Mature Living May 2013 - Expo Edition

PROMOTING A HEALTHY & POSITIVE LIFESTYLE May 2013

THE MAGAZINE FOR THE OLDER, BOLDER INDIVIDUAL

Mediterranean diet explained

What it costs to fight aging

The

What Cyprus has to offer

Exhibition

THE ULTIMATE LIFESTYLE SHOW at the

Clarion Hotel Sligo

Fri 10th and Sat May 11th

• SLIGO • MAYO • GALWAY • LEITRIM • ROSCOMMON

Exhibition Visit us at Stand 3

Contents

www.matureliving.ie

May 2013 - Expo time!

8

38 42 43

T

HANKFULLY, the weather is getting a little warmer, though it might be too little too late for some members of the farming community who are in severe trouble due to the prolonged cold spell.

We could do with some much-needed growth; the only positives are for those of us who dislike using lawnmowers.

Still some good news!

We have heralded it for a number of months and now we have only a few days to go to the Mature Living Exhibition which takes place in Sligo’s Clarion Hotel, on Friday and Saturday, 10th and 11th May. For those travelling from a distance to the exhibition please note the times: 11 – 6 on Friday and 10 – 6 on Saturday.

Fifty exhibitors will be presenting their products and services and there will be an array of sideshows - health testing, fashion show, music, etc. – something for everybody. You couldn’t find a better excuse to spend an early Summer break in the Yeats County.

In our One-on-One for this issue we talk to an entertainer who has built up a huge following in this country over the years – country and folk artiste, Isla Grant.

We talk to her about her life, the ups and downs of showbusiness, her resilience in coming back after being off the road for five years due to a horrific road accident and how the event changed her life and influenced her song-writing.

It is a story of faith and endurance against the odds. Isla is now more popular than ever and loves to perform to an appreciative Irish audience who have taken to her warm, easylistening musical style.

Apart from an extensive section on the Mature Living Exhibition we are happy to present the usual range of features and articles. For the animal lovers we provide some hints to identify symptoms of pain, distress and illness in your dog.

Moving to the bedroom, we might shock you when you learn about the potential health hazards in pillows, mattresses and even the floors and walls of your bedroom. We deal with some of the cost factors associated with efforts to redress the aging process. For the travel enthusiast we reveal there is more to Prague than pubs and pints and we point out some of the relatively unknown features of the beautiful island of Cyprus.

Any individual or group who wishes to receive further information (if the information in this issue doesn’t suffice) about the forthcoming Expo should contact us at our Sligo office, 071-9154538. Also, since we never seem to have enough copies of Mature Living to go around, an annual subscription to the publication would solve the problem, particularly for those outside the region.

Our next issue is scheduled for early in June so it is advisable to have copy submitted before the end of May. We look forward to meeting you at the Expo.

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

News What is Bealtaine?

One-on-One with Isla Grant Competition Do you know someone who suffers from Headaches?

National Positive Ageing Strategy Imminent Burglary prevention tips from Power Right Security Do you know your ARF from your Elbow?? Bedroom upkeep The history of Gant Sligo gearing up for the Exhibition of the year Prague: More than Just Pubs & Pints What’s cooking with Maestro Restaurant Mediterranean diet: Choose this heart-healthy diet option Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs Where Apple and Dick Tracy may converge Showbands Hotel Directory Spot the Ball Services Directory

4 8 10 12 14

15 17 19 20 23 24 38 40 41

42 43 50 52 54 56

Published by: IBS Publishing 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

100,000 have sleep apnoea

A

n estimated 100,000 Irish people suffer from the sleep disorder, sleep apnoea, but as many as nine in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, a conference has been told.

Sleep apnoea is a potentially lifethreatening condition in which breathing is disrupted during sleep.

It occurs when the airway collapses and the person stops breathing for at least 10 seconds. If this happens constantly during the night, the affected person will not get proper sleep.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea can include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, choking episodes during sleep, teeth grindling and irritability.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Irish Dental Association (IDA), consultant respiratory physician at the Galway Clinic, Dr Michael McWeeney, explained that the exact number of people affected is unclear. "Overall we believe the

condition affects between 2.5 and 4% of the population, but because most people who suffer from it remain undiagnosed that figure may be a little on the conservative side," he explained.

He noted that the prevalence of the condition is on the increase because ‘we are in an obesity epidemic and that increases the severity of apnoea'.

"Poor muscle tone and alcohol consumption also increase the risk substantially. What we really want to do is raise awareness of the condition, not just among the general population, but also among health providers such as doctors and dentists," he told the conference.

Meanwhile, Dr McWeeney pointed out that not everyone with sleep apnoea snores. However, if someone who usually snores suffers from constant fatigue despite appearing to get adequate sleep, that person ‘should visit a doctor to get a

diagnosis'. Also speaking at the conference, Dr Dermot Canavan, a specialist in the treatment of orofacial pain, said that people who are, for example, napping a lot or falling asleep in the cinema, may be suffering from sleep apnoea.

He emphasised the danger of them falling asleep while driving or operating machinery.

"The Road Safety Authority has in fact issued guidelines mandating people to tell the driving licensing authority if they have apnea and they cannot drive unless they receive treatment," he explained.

Dr Canavan noted that treatment for the condition can include changes to lifestyle, such as losing weight or changing sleeping positions or the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which is a device worn over the nose or nose and mouth that helps keep the airways open.

He also pointed out that dentists are in a position to offer oral appliances that can be used in some cases of sleep apnoea, where CPAP machines are not considered suitable. These can include a MAD (mandibular advancement device), which looks like a sports mouth guard and can be made by a dentist.

"Sleep apnea is an extremely debilitating condition and the earlier it is identified the greater the likelihood of successful treatment," Dr Canavan added.

The IDA annual conference took place in Galway.

€45m hole in Church of Ireland pension fund In the eyes of their members, defined-benefit pension schemes are usually divine. But for the clergy of the Church of Ireland, faith in their retirement fund to provide is being tested by a €45 million deficit.

A report to members of the Church of Ireland General Synod, to be held in Armagh in May, recommends that the synod votes to close the clergy pensions fund and replace it with a definedcontribution scheme. Estimate Actuaries have estimated that the assets of the fund are sufficient to cover only three-quarters of the liabilities, after the interest rates paid on the bond investments by the fund were less than glorious.

The report gives its blessing to the establishment of a definedcontribution scheme, which would mean each clergy member would see their retirement plan exposed to the whims of the omnipotent stock market. It implies this would not be as financially perilous as “the risks inherent in a defined-

Report: Active Retirement Ireland’s 27th AGM and 3rd Trade and Tourism Show, Whites of Wexford, April 9th & 10th OVER 500 members of Active Retirement Associations attended Active Retirement Ireland’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Wexford, where Derek Davis delivered the keynote address at the event. He posed very critical questions to the organisation as a whole on its future sustainability and development.

The AGM opened by Mai Quaid, President of Active Retirement Ireland, focussed on the theme-sustainability and development.

Active Retirement Ireland agreed that it was a great honour that Derek Davis addressed the AGM. He urged retired men across Ireland to look to their community and identify ways of getting involved in activities to enable them to stay active and connected. He asked the local Active Retirement Associations how open they were to new members, especially men and younger retirees. He stressed the importance of bringing in new members for the continuity of the organisation. He said he believed ARI is one of the best organisations he has come across and hoped it will be around for many years but that this did not just happen – it requires planning for change. He challenged the organisation on its gender balance and encouraged us to get involved in pre-retirement planning.

Over the past two years, ARI has prioritised male involvement in the organisation. Currently, of the 23,000 members of Active Retirement Ireland, 22 per cent are men.

This represents a steady increase over the period.

Keith - 085-1053588 / 071-9310787

FREE (BER)

with every house insulated this month (with this advert)

Trade and Tourism Show 2013 with event partner Specsavers Hearing Centres benefit fund, where such a fund could become actually insolvent, or technically insolvent”.

Contribution to the new scheme will be by both the clergy member and the parish or diocese.

“It is not possible to guarantee the level of pension which can be secured from the funds that will be accumulated in each individual’s defined-contribution account,” the Representative Church Body’s report warns, though it adds that

Page 4 Mature Living May 2013

the level of contributions suggested “could be expected to generate an equitable pension in retirement”.

The body has proposed “a series of initiatives” to secure and protect the benefits accrued by members of the clergy pensions fund to date.

The church’s scheme is not alone in its travails. Eight out of 10 defined-benefit pension schemes are now insolvent.

Over 100 companies from the trade, tourism, retail, health promotion and NGO sectors took stands at the 3rd Trade and Tourism show held by ARI on 9th of April in Whites of Wexford. The event, launched by Anne Doyle, was very successful with around 2000 people in attendance. As well as the huge variety of stands, workshops were organised for people to get a flavour of the different activities. The ever popular Supervalu cookery demonstration by Kevin Dundon was a treat for attendees. The Ros Tapestry workshops were booked out as people queued to learn how to embroider. The raised garden workshop was very successful, as was the workshop delivered by Birdwatch Ireland.

A fashion show was organised courtesy of Shaws Department Stores. The clothes were modelled by ARI members.

Early Retired?

Relax and Unwind in Sligo with 3 Nights Dinner, Bed and Breakfast From Only €135pps

Subject to Availability from Sunday to Thursday for Guests over 55 Including a 4 Course Evening Meal, Use of the Leisure Club and a Welcome Pack with all Local Ac!vi!es and A"rac!ons

Sligo Park Health and Leisure Club 3 Monthly Leisure and Fitness Membership from Only €123 per person or €210 per Couple

(Including Selected Fitness Classes) Personalised induc!on and program for each new member.

It’s Never to Late to Get in Shape Sligo Park Hotel and Leisure Club, Pearse Road, Sligo • Tel: 071­9190400 Email – sligo@leehotels.com • Web – www.sligopark.com

May & June Offers

July Special Offers

2 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and Dinner each Night €160

2 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and Dinner each Night €169

3 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and Dinner each Night €225

3 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and Dinner each Night €225

4 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and Dinner each Night €299

4 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and Dinner each Night €280

No Extra Charge for Single room

To book call Karen on 094 9388088 New lounge Menu now available

Knock House Hotel, Knock, Co Mayo • Website: www.knockhousehotel.ie Tel: 094 9388088 • Fax: 094 9388044 • Email: info@knockhousehotel.ie

News

Future pension age must rise above 68

?

The Government will have to raise the future retirement age past 68 with mandatory enrolment in private pension schemes if it is to ensure sustainable, equitable cover into the future, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has said.

L

aunching its review of Irish pension provision last month, the most radical to date, the organisation said Ireland’s position on the pensionable age may not go far enough.

It is currently 66, and is due to rise to 67 by 2021 and to 68 by 2028. “The good news is that financial sustainability isn’t, or doesn’t, seem to be an insurmountable challenge for Ireland,” said the principal author and director of employment, labour and social affairs at the OECD, John Martin.

“But we do point out in the report that it may be necessary to envisage further increases in the State pension age beyond 68 if we are to really bed in financial sustainability.”

“Courageous” moves had already been

taken in raising the age, he said. He did not specify what further increase might prove necessary.

Ireland’s situation compares well to other OECD countries but today just 51 per cent of workers between the ages of 20 and 60 have pension coverage.

“We believe that mandatory enrolment of workers in private pension schemes would be preferable to auto-enrolment in order to increase coverage significantly and we believe that equity requires greater alignment of the pensions of public and private sector workers,” said Mr Martin.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, who commissioned the report, was reported as saying that the principal goal was to ensure “older

people receive a safe and adequate income that will maintain them and their families in retirement”.

The document, titled Review of the Irish Pension System , also recommends that public servants move away from the current final-salary pension scheme and that all private sector workers be forced to invest in private pensions.

The “simplest, less costly and most effective way to increase coverage” is through the introduction of mandatory pension savings. It also suggests that “healthy” employers should not be allowed to walk away from pension liabilities. Ms Burton said no major overhaul could be brought in until the economy is in a greater state of recovery.

50th Wedding Anniversary for J.P.and Frances Campbell!

J.P.and Frances Campbell, Westport celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at a party at the Wyatt Hotel. Front, left to right Owen Moore,Brenda moore J.P and Frances Campbell, Sharon,and Brian OMalley,Bcck Left to right Andrew,Des,and Rachel Moore,.Laoise,Conor,Brend an, and Ciara O Malley Photo Tom Campbell

Looking 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.

L A ST ’S MONTHTION TI C OM P E NE R W IN

Page 6 Mature Living May 2013

Last Month’s competition winner was Mary Kelly of Ballintogher, Co. Leitrim Congratulations!

HOPE HOUSE ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE

Foxford, Co. Mayo Tel: 094­9256888

Email: hopehouse@eircom.net • www.hopehouse.ie

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

Exhibition

Visit us at Stand 10

H

ope House is one of Irelands leading Residen#al Addic#on Rehabilita#on Centres specialising in the treatment of alcohol, drugs, gambling and other dependencies for the past 20 years. Our primary aim is to provide the highest standard of quality addic#on rehabilita#on to individuals and families affected by addic#on in an environment that is designed to feel as close to “home” as possible, a comfortable and relaxed se%ng that is warm and welcoming and where people are treated with dignity and respect.

Situated in the quiet village of Foxford Co.Mayo on the banks of the river Moy, Hope House provides a tranquil and calm environment to recover and benefit from our highly individualised treatment programme. Hope House is proud of its accredita#on to the interna#onally recognised quality standards of CHKS.

Hope House provides a range of Addic#on Services including • Residen!al treatment • Assessments • Family Programmes • Con!nuing Care Programmes • One to One Outpa!ent Counselling • Telephone Counselling • Family Interven!ons

Hope House is approved by VHI, LAYA, Aviva, Glo Health as well as other private medical aid schemes. Depending on your individual Health Insurance policy, all or part of your treatment fee may be covered.

Hope House also accepts private payments and HSE payments.

Contact us in confidence today to speak with a member of our professional team

News

What is Bealtaine?

M

ay belongs to the Bealtaine festival, celebrating creativity as we age! Over 120,000 people now take part in Bealtaine. From dance to cinema, painting to theatre, Bealtaine showcases the talents and creativity of both first-time and professional older artists.

It is a chance for people to make new

What’s in Sligo

10th - 12th: Cos Cos Sean Nós Festival (Friday 10th to Sunday 12th May) Venue: Rathcormac and Drumcliffe 12th:Storytelling workshop 15th: ‘The Poetry of Place’Afternoon Music performances by musician Steve Wickham.A one man music performance developed from workshops with older age groups in County Sligo inspired by W.B. Yeats poetry.

Venue: Nazareth House Care Village, 22nd: ‘The Poetry of Place’ Music performance by musician Steve Wickham.

A one man music performance developed from workshops with older age groups in County Sligo inspired by W.B. Yeats poetry.Venue: Coleman Traditional Irish Music Centre Gurteen, 8th - 31st: ‘Easkey Village’ - An intergenerational street art exhibition created by Easkey Health Centre and Easkey Secondary School, Colaiste Iascaigh.

Venue: Easkey Main Street 18th - 25th:Free/ Screening of 'Hands', A selection of screenings from the fascinating series of documentaries on traditional crafts and lifestyles in Ireland, made by David & Sally Shaw-Smith. The screening on May 18 will be introduced by a local craftsperson and followed with a discussion on craft in Ireland. Both film makers will be present for the screening on May 18. Free/ Sat. 18 May at 5pm and Free/ Sat. 25 May at 5pm. Booking Essential.

Venue: The Model Cinema, Sligo 9th - 21st: Free/ Bealtaine tours of the

Page 8 Mature Living May 2013

and challenging work, a chance to communicate traditions between the generations. It is a chance for the novice to discover a talent until then unseen and a chance for a long-dormant skill to find a new outlet.

Each year, Age & Opportunity invites local authorities, arts centres, libraries, Active Retirement groups, care settings,

current Niland Collection exhibition, 'Women Artists of the Twentieth Century' and 'Illustrations by Norah McGuinness.

Thurs. 9 May at 1 pm, Thurs. 16 May at 1pm, Tues. 21 May at 1pm Venue: The Model, Sligo Craft Display Crafts made by our productive members.

We plan to visit other clubs and their activities during Bealtaine, but for ourselves we will just do a display.

19th: Craft Exhibition of year's work. From 12 - 2pm Venue: West Sligo Young @ Heart club

What’s in Mayo

Áras Inis Gluaire Civic Centre, Belmullet, Co. Mayo Get Creative at Áras Inis Gluaire with Art, Storytelling and Music A variety of creative events, including art exhibitions, storytelling and music.

Art exhibition and storytelling by Amanda Jane Graham: A Tribute to the Irish Community. Date to be confirmed.

Venue: Áras Inis Gluaire

community groups and clubs, associations from every part of the country to run Bealtaine events that celebrate creativity as we age.

Age & Opportunity instigates or supports a number of events each year that are trying something new. Examples in the past have been bringing Liz Lerman Dance Exchange to Ireland for workshops

and performances, nurturing the performance piece Silver Stars to a full production (which has gone on to sell-out performances in the Dublin Theatre Festival and featured off-Broadway in the ‘Under the Radar’ festival in New York) or EnvisAge, a creative project that attempts to re-imagine care settings for older people in a whole new way.

A special guest will lead a sing song of classics and ballads. Date to be confirmed.

Venue: Áras Inis Gluaire Display of art work by older people from our "Art in the Afternoon" sessions. Date to be confirmed.

Lake District Bealtaine Festival Delia Costello, c/o Crannmor Training Centre, Neale Rd, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo Lake District Bealtaine Festival Our festival includes storytelling with film and photos; variety show and drama.

10th: Storytelling with Film and Photos (Official opening May 10th) Venue: Maple Youth Centre Ballinrobe 13th: Variety Show Venue: Kilmaine Community Centre 20th: Percy French play Phil the Fluter's Ball Venue: Ballinrobe Active Retirement Group 27th: Julie Sharkey Play Venue: Friars Lodge Nursing Home Ballinrobe 31st: 'Hands across Time' Venue: Maple Youth Centre Ballinrobe

Mayo International Choral Festival Committee Cashel Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo Dawn Chorus 41 choirs will take part in the Mayo International Choral Festival, from 23rd to 26th May in various parts of Mayo, some from Scotland, England, Wales, Germany and the U.S.A. as well as choirs from North & South of Ireland, with numbers in each choir averaging approx 60 members and joined by the general public it should be about the biggest number of persons singing together on Sunday morning the 26th at dawn, at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar.. (Our official opening & concert is at The Castlecourt Hotel in Westport on Thursday 23rd.at 8-00pm., Friday 24th we have various choral workshops for schools and members of choirs, Friday night 24th we have 6 different concerts in 6 different locations throughout the County, at 830pm. Saturday 25th adjudications for all competitions at different centers in Castlebar, from 9-00am, continuing in the afternoon with some choirs performing at the Mayo Peace Park in Castlebar, others performing on the Main Street of the town after their adjudication. Saturday Night at the Royal Theatre we have our Gala Concert with winning choirs and special non competing choirs taking part.)

26th: Dawn Chorus Venue: Lough Lannagh, Old Westport Road, Castlebar Ballina Active Age group Ballina Community Centre, Teeling Street, Ballina, MAYO Visit to Jackie Clarke Museum We plan to organise a trip to the newly opened Jackie Clarke library/museum and provide tea and scones in our Community centre afterwards.

15th: Visit to local Jackie Clarke Library/Museum Venue: Jackie Clarke Library/ Ballina Community Centre

What’s in Leitrim

Ballinamore Library Ballinamore, Co Leitrim 'Bantreacht na Tuaithe Taispeántas Seanfhocal' Exhibition Country Leitrim ICA 'Bantreacht na Tuaithe Taispeantas Seanfhocal' Irish Proverb Exhibition.

8th - 29th: Seanfhocal Exhibition Venue: Ballinamore Library Active Retirement / Community Groups Drumreilly Active Age Group Crickeen, Carrigallen P.O., Via Cavan, Co. Leitrim Maypole Social and Gathering 2013 We will gather and celebrate around the Maypole 7th: Maypole Social Venue: Drumreilly Community Centre

What’s in Roscommon

Rooskey Active Retirement Association Rooskey Community Centre, Rooskey, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Roscommon Bealtaine Organising the following events - taking into account the interest and involvement of our members. From experience we believe these events are most beneficial to all our members.

18th: Exhibition of our work Venue: Rooskey Community Centre Writing Project. Date to be confirmed.

Venue: Rooskey Community Centre

“Leading the Way in Residential Care” Mill Lane Manor

Brindley Manor

Brookvale Manor

Beach Hill Manor

Brentwood Manor

Best wishes to Mature Living on their Sligo Exhibi#on

Oughterard Manor

Head Office: Tel: +353(0)74 914 7700 Fax: +353(0)74 914 7888 E­mail: info@brindleyhealthcare.ie www.brindleyhealthcare.ie

Sudden Death Claims 5000 Lives Every Year

AFFORDABLE @ ACCURATE HEART SCREENING Heart Disease in the leading cause of death in Ireland We offer medically approved BPro Cardio Screenings which are clinically proven to measure Central Aor"c Systolic Pressure (CASP) 99.7% as acurate as an angiogram. The BPro is totally non­invasive and is carried out by state of the art pulse wave technology.

Screenings take approx. 15 minutes to complete and the results are immediate.

If you suffer from any of the following, it could be a sign of arterial aging or a heart problem and you should consider a screening: 1. High Cholestrol 2. High Blood Pressure 3. Low Blood Pressure 4. Angina pm Screening from 10am to 10 The Radisson Hotel, Sligo on 21st May

at:

Tuesday

on The Landmark Hotel, Carrick June Shannon on Thursday 14th Contact: 087­6995357 l Appointments are essen#a

5. Arthriris 6. Diabetes 7. Fain#ng or dizzy spells 8. Shortness of Breath

Pulsewave IRELAND Screen Cost Specials Adult €50 OAP / Medical Card €40 Couple €80

Gerry Walsh speaks with Isla Grant

Isla Grant

Songs from the heart group named The Humblebums' she recalls. Soon afterwards Isla brought her music south of the Border, to the working men's clubs of North-East England, a tough learning ground for any newcomer in the business, where audiences clearly let it be known if they didn't like a performance. As someone had once remarked, 'if you can work these clubs, you can work anywhere'. Isla passed her apprenticeship with flying colours.

