Senior Times Magazine September/October 2016 by SeniorTimes Ireland

Issue 83 September/October 2016

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The magazine for people who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t act their age

Back to the battleground A journey to the Korean War zones

Understanding glaucoma Beautiful Budapest How to get published Walking the Wicklow Way

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September/October 2016

Contents 18

NEWS: Back to the battle ground: Joe Keane has had a life-long obsession with Korea and the Korean War but never imagined he would ever visit the region of one of the late 20th century’s most bitter conflicts. Understanding glaucoma: The Irish college of Ophthalmologists explain the conditions, the symptoms and treatment options. Hungarian rhapsody: Claire Burke Offers a detailed guide to Budapest Go the write way: Are you a frustrated writer despairing that you will never get into print? Don’t give up, Lorna Hogg advises. Why not publish yourself? Viva Valencia!: Des Duggan was impressed with Spain’s third largest city From Wicklow to The Aran Islands on a free travel pass: Maeve Edwards knew she could travel by train on her travel pass, but could she get to The Aran Islands by free ferry and flight? Rye smiles: Lorna Hogg travels to the picturesque Sussex seaside village with a number of literary associations Creative writing: Golf: Dermot Gilleece recalls ‘Babe’ Zaharias, the ultimate Olympian and golfer Publishing Directors: Brian McCabe, Des Duggan Editorial Director: John Low Editor At Large: Shay Healy Consultant Editor: Jim Collier Advertising: Willie Fallon - willie@slp.ie Design & Production: www.cornerhouse.ie Contributors: Lorna Hogg, Dermot Gilleece, Maretta Dillon, Jim Collier, Peter Power, Matthew Hughes, Mairead Robinson, Eileen Casey, Debbie Orme, Connie McEvoy Published by S& L Promotions Ltd.,

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74 50+ Fit -Times’ indoor and outdoor activities section: Cosmetics: The turd man (and woman): Paul Steele was looking forward to a peaceful life in the country, but he hadn’t reckoned on neighbours from hell.. Wine World: There were piggeries in Ballsbridge: Jim Commins remembers the grunts and squeals between leafy Wellington and Waterloo roads.. Active Retirement Ireland AGM: Jim Collier reports What’s on in The Arts: Maretta Dillon previews happenings around the country over the next few months Short story by Noel King: Northern Notes: Know your rights: Short story: Support for male victims of domestic abuse: Maria Griffin explains the aims and work of AMEN whose primary aim is to provide support and information to male victims of domestic violence.

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Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: +353 (01) 4969028. Fax: +353 (01) 4068229 Editorial: John@slp.ie Advertising: info@slp.ie Sign up to our newsletter and be in with a chance to win some great prizes at www.seniortimes.ie Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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News Now Two thirds of palliative care users say ‘planning for the future’ their biggest worry More than two thirds (68%) of people with palliative care needs have said that ‘planning for the future’ is their biggest worry – in a survey of palliative care experiences across the island of Ireland. 52% said they felt frustrated or helpless. 51% said their emotional and psychological needs were not met and 42% wanted better co-ordination of care or treatment. The findings are contained in the Let’s Talk About Palliative Care Survey which was recently launched. The survey was coordinated by the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (AIIHPC) and asked people to talk about their positive or negative experiences of care. The survey includes the experiences of 528 palliative care service users and carers from across the island (419 in the Republic of Ireland and 109 in Northern Ireland). The study also showed that avoidance of talking about the issues, or information given too little or too late increases frustration and helplessness. Conversely, clear and sensitive communication increases the feeling of being supported. The survey was jointly commissioned by the HSE in the Republic of Ireland and Public Health Agency (PHA) in Northern Ireland. The full Let’s Talk About report can be viewed at: http://aiihpc.org/policy-practice/lets-talk-about/ lets-talk-about-final-report/ For comprehensive information about palliative care see the All Ireland Gateway to Palliative Care Information at: http://www.thepalliativehub.com Sinead Ryan, consumer columnist with Independent Newspapers and co-presenter of My Money & Me, for RTE 1 Television is to speak and answer questions on consumer matters at this year’s 50 Plus Expo on the 21st , 22nd and 23rd of October in the RDS. Among the areas Sinead will be covering will be:

Consumer expert Sinead Ryan will speak at Dublin 50+ Expo

- Insurances of all kinds and the restrictions some of them put on older people - Pensions and benefits - Inheritance. Both from a tax point of view and family fall outs. Older people have found property taxes too onerous and are down sizing ... issues with leaving legacies etc. - General consumer - utilities, broadband, gas etc. - Divorce. Surprisingly, divorce rates have highest growth in over 50 group, mainly instigated by women!

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NSAI advises homeowners to only use licenced alarm installers The National Standards Authority of Ireland is advising homeowners and businesses to only use certified security system installers when getting an alarm or CCTV fitted in their property or premises. The warning comes after an unlicensed security systems’ installer was convicted at Naas District Court on Monday (July 4th) under Section 37 of Private Security Authority Act. Liam Whoriskey trading as Whoriskey Security Systems, based in Newbridge, Co Kildare, was given an eight month jail sentence by Judge John Coughlan for providing a security service without a licence. Mr. Whoriskey was subsequently released on bail pending an appeal. Mr Whoriskey had been prosecuted by the Private Security Authority (PSA) on two previous occasions in 2010 and 2012. The latest prosecution arises from an extensive investigation by the PSA’s inspector into the installation of intruder alarm and CCTV systems by unlicensed operators. “It is illegal to operate a security systems service without a licence. Therefore it is crucial businesses and householders realise that using an unlicensed installer may invalidate their insurance cover,” said Mr. Buckley. NSAI operates a certification scheme based on the Irish standards for alarm systems, intrusion and hold-up systems, called I.S. EN 50131. The Private Security Authority is the statutory body with responsibility for licensing and regulating the private security industry in Ireland. For further information, visit NSAI.ie or follow us on Twitter @NSAI_Standards

Going abroad?? Do you know what your air carrier should do for you if your flight is delayed or cancelled? Do you know if your tour operator or travel agent is licensed and bonded? Do you know if you have reduced mobility you can get free assistance to help you take your flight? Visit The Commission for Aviation Regulation websites to find out more. flightrights.ie www.aviationreg.ie

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Hidden Hearing unveils ‘revolutionary, life-changing’ hearing aid Hidden Hearing has today unveiled a new product, Oticon Opn, which is the first device of its kind to connect to the internet . The new product is claimed to which gives those with hearing loss the opportunity to use a highly interactive device that can process sound 50 times faster than any other hearing aid on the market. Oticon Opn is a device which can provide the means for an internet-connected doorbell to trigger an automated audio message to the person wearing the hearing aid. Other examples of ‘recipes’ which the device can be set to carry-out could be sending a text to a caregiver when the battery level of the hearing aid is low, or upon turning on users can set it to trigger the lights.

Dr Nina Byrnes, Medical Advisor to Hidden Hearing said: ‘It processes sound 50 times faster than other devices and it has the added benefit of being able to use the internet to connect and speak to other devices, like phones and apps. It can also hook up to other internet connected devices such as doorbells, smoke detectors and baby alarms, highlighting important alerts to the user’ To find out more about Hidden Hearing, their services and products, visit www.hiddenhearing.ie or Freephone 1800 370000. Demos of the Oticon Opn are available at Hidden Hearing clinics across Ireland.

Affidea opens new How to avoid medical scanning centre unwanted phone calls in Letterkenny

Take a tour of The Moving Crib this Culture Night 2016

Affidea, Ireland’s leading independent diagnostic imaging provider, formerly known as Euromedic, opened a new medical scanning facility in Letterkenny to serve the people of Donegal and surrounding areas. Patients who want to arrange a private scan in the Republic of Ireland currently face a two hour drive to Sligo. The company is investing €2m in opening the Letterkenny clinic, as part of an overall €15m investment in the Irish healthcare sector. The multi-modality scanning centre is located on Scally Place off Pearse Road in Letterkenny. It will serve as a primary care diagnostic scanning facility, offering MRI, Ultrasound and X-ray. Affidea Letterkenny is equipped with state of the art technology including the High Specification Philips Ingenia Wide Bore MRI Scanner, providing the highest quality scans and a much improved patient experience, particularly for patients who experience claustrophobia or those who find it difficult to tolerate the noise of older scanners.

As a telephone user, you can register whether or not you want to receive ‘unsolicited calls’ (direct marketing). Regulatory requirements cover direct marketing calls within Ireland only and do not extend to calls asking you to take part in a survey.

In Ireland more than 180,000 Fiestas were sold

What can you do? Tell them not to contact you again. If you get an unwanted call after following the process above, complain to the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner: (057) 868 4800; info@ dataprotection.ie; www.dataprotection.ie.

Opposite the Rotunda Hospital at 42 Parnell Square West is ‘a haven of peace and tranquillity’, that is, the Saint Martin Apostolate Oratory and Shop also known as home to The Moving Crib. Join us on Friday the 16th September for Culture Night 2016 and also help us to celebrate the 800 Jubilee of the Dominican Order. Enjoy Mass, Gregorian Plainsong and wine and canapes. Our doors will be open all day until 9pm, everyone is welcome and all visitors will receive a specially blessed relic medal of Saint Martin. We will also be opening our much loved Moving Crib for free special preview tours ahead of its big 60th birthday this Christmas. The only one of its kind built in Ireland (if not the world), the Moving Crib is an historical and entertaining experience, that winds its way down to the basement of this stunning Georgian building. This Dublin landmark is as captivating today as it was when it first opened its doors in 1956. After the launch of Culture Night, The Moving Crib will be opening its doors again during the festive season 7 days a week from Monday 22nd November to Sunday 8th January’ For more information contact us at the details below: St. Martin Apostolate, 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1. T: 01 8745465 E: info@stmartin.ie www. stmartin.ie

Dr Nina Byrnes, medical advisor to Hidden Hearing, who launched the new device

Ford launches search for Ireland’s oldest Ford Fiesta

All phone numbers in public phone books or through directory enquiries are held in a central record called the National Directory Database To stop receiving direct marketing calls, contact the company from which you rent your telephone line and ask them to record this in the NDD. This may take up to 5 working days. The NDD also maintain the ’do not call’ direct marketing register. It may take up to 28 days for marketers to access this list. If your telephone line is ex-directory you should not receive direct marketing calls from marketers who use this list. It is against the law for direct marketers to call or text you on your mobile phone unless you told them beforehand that they could.

First introduced in 1976, Ford Fiesta is celebrating 40 years. As part of the car’s 40 year celebrations, Ford in Ireland is hoping to uncover Ireland’s oldest Fiesta. The Ford Fiesta has sold more than 17 million units around the world since its launch in 1976. In Ireland, some 180,000 Fiestas were sold Back in 1976, the Fiesta went on sale for the price of £2,365 and as a quick flavour of how times have changed: your 1976 Fiesta came with options including a screw-off aerial. Today’s Fiesta is geared towards the ‘connected’ generation, with excellent connectivity to your smartphone

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and apps and replete with the latest voice control technologies. In its search for Ireland’s oldest Fiesta, Ford is hoping that owners of early Fiestas will come forward and contact their local Ford Dealer. The owner of Ireland’s oldest Fiesta and their car will be guests of honour at a special celebratory event for 40 years of Fiesta that will take place in late September. For details of your nearest Ford Dealer go to ford.ie and also keep an eye on the Ford Ireland Facebook page for regular updates on Fiesta 40 activity.

History

With her brother on her back a Korean girl trudges by a stalled tank at Jaengju in 1951. (Photo US National Archives)

Back to the battle ground Joe Keane has had a lifelong obsession with Korea and the Korean War but never imagined he would ever visit the region of one of the 20th century’s most bitter conflicts..

Me, my stepdaughter Cora and a UN soldier.

For me it began one balmy day in the summer of 1950. I was nine years of age and coming home from Mullaghroe National School. A local shop keeper pressed a newspaper in to my hand with the words ‘take that home to your father. I know ye have relations in the States’. I glanced at the stark headline emblazoned across the front page. ‘War in Korea’. The words were to become indelibly imprinted in my mind for the rest of my life. In the weeks and months which followed, my companions and I charted the progress of the conflict with a comprehension beyond our years. General Douglas McArthur became our hero and we watched in mystification as he was recalled to Washington. We had not the savvy at the time to understand the nuances of high powered politics but we realised that our hero had been unceremoniously relieved of his command. Ireland seemed to experience snow and frost more often then. The perfect backdrop to emulate our fantasies of war and blood curdling combat. In camouflage battle dress we outmanoeuvred the imaginary enemy and pushed the Communist oppressors back to the Yalu River. Our previous idols such as Roy Rogers and Gene Autrey were removed from their pedestals like discredited idols. The seeds were sown of what was to become a lifelong obsession.

One day the real war ended. A past pupil visited our school. He had been drafted to fight in Korea and had distinguished himself in battle. He was our new hero. I resolved one day to visit this mysterious peninsula, with its mist covered mountains and volcanic paradises. Someday I would see Panmunjom and the long green table where the armistice was signed between the U.S. and North Korea. But the years passed swiftly and my childhood aspirations were not realised. Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 5

History start the following morning and was the ideal location to unwind before commencing our adventure. The next day, we assembled in the lobby. An excited bunch of mainly American ex-pats were already gathered there, their ethnicity easily apparent, as they waited sombrely for the coach to depart.

North Korean prisoners sit on a jeep bonnet under guard from US infantrymen after their capture in the Naktoy River in 1950

One day last spring, Cora my Filipino wife, announced that we had been invited to attend the wedding of her daughter Megan in the Philippines. I saw a window of opportunity to finally realise my dream. So with the benefit of the internet I set about hatching my plans.

General Douglas McArthur became our hero and we watched in mystification as he was recalled to Washington. We had not the savvy at the time to understand the nuances of high powered politics but we realised that our hero had been unceremoniously relieved of his command.

There are several tour companies which go from Seoul to the de-militarized zone. But the United Nations sponsored J.S.A tours are the pieces de resistances of all. Here you get closest to North Korea and in fact for a few minutes one is given an opportunity to stand on its territory. We opted for this tour and in keeping with United Nations protocol submitted our personal and passport details for examination. Then we waited with baited breaths. After two weeks, we received approval and we were free to go. Surely nothing could stop us now! Just a week before we travelled, the North Korean President Kim Jung – Eun, decided to call a workers congress that would coincide with our visit. The event could not have been more ill - timed from our point of view. Then an email arrived from the tour operator stating that the United Nations may cancel our tour if tensions were to rise in the region. To add insult to injury our money would be forfeited. Tours such as ours are frequently cancelled. The demilitarised zone is a very tense region and reacts swiftly to any change in the political barometer. Soldiers from North and South frequently exchange pot shots. Some time ago a North Korean defector ran across the border and was immediately shot by the Communists. There were fatalities on both sides during the exchange of gunfire. As recently as last year North Korean troops were put on a war time footing after an exchange of gun fire across the border. On Tuesday 3rd May we flew to Abu Dhabi on the first leg of our trip. I was detained for twenty minutes at immigration and had my picture taken several times by the personnel on duty. Then I was accused of passing through the airport previously, using a different name. This time I believed that fate had decreed that we would not make the Panmunjom rendezvous after all. When one’s passport contains stamps as diverse as Russia, Vietnam, Cairo and other exotic destinations, it often attracts special attention. In the end, they allowed me to proceed. After a short break in Yas Island we continued our trip. On Saturday morning we arrived in Incheon Airport and were soon ensconced in Hotel President in the heart of Seoul. This was where our tour would 6 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Enjoying a traditional Korean meal

Louis was from Manhattan. His father had participated in the month long battle of Heartbreak Ridge. He saw his comrade’s fall in the hills above Seoul. His platoon repulsed the North Koreans but at a heavy price. After he was demobbed Louis’s father turned to drink to eradicate the visceral images of war. This was a spiritual journey that he hoped would dispel the demons that had haunted his earlier life. And the oldest member of our group was, a sprightly eighty five year old. She had waited a lifetime to see the place where her young husband had lost his life in the Battle of Seoul. She had never remarried. Like Louis, she too was seeking a therapeutic respite from memories of the past and unfulfilled dreams. Our tour made several interesting stops before heading due north towards the border. After being treated to a traditional Korean lunch, we

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john-west.ie/our-recipes Senior Times l July - August 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 7

History

Literature

On the Freedom Bridge

paid a brief visit to the Observation Bridge. Here visitors are given an opportunity to observe a cross section of the agricultural heartland of the North. The rolling hills in the background are typically Asian in character and the occasional sighting of farmers in the rice paddy fields present an idyllic vision of agricultural bliss. But analysts believe that such scenes are especially choreographed for western eyes. The Bridge of No Return is wholly in North Korean Territory. We only got a fleeting glance of it as we passed. Photographs are forbidden but I sneaked one just the same. Historically the Bridge allowed people to cross to the opposite side after the armistice was signed. Afterwards they could not change their minds, hence the name. At the Peace Bridge we stopped for photo shots. This is in South Korean territory and was used to facilitate the repatriation of prisoners of war to their motherland after the armistice was signed. But now the tenor had changed and we were approaching Camp Bonifay and the pinnacle of our journey. Eerily, traffic had filtered down to a meagre few cars, reflecting the serious political fuse keg that lay ahead. The eco-friendly demilitarized zone, has over years of inactivity, become the habitat of many rare mammals, including Siberian tigers, black bears and wolves. Despite its peaceful symbolism, Bill Clinton once described it as the ‘scariest place on earth’. It is jam packed with land mines and barbed wire fences. Warning signs forbid people to walk in this dangerous terrain. At Camp Bonifas we came under the protection of the United Nations personnel. We were subjected to further security checks and finally transited to the border itself. It was a dramatic and breathtaking moment when the North Korean Pavilion came in to view. The Communist soldiers were easily distinguishable from their United 8 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

The ‘freedom bridge’, so named because it allowed prisoners taken by the Communists during the war, to return to their families. As nearly all the bridges had been destroyed during the fighting, it had to be built specially to allow pedestrians to walk across. It was last used over fifty years ago and is now in a serious state of disrepair. Because of its sensitive location, neither side will allow the other to carry out improvements. The ribbons etc. are petitions or messages from families who lost relatives in the war.

