

This card can also indicate that you and a lover should take some time out romantically. For single Pisceans it indicates new love on the cards Lucky day: September 17th Lucky Colour: Red

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

Article written

by Deirdre Cooke from Deirdre Cooke Opticians, Sligo.

AMD Eye Testing

Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Normal Vision What is Macular degeneration?

The macula refers to the part of our eye which we use when we look directly at something. In a normal healthy eye, this area allows us to see with sharp, clear vision. Macular Degeneration is an eye disease which affects this critical area of the eye.

Currently, it is the leading cause of blindness in those age 65 and over. At the back of our eye there is a fine layer of pigment which helps keep our central vision sharp and clear.

As we age, this pigment layer thins, especially in our critical macular area and can result in loss of our central vision. An enormous amount of research is being carried out into this condition, concentrating on two main areas: Cause and Treatment.

Some of us are genetically more

Macular Degeneration predisposed to this condition but researchers have identified some modifiable risk factors: SMOKING Research has shown that people who smoke are up to 5 times more likely to develop AMD than those who don't. Smoking releases free radicals into our bodies.

These harmful molecules bombard the delicate pigment layer and thin it, leaving it more susceptible to aging and stress.

Smoking also restricts blood flow to the pigment layer at the macula. As a result fewer nutrients are carried to the eye, thus hindering repair.

NUTRITION The pigment layer at the macula has been shown to contain three different antioxidants, known as

Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Mesozeaxanthin.

These pigments are found naturally in fruit and vegetables.

Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, spinach and curly kale are all good sources, especially of lutein. Brightly coloured fruit and vegetables like bell peppers and corn are also good. These foods should be cooked lightly, if at all, and chewed well to extract the maximum amount of antioxidants from them. Good diet from early in life is important, but it is never too late to make changes.

Mesozeaxanthin is harder to obtain from dietary sources but is found in salmon.

SUPPLEMENTS In addition to obtaining these antioxidants from our diet, nutritional supplements are also available.

Some of the more common supplements are Ocuvite Lutein, Vitalux Plus and Macushield.

Currently, only Macushield contains all three of the antioxidants required at the Macula. Remember - nutritional supplements are not a substitute for good food and a well balanced diet and they should not be taken this way.

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE Sunlight introduces molecules called free radicals into the eye which cause damage to the

delicate pigment layer. New research indicates that the sun's High Energy Visible ( HEV) radiation - also known as blue light - may increase our long term risk of developing AMD. This is especially true in patients who have low blood plasma levels of antioxidants. HEV rays penetrate deeply into the eye and can cause retinal damage. You should ensure that any sunglasses you purchase are marked 100% UV blocking. Choosing sunglasses with an amber or copper tint will also help eliminate more of this blue light. Wide brimmed sunhats also help keep harmful rays away from the eyes.

Don’t forget our children- almost half the entire time we spend outdoors in our lives occurs before the age of 12. The lens of a child’s eye allows approx 70% more UV rays to reach the delicate retina than in an adult.

The cumulative damage in childhood puts us at an increased risk as adults of developing debilitating eye diseases like AMD and cataracts. Most parents will protect their child’s skin from UV exposure, however it is equally important to protect their eyes through wearing appropriate sunglasses which block both UVA and UVB sunlight rays.

EXERCISE Regular exercise will help

improve our cardiovascular fitness.

The eye will receive better blood flow thereby ensuring more nutrients are carried to the eye and the retinal pigment layer.

Regular eye examinations are also recommended so that your Optician can advise on the health of your eye and inform you if there are any early indications of AMD. The incidence of this condition is increasing. Protect your eyes and don’t become another statistic.

What can we do?

• Wear sunglasses when outdoors.

• If you currently wear glasses, Transition lenses will block UV light thereby giving you protection.

• Give up smoking.

• Include plenty of fresh fruit and veg in your diet, along with oily fish twice weekly.

• Watch you weight and your cholesterol.

• Exercise regularly.

Deirdre Cooke Opticians will be running AMD Screening 23rd to 27th of September. Slots are currently available, call to make an appointment.

Please note these appointments are on a first come first serve basis.

Places are limited.

Free AMD eye testing offered in Sligo for AMD Awareness Week

Your Eyes Are Precious.....

Let us look after them.

Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, Drivers Eyesight Report, Prescription Sports & Safety Eyewear.