It was around this time that her music

S

COTTISH-BORN singer/songwriter Isla Grant is certainly an artiste Irish folk and country music enthusiasts have taken to their hearts. Having just completed yet another Irish tour at the end of March she has no hesitation in expressing her appreciation for the support she always receives here and hopes to be back towards the end of 2014.

She also loves Ireland, but maybe it’s her own rural origins that have contributed to that affection. Isla Grant was born in Wigtownshire, Scotland but when she was a few months old her family moved away and eventually settled in the Scottish Borders. Her parents were dairy people and Isla spent many happy years with her parents and two older brothers on the farm. She loved the farm life and would help her father in the milking parlour at milking time and did for a while show Hereford bulls at the cattle shows.

Her love of music started at an early age when she would listen to records her mother had. These were mainly Scottish and Irish recordings. Her brothers were at that time listening to jazz and pop and some skiffle.

Indeed, the Allanton, Berkshire-based performer never had any doubts about

her career ambitions, as music was such a constant in her life from an early stage. Her father was a piper, her mother a singer and both her grandparents fiddlers. Following in the family footsteps came naturally and by time she had celebrated her eighth birthday she was singing in church, school concerts and at Burns' suppers.

Six years later she was performing in the folk clubs of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

As she says herself, she was performing since she was 14.

The popularity of her easy-listening style has made her a major star in Ireland, winning the audience's hearts with the purity and warmth of her music, collecting Platinum and Double Platinum Discs for her record sales and scheduling five or six week tours that would be the envy of many pop or rock performer.

However, in a business where the failures far outnumber the successes, and artists' rise and fall are equally dependent upon trends and the whim of the public, this talented entertainer struggled long and hard to achieve her star.

During her early years the big acts working the folk clubs were Eddie and Finbar Furey, The Dubliners and Billy Connelly, who was a member of the

Page 10 Mature Living December May 2013 2012

tastes transcended territories slightly and moved from folk to country, and she started listening to the music of Merle Haggard, 'possibly the finest country artist of them all’ and who influenced her own writing later. ‘His songs have got me through a lot of hard times over the years' she says, and adds that Ireland's Johnny McEvoy, 'a great writer who's never received the attention he really deserved', also played a major influential role.

her songs to tape and, over a period of months, had built up a considerable repertoire. Facing an audience again was an even harder task but, once having made the decision and making her appearance on stage at a village hall in Kelso, the immediate and enthusiastic response soon overcame all fear and trepidation.

Feeling more confident, Isla then approached a record label in Glasgow with her songs and, to her utter amazement, a meeting was quickly arranged for the following week. There a contract was produced and signed, which led on to two albums of wholly original material being released over the following couple of years. It was this record deal that provided the catalyst for the Irish breakthrough.

Now presenting a more easy listening style, with her music respecting both her country and folk backgrounds, she began to capture the attention of more diverse audiences, especially so in Ireland where careful attention is always paid to lyrics.

Her music came to the attention of Donnie Cassidy. Very much impressed with what he heard. He played Isla's tapes to Tom Kelly, one of the Ireland's most respected managers, and - on the strength of mounting radio play - booked Isla for a seven date concert tour but, by the time it was set to commence, the number had risen to seventeen.

A new deal was struck with CMR Records for her Irish releases and Rosette Records for the UK and since this deal Isla has released seven albums, some of

Isla became a regular performer on the British country music scene, playing clubs and the occasional major festivals, which included a couple of the Wembley International Festival appearances during the latter years of its life, sharing the stage with stars like Johnny Cash, Crystal Gayle and Tompall & The Glaser Brothers. 'But you can only go so far working the club scene' she explains, 'It's a scene where cover songs are the general order of the day, current hit titles and standards. Once you reach a certain level, there's nowhere else to go’. But she went further than many other artists. She started singing a few of her original songs and audiences and club organisers began to ask for more.

The club scene also brought her in contact with Al Grant, who was heading up his own band. They married in 1992, after having first worked together as Dixie and Allon and, later, as Isla and Al Young.

Then, tragically, within a few months of the marriage, she became the victim of a near fatal car accident. On a shopping expedition with Al, they were hit head-on by another car, well exceeding 100 mph. Isla suffered internal injuries and a broken wrist, her husband a dislocated foot. They pulled themselves from the car and a local woman called the police, comforting them until their arrival.

Later the police told the couple that they were lucky driving a large car: they might not have survived had they been

which have gone onto record double platinum sales, and has toured the furthest reaches of the globe. Her album, 'Faith Love & Hope' was released in the UK in the autumn of 2006 and was unique amongst Isla's albums as it was the first one to consist entirely of inspirational songs.

In offering an explanation for her success, Isla says: 'After the accident, when I started writing again, I took it much more seriously than I had previously. The songs were also far more sincere because they were bred out of genuine emotions and feelings. I believe that's what has made them - and myself - successful.

People can relate to the songs because of the emotions conveyed'.

Isla has three sons, all of whom are married, with two children each. She possesses a strong faith in God, who she calls “my director”. It was her faith that pulled her through the tough times.

When she’s not touring she likes to relax with her favourite hobby, gardening . . . and this is where we found her when we spoke to her last week. She loves animals and really enjoys playing with her grandchildren. Isla has also been involved in trying to raise money for the Yorkhill Children’s Foundation, which takes care of sick children from all over Scotland. This enduring artiste has no intention of retiring. She is now busier than ever and spending more and more time abroad. In a tough business she can truly be classed as a survivor, but one that folk, blues and country lovers here have taken to their hearts.

driving anything small.

Although the hospital stopover was relatively short, the accident had far greater long-term repercussions. For almost two years Isla saw two psychiatrists every week to help her come to terms with the situation. She struggled to leave her house, was diagnosed as agoraphobic and struggled to play the guitar without sobbing. Even more distressing, some five months after the accident, she was told that she'd probably never sing again let alone perform in public.

'My whole world had fallen apart' Isla recalls. 'I couldn't listen to music on the radio because it brought back too many painful memories of my past. I'd wake up crying at night and I didn't even have confidence going out and buying groceries'.

Finally, though, it was music that provided the incentive to win back her confidence and continue her career.

'Although I had great support from my family, and much encouragement from the many well-wishers who sent me thousands of cards and letters, I knew that the only person who was going to get me out of the situation was myself. I had had plenty of time to write and so many songs came to me because of the accident. I had to write my feelings down, often because I couldn't talk about them but I was able to put them down on paper' she explains.

Next, armed with her guitar and a tape recorder, she started committing

Page 11 Mature Living May 2013

Exhibition See us at the Fashion Show

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

Do you know someone who suffers from Headaches? Jaw pain? Facial pain? Tooth grinding and wear? Pain in their neck and shoulders?

It may surprise you to know that there are a lot of people who suffer from often unexplained pain and discomfort which impacts on their lives daily. This is frequently headaches, but also manifests itself as facial, jaw and neck pain.

T

hey can have tooth grinding problems, pops and clicks in their jaws, and a variety of other symptoms. This can be debilitating even to the point that many of these people find it difficult to work and concentrate.

When we meet these people it is often surprising how similar their stories can be; their journeys starting long before they make it to our dental practice.

Most of them have sought a variety of medical opinions over a long period of time. Often

they have had x-rays and scans, but none of them indicate a clear reason for their problems.

Often the daily grind of their discomfort and pain has resulted in periods of depression. And often, because there has been no other clear clinical cause of their problem, the only option they have had has been long term, high strength pain relief medications.

What is the problem?

Well, in many cases it can be simpler than you may think, and so may be the solution.

Imbalances in the jaw muscles, the relationship between a person’s upper and lower jaw, or problems with the jaw joints (Temporomandibular joints) can be the cause of these types of problems.

Symptoms can be triggered by stress, but this isn’t always the case. Diagnosis of this is typically relatively simple for a clinician experienced in recognising the signs.

At Blueapple we have been working for a number of years with some of the world’s leading researchers in this field.

Through this work we are in a unique position in Ireland to offer a simple, non-invasive treatment for helping people overcome the causes of these problems.

The treatment we provide is different because it has been developed based on closer and more extensive analysis of the physiology of our jaws and muscles and how they work, than any other study of its kind.

With the introduction of this kind of splint (a comfortable, simple device you pop on your lower teeth) we are able to tackle the causes of the problems rather than just temporarily alleviate them.

Historically these problems have been treated with a variety of splints and bite guards, but often those do not provide a long term solution to the problems.

How does it work?

This treatment works on making the muscles and joints healthy and happy again, just as a physiotherapist would strengthen and restore the health of other muscles in the body.

Over the years we have found that this simple treatment can dramatically change people’s lives for the better.

We have seen patients who have been on long term leave from

Why is this treatment different?

This treatment is different because it is based on research which has identified a previously misunderstood cause of the problem.

work for their ill-health, with reduced quality of life, and taking daily high doses of pain relief medication, rapidly find relief and reduce, and even end, their dependency on their pain relief.

In my opinion, this is one of the best kept secrets in our dental arsenal. If you’d like to know more about this, or any of our treatments, call us on 04866386111.

Exhibition

Visit us at Stand 30

‘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

National Positive Ageing Strategy Imminent

Home Instead Senior Care welcomes the forthcoming National Positive Ageing Strategy, due this year. believes older people need to be encouraged and supported to take personal responsibility to prepare for their retirement and their future care needs. Tax relief of up to 41 per cent is available towards the cost of home care, and the Government should actively promote this as their contribution to an older

W

ith Ireland’s older population set to increase exponentially over the coming years there is no doubt that the social and economic landscape of Ireland is facing dramatic changes.

Home Instead Senior Care welcomes the imminent publication of the National Positive Ageing Strategy and hopes to see very constructive and positive impacts for older people and their families.

Home Instead Senior Care would like to see Ireland take the lead and make our country the best place to grow old by helping older people and their families to take a proactive and creative approach to ageing, so that their quality of life now and in the future means they lead happy, healthy and independent lives in their own homes for as long as possible.

What is the National Positive Ageing Strategy?

The National Positive Ageing Strategy is the long-term plan for making Ireland a better place to grow older. The strategy will involve all levels of Government as well as city and county councils. It will also influence the activities of organisations in the community, voluntary and private sectors.

Why is the National Positive Ageing Strategy Important?

We all age. We don’t know what our lives will be like as we age. Some of us will remain healthy and active; others will experience illness and disability.

We all want to live life until the

persons care needs. By doing so they will encourage older people and their families to also take responsibility for their care needs.

The ten commitments listed here are the key to shaping a better system that will maximise independence as we age.

Home Instead Senior Care believes effective social supports should be in place to keep older people vibrant in the community. There should be clear access to community care and information on the availability of that care to benefit the older people of today – and tomorrow.

end. Whatever our circumstances, the drive to manage ourselves and our own lives will remain powerful. The National Positive Ageing Strategy determines the baseline for a blend of values, policies, laws and services that will maximise our independence as we age. If this happens, Ireland will become a better place for people of all ages to live, age and die.

Key Commitments The National Positive Ageing Strategy needs to make ten commitments if Ireland is to be a better place to grow older: 1. Equality for older people 2. Respect and dignity for people of all ages 3. Fairer health care 4. Effective home and community care, including the right to care 5. Clarity about rights and entitlements 6. Secure Pension 7. Effective Transport 8. Meaningful involvement of older people 9. Joined up planning and delivery of services and supports 10. A road map for implementation.

Ireland has a long way to go when it comes to promoting the right for older people to age well at home. Older people should be given choice in relation to their care as they age and assistance to stay at home as part of an integrated health care system.

Home Instead Senior Care

Page 15 Mature Living May 2013

EST 1932

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON 5 STAR MULTI AWARD WINNING SALON

WEDDING EXPERTS

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ON SUNDAY AND BANK HOLIDAYS

Colour & Image Consultancy Dreaming of some me time or a bit of pampering?

Get a gorgeous new look with Colour Me Beautiful Make-Up at Kelly’s

The perfect gift for you

Grab the chance to take some time out from your busy day!

We use organic colours and products!

Discover the new way to Hair Colour Ammonia-Free and completely odourless natural high technology organic colour

Business Hours

Monday to Wednesday: 9.00-6.00 Thursday & Friday: 9.00-8.00 Saturday: 8.00-6.00

16 Week Blow Dry - First in Mayo!

Avail of the benefits of the QOD treatment The healthier Brazillian Keratin treatment

Gift Set G i f t Vo s & ucher s availab le

• Colour Me Beautiful • Make-up lessons • Make-up prescriptions • Style Consultations • Fashion Updates • Make-overs • Bridal Consultations • Personal Shopping • Men’s Image • Orly Gel Nails Available

Castle Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Tel: 094-9022973

5 Star Salon Winner of Vodafone Business Award 2006 Schwarzkopf Customer Care Award 2007 3rd Overall irish hairdresser of the year 2007 Nominated Salon of the year 2008

Security Feature with Power Right Ltd, Sligo

Burglary prevention tips from Power Right Security

L

ast month we dealt with protecting your home by making the doors stronger and harder for a burglar to open. In this section we will provide some tips to help protect your patio or sliding doors and windows and make them harder for the burglar to access, and give you some extra tips to protect your home and loved ones.

Most sliding doors are secured by latches instead of locks and are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of their inherently defective latch mechanisms. The cheapest and easiest method to protect a sliding door from being forced open is to insert a wooden dowel or stick into the track which will limit movement.

Windows are left unlocked and open far more often than doors. An open window, visible from the street , may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to breakins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies.

Windows have latches, not locks and therefore should have secondary locking devices to prevent sliding them open from the outside. You can find secondary locks for windows in any good hardware store. In bedrooms, these window locking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside in case of fire or other emergencies.

If you have an alarm system installed you can have shock sensors on the window openings that detect attempts to force the window open and activate the alarm system before the burglar gains access to your house.

While it's difficult to protect your home from professional thieves, most home burglaries are done by amateurs. These thieves are more easily thwarted if you employ some of these simple security precautions:

• Lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.

• Your house should appear occupied at all times. Use timers to switch lights and radios on and off when you're n ot at home.

• Instead of keeping a spare key inside the letterbox, under the doormat, or on a nail behind the garage, wrap the key in foil or put it in a 35mm film canister and bury it where you can easily find it if you need it.

• Plan to "burglarize" yourself. You'll discover any weaknesses in your security system that may have previously escaped your notice.

• Don't leave notes for service people or family members on the door. These act as a welcome mat for a burglar.

• Trees located near windows or shrubbery that might shield a burglar from view can be major flaws in your home-protection plan.

• Install a house alarm, Alarms increase the potential and fear of being captured and arrested by the Gardai.

Follow these tips and you will sleep better at night knowing you and your loved ones are that little bit safer.

The Mall, Sligo (Across from general Hospital) Tel: 071-914-5107 Fax: 071-914-7096 E: info@powerrightalarms.com W: www.powerrightalarms.com

Providing Peace of Mind Since 1982

• Panic Bu!ons • Medical Pendents / Watches • Carbon Monoxide Alarms • Smoke Alarms • Intruder Alarms

• CCTV and Keyholding Service • View your CCTV on iPhone, Smartphone or Laptop • Access Control • Electric gates Exhibition

OAP Discounts Available ­ Ask for details

Visit us at Stand 23

Page 17 Mature Living May 2013

Superb care from Fearna Nursing Group

M

eadowlands Nursing Home is a single story building set in landscaped grounds in the rural hinterland of Cloonfad village. The centre is warm and friendly and can accommodate up to 30 residents and caters for older people who need long term care, people who have dementia care needs, respite care and residents with disabilities. There is a reception dock located in the lobby in the main entrance and there are two sitting rooms, one located close to the main entrance and the other more spacious room is located adjacent to the dining area. There is a smoking room close to the dining and sitting room and an oratory.

There are five toilets, three of which are wheelchair accessible, located around the building and in close proximity to the dining and sitting rooms.

There is an assisted bath and an assisted shower room available for use by residents. The centre includes 18 bedrooms, a mixture of single and twin bedrooms all with en suite toilets and wash hand basins. For further information contact Meadowlands Nursing Home on 094 9646332.

Fearna Nursing Home is located on Bishops Street, Elphin and is a charming two story building which was built in 1840, which can cater for up to 34 residents.

It has been converted and modified from a convent school and many of the original features such as stonework and tiling are still in evidence. Bedrooms for residents are located on both floors and comprise of single rooms and double rooms. Assisted toilets are provided close to the communal areas on both

Having a party?

Book your own private cruise

Exhibition

Visit us at Stand 36

floors. There are stairs, a stair lift and a shaft life provided to enable access to the upper floor.

There are mature gardens and parking spaces to the front of the building while a smaller garden off the dining room provides safe outdoor space for residents.

The centre provides care to residents who have long term care needs, people with dementia, respite care and convalescence care under or over 65. A local GP provides medical support and specialist services are accessed through the HSE or privately as required.

For further information contact 071 9635424.

Fearna Manor Nursing Home is a residential setting on the Tarmon Road a short drive or walk from the town of Castlerea. Fearna Manor is a homely, welcoming and warm bungalow style modern dwelling set on a spacious site in a quiet residential area, providing care for up to 53 residents.

Accommodation is provided in 53 single and twin bedded rooms which are all fresh, bright and have ensuite shower and toilet facilities. The entrance is through a bright conservatory area that leads to the main hallways and on to communal sitting areas, a dining room, bedrooms and office areas. The main sitting room has two additional sitting areas leading off it and one of these is a designated smoking area.

There are two secure gardens with artificial grass enabling year round use.

There is plenty of parking for residents, staff and visitors available at the front and side of the building.

For further information contact 094 9620725

Finance with Ken O’Neill of Flanagan Ford Financial Advisors

Do you know your ARF from your Elbow??

- Pension choices at retirement

Retirement should be about financial freedom, a time to reap the benefits of all your years of hard work and saving!

F

reedom to take that holiday whenever you like! Go live in the sun for a couple of months of the year!

Maybe just enjoy the chance to indulge in some "you" time!

The most significant step upon retirement is making the right choices with your hard saved cash!

You will be faced with a number of choices with regard to your retirement fund. Sometimes with choice comes worry, worry that you are making the right decisions.

By getting help and advice at this stage will help ease your worries. Here is a brief guide to your options in Retirement.

What are your choices?

Most people at retirement will be allowed to take a portion of their retirement fund tax free which they tend to do. Here are options that you will be presented with for the balance of your retirement fund after you have taken your tax free cash entitlement.

These include: 1. Buying an annuity which is simply a guaranteed income for life.

2. Buying an Approved Retirement Fund (known as an ARF) and/or an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (known as an AMRF) 3. Taking the balance of your funds as taxable cash.

4. Maybe all of the above based on your circumstances and the value of your retirement fund!

1. The annuity option.

An annuity is a guaranteed income in retirement. When you purchase an annuity you are buying a guaranteed income for the rest of your life. There are many different types of annuity in the market place and getting advice with regard to the options available is crucial in helping you make the correct decision.

Here are examples of some annuities:

F

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

Flanagan Ford Ltd Financial Advisors, Shell House, Wine Street, Co Sligo Tel: 071 915 9222 / Fax: 071 914 5134 info@flanaganford.ie www.flanaganford.ie

Flanagan Ford Limited t/a Flanagan Ford Financial Advisors is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

a. A single life level annuity guaranteed for a period of time – income remains level for the rest of your life b. A joint life level annuity guaranteeing your spouse is paid if you pre-decease him/her – you receive an income and decide what percentage of spousal income is required. c. You can have any of the above type of annuities with escalation – meaning that the income you receive will increase year on year. d. You can have an annuity that is guaranteed in your life time but also guaranteed to be paid for a period of time e.g. 10 years – meaning if you died within the period of 10 years, your pension payment will be paid for the remainder of the 1st 10 years from when the annuity started. e. You can have a capital protected annuity – meaning that if you didn’t get to enjoy all of your retirement fund by way of annuity payments, the balance can be payable to your family.

All of the above variations will have an impact on the annuity rate that you will receive and again I stress advice at this stage is crucial. My intention is not to make this appear to look confusing but to illustrate the need for advice.

Remember in the case of a defined contribution personal pension or indeed a company pension you are not obliged to take the annuity rate on offer. You are entitled to an “open market” annuity which allows you to shop around for the best deal. This is a service we can do for you.

What can help you make this decision?

An annuity is for you if: • You want certainty of income for the rest of your life and your spouse’s life and/or • You do not want to take the risk of your retirement fund falling in value.

An annuity may not be suitable for you if: • You do not need a guaranteed level of income from your pension at this stage and/or • You want to generate growth in your pension fund after retirement and/or • You can tolerate a certain level of risk and/or • You want your children to inherit this part of your pension when you pass on.

If you are retiring from an occupational/company pension and you decide to take the annuity option, your tax free cash will be calculated based on your salary and service in that company.

2. The AMRF and ARF option.

These investment options are suitable to you if you wish to retain control of the investment process in retirement. Here are some points to note to help you understand what you can and cannot do with the remainder of your retirement fund after you have taken your tax free cash.

• If you have a guaranteed income of

€18,000 (reduced to €12,700 for the next 3 years) you will be able to invest the remainder of your retirement fund in an ARF. When calculating the income requirement you can use the state pension if you are in receipt of this. (See changes to the state pension age at the end of this article) • If you do not have this level of guaranteed income you must invest the first €119,800 into an AMRF (reduced to €63,500 for the next 3 years).