Nations and South Korean counterparts. Their uniforms are drabber and they lounge around in a less military like style. Photographs were strictly limited. We were under stringent orders not to stare at enemy troops or fraternise with them in any way. When we were finally ushered in to the conference room I had a strange feeling of déjà vu. In my reverie I had often relived the memory of this narrow building which straddles North and South. As our United Nations ‘minders’ stood guard at the door to the northern end, I breathed in the atmosphere of this surreal moment. Soon it was time for us leave this extraordinary place where two Korea’s meet and sometimes merge. At one level it is like a scene from a cold war parody. But dangerous forces may one day push the boundaries a little too close to the edge, and this may have world - wide implications. Korea is a land of contrasts. Seoul is a city with westernised values. Yet its citizens stare at western visitors as if we were from another planet. It has not yet become a popular tourist trail, probably due to its political instability. One day its rich cultural traditions should be made available to a wider global audience. We came away feeling aesthetically enriched and imbued with a real sense of self accomplishment.

History

Useful travel information

We travelled to Seoul as independent travellers flying with Etihad. A useful tip: During the stopover in Abu Dhabi, why not have a couple of days in Yas Island? This is a largely undiscovered oasis only twenty minutes from the airport. This little paradise, will do wonders for the jet wearied traveller. We used Viator to arrange the JSA tour. Important; ‘JSA’ is the key phrase. It takes one right in to the demilitarized zone as a guest of the United Nations. Some weeks before departure a local agency will be in touch. They will require passport details and other personal information. Ensure that departure point and times are compatible with Viator’s travel details. In our case it was Hotel President in Seoul. We decided to book in to this hotel the day before to ensure that we were on time. Every participant in the tour must sign a waiver, which at first glance may seem intimidating. Dress code is important. Ladies must not wear high heels e.g. for security reasons. After that you are in the hands of a local guide and he/she will give the appropriate instructions during the tour. Other points of note. Koreans are friendly people. Don’t be surprised if they stare, they are not used to foreigners, as they are a very indigenous society. Shopping Malls and main thoroughfares have a westernised ambience. 10 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

The visitor will feel very comfortable exploring the many places of interest. No visit to South Korea would be complete without a trip to one of its outlying cities e.g. Busan, a beautiful coastal city. From Busan a three hour trip by hydrofoil takes one to the Japanese City of Fukouta. If time permits there are endless travel options available for the seasoned adventurer at this point. Travel on a KTX train is an exhilarating experience. Those bullet trains eat up the miles at speeds of up to 250 MPH. Korail (South Korean Rail Travel) offers a very attractive and cost effective means of using its trains. Visitors may purchase tickets at a much reduced price. The system is somewhat complex but worthwhile. Before travel, a travel voucher may be purchased on line for the appropriate period. On arrival the voucher is exchanged for a credit card size pass. When the visitor decides on the actual dates of travel, the pass is exchanged for the actual tickets. The tickets are valid for indefinite travel throughout the relevant period. Remember the voucher may only be obtained on line before the traveller arrives. No payment is debited from the credit card until the actual tickets are purchased. It is very fair. Irish Citizens do not require a visa for South Korea for travel of up to 21 days.

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Health

Understanding Glaucoma

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists explain the condition, the symptoms and treatment options. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in Ireland, with an estimated 3% of people over 50 developing the disease here. Often referred to as the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;silent thief of sightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, glaucoma is essentially symptomless in the early stages. The Irish College of Ophthalmologists, the training body for eye doctors in Ireland, advise that the best defence against developing glaucoma-related blindness is by having regular routine, comprehensive eye exams so that early diagnosis and treatment can take place. At a late stage, glaucoma is irreversible and results in sight loss and blindness. The test to detect glaucoma is non-invasive and gives an immediate result. Treatment for glaucoma works very well once detected early and usually involves eye drops alone.

at the point where it leaves the eye. This nerve carries information from the retina, to the brain where it is perceived as a picture. Your eye needs a certain amount of pressure to keep the eyeball in shape so that it can work properly. In some people, the damage is caused by raised eye pressure. Others may have an eye pressure within normal limits but damage occurs because there is a weakness in the optic nerve. In most cases both factors are involved but to a varying extent.

part of the eye) produces a watery fluid, called aqueous. The fluid passes through a hole in the centre of the iris (called the pupil) to leave the eye through tiny drainage channels. These are in the angle between the front of the eye (the cornea) and the iris and return the fluid to the blood stream. Normally the fluid produced is balanced by the fluid draining out, but if it cannot escape, or too much is produced, then your eye pressure will rise. (The aqueous fluid has nothing to do with tears). Why is increased eye pressure serious?

Eye pressure is largely independent of blood pressure.

Those most at risk of developing glaucoma are people over 60, people with a family history of the disease and individuals of African ethnicity. Smoking is also a contributing risk factor.

In a healthy eye, a clear liquid circulates in the front portion of the eye. To maintain a constant healthy eye pressure, the eye continually produces a small amount of this fluid and an equal amount which drains out of the eye. If you have glaucoma, the fluid does not flow properly through the drainage system and this extra force presses on the optic nerve in the back of the eye, causing damage to the nerve fibres.

What is Glaucoma?

Causes

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged

What controls pressure in the eye? A layer of cells behind the iris (the coloured

If the optic nerve comes under too much pressure then it can be injured. The extent of the damage will depend on how much pressure there is and how long it has lasted, and whether there is a poor blood supply or other weakness of the optic nerve. A really high pressure will damage the optic nerve immediately. A lower level of pressure can cause damage more slowly, causing gradual sight lose if it is not treated. Symptoms

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In the early stages of chronic glaucoma, there are frequently no obvious symptoms and whilst increased pressure in the eye may be

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need 250mg DHA daily to support brain health. Eating oily fish twice a week – such as salmon or sardines, provides a healthy dose of omega-3 EPA/DHA. Surprisingly, a massive 89% of Irish people are not consuming sufficient oily fish in their diet, so often there is a need to take a good quality omega-3 fish oil such as Eskimo Brain 3.6.9. Eskimo Brain 3.6.9 combines Eskimo-3, which is high in DHA, with plant oils omega-6 and omega-9 along with brain friendly Co-Q10 and vitamin D. Containing a powerhouse of nutrition, your brain power will surge in no time. Available in health food stores and pharmacies nationwide.

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Senior Times lSeptember - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 13

Health indefinitely. Treatment involves controlling the pressure in the eye. Chronic glaucoma is controlled by eye drops, or occasionally by tablets. Treatment to lower the pressure is usually started with eye drops. These act by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or by opening up the drainage channels so that excess liquid can drain away. Where vision continues to deteriorate, laser treatment or surgery (a trabeculectomy) to provide a drainage pathway will be required. These procedures have a high success rate. They can control the pressure and stop the progression of the disease, although it is important to remember that lifelong monitoring is essential. an indicator, this will not necessarily mean you have the disease. With fewer early warning signs than other major eye diseases, the most efficient detection method for glaucoma is by regular eye examination. Those most prone to developing glaucoma are people over 60 and people with a family history of the disease. Types of Glaucoma PRIMARY (Open Angle) GLAUCOMA (POAG) the most common form of glaucoma, occurs when tissue in the eye gradually becomes less efficient at draining fluid. As this happens, eye pressure rises, causing irreparable damage to the optic nerve. Without proper treatment to halt the nerve damage, open-angle glaucoma patients usually lose peripheral (side) vision first, and then they may eventually loose vision. Fortunately, most vision loss from glaucoma can be prevented with early detection and regular medical intervention. Are some people more at risk of chronic glaucoma? There are several factors which increase the risk. • Age: Chronic glaucoma becomes much more common with increasing age. It is uncommon below the age of 40 but affects one per cent of people over this age and five per cent over 65. • Race: If you are of African origin you are more at risk of chronic glaucoma and it may come on somewhat earlier and be more severe. • Family: If you have a close relative who has chronic glaucoma then you should have an eye test at regular intervals.

• Short sight: People with a high degree of short sight may be more prone to primary open angle glaucoma • Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease such as coronary artery disease, migraineand low blood pressure is believed to increase the risk of developing this condition, particularly where eye pressure is in the normal range (these are the risk factors for normal tension glaucoma : a very common type of POAG. Diabetes itself is not the direct cause however it contributes to the cardiovascular risk factors) • Long term use of steroid drops to the eye Is there a risk of sight loss? The danger with primary glaucoma (POAG) is that your eye may seem perfectly normal. There is no pain and your eyesight will seem to be unchanged, but your vision is being damaged. Some people do seek advice because they notice that their sight is less good in one eye than the other.

ACUTE GLAUCOMA (closed angle glaucoma) is much less common than POAG in western countries. This happens when there is a sudden and more complete blockage to the flow of aqueous fluid to the eye where the pressure in the eye rises rapidly and will cause permanent damage to your sight if not treated promptly. Symptoms The sudden increase in eye pressure can be very painful. The affected eye becomes red, the sight deteriorates and may even black out. Sometimes people have a series of mild attacks, often in the evening. Vision may seem ‘misty’ with coloured rings seen around white lights and there may be some discomfort in the eye. If you think that you are having mild attacks you should contact your doctor without delay. In routine examinations the structure of the eye may make the examiner suspect a risk of acute glaucoma and advise further tests. Treatment

The early loss in the field of vision is usually in the shape of an arc a little above and / or below the centre when looking ‘straight ahead’. This blank area, if the glaucoma is untreated, spreads both outwards and inwards. The centre of the field is last affected so that eventually it becomes like looking through a long tube, so-called ‘tunnel vision’. In time even this sight would be lost.

If you have an acute attack you will need to go into hospital immediately so that the pain and the pressure in the eye can be relieved. Drugs will be given which both reduce the production of aqueous liquid in the eye and improve its drainage. An acute attack, if treated early, can usually be brought under control in a few hours. Your eye will become more comfortable and sight starts to return.

Treatment While there is no cure for glaucoma and optic nerve damage cannot be reversed, with early diagnosis and careful regular observation and treatment, damage can usually be kept to a minimum, and good vision can be enjoyed

14 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

When the pain and inflammation have gone down, your surgeon will advise making a small hole in the outer border of the iris to relieve the obstruction, allowing the fluid to drain away. This is usually done by laser treatment.

The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO) is the professional and training body for eye doctors and the expert body on eye care in Ireland. The central mission of the ICO is to reduce the number of annual cases of preventable blindness affecting people in Ireland. International research shows that 3 of every 4 cases of blindness (70-75% of eye diseases) are preventable as a result of early diagnosis and treatment. Usually the surgeon will also advise you to have the same treatment on the other eye, because there is a high risk that it will develop the same problem. This treatment is not painful. Depending on circumstances and the response to treatment, it may not require admission to hospital. Sometimes a short stay in hospital may be advised.

always ask your eye doctor if you should do an Esterman test before deciding if you are fit to drive . SECONDARY GLAUCOMA: When a rise in eye pressure is caused by another eye condition, (for example eye inflammation or uveitis, venous occlusion of the retinal blood vessels and neovascular glaucoma) this is called secondary glaucoma

Prognosis If diagnosed without delay and treated promptly and effectively there may be almost complete and permanent recovery of vision. Delay may cause loss of sight in the affected eye. Occasionally the eye pressure may remain a little raised and treatment is required as for chronic glaucoma. Will it affect my Driving? Most people can still drive if the loss of visual field is not advanced. To assess possible damage to your peripheral vision you will need a special test to check whether your sight meets the standards of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. Often people who have damaged field of vision on the detailed tests which are done to monitor progression of the disease, can still have a good enough field of vision for everyday activities such as driving so

How to make an appointment with an eye doctor For an appointment to see any medical specialist working in the HSE, including eye doctors, you need to get a referral from your General Practitioner (GP). A GP has knowledge of the specialists in his/her area and can ensure that any important information relating to your medical history is passed to the eye doctor. Can I make an appointment directly with an eye doctor? While it is advisable to seek a referral from your GP many eye doctors working in the community will give you an appointment directly - you can find contact details for eye doctors on the ICO website at www.eyedoctors.ie

The ICO places a priority on raising the publicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s awareness of eye health and the significance of eye health as an indicator of general health and wellbeing. The eye is not an isolated unit and has complicated relationships with numerous other bodily functions including that of the brain and nervous system. Often when an eye problem presents, it can be an indicator of another underlying medical condition. Many eye diseases are associated with general medical conditions and many general systemic conditions affect eye health (diabetes, sleep apnoea, various tumourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, hypertension, sickle cell disease, lupus, and many others can affect the eyes and threaten vision). Having regular eye examinations and taking positive lifestyle changes such as not smoking, eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise can reduce the risk or delay the onset of developing eye sight problems in the future. It is important to make an appointment to see an eye doctor or a health care professional if you notice a change, however slight in your vision. For more information on eye health, visit the ICO website at www.eyedoctors.ie

Senior Times lSeptember - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 15

heart as they help to maintain normal blood pressure and even to keep blood triglyceride levels normal. Tinned fish like salmon, sardines and mackerel are great solutions to add omega-3 to your diet. The European Food Standard Authority recommends that you try to eat oil-rich fish at least once a week. To make your own Mackerel in Black Bean Sauce, visit:

john-west.ie/our-recipes

Looking after your heart? Eat More Fish! 39840_A4_Senior_Times_Mag_Ad_Mackerel.indd 1

01/07/2016 15:02

Circulatory diseases like heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in Ireland. As we are now surviving more heart attacks and strokes, these diseases are rapidly becoming the leading cause of disability. Luckily we have started to see a decrease in these diseases over the past few decades â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 40% of that decrease is due to improvements in medicine but over 50% are due to changes in the risk factors that can lead to heart disease. There are many risk factors that make us more likely to develop heart disease. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in fact there are over 206 risk factors for heart disease. However, some have a stronger impact than others. Being overweight, lack of exercise and eating an unhealthy diet can all increase our risk. Being fit and active, eating lots of fruit and vegetables and choosing healthier foods all help to reduce our risk. In the past being male would have been seen as being a risk factor for heart disease but we now know that heart disease just takes about 10 years longer to show up in women so the risk is essentially the same. This means that women need to look after their hearts just as much as men. Looking after what we eat is an important place to start when we want to look after our hearts. Adding fruit and vegetables is crucial as, among other nutrients, fruit and vegetables are a source of potassium. Potassium helps to keep blood pressure at normal, healthy levels. Oats contain a special type of fibre called beta-glucan and this helps to keep cholesterol levels healthy. This is why porridge is often recommended on a cholesterol lowering diet. Triglycerides are another type of fat that plays a role in heart disease. Like cholesterol we need a small amount of triglyceride but too much can increase our risk of developing heart disease. Omega-3 fats found in fish have been shown to help keep triglycerides at normal healthy levels. EPA and DHA are the main

types of omega-3s found in fish and taken together they have several benefits for our heart. EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart and they help to keep blood pressure at normal, healthy levels. To see the heart-healthy benefits of omega-3s we need to eat between 250mg and 3g of EPA and DHA per day. Tinned fish is a great place to get omega-3s. 100g of tinned sardines will give you 1200mg of Omega-3. You will get 1500mg from 100g of tinned salmon and 3900mg from 100g of tinned mackerel. Tinned fish is an easy and convenient way to add a wide range of nutrients to your healthy diet and a great way of making sure you are getting the omega-3s you and your body need.