AMD Screening 23rd to 27th of September

Booking is essential - Call to book an appointment Places are limited

Mon – Sat 9.30am -5.30pm PRSI and Medical Card applications welcome.

T

his year’s AMD Awareness Week is running from 23 - 29 September to promote early detection of the signs of AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration), the most common cause of registered blindness in Ireland. (1) For more information visit www.amd.ie.

AMD is the principal cause of sight loss for people over the age of 50 in the Western World (2) and is thought to affect one in 10 Irish people over the age of 50. (3) This year’s campaign has a sporting focus and is encouraging people over the age of 50 to “Keep an eye on the ball for AMD” with regular eye checks and by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Throughout the week, free testing and information will be available to detect the early signs of AMD at a range of

participating independent opticians/ optometrists in Sligo. A Novartis mobile testing unit will also visit venues in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford. Those who are deemed to require medical investigation will be referred to an eye doctor for diagnosis.

The NCBI (the national sight loss agency), Fighting Blindness, the Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) and the Association of Optometrists Ireland (AOI), supported by Novartis, are working together to increase public awareness of AMD and to highlight the importance of regular testing to identify early signs of the condition.

Further information about AMD and the free testing locations throughout the country is available at www.amd.ie.

Golden Escapes

Go West for a Truly Relaxing Over 50s 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.

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

Motoring

Game-changing hybrid Peugeot 208 concept unveiled

Volkswagen joins electric car fray

V P

EUGEOT has created a non-plug-in hybrid 208 supermini capable of returning just 49g/km of CO2 while being able to hit 62mph from a standstill in eight seconds flat.

The way cars are built could be completely redefined if technological achievements made by Peugeot are adopted into the mainstream.

Currently only plug-in hybrid cars are able to record such low emissions figures, but Peugeot has employed an amazing series of existing technologies and fresh thinking to present a largely realistic emissions-

reducing platform.

The 208 Hybrid FE has no power steering but rides on slim 145-section 19-inch tyres. It’s wrapped in a mixture of carbon fibre body panels and part-polycarbonate glazing, and uses a revolutionary suspension system that saves kilograms of weight at each corner.

Working with companies including Hutchinson, CCP Composites and fuel refiner Total’s polymers division, Peugeot has been able to bring together a radical new car concept that could entirely reshape the way cars are built.

Many now-traditional sys-

tems are done away with altogether, like power steering and servo-assisted brakes. The thin tyres, light weight and energy recuperation braking make additional assistance unnecessary, and the result is a much more analogue car than modern drivers are used to.

The remarkable 208 Hybrid FE needs no home charging station. It uses a self-managing hybrid system and cannot be plugged in to the national grid, in the same way as the ultrasuccessful Toyota Prius.

Connected to a frugal 1.2litre three-cylinder petrol

engine – actually a modified version of Peugeot’s 1.0litre unit – is a super-efficient motor that weighs just 7kg.

It uses ordinary 95 RON unleaded fuel and achieved the 49g/km target using

standard fuel. It also promises to be a completely normal driving experience, potentially turning production cars that use the Hybrid FE’s technology into industry-wide game-changers.

Speed limiters may be used in cars

D

RIVERS may be forced to have their cars fitted with technology which keeps them within the speed limit under new road safety rules being considered by the EU. New cars would have to feature systems capable of detecting limits through cameras or satellites and automatically applying the brakes.

Existing cars could be forced back to the garage to be fitted with the devices, which would mean that no car in the UK could go over the 70mph speed limit for motorways.

But Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has instructed officials to fight the move after he was asked for his views ahead of formal proposals by the European Commission (EC) this autumn.

A Goverment source said: "It is definitely something that he is keen to resist and he has told officials that it is something we don't want to do.

"To be forced to have automatic controls in your car amounts to Big Brother nannying by EU bureaucrats."

The EC's Mobility and Transport Department wants to roll out the "Intelligent Speed Authority" (ISA) technology in an attempt to cut the death toll from road collisions by a third by 2020.

More than 30,000 people die on the road in EU countries every year and 1.5 million are injured, with 120,000 left permanently disabled.

But Mr McLoughlin has told officials that the UK has one of the best road safety records in Europe, with deaths down

from 1,901 to 1,754 last year the lowest figure since records began in 1926.

French roads saw 3,645 die in accidents last year, while Germany suffered 3,657 fatalities.

ISA technology can use satellites which beam limits automatically to cars from a database or cameras which are able to read road signs.

The AA said that while an audible speed alert would be a welcome new feature, limiting speed automatically could create dangers of its own.