• You cannot draw down the capital amount that you have invested into your AMRF until you are 75 years old. You can however draw down any investment growth from your AMRF. • Once you can prove the guaranteed level of income requirement or you have investment the minimum requirement into an AMRF you can invest the balance of your retirement fund in an ARF. • You must draw down at least 5% of the value of your ARF (6% if over €2m) each year.

• You have the flexibility in drawing down more than this if you wish.

• You retain control Remember all income drawn down in retirement is taxable income and tax advice is recommended.

If you opt for the AMRF/ARF option, the tax free cash that you will be entitled to will be 25% of your retirement fund.

Point of note: You can use part of your fund to purchase an annuity, enough to cover the guaranteed income requirement of €12,700 (or €18,000 after 3 years).

3. Taxable cash.

You may be permitted to take the balance of your fund as taxable cash after you have taken your tax free cash.

This will only be possible in certain circumstances, and for many it is not an option.

Taxable cash will be treated as part of your income for the year of assessment in which the payment is made and is liable to income tax and USC where appropriate.

Trivial Pension Rule – there are 2 options when it comes to establishing if pension scheme benefits are considered trivial or

not and each option has its own tax implications a. If a person’s total pension benefits relating to an employment are deemed to be trivial (pension income of €330 per annum or less based on a single life annuity with no escalation) then the rules of that particular scheme will determine the tax free cash and the balance subject to tax at 10%. As the benefit is trivial it is quite likely that there would be little or no tax payable. b. If after taking your retirement tax free lump sum, the balance of your pension funds from All sources is less than €20,000, then the balance of your funds can be payable as a once of taxable payment. It is subject to income tax and USC as appropriate as would apply to a normal pension payment.

Remember: • Your pension is still the most tax efficient way of providing for your retirement.

• People associate “risk” with pensions.

The pension itself is not risky, the funds your money is invested in, is where risk comes into the equation and this should be reviewed constantly.

• With the state pension age set to increase yet again, you should increase your funding to your pension to bridge this gap in income which in times gone by was payable from your 65th birthday.

• On-going independent advice in this area is crucial.

If you would like to call to make an appointment to review your pension you can do so on 071 9159222 or email me at ken@flanaganford.ie Here are some changes to the Qualifying Age for the State Pension (Contributory).

The state pension is now payable from age 66.

From January 2021 the State Pension (contributory) age will increase from 66 years to 67 years and further increase to 68 years from 1 January 2028.

These changes will mean that if born: • On or after 1 January 1955 and before 1 January 1961, the qualifying age for State Pension will be 67.

• On or after 1 January 1961 the qualifying age for the State Pension will be 68.

Page 19 Mature Living May 2013

Bed Hygiene

Bedroom upkeep

You and members of the family spend up to 10 hours daily in the bedrooms of your house. Clean the air you breathe using water. Then clean the mattresses, pillows, floor, walls and every thing else within the bedroom and the house for healthier living.

Sleep Hygiene:

Pillows Are Overgrown with Bacteria, Fungi and Bugs

S

leeping is a favourite activity for many people. After a long day of work or taking care of a household, sometimes it's nice to crawl into a comfortable bed and sleep for a few hours.

What most people don't realize is that the pillow they snuggle up with could contain millions of bugs, bacteria and fungi.

Duncan Bain is the technical director of Gabriel Scientific, a manufacturer of hygienic pillows. Bain says, "If you had to come up with a medium to cultivate bacteria, besides a Petri dish with agar a pillow is pretty much as good as you can get."

Hospital Pillows A study was done on the pillows used in hospitals located in London. The surfaces of the pillows were often contaminated and had organism living on them. These included things like the flu, chicken pox, leprosy and strains of E-Coli.

Organisms that could cause problems with breathing and the urinary tract were also found on the pillows.

They found that the pillows also had staphylococcus hominus, with a density of 1 million

per liter. Dr. Arthur Tucker was one of the researchers on the study, and he described these levels as being a "biohazard."

David Woolfson is a cofounder of Gabriel Scientific says, "It is not just a problem for hospitals. It is an issue for anyone who wants to get a good night's sleep."

The study showed that bacteria and many germs easily get inside into the pillows through tears and can live there. They found that 33% of the weight of a pillow could be comprised of dead skin cells, bugs, dust mites and dust mite feces.

Bacteria easily grow within a pillow, and the pillow is often never washed.

Sleeping On a Zoo Ashley Woodcock is a professor of respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester in England.

Woodcock says, ""It's a zoo inside your pillow, I'm sure." They studied 10 pillows. The pillows were anywhere between 18 months - 20 years old.

He stated that the pillow is like a zoo because he found more than a million fungi spores within the pillows. The million spores produced more than 16 different types of fungi, which included bread and

Page 20 Mature Living May 2013

shower mold. Many people use "hypo-allergenic" or synthetic pillows because they feel that they are more hygienic. His study showed that these pillows often produced more fungi than organic down pillows.

Pillows and the bedroom in general is often a rich habitat for dust mites.

These dust mites live off fungi found in pillows.

After the dust mites eat, they leave dust mite feces.

The fungi also absorb the dust mite feces.

Humans also supply skin flakes, bodily fluids and bacteria that dust mites and fungi feed off. When people sleep, they also add 20 gallons of sweat into their bed.

This adds to the zoo effect, allowing even more microorganisms to breed.

Cleaning a Pillow It is not enough to simply change the pillowcase.

Many pillows have organisms living within the actual pillow, so changing the pillowcase only applies superficial changes. Changing pillows occasionally is helpful.

It is advisable to shake a pillow often and to let it sit in the sunlight. If you have a pillow protector, you should wash it regularly. It is also helpful to vacuum the pillow every couple weeks. All these precautions can help reduce the amount of bacteria and other growths.

How can you prolong the life, freshness and health of your pillow?

• Regularly washing the pillow • Making sure you dry your pillow in the sun • Using a pillow protector • Keeping pets away from your pillow

Mattress Hygiene

Why do we need to clean our mattress?

Very quickly all slept in mattresses become host to a multitude of horrors, from bacteria to fungal spores and microscopic house dust mites which feed off dead flakes of skin. Is it any wonder that without cleaning a mattress, it could be the dirtiest item in your home?

It is estimated that there are up to three million house dust mites living in a mattress and in an average pillow. 10% of a pillow's weight or mattress is made up of dead skin and dust mites.

House dust mites find a mattress the perfect breeding ground. With warmth and moisture and no natural enemies, they will establish in a mattress within several months and it is their droppings

which cause most problems. These have been medically proven to trigger a whole host of allergic reactions, from Asthma, Eczema and Bronchitis, to Itchy Eyes and Sneezing. Even protective bedding sheets may be largely ineffective in reducing problems like asthma, when they are the only measure taken to combat an allergy.

The idea of mattress cleaning isn’t a new one. In European countries and the United States, it has been performed for years, but the concept is new over here.

It’s chemical-free, dry and performed in the bedroom using specially designed state of the art equipment. Mothers do it all by themselves nowadays. It has become so simple. You can do it too.

Gardening Nursing Homes

Choosing a Nursing Home Guide

C

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

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

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

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

Can relatives and friends easily visit?

Is the home easily accessible by public transport?

Is there a car park for you to use?

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

Is the outside area well kept and tidy ?

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

Is the home odour free?

Is the home clean and well maintained?

Does the atmosphere feel right?

Do the staff acknowledge you?

Is there evidence of independence being maintained where possible?

Is everyone's dignity and privacy being respected?

Are visitors welcome at anytime?

Does the home feel homely?

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

Does the home offer single or shared rooms?

Are you able to look at an available bedroom?

Is the bedroom clean and bright?

Does the bedroom have ensuite facilities?

What furniture is provided by the home?

Are residents encouraged to bring some of their own possessions?

Does each room have a nurse call system?

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

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

Is there a lift to any upper floors?

Are the corridors and doorways wide?

Does the home provide easy access for people in wheelchairs?

Are there handrails around the home?

Are there accessible gardens and out-

looks from the lounges and bedrooms?

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

Can the home cope with any future changes in needs?

Are residents registered with the local GP Surgery?

Are residents and relatives encouraged to contribute to care plans?

Are care plans reviewed regularly?

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

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

What qualifications do the staff have?

Does the Manager / Head of Department give you confidence?

Can the staff be seen around the home?

Catering Services Is there a current menu on display?

Is there a choice of menu at all meal times?

Can residents choose the time they have their meals?

How are residents who need help with eating assisted?

Activities Is there a regular activities programme?

Does the home have dedicated Activities staff?

Are residents consulted on the activities programme?

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

How are residents' religious needs met?

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

Are there regular exercise opportunities for residents?

Are relatives and friends encouraged to participate in activities?

Does the home display details and photographs of recent activities?

Standards Does the home have written policies and procedures?

Is the home's statement of purpose available?

Are quality audits carried out in the home?

Is there a resident group that meets regularly?

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

Does the home make available their latest inspection report?

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

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

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

All Rooms Ensuite Respite Long and Shor" Ter#.

Catering for Retired, Convelescent and Geriat$ic Residents.

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

Registered Approved by

Member

Page 21 Mature Living May 2013

Lough Allen Hotel & Spa • Drumshanbo • Co Leitrim • www.loughallenhotel.com

Mid Week Special €49.50pp 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast

Weekend Special €99pp

2 Nights Bed & Breakfast Plus 1 Dinner

Complimentary access to Leisure Centre for all guests Available May and June Only • Please mention Matre Living Magazine at time of Booking

Family Special Offer for July and August ONLY €299 for 3 Nights B&B + Dinner on one evening meal

• Full Kids Club • Indoor Heated Swimming Pool • Gym, Sauna, Steam room, Outdoor Hot Tub • Oshadi Spa The hotel is the Ideal Base for your 2013 Stayca!on Within close proximity of Lough Key Forest Park www.loughkey.ie Arigna Mining Museum www.arignaminingexperience.ie & Moorlands Equestrian Centre www.moorlands.ie

Only 1 hour drive to the many beaches that the North West has to offer, plenty of other ac"vi"es / a#rac"ons within easy reach of the hotel.

For more details contact the Reserva"ons Team on 0719640100. www.loughallenhotel.com or email info@loughallenhotel.com

To Book Call 0719640100 or email: Reservations@loughallenhotel.com

Focus on Gant @ EJ Menswear Sligo

The history of Gant

Back in Time" The GANT Brothers in the 1960's

"The Modern Day GANT look"

I

brands of the time. To satisfy the many customers who wanted to make sure they were getting the same high quality every time, Bernard started labeling the shirts with a diamond “G”. Soon everybody was talking about the “Gshirt” and demand far exceeded supply.

After World War II, Bernard and Rose’s two sons, Marty and Elliot, returned home from active service. The brothers joined the family business and in 1949 they launched their own label, GANT of New Haven. The GANT shirt was an overnight success. An important feature was the button-down collar. Buttondown shirts, originally an English

n 1914, Bernard Gantmacher arrived from Ukraine to New York City. Empty handed, but determined to make a better future for himself, he enrolled at Colombia University, studying to become a pharmacist. To finance his studies he worked night shifts in the garment district of the Lower East Side. His first job was to sew shirt collars and he soon proved to be a master at the sewing machine. There he met his future wife,

Rose, who was working as a button and buttonhole specialist.

In 1927, the couple moved to New Haven, Connecticut. The city was the center of a booming textile industry and Bernard set up business as a subcontractor, making shirts for other labels.

Gant were quickly recognized as skilled shirt makers and became trusted partners for some of the most notable

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...............................

Address....................................................................................................

innovation, where becoming very fashionable and GANT was the first to introduce such a shirt on a larger scale on the US market. The combination of Bernard’s dedication to quality and his sons’ style sense proved to be a winning formula. Over the following years GANT came up with a number of creative tailoring features, such as the locker loop, the box pleat and the button on the back of the collar to keep the tie in place. Such innovations helped to maintain interest in GANT and won the label a dedicated following. For GANT, it all began with the shirt.

As Gant became known as a designer label in the US, it began opening shops in a number of department stores across the country. At one point in the 60’s, Gant was the second-largest shirt maker in the world. The Gant family sold the business in 1967. Since then, the company has changed hands several times. In 1979, Gant Corporation became a subsidiary of apparel manufacturer The Palm Beach Company. In 1980/1981, Gant entered the international market when Pyramid Sportswear of Sweden was given the right to design and market the Gant brand outside the U.S. Initially, Pyramid only offered the Gant label in Sweden but quickly expanded internationally. In 1995, Phillips-Van Heusen acquired the Gant brand in the U.S. from bankrupt Crystal Brands, Inc. of Connecticut, a sportswear manufacturer. In November, 2010 - Gant recently returned home to New Haven when it opened a new retail store located on the corner of Broadway and York.

Gant is one of the most popular brands stocked by ej Menswear and the Spring Summer collection is now instore.

.............................................................................................................

Gant, exclusively available at ej Menswear, Sligo

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

"Michael Bastian Gant Designer Collection"

Page 23 Mature Living May 2013

Mature Living Exhibition

Sligo gearing up for the Exhibition of the year

“The Mature Living Show is a dynamic event for people who want to make the most out of life”

M

ature Living Magazine is pleased to announce that the Mature Living Ultimate Lifestyle Show will be held on Friday 10th & Saturday 11th May at The Clarion Hotel in Sligo. Doors will open from 11am.

Having fun, sharing time with people you enjoy, surrounding yourself with things you like, are just some of the fundamentals of living a happy and fulfilling life. As a visitor to the Mature Living Exhibition, it will encompass all of these highlights and feature many more. Visitors will be treated to a full array of 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, Better Living and more...all under one roof!

There will be exhibitors of all kinds on the days offering the older generation the perfect chance to discover all the latest products and services targeted directly to their age group. Unsurprisingly, the event

is aimed at those over the age of 50 and offers a huge range of entertainment, including a fashion show starring “real” women, a garden showcase with experts answering questions, cookery demonstrations and craft sessions.

For the active visitor there are also classes such as yoga and tai chi to partake in.

Such a large event is of course sure to attract a host of exhibitors with more than 60 display stands and various seminars.

Baby Boomers & Seniors will discover this event has a great deal to offer! Helping them plan for tomorrow while enjoying today. 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.

Seeking ways to renew, revitalize, reinvent and rediscover. Like anyone else who wants to keep ahead of their time and with the times, Boomers & Seniors need and want answers to numerous questions regarding health and wellness, travel, finance, real estate, anti-aging, gardening, recreational activity, technology,

transportation, aesthetics, second careers, adult lifestyle living and more...

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.

The Mature Living Exhibition is designed to encourage personal growth and enrichment for those in the third age. Past perceptions about aging are rapidly falling by the wayside. Growing older is a cause for CELEBRATION...live life to the fullest.

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

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

See the Exhibi!on Schedule Centre Pages

If you have not previously visited The Mature Living Exhibi!on you are in for a pleasant surprise!

The exhibi!on is all about making the most of your life and leisure, and visi!ng the show will give you plenty of ideas ­ and experiences. The shows take place in The Clarion Hotel in Sligo on the 10th and 11th of May Visit www.maturelivingexpo.ie for the latest details Page 24 Mature Living May 2013

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

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

Glass is 10mm toughened Safety Glass

* Sunshine Not Included!

Greenhouse glass is always in stock too

Up to 10% Discount*

on all orders made before end of May when you men!on this Mature Living Advert

*10% Orders over €500 "Thinking of Renovationg Your Home?

Call in to Our New Glass Showrooms to See the Many *5% Orders Applications of Glass Or Log on to Our Website for more BRIGHT Ideas www.sligoglass.com" over €300 Far Finisklin Road, Co. Sligo

Tel: 071-91 61924

sales@sligoglass.com • www.sligoglass.com "prideRoad, in ourBallina, work" Co. Mayo Crossmolina • Pre Booking: 096-22555

Offer applies to products aver!sed here only

Mature Living Exhibition

100% ITALIAN LEATHER LIFT AND RISE RECLINER SHOW SPECIAL WONDERFULLY COMFORTABLE 'LIFT & RISE' RECLINER SINGLE MOTOR

BROWN ORTHOPAEDIC CHAIR Show Special Only €249.00

SOLID BEECH FRAME FABRIC ORTHOPAEDIC CHAIR Show Special Only €259.00 This orthopaedic fabric chair made with a solid hardwood beech frame has a higher than normal seating height to give extra support to the back and lower body it is easier to get out of the chair due to the height of the arms, Its recommened for people recovering from hip operations or people with back problems also for nursing home or as a fireside chair in the home,

Massive Show Special!

Exhibition Come and see our selection of ORTHOPAEDIC CHAIRS on display at Stand 5

See out full selection of orthopaedic chairs in store at Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo Tel: 071-9165690 • Fax: 071-9165690 Open Monday to Saturday 9.30 to 6pm

www.keithtaylorfurniture.ie

RIGHT PRICE FIREPLACES & STOVES OUR PRICES WILL NOT BE BEATEN! Effrinagh Village, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim • Tel: 071-9623345 / 086-6073181

The

at the

Exhibition

Clarion Hotel Sligo

2013

Fri May 10th 11-6 Sat May 11th 10-6

W O H S E L Y T S E F I L E T A M I T T HE U L

What will be there...

Health testing and monitoring Including blood pressure testing, spinal screening, visual screening tests and hearing tests.

Fashion Show The latest in both Men’s and Women’s fashion from leading stores

Computing and Internet tuition

Visitors will be given tuition on using the Internet and sending emails.

Antique valuations

A leading auctioneer will value small collectibles and jewellery.

Pampering Sessions

Indulge in a free manicure, pedicure or Indian head massage.

Wooden floors, conservatories, solar heating, hot tubs etc

Motoring

Test drive the latest car or maybe you want to look inside a motorhome.

Retirement villages

Many people are being attracted to the many new retirement villages, because of their security and medical facilities. A number of companies will be featuring their latest projects.

Personal finance

Investment advisors, equity release providers, income and inheritance tax consultants, mortgage and insurance providers and other specialists will be available to explain their products.

...Plus Much, Much More!

Home Improvement

Holidays

Professionals from the tourism sector will be on hand giving all the latest information on holidaying at home or abroad.

Gardening

Experts from Connacht Gold will answer visitors questions on all aspects of gardening.

Cosmetic procedures

Specialists will explain the various procedures & recent developments.

Over 60 exhibitors

Exhibitors from all types of businesses displaying their products and services

The Mature Living Exhibition will supplement these features with a number of new attractions such as cosmetic and fashion make-overs, pets advice, wine tasting and much much more.

OVER 60 EXHIBITORS

A wide variety of talks & seminars

Entry €5

To Book a stand call Seamus on 085-2498067 or 071-9154538

Mature Living Getaway Breaks

CASTLEBAR, CO MAYO

Three Nights Bed & Breakfast with One Dinner Quote ‘Mature Living’ for Complimentary Upgrade to a Deluxe Room

Only €109pps

To Book or for details of our other offers call 094­9286200 or email info@harlequin.ie • www.harlequin.ie

PROFESSIONAL AESTHETICS in Mayo Enjoy 3 nights midweek bed and breakfast @

Le!erkenny Co. Donegal

From only €33 per person sharing per night Call 074 9124369 quo!ng "matureliving" to book Or visit www.clanreehotel.com for our great offers Visit us on facebook ­ facebook.com/clanreehotel

• Offical Skinceu!cals Supplier • Cosme!c Peels • Wrinkle Reduc!on and Fillers

Wrinkle Reduc!on & Fillers Clinic on 17th May

by Professional Irish Doctor at Ballina, Medical Centre Foxford Road, Ballina

Appointments only Call: 087­1664900

W O H S E L Y T S E F I L E T A M I T L U E H T Antique Valuations

at the

Clarion Hotel Sligo Fri May 10th 11-6 Sat May 11th 10-6 Free Manicures

oolyard h c S rd a y rm a F h it w Animal Petting area

F re e H e a l t h Check

To Book a stand Tel Seamus: 085-2498067

shion Show Men’s & Women’s Fa

Exhibition 2013

Free Eye Testing

Free Head Massage

Over 60 Exhibi!on Stands

The

Please check www.maturelivingexpo.ie for the final event schedule Details and times are approximate

Free Podiatry Assessment

ions t a r t s n o m e D g in Cook Wine Tasting

Flower arranging

” e f li f o t u o t s o m e h t e k a m o t t n a w o h w le p o e p r o f t n e v e ic m a n y d a is w o h S g in iv L e r u t a M e h “T Page 31 Mature Living May 2013

W O H S E L Y T S E F I L E T A M I T L U E H T Antique Valuations

at the

Clarion Hotel Sligo Fri May 10th 11-6 Sat May 11th 10-6 Free Manicures

oolyard h c S rd a y rm a F h it w Animal Petting area

F re e H e a l t h Check

To Book a stand Tel Seamus: 085-2498067

shion Show Men’s & Women’s Fa

Exhibition 2013

Free Eye Testing

Free Head Massage

Over 60 Exhibi!on Stands

The

Please check www.maturelivingexpo.ie for the final event schedule Details and times are approximate

Free Podiatry Assessment

ions t a r t s n o m e D g in Cook Wine Tasting

Flower arranging

” e f li f o t u o t s o m e h t e k a m o t t n a w o h w le p o e p r o f t n e v e ic m a n y d a is w o h S g in iv L e r u t a M e h “T Page 31 Mature Living May 2013

NORTH WEST PROTECTION DOGS

Pups and Trained Dogs For Sale

Man & Dog security service

We also provide...

• Personal & Property Protection • Yard Dogs • Family Dogs • Drug & Detection Dogs

Pups for Sale

Pups come with...

• IKC Registered • Microchip • Flea'd, Wormed & Vaccinated • 7 Generation Certificate • Vet Checked • 6 Weeks free insurance • Parents can be seen

Ballina, Co. Mayo • Tel: 085-7843837

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

Domes!c, Industrial and commercial – you name it, we will cover it Why not refresh your exis!ng suite, or furniture and upli# your home for Summer, 2013.