MACKEREL IN BLACK BEAN SAUCE A delicious fish dish with an authentic Chinese flavour. PREPARATION METHOD Place a pan over a medium heat, drizzle a little oil in and add the onion along with the chilli. Allow to cook for 2 minutes then add the pak

16 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

choi and cook until it starts to wilt.Add half of the black bean sauce and cook for 1 minute, remove from the heat and set to one side. Place a pan over a medium heat and add the John West Mackerel Fillets, then pour on the remainder of the bean sauce and bring to the boil.Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat.Place a pile of the pak choi in the centre of a plate and then arrange the mackerel on top. Drizzle a little of the sauce around and serve. INGREDIENTS 2 x 110g cans John West Steam Cooked Mackerel Fillets - Natural With No Added Brine 225g chopped pak choi 125g black bean sauce 1 x onion peeled and diced 1 x red chilli finely diced 1 tbs olive oil For a full range of John West Recipies go to:www.john-west.ie/our-recipes/

Hungarian rhapsody

Travel

Claire Burke offers some suggestions for a break in Budapest Budapest, the city that straddles the Danube, often makes headlines for its excellent medical tourism. However, when the thermometer starts to soar in summer, Hungary’s picturesque capital transforms into an urban playground full of seasonal attractions, often outdoors to make the most out of summertime in the Hungarian capital. Many cool activities and refreshing cultural programs enliven downtown Budapest. Add in a flourish of new design hotels, tasty food markets and distinguished coffee houses, and the city adds up to one of Europe’s most enticing summer city breaks. Day 1: Buda Castle Quarter To begin, on your first day, walk across the Széchenyi Lánchíd (Chain Bridge) to get your bearings of the Buda and Pest sides of the Danube. You’ll see a beautiful view of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed embankments. From the Chain Bridge you can see a great view of Budapest’s main bridges, the Hungarian Parliament building, Gellért Hill and the Buda Castle. On the Pest end of the Chain Bride you’ll see the Four Seasons Hotel, Gresham Palace. Overlooking a park on the banks of the Danube river, this lavish, art nouveau-style hotel has been recently restored (www.fourseasons.com/budapest). Walk to the Buda end and take the Castle Hill Funicular (adult tickets cost 900 HUF, €2.85 one way/1500 HUF, €4.80 return) up to the Castle District. Explore the Buda Palace (www.budacastlebudapest.com): unfortunately, very little has remained from the former glory of the Buda Castle as a royal palace, which played host to the monarchs and leaders of the Austria-Hungary empire until 1944. Visit the Hungarian National Gallery (www.mng.hu/en, permanent exhibitions: 1800HUF , €5.70) to see Hungarian artwork or one of its exciting temporary exhibitions or the Budapest History Museum (www.btm.hu, closed on Mondays, admission: 2000HUF, €6.35). Alternatively take a tour of the Hospital in the Rock (www.sziklakorhaz.eu), admission: 4000HUF , €12.70) - an underground network of caves that formed an emergency clinic during World War II. Afterwards, continue on to Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion (www.fishermansbastion.com), a panoramic viewing terrace, for one of the best views in Budapest. Lunch pit-stop Sightseeing will have worked up an appetite. Overlooking the Danube River and the Pest side of the city, Halászbástya (Eszaki Hira

The Széchenyi Baths

dastorony) serves quality Hungarian food in a beautiful historical location. Highlights from the menu include pan seared wild boar medallions with a chestnut and sweet potato purée and mango and pistachio trifle. Located outside the touristy areas, Hunyadi Café (Hunyadi Janos Utca 15) in Pest is a hospitable Hungarian brasserie which offers a variety of craft beers to accompany your lunch. If you’re looking for some of the best strudel in Budapest, hidden under a vault near Matthias Church, Budavari Retasvar (Balta koz 4) serves both savoury and sweet strudel. The traditional apple and cinnamon strudel is a must-try, as well as some quirkier versions with sour cherries or poppy seeds. The Ottoman influence: thermal baths After spending the first part of the day walking and exploring, it’s time to unwind. Visit one of Budapest’s many thermal baths: take a dip inside the majestically appointed art nouveau Gellért Baths (Kelenhegyi út 4, open daily 6am-8pm) – complete with majolica tiles and Roman columns. Or partake in a game of chess in the water at the enormous, palace-like Széchenyi Baths (Állatkerti körút 9-11, open daily, times vary) nestled in leafy City Park, amid stunning Baroque-style buildings. Széchenyi Baths is Europe’s largest medicinal bath complex. Rich in sulphate, calcium and other minerals, its warm waters, supplied by two natural springs, are believed to remedy a range of ailments. Go further back in time with a soak in the atmospheric Király Baths (Futca 84, open daily

9am-9pm), which date from the 16th century, when the occupying Turks were constructing bathing facilities to make the most of the city’s 80 geothermal springs. Rudas baths (Döbrentei tér 9, open daily 8am - 10pm) is arguably the Turks’ finest contribution to the city. The Ottoman influence can still be seen in the octagonal pool, covered by a huge dome and supported by eight pillars, and the six steam pools. (For further information: www.spasbudapest.com) Indoor market: a hive of activity Across the Danube from the Gellért Baths, the Nagycsarnok, or Indoor Market, Hungary’s oldest and largest market, brims with local specialities and souvenirs, and is a constant hub of activity. Built in 1897, the splendid, glass and wrought-iron Great Market Hall (www. budapestmarkethall.com), Vámház krt 1-3, open 6am-6pm (3pm Saturday), closed Sunday) is the place to go for foodie treats. Aside from the usual fruit and veg stalls, there are counters piled high with meats, cheeses and baked goodies, as well as more exotic fare like foie gras, truffles and tokaj wine. Locals head upstairs for a canteen-style lunch at Fakanál, or just head to one of the many stalls selling lángos, a delicious, doughy, deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream and cheese. Watch the sun set on a rooftop-terrace bar With the return of warm weather, Budapest’s expanding assortment of rooftop-terrace bars simultaneously provide shaded areas and lookout spots in the early evening. Two popular bars with views over the surrounding

Senior Times lSeptember - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 17

Travel

Nagycsarnok, or Indoor Market, Hungary’s oldest and largest market. rooftops are 360 Bar Andrássy út 39. (entry via the right wing of the Paris Department Store on Andrássy Avenue) and Gozsdu Sky Terrace, Holló utca 6. Borkonyha Budapest has four Michelin-starred restaurants. Borkonyha is the most convivial and reasonably priced of these (Sas utca 3, +36 1 266 0835, www.borkonyha.hu). Diners can sample dishes such as Salmon trout and scallop with fennel in shrimps sauce (3.950 Ft, €12.50) and mangalica pork belly with buttered vegetables (4.450 Ft, €14.10), washed down with a glass of crisp, dry furmint white, one of more than 200 (mostly Hungarian) bottles to choose from here. After dinner, visit one of Budapest’s famous ruin pubs. Budapest’s ruin bars are unique to the city. Dilapidated buildings have been reinvented into quirky watering holes where furniture picked off the street is mixed up with modern pieces from local artists. www.ruinpubs. com has maps and listings: Instant (Nagymezo utca 38), comprises of more than 20 themed rooms, and Szimplakert (Kazinczy utca 14), an assortment of agreeably ramshackle, heavily graffitied spaces. Less raucous is Café Bobek (Kazinczy utca 53), named after a communist rabbit, and whose relatively genteel decor and tree-filled garden is geared towards more contemplative drinking. Day 2: history and the arts Explore District VI and visit the St. Stephen’s Basilica (www.en.bazilika.biz), a Roman Catholic basilica in Budapest, Hungary. It is named in honour of Stephen, the first King of Hungary, whose supposed right hand is housed in the reliquary. Head up to the dome for the breathtaking vistas - there is a nominal fee of HUF 500 (€1.60) to go up to the observation deck. Guided tours of the Basilica are also available Monday through Friday between 10 am and 3 pm, for a fee of HUF 2000 (€6.35). Budapest’s opera house on the exclusive World Heritage Listed Andrássy Avenue (Andrássy út 22) ranks as one of the most beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings in Europe. When it was opened in 1884, the city shared

Budapest’s opera house ranks as one of the most beautiful Neo-Renaissance buildings in Europe.

the administrative duties of the Austro-Hungarian Empire with Vienna. Emperor Franz Joseph commissioned its design. Designed by Miklós Ybl, one of Europe’s leading architects in the mid to late 19th century, the Budapest Opera House quickly became one of the most prestigious musical institutions in Europe. The Budapest Opera House has an auditorium that seats 1200 people. Horseshoe-shaped, it has the reputation of having the third best acoustics amongst similar European venues (after the Scala in Milan and the Paris Opera House). The opera season runs from September to May. Tickets can be purchased online (http:// www.opera.hu/) or from the box office directly. Alternatively, you can tour the Opera House and learn about its architecture: guided tours are offered daily at 3 pm and 4 pm in English. Tickets are available in the Opera Shop and tours take about 45 minutes. Prices are 2,900HUF (€9.20) for adults. Other Venues Hosting Opera Performances include Erkel Theatre (Repertoire: Opera, Ballet and Classical Music, Köztársaság tér 30, Budapest 1081) and the Palace of Arts (Opera, Ballet and Classical Music). The Palace of Arts is also home to the Ludwig Museum (Komor Marcell utca 1, Budapest 1095, www.mupa.hu). If you need a break, stop for a coffee at Mvész Kávéház (Andrássy út 29) or Bookcafé (Andrássy út 39, second floor of the former Paris Department Store). Then walk down Andrássy Avenue until you reach Heroes’ Square, where you’ll find the Museum of Fine Arts (www.szepmuveszeti.hu) currently closed for renovations and scheduled to reopen in March 2018) and the Kunsthalle modern-art hall (www.mucsarnok.hu) admission 1800HUF, €5.70). At any time of year it’s worth visiting City Park’s Vajdahunyad Castle (www.vajdahunyadcastle.com, closed on Mondays, admission: 1100HUF , €3.50) here too. Built in 1896 as part of the Millennial Exhibition, Vajdahunyad Castle, a replica of a Transylvanian castle of that name, was built as a temporary structure for the city’s 1896 Millennial Expo which celebrated the 1,000 years of Hungary since the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin in 895, part of a complex of buildings showcasing the

18 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

major architectural periods of Hungary. The castle proved so popular it was replaced by a permanent structure. In the afternoon take the M1 millennium metro from City Park to Vörösmarty Square, from there walk along Váci Street and indulge in some shopping, including Gerbeaud House (Vörösmarty tér 7-8) or the Szamos Gourmet House (Váci utca 1) for patisseries. Around the time of World War One, writers and intellectuals would gather to while away the hours in magnificent coffee house Centrál Kávéház (Károlyi Mihály utca 9, www.centralkavehaz. hu). Its grandeur impressively intact, Art deco lights hang in high-ceilinged rooms with beautiful painted mouldings and dark wood floors. Centrál remains the city’s most appealing cafe, doing great espresso with a slice of rétes (strudel) or dobos torta (layered sponge cake). An aperitif When the sun shines in Budapest, the city’s terraces fill with locals sipping glasses of chilled fröccs, the popular Hungarian version of wine spritzer: a mix of sparkling soda water and aromatic wines. Kertem is a tree-shaded, popular, oasis in City Park, where people gather for long afternoons to chat while downing fröccs. Hungarian wine may not be as famous as some wines, but it has fantastic pedigree. Among the many wine bars that have sprung up throughout the city, the brick-vaulted Doblo (Dob utca 20, www.budapestwine.com), in the atmospheric Jewish quarter, is the perfect place to discover Hungary’s surprising wines, such as the crisp white Furmint or pinot noir from Transylvaniamost relaxing. It has more than 200 varieties from Hungary’s 22 wine-growing regions, many available by the glass, perhaps paired with a ham and cheese platter. For oenophiles, there are dedicated tasting sessions (7000HUF,€22). ‘Wine Court ‘ Just a stone’s throw from Great Market Hall – from where it sources many of its ingredients – the refreshingly low-key “Wine Court” (“Borbíróság “) is one of the more satisfying places to sample modern, affordable Hungarian cuisine. A good choice is the veal with foie gras served with pepper sauce and dumplings

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Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 19

Travel (3000HUF,€9.50) and a salty caramel and pear crumble (990HUF, €3.15) accompanied by a glass of delicious dessert wine tokaj aszú to round off the evening (Csarnok tér 5, +36 1 219 0902, www.borbirosag.com). Day 3: Margaret Island Do a tour of the magnificent Hungarian Parliament (www.http://latogatokozpont.parlament. hu/en), one of the more famous landmarks in the city and completed in 1904. These run in a number of languages numerous times a day and are about an hour long. Nearby, take a walk along Margaret Bridge, which was recently renovated, to see the view of Budapest from this vantage point.

about the city’s communist past while strolling amid gigantic metal statues of red-star heroes like Lenin, Marx, or Engels inside Memento Park, housing the era’s propaganda artworks that once towered above Budapest’s streets. (Open daily 10am until dusk, corner of Balatoni út and Szabadkai utca, www.mementopark. hu, admission: 1,500HUF €4.70, English-language tour: 1,200HUF €3.80 (tour fee is in addition to the entrance fee). The 45-minute tours run from 11:45 am several times a day.

was an outpost of the Roman Empire – on this sprawling archaeological park, visitors can wander around rocky remnants that used to serve as homes to a historic civilization, while the adjacent indoor museum displays numerous artifacts and tile mosaics found here.

The easiest way to get to Momento Park is to take the direct bus transfers from downtown Budapest, available daily at 11 am (in July and August also at 3 pm). The bus leaves from

From the bridge head on to Margaret Island, a 2.5 km long island which is a popular recreation area, where visitors gather at the top of every hour to admire a show of high-rising forming water formations in time to recorded music. From classical tunes by renowned composers to widely known pop songs, they provide entertainment to the public with pieces like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”, Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye”, or “Let Me Slow Down” by the Rolling Stones and operate from May 1st through October 31st. Budapest’s largest swimming complex, on the western side of Margaret Island, is where Budapest comes to cool off during the summer. Margaret Island is also ideal for sporting activities, picnics and simply strolling through the park. Memento Park: red-star statues For the full-on communist-era experience, the Memento Park (also known as Statue Park) has an assemblage of oversized statues and memorials that once stood in prominent public spaces throughout the city, but which were shunted out here following the collapse of the Iron Curtain. History aficionados can learn

Deák Ferenc tér (accessible by all Subway lines M1, M2 and M3), from the bus stop marked Memento Park. Cost is 4,900HUF €15.50) per person, which includes return transportation and entrance fee to the museum. Memento Park is also accessible by public transport. Take bus No. 150 from the corner of Fehérvári út and Bocskai út (Újbuda Központ, Allee Shopping Mall). The ride to Memento Park stop is about 25 minutes. To look further back in history, visit the ruins of Aquincum in Óbuda (Budapest 1031, Szentendrei Road 135, www.aquincum.hu/en/), where there once stood an ancient city that

20 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Another way to escape the often sweltering mid-summer heat is to do as the locals do and take to the hills. An enduringly popular railway circuit comprises the 3km-long Cog-wheel Railway – operational since 1874, electrified in 1929 – and the Children’s Railway, an 11km narrow-gauge constructed by communist youth brigades after the second world war, and to this day still mostly staffed by teenagers. Access is via tram 61 from Budapest metro station Széll Kálmán tér to the end of the line at Hvösvölgy. Further information Ryanair flies to Budapest daily, Aer Lingus flies

Travel

The strikingly attractive Hungarian Parliament building

four times a week (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss and other airlines link Dublin to Budapest daily with one stopover. The fastest and most direct way of getting from Budapest Airport to downtown is by taxi, approximately €25. You can also take a combination of bus and metro: immediately after exiting customs in either Terminal 2A or 2B, a Budapest Transport (BKK) booth in the arrivals area offers ‘Information and tickets’, with wallsized maps of Budapest’s public-transportation network. Here you can buy BKK tickets and passes (the minimum number of tickets

necessary to get from the airport to downtown is two, which can be bought individually (350HUF,€1.10 apiece) or in a set of ten tickets at a discount price (3,000HUF,€9.50). Leave the terminal to take BKK’s airport express bus, the 200E to Kbánya-Kispest. From 4:09am to 10:59pm every day, bus 200E takes passengers directly to the Kbánya-Kispest metro terminus, from which point all four of Budapest’s underground lines are accessible.

elm tree, and draws an animated crowd of arty locals and expats. The cafe covers the first floor of an imposing 1890s town house, and there is a separate side entrance to the 19 guestrooms. Some rooms have striking clawfoot bathtubs and velvet armchairs, while the

Hotels Budapest has plenty of cheap hotels, but for a more stylish stay in the Hungarian capital you can book a design hotel for under €100 a night. Located right opposite the National Museum, Lavender consists of fifteen unique double rooms (seven with their own bathroom), decorated with flea-market furniture (Múzeum boulevard 37, +36 70 417 7763, www. lavendercircus.com, double rooms from €41, no breakfast but free use of the kitchen).

attic rooms have wood-beamed ceilings. The minibar is complimentary, including beer and wine, and is temptingly refilled each day (Gerlóczy utca 1, +36 1 501 4000, www.gerloczy.hu, double rooms from €69 including breakfast).