A spokesman for the motoring association said: "It could take away people's ability to get themselves out of trouble with a quick burst of speed, such as in overtaking situations where the capacity to accelerate can avoid a head-on collision."

A spokesman for the EC told the Mail on Sunday: 'It is part of the Commission's job because it has been mandated to do so by member states, including the UK - to look at, promote research into and consult stakeholders about new road-safety technology which might ultimately save lives. This is done in close cooperation with member states and the UK has generally supported such efforts.'

"There is a currently consultation focusing on speed-limiting technology already fitted to HGVs and buses.

"Taking account of the results, the Commission will publish in the autumn a document by its technical experts which will no doubt refer to ISA among many other things."

OLKSWAGEN has entered the electric car race with two production-ready models: the e-Golf and the e-Up. The two new models use similar drivetrains, with the e-Golf’s largely just an up-scaled version with a more powerful motor and larger batteries. The 113bhp (85kW) electric motor in the Golf should provide a range of 118 miles, while the Up’s system generates 81bhp (60kW) and a 100-mile range.

VW has designed the drivetrains from scratch, producing them entirely in-house to maintain quality control and developmental freedom.

In a press release accompanying news of the new electric duo’s arrival, Volkswagen claims that the e-Up sets an efficiency benchmark with 62 miles potentially costing less than £2.60; half what the same mileage would cost even in a very efficiently-driven petrol-powered Up. The same mileage in the e-Golf will cost around 10% more.

The technology involved should be familiar to anyone well acquainted with the Nissan Leaf or any of Renault’s electric Z.E. models, albeit with a rather more complex arrangement of driving modes.

Two principal options labelled Eco and Eco+ join four modes that offer enhanced braking regeneration from the motor: D1, D2, D3 and B. These are designed for use in differing traffic conditions and down hills, where the motor might be used as the main brake to recover as much energy as possible.

Direct current (DC) quick-charging is an option, with 80% of a full charge for the e-Golf coming up in around half an hour, in the same way as for the Leaf.

Page 43 Mature Living September 2013

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Services Directory

Irish Shamrock Trees

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North West Counselling SLIGO OIL SERVICES Counselling for people with addictions

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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%

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TERRYS STOVES SLIGO Buying a Stove???

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

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

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CHIMNEY REPAIRS IRELAND

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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)

Recruitment

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 087­2698198 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

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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

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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 Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

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

Garden Street | Ballina | Co Mayo

The Biggest & Best Value Fireplace Showrooms in Ireland

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

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Phone: 048 66 326 327

Corn & Callous Removal Nail Problems Diabetic Foot Care Verruca Treatment Insoles Home Visits

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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 relationship Replies with a box number 998 at the usual address.

SLIGO MAN 54 Single, good job, own olwn home, non smoker, pleasent personality, would like to meet single lady any age. Replies with a box number 1005 at the usual address.

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GENTLEMAN WIDOWER 54 yrs. Landscape gardener W.L.T.M. female professional, not

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married. In the northwest for friendship and craic. 6ft 1', blue eyes, hair salt & pepper. Looking for lady 40 -47yrs. Longtime 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.

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Page 47 Mature Living September 2013

Swinford Road, Kil"magh, Co. Mayo • Tel: 094­9374922 info@parkhotelmayo.com • www.parkhotelmayo.com

Golden Years Breaks Two Nights Bed & Breakfast with Dinner on One Evening, Complementary Tea, Coffee and Biscuits on arrival Offer is available Sunday to Thrusday for

€129.00 per person sharing Two Nights Bed & Breakfast Offer is available Sunday to Thrusday for

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€99 per person sharing

ark Hotel, Kiltimagh is sit!ated adjacent to the local wildlife park and only a few minutes walk "om the town cent#e of Kiltimagh. A comfor$able & relaxing lobby area, moder% contemporar& Café Bar, a la car$e Restaurant, f!nction & conference rooms. A war' Irish welcome awaits you upon ar#ival at the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo. The Park Hotel Mayo is sit!ated in the busy market town of Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo which is located just off the N17 national primar& road bet)een Galway to Sligo and near Ireland West Air*or$ Knock Mayo (within 20 minutes drive).

Guests staying at the Park Hotel Kiltimagh can avail of a "ee air*or$ shu+le bus ser,ice to and "om the Park Hotel Mayo and Ireland West Air*or$ Knock, Co. Mayo