By simply changing the fabric of your exis!ng suite, you can brighten up your home, pu$ng a spring in your step.

Our service include: • Suites of furniture • Repairs • Replacement of foam in cushion • Boost sea!ng • Headboards • Beanbags • Boats

Our UPHOLSTERY service creates masterpiece headboards designed to your specifica!on.

We can give you an es!mate for the cost of repair of your couch. You can email us, send us a picture message or we can call out to your home.

Don’t delay; call 0749736719, mobile 086­4106433 for Sligo Donegal area’s… and 071­9622700, mobile 086­8361070 for Carrick on Shannon

Herbs

Se n e t t i

5 for €10

2 fo r € 1 0

€2.49 each

3 f.9o9r €1

Ve

€3

€6.99 eac

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, thyme and many more

P a c ks g et a b l e

0

h

Vibrant d aisy flowers

pack each 12

plants y you n g Health quick and r fo sults ea s y r e

Perennials

Plant your own Herb Pot Workshop

3 for €15 €6.99 each

Selection of great varieties for colour year after year

R os es

0 4 for9€ea2ch €6.9

Saturday 4 May at 11.30am

Sh r u b s

4 fo r €20

C h oos e from of colo a range urfu varieti l es

Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centres BOYLE & ROSCOMMON TOWN Choose a pot and your favourite herbs and plant them up on the day with help from the experts at Ardcarne Garden Centre.

Spring into Action!

EST 1932

HAIR & BEAUTY SALON 5 STAR MULTI AWARD WINNING SALON

WIN A TOTAL MAKEOVER FROM KELLY’S To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, simply answer the question below and send your entries into us along with your name, address, telephone number and email address.

Q: Who are the first to offer the 16 Week Blow Dry in Mayo?

Send your entries into us on a postcard to Kelly’s Competition, Mature Living magazine, Office 3, Unit 7, NW Business Park, Collooney, Co. Sligo T&C Apply - Closing Date is 30th May

Castle Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Tel: 094-9022973

S

pring is a busy time in the garden and the experts at Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centre have some timely advice to get your garden in great order this year Lawns: A good lawn can really enhance a garden, but it’s vital to feed the grass every year to keep it in good condition. Regular feeding also means that the lawn is less likely to become infested with moss and weeds. We recommend HumberPalmers professional lawn fertiliser (available in 25kg bags which treat 600sq metres). If you have moss and weeds apply a 3 in 1 product such as Westland Lawn Feed, Weed and Mosskiller. Always use a lawn fertiliser spreader for even application.

Fruit & Vegetable Garden:Growing your own healthy and delicious fruit and vegetables is one of the joys of gardening and now is the time to sow and plant for the year ahead. Most vegetables can be sown outdoors now or you can fast track your way to enjoying some home-grown crops with the huge range of ready-to-go baby vegetable plants at Ardcarne Plantsplus garden centre, including peas, beans, cabbage, broccoli, scallions, tomatoes, peppers and many more. There’s also still time for planting potatoes and onion sets.

Spring is a great time for planting herbs so that you’ll have plenty of fresh pickings throughout the year. You can plant most herbs straight into the garden, but planting a few together in a large pot will mean that you can position it right by your house for convenience. Remember that most herbs like a nice sunny position.

Most fruiting plants such as currants, gooseberries, strawberries and blueberries can be planted now and will provide delicious crops even this year. You’ll also find one of the best selections of fruit trees in the country at Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centre including old Irish apples and varieties that grow especially well in the West of Ireland.

Hedging: A lot of hedges were damaged in the recent hard winters – especially Escallonia and Griselinia. If you have to replace a hedge or are putting in a new one, spring is a good time to plant. We recommend beech and laurel as strong, hardy hedges that are easy to maintain. To prevent weeds choking your new hedge use ground cover fabric when planting.

Spring is also a good time for feeding hedges and Pelleted Chicken Manure, especially Seamungus which has added seaweed, is excellent at giving them a boost.

Pots of Colour: Now is a good time to re-new outdoor pots with seasonal colour. You’ll find a massive range of plants full of colour for containers at Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centre at this time of year, including spring flowers such as pansies, violas, wallflowers, forget me nots and a selection of flowering bulbs. Summer bedding has just arrived including basket and patio plants, geraniums, dahlias and the ever popular Senetti which has incredibly vibrant daisy flowers in rich magenta, purple, blue and pink. If planting up pots with summer bedding remember to cover them with Horticultural fleece on cold nights or bring the whole pot indoors.

Pots for Communions, Confirmations and Family Events: Colourful containers to adorn doorways and patios will really add to the ambience of your special occasion and make for memorable photos. We have pots and plants to suit all budgets and styles at Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centre and a FREE potting service when you choose your pots and plants.

Or you can bring in your existing empty containers and we will happily replant them.

Ardcarne Plantsplus Garden Centre is located just off the N4 near Boyle and also on the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town. Open every day Mon-Sat 9-6pm, Sun and Bank Holidays 1-6pm. Tel: 07196 67091(Boyle) & 09066 27700 (Roscommon Town).

New Granite & Marble Fireplaces & Hearths Now in Stock

Exhibition

Visit us at Stand 22

Ennis 25kW Boiler (16-18 Rads) ONLY €995

Grainne 4kW Non Boiler ONLY €260

SPECIAL OFFERS ON ALL FIREPLACES AT: WOODFERNE MULTI-FUEL STOVES Ballyconnell

Blacklion (Stove Body)

Belturbet

5 YEAR WARRANTY FREE DELIVERY TO HOME Prices Exc. 20% VAT

Flourence Court

Derrylin Crossroads

Cavan

Enniskillen DC LOGS

Lisnaskea

Tel: 048-67742796 • Mob: 086-2288387 • Email: dermotclarke@btconnect.com

Visit our showrooms for friendly advice on our stove and pellet boiler ranges - 118 Teermore Road, Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh Visit our websites www.dc-logs.com or www.woodferne.com Page 34 Mature Living May 2013

&

SOLID FUEL CENTRE

Ph: 087−7964263 • 083−3711035 • 071−9151650 • Carraroe Retail Pk, Sligo Images are for illustration purposes only

DENTA RASK WAS €2.25 NOW 99C

PET FENCE WAS €249.00 NOW €179.00

WHISKAS DENTABITS WAS €1.89 NOW 69C

WHISKAS CAT FOOD 2KG €5/4KG €10

BETA ADULT 15 KG

12 PACK KITEKAT ONLY €7.99

APPLANS CAT / DOG TREATS WAS €2.69 NOW 49C

PUPPY TRAINING PADS 56PK WAS €25.99 NOW €15.99

PETSTOP SUPREME DOG FOOD 15KG OR CAT FOOD 10KG

60 LITRE MULTI PURPOSE COMPOST €3.99 OR 3 FOR €10

BEDDING PLANTS €2.99 OR 3 FOR €7.50

75 LITRE MINI CHIP BARK ONLY €4.99

10CM POT PLANTS €1.99 OR 3 FOR €5.00

WAS €38.99 NOW €31.99

BETA PUPPY 15 KG

WAS €44.99 NOW €39.99

PEDIGREE 12 PACK NOW €7.99

€11.99 OR 2 FOR €20

FREE DELIVERY ON ALL FUEL AND PET FOODS

AGRI, DIY & GARDEN CENTRE

Deepwater Quay, Sligo

Now Stocking a Wide Range of Beechfield Healthcare Mobility Scooters, Self Propelled Wheelchairs, Powered Chairs and Daily Living Aids

• Aids For Daily Living • Walking Aids & Mobility • Bedroom & Sea!ng • Cot Ma"resses • Bathing Aids • Incon!nence Range • Waterproof Bedding • Bariatric Equipment • Supports and Braces • Moving & Handling • Mobility Scooters

Join our Rewards Programme and earn points on purchase instore T&C Apply

Ask in store or check out www.connachtgold.ie

Exhibition

Visit us at Stand 25

DEMO CARS 2013 VW Beetle 1.6TDI Extras ( White)........................€26,500 2013 VW Up 1.0 5DR..................................................€11,500 2013 VW Polo 1.2TDI Comfortline................................€18,800 2013 VW Polo 1.2TDI Trendline....................................€17,750 2013 VW Polo 1.2 Petrol..............................................€15,900 2013 VW Polo 1.2 Petrol Comfortline............................€17,300 2013 VW Polo Cross 1.2TDI Extras...............................€21,000 2013 VW Jetta 1.6 TDI Comfortline..............................€25,500 2013 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Trendline...................................€23,500 2013 VW Passat 1.6TDI Comfortline.............................€28,250 2013 VW Passat 1.6TDI Trendline.................................€26,250 2013 VW Tiguan 20TDI Silver Extras............................€29,500 2013 VW Golf TDI Van Choice.....................................€21,500 2013 VW Golf 1.6TDI Plus Model.................................€23,950 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI Highline..................................€26,500 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI Comfortline.............................€24,950 2012 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP Comfortline.................€27,500 2012 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP Highline Estate Car......€31,500 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI Comfortline Estate Extras..........€27,000 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI Trendline Estate.......................€25,950 2012 VW Touran 1.6TDI 7 Seater Comfortline..............€27,500 2012 VW Caddy Life 1.6TDI 7 Seater...........................€23,500 2012 VW Shuttle 2.0TDI 9Seater..................................€39,500 2012 VW Touran 1.6TDI 5 Seater.................................€22,500 2012 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 5Seater..................................€26,950 2012 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Automatic..................................€25,500 2012 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Comfortline...............................€22,500 2012 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Trendline ...................................€21,950 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI “R” Edition.................................€22,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6RDI “R” Edition Automatic................€24,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI Sports Model.............................€21,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI Plus Model.................................€21,500 2012 W Polo 1.2 TDI DSL.............................................€15,500 2012 VW Polo 1.2 5DR................................................€13,500 2011 VW Golf 1.6 TDI Comfortline ..............................€19,500 2010 VW Sharan 1.9TDI 7 Seater (20K)......................€24,500 BEETLE RANGE 2007 VW Beetle Cabriolet 1.4 18KM...........................€14,500 PASSAT RANGE 2012 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP CC Sport...................€35,500 2011 VW Passat 1.6TDI Highline Extras........................€23,500 2011 VW Passat 1.6TDI Comfortline..............................€21,500 2010 VW Passat 1.6TDI Highline Full Leather.................€21,000 2010 VW Passat CC 2.0TDI Sports...............................€25,500 2010 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP Comfortline................€19,500 2010 VW Passat 1.6TDI...............................................€18,500 2010 VW Passat 1.9TDI Comfortline.............................€18,500 2009 VW Passat 1.9TDI ..............................................€16,500 2009 VW Passat 2.0 TDI 140BHP Highline Leather........€18,500 JETTA RANGE 2012 VW Jetta 1.6 TDI.................................................€22,500 2011 VW Jetta 1.4 TSI Comfortline ..............................€19,500 2011 VW Jetta 1.6TDI New Model (27000)..................€21,000 2010 VW Jetta 1.6 TDI Comfortline Extras.....................€17,000 2010 VW Jetta 1.4 TSI Petrol.......................................€15,000 2009 VW Jetta 1.6FSI Petrol.........................................€11,500 2009 VW Jetta 1.9TDI Comfortline Choice....................€13,500 2008 VW Jetta 1.9TDI €12,500 GOLF RANGE 2013 VW Golf 1.6TDI Van Choice................................€21,500 2013 VW Golf 1.6TDI Sports Model.............................€24,500 2013 VW Golf 1.6 TDI Plus Model................................€24,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI “R” Model A/T..........................€23,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI Sports Model.............................€21,000 2012 VW Golf TDI 5DR ...............................................€21,500 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI Plus Model.................................€21,500 2011 VW Golf GTD DSL Extras 170BHP A/T.................€32,500 2011 VW Golf Petrol Highline.......................................€16,500 2011 VW Golf 1.6TDI Highline A/T...............................€22,500 2011 VW Golf 1.6TDI BM Cabriolet.............................€24,500 2011 VW Golf 1.6TDI 5DR Comfortline.........................€19,500 2011 VW Golf 1.6TDI 5DR White.................................€18,500 2010 VW Golf 1.6TDI Plus Comfortline.........................€16,500 2010 VW Golf 1.4 5 Dr Comfortline.............................€15,500 2010 VW Golf 1.6TDI 5DR...........................................€16,500 2009 VW Golf 2.0TDI.................................................€15,000 2009 VW Golf 1.9TDI Plus (32K)..................................€15,500 2009 VW Golf 1.4 5Dr................................................€11,500 2009 VW Golf TDI Comfortline...................................€13,500 2008 VW Golf 1.4GT Sport ( Black).............................€10,500 2008 VW Golf 1.4 Comfortline....................................€10,500 2008 VW Golf 1.9TDI..................................................€12,500 2007 VW Golf 1.9TDI.................................................€10,500 2007 VW Golf 1.4 Petrol...............................................€8,500 POLO RANGE 2013 VW Polo DSL Cross Model...................................€21,500 2012 VW Polo 1.2TDI Extras........................................€16,500 2012 VW Polo 1.2 5DR................................................€13,500 2012 VW Polo 1.2TDI 5DR...........................................€15,500 2011 VW Polo 1.2TDI Comfortline................................€14,500 2011 VW Polo Petrol 5DR Choice..................................€11,500 2011 VW Polo Diesel 5DR Choice.................................€13,500

2010 VW Polo 1.2 5DR................................................€10,500 2009 VW Polo 1.4 TDi.................................................€10,500 2009 VW Polo Petrol 5DR Choice..................................€9,500 2008 VW Polo 1.2 5DR Choice......................................€8,500 2007 VW Polo 1.2 5DR Choice.......................................€7,500 2006 VW Polo 1.25DR..................................................€6,500 2005 VW Polo 1.2 5DR.................................................€5,500 2004 VW Polo 5DR.......................................................€4,000 2003 VW Polo DSL 5Dr.................................................€3,500 2002 VW Polo 1.2 5DR.................................................€2,500 2001 VW Polo 1.4 Estate...............................................€2,000 2000 VW Polo 1.0 5DR.................................................€1,500 SCIRROCO RANGE 2012 VW Scirroco 1.4TSI 122BHP................................€22,500 4 X 4 PASSENGER RANGE 2013VW Tiguan 2.0TDI Passenger...............................€29,500 2012 VW Tiguan Passenger Extras................................€27,500 2011 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI Sport......................................€28,500 2010 VW Tiguan 2.0TDI 2 Wheel Drive Passenger.......€22,500 2008 VW Tiguan 2.0DSL 4 Wheel DrivePassenger........€19,500 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitaro 2.0DSL 4x4 Passenger.........€14,000 2008 Kia Carnival 7 Seater..........................................€10,500 2008 Mitsubishi L200 Intense Model 5 Seater...............€14,950 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0DSL 5 Seater..................€11,000 ESTATE CARS 2012 VW Passat 1.6TDI Trendline..................................€27500 2011 VW Passat 1.6TDI Estate Comfortline....................€22,500 2009 VW Passat TDI Estate Highline Leather.................€18,500 2009 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP Estate Leather.............€13,500 2003 VW Passat 1.9TDI Estate........................................€7,500 7 SEATER RANGE 2012 VW Touran TDI 7 Seater....................................€25,500 2012 Vw Caddy Life Passenger 7 Seater.......................€23,500 2010 VW Sharan 1.9TDI..............................................€24,500 2007 VW Sharan 7 Seater DSL...................................€12,500 2007 VW Touran 1.9TDI 7 Seater.................................€11,500 2006 VW Sharan 130 BHP............................................€9,500 2005 VW Sharan 1.9TDI 7 Seater..................................€6,500 2003 Citroen Berlingo Multispace 5Seater Passenger .....€3,000 2003 Ford Galaxy TDI 7 Seater.....................................€4,500 AUDI RANGE 2009 A6 2.0TDI A/T Extras..........................................€18,500 2009 A4 2.0TDI .........................................................€19,950 2008 A3 1.9TDI Sport.................................................€13,500 2007 A4 1.9TDI...........................................................€11,500 2006 A4 TDI.................................................................€8,500 2006 A6 2.0TDI .........................................................€12,500 2006 A3 1.9TDI............................................................€9,500 2005 A3 1.6 Sports Model.............................................€7,500 2004 A4 2.0 Petrol........................................................€5,000 2003 A6 TDI A/T..........................................................€5,000 2003 Audi 4 TDI............................................................€3,500 VOLVO RANGE 2007 Volvo S40 1.6 DSL................................................€9,500 2006 Volvo S40 1.6DSL................................................€8,500 2004 Volvo S40 DSl......................................................€3,000 2002 Volvo S40 1.9DSl.................................................€3,000 1999 Volvo V70 2.0 Estate............................................€1,500 TOYOTA RANGE 2011 Toyota Rav 4 2.2 DSL Passenger..........................€23,950 2011 Toyota Avensis D4D Dsl ......................................€19,000 2011 Toyota Corolla D4D.............................................€18,500 2010 Toyota Avensis 1.6 Petrol.....................................€16,500 2009 Toyota Avensis D4D ...........................................€13,500 2009 Toyota Auris 1.4 3dr...........................................€10,000 2009 Toyota Auris D4D Van Extras................................€9,500 2008 Toyota Avensis 2.0DSL Estate..............................€12,500 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 D4D.......................................€11,500 2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4................................................€8,000 2008 Toyota Verso 1.6 7 Seater.....................................€7,500 2008 Toyota Landcruiser LWB.......................................€17,500 2007 Toyota Rav 4 D4D Passenger...............................€13,950 2007 Toyota Corolla......................................................€7,500 2006 Toyota Rav 4 D4D................................................€9,500 2006Toyota Corolla 1.4.................................................€6,000 2005 Toyota Avensis D4D ............................................€5,500 2005 Toyota Corolla Van..............................................€5,000 2004 Toyota Avensis D4D..............................................€3,500 2002 Toyota Landcruiser................................................€5,000 2002 Toyota Verso 2.0 7 Seater.....................................€3,500 2000 Toyota Yaris A/T...................................................€2,000 FORD RANGE 2010 Ford Focus 1.6 5DR DSL (35K)............................€15,500 2008 Ford Galaxy 7 Seater.........................................€16,500 2008 Ford Focus DSL H/B 5DR.....................................€10,000 2008 Ford Focus 1.6DSL Estate......................................€9,500 2008 Ford Focus 2.0 TDI ( CC Model ).........................€13,500 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.25...................................................€6,500 2008 Ford Focus 1.6 DSL Van........................................€8,500 2007 Ford Focus 1.4 5DR .............................................€6,500

2006 Ford Fusion 1.4 5DR.............................................€6,500 2006 Ford Mondeo 1.8 Petrol........................................€3,500 2005 Ford Galaxy 7 Seater...........................................€8,500 2005 Ford Mondeo Dsl.................................................€5,000 2005 Ford Focus 1.4......................................................€5,000 2005 Ford Focus DSL.....................................................€5,500 2004 Ford Fiesta ..........................................................€3,500 2004 Ford Focus 1.4......................................................€3,500 2004 Ford Focus 1.8 DSL...............................................€4,500 2003 Ford Mondeo 1.8 Petrol........................................€3,500 OPEL RANGE 2009 Opel Corsa 1.3 DSL..............................................€8,500 2008 Opel 1.7 DSL Club Model.....................................€8,500 2007 Opel Vectra 1.9DSl...............................................€8,500 2006 Opel Astra 1.4 5Dr...............................................€6,500 2006 Opel Vectra 1.6....................................................€6,000 2006 Opel Zafira 1.6 7 Seater.......................................€7,500 2006 Opel Vivaro 1.9 Dsl Van.......................................€6,500 2006 Opel Astra 1.7 Dsl Van.........................................€6,000 SEAT RANGE 2008 Seat Toledo 1.9DSL .............................................€6,500 2006 Seat Cordoba 1.4 Sal...........................................€5,000 2004 Seat Cordoba 1.2 Sal...........................................€3,500 2003 Seat Ibiza 1.2 5DR...............................................€3,000 PEUGEOT RANGE 2012 Peugeot 308 DSl Extras.......................................€16,500 2010 Peugeot 207 1.4 HDI SE Model...........................€10,500 2009 Peugeot 407 1.6DSL ..........................................€10,500 2008 Peugeot 207 1.4”S”.............................................€8,500 2007 Peugeot 407 Dsl Estate SW....................................€7,500 2007 Peugeot 307 1.4 5Dr............................................€6,500 2007 Peugeot 407 Dsl Solaire Model.............................€6,500 2007 Peugeot 207 S 5DR...............................................€7,500 2006 Peugeot 307 1.4 5DR...........................................€6,000 HONDA RANGE 2005 Honda Civic 1.6...................................................€5,000 2005 Honda HRV 1.6....................................................€5,500 2005 Honda Accord 2.0 Petrol (35K).............................€5,000 2004 Honda Civic A/T...................................................€4,500 2003 Honda Civic 1.4i...................................................€3,500 BMW RANGE 2008 BMW 520 DSL A/T M Sport Extras......................€18,500 2008 BMW 316i Extras...............................................€12,500 2007 BMW 320DSL ...................................................€10,500 2004 BMW 320 DSL.....................................................€6,500 2004 BMW 320 DSL Estate...........................................€6,500 2003 BMW 316 Compact..............................................€3,000 2003 BMW 320 1.8 Petrol.............................................€3,000 MITSUBISHI RANGE 2013 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 LWB...........................€33,750+VAT 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.2 Comm...................€25,000+VAT 2013 Mitsubishi L200 Crew Cab...................................€32,500 2013 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1 5DR........................................€12,500 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 DSL Jeep 5 Seater..................€24,500 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8 DSL....................................€21,500 2011 Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 Petrol Estate 5DR (2K).............€19,500 2011 Mitsubishi Colt Cabrio 1.5....................................€12,500 2011 Mitsubishi Colt 5DR Automatic (10K)....................€12,500 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 Extras.................................€10,000 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.0DSl Commercial .............€17,000 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 Petrol...................................€9,000 2008 L200 Crew Cab Extras........................................€14,500 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5............................................€8,000 2008 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5 DSL Sports..........................€13,500 2008 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 LWB A/T............................€13,500 AUTOMATIC RANGE 2012 VW Golf 1.6TDI A/T Sports Model......................€22,500 2012 VW Jetta 1.6TDI A/T...........................................€24,500 2011 VW Passat 1.4TSI Comfortline..............................€21,500 2011 VW Passat 2.0 TDI Highline 140HP DSG (11K).....€25,500 2011 VW Jetta 1.6 TDI A/T..........................................€22,500 2011 VW Jetta 1.4TSI A/T Comfortline..........................€19,500 2011 VW Golf 1.6 TDI A/T.........................................€19,500 2011 Mitsubishi Colt 5DR A/T (5K)...............................€12,500 2010 VW Jetta 1.6TDI Comfortline...............................€18,500 2009 Audi A6 2.0TDI..................................................€18,500 2009 VW Passat 1.4 TSI Comfortline............................€15,000 2008 VW Passat 2.0TDI 140BHP C/L A/T.....................€15,000 2008 VW Jetta 1.9 TDI DSG........................................€13,500 2008 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 LWB A/T............................€12,500