Right in the centre of Pest, the Gerlóczy Cafe is one of the city’s most popular restaurants, with a sprawling terrace in the shade of a giant

Tucked away in a leafy sidestreet alongside the Hungarian National Museum, the Brody House has high-ceilinged communal areas, a breakfast room, two huge lounges with one-off furniture pieces, sculptures and avant-garde paintings by artists-in-residence, and an honesty bar with wine and beer (Bródy Sándor utca 10, +36 1 266 1211, www.brodyhouse.com, double room from €70 not including breakfast).

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 21

Health

Barringtons Hospital Orthopaedics – Quality Care Close to Home. Barringtons Hosptial, Limerick is leading the way in Orthopaedic services in the Mid-West region.

Barringtons specialise in hip and knee replacements, sport injury medicine and injures of the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves. As the only private health facility providing this highly specialised services in the Mid-West region you can enjoy quality care close to home. The department is being lead by a highly established and experienced Consultancy team with Mr Maha Lingam, Mr Denis Dartee, Mr Joe Sparkes and Mr Brendán Long. As long standing members of the Barringtons team their focus is continuously on patient care and innovation. None more evident that is the exclusive introduction of the Minimally Invasive Orthopaedic Surgery to Barringtons which merits extraordinary recovery times for patients getting them back to a full and pain free life quicker than ever before. For each patient an individualised Plan of Care is developed – ensuring that they meet with all

your medical needs. From the moment you are referred by your GP to Barringtons Hospital for an Orthopaedic procedure a comprehensive process is in place to ensure patient well-being. Working in a collaborative process with your family G.P. all necessary medical checks are carried out prior to surgery and equally there are full assessments of the patients’ at home and support networks for their recuperation after their joint surgery.

Wellness and excellence is at the heart of everything they do from the outstanding level of hygenie in the hospital to the genuine care and warmth that all patients experience while there. The patient journey is fully managed in Orthopaedics in Barringtons Hospital from the initial referral right through to the patient returning to a full recovery enjoying life to its fullest.

Being close to home is a huge advantage for Orthopaedic patients as this ensures that all travel is minimised for hospital visits. It also that their family and friends are close by which all adds to patient well-being when they can look forward to a friendly face popping by for a visit.

With short waiting times, 24/7 hospital cover and an international accreditation Barringtons Hospital is now leading the way in Orthopaedic care. We have insurance cover with all health insurance companies in Ireland from entry level cover right up to the most comprehensive cover.

At the heart of Barringtons Hospital is the genuine friendliness and level of care that all patients, out-patients and visitors experience.

Ask your GP to refer you to Barringtons Hospital ..Quality Care Close to home www.bhl.ie or tel 061-490 500

The following consultants are offering appointments at Barrington’s Hospital. Mr. Brendán Long Speciality: Areas of interest are Sports injuries, Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction of the knee and Rotator Cuff repair of the Shoulder. Telephone: 061 490547 Fax: 061 312939 Email: consultantsuite7@bhl.ie Secretary Name: Noelle. Mr. Michael Gilmore. Speciality: Medico Legal Work Telephone: 091 587933 Fax: 061 312939 E mail info@bhl.ie Secretary Name: Maria

Mr. Denis Dartee Speciality: Specialist areas of interest are Total Hip and Knee Replacement, Sports Injuries: Anterior Cruciate Ligament reconstruction of the knee and Rotator Cuff repair of the Shoulder: Trauma and Lower Limb Orthopaedics. Telephone: 061 490547 Fax: 061 312939 Email: consultantsuite7@bhl.ie Secretary Name: Noelle.

22 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Mr. Maha Lingam Speciality: Specialist areas of interest are Total Hip and Knee joint replacement including the innovative direct anterior approach for total hip replacement; Bikini Hip replacement. Other interests include Percutaneous Foot Surgery, Revision Hip Surgery, Revision Knee Surgery, Spinal Surgery, Sports injuries, Shoulder Surgery. Telephone: 061 490534/535 Fax: 061 312939 Email: mlingam.secretary@bhl.ie Secretary Name: Bridget.

Mr. Joe Sparkes Speciality: Hip and Knee arthroplasty, surgical and nonsurgical management of neck and back pain including spinal injections and rhizotomy. Telephone: 045 889245 Fax: 045 889141 Email orthopaedics@vistaprimarycare. com Secretary Name: Fiona

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Literature

Go the write way Are you a frustrated writer despairing that you will never get into print? Dont give up, Lorna Hogg advises. Why not publish yourself? We’ve all heard the claim that everyone has a book in them – but is that where your book is going to stay?. In recent years, developments in writer/publishing have provided a wide range of opportunities for would be authors. Ebooks, digital and Print on Demand mean that your book could appear in print on paper, appear digitally on Kindle, or both. So, now that it’s perfectly feasible to be a writer/publisher, is it time to unleash your inner author? In past decades, vanity publishing, as it was then called, was often decried as self-indulgence, however valuable the result. These days, ‘ìndie publishers,’ as they are often called, are a growing breed. From personal stories, to local travel guides and histories, novels, work guides and educational resources, writer/publishers are earning world wide readers, and in some cases, regular income. Whether they have been involved with a traditional publishing house or gone it alone, published writers usually have strong views about both processes. In reality, writer/publishers take on the everyday work that professional publishers deal with. Whether they literally self publish, or use a publishing service, the question is - just what do they get for all the effort and expense? Writer/publishers tend to have smaller print runs – from around 100 copies upwards, and many writers now break even on their costs, 24 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

perhaps going into profit on re-prints. The old warnings that your writer/ publisher book would never form part of a window display in a major store, have a place on an established Best Seller List, or a nomination for a literary prize are not really applicable these days. However, your book’s chances of sales and success will be influenced by your unstinting work on promotion and marketing. What writer/ publishing can do is to record events, personal stories, local histories, skills and interests from ancestry research to healthy living. It can also ensure that a niche interest gets into print, and maybe develop a writing career. There is a view that these days people sometimes `write to demand,’ with an eye to providing an established publisher with a potential book. This can cut down on real creativity – whereas writer/publishing can develop it. ebooks can cost less to produce than print books,and this allows experimentation. Global niches can be created and audiences built, allowing writers to make a living from fiction. Some enthusiastic authors also utilise it to produce an acceptable print version of a book which might later be taken up by an established publisher.You’re in control, deciding what form, or forms, the book should take. Self publish and be damned For the determined writer/publisher, researching the processes and

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Celebrerated ‘self-publisher’ Beatrix Potter, and her most famous character, Peter rabbit. She published Tales of Peter Rabbit herself after failing to get a publisher interested

their terminology is vital, even if you intend to hand over the actual process to an expert. Happily, thanks to the available expert advice and good websites, Ireland is one of the best places in the world to develop an interest in writing and publishing your work. Start with www.writing. ie. It gives details of the Irish publishing scene, and aims to de-mystify the processes, listing details of writing courses, guides and background information, Festivals, personal experiences, podcasts and general encouragement. Its sister site is Inkwell (www.inkwellwriters.ie) a publishing services company, that will ‘take the stress out of the process and produce finished books, that look the same as those that are traditonally published.’

Orna Ross is an estalished Irish writer and publisher, and has been called one of the 100 most influential people in publishing to-day. She has founded the Alliance of Independent Authors – ALLIA. Explore her website and ideas at www.ornaross.com

Kazoo is a stand alone company that works closely with Inkwell and www.writing.ie, but is not part of the Inkwell group. Kazoo packages start ‘when the book is edited,’ but they also have a team of editors. (Tel. 01 6217 992 sales@kazoopublishing.com)

Overwhelmed already? Don’t despair. ‘One of the benefits of working with a self-publishing company is that they look after all the detail of getting your book or eBook ready’ says Frank Kelly from www.selfpublishbooks.ie. ‘This is where Kazoo comes in, so that the author doesn’t have to overload themselves with information. All rights remain with the author as they are the publisher – we only provide the publishing service..’

Lettertec, an Irish print company operating for over 30 years has a self -publishing wing www.selfpublishbooks.ie which is a one-stop shop for getting your book into print. ‘As well as being a self-publishing company, we also print all your books here in Ireland, in our state of the art facility. It means we can guarantee quality from start to finish’. Selfpublishbooks. ie also have a short run print facility for people who want as few as 50 hardback books for family or friends and can also print hardback books to go with your paperbacks. They also look after book launch invitations or posters. www.selfpublishbooks.ie also have in-house designers and work with a range of proofreaders and editors. (Tel: 01 6795844 info@selfpublishbooks.ie ). 26 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

All writer/publishers say, many with heartfelt experience, that right from the start, you should at least familiarise yourself with publishing terminology, from author’s rights and publishing formats to the opportunities of POD – Print on Demand. Even if you plan to use a publishing service, you will sign contracts, and need some background knowledge about designing, publicising and selling your work.

So, how much will your book sell for – and how will you market it? What will your royalties be? Kindle gives 70% of the price of an ebook, when priced between $2.99 and $9.99. If priced outside these margins, the author’s royalty will be only 35%. Editing is vital to the success of any writer/publisher book. At its most basic, editing cuts out mistakes, but ideally it also advises on structure, plot and emphasis, plus vital grammar and spelling. Does your book include photographs? That could prove an additional expense and if

photographs or illustrations are used, copyright could be involved. You will probably write your manuscript in Microsoft – but it will then have to be converted to ebook format. Inkwell sums up - `Mobi is for Amazon Kindle. ePub is for all other iBook retailers, e.g. iBooks, Kobo and Barnes and Noble. On Amazon, you can upload a word file and they will do the conversion.’’ Whilst remembering that 99% of book sales are through Amazon, check that you retain the rights. Selfpublishbooks.ie make it clear that, when working with them, you retain all rights to your work. They will also convert your files so they are eBook ready. Kazoo converts all clients’ work, so that they get Mobi and ePub files. Once you pay anyone for the service of converting, you own the files...’’ Many hopeful Irish writer/publishers choose to utilise a service and just hand over the manuscript to have all this work done for them. There are many from which to choose - some part of established book publishing groups. Aside from Selfpublishbooks.ie and Kazoo, The UK service at Matador, part of the UK Troubador publishing house, also has many fans. However, it is vital to remember to check out for any hidden costs. Is cover design included? What about proof reading and proof corrections? Is there a charge for corrections? Kazoo, for example, makes it clear that such services are included in their package – with the exception of editing. Frank Kelly, the man behind Lettertec and www. selfpublishbooks.ie, emphasises the importance of making sure that your manuscript is properly proof read: ‘The last thing you want is to find is typing errors, espcecially when you’ve put so much effort into your book. Take the time to check your work, so it’s just as you want it. We’ll take good care of your work and turn it into a high quality book or eBook’

So, inspired by your writing course, and with that manuscript completed, remember – there is now a viable alternative to any rejection slips. You’re also following in good company. What do Fifty Shades of Grey, Adventures of Peter Rabbit and The Joy of Cooking have in common? They all began via writer/publishers.

www.selfpublishbooks.ie www.writing.ie www.inkwellwriters.ie www.kazoopublishing.com www.irishwriterscentre.ie www.irishwriters-online.com www.theguardian.com (Self publish and be damned) www.allianceindependent authors.org wwww.cnet.com/uk/self-publishing-a-book https://janefriedman.com www.thecreativepenn.com

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 27

Travel

Viva Valencia!

Des Duggan was impressed with Spain’s third largest city

The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences

Valencia is Spain’s third largest city after Madrid and Barcelona, and, like the Spanish capital offers all you would need and expect for a short break or longer stay. It is, as everyone will tell you, a city of contrasts – from the ultra modern City of Arts and Sciences -- a collection of staggeringly impressive modern buildings which house, among other attractions, Europe’s largest aquarium – to the historic heart that is Cuitat Vella (The Old Town). And, not many people may know this, it is the home of paella: not surprisingly since the city is surrounded by a wide green belt of the most fertile land in Spain which produces, among endless varieties of fruit and vegetables, most of the country’s rice. But back to Cuitat Vella. It is one of the most interesting areas in Valencia, hosting a mix of historic buildings, rubbing shoulders with exclusive designer shops and bohemian alleyways which cannot be found anywhere else in the city. The majority of museums in Valencia are also located here, and because you are undeniably in a tourist zone, there’s a wide choice of restaurants and bars and a great buzz at night . In the same way, when going out for a drink, the selection is endless. If Spain stands out in Europe for its nightlife and festivities, Valencia stands out in Spain for the same reason. You will be surprised by the number of bars and

The impressively decorative façade of the North Station

pubs and, just as with the shops and restaurants, the variety is phenomenal: from traditional pubs to elegant cocktail bars. The majority of museums in Valencia are also found here: the IVAM (modern art), the MUVIM (Enlightenment and modernity), the Ceramic Museum, the former site of the University of Valencia, The Chirivella Soriano Foundation, the Prehistoric Museo, and so on. Another distinctive feature of the centre is the pedestrianised streets. It is possible to walk in the most commercial areas such as Calle Ribera or to wander to Ruzafa without having to worry about cars, but as we near the oldest part of the city there are a great deal more pedestrianised areas such as Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza Redonda, and a number of alleyways throughout Barrio del Carmen.

28 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Valencia ‘must’ visits are, of course the City of Arts and Sciences (the most visited cultural complex in Spain last year), the Fine Art Museum, the National Ceramics Museum and The Royal Marina – one of the city’s most important landmarks -- and Malvarros Beach: nearby are the fine beaches of El Cabanyal, Las Arenas and La Malvarrosa and the attractive Paseo Maritimo promenade. If you are into zoos, then you have to visit Bioparc; not everyone’s cup of tea but the size of the place and the variety of animals will impress you. (www. bioparcvalencia.es). Then, of course, there are plenty of architecturally and historically interesting churches and other buildings. Fine Art Museum Located in a Baroque building recently renovated in its entirety, the Fine Arts Museum San

The historic Carmen district

Pio V is one of the most outstanding painting archives in Spain, renowned for its collections of primitive Valencian painters, although there are also works by El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo and Goya. The Fine Arts Museum also exhibits sculptures by Mariano Benlliure and some interesting archeological pieces. City of Arts and Sciences The oceanographic park, created as a great leisure, training and research centre, is structured into ten great areas and is the work of Valencia’s own internationally celebrated architect Santiago Calatrava. The marine areas reflect the Mediterranean habitats, the polar oceans - the Arctic and the Antarctic, the islands, the tropical seas, the temperate seas and the Red Sea. The Aquarium at the City of the Arts and Sciences is made up of different buildings, each one identified with one of our planet’s seas and oceans, and housing the exhibitions of the most typical environments and ecosystems. The spectacular circular entrance building with its 26 metre glass walls was designed by the architect Félix Candela. The ground floor houses information points, shops and other general services. From here we can access ten different areas. In the centre of the Park we find the Aquarium’s flagship building, with its unique lily-shaped roof designed by Felix Candela. The lower floor houses a large aquarium that is visible on all sides. The upper floor of the building, like an

island, is surrounded by a lake and acts as a hub that connects the different themed buildings. The work of Valencia’s own Santiago Calatrava, this is an example of architecture at its most futuristic. The colossal structure houses an IMAX cinema (situated in the Hemisfèric), as well as Europe’s largest aquarium – the Oceanogràfic, interactive educational exhibits in the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and the avant-garde opera house - Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. Furthermore, the impressive l’Assut de l’Or bridge and the Agora are all a delight for the senses. Prince Felipe Museum of Science This museum is part the City of Arts and Sciences complex. The building was designed by Santiago Calatrava and, it is said, is supposed to represent the skeleton of whale. The ground floor includes the “Science on Stage” and “TV Studio”. On the first floor of the Museum the public can find interactive science exhibitions, where they can experiment with fun modules as “Exploratorium”, “Furnishing the world, hand in hand with nature or “Children Space”. The National Ceramics Museum The National Ceramics Museum Gonzalez Marti is housed in a palace that dates from the 15th century and was refurbished in 1740 on rococo style with a magnificent alabaster entrance. Inside, you can find the 18th century carriages, the 19th century rooms, medieval ceramics and an important collection of tiles

Paella, Spain’s most famous dish originated in Valencia

made in the Royal Ceramics Factory in Alcora. The museum contains an important collection of ceramics, with prehistoric, Roman, Greek and Arab items. There are also plenty of contemporary works, including some by Picasso. Tourist card Getting round the city is very convenient with the Valencia Tourist Card. You can buy this in tourist offices, hotels and kiosks. There are three types of card: 24, 48 and 72 hours which will give you unlimited free travel in the city as well as attractive discounts in shops and restaurants. For further information visit Ryanair fly from Dublin to Valencia. For more information on visiting Valencia and other parts of Spain, contact: Spanish Tourist Board, 1 Westmoreland Street, Dublin 1. Tel: (01) 6350200. Email: dublin@tourspain.es www.turisvalencia.es

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 29

Travel

From Wicklow to The Aran Islands on a free travel pass..

Maeve Edwards knew she could travel by train on her travel pass, but could she get to the Aran Islands by free ferry and flight? Teach Synge on Inis Meáin, the cottage, now a museum, where John Millington Synge came to get away from it all, where Theresa Ní Fhatharta, the great granddaughter of Synge’s hosts, gives visitors an enlightening talk on the playwright. This is well worth a visit, and all only for only €3.

Newcomers to the Free Travel Pass can be spotted at forty paces. You’ll see us looking bewildered at bus stops or railway stations, our tell-tale green travel pass clutched in our fists. Emotions too can be seen passing over our faces like clouds passing over the ocean. The overwhelming emotion is one of delight that one has actually arrived at this place after months of praying that the Government would not axe the Free Travel Pass. This joy is mixed with guilt, the kind you get when

you’re afraid you’ll be ‘caught out’, or exposed as a fraud. But all those foolish emotions soon pass. Even the hushed ‘thank you Charlie’ is no longer whispered, as you grow accustomed to hailing a bus, and flashing the pass at the laser machine with practised skill. Once you get your Free Travel Pass, you’ll also need to have a few eager friends, ready and willing to join you on your drop of a hat adventures. My plan was to travel from my home in

30 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Wicklow to the Aran Islands on the Free Travel Pass, spend a couple of days there and return again a few days later.. It was the smallest island, Inis Oirr, I really wanted to visit, but when I rang a Bed & Breakfast, I was told there was a Bodhrán festival on and ‘the whole island is booked out’. I had been to Inis Oirr when my children were small and the memory of the golden beach beside the primary school had been nudging into my consciousness all those years. I wanted to see had my memory played tricks on me, or did the school

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Travel

Deirdre and Maeve, left, with Joe and Dorit.

Feidan wall on Inis Oirr

yard where the children played really have little heaps of white sand lodged in its corners. What a place for children to be, I thought then, with the blue seas their horizon, the meandering stone walls the backdrop to their play. I’d also heard that Aran Ferries, which ferries passengers from Ros a’Mhil (Rossaveal) in Connemara, to the islands, was free on the Free Travel Pass. Unbelievable as that might sound, even more unbelievable was the news, that Aer Arann also has an arrangement to welcome OAP’s on board free gratis. These light aircraft might not be everybody’s chosen way of travelling, flitting like toy planes over the stone walled landscape as they do, but my next trip to the islands will definitely be on one of these. Once my friend Deirdre came on board, the plan took shape and I was off. The bus from Wicklow took me directly to Heuston Station where I happily boarded a train for Galway.

OAP’s need to queue for a ticket with everyone else, and there is that moment of worry to contend with when you’re a newcomer, but, no, the free ticket is handed over with a smile and an ‘enjoy the trip’ Deirdre met me at Galway station, and our adventure began. Aran Ferries runs a coach service from Galway City Centre to Ros a’Mhil and once at the port, excitement builds as the passengers peer over at the islands lying misty on the horizon. The journey takes 50 minutes in a comfortable cruiser, where you can stay on top and brave the elements or stay in comfort down below. As we neared Inis Meáin, we could see fishermen in currachs out on the seas hauling in their lobster pots. We wondered if one of these fishermen was Mairtín, the owner of Cois Cuain, our Bed & Breakfast for the night, who had sent us the following message earlier: ‘I’ll be out fishing, so just make your way up-

32 Senior Senior Times Times ll March September 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 32 - April- October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

stairs, find a bedroom and settle in. The house is the whitewashed one with the blue windows. The front door is unlocked.’ This is exactly what we did. We then found the open kitchen, made ourselves a cup of tea, chatted to a German couple who were on their third journey to the island, and went out to explore. We left the front door of Cois Cuain unlocked behind us for any other guests lucky enough to overnight here. How quickly you get into the island way! Inis Meáin is a beautiful island. This is where you need to be if you want to go back in time. This is a place where there is only one pub, no bill boards and hardly any cars. It has one small church (with a Harry Clark window), many stone forts, cliffs and sea birds. It has golden heifers in stone walled fields, horses leaning over gates, foxgloves in bloom. It has Teach Synge, the cottage, now a museum, where

Travel

Inis Meain Restaurant and Suites

Dún Chonchúir, Inis Meáin

nis Meain Church which has a window by Harry Clarke. The altar is by Patrick Pearse’s father

John Millington Synge came to get away from it all, where Theresa Ní Fhatharta, the great granddaughter of Synge’s hosts, gives visitors an enlightening talk on the playwright. This is well worth a visit, and all only for only €3. There are, believe it or not, no restaurants on Inis Meáin, other than evening meals offered by some of the Bed & Breakfasts. There is the Five Star, Restaurant & Suite Inis Meáin, but dinner here is so popular, I am told, that you have to book weeks in advance. This beautifully designed hotel fits so well into the landscape, you would hardly notice it. Built from local stone, it lies opposite the world famous Inis Meaín knitting factory, which employs approximately twenty people, and is the main employer on the island. On the downside, the new harbour built after a few ‘incidents’at the old, is a bit of a trek into the village and is in a bleak lonesome spot. If you arrive, like we did, with a wild Atlantic rain sweeping in, you will need transport. Some

local men run a taxi service from the port to the various Bed & Breakfasts, and while a fiver might seem good value when you arrive tired and windswept, they should in fairness reduce the price if there are more than two passengers on board. Much as I loved Inis Meáin, my eyes were constantly drawn to Inis Oirr. And so it was that we set off there one morning on the ferry, with our new found friends from Florida, Joe and Dorit. They had come to Inis Meáin through reading the dramas of the playwright, Martin McDonagh. Inis Oirr is a hive of activity compared to Inis Meáin. The harbour is in the centre of the village, and teems with colourful life. There are bicycles for hire, horse drawn covered wagons to whip you off on a tour, buskers, currachs pulled up on the sand, whiffs of music from the various hostelries, and everywhere people talking and laughing together. For this is what’s so special about the Aran

Islands. Maybe because they are islands, the usual aloofness goes out the window, and complete strangers approach you with the same question. What brought you here? As we already knew, most people went to Inis Oirr that week for the Craiceann Bodhrán Festival! Nothing could keep us from it either. Before long, we had found our way to the Arts Centre and had talked our way into that day’s concert. I won’t mention the misty rain that fell as Donal Lunny, who had just completed a Master Class, picked up his bouzouki to join the young bodhrán enthusiasts who had come from all over the world. With the deep haunting rhythms beating around the darkened concert hall, our new Floridian friends caught our eye and grinned across at us in appreciation. Their thumbs up said it all: Thank you for bringing us here to this magical place. And, by the way, there is white sand in the corners of the schoolyard playground.

USEFUL INFORMATION Mairtín’s Bed & Breakfast, Cois Cuain, Inis Meáin: http://coiscuain.com/

Aran Island Ferries: http://www.aranislandferries.com/

Evening Meals can be booked at Tig Congaile B & B Tel: +353 99 73085

Aer Arann: http://aerarannislands.ie/

Restaurant & Suite: http://inismeain.com/suites

John Millington Synge Museum: http://www.discoverireland.ie/ArtsCulture-Heritage/teach-synge-john-millington-synge-s-cottage-museum/48987 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 33

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www.svph.ie 34 Senior Times l July - August 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Literature

Coming through the Rye In the latest in her series of literary-themed travels Lorna Hogg visits the stunning small town of Rye in East Sussex which has been home to many writers, notably Henry James, E F Benson and Rumer Godden. comedy novels. Inspired by and based in Rye, they follow a group of small town wealthy ladies vying for social supremacy in their small circle. Exaggerated and mannered politeness, pet names and witticisms almost mask the ruthlessness of their social ambition to be the local Queen Bee.

The steep cobbled Mermaid Street, one of the most photographed in England, is home to the Mermaid Inn, dating from 1420. We know that writers can become emotionally attached to and inspired by houses - but it takes a special one to inspire three generations of very different authors. Lamb House, in the atmospheric East Sussex town of Rye, is one such house. Here, in “the prettiest town in England,’’ American writer Henry James edited his masterpiece Portrait of a Lady: E.F Benson developed the wit of Mapp and Lucia, and Rumer Godden worked on the popular In This House of Brede. Portrait of a writer James was born in April 1843 to a successul family, and after regularly visiting Europe and briefly studying at Harvard, he moved to Europe at the age of 25. The brother of philosopher William James and diarist Alice james, he travelled widely there. His most powerful literary theme was `innocent’ Americans from the New World, often young women, dealing with the worldy, cynical society in Old Country - Europe. Washington Square, Daisy Miller, and The Turn of the Screw are three of his best known books, but he also wrote travel pieces, short stories and biographies. James settled into London social life, and it is now generally agreed that he was a latent gay man, bound by the conventions of the time, and determinedly single. Whilst visiting the ancient Cinque Port of Rye, overlooking the English Channel. He came under the spell of its medieval heart. James rented eighteenth century Lamb House in 1897, the year before the revised American edition of his famous serialised book, The

Portrait of a Lady. He bought the house in 1899 and completed the Wings of the Dove and The Golden Bowl there. James worked every morning in his study, or in his Garden Room, (which was destroyed by a 1940 bomb.) After lunch, he strolled the cobbed streets, chattting to neighbours, and entertained friends in the evening. It was a civilised, if aloof life, changed by World War 1 – he could hear the guns booming in France across the Channel. Depressed and worried about ill health, he returned to London, dying there on 28th February 1916.

Like James, Benson settled happily into the Rye community, becoming a successful Mayor, and was made a Freeman of the town. He was also a local benefactor. Church windows were replaced and thanks to him the Belvedere viewing platform looking out over the salt marshes, can be enjoyed to this day. Benson died of cancer in 1940, and his books had by then lost some appeal. However, in 1980s, thanks to a stellar cast, including Prunella Scales and Geraldine Mckewan and Nigel Havers, four were filmed in Rye. A new audience was born, and another Mapp and Lucia offered, in which Lamb House became Mallards, was screened in 2014.

Mallards mischief.. James would have been pleased to know that one of his friends would be the next owner of Lamb House. Edwin Frederick `Fred’ Benson also became attached to Rye, when invited to Lamb House in 1900. He was born on 24th July 1867 at Wellington, the English public school, where his father was headmaster, and was one of three surviving siblings. After attending Marlborough College and then Cambridge he worked in archaelogy in Greece and Egypt, and also started to write.

In this house of writers.. The next and last resident of Lamb House was the highly regarded author Rumer Godden, famed for Black Narcissus and In This House of Brede.in Sussex on 10th December 1907, she wrote over 60 books, ranging from 21 novels to children’s boooks to biography and short stories. Godden was noted for her psychological insight and skill in conveying the physical senses. Her father was a Calcutta based shipping merchant, and her Indian childhood experiences with her sisters stayed with her, They were interspersed with an interrupted First World War education, and spells in boarding school back in England,.

In 1893 his somewhat sensational first book, Domo was well recived. Benson would mostly focus on the supernatural and biographies, writing some 100 books in all. A good looking, sporty man, it is possible that he was also a latent gay. When Henry James died in 1916, the lease of Lamb House became vacant and Benson happily accepted it. With a natural eye for social nuances, sharp wit and keen sense of observation, he became best known for the Mapp and Lucia collection of satricial

Returning to India at the age of 25, Godden opened a dance school, which she ran for 20 years. Her first novel, Black Narcissus deals with the emotional challenges of European nuns trying to run a convent school in an old harem in a Moghul Palace, and was published in 1939. A best seller, it was later filmed. Real life, however, was less satisfying.Godden’s first marriage was to dashing soldier Lawrence Foster, but romance soon fled, and in 1942, they separated.

36 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Literature Godden moved, with her three children to back to Kashmir, where they lived for a time on a houseboat - Kingfishers Catch Fire details the experience, and she determindly wrote to pay her bills. Her own experiences coloured her children’s stories, such as the death of family pet from rabies. In 1945 she returned to England, married James Dixon and four years later and settled into her writing career. An interest in Catholicism from the 1950s led to her conversion in 1968. This was also the year she settled, with her husband, in Lamb House. In 1969 came what many feel was her masterpiece, Ìn This House of Brede’. The story about a professional woman who leaves her career to join a closed Order of Bendictine nuns and of the reality behind the idealism was also later filmed, (partly at Drishane Convent, Millstreet) starring Diana Rigg. Godden’s thorough research, some of it local, played a part in her creation of convent life. She left Lamb House after her husband’s death in 1973, moving to Scotland. Awarded an OBE in 1993, she had the chance to re-visit Kashmir for a BBC film, and died after a series of strokes on 8th November 1998. Rye rambles Rye has a colourful history – as a Roman town, under French rule for a spell, later as one of the five local Cinque Ports, and later, popular with local smuggling gangs. Captain Pugwash was created here! It is also very civilised town, with friendly locals, who spend great effort and care in maintaining their beautiful homes in the

Lamb House which has been the home of Henry James, E F Benson and Rumer Godden citadel area, with its cobbled streets and clay tiled roofs. The steep cobbled Mermaid Street, one of the most photographed in England, is home to the Mermaid Inn, dating from 1420. The Georgian Lamb House is now owned by the National Trust and sits at the top of the street. St. Mary’s Church, (with the oldest functioning pendulum clock in England), and its surrounding Church Square, is a veritable Victorian time warp. In the High Street, you can enjoy modern food at the ancient George Hotel, shop or walk down High Street to the Belvedere, looking out

over the salt marshes. There are several other famous Inns – e.g. The Hope Anchor. Don’t miss the splendid views from 13th century Ypres Tower, part of Rye Castle Museum The fastest route to Rye is by high speed train, from London to Ashford, and the local connection. Flying to Gatwick, take the train to Brighton, then along the coast. www.visitsoutheastengland.com www.visit1066country.com www.ryemuseum.co.uk

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Creative Writing Eileen Casey

Sarah Howe’s debut collection Loop of Jade (Chatto & Windus, 2015) has been a publishing sensation, becoming the first ever debut to win the T.S. Eliot Award.