2003 Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI..........................................€3,000 2002 Skoda Octavia 1.4...............................................€2,000 CITROEN RANGE 2006 Citroen Picasso ....................................................€6,500 2005 Citroen C5 DSL.....................................................€3,500 2004 Citroen Picasso 1.4...............................................€3,500 2003 Citroen Xsara 1.4.................................................€2,500 2002 Citroen Saxo 1.0..................................................€1,500 RENAULT RANGE 2006 Renault Megane 1.4 Sal.......................................€5,000 2005 Renault Clio 1.2....................................................€3,500 2005 Renault Scenic 1.5DSL..........................................€4,500 2004 Renaukt Scenic 1.5DSL..........................................€3,000 2004 Renault Megane ..................................................€3,000 2004 Renault Laguna 1.9 Dsl........................................€4,500 2004 Renault Scenic 1.6................................................€3,000 2004 Renault Grand Scenic 7 Seater 1.6........................€4,500 2003 Renault Clio .........................................................€2,500 NISSAN RANGE 2011 Nissan Juke 1.5DSL SVE Extras............................€18,000 2011 Nissan Quashqui 1.5 DSL....................................€22,500 2010 Nissan Quashqui 1.5 DSL....................................€18,500 2008 Nissan Quashqui 1.5DSL.....................................€14,500 2008 Nissan Primera 1.6 SVE........................................€6,500 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 2.5TDI 7 Seater Passenger.........€9,500 2007 Nissan Pathfinder 2.5TDI Comm A/T......................€8,500 2007 Nissan Almera 1.5 Sal...........................................5,950 FIAT RANGE 2006 Fiat Punto 3DR.....................................................€3,500 2003 Fiat Punto 5DR......................................................€1,800 MAZDA RANGE 2008 Mazda 6 Petrol....................................................€8,500 2007 Mazda 6 2.0DSL Touring......................................€7,500 2007 Mazda 6 1.8........................................................€5,500 2002 Mazda 323..........................................................€1,800 2001 Mazda Primo 1.3 H/B...........................................€1,500 2000 Mazda Premacy 1.8 MPV.....................................€2,000 HYUNDAI RANGE 2009 Hyundai Getz 1.1.................................................€6,500 2007 Hyundai Tuscon Passenger....................................€8,500 2007 Hyundai Tuscan Comm..........................................€8,500 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe Comm.......................................€7,500 2005 Hyundai Tuscon 2.0 DSL Passenger........................€6,000 2005 Hyundai Getz.......................................................€4,000 2004 Hyundai Trajet Dsl 7 Seater...................................€4,000 2004 Hyundai Lantra 1.6...............................................€2,500 2004 Hyundai Coupe 1.6..............................................€3,500 2003 Hyundai Santa FE 2.0 DSL Passenger.....................€4,500 2001 Hyundai Accent 1.3..............................................€1,300 SPECIAL OFFERS 2009 Audi 2.0TDI 143BHP Extras.................................€16,500 2009 VW Passat 1.9TDI Comf........................................€9,500 2009 VW Polo Fox 1.0..................................................€6,500 2008 Seat Toledo 1.9DSL..............................................€6,500 2008 Opel Corsa 1.2 3DR.............................................€6,000 2007 Skoda Octavia 1.4...............................................€6,000 2006 Hyundai Trajet DSL 7 Seat (Engine needs repair).........€3,000 2006 Opel Vectra 1.9 CDTI............................................€5,000 2006 Oplel Zafari 1.6 7Seater.......................................€6,000 2006 Peugeot 307 1.6DSL.............................................€6,000 2006 Ford Mondeo 1.8Petrol.........................................€4,500 2005 VW Touran 1.6 Extras...........................................€6,000 2005 Mercedes C200 DSL.............................................€7,500 2005 Peugeot 407 1.6HDI.............................................€5,500 2005 Ssangyong Rexton DSL 5Seater.............................€5,000 2005 Toyota Avensis 1.6 ( Tested)..................................€4,000 2005 Hyundai Getz ......................................................€4,000 2004 Renault Laguna DSL..............................................€2,500 2004 Renault Scenic 1.5DSL..........................................€3,500 2004 Volvo S40 DSL.....................................................€4,000 2003 Saab 93...............................................................€1,500 2002 Volvo S40 DSL.....................................................€2,500 2001 Opel Zafira 1.6 7 Seater.......................................€1,500 2001 VW Bora DSL......................................................€1,500

SUBARU RANGE 2007 Subaru Impressa 1.5 Extras...................................€5,000 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.0...............................................€5,000 2004 Subaru Forrester 2.0 A/T 4WD.............................€5,500 2000 Subaru Forrester 2.0 4WD....................................€3,000 SKODA RANGE 2007 Skoda Octania 1.4 Petrol......................................€6,500 2004 Skoda Octavia 1.4...............................................€3,000 2003 Skoda Octavia 1.4...............................................€2,500

AL HAYES MOTORS LTD.

GALWAY RD., PORTUMNA, CO. GALWAY Tel: 090 9741390, 090 9742200 Tuam: 093 26411

www.alhayesmotors.com

AL: 086/2449645 • DAMIEN: 087/2368841 • DEREK: 086/8119141 • NIALL: 087 /6385033 • ALAN: 087 /4153872

Travel

Prague: More than Just Pubs & Pints

Famed as the city where beer is cheaper than bottled water it's hardly surprising the capital of the Czech Republic has become such a magnet for stag parties. But don't be put off - there's more to Prague than pints and pub crawls!

B

ut don't be put off - there's more to Prague than pints and pub crawls! If it's value for money you're after you don't need to look much further than the flights. Winter months are cold (temperatures tend to be below freezing), summer can get a little crowded so the best time to visit is late spring or early autumn. Whatever your budget there's plenty of accommodation to choose from be it a hostel or five star hotel. Named after the famous 19th century Czech writer, the Neruda (www.hotelneruda.cz) is a popular choice; not just for its prime location, but because they serve some of the best home-made hot chocolate in the city!

A warm mug of cocoa is the perfect start to a day of sightseeing amongst the cobblestone streets and church spires. Just a stone's throw from the hotel you'll find the fairytale Hrad Castle - don't miss the changing of the guard at noon and if you've

got enough puff scale the 287 steps in the Great South Tower of St Vitus's Cathedral for stunning views of the city.

For an equally impressive birds-eye view take the Petřín funicular from the historic Malá Strana district to the top of the hill where you'll discover a 60m high lookout tower inspired by Paris' most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower. Letná Hill is another popular climb, this time capped by a giant, working metronome which stands in place of the former Soviet leader Stalin's monument. It's easy to see why they chose this spot, the views over the Vltava River and all its bridges are breathtaking.

The oldest and most famous of these is Charles Bridge; look out for the love locks left by sweethearts to symbolize their everlasting devotion. Crossing the bridge brings you to Old Town and its legendary square fringed with ancient buildings ranging from Gothic to Baroque. The Tyn

Church with its double spires was apparently the inspiration for Walt Disney's castle, and if you're wondering what the crowd are doing in front of the Old Town Hall then wait for the astronomical clock to strike. Every hour a trap door opens for 'The Walk of the Apostles' - a clockwork show of moving sculptures featuring Christ and the skeleton of death.

Getting around Prague is easy with buses, a modern metro and even trams on offer (including vintage tram number 91).

So there's no excuse not to visit some of the other major tourist attractions including New Town's vibrant Wenceslas Square, the Žižkov Television Tower covered with giant crawling babies and Vyšehrad cemetery, the resting place for many famous Czechs including composer Dvorak and our hotel's namesake Jan Neruda. Speaking of which, classical music

Page 38 Mature Living May 2013

is big in Prague and many churches offer daily recitals so keep you eyes (and ears) open!

Of course, with all this sightseeing you'll need to keep your energy levels up and there's plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat; from budget bars right up to swanky restaurants (even a couple with a Michelin star). The Czech Republic isn't renowned for its cuisine but there's a couple of local specialities that are worth a try - goulash and dumplings, beer cheese and pork knuckle. The latter might not be everybody's cup of tea but with its dramatic skyline, medieval architecture, abundance of history, (not forgetting bars where you pull your own pints!) it's hardly surprising Prague is one of the top city break destinations in Europe.

For further information on Prague visit www.praguewelcome.cz

Travel

More than just great beaches: Noteworthy Cyprus attractions

The thought of a holiday in Cyprus is sure to conjure up visions of long lazy days on the beach, drinking tall and colourful ice-laden drinks and swimming in the hotel’s beautiful swimming pools or even venturing into the warm water of the ocean.

H

owever, there is so much more to Cyprus than just great beaches; the island has a fabulous array of historical, cultural and natural treats dotted about. An expedition across Cyprus could easily become a treasure hunt for the whole family as you eagerly seek out

the next jewel on the horizon.

Scenic drives through the countryside are only enhanced when the expedition leads from one winery to the next! Sample your way through the Troodos Mountains, and be sure to pop in to Agia Mavri Winery for a taste of their award-winning white

Muscat. For enthusiastic wine fans there is the wine festival that is held at Lemesos every year, a joyous and lively celebration of the islands tradition of winemaking, coupled with fabulous food and vibrant music.

Cyprus is known for its wonderful and delicious cuisine and the village of Kathikas is no different. The Araouzos Taverna serves succulent wild boar, an ideal exotic meal especially for fans of the tough little cartoon hero, Asterix of the Gauls! Koutsonikoulias Tavern in Larnaca, too, provides local delicacies prepared to international standards; specialities are their kerpasto and baked asparagus. Their seafood is now so famous that a reservation must be made up to two days in advance!

Hikers and ramblers can try their hand at the strenuous and lengthy Budapest to Larnaca walking path that runs through the Cedar Valley. If a more gentle stroll is required there is the Kalidonia Trail near Platres which is more moderate, and, delightfully, is accompanied by a gently babbling stream.

The island of Chios is the source of mastic, an aromatic hardened tree resin which softens when chewed. Mastic was enjoyed by the Romans who embraced it for its tooth whitening properties, and even today the substance is known to have antibacterial and medicinal properties.

Visit the Mastiha Shop on the island to see the full range of mastic products; wonderful treats and souvenirs for friends and family at home, or even to treat yourself.

Just off the coast of Paphos, legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, there is a stack of rocks, known as Aphrodite’s Rock or the Rock of the Greeks. Local fable says that

anyone who can swim around the rock will be blessed with eternal beauty – sadly, the sea is quite rough in this area and the authorities frown on people swimming in the area.

Thus, it is easy to see that Cyprus offers much more than just a beach holiday. Be sure to avail Cyprus car rental services to maximize your opportunities in visiting some of the historical marvels of the country, such as the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, named in honour of the prophet Mohammed’s wet-nurse or the fabulous Kolossi Castle, a Crusader stronghold dating from 1454, and the natural beauty of the island, especially along the rugged coastline. Take scenic drives through the countryside, meandering through the small villages to be certain of capturing the full flavour of the island and its people.

Page 39 Mature Living May 2013

Food and Drink Maestro Restaurant, New Line, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim Tel: 071­9856961 Only 15 Mins from Sligo

With Gorgio Della Pia of Maestro Restaurant, Manorhamilton

Sardegna style Calamari Slice the calamari in rings shape of 1/2 inch Mix 3 parts of semolina and 1 part of plain flour Put the rings of calamari in to the flour and semolina mix and once the oil is hot, put the calamari in and cook until golden and crispy Dry with some kitchen towel, add salad leaves, a slice of lemon and season to our liking.

To make the sauce heat some olive oil, garlic, parsley and chilli, let cook gently and then add some tomato passata..once this is heated through the sauce is ready!

Tagliatta di Manzo Ingredients Sirloin steak cooked to your liking Parmesan cheese leafs Olive oil Salt and black pepper Butter White wine Rosemary Fresh Rocket leafs cherry tomatoes or small pieces of tomato skin How to cook: Season your steak with salt and black pepper and place to one side. Heat a griddle or heavy frying pan and add the olive oil and rosemary. Add the seasoned steak to the pan and cook to your liking.

Once the steak is cooked, reduce the heat, add some butter and white wine in to the pan, remove the steak from the pan and with a whisk mix the sauce. Take a plate and place the rocket in the middle and the tomatoes around, slice your steak into 1 cm thick strips and lay these ontop of the rocket.

Sprinkle with some parmesan leaves and drizze this with the sauce from the pan.

Enjoy!

Page 40 Mature Living May 2013

WINE GUIDE

Extraordinary Wines at Ordinary Prices with The Wine Buff, Tobergal Lane, Tel: 071 9140020 • www.thewinebuff.com Email: joe@thewinebuff.com

Chateau Beaubois 2011 Chateau Beaubois is in the west of the Rhone Valley in France, though it’s location between Provence and the Languedoc often leads to its wines being included with Languedoc appellations.

The vineyard it run by brother and sister, Francois and Fanny, the fourth generation of winemakers.

They have combined their skills and opened a new chapter in Beaubois history. Francois devotes his time to looking after the vines and Fanny makes the wines, maintaining high standards and introducing a certain feminine style. Since 2001 the wines have been produced in accordance with the TERRA VITIS charter which ensures the use of environmentally friendly techniques. In 2004 the vineyard received Agriculture Raisonne approval (minimises pesticide usage).

Wines from the region have been produced for over two millennia and were consumed by the Greeks in pre-Roman times, making it one of the oldest vineyard regions in Europe. The area was settled by veterans of Julius Caesar's campaigns in Egypt, and bottles of Costières de Nîmes sometimes bear the symbol of the Roman settlement at Nîmes, a crocodile chained to a palm tree.

The wine is a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes. It’s an unoaked, medium-bodied wine, full of dark fruit flavours with hints of spice and soft tannins.

This wine is an excellent match roast meat dishes and beef casserole. Price €12.95 Chateau de la Poeze Muscadet, 2011 The Muscadet growing region lies at the far western reaches of the Loire Valley and is dominated by maritime influences of the nearby Atlantic Ocean which make the climate of the region cooler than the rest of the Loire Valley with more precipitation. That’s rain to you and me.

The grape variety used to produce Muscadet, Melon de Bourgogne, is a relatively neutral grape.

Winemaking techniques have evolved in the region to adapt to the grape's limitation and bring out more flavour and complexity. The most well known of these techniques is “sur lie” aging, where the wine stays in contact with the dead yeast cells left over after fermentation (the lees). The technique was discovered, almost accidentally, in the early 20th century. Traditionally Muscadet producers would set aside a barrel of wine for special occasions, such as a family wedding. This "honeymoon barrel", as it became known, would take on more flavour and texture due to it contact with the lees. This resulted in a creamy mouth feel that seems to give the wine a fuller body.

This Muscadet is made from single vineyard 39 year-old melon vines grown on deep topsoil over granite. It has intriguing aromas beginning with melon and lime, opening up to stones and shells.

It’s flavours of white fruit and its long, crisp finish combine to make it a wonderful match for seafood, particularly oysters and also for dishes with a rich, creamy sauce. Price €12.50

Food and Drink

Mediterranean diet: Choose this heart-healthy diet option

The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan combining elements of Mediterranean-style cooking.

Here's how to adopt the Mediterranean diet.

However, throughout the Mediterranean region, bread is eaten plain or dipped in olive oil — not eaten with butter or margarines, which contain saturated or trans fats.

I

f you're looking for a heart-healthy eating plan, the Mediterranean diet might be right for you. The Mediterranean diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating — plus a splash of flavorful olive oil and perhaps a glass of red wine — among other components characterizing the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Most healthy diets include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and limit unhealthy fats. While these parts of a healthy diet remain tried-and-true, subtle variations or differences in proportions of certain foods may make a difference in your risk of heart disease.

Benefits of the Mediterranean diet Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. In fact, a recent analysis of more than 1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that following a Mediterranean diet was associated with a reduced risk of overall and cardiovascular mortality, a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer mortality, and a reduced incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

For this reason, most if not all major scientific organizations encourage healthy adults to adapt a style of eating like that of the Mediterranean diet for prevention of major chronic diseases.

Key components of the Mediterranean diet The Mediterranean diet emphasizes: • Getting plenty of exercise • Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole

grains, legumes and nuts • Replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil and canola oil •Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods • Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month • Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week • Drinking red wine in moderation (optional) The diet also recognizes the importance of enjoying meals with family and friends.

Fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains The Mediterranean diet traditionally includes fruits, vegetables, pasta and rice. For example, residents of Greece eat very little red meat and average nine servings a day of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — the "bad" cholesterol that's more likely to build up deposits in your arteries.

Nuts are another part of a healthy Mediterranean diet. Nuts are high in fat (approximately 80 percent of their calories come from fat), but most of the fat is not saturated. Because nuts are high in calories, they should not be eaten in large amounts — generally no more than a handful a day. For the best nutrition, avoid candied or honeyroasted and heavily salted nuts.

Grains in the Mediterranean region are typically whole grain and usually contain very few unhealthy trans fats, and bread is an important part of the diet there.

Mediterranean diet: Choose this hearthealthy diet option Healthy fats The focus of the Mediterranean diet isn't on limiting total fat consumption, but rather to make wise choices about the types of fat you eat. The Mediterranean diet discourages saturated fats and hydrogenated oils (trans fats), both of which contribute to heart disease.

The Mediterranean diet features olive oil as the primary source of fat. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fat — a type of fat that can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated or trans fats. "Extra-virgin" and "virgin" olive oils — the least processed forms — also contain the highest levels of the protective plant compounds that provide antioxidant effects.

Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, such as canola oil and some nuts, contain the beneficial linolenic acid (a type of omega-3 fatty acid). Omega-3 fatty acids lower triglycerides, decrease blood clotting, are associated with decreased sudden heart attack, improve the health of your blood vessels, and help moderate blood pressure. Fatty fish — such as mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon — are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish is eaten on a regular basis in the Mediterranean diet.

Wine The health effects of alcohol have been debated for many years, and some doctors are reluctant to encourage alcohol consumption because of the health consequences of excessive drinking. However, alcohol — in moderation — has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease in some research studies.

The Mediterranean diet typically includes a moderate amount of wine.

This means no more than 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine daily for women (or men over age 65), and no more than 10 ounces (296 milliliters) of wine daily for men under age 65. More than this may increase the risk of health problems, including increased risk of certain types of cancer.

If you're unable to limit your alcohol intake to the amounts defined above, if you have a personal or family history of alcohol abuse, or if you have heart or liver disease, refrain from drinking wine or any other alcohol. Also keep in mind that red wine may trigger migraines in some people.

Putting it all together The Mediterranean diet is a delicious and

healthy way to eat. Many people who switch to this style of eating say they'll never eat any other way. Here are some specific steps to get you started: Eat your veggies and fruits — and switch to whole grains. An abundance and variety of plant foods should make up the majority of your meals.

They should be minimally processed, and try to purchase them when they're in season. Strive for seven to 10 servings a day of veggies and fruits. Switch to whole-grain bread and cereal, and begin to eat more whole-gain rice and pasta products. Keep baby carrots, apples and bananas on hand for quick, satisfying snacks. Fruit salads are a wonderful way to eat a variety of healthy fruit.

Go nuts. Keep almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts on hand for a quick snack.

Choose natural peanut butter, rather than the kind with hydrogenated fat added. Try tahini (blended sesame seeds) as a dip or spread for bread.

Pass on the butter. Try olive or canola oil as a healthy replacement for butter or margarine. Use it in cooking. After cooking pasta, add a touch of olive oil, some garlic and green onions for flavoring. Dip bread in flavored olive oil or lightly spread it on whole-grain bread for a tasty alternative to butter. Try tahini (blended sesame seeds) as a dip or spread for bread too.

Spice it up. Herbs and spices make food tasty and are also rich in healthpromoting substances.

Season your meals with herbs and spices rather than salt.

Go fish. Eat fish once or twice a week.

Fresh or water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are healthy choices. Grilled fish tastes good and requires little cleanup. Avoid fried fish, unless it's sauteed in a small amount of canola oil.

Rein in the red meat. Substitute fish and poultry for red meat. When eaten, make sure it's lean and keep portions small (about the size of a deck of cards).

Also avoid sausage, bacon and other high-fat meats.

Choose low-fat dairy. Limit higher fat dairy products such as whole or 2 percent milk, cheese and ice cream.

Switch to skim milk, fat-free yogurt and low-fat cheese.

Raise a glass to healthy eating. If it's OK with your doctor, have a glass of wine at dinner. If you don't drink alcohol, you don't need to start. Drinking purple grape juice may be an alternative to wine.