Culture and creativity as always at the John Hewitt Summer School Summer memories may be fast (or slowly) fading, yet looking back, attending the John Hewitt Summer School, 2016 stands out as one to savour. As well as being internationally renowned, the JHSS is a personal favourite at this stage and my yearly pilgrimage to Armagh and the Market Square Arts Centre always proves a source of delight. For a 29th successful year, it offered culture and creativity: literary readings, discussions, musical entertainment, theatrical productions, exhibitions etc. to a quality without parallel. This year’s overarching theme was consistent with the commemorative events: (A Role in History: The Rising, The Great War and A Shared War). Each summer school, a line from Northern poet John Hewitt sets the tone: for 2016, ‘A Man may objectively inherit a role in history reluctantly or with devotion. Soldier,

functionary, rebel,’ (Mosaic). What was truly great about panel discussions during the week was the way the ordinary stories of ordinary men, women and children were honoured. Alongside the narratives of the great are the ‘hidden’ histories, particularly with regard to woman and children. Good historians are always revising, based on research and new evidence. This evaluation opens out the past in interesting and varied ways. As can be imagined, a full week of exceptional cultural enjoyment means there are too many artists to review (suffice to say that there were no disappointments). Among the abundant array of celebrity writers and panelists, Glenn Patterson and Catriona Crowe were more than memorable, the former for his entertaining interviewee skills, his love of music (especially the lyrics of a Prince song Raspber-

38 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

ry Beret ‘She walked in through the out door’) and his engagement with literature. Catriona Crowe’s exploration of women’s role in 1916) was a joy to experience. The Adjunct Professor of History at University of Limerick makes history vibrant and relevant, especially from the point of view of women. Patterson’s new novel ‘Gull’ tells the deLorean story in Northern Ireland in the inimitable way that only Patterson can. However, two other performers at the JHSS I simply must elaborate upon are Duke Special and Sarah Howe. Howe’s debut collection Loop of Jade (Chatto & Windus, 2015) has been a publishing sensation, becoming the first ever debut to win the T.S. Eliot Award. She is the current Fellow at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute. Aside from being a sensational writer, Howe’s delivery of her poems is nothing short of mesmeric. Plus she is

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Creative Writing

utterly charming and down to earth, despite her international fame. Her place of birth (in 1983) is Hong Kong and her Chinese name means ‘Lucky Flower’. The family left Hong Kong at the age of seven. Her mother is Chinese and her father East London. Her father always encouraged his family to think of England as ‘home.’ Howe, as a child, marked out England with a toothpick Union Jack, on the world map in her childhood bedroom. Two decades later, it was Hong Kong that had come to feel ‘other worldly.’ When asked how much she recalls of her childhood, she says; ‘I remember the banyans hung with tangled, fishing-line hairs that sentried my walk down the hill to the school bus. I remember the glass and silver vista of the skyscrapered harbour, remade in neon by night, peered at through the kumquat trees that lined our living room window.’ Howe’s mother was herself abandoned as a baby and taken in, somewhere in Guangdong province, by the woman she regards as her Chinese grandmother. In 1949, when the Communists came to power, the same grandmother fled with the child across the water to Hong Kong. This protective grandmother took across to the temple a jade bracelet the size of a baby’s wrist for it to be blessed and also to listen to the child’s future. Howe explains that the idea was that the loop of milk-green stone should protect the toddling infant from a fall. Describing the work of this Hong Kong-born British poet, academic and editor, Daljit Nagra says ‘Sarah Howe has, in her terms, “crossed the imaginary line” between the personal and the political, between the Occident and the

Orient...between the real state of arrival and dream state of pursuit.’ There is indeed a political dimension to the work. The poem ‘Tame’ begins with a Chinese proverb to the effect that it is far more profitable to raise sons than daughters. Howe explores injustices while exploring place, identity, heritage. The opening of ‘Crossing from Guangdong’ begins; Something sets us looking for a place. /For many minutes every day we lose/ourselves to somewhere else. Even without/knowing, we are between the enveloping sheets/of a childhood bed, or crossing/that bright, willow-bounded weir at dusk. One of my own personal choices is a poem entitled ‘Frenzied’. It appears visually simplistic yet tensions between the images clearly mark it out as a poem, not only about opposites, but also about the duality of human nature itself. Frenzied Maybe holding back is just another kind of need. I am a blue plum in the half-light. You are a tiger who eats his own paws. The day we married all the trees trembled as if they were mad – be kind to me, you said.

Among the many memorable poems in Loop of Jade, the opening poem Mother’s Jewellery Box is also outstanding. ‘The twin lids/of the black lacquer box/open away’ Howe writes: ‘a moonlight lake/ghostly lotus leaves/unfurl in tiers//silver chains/careful o’s and a’s/in copperplate.’ The simple image of a jewellery box is a wonderful metaphor how the poetry itself which has been described as being well-wrought yet elaborate in terms of quality. RS Thomas concluded that good poetry arrives ‘at the intellect by way of the heart,’ the expression of which is clearly shown in Howe’s magnificent debut. Appearances and readings from the poet here in Ireland will be thin on the ground, purely because of global demand. I, in company with a packed auditorium, feel privileged to have heard her voice. However, Ms Howe has a very vibrant website at sarahhowe@poetry.com. Occasionally, she offers workshops, a recent one at Ledbury was titled ‘The Heart’s Archaeology.’ This workshop focused on a line from Auden’s poem ‘Archaeology’ (Guessing is always/more fun than knowing). Howe maintains that archaeology has been a fruitful subject for poems as well as a potent metaphor for more personal kinds of searching.

The wonderful world of Duke Special Duke Special : ‘His show leans more towards an adventure for the soul rather than a performance’.

I’m ashamed to say that I’d never heard of Duke Special before attending JHSS. ‘Where have I been?” I asked my companion after Duke Special’s spectacular show on the 26th July. From the first note to the last, this elfin piano-based songwriter lured me into lyrics, witty, lyrical, romantic and just gorgeous in terms of source inspirations. He is very distinctive in appearance. Dreadlocks, eyeliner and outfits he describes as ‘hobo chic,’ yet vastly different, by the way, than the fashion range called ‘derelict’ in Zoolander. Born Peter Wilson in Lisburn (1971), his live performances (as I happily attest) are laced 40 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

with a theatrical style owing much to Vaudeville and music hall. On the night I heard him, his performance was solo but sometimes he is accompanied by percussionist Chip Bailey who plays cheese graters and egg whisks, a Stumpf fiddle and a Shruti box as well as cymbals. On stage, Duke Special also plays old 78s on an old fashioned gramophone as well as sound effects from a transistor radio. He grew up in Coleraine, Downpatrick and Holywood with his mother, father and three sisters. His grandmother Mary Groves, taught his mother and her brothers to play the piano, a tradition passed onto to young Peter and his three sisters.

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Creative Writing His grandmother Mary Groves, taught his mother and her brothers to play the piano, a tradition passed onto to young Peter and his three sisters. While other children played football, young Wilson practiced his scales in his bedroom. After leaving school, he went to England and worked on a community arts project in Swindon before returning home and playing piano for Brian Houston (a Belfast songwriter influenced by Dylan, Morrison, Springsteen among others). He took the decision to be an artist in 2002 and soon built up a following as a live performer. His album Adventures in Gramophone (Hag Records, 2005) was nominated for the 2006 Choice Music Prize. His credits are very impressive, far too many to list here. He has featured on Later ..with Jools Holland alongside Amy Winehouse and John Legend. In 2008 he won the Meteor Music Award for Best Irish Male. He has played at the Last Night of the Proms for the BBC and in 2011 he presented a documentary on the life and songs of Belfast’s Ruby Murray. He also has collaborated with Celtic Super-group Clannad. On Friday 6th December, 2013, he finished a year long residency of six concerts at Belfast’s Empire Hall with ‘A Victorian Christmas’ performing Christmas songs solo and with featured guests. To say that Duke Special is quirky and eclectic is underselling him. His collection of music memorabilia boasts a fake Styrofoam Piano (a stage prop that hangs from the wall of a small, cluttered room in Belfast’s Oh Yeah Music Centre). He owns a vintage collection of 1930s gramophones which crackle and hiss. The collection also hosts the poetry of Seamus Heaney together with a spur (apparently) from Alexander the Great’s horse. When he played in Brecht’s Mother Courage in London (at the Royal National Theatre) the leading actress Fiona Shaw gave it to him on opening night. The atmosphere in the Market Square Theatre on the night I heard Duke Special for the first time was electric. We were enthralled by the sheer range of the performance which never flagged. Indeed, it was as if each song was better than the previous one (if possible). Because he has such wide reaching curiosities about life and the world around him, the music is ‘alive’ and totally fresh. In the past five years alone, he has undertaken musical projects based on the photography of Strand, Stielglitz and Steichen for the New York Met (‘Under the Dark Cloth’), written a concept album based on a Paul Auster novel and recorded by Steve Albini (‘The Silent World of Hector Mann’). He’s also penned the score for a new musical adaptation of Gulliver’s Travels to be staged in Belfast by Youth Music Theatre UK. After the show I bought two CDs, one which includes the Ruby Murray songbook and the other which contains the wonderful lyrics Last night I nearly died but I woke up just in time. The world of Duke Special opens many imaginative portals. I’d go as far as to say that his show is leaning more towards an adventure for the soul rather than a performance. I felt totally rejuvenated by his vast repertoire. I almost forgot to say that his singing voice is pure sounding, refreshing and original. His new album Look Out Machines he describes as a photograph of where he is now. The reason he is such a delight is that as an artist he loves “going into different territories and finding things that work for me.” Alas, I’ve looked on Duke Special’s website and unfortunately, although he has lots of UK dates lined up, there’s no Irish concerts planned for the immediate future. However, he occasionally facilitates song writing workshops in the Irish Writers’ Centre. His CDs, DVDs, downloads and various memorabilia can be purchased from his site at www.dukespecial.com 42 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Golf

‘ I had been at Gullane and seen Mrs Zaharias play, I would not have believed it humanly possible for a woman to hit a golf ball so far as she did,’ wrote Enid Wilson in Golf Illustrated.

‘Babe’ Zaharias, the ultimate Olympian and golfer Dermot Gilleece recounts the remarkable career of Mildred Didrikson Zaharias who excelled in golf after a remarkable record in the Olympics. Throughout her lifetime which was cut short by colon cancer in 1956 - Didrikson tackled baseball, softball, tennis, billiards, diving, bowling, swimming, volleyball, boxing, cycling and roller-skating. However, she is primarily known for her record in golf, basketball and track and field. Now that golf has finally come to the Olympics, it may be appropriate to look at an Olympian who came to golf. Indeed the champion they called Babe, took the royal and ancient game by storm, with significant amateur successes

followed by three victories in the US Women’s Open, which included a record lead entering the final round in 1954.

it was so realistic. It looks exactly like her. It is wonderful’.

Thirty four years later, when ‘Sea World’ was in San Antonio, one of its features was a socalled Texas Walk containing 18 statues of people who had brought special distinction to the Lone Star State. The only sports figure was Mildred Didrikson Zaharias, known affectionately to her many friends and admirers simply as Babe, who died of cancer 60 years ago.

In those quiet, winter years in San Antonio, Ms Dodd retained vivid memories of the musical duets she (on the guitar) and Babe (on the harmonica) had enjoyed together, duets which were good enough to warrant an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. And she recalled 1954 and how Zaharias had announced in January that she would be resuming a full schedule on the LPGA Tour.

During the difficult, last few years of Babe’s career, her most supportive and loyal friend was golfing colleague, Betty Dodd, who, as a special gesture, was given the honour of unveiling the statue. And in a phone call at the time of the ceremony to British golf-writer, Liz Kahn, she said excitedly: ‘ I saw it, I was amazed because

In the wake of her surgery for colon cancer the previous April, galleries missed the cocky exuberance and running chats which made her a great drawing card wherever she played. And though her first tournament back was disappointing, due largely to bouts of dizziness, she gradually grew stronger. In fact only a

44 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

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sufferers that the operation I had, a colostomy, will enable a person to return to normal life. This is my answer to them.’ Though the 14-stroke winning margin by Louise Suggs in 1949 remained the championship record, Zaharias had gained the distinction of establishing the next three biggest margins. Prior to Salem, she had won by nine strokes at Rolling Hills CC in 1950 and by eight at Atlantic City CC two years previously.

Didrikson regularly trained in Art McGovern’s box gym in New York

week later, she was seventh in the Tampa Women’s Open. February 1954 brought even further improvement, marked by a tie for the St Petersburg Women’s Open, which she lost after a play-off. Then came emphatic evidence of her well-being, with back-to-back victories in the Miami Women’s Open and the Sarasota Open. ‘I feel wonderful,’ Babe enthused, ‘ think I’m here to stay.’ Zaharias went on to win in Washington DC from where she turned her attention to the hilly stretch at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts, the venue for the US Women’s Open. And when the great occasion arrived, the champion of 1948 and 1950 proceeded to take it by storm, shooting rounds of 72 and 71 for a six-stroke lead at the halfway stage. She was aware, however, that the toughest part had yet to come, with 36 holes on the Saturday likely to test her endurance to the limit. Still, the omens looked bright when a third-round 73 on a mild, cloudless morning, extended her lead to a record 10 strokes after 54 holes. Nothing could now stand between her and a stunning comeback, comparable even to that of the great Ben Hogan who returned to win the US Open at Merion four years previously, after a near-fatal car crash. Mind you, she took the precaution of a nap between rounds in the quiet of the clubhouse. And she needed it, as indicated by four bogeys late in the afternoon. By that stage, however, her dominance was such that her margin of victory remained the only point at issue as delighted well-wishers greeted her approach to the final green on the way to an amazing, 12-stroke triumph. With nothing left to prove, she was noticeably subdued at the presentation ceremony. ‘My prayers have been answered’, she said quietly. ‘I wanted to show thousands of cancer

In the absence of a birth certificate, it is accepted from the record of her baptism that Mildred Ella was born in Port Arthur, Texas on June 26th 1911, the sixth of seven children to Norwegian immigrants, Ole and Hannah Didriksen. Though her parents ended their name with ‘en’, Mildred later changed her’s to ‘on’ believing erroneously that it was more Norwegian. When the family moved to Beaumont where they lived close to an oil refinery, Ole built his children a gymnasium in the back garden where equipment which included a weight-lifting device and a trapeze, sparked in Mildred a taste for athletic pursuits. Though she had dabbled in golf as a teenager, basketball became her dominant sport, leading her to the Olympics. Baseball also came easily to this remarkably natural athlete and her penchant for hitting home runs earned the sobriquet Babe, after the national hero of the day, Babe Ruth. In national trials for the 1932 Olympic Games at Los Angeles, she really made her mark. Entering eight events, she won six gold medals and broke four world records, two of them her own. Then came the Olympics where, in her first event, she unleashed an amazing javelin throw of 143ft 4ins to break the existing world record by no less than 11 feet. Victory followed in the 80-metre hurdles in a world record 11.7 secs. In the high jump, she and rival Jean Shiley both cleared 5ft 5 1/2 inches, but Shiley was awarded the gold on a technicality when Didrikson was deemed to have illegally rolled her head over the bar before the remainder of her body. Even as silver medallist, however, she was acknowledged as joint holder of the world record. Grantland Rice, a leading sportswriter of the time, proclaimed her to be: ‘The Ultimate Amazon and the greatest athlete of all mankind for all time. An incredible human being. She is beyond all belief until you see her perform. Then you finally understand that you are looking at the most flawless section of muscle harmony, of complete mental and physical co-ordination the world of sport has ever known.’. Later in the 1930s, she turned her attention seri-

ously to golf but had to endure some ridiculous rulings on her amateur status from the USGA, due to her involvement as a professional in other sports. So she went touring with Gene Sarazen, doing clinics and exhibitions. And she met her future husband, George Zaharias, a professional wrestler of Greek origin, when they were both competed in the 1938 Los Angeles Open. When they married, Zaharias was by no means a kept man, given earnings of more than $100,000 per year. But their tempestuous relationship was not helped by the absence of children. To her profound sorrow, Babe miscarried and when they tried to adopt a child, agencies thought them unsuitable because of the time they spent on the road. Meanwhile, having regained her amateur status, she earned rave notices for her victory in the British Women’s Championship. ‘ I had been at Gullane and seen Mrs Zaharias play, I would not have believed it humanly possible for a woman to hit a golf ball so far as she did,’ wrote Enid Wilson in Golf Illustrated. On her triumphant return to the US, we’re told that Babe did a highland fling in a kilt, down the gang-plank of the Queen Elizabeth into the arms of her husband. She then turned professional and became a key figure in the launch and early development of the LPGA Tour, gaining three victories in 1948, two in 1949 and six in 1950. On contracting cancer in 1953, she fought a heroic battle and doggedly kept playing into 1955, when she won her last two tournaments. By that stage, however, her body was ravaged by the disease and she died in the generous care of Ms Dodd on September 27th, 1956. As a superb sportswoman, Babe thrived on competition and was accustomed to winning. But the final battle against illness, was beyond even her extraordinary talents.

In n her first event in the 1932 Olympics, she unleashed an amazing javelin throw of 143ft 4ins to break the existing world record by no less than 11 feet

Health

Vaccination is the only protection Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. Flu affects people of all ages, with outbreaks occurring almost every year. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. Most people recover from flu in 2-7 days. This is different from a cold which is a much less severe illness compared to flu. A cold usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. Symptoms of a cold are generally mild compared to flu. In some instances, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death. Serious breathing complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Some people may need hospital treatment and a number of people die from flu each winter. Flu is spread by coughing and sneezing. Anyone with flu can be infectious from 1 day before to 3-5 days after onset of symptoms. This means that you can pass on flu or the flu virus to somebody even before you know that you are sick. Each year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains. The flu virus changes each year this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each year. This year’s flu vaccine contains the Swine Flu strain which is likely to be one of the common strains causing flu this winter. The best way to prevent flu is to get the flu vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for all those 65 years of age and over

Pneumococcal vaccine If you are over 65 or have a long term medical condition you should also ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine which protects against pneumonia, if you have not previously received it. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as your pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is recommended for those aged 65 years and older and those over 2 years with long term medical conditions. This vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal disease including those most likely to cause severe disease. Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection. The bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease live in the nose and throat. A person who carries the bacteria can spread the disease by coughing, sneezing or even breathing. Pneumococcal disease can cause serious illness including Pneumonia, Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) or Septicaemia (blood poisoning). You only need to get pneumococcal vaccine ONCE after you reach 65. If you received your first dose of this vaccine before you reached 65 years of age you should receive a second dose at least 5 years after the first dose. If you are under 65 you may need a second dose if

those with long term medical conditions e.g. heart or lung disease

You have no spleen or your spleen is not working properly,

all frontline healthcare workers including carers

You have a medical condition causing a weakened immune system.