Page 41 Mature Living May 2013

Petcare

Symptoms of Pain and Illness in Dogs Dog owners, who recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness or pain in their dogs, will not only relieve their loved one’s suffering but may also be able to save themselves an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

N

ot only is it important to recognize these signs early to relieve pain and suffering, but it is much more effective to treat an illness when it is detected early.

The dog owner should keep an accurate and detailed account of their dog’s symptoms to help the veterinarian correctly diagnose and effectively treat the dog’s illness or condition. Most canine illnesses are detected through a combination of various signs and symptoms: Temperature, Respiratory Rate and Heart Rate A newborn puppy will have a temperature of 94-97º F. which will eventually reach the normal adult body temperature of 101.5º F. at the age of 4 weeks old. Take care when trying to take your dog or puppies temperature as the thermometer can easily be broken off in the canine’s rectum. Also any form of excitement can cause the temperature to rise by 2-3º when the dog is actually in normal health.

If your dog’s temperature reaches 105º or above OR 96º or below please take him/her to the emergency vet immediately!

An adult dog will have a respiratory rate of 15-20 breaths per minute (depending on such variables as size and weight) and a heart rate of 80-120 beats per minute. You can feel for your dog’s heartbeat by placing your hand on his/her lower ribcage

just behind the elbow. Don’t be alarmed if the heartbeat seems irregular compared to a human’s heartbeat, it is irregular in many dogs. Have your vet check it out and get used to how it feels when it is normal.

Behavior Changes Any behavior changes that are not associated with a change in the household atmosphere, such as jealousy over a new pet or child may be an indication of an illness. Signs of behavioral changes may be: • Depression • Anxiety • Fatigue • Sleepiness • Trembling • Falling/Stumbling If your dog shows any of these signs, he/she needs to be kept under close watch for a few hours, or even a few days, until positive signs develop or he/she has returned to normal. Do not try to exercise the dog or put him/her in any situation that may cause stress. Most veterinarians will want for you to keep track of when the symptoms first appeared, whether they are getting better or worse, and also whether the symptoms are intermittent, continuous, or increasing in frequency.

instance, a dog that has abdominal pain will continually glance toward their belly, bite or lick the area, and will not want to leave his/her bed. The dog may stand hunched over, or take the ‘prayer position’ which is when a dog gets down on it’s forelegs with the hind legs still standing, because of the pain in her abdomen area.

Dogs can not tell you that they are hurting or cry real tears but a dog may vocalize their pain in a different way. A dog that is hurt suddenly (such as being stepped on) will cry out or wimper in pain. This also happens when an external injury or internal injury (such as an organ) is touched. Whining or vocalization that is unprovoked may be caused from an internal injury as well. Some breeds of dogs (such as the American Pit Bull Terrier) have a higher pain threshold and need to be watched more closely for signs of pain.

Breeds with a high pain tolerance are more likely to endure the pain without vocalization.

Another clue to pain is a change in temperament. A dog that is in pain may show signs of aggression. Please take note of this before concluding that a dog has become vicious and let your veterinarian know so that the correct treatment can be administered. Also females in general (even humans!) have days when they are just in a bad mood for no obvious reason.

Take note of days of times that these mood swings occur as well as any events that might have triggered them.

Other signs that your dog may be sick: Ears: discharge, debris, odor, scratching, crusted tips, twitching or shaking.

Eyes: redness, swelling or discharge.

Nose: runny, thickened or colored discharge, crusty.

Coughing, sneezing, vomiting or gagging.

Shortness of breath, irregular breathing or prolonged/heavy panting Evidence of parasites in the dog’s stool, strange color, blood in the stool, or lack of a bowel movement (constipation).

Loss of appetite or not drinking as much water as normally would.

Weight Loss.

Strange color of urine, small amount of urine, straining, dribbling, or not going as frequently as normal.

Bad odour coming from mouth, ears, or skin.

Hair loss, wounds, tumors, dander or change of the skin’s color.

Biting of the skin, parasites, scratching or licking the skin frequently.

This article was meant to help educate you to the signs and symptoms of probable pain or sickness in your dog. If any of these symptoms occur over a prolonged period of time, please seek the help of a veterinarian. I hope that this article will help stress the importance of keeping watch over your dog’s health patterns and the importance of keeping an accurate, detailed health record for your veterinarian’s convenience.

Pain Dogs that are in pain will likely indicate that they are suffering by giving you clues as to where the area of discomfort is. For

CAT POUCHES 8 FOR €1 20 FOR €2

WHISKAS CAT FOOD 2kg €5/4kg €10

40KG COAL PUPPY TRAINING FROM €9.99 PADS 56PK Collection Price only

WAS€25.99 NOW €15.99

& SOLID FUEL CENTRE Carraroe Retail Park Sligo 087-7964263 • Ballina 083-3705897 • Mooneen Ind. Park Castlebar 083-3741736

Travel Technology

Disruptions: Where Apple and Dick Tracy may converge

Dick Tracy had one. As did Inspector Gadget and James Bond. A watch that doubled as a computer, two-way radio, mapping device or television.

T

hough such a device has been lost to science fiction comics and spy movies of the era before smartphones, the smart watch might soon become a reality, in the form of a curved glass device made by Apple.

In its headquarters in Californa, Apple is experimenting with wristwatchlike devices made of curved glass, according to people familiar with the company’s explorations, who spoke on the condition that they not be named because they are not allowed to publicly discuss unreleased products. Such a watch would operate on Apple’s iOS platform, two people said, and stand apart from competitors based on the company’s understanding of how such glass can curve around the human body.

Apple declined to comment on its plans. But the exploration of such a watch leaves open lots of exciting questions: If the company does release such a product, what would it look

like? Would it include Siri, the voice assistant? Would it have a version of Apple’s map software, offering real-time directions to people walking down the street? Could it receive text messages? Could it monitor a user’s health or daily activity? How much will it cost?

Such a watch could also be used to make mobile payments, with Apple’s Passbook payment software.

Although it would take Dick Tracy to find the answers to those questions, and it’s uncertain when Apple might unveil such a device, it’s clear that Apple has the technology.

Last year, Corning, the maker of the ultra-tough Gorilla Glass that is used in the iPhone, announced that it had solved the difficult engineering challenge of creating bendable glass, called Willow Glass, that can flop as easily as a piece of paper in the wind without breaking.

Pete Bocko, the chief technology officer for Corning Glass Technologies, who worked

on Willow Glass, said that the company had been developing the thin, flexible glass for more than a decade, and that the technology had finally arrived.

“You can certainly make it wrap around a cylindrical object and that could be someone’s wrist,” Mr. Bocko said. “Right now, if I tried to make something that looked like a watch, that could be done using this flexible glass.”

But Mr. Bocko warns that it is still quite an engineering feat to create a foldable device. “The human body moves in unpredictable ways,” he said.

“It’s one of the toughest mechanical challenges.”

To add to the excitement of an Apple watch, late last year the Chinese gadget site Tech.163 reported that the company had begun development of a watch featuring Bluetooth and a 1.5inch display.

“Apple’s certainly made a lot of hiring in that area,” said Sarah Rotman Epps, a Forrester analyst who specializes in

wearable computing and smartphones. “Apple is already in the wearable space through its ecosystem partners that make accessories that connect to the iPhone,” she said, adding: “This makes Apple potentially the biggest player of the wearables market in a sort of invisible way.”

“Over the long term wearable computing is inevitable for Apple; devices are diversifying and the human body is a rich canvas for the computer,” Ms. Epps said. “But I’m not sure how close we are to a new piece of Apple hardware that is worn on the body.”

Investors would most likely embrace an iWatch, with some already saying that wearable computing could replace the smartphone over the next decade.

“We believe technology could progress to a point where consumers have a tablet plus wearable computers, like watches or glasses, that enable simple things like voice calls, texting, quick searches, navigation,” Gene Munster, an analyst at Piper Jaffray, said in a report last month. “These devices are likely to be cheaper than an iPhone and could ultimately be Apple’s best answer to addressing emerging markets.”

Mr. Cook is clearly interested in wearables. In the past he has been seen wearing a Nike FuelBand, which tracks a user’s daily exertion. The FuelBand data is shared wirelessly with an iPhone app.

Last year the company filed patents for displays that sit over the eye and stream information to the retina. Given that the iPod Nano is about the size of an overfed ant, the company clearly knows how to make small devices, too.

But, maybe there are other

• Professional Laptop and PC Sales & Repairs • Screen replacement • Virus removal • Upgrades and much more • Repairs from €25.00

For a better service at better prices • Nation wide service!

Call Ballina 09675590 • Call Ballaghaderreen 09498 62599

devices coming before wearables. Apple has long been rumored to be working on a television-like experience. And, there is the possibility of an Apple car.

In a meeting in his office before he died, Steven P. Jobs, Apple’s co-founder and former chief executive, told John Markoff of The New York Times that if he had more energy, he would have liked to take on Detroit with an Apple car.

In August, during the company’s patent trial with Samsung, Philip W. Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president for worldwide product marketing, said on the stand that Apple had explored making “crazy stuff” before development of the iPhone and iPad, including a camera or a car. While Apple continues its experiments with wearables, its biggest competitor, Google, is pressing ahead with plans to make wearable computers mainstream.

According to a Google executive who spoke on the condition that he not be named, the company hopes its wearable glasses, with a display that sits above the eye, will account for 3 percent of revenue by 2015.

Olympus is also working on wearable computers.

Google is holding private workshops in San Francisco and New York for developers to start building applications for its glasses. At the event in San Francisco last week, Hosain Rahman, chief executive of Jawbone, the maker of the Up, a wrist device that tracks people’s energy and sleep, said that “a decade from now we won’t be able to imagine life without the wearables that we use to access information, unlock our doors, pay for goods and most importantly track our health.”

Health & Beauty

10 Beauty Secrets every woman should know Most people know how to treat their skin, hair and nails. But "knowing" in the beauty world is often a practice in misinformation or overly general advice. That is, we may know what to do, but we don't know how to do it. Or how to do it properly. It's time to finally know what you "know," with real secrets and actual truths about beauty maintenance. From skin irritants to mani-pedi prep to getting the most out of your hair, these are beauty secrets that every woman should know.?

SECRET: Your Skin Cleanser Is Making Things Worse (Maybe)

your skin allows skin-care serums and creams to perform better through improved penetration. Brightened skin – that “glow” – is the immediate benefit. Word to the wise: Those with active acne and/or rosacea should only exfoliate with salicylic acid, pending approval from their dermatologist.

SECRET: Retinoids Are the Best Things Your Aging Skin Isn't Using

Cleansing can irritate even healthy skin, never mind sensitive or “problem” skin, and many cleansers are guilty. How then should you best cleanse without further irritation? The solution, regardless of skin type, is to look for a gentle cleanser that dissolves dirt and excess oil without leaving the skin feeling tight or tingly — nothing with detergents, alcohols, fragrances, irritants or ingredients that block pores.

Think that means going natural?

No. Among the list of irritants are lemon, mint, cinnamon and essential oils.

SECRET: Stop Avoiding Exfoliation; Start Glowing

How do some women achieve that enviable perfect, “glowing” skin? Genetics plays a part, to be sure. But even good genes need help. It comes in the form of exfoliation. Exfoliating

steam by boiling a pot water, removing it from the stove and standing over it for a few minutes.

SECRET: The Body Scrub Your Haven't Tried

First developed to treat acne, retinoids, or retinols, are chemical derivatives of vitamin A that can smooth out fine facial lines. They help thicken both the epidermis and dermis, exfoliate dead skin cells, speed the turnover of keratinocytes and increase production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, a carbohydrate that occurs naturally in the body and serves as a lubricant for joints, muscles and skin. But retinoids also increase something else: the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Use them at night for optimal benefit.

SECRET: Want Sweet Skin? Try a Sweet Scrub.

Regular facials are essential to maintaining healthy skin – and at-home facials can work just as well as pricey spa treatments.

There a number of ways to get pro treatment at home, but look first to sugar, one of nature’s great skin-sloughing agents. Applying a sugar scrub in gentle circular motions, followed by a lukewarm wash and pat-dry, can do wonders for your skin. Follow with a light

Page 44 Mature Living May 2013

Faces often get preferential scrub treatment, while our poor bodies are neglected. From scuffed-up feet to dry, scaly skin on your legs, elbows and arms, our bodies can take a beating. Oftentimes, our daily “scrubs” (read: soap) are the culprit. There’s an easy feellike-new remedy, though. And it might be in your kitchen. Mix coconut oil, kosher salt or sugar, and some minced basil into a paste, and scrub away. Again, steam helps. But doing this regularly helps even more.

SECRET: Better Soak for Your Mani & The Post-Pedi Wrap Manicure: Soaking your nails is a given. How to do it better? Mix shower gel with the warm water and soak your hands in the solution for five minutes. Your newly soften and mani-ready cuticles will thank you.

Pedicure: Even a pumice stone

can’t remedy all of the dry, gnarly foot problems from a full day on your feet. Try this: rub petroleum jelly on your feet and wrap them in cellophane. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Baby soft feet await.

Dandruff shampoo is an oftabused product. Why? Because what many people think is dandruff is simply a dry scalp.

The latter is usually the result of not rinsing your hair properly or residue buildup from bad product. Dandruff shampoo can’t treat that. If your “dandruff” isn’t going away, try rinsing a bit more thoroughly or upgrading your hair product.

SECRET: Your Short Hair Might Make You Look Old

SECRET: To Hydrate Hair Correctly, Avoid the Root

Deep conditioning is obviously important to fight dry or frizzy hair. Whether you use a restorative conditioner or simple olive oil (pro tip: apply olive oil, sit in the sun), make sure you do it the right way.

Start with the tips of your hair and work your way up to midshaft. But avoid your roots: the scalp produces natural oils to help on the near end of things.

Conditioning treatments could prevent them from helping.

SECRET: That's Not Dandruff You're Treating

Pixie cuts have been a mini-rage in the ‘do world over the past few years. But take heed: Cutting your hair too short could be risky if you’re trying to maintain a youthful look. Having a little visible hair behind the ear will soften your neckline and, thus, the age you appear.

SECRET: Ask For a Cut, But Don't Talk Inches

Hair styling is a game of inches.

At least, that’s what clients think, often asking for a stylist to take off “2 inches” or some other preferred measurement. But people – from the stylist to the client – have different ideas of a what an inch is. Instead, use your thumb and finger to demonstrate how much you want cut off. At that point, it doesn’t matter if that’s 3 inches to you and 2 inches to your stylist, because you’re looking at the same measurement.

Health & Beauty

What it costs to fight aging

Empty nest?

FULL SEX LIFE!

As the human body ages, parts can fail. Disease or wear-and-tear can wreak havoc on bones and joints. Cataracts can cloud vision. Skin loses its youthful firmness. Injuries don’t heal like they did in youth.

M

edical intervention can help try to counter those effects.

Operations such as cataract procedures or hip and knee replacements are common as the aging Irish seek to improve their quality of life. But those procedures come at a cost, whether they’re done through public health services or private providers.

But the Irish also turn to cosmetic or plastic surgeons, paying out of their own pockets for procedures that aren't medically necessary, but which they want to have to fight the effects of aging.

Here's a look at some of the more common procedures and their estimated costs.

EYES/CATARACTS What's done?

The lens inside the eyeball can become cloudy, or form a cataract, a condition that occurs most often in people age 65 or older.

Cost: According to our findings extraction and insertion of a lens costs €2,696 HIPS What's done?

One of the most common reasons to have a hip replacement is degenerative osteoarthritis. The smooth coating over the bones in the joint can get rough or worn away, and muscles can weaken. In some instances, only part of the hip joint -- a ball and socket joint -- needs replacing.

A new hip joint can be made of metal or ceramic and plastic, and attached with cement, screws, a non-cemented type of substance or a combination of those materials.

Cost: Average cost of €14,428 per case, according to information from VHI. KNEES What's done?

The most common reason for a knee replacement is degenerative osteoarthritis. Unhealthy or damaged parts of the knee are replaced to lessen pain, improve function of the knee or make the knee more stable.

The knee joint is replaced with a metal or plastic one. One part is attached to the thigh bone and the other part is attached to shin bone. It can be attached with a type of cement or a special coating that helps the bone grow into the new joint.

Cost: €17,049 for a total kneee replacement

Y

ou’ve unpacked the final cardboard box marked Linens, given your best tips regarding food preparation and laundry and said your goodbyes. They are out of the house. You and your partner are feeling a little unsettled with the fact that your child will not be calling at 2 A.M. to apologize for missing their curfew or coming home with their slew of friends to clean out your fridge on a daily basis. You are an empty nester- it is true. You may take a moment to grieve … moment over.

It is healthy and normal to miss your children, but look on the bright side – no children in the house can potentially mean more sexy time for the two of you. Here’s how to get your groove back now that your sexcapades are no longer limited to the four walls of your bedroom: 1. Make time for each other to get back into having a marriage that does not include discussing your child’s two-week grounding.

This can be as simple as just relaxing together on a Saturday afternoon and talking. Try to broaden the topic of conversation further than your son or daughter.

2. Snog. Sit on the sofa and neck like teenagers.

3. Reintroduce date night. Take a drive somewhere you have never been and enjoy each other’s company. Book dinner in a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. Go to a pub or meet for a drink after work. Many spouses have to reconnect as they have only known one another as “mom” or “dad” for the the past 18 years.

4. Pick up a Kama Sutra book at your local bookstore. Use liberally. And now that no one will come barging in, you can think about your dining room table in a whole new light.

5. Be active together: Try a couple’s yoga class (will make you extra limber, which has its benefits!), salsa lessons or any other activity that can give you and your spouse special time together.

6. Do something wild & crazy. Talk dirty, buy yourself some scandalous lingerie, go to a sex shop. Reunite as a couple, not just parents.

7. Remember, now that you are empty nesters- clothing is optional. When you get out of the shower feel free to prance around sans garments. The thrill of being naked and uninhibited can make for interesting developments.

8. Dinner can include skimpy lingerie (as long as there is no hot oil involved). Watching your spouse prepare a hot meal for you in an even hotter outfit is an easy way to “stir the pot.”

Remember the time is now to reconnect with your spouse and spice up your sex life! Do not be afraid of the change that your children’s absence has brought. Instead, embrace it.

Page 45 Mature Living May 2013

Feature by Claudia McGloin - Advanced Nurse Practitioner

Causes of Flatulence It is estimated that about 40% of people suffer from at least ONE Digestive Symptom at any one time. Digestive complaints such as Constipation, Diarrhoea, Heartburn and Bloating are very common and usually treatable with Lifestyle and Diet changes as well as having Colonic Hydrotherapy treatments with a Colonic Herbal Implant. in the process they produce Gas which is released as Flatulence.

Foods that contain a high amount of Unabsorbable Carbohydrates include: • Beans • Broccoli • Cabbage • Cauliflower • Artichokes • Raisins • Pulses • Lentils • Prunes • Apples • Brussels Sprouts

B

loating is a condition caused by a build-up of Intestinal Gas which makes the abdomen feel Full and Distended. Flatulence is the passing of Gas from the Digestive System out of the back passage. It is more commonly known as ‘Passing Wind’ or ‘Farting’.

Flatulence is something that is laughed at but excessive Flatulence and Belching can be embarrassing. It is very common and is something that anyone of any age will experience regularly whether people admit to it or not! Like Breathing and Sweating, Flatulence is a normal biological process. Some people Pass Wind only a few times a day while others pass a lot more.

The average is roughly about 15 times a day which is roughly about half a litre of Gas. Causes of Flatulence There are several causes of Flatulence. It can be caused by swallowing more air, eating food that is difficult to digest or by some Health conditions affecting the Digestive System. When we swallow food, water or saliva we also swallow small amounts of air which collects in the Digestive System. This Gas is mostly made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Gas is also released when we digest food. This is mostly in the form of Hydrogen, Methane and Carbon Dioxide. The body needs to get rid of the build-up of excess Gas and does so either by Flatulence or Belching.

There are also several Medical conditions that can cause Flatulence, such as Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which is a condition that causes Indigestion and Bloating.

You may not notice that you have passed wind because the gases are odourless and are often released in small quantities. The bad smell that is commonly associated with Flatulence is caused by trace elements of Sulphur Gases which can develop if food has not been properly digested and starts to decompose.

Page 46 Mature Living May 2013

Swallowing Air It is perfectly normal to swallow air while breathing and eating. However, it is easy to swallow a lot more air than usual without realising it. This can lead to symptoms of excessive Flatulence. Excess air can be swallowed by: • Chewing Gum • Smoking • Sucking on Pen Tops • Not Chewing Food Slowly and Thoroughly • Hot and Fizzy drinks also increase the amount of Carbon Dioxide in your Stomach. This is more likely to lead to symptoms of Belching rather than Flatulence.

Health conditions • Constipation • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) • Coeliac Disease which is a common Digestive Condition where a person has an intolerance to a Protein called Gluten which is found in Wheat, Rye and Barley • Lactose Intolerance which is where the body is unable to break down Lactose (a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products) and cannot absorb it into the Blood • Gastroenteritis which is a Stomach and Bowel Infection • Malabsorption which is where the Intestines are unable to absorb Nutrients properly Food Much of the food that you eat is Carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are made up of long chains of Sugar Molecules. Some Carbohydrates cannot be Digested and Absorbed by the Intestines and pass down into your Colon. These are known as Unabsorbable Carbohydrates.

Your Colon contains more than 500 different types of Bacteria. The Bacteria start to break down the Carbohydrates and

Slimming products that contain Sorbitol (a sugar substitute) or Fructose (a type of sugar) can also cause Flatulence because both Sorbitol and Fructose are Unabsorbable Carbohydrates. Many fruit juices also contain high levels of Fructose.

Many foods that contain Unabsorbable Carbohydrates are Digested over a long period of time. This means that any undigested food will eventually start to decompose. The decomposing food releases a small amount of Sulphur Gas which causes the foul smell associated with Flatulence.