Vaccination should ideally be undertaken in late September or October each year. Flu vaccines have been used for more than 60 years worldwide and are very safe. Flu vaccine contains killed or inactivated viruses and therefore cannot cause flu. It does, however, take 10-14 days for the vaccine to start protecting you against flu. The vaccine and consultation are free to those within the recommended groups who have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’. GPs charge a consultation fee for seasonal flu vaccine to those who do not have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’. More information is available GP, Public Health Nurse or pharmacist. www.immunisation.ie provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you may have about flu.

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You cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine as it does not contain live bacteria. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as your pneumococcal vaccine. The vaccine and consultation are free to those within the recommended groups who have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’. GPs charge a consultation fee for seasonal flu vaccine to those who do not have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’. More information is available from your GP or Public Health Nurse. www.immunisation.ie provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you may have.

EVERY YEAR FLU CAUSES SEVERE ILLNESS AND DEATH. IF YOU ARE: Over 65

Have a longterm illness

Pregnant

A health care worker

GET YOUR FLU VACCINE NOW.

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.ie

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For more information, talk to your GP or Pharmacist

Food Safety

Staying safe with food safety in the home We all think of our home as the least likely source of food poisoning but according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 40% of food poisoning occurs in our homes. As we get older, our bodies can’t fight the bacteria that causes food poisoning like it used to, which is why it’s even more important to follow those simple food safety tips you know so well, and continue to stay safe from food poisoning and remain healthy. What you need to know about Listeriosis (caused by the bacteria “Listeria”) Food poisoning caused by a particular bacteria, Listeria, is a real risk as we get older. You might be surprised to know that in the last ten years, over half of listeriosis cases across Ireland were among those aged over 65. And while the numbers who contract listeriosis are small, the potential impact of this bacteria on your health can be very significant including hospitalisation. That’s why it’s worth following tips around chilling and especially use-by dates on food. Use-by dates Unlike most bacteria that cause food poisoning, Listeria can grow slowly at refrigeration temperatures and are often linked to foods like prepared sandwiches, cooked meats, butter, smoked salmon, soft cheeses, pate, prepared salads and some cut fruits such as melon. That’s why at safefood we recommend avoiding eating foods once they are past their ‘use-by’ date. After this date, even if it still looks and smells alright, Listeria may be present. Once you’ve opened a food, for example

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a pack of sliced ham, the ‘use-by’ date no longer applies and you really need to eat it within 2 days of opening. Check your fridge is below 5° Celsius Your fridge should be at 5°C or below to keep your food at its best – you can check this with a fridge thermometer which most hardware stores stock and cost around 5 or 6 euros. Don’t always rely on the number on the fridge thermostat as they can differ for each model. If fridges aren’t kept cold enough, harmful bacteria can grow. With any leftover cooked foods, these need to be refrigerated within two hours and eaten within three days. Avoid cross-contamination between hands, packaging and utensils As always, keep raw and cooked foods separate in the fridge. Store raw foods at the bottom of the fridge to avoid raw juices dripping on other foods and contaminating them. Always wash your hands and clean utensils, chopping boards and surfaces after every use and as you go. Thankfully, the numbers of cases of food poisoning are relatively low but because the impact can be much greater on our health as we get older, it’s really important to keep ourselves safe from it. You can find more information on our website www.safefood.eu or by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Dr. Gary Kearney, Director, Food Science, safefood

I’M 66. OF COURSE I KNOW HOW TO CLEAN A CHOPPING BOARD But at our age, our bodies can’t fight the bacteria that cause food poisoning like they used to. Don’t find out the hard way. Chopping boards can harbour germs. So give yours a good scrub in hot soapy water after every use.

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Fit The

Edited by Conor O’Hagan

indoor & outdoor activities supplement

Walking

The Wicklow Way – in stages

It’s one of hillwalking’s great challenges – but also one of its most accessible. Conor O’Hagan is your guide

Djouce At 131km, the Wicklow Way is probably the single most important long-distance walking route in Ireland. This isn’t just because it serves the capital, with its start point in one of south Dublin’s most popular parks, but because the story of its creation is central to the development of hill- and country walking as a recreation in Ireland. The Wicklow Way was the brainchild of J. B. Malone; an idea he aired in 1966 in his regular walking column for the Evening Herald. The idea wasn’t an instant hit; it was only with Malone’s appointment to the Long Distance Walking Routes Committee of Cospoir, the National Sports Council, that he was able to begin realising his dream. The circular route he had envisaged became linear for various reasons, including the then government’s aspiration to

establish a network of linked routes around the country. By 1982 the Wicklow Way was complete in more-or-less its final form and became the first ‘Waymarked Way’ of an eventual network numbering over forty and collectively providing over 2,500 miles of signed walks. In a wider context, the Wicklow Way is today a somewhat notional link in European long-distance path E8, which runs from Cork to Istanbul, in case you hadn’t noticed. The Wicklow Way’s weakness – and one of its strengths – is its inclusion of extensive stretches of public road. Its success in drawing thousands of walkers of every age, hue and stripe into hillwalking every year is largely due to its accessibility, and the ease of

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‘dipping in, dipping out’. Given that its northern terminus in Marlay Park is itself within walking distance of the city centre, the Way is an ‘experience’ that few major cities can match, and the range of terrains it encompasses make it a priceless asset for Dublin and Ireland. Stage 1 Marlay Park to Knockree Distance: 21km Ascent: 600m The Wicklow Way begins at the car park adjacent to Marlay House in Marlay Park. The estate was founded out in the late 18th century by the La Touches, a family of Huguenot merchants; later developed as the public park and recreational mecca it is today. There is a map

Photographs by Joe King/Creative Commons

Powerscourt deerpark and waterfall

board at the trailhead, and set in a low wall, a stone stile marking the start of the Wicklow Way. The Way crosses the wooded park and the Little Dargle river before crossing under the M50 motorway to begin the journey into the Dublin Hills.

lar view over Powerscourt waterfall – Ireland’s tallest at 121m – and the Deer Park. The history of Powerscourt and its once mighty Estate is worth a study in itself, as it mirrors every shift and tumult in Ireland’s history since pre-Norman times.

Kilmashogue (408m), Fairy Castle (536m), Two Rock and Tibradden mountains are passed. There are fine views of Dublin, past Lambay Island and even as far as the Mourne Mountains on a clear day. The path descends to Ballybrack and the Glencullen road at 9 km. Walking eastwards along the road, the route then turns south to cross the Glencullen River, passing through the hamlet of Boranaltry. Ascending from Boranaraltry, the trail crests the shoulder of Prince William’s Seat, 555m (named for unclear reasons, but possibly connected to a royal visit in 1821), at which point the Way leaves County Dublin and enters County Wicklow, followed by a descent through Curtlestown Wood to the Enniskerry road at about 17km, directly north of Knockree Hill. The popular village of Enniskerry is 4km to the east, and the Wicklow Way continues around Knockree Hill to Knockree Youth Hostel.

The Way then crosses the Dargle River, before climbing Djouce Mountain (775m). From here, the trail goes on to White Hill (633m), with views south to Turlough Hill, its summit reservoir and the flat-topped Lugnaquilla, which though relatively inauspicious looking is actually Wicklow’s highest point at 926m. At around 31km a raised walkway (installed to protect the fragile surrounding blanket bog from further serious erosion) marks the start of a long descent through Ballinastoe Woods, and at the southern end of a ridge known as the Barr, a memorial stone to J. B. Malone, carved by sculptor Billy Gannon and erected in 1990, overlooks Lough Tay.

Stage 2 Knockree to Roundwood Distance: 18km Ascent: 500m This is a superb section of the Wicklow Way, climbing the side of Powerscourt Deer Park and the open slopes of Djouce. Leaving Knockree Hill (342m) and the Youth Hostel to the east, the Way drops down to and follows the Glencree River before crossing the river into Crone Wood and up, passing the wall of Powerscourt Estate, with glimpses of the cone that is the deceptive Great Sugar Loaf (504m) to Ride Rock, from where there is a spectacu-

A 2km road walk giving fine views high above the valley is followed by a further 5km through the forest at Ballinrush and Ballinafunshoge. This leads to a road at 38km from where a 2km hike, firstly north, then east, leads to Roundwood, which at some 238m above sea level, claims to be the highest village in Ireland.

From Roundwood, pick up the Wicklow Way at Oldbridge close to Lough Dan, taking the road over Drumray. In Drummin Forest, Mountain Meitheal have built a shelter, which may come in handy this summer. It’s just a tiny part of the priceless voluntary work done by the group in maintaining and restoring the Wicklow Way. The Way takes you towards and eventually over the flat top of Paddock Hill, from where Brockagh, Camaderry and Derrybawn are seen (unlike the deep valleys between them!). The Way then drops south-west through more forest to meet the Glenmacnass Road, which leads into Laragh. The village once thrived around a military barracks built on the Military Road to aid the suppression of Irish rebels after the 1798 rebellion. Today it contains shops, restaurants and accommodation for the sake of a relatively minor detour, but if you are continuing to Glendalough, cross the road and a wooden footbridge across the Glenmacnass River into Brokagh forest, and finally, after some exquisite views of the Vale of Glendalough, with its two lakes and the looming Camaderry and Derrybawn Mountains, into Glendalough itself, which has facilities in abundance, a Visitor Centre and a range of walking trails to distract you from your mission. Stage 4

Stage 3 Roundwood to Glendalough Distance: 12km Ascent: 350m A relatively short stage, but with plenty of interest, following in part an ancient pilgrim’s route to Glendalough with four of the great Wicklow glacial valleys; Avonmore, Glenmacnass, Glendasan and Glendalough, meeting at Laragh and Glendalough.

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Glendalough to Glenmalure Distance: 14km Ascent: 400m The Wicklow Way crosses the main valley floor, just after the Visitors Centre, via a footbridge over the Glendasan River, and continues up-valley to Poulanass waterfall, then climbing through the forest on the western flank of Derrybawn.

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Moyne

Here the trail turns into the Lugduff valley and the start of a 4-5 km climb of 400m to the shoulder of Mullacor (657m), crossing the boggy saddle between it and Lugduff on a boardwalk. The Way then begins a long descent into Glenmalure, the longest glacial valley in Ireland and Great Britain. Along the way the trail passes another shelter, constructed by Mountain Meitheal. Reaching the floor of the valley, the Way joins the Military Road to reach Drumgoff Crossroads. Crossing the River Avonbeg, the route passes the remains of an old military barracks, built around 1800, and enters Drumgoff Wood. At the forest entrance is a granite pillar marking the official halfway point of the Wicklow Way. The trail follows a forest road along the flanks of Slieve Maan before briefly re-joining the Military Road and then following a forest road around Carrickashane Mountain before reaching the road at Iron Bridge where the Way crosses the Ow River. Another shelter, again constructed by Mountain Meitheal volunteers with assistance from the Glenwalk Hillwalking Club, can be found at Mucklagh, on the slopes of Carrickashane Mountain. Stage 5 Glenmalure to Moyne Distance: 21km Ascent: 550m A slightly longer stage of the Wicklow Way that takes the walking route through the southern upland section and into the rolling hills of southwest Wicklow. It finishes with views west to the flatter farmland of County Carlow. Beginning with an ascending trek through the

pleasantly forested slopes of Slieve Maan, the trail takes to the Military Road after yet another 400m ascent over a distance of some 6km. The walking path then circles the upper slopes of Carrickashane (508m) before descending to reach the Ow River valley at the Iron Bridge at approximately 75km from Marlay Park. Iron Bridge, Aughavannagh, is sometimes used as a stage end. This can either be walked as a short stage from Glenmalure (14km) or a longer stage from Glendalough (30km). Leaving Iron Bridge, a more gradual ascent then takes the trail across Ballyteigue Bridge before crossing south-westwards between Ballygobban mountain (447m) and Shielstown Hill (536m). Close by is the place where an entire family was wiped out in an avalanche in the 1860s, reportedly triggered by a snowball fight after a heavy snowfall - the only such accident ever recorded in Ireland. The stage finishes with a quiet road walk southwards to the tiny and once picturesque Georgian hamlet of Moyne at 84km which offers accommodation nearby and a shop at Knockananna, 2km to the west. This point marks the end of the mountain stages as the terrain changes to the quiet, leafy laneways and green roads of the gentle hill-country from here almost to the finish at Clonegal. Stage 6 Moyne to Shillelagh Distance: 21km Ascent: 500m From Moyne, the Wicklow Way takes minor roads to cross the river by a narrow bridge at Sandydord, then follows an easy walking

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path round the eastern side of Ballycumber hill, with Lugnaquilla rising at the western end of the valley. To the east, Croghan Kinsella (‘little stack of the Kinsella family’) was once the unlikely scene of Wicklow’s 1797 gold rush after a large nugget was found in a local stream. Another mining operation, this time for copper, flourished briefly in the 1960s. After descending the southern side of Coolafunshoge Hill, the Way joins the busy road from Hacketstown to Tinahely at 95km. This makes an ideal stageend for those who broke the journey at The Iron Bridge. A leafy green road contours the lower slopes of Muskeagh Hill and onwards to Mullinacuff and Stranakelly cross roads. Here Tallon’s Pub, it’s known to all as ‘The Dying Cow’, provides a perfect excuse for a thirst-slaking pint to celebrate crossing the 100km line at Mullinacuff. A further 6km brings the Wicklow Way to the busy R725 road to Shillelagh. However, if planning to stay in Shillelagh, a busy road-walk is avoided by remaining on the Way as far as Raheenakit Forest, then taking the minor road via Ballard Cross to reach the village. Stage 7 Shillelagh to Clonegal Distance: 19km Ascent: 300m The final section of the Wicklow Way is predominantly road walking on relatively quiet side-roads. After an early passage through Raheenakit Forest and around Stokeen, Moylisha and Urelands hills, with fine views to

Home Instead Senior Care Rolls Out Free Dementia Care Workshops Are you struggling to care for an older loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia at home? Or would you like to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? An Alzheimer’s disease or dementia diagnosis everything changes. As a person living with dementia or a family member or friend, you will likely struggle to understand the full impact of dementia; it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Home Instead Senior Care offers FREE Dementia Care workshops to educate and support people who would like to learn more about what it means to give or receive specialist Alzheimer’s and dementia care. The workshop focuses on the symptoms, care and dignity of the person with dementia rather than the condition, physiology, treatment or cure. In particular, this workshop will help attendees to: Learn care approaches when helping with personal care activities Understand behavioural symptoms, and care approaches to help minimise actions Learn and role play starting conversations for effective communication Recognise ways to prevent behavioural symptoms in the future Discover ways to care for yourself so that you can remain a successful family caregiver Learn of care options and advice if you are worried about a possible dementia diagnosis The content of the dementia care workshop is based on the Home Instead Senior Care programme, CARE: Changing Ageing Through Research and Education. This unique, research-based approach for Home Instead’s professional CAREGivers has been designed by renowned experts in the field of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care and focuses on personalising the care experience and looks at practical ways of dealing with some of the most common issues associated with dementia. Home Instead CAREGivers are trained to use techniques to help keep people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia engaged in life, and to understand and reduce symptoms that is a sign of unhappiness.

It is the mission of Home Instead Senior Care to enhance the lives of older people and their families and this specialised training enables clients and their families to be assured that care is provided by a professional who is up to date with the latest in Alzheimer’s education and home care techniques. Dementia Care Workshops for Retailers and Businesses The home care provider also provides dementia care workshops to businesses to help make the local community a more welcoming environment for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. This training addresses: What dementia generally is and isn’t Potential signs of dementia Potential triggers to common behavioural symptoms that may arise from the disease Suggestions for handling such situations Suggestions for interacting with someone who may have the disease The purpose of this training is to help customers with dementia and their loved ones who care for them feel more comfortable because trained employees treat them with an increased sensitivity and understanding. If you would like to sign up to a free dementia care workshop, or avail of a private dementia care consultation call 1890 930 013 or email info@HomeInstead.ie. You can sign up online at HomeInstead.ie.