What aggravates Flatulance?

• Incomplete Digestion

• Overeating • Lactose Intolerance • Constipation • Disturbed Balance of Gut Flora • Swallowing Air • Talking while Chewing • Chewing Gum • Inadequate Chewing • Eating too Quickly • Inadequate Digestive Enzymes • Poor Liver Function What can we do?

You can improve the way your body digests food such as chewing every mouthful slowly and thoroughly, sitting down to eat a meal and not rushing it. Other ways are: • Chewing with your Mouth Closed • Not Talking while Eating • Not Drinking while Eating • Give up the Chewing Gum • Curb intake of Fizzy Drinks • Avoid foods that are high in Unabsorbable Carbohydrates • Have a Colonic Hydrotherapy Treatment Further information can be found on www.claudiamcgloinclinic.com If there is any Health or Medical Conditions that you would like to read about in the next issue of Mature Living , please email claudia@claudiamcgloinclinic.com

Treatments available Monday to Friday From 10a m to 5pm Late evening and weekend appointments available on request Colonic Hydrotherapy Colonic Enemas & Vibro Plate Chemical Skin Peel (Mild or Medium) Genuine Dermaroller Stretch Marks, Acne and Scar Treatment Dermal Fillers Lip and Cheek Enhancement, Lines and Wrinkles Advanced Cosmetic Procedures Moles, Milia, Warts, Veruccas, Blood Spots, Skin Tags, Thread veins Mesotherapy Fat and Cellulite Reduction, Sports Injuries Facial Skin Rejuvenation and Skin Tightening Microsclerotherapy Thread Vein Removal Aqua Detox Foot Spa, Osteoarthritis Knee injections Medical Skin Care ...Prices on consultation

1st F loor, Millenniu m House, Stephen Street, Sligo

Tel: 071-9140728 • www.claudiamcgloinclinic.com

Motoring

Est 1978

Springtime Car Care Because we feel the effects of winter more harshly than summer, we go to extra lengths to protect ourselves with coats and hats and gloves.

COMMERCIAL RANGE 2013 MODELS 2013 VW Amarok 2.0TDI 163BHP Trendline....€35,500 2013 VW Crafter 2.0TDI MWB.......................€27,500 2013 VW Transporter 2.0TDI LWB..................€22,500 2013 VW Caddy TDI......................................€15,000 2013 VW Caddy Maxi....................................€17,500 2013 VW Caddy TDI 7 Seater Maxi Pass.........€23,800 2013 VW Golf TDI Van Choice.......................€21,500 2012 MODELS 012 VW Amarok 163BHP Highline 4Motion....€35,500 2012 VW Caddy ...........................................€13,500 TRANSPORTER RANGE 2012 VW Transporter 2.0SWB........................€18,500 2012 VW Transporter 2.0TDI..........................€22,500 2011 VW Transporter 2.0TDI LWB...................€21,000 2011 VW Transporter 2.0 DSL SWB................€17,500 2010 VW Transporter 2.5TDI 6Sp LWB............€19,500 2010 VW Transporter 1.9TDI .........................€16,500 2010 VW Transporter 2.5TDI 174BHP 0 Miles..€19,500 2010 VW Transporter 2.5 TDI SWB 0 Miles.....€19,500 CADDY RANGE 2013 VW Caddy Maxi 2.0TDI 4x4 Extras........€21,500 2013 VW Caddy Maxi 1.6DSL Extras..............€18,500 2013 VW Caddy 2.0TDI 140BHP Extras..........€21,000 2013 VW Caddy TDI .....................................€15,000 2012 VW Caddy Maxi LWB............................€15,000 2012 VW Caddy Van TDI Choice...................€13,500 2011 VW Caddy TDI.......................................€11,500 2007 VW Caddy TDI .......................................€7,500 CRAFTER RANGE 2010 VW Crafter 3.5 LWB New Model..........€18,500 2009 VW Crafter 2.5TDI LWB H/B..........€12,195+VAT 2007 VW Crafter...........................................€13,500 TOUAREG RANGE 2005 VW Touareg 2.5TDI Passenger...............€10,500 2004 VW Touareg 2.5TDI Passenger.................€8,500

M

ost of us make sure that our cars are ready for the onslaught of frigid winter weather too. We make sure we have snow tires, an ice scraper and deicer.

However, in these milder months we can shed our heavy and restrictive coats and hats and take life easy. We also tend to be more lax with our car care too.

Remember, your car needs protection and routine maintenance year-round, no matter what the temperature.

Your engine is effected by extremes of temperature. Don't think that it isn't hard on the engine when you sit idling in a traffic jam with the air conditioner blasting away inside.

The first reason to keep up a maintenance schedule is to save yourself money in the long run. If you have a newer car in order to keep the warranty in effect you need to have it serviced according to your manufacturers recommended schedule.

If your car is older and out of warranty you need to be more vigilant. It's up to you to make a service schedule for your car. Make a checklist and keep track of the following items; Oil: This should be changed every 3,000 miles. If your car is "using" oil as the saying goes, check it every other time you fill up. Carry an extra quart of oil in

the trunk. Along with an oil change most "speedy" oil change businesses check belts, hoses, fluid levels, tires, etc.

Antifreeze: Have your cars heating and cooling system checked at least yearly.

You want to make sure you have adequate temperature protection, summer and winter.

Air filter: This should be checked at the same time you have your oil changed. A clogged air cleaner can really slow down your engines performance.

Brakes: If you notice any squealing of your breaks have them checked as soon as possible. It's much cheaper to replace worn pads than it is to have to replace expensive rotors if they become worn.

MITSUBISHI RANGE 2013 Mitsubishi Pajeo 3.2 LWB.......................€42,500 2013 Mitsubishi L 200 Kombi 5 Seat Canopy..€32,500 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Commercial............€17,000 2010 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 SWB.....................€18,500 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Commercial...........€14,500 2008 L200 kombi 5 Seater ( Full Canopy).......€14,500

2008 Ford Transit 260......................................€9,000 ISUZU RANGE 2005 Isuzu Trooper Dsl....................................€5,000 2004 Isuzu Trooper Dsl...................................€4,500 2003 Isuzu Trooper Dsl...................................€3,500 2002 Isuzu Trooper..........................................€2,000 PEUGEOT RANGE 2008 Peugeot Partner Dsl Van..........................€5,500 2007 Peugeot 407 DSL Estate..........................€7,500 2007 Peugeot 307 1.4 5DR..............................€6,500 2007 Peugeot 307 1.6DSL Van.........................€6,500 KIA RANGE 2008 Kia Carnival DSL 7 Seater.....................€10,500 2007 Kia Sorento Passenger 2.5 DSL EX Auto..€10,500 2004 Kis Sportage 2.0 DSL...............................€7,500 2005 Kia Sedona DSL 7 Seater.........................€7,500 OPEL RANGE 2008 Opel Vivaro DSL Com LWB......................€9,000 2007 Opel Zafari 7 Seater Dsl........................€10,500 2006 Opel Vivaro Dsl Com..............................€6,500 2006 Opel Zafari 7 Seater Petrol......................€7,500 2006 Opel Astra Dsl Van..................................€4,500 SUZUKI RANGE 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Dsl Passenger 4x4..€14,000 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Dsl Passenger.........€12,500 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4 X4 Dsl Pass...........€9,500 2004 Suzuki Jimmy 1.3 Petrol...........................€5,000 2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara Passenger................€5,500 NISSAN RANGE 2011 Nissan Quasqui 1.5DSL Passenger..........€22,500 2008 Nissan Navara SE Canapy.....................€12,500 2007 Nissan Navara 2.5TDI CC Canapy...........€8,500 2006 Nissan Primaster 1.9DSL..........................€5,500 RENAULT RANGE 2007 Renault Master 2.7 Pick up 5 Seater ........€6,500 2006 Renault Master DSL.................................€7,500 2005 Renault Master DSL.................................€6,500 2004 Renault Master DSL.................................€4,500 2001 Renault Espace 2.0 Passenger ................€2,500 LANDROVER RANGE 2004 Landrover Freelander T4D Passenger........€5,000 2003 Landrover Discovery 5 Seater A/T............€6,500

CITROEN RANGE 2007 Citroen Berlingo DSl................................€5,000 2006 Citroen Xsara Picasso DSL........................€7,000 2006 Citroen Berlingo .....................................€4,000 2005 Citroen Berlingo DSL...............................€3,500 2005 Citroen Dispatch.....................................€4,500 2004 Citroen Berlingo DSL...............................€3,000

BUSES RANGE 2012 VW Sharan 2.0TDI 7 Seater Extras.........€34,500 2012 VW Caddy 1.6TDI 7 Seater....................€25,500 2012 VW Shuttle 2.0DSL 9 Seater...................€37,500 2012 VW Touran 5 Seater DSL.......................€22,500 2011 VW Touran TDI 7Seater..........................€23,500 2011 VW Shuttle 2.0TDI 9 Seater....................€31,500

MERCEDES RANGE 2008 Mercedes Sprinter 303..........................€10,500 2008 Mercedes 315CDI A/T LWB.....................€5,000

VEHICLES SOLD AS SEEN 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.5 A/T..........................€1000 2004 Renault Megane Dsl Van...........................€1500 2003 Citroen Relay 2.0 Dsl Van.........................€2000 2004 Citroen Xsara Van Dsl ( Tested )................€2000 2004 Renault Kangoo dsl Van............................€2000 2004 Toyota Avensis Strada..............................€2500 2004 Vw Caddy TDI High Mileage....................€3000 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero Dsl................................€3000 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero SWB..............................€3000 2003 VW Transporter.......................................€3000 2005 Toyota Yaris Van D4D ( Tested )................€3000 2005 Opel Vivaro 1.9 CDTi...............................€3000 2006 Nissan Primaster 1.9 DSl..........................€4,500 2006 Nissan Interstar Dsl.................................€4,500 2006 Opel Astra Van 1.7 Dsl............................€4,500 2007 Opel Corsa Van 1.3 Dsl...........................€4,500

TOYOTA RANGE 2011 Toyota Rav4 D4D 4x4 Passenger............€24,500 2008 Toyota Landcruiser 3.0TDI LWB..............€17,500 2006 Toyota Rav 4 D4D 4x4 Passenger..........€10,500 2005 Toyota Landcruiser SWB........................€10,500 2002 Toyota Hiace Van....................................€2,500 FORD RANGE 2012 Ford transit T260....................................€16,500 2009 Ford Transit 280 H/R Van........................€8,000 2008 Ford Transit 350 H/R Van........................€8,000 2008 Ford Transit Connect Van.........................€6,000 2008 Ford Transit Connect Kombi 5Seater.......€10,500

Tyres: The air pressure is usually checked at the same time you have your oil changed. You should also have the tires rotated on a regular basis, this can really prolong their life.

Battery: Batteries are sealed units now.

Have the battery checked at least once a year.

Following these tips all year round will help you keep you car in top running order.

• AL: 086-2449645 • DAMIEN: 087-2368841 • DEREK: 086-8119141 • NIALL: 087-6385033 • ALAN: 087-4153872

AL HAYES MOTORS LTD., www.alhayesmotors.com GALWAY RD., PORTUMNA, CO. GALWAY

Tel: 090 9741390, 090 9742200

The Bands of our Showband Era Memories

T

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

Although "officially" the term showband was coined in the late fifties and was used to describe bands that played a wide variety of music and usually included a "show" during the night, the term was gradually applied to all the bands that played in the 1960's. As the Irish music scene splintered in the late sixties into pop, country bands, the term was dropped

but we still find it the best overall description of the bands of the "ballroom" era.

In the early days, they travelled in whatever they could find...bread vans, hearses, and even cars (roof racks and all). In later years, many (if not most) of them travelled in converted Ford Transit vans (like the one pictured right) that were normally used for delivery services. After a couple of windows were popped into the centre panels, a row or two of old airplane seats were installed and the band was ready to travel "in style."

Although style was a matter of opinion...if you're stuck in the back of a van on a cold and

rainy winter's night, it may seem like "a long way to Tipperary," but it's even further to Castletownbere, Co. Cork!

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

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

reinvented themselves, changed their name, or just disappeared, their members either returning to civilian life, or scattering to two or three new bands.

For such a small country, it is difficult to comprehend the sheer number of bands that the country produced. Almost as hard to imagine, is the number of dance halls that once dotted the countryside, many out in

the "middle of nowhere."

Pick up next months issue for another blast from the blast from the showband era...

The Cadets Showband (1961-1970)

S

ome showbands end up attracting a lot of attention and Eileen Reid and her Cadets are one such band.

Eileen, complete with her blonde beehive hairdo and interesting costumes choices

(for the day) was really Ireland's first female superstar and was actually the only Irish female singer to have a number one hit in the sixties with "Fallen Star."

Eileen had been playing around Dublin

Left to Right: Noel McGann (bass), Jimmy Day (sax), Paddy Burns (trumpet), Bat Green (vocals), Brendan O'Connell (guitar), Eileen Reid (vocals), Jas Fagan (trombone), and Willie Devey (drums) Page 48 Mature Living May 2013

with The Melody Makers, a local band that was moderately successful locally.

Pat Murphy picked up the story in the April 13, 1968 issue of Spotlight, "I began organising the Cadets in October, 1961, but we didn't make our first appearance until Christmas of that year."

Pat credits John Hardy of the Blue Clavons with suggesting Eileen Reid to him and they went along to hear Eileen and her band in Jacob's Hall. The nucleus of the band was The Melochords, another popular Dublin band (and former band of Dickie Rock) and The Cadets were born.

However, Eileen was not a popular choice with the band members as they wanted to bring back Dickie Rock to front the new band. Dickie had previously left The Melochords to form his own group, The Echoes. Despite their protests, Tom Costelloe, the band's manager, knew promoters were looking for something special and he went with Eileen. The original lineup of the Cadets was: Eileen Reid (vocals), Pat Murphy (harmonica), Jas Fagan (trombone), Gerry Hayes (keyboards), Brendan O'Connell (guitar), Jimmy Day (sax/guitar), Noel McGann (bass), and Ian McGarry (drums). They opened on St. Stephen's night in the Garda Club in Dublin.

At first, the band did not do well in Dublin and spent a year traveling around Ireland trying to make a break through.

They did well in the North though. Said Pat, "Inside a few months we were among the top three bands in the North."

Within a year, Eileen started to date the band's sax player, Jimmy Day, whom she would eventually marry. Like many of the early showbands, The Cadets got their shot at international stardom and appeared on several TV shows in the U.K. On July 13, 1963 they became the first Irish showband to appear on the ITV programme, Thank Your Lucky Stars, sharing the stage with "newcomers" Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones.

Eileen once recounted that Mick was really taken with their snappy outfits.

They made their Irish TV debut on The Showband Show. During this period, they also toured America and were even given their own show on Radio Eireann, called Carnival Time with the Cadets.

The band toured with Johnny and June Cash when they came to Ireland in October, 1963. The highlight of the tour was a concert in the National Stadium in Dublin. Eileen and the Cadets were introduced as a major force in the Irish music scene to The Beatles when they came to Dublin in November 1963.

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

That same year, the Cadets became one of the first Irish showbands to have a single released, Hello Trouble.

After the release of Hello Trouble on Decca, the band switched to Pye Records and were soon number 1 in Ireland with their version of Jim Reeves’ Fallen Star. On May 25, 1964, Eileen became the first, and only, 60's Showband female vocalist to have a number one hit on the Irish charts, and the third showband overall, behind only the Royal and Miami to top the Irish charts. In late 1964, they charted with their most famous song, I Gave My Wedding Dress Away. For this melancholy country ballad, Eileen regularly appeared onstage dressed in a wedding dress, which caused a minor sensation at the time.

In late 1965, Patrick Murphy was replaced with singer, Paul "Bat" Green, a move which gave the band more range on stage, as well as a male counter to Eileen.

The band's first LP simply named The Cadets was a capsule version of their stage act and featured every vocal and instrumental talent that they had.

Their next release Are You Teasin' Me, was a hit in Ireland but did not make any impression in Britain.

The Cadets did however, make it into the British charts for one week in June 1965 with Jealous Heart.

In April, 1966, even though Eileen was the number one female vocalist in the country, management decided to replace male vocalist Paul Green with Gregory Donaghy from Strabane (who had formerly been with the Polka Dots), and he became the life and soul of the party. The band would hit number one again in 1966, when Gregory topped the Irish charts with More Than Yesterday only two months after joining the band. The Cadets were

considered one of Ireland's showband royalty, and one of the top ten showbands of the era, along with such legends as The Capitol, The Royal, The Miami, and The Clipper Carlton. The Cadets continued to tour the showband circuit and notched up an impressive run of hits including Right Or Wrong, If I Had My Life To Live Over, At The Close Of A Long Day and Land Of Gingerbread.

The June 22, 1968 issue of Spotlight ran two conflicting blurbs about Eileen's retirement from the Cadets. The first announced her final Dublin appearance was scheduled for the Ierne Club on June 19th and the second said her last gig with the band would be the Television Club on June 22nd. In the article she warned other girls about getting involved with the showband scene, "I would not recommend it to any girl-unless they had a great bunch of lads like the Cadets to work with, and then only for a few years."

She and Jimmy were scheduled to be married on the 24th of June.

After a rocky courtship, Jimmy and Eileen finally got married and the following April, Eileen had her first child, a daughter.

The band tried to continue on without her, but by 1970 The Cadets were beginning to lose musical direction. Jimmy decided that he had enough of traveling and went into his family's taxi business and The Cadets were no more. Noel McGann (bass) and Brendan O'Connell (guitar) teamed up with Johnny McEvoy and formed a country band for the ballroom circuit. Eventually Jimmy and Eileen decided they would do cabaret together. Jimmy had been working as a compere in cabaret lounges around Dublin and had a three night a week residency

in the Central Lounge in Balbriggan. Jas Fagan and Paddy Burns formed the Sun Valley Boys with Dennis Bowler taking up lead vocals with the country band.

Although Eileen left the Irish scene for a while in late 1971 she was back fronting a new band, 2nd Sound. For several weeks in 1971 it was looking like Eileen would be joining with George Kaye (Smokeys) to form a new band.

After several weeks of speculation George formed a four piece bluegrass band before returning to join Pat Ely in the Rocky Tops. In the meantime, part of his band joined with Eileen and 2nd Sound was formed. The band featured Eileen on vocals along with husband Jimmy Day (sax), Joe Murray (keyboards), Joe Holleran (guitar), Shay Cribben (bass), Bobby Clarke (trumpet), Colm Graham (guitar) and Paddy Higgins (drums).

Through the mid-seventies, Eileen and Jimmy performed on the Dublin cabaret circuit, but she soon started to perform in annual pantomimes in Dublin. During the 1990s Eileen tried her hand at acting and had small parts in The Commitments (1991), Against All Odds, A Man of No Importance (1994), and Moll Flanders (1995).

These days, Eileen has her own show on RTE radio.

Gregory Donaghy joined up with Maisie McDaniel in the relatively short lived Nashville Ramblers (Maisie left the band and it eventually folded in 1971/72) and then he formed a band called The Gregory Trio (our thanks Dave Fleming for the info) but he eventually emigrated to Canada in 1974 where he joined The Carlton Showband, a Canadian band which was started in 1963 by a group of Irish ex-patriots and enjoyed a career that lasted until 1996 when the band finally retired after 33 years and 34 albums to their credit.

In the 90's he released a solo album, Through the Eyes of an Irishman and he still lives and performs in Newfoundland.

These days, it seems like songs

by The Cadets appear on more Irish Showband compilations than almost anyone else from the era, a testament to their popularity.

Unlike many of their counterparts though, who were able to reinvented themselves and continue through the seventies and beyond, The Cadets called it quits after less than a decade and, much like the Beatles (who they once met), they live on today through their music only. *Some information for this article from Send 'Em Home Sweatin' by Vincent Power.

Top singles: 1977

1. Dickie Rock - Back Home Again (Solo) 2. Joe Dolan - I Need You (Release) 3. Swarbriggs - Someone Else's Land (EMI) 4. Susan McCann - Big Tom Is Still the King (Top Spin) 5. Swarbriggs Plus Two - It's Nice To Be In Love Again (EMI) 6. Brendan Grace - When Benjy Wrapped His Tractor 'round the Old 7. Makem & Clancy - And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda 8. Cotton Mill Boys - Lucille (Hawk) 9. Brendan Quinn - Daddy's Little Girl (Emerald) 10. Chips - Goodbye Goodbye (Decca) 11. Colm Wilkinson - There Was A Dream (Release) 12. Brendan Shine- How Much Time (Play) 13. Jim Tobin & Firehouse - Rhythm of Love (Hawk) 14. Red Hurley - You're My Day You're My Night (Release) 15. Red Hurley - In Shame Love In Shame (Release) 16. Gloria & Missippi - One Day At A Time (Release) 17. Rubbish - Hey C'mia (Hawk) 18. Billy Brown & Freshmen - Cinderella (CBS) 19. Geraldine - Romano (CBS) 20. Brendan Bowyer & Big 8 - Thank You Elvis (Hawk) 21. Cahir O'Doherty - Salute To Elvis (CBS) 22. Gina, Dale Haze & Champions - Do You Want To Do It 23. Brendan Shine - Some Broken Hearts Never Mend (Play) 24. John Glen & Mainliners - A Little Country Town In Ireland 25. Philomena Begley - For the First Time In A Long Time 26. Gina, Dale Haze 7 Champions - I've Been Waiting For You 27. Johnny McEvoy - Nora [Rerecording] (Hawk) 28. Denis Allen - Da Dum Da Dum Da I Love You So (Skylark) 29. Roly Daniels - Thinking of A Rendezvous (Release) 30. Fran O'Toole & Miami - Out There Singing (Mint) 31. Horslips - Exiles (Oats) 32. Branagan Boys - Glitter and Gleam (CBS) 33. Magic & Magic Band - Reaching Out (Play) 34. Benny White & Times - Man Overboard (Release) 35. Magic & Magi Band - Loving You (Play) 36. DJ Curtin - Noreen Bawn (Release) 37. Glen Curtin - Me and the Elephant (Release) 38. Jim Tobin & Firehouse - Don't Fight the Feelings (Hawk) 39. Glen Curtin - Red Sails In the Sunset (Release) 40. John Glen & Mainliners - Turn Back the Years (Misty) 41. Sean Dunphy - Santa Claus Is Coming Tonight (Dolphin) 42. Spud - Anna Livia (Release) 43. Branagan Boys - San Sebastian (CBS) 44. Cotton Mill Boys - I Don't Regret A Minute (Hawk) 45. Gloria & Mississippi - I'll Get Over You (Release) 46. Mike Murphy - Give It A Try (Release)

Page 49 Mature Living May 2013

Mature Living Exhibitors Lynns Dock, Sligo • Tel: 071-9157830 Exhibition Visit us at Stand 20

Exhibition

SPECIAL OFFER

See us there!

Electric Bike Sales & Hire www.buzzbikes.ie Low Call: 1890 438 438 • E: info@buzzbikes.ie

www.rhshomeservices.ie

Supply and Fit from €12.50 sq yd Also New Easy Payment plan available Contact us today Open 6 Days 9-6 • Sat 9-4.30

ENERGY SAVING SYSTEMS Specialists in Radiator Reflector Panels

We will REDUCE YOUR HEATING BILLS by upto 30% by fi"ng radiator reflector panels

Exhibition Visit us at Stand 28

Payment Plans available for Schools “GO GREEN AND STAY GREEN” For a Free Es$amte contact: Malachy Donnellan Coolarne, Athenry, Co. Galway T: 091­797131 M: 087­4172228 E: energysavingsystems@eircom.net

Developed 80 years ago www.sudocrem.com

Exhibition Visit us at Stand 12

Exhibition

Our services include: • Home Care • Social Care • Dementia Care • Light Housekeeping • Meal Preparation • Respite Care • Companionship

To find out more please contact: RHS Home Services Head Office, Celtic Avenue, Roscommon - Tel: 09066-25988 RHS Home Services Oranmore Business Park, Co. Galway - Tel: 091-388785 RHS Home Services Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo Tel: 09493 82156

Visit us at Stand 31

Exhibition

Visit us at Stand 24

Radisson Blue Hotel Sligo Exhibition Visit us at Stand 17

Tel: 071­914­0008 www.radissonblu.ie/hotel­sligo

Radisson Blu Farnham Estate, Cavan

Tel: 071­914 0008. www.radissonblu.ie/farnham­estate­hotel

• Water Analysis • Water Filtration Exhibition • Water Softening Visit us at Stand 33 • Well Drilling • Pump Supplied and Fitted • Rain Water Collection & Purification • Sewage Treatment Systems IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

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

Exhibition Visit us at Stand 7

• EcoBead Cavity Wall Insulation • Attic Insulation • External Wall Insulation • Spray Foam Insulation • Free Assessment and Advice • Professional Service and NSAI Certified

S

Ideally sit#ated on Car%ick Road,Boyle, in a peacef#l se&ing with panoramic views of the count%"side and within walking distance of all local amenities in Boyle town.

tate of the ar!, 60 bed, care facilit" consisting of a variet" of lux#rious and peacef#l single, double, and family rooms and a dedicated Dementia unit.We have an inter$al cour!"ard and secure garden area that promote independence and enablement and qualit" of life. Abbey Haven Care Cent%e is specifically desig$ed to meet our residents’ daily needs.

Now Open!

The

The care facilit" was const%#cted by Mulr"an Const%#ction Ltd , (Grallaghmore,Boyle), and led by Danny & Stephen Mulr"an along with a team of dedicated subcont%actors / const%#ction t%adesman.

Danny & Breege Mulr"an will now manage the care facilit" with a professional healthcare care and management team.

Abbey Haven aims is to provide professional care in creating a safe, secure and comfor!able homily environment for all our residents.

Please contact us at 071-9670111 to arrange viewing of our care centre or to discuss any requirements specific to your needs or those of your loved ones.

Exhibition Visit us at Stand 18

Hotels

Visit the stunning Leitrim countryside offer for an 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.

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

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 4 star 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

Maldron Hotel Portlaoise - so different, so near

T

he Maldron Hotel Portlaoise is regarded as one of the best Laois Hotels. Value is what business and leisure travelers’ alike look for and value is what ? the Maldron Hotel in Portlaoise delivers. Comfortable and luxurious rooms, efficient friendly service and a superior product at an affordable price.

The Maldron Hotel and leisure centre Portlaoise offers ? all of this and a little bit more. Regarded as one of the finest family friendly hotels, you and your family can enjoy a great value break together at this Portlaoise hotel. Maldron Hotel Portlaoise offers a number of family rooms and interconnecting rooms that are very comfortable and spacious. The Maldron hotel Portlaoise is perfectly positioned for sightseeing breaks in Laois and for families to avail of the many local attractions for kids.

For business meetings in Laois, The Maldron Hotel excels with a dedicated conference floor offering 8 state of the art Conference suites and 4 syndicate Meeting rooms. All our rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi / Broadband, natural daylight and Air Conditioning. We also offer you complementary secure car parking making us one of the finest hotels in Portlaoise.

Our superb Club Vitae Leisure Centre offers you the chance to relax and unwind after a long day. As a guest

of ours, you will have complimentary use of the leisure centre including: 20m swimming pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, aerobics Studio and gym.

Stir Bar and Restaurant offers food to suit all array of tastes using only fresh ingredients. Our menus are created with you in mind and offer healthy options and vegetarian dishes making us one of the most popular restaurants in Portlaoise.

Body and Soul Treatment rooms is a luxury quaint spa setting providing an extensive range of complementary and beauty treatments tailored to suit the needs of each individual. Our therapists are highly qualified & exceptional in their field and provide an extremely high standard of treatment at affordable and competitive prices. For more info or to book check out our website www.bodyandsoultherapyrooms.com The central location of the Maldron Hotel in Laois I is ideal for exploring the beautiful sights & surrounds of the Midlands of Ireland from the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains www.slievebloom.ie to the monastic round towers at Timahoe and the Garden Trail of Laois there is something for both young and old alike. For corporate guests the location of this hotel in Laois is convenient when traveling to Dublin, Limerick Cork or any location in Ireland.

Family Fun *

* 2 adults & 2 children

1 night B&B inc a Fun Activity from €99

Relaxing Family* 2 Night Break 2 nights B&B & 1 Evening Meal from only €215

Excellent range of packages available for families, Midweek and Weekend breaks, groups & Events.

Tel: 057 8695900 www.maldronhotelportlaoise.com info.portlaoise@maldronhotels.com

The Heart of the Great Western Greenway

N

Newpor$, Co. Mayo • Tel: 098 41155

Mid Season Mid week-Special

ewport is known as “The Heart of the Great Western Greenway” and sits on the banks of the Black Oak River, where tranquil, undiscovered mountain trails and walkways as well as the famous Burrishoole loop walks can be found.

Your hotel has every comfort, beautiful rooms classically decorated and furnished to a high standard, with elegant antique furniture happily co-existing with contemporary comforts and facilities, satellite TV and

(Sunday-Thursday)

2BB1D.........€100.00 per person sharing 3BB2D.........€150.00 per person sharing Enjoy a 2 or 3 night stay with breakfast and a 3 course evening meal included.

(Only available until the end of June) Please quote ‘mat"re living’ when availing of this offer.

www.hotelnewportmayo.com Page 52 Mature Living May 2013

telephone. There is a bar and restaurant with home cooking and we offer a packed lunch service should you require this on one of your trips out.

Please visit our website where you can see a range of packages and activities, from art classes to horse riding to fishing. www.hotelnewportmayo.com.

Hotels

Why choose a Hotel when you can have the Luxury of a Resort

P

4 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and 5th night B&B FREE - €199 pp

*Dinner each evening *Full complimentary daily and nightly entertainment program *Transfers local Bus & Train Station *Complimentary tea & coffee daily *Full use of the leisure centre facilities

In-House Activities: •Discount Spa Treatments •Complimentary use of Leisure Club – Pool & Gym •Complimentary Classes •Active 55’s Workout •Table Tennis •Bowling •Wine Tasting •Herbal Tea Tasting •Grow your own Garden •Classical Movies •Guilded Walking Tour •Flower Arranging Scenic Tours available on request 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.

Go West this spring 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 – Golden Years (where you get an extra night’s dinner, bed and breakfast free!), Golf, Walking, Bridge and Indoor Bowling.

As part of their Golden Holiday 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.

They organise day tours too - Knock Shrine, Kylemore & Ballintubber Abbeys, Foxford Woollen Mills, Achill Island and The Céidé Fields (at your own expense), or 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, soothing facials, exotic hand and foot spa treatments, luxurious body peels and wraps. They organize games and entertainment in the evenings too. You won’t want to go home!

The Hotel has 129 bedrooms with all the comforts of home. The elegant ‘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 town where there is an excellent mix of shops, cafes and restaurants.

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 the nearest Hotel to the newly opened Great Western Greenway - 42km of uninterrupted walking and cycling taking in breathtaking scenery on the way, from Westport through Newport and Mulranny and into Achill Island!

A warm, friendly welcome awaits you at Hotel Westport, “One of Ireland’s best loved Hotels”. Sale Special – 18th or 25th March 5 Nights DBB Only €229 per person sharing. Call NOW for further details

Mini Over 50's Holidays at Hotel West!or" 'One of Ireland's Best Loved Hotels'

2 Night's B&B + 3rd Night Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FREE Premier Room €139pp €159pps €189pps €209pps €199pp

February March April May June

Standard Room €119pp €139pps €169pps €189pps €179pp

No Single Supplement for February & June!

Valid Sunday - Friday inclusive • Single Supplement €20 per night

Complimentary access to award winning leisure facilities - Contact us NOW

A pictorial record of the Free Day Tour toofConnemara West Ireland over with Harbour Hotel Packages 15 years

T

he Harbour Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Galway City, perfect for a getaway break this Spring.

Midweek specials, to include two nights bed & breakfast, freshly baked scones served with Kylemore Abbey Jams on arrival and a three course evening meal on a night of your choice from €89 per person sharing.

Stay on our three night package and get a complimentary Day Tour to Connemara with tickets for Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy spectacular scenery on your day trip out to Connemara where you will also see Ross Errily Friary, Ballymagibbon Cairn, Glebe Stone Circle, Cong Village, Abbey & Woods, Lough Nafooey Valley Route, Leenane & Killary Harbour, Kylemore Abbey, Inagh Valley, Quiet Man

Call 098 25122 or email reservations@hotelwestport.ie

Bridge and lots, lots more..

3 Nights B&B, 2 Dinner, Tea & Scones, plus Connemara Day Tour only €169 pps, Sunday – Thursday.

The Harbour Hotel has a waterfront location, just a 3 minute stroll from Eyre Square and 5 minutes from the train station. This

allows you to be part of the hustle and bustle, however the convenient location allows you to slip away to your hotel room for a bit of peace and quiet.

Contact Aine on 091894805 or stay@harbour.ie . Full details of packages on www.harbour.ie

Page 53 Mature Living May 2013

WIN €50! WIN €50!

Congratulations to Dave Feeney of Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim last month’s winner!

The Answer was Grid Ref: D3/D4

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

WIN €50!! WIN €50!!

HOW TO PLAY

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

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

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

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

Page42 42 Mature MatureLiving LivingOctober May 2012 Page 2012

ENTRY FORM

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

_____________

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

R

S

Co Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point

Home to the annual West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship

It has been described by Peter Alliss as “…a tremendous test for the highest quality player and great fun for the modest competitor”.

The course boats 18 championship links, 9 hold bonmore links, a flood lit driving range, state of the art practice facilities and they offer membership packages to suit all levels of golfer.

Seniors Special @ Co Sligo Golf Club, Rosses Point

GREEN FEES: Apr-Oct 2013: €95 Seven Days Societies from: €60

S

ituated at Rosses Point, 8 kms from Sligo on the North West coast of Ireland, Co. Sligo Golf Club is one of Ireland’s great Championship links.

Under the shadow of Benbulben, the spectacular scenery of mountain, ocean and countryside that surrounds this classic links has been immortalised by the poetry of W.B Yeats.

Established in 1894, the present course was designed by Harry Colt in the 1920s and is widely recognised as one of his finest courses.

MEMBERSHIP Full Membership from €992.00 per year Husband & Wife from €1710.00 per year Junior Full Age 25 from €617.00 per year Junior Full Age 31 from €842.00 per year Junior Full Age 33 from €917.00 per year Bomore Membership from €442.00 per year, Juvenile Membership from €193.00 per year We have different payment options in place to suit all. Contact the office on 0719177186 for details.

Email: teresa@countysligogolfclub.ie Website: www.countysligogolfclub.ie

Midweek Golf During May & June 2013 Connacht Club Golfers Special

18 Holes of Golf & Lunch €50.00 pp 18 Holes of Golf & Buggy €45.00 pp 18 Holes of Golf €35.00 pp

Tel: 071­9177186 • Fax: 071­9177460 Email: teresa@countysligogolfclub.ie Page 55 Mature Living May 2013

Services Directory

Easy Baths, Showers, Stair Lifts & Leisure All Disability Equipment Supplied & Installed - Covering Both North and South Baths • Walk in baths with door.

• Hydrotherapy, Hydraulic Riser-Lower baths.

• Bather sitting in an upright or lie down position depending upon selection of bath type.

Showers • Showers easy access, trays and enclosures, half-height, full-height doors.

• Shower stools, chairs, fold down seats, doors, curtain rails etc.

• Level access and easy access shower tray included • Slip resistant surfaces on shower base.

• Suitable for shower-chair or ambulant user.

Stair Lifts • Straight or curved, made to measure • Floor to ceiling/platform lifts • Swimming pool lifts

EAST BROTHERS GARDEN MACHINERY Doon Boyle, Co. Roscommon Tel: 071-9662710, www.eastmachinery.ie P U SH S R MOWE TRACTOR LAWN MOWERS

Chainsaws, Tillers, Outboard Motors, Power Washers, Generators, Electric Fences, Farm Machinery Spares

STRIMMERS

For more information please contact: JOHN HINDS R.O.I.: T: 048 42771652 M: 00 44 7802 298910 N.I. 028 4277 1652 M: 07802 298910

ORTH WEST EST NORTH ROTECTION DOGS OGS PROTECTION

Deepwater Quay, Finisklin, Sligo Harbour, Sligo 071-9153360 • 071-9153362 Email: info@erin-recyclers.com

Healthier, Quieter, More Energy Efficient

TRALAS INSULATIONS Spray Foam Insulation

Ph: 048-66326728 Mob: 086-0858030

www.icynene.ie

We’ll change the way you think about insulation and your building - GRANTS AVAILABLE

Tidy up around your home & garden WE BUY...

• Pvc copper, cylinders, copper piping & lead • Alumimium wheels, alumimium sheeting • Old stainless steel milk tanks • Rebar from building sites.

We also do site clearances (Metal Only)

WE WEIGH AND PAY . . . AND YOU’RE ON YOUR WAY!!

www.scrapmetalireland.com

Flat Roofs Fixed For Good GacoPro...World’s No.1 Flat Roof Solution Now in Ireland

Low Cost No Joints Seamless No reflec!ve paint required Works on all old weathered roofs Remains flexible Professionally applied Guaranteed waterproof even under ponding water No cracking Resists algae, moss, etc Reflected light helps brighten rear dark rooms For full informa#on without obliga#on 071­9640555 or 087­2698198 ­ GacoPro is available from Beirne Coa#ngs Ltd, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim.

Note: GacoPro applied to your flat roof now ­ adds decades to its life.

ADVERTISE HERE! Call 071-9154538 for details of our excellent rates and offers

Pups and Trained Dogs For Sale Have peace of mind in your home - invest in a fully trained family protection dog • IKC Registered • Microchip • Vet Checked • Flea'd, Wormed & Vaccinated • 7 Generation Certificate • 6 Weeks free insurance • Parents can be seen

Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 085-7843837

Services Directory

ATLANTIC AUTOMATIONS

North West Counselling

Ballyneggin, Castlebar, Co. Mayo • Tel: 087-4187122 - Mob: 087-7587186 Manufacturers of quality Ornamental Gates, Railings and Stairs Specialists in Access Control Systems and Automatic Gate Systems

Counselling for people with addictions eg. Drugs, Alcohol, Gambling

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

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

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

- Remote Control access systems - Keypad access control systems - Barrier access control systems

Helping people to recover

Visit our new SHOWROOM at Roadstone Retail park, Castlebar

Irish Shamrock Trees Cavity Wall Insulation Attic Insulation Sound Proofing Drylining Spray Foam Insulation

New & Existing Residential Commercial Industrial

Whitethorn & Beech Hedging Trees and more Suitable for: • People with limited mobility • People who have had hip surgery

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

• People with back aches

For details of your local stockist

Phone Noel: 087-9896948

We pride ourselves on our truly friendly and efficient service.

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

S.T.O.P. is a registered charity, which was set up to assist and support individuals who feel suicidal, are in distress, or those who have been bereaved by suicide.

Contact: Michelle Fox, Beepark Resource Centre, Newline, Manorhamilton, Co.Leitrim

FREEPHONE: 1890-211-877 Mobile: 086 7772009 Email: info@stopsuicide.ie

www.stopsuicide.ie

Feature Article Services Directory

JB DENTURE CLINIC Garden/Tone St, Ballina.

Boradruma, Snugboro, Castlebar

Mon-Thu 9.30 - 6pm / Fri 9.30 - 5pm • Homes • Hospitals • Nursing Homes Appointments by arrangement

Tel: 096-72189 or 087-6389500

We repair Kitchen seats, 3pce suites, fireside chairs, bar seating, sails, motorbike seats, headboards, office chairs etc. We retail foam rubber, vinyls, velours, webbing, buttons, springs, etc. Member of the National Guild of Craftsmen.

Open Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm Tel: 094 9023532 or 086 8350608

JAMES MCGRATH WESTPORT GAS REGISTERED GAS INSTALLER • REGISTERED OIL TECHNICIAN • CALOR GAS INSTALLER

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

• Solar Panels supplied and installed • Supplier and Installer of Gas /Oil Boilers • Domestic and Industrial Service • Gas and Oil Burner Upgrades • Heating Control Upgrades • Supplier of Valiant, Glowworm and Wolf Gas Boilers and Coster Gas Detection Systems

SERVICE AGENTS FOR Aga / Rangemaster / Electrolux / Zanussi / Parkinson Cowen Speed Queen and Maytag Laundry Equipment.

TEL (098) 35266 also (086)8169023 westportgas@eircom.net Servicing Mayo and North Galway

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

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

MACE MIDDLE, CLAREMORRIS. www.mcganns.com

A full listing of products and rates are available on request

IN THE BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

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

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

TELEPHONE: 094-9388208 MOBILE: 087-2503184

Barcastle Retail Park, Castlebar. T: 094-9026100

www.symphonykitchens.ie

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

Collooney, Sligo T: 071-913 0956 M: 086-086 3991

To windows, doors and patio doors

www.grantwater.ie info@grantwater.ie

Expert patio door repairs!

• Rollers • Tracks • Hinges • Door Realignment • Locks • Multilocking systems etc

Grant Water has a hot tub to suit any need and any budget.

Over 20 years experience servicing Irish windows and doors. Fully insured

From the smaller to the larger, there is a Spa just your size with the legendary therapy and quality we are known for

GLASS PARTS ETC REPLACED

Call today and get a special discount in Conjunction with “Mature Living Magazine”

Brendan Gormley: 071-9183860 / 087-2562669

Garden Street | Ballina | Co Mayo

Your Eyes Are Precious.....

Let us look after them.

Complete Eye Exams including • Glaucoma Screening • AMD • Cataract Screening • Spectacles and Contact Lenses

The Biggest & Best Value Fireplace Showrooms in Ireland

Save €€€s by calling to us

For a full discussion and advice on all aspects of your eye health, call us and book your appointment today.

• Fireplaces • Stoves • Gas • Oil • Solid Fuel • Electric • Granite Worktop Specialists

Mon – Sat 9.30am -5.30pm

Sligo Road, Enniskillen.

Phone: 048 66 326 327

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

PRSI and Medical Card applications welcome

www.footworks.ie | 096 60100 | info@footworks.ie

FANTASTIC, FUSSY WOMAN in late fifties, looking for man who knows about fine things in life. no time for idgets. Used to the best.

Meet me, heaven is waiting.

Replies with a box number 1001 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.

ROSCOMMON LADY Early 60’s outgoing, likes dancing.

Would like to meet widower only.

N.S. For friendship leading to a relationship. Replies with a box number 968 at the usual address.

KIND GENTLEMAN 51 yrs, mayo area, seeking female for discreet fun. Discretion assured. Replies with a blank stamped envelope to Box number 974 at the usual address.

GENTLEMAN WIDOWER 54 yrs. Landscape gardener W.L.T.M. female professional, not married. In the northwest for friendship and craic. 6ft 1', blue

FREE DATING* CLASSIFIED

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.

MALE SEEKING FEMALE With good personality, good sense of humour, loving, caring & honest, & is interested in relationship.

Replies with a box number 974 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.

OUTGOING LADY From Roscommon. Would like to meet widower, only 59 - 65. N.S. Must be free to socialize, for friendship, leading to a relationship. Replies with a blank stamped envelope to Box number 961 at the usual address.

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

WRITE YOUR ADVERT HERE:

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

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

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

TELEPHONE NUMBER: EMAIL:

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

Page 59 Mature Living May 2013

Exhibition

Visit us at Stand 42