Lugnaquilla

Mount Leinster, the final kilometres follow the valley of the Derry River, from the Wicklow/ Carlow boundary at Wicklow Bridge, into Clonegall. Note that the Co Wexford border is also close by; just a few hundred metres east of here. Clonegal is a fine old village, and at Osbourne’s pub you may obtain not only refreshment, but a certificate of completion of the Wicklow Way!. Maps The Wicklow Way Map Guide (by EastWest Mapping) - available from EastWest Mapping, Clonegal, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, 05477835, email info@eastwestmapping.ie The Complete Wicklow Way (by J.B. Malone) The Wicklow Way (by Rucksack Readers) available from Rucksack Readers, Landrick Lodge, Dunblane, FK15 Ohy, UK. Phone +44 (0) 1786 824 696. Advice from www.wicklowway.com Before setting out to tackle either a section or the complete Wicklow Way, be sure to check out this informative and dedicated website Weather Conditions & Daylight Hours Regardless of when you undertake the journey it is essential to be aware of the expected weather conditions each day. If your journey is at any time from late Autumn to early Spring bear in mind the significantly increased likelihood of unfavourable weather. This can include high winds, heavy rain or sleet and sometimes snow blizzards. Any of these when coupled with the significantly smaller number of daylight hours, can provide the ingredients for an exceptionally challenging undertaking.

Mountain Safety Never undertake a walk in wilderness country alone. Three is a recommended minimum group size. Wear or carry suitable clothing, food, basic first aid kit, survival bag, waterproof torch (one on an elasticated headband is best) & whistle. Know how to read a map and use a navigation compass. Always carry both and use the map to maintain a check on your location and rate of progress.

Rucksack If you intend to arrange for back-up luggage to be transported by your chosen accommodation, then a medium size rucksack (25 to 30 litres capacity) will be adequate to carry your daily needs of clothing, food and liquid as well as a basic first aid kit. On the other hand if carrying all your luggage yourself then greater capacity will be needed, the actual size depending on your personal assessment of what are “bare necessities”.

Know the weather forecast; be alert to changing conditions en route.

Guide Books, Maps & Compass The entire route of the Wicklow Way is signposted by marker posts, which generally speaking (but not always) are clearly visible. However, it is unwise to embark on the route without a good Guide Book which combines a series of clearly laid out maps, compiled to a known scale, and related descriptive text. Maps numbered 56 and 62 in The Discovery Series produced by Ordnance Survey Ireland to a scale of 1:50,000, provide a broader topographical picture of the greater part of the route. The northernmost 12km and all of Dublin are on map number 50, the southernmost 1km is on map 61 and the towns of Bunclody and Kildavin are on map 68.

Plan your route. Leave a note of your plan and expected arrival time. Report on arrival. Carry a mobile telephone; only use it to summon Mountain Rescue in a real emergency -incapacitating or serious injury or illness. If an emergency arises stay calm and think before you act. If summoning help first identify your location (grid reference), then contact Emergency Services (999 or 112) and ask for Mountain Rescue. Clothes and Equipment A warm and dry hiker is a happy hiker! Therefore comfortable walking/hiking boots and socks, a hat or cap, gloves, fleece jacket, water- & wind-proof jacket and over-trousers are essential outerwear. Beneath that a series of lighter mid- and under-layers of clothing are recommended. As a significant portion of the southern section of the route is along small country roads, lighter walking shoes are a useful additional item to carry. If you are new to trail walking then the advice of a specialist hiking gear shop is a necessary pre-embarkation task.

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Best mountaineering practice recommends carrying a navigation compass (presuming of course you have the ability to use it correctly!) on all hiking expeditions and the Wicklow Way is no exception. Mobile telephone reception is best on high ground, nearly always non-existent in the valleys, therefore regard a phone as an optional extra; useful for contacting your upcoming accommodation in the event of unexpected delay, or in the event of a real emergency (and only in such circumstances) Mountain Rescue.

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Cycling

The rise and rise of the MAMIL Serious cycling is a theatre of dreams for the ambitious Over 50s. Conor O’Hagan reports One of the most remarkable (and let’s be honest – most derided) manifestations of ‘senior fitness’ in recent years has been the rise of the MAMIL, the middle-aged man in lycra. Summer roads once innocent of two-wheeled users are now awash with grizzled cyclists astride the kind of gorgeous, exotic racing machinery your kids would never have dared aspire to. Far from relaxed spins on sit-upand-beg roadsters down country lanes, these warriors are serious performers, chasing down times and distances in gruelling and impressive events, where they compete not only with their contemporaries, but with cyclists decades younger.

But how much can you seriously hope to achieve as a cyclist in your fifties, sixties or even seventies – and beyond? The downside There’s no avoiding the fact that as you age, your ‘maximal exercise capacity’ – the ability to exercise flat-out – declines steadily. At the same time, your ability to recover from hard training or competitive sessions also declines. That’s mainly because of a reduction in muscle mass and heart-lung function. In rough terms, both these things peak some time before your mid-30s.

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To add insult to injury, your body fat percentage typically rises in middle-age; a process that continues into what we (flexibly) call old age. Your heart is no longer able to sustain the kind of work rates it once managed, in terms of volume of blood pumped, or beats per minute. An overall decline of 1% per year in oxygen delivered to the muscles and organs at peak output is typical – though not, as it transpires, inevitable. This oxygen delivery and uptake is what dictates the amount of power and energy you are able to apply to whatever activity you are engaged in.

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Cycling

On the other hand.. So far, so gloomy; but there’s more to cycling performance than these bottom-line indicators, and there are innumerable examples of older cyclists at all levels of experience and performance who have not only apparently defied ageing, but even turned back the clock to record achievements that eluded them in their younger days. That’s because peak capacity is just what it says – a hypothetical ceiling which few attain at any time in their lives. And with the right type, volume and intensity of training you can get closer than ever to your potential and actually out-perform your younger self. In addition, training can retard the decline in heart performance, with the result that older athletes can achieve the same relative gains from training as younger ones. Meanwhile, other aspects of age become beneficial. A more structured, patient and less aggressive approach to training, combined with more moderate habits in lifestyle and nutrition can contribute, albeit marginally, to closing the gap. As an older cyclist you are more likely to ‘listen to your body’ (it’s talking louder, after all) and to be prepared to adapt your training to your own needs rather than attempting to outdo others. In distance-based endurance events, which tend to dominate cycling, age is less of a factor because aerobic performance, which is sustained by the oxygen delivered by normal respiration, declines much less quickly with age than anaerobic performance, which is the short-lived stuff of sprints. That said, periods of intense anaerobic training (aka regular flat-out bursts) play an important role in maintaining performance at a given distance.

By taking up or keeping up performance-oriented cycling in older age you can achieve what many people scarcely believe possible – levels of fitness and physical achievement that many of those half your age have never known, and the satisfaction, confidence and quality of life that go with them. Keeping up As an older cyclist looking to maintain or increase your performance, here are a few pointers: • Always train intelligently: swap the ‘junk miles’ for targeted sessions that are focused on developing specific aspects of your performance. • Listen to your body - be prepared to be flexible when following a training plan. • Allow for (and enjoy) longer recovery periods after particularly hard or prolonged training sessions. • Pay careful attention to the content of your meals, look for high-quality carbohydrates with some quick-releasing protein soon after every training session to maximise your recovery and minimise muscle damage. • Remember that strength, power and flexibility decline disproportionately with age; incorporate some strength and power training (eg ‘interval’ training) into your routine and be prepared to increase this to maintain performance at shorter distances. • When choosing competitive events, remember that as the years advance, the longer the distance, the less proportionately disadvantaged you’ll be.

60 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Cosmetics

Spotlight on anti-aging skin care

Mairead Robinson reports on the latest news from the world of beauty products.

There was a lot of interest in my last article on skin care products from Nuxe, a range which I find both gentle and effective and so I was very interested to see a new product has just landed on the shelves this month to add to their anti-aging range. Merveillance Expert Fluide has a concentrated anti-aging power to fill in wrinkles and provide a firming effect in a formula with a velvety matte finish, designed specially to meet the needs of women with combination skin. The skin is re-plumped, appears lifted and does not leave a shine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is an issue for skin that has oily patches. The key ingredient is Vimentin, which just like Collagen and Elastin is a key protein the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youthful beauty. Natural plant extracts

contained in the Merveillance Expert formulas target these three proteins to help fight the appearance of visible lines and loss of firmness. It is a light-textured fluid cream which instantly smoothes the skin and helps reduce the appearance of pores. Launching this September, you will find it at your local pharmacy. I always recommend finding a brand or product range that suits you and trying out their new products before branching out to something that just might not suit you as much. This is particularly true for those with sensitive skin. And indeed it is worth noting that price is not a necessary indicator of quality when it comes to a choosing a natural product that will

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not contain any ingredients that might react badly on your skin. Another French range that I particularly like, along with Nuxe and La Roche O Posay is Vichy, which also uses thermal spring water in its products. When it comes to foundation, I choose Dermablend fluid corrective foundation, which is very well priced at â&#x201A;Ź22. The coverage is excellent, it smooths over the dark spots and tiny red veins and gives a very textured finish. I use the nude shade 25 for the day time, and the gold 45 for night time. I recently discovered the Dermablend Total Body Corrective Foundation, and this is just perfect for exposed arms and legs to cover all skin imperfections from moderate to severe.

“I’m Calling You about a Virus on Your Computer” Have you received a call out of the blue from a person warning you about an issue with your computer that you were unaware existed until you received the call? The caller then urges you to act now to fix the issue; otherwise you’re at major risk. This is a scam, don’t be deceived!

How does the computer virus scam typically work? •

You receive an unexpected call from an unknown person. The caller warns you that your computer has a virus.

•

The caller then claims that they are from a technical support area that identified the issue with your computer.

•

The caller then offers to fix the problem now for you.

•

The caller gives you directions on where to look on your computer, and in some instances asks you to download a piece of software.

•

The software downloaded could be a spyware that gives the caller remote access to your computer, including records and passwords.

Never act on an unexpected call from an unknown person who claims you have computer virus issues.

•

The caller helpfully shows you where the alleged virus is on your computer.

Never give your banking or credit card information to unknown individuals or businesses.

•

The caller then offers to sell you a six or twelve month computer service contract that he claims is meant to help protect you and your computer.

Never download software suggested by unknown callers.

•

If you agree, the caller requests your credit card details or asks you to pay by electronic money transfer.

Do your research. Check out the company that contacted you with trusted Government sources, such as Law Enforcement or Consumer Affairs – visit http://www.consumerhelp.ie/

•

Never send money to someone you have never met in person.

•

What you don’t realise is that there was no virus in the first place. However, the scammers may have uploaded spyware onto your computer and may now be processing transactions on your credit card. You work hard for your money; never let a few minutes with a scammer take from you what has taken years or a lifetime to earn. Learn more on how to help protect yourself from fraud by visiting: https://www.westernunion.com/ie/en/fraudawareness.html

Tips to avoid falling victim to the computer virus scam:

Gavin Peniston-Bird, Regional Fraud Risk Manager at Western Union advises: “Awareness is the best defence against scams. These scams can be convincing, but it’s important to check with your local law enforcement or government department like the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in Ireland”. To learn more about common scams, watch our helpful videos and gain some useful tips, visit our website at: https://www.westernunion.com/ie/en/fraudawareness.html.

Cosmetics

Perfect for the summertime weather when you don’t want scars, spider veins, varicose veins and bruises to stop you from exposing your skin in the warm weather. Coverage lasts for up to sixteen hours, so there is no need to reapply during the day or evening. And to add to their range of great foundation products, Vichy have recently launched their 3D Correction Dermablend, which is designed to conceal imperfections and residual marks on oily, acne-prone skin. This is great news for those with this type of skin, as it is very difficult to find a foundation that will not ‘cake’ and will smooth down the look of bumps while unifying the complexion. All Vichy products are designed for sensitive skin.

for damaged or irritated skin. As our skin is our primary barrier against external triggers such as contamination, stress and the weather; it insulates and protects us. When it is damaged, irritated skin is more sensitive and permeable to external stress resulting in its appearance to become damaged. It is therefore necessary to accompany the various stages of epidermal reconstruction for high-quality skin repair. The Cicabio product line is a generation of skin care that respects and addresses each of the three key steps in the biological process of wound healing, thanks to a complex of skin healing active ingredients Resveratrol, Copper and Centella asiatica. It also controls potential interruptions to the healing process.

As we are looking at sensitive skin products, it is exciting to learn that new Bioderma solutions for damaged skin is now available in the Irish market. We mentioned Bioderma previously, when their excellent sun protection came to the market earlier this year. Now the Cicabio range guarantees high-quality epidermal repair

Bioderma’s innovative active patent Antalgicine rapidly relieves feelings of discomfort and reduces the urge to scratch. The aim of Cicabio skin repair product line is to create an environment that will stimulate skin repair without the risk of scarring and to provide skin comfort to ensure patient

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compliance. If your skin, or that of anybody close to you, is in need of special care, enquire at your local pharmacy about this new product. While you are there, Bioderma’s new Sebium skincare range has just been launched and there are special promotional offers for the month of September. Sebium is particularly targeted to treat oily and acne prone skin. And of course do not forget your sun protection! Early autumn can give us lots of sunny days, and you may not realize that you can still do damage to your skin even on a cloudy day too! We are now recommended to wear a cream with SPF every day even in Irish weather. Besides protection against serious sun damage, it is also important for anti-aging. Enjoy these autumn days when the colours of nature at their best, and keep your skin glowing! Contact me for tips and comments at mairead.seniorbeauty@gmail.com

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You’re Amazing. Let’s keep you that way!

Encounters

The turd man (and woman)

Paul Steele was looking forward to a peaceful life in the country, but he hadn’t reckoned on neighbours from Hell.. ‘Oh’, intoned Caroline, ‘here they come’. Sure enough a large welldressed lady in her fifties was bearing down towards our back door with a flushed face and murder in her eyes. Her husband, early seventies I reckoned, followed her closely behind, ramrod straight, also sporting a grim countenance of the battle ready. After a brisk, aggressive rat-tat the door was opened and we did our best to assemble our features into those of po-faced innocents. These people were our Dutch neighbours that lived about a kilometre from our house but had built their large gothic-like house very close to our boundary fence. We had just officially moved in and we had employed a farmer who possessed a large track machine digger and he was in the process of trying to create a field for Caroline’s true love..a 500 kilo horse called Charlie. In his enthusiasm for the job he had brought the orange monster right up to their boundary and had started to tear down all the vegetation 66 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

revealing the kitchen window and a wild eyed woman about to explode. We learnt later from the farmer that a very robust exchange took place with threats and curses from the normally reserved Dutch couple. The farmer to his credit gave as good as he got. ‘This is war!’ was shouted at him, ‘I don’t want war, but if you bring war to me, I will bring war to you!’ was his reply. It was all very ugly. So by the time the storm troopers had arrived at our house the farmer had finished up and had gone home. We had no idea of their encounter with the farmer. The funny thing was they did not once refer to their heated exchange with him, but kept that fury stored up for the conversation with us. There was talk of ‘blue zones’, ‘green zones’ and ‘don’t touch the flora zones’ or we will sue your asses off zones. Basically they were scared that we had ulterior motives and were secretly planning to clear to build some sort of monstrosity beside their house. ‘What would you think if you saw a giant orange machine at your boundary tearing up all around it?’ they asked. ‘I would say it’s the Van Dijks (not their real name) building

Cartoons by Paul Steele

The nutrient that gives you

strong bones and muscles The older you get, the more you realise how important it is to have strong muscles and bones. One thing you should pay special attention to is making sure you get enough vitamin D. A common misconception is that lifting weights is the only way to increase your muscle mass, but did you know that blood levels of vitamin D are every bit as important? There are vitamin D receptors in virtually all tissues in the entire body, including muscle tissue. Science has not always been aware of this but recent studies show how much vitamin D levels affect muscle health. People with low vitamin D tend to have more fat in their muscle tissue. A study of overweight women found that those who supplemented with vitamin D for a 12-week period lost nearly three kilos of fat, whereas the control group that took a placebo did not lose anything. Neither of the two groups changed their diet or lifted weights, so the effect was directly linked to their vitamin D status.

The importance of strong bones Strong muscles are no guarantee against falling, people have skiing accidents, fall off ladders, or fall on their bikes. In such cases, it is vital to have strong bones that can withstand the sudden impact. Vitamin D levels play a significant role in building and maintaining strong

bones, as it promotes calcium absorption and helps the body maintain normal calcium concentrations in the blood plus supports mineralisation of the bone. Are you getting enough? Besides supporting strong and well-functioning bones and muscle tissue, vitamin D has a number of other vital roles in the body. The big question is â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are you getting enough of this nutrient? According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition some years ago, over one third of population worldwide are not getting enough vitamin D. Many factors are involved, including lack of sunlight and poor diets, but supplementation can compensate for this. Vitamin D is fat-soluble and therefore absorbed better when taken in capsules in some kind of oil or other lipid vehicle. Your general practitioner can easily determine your vitamin D status by means of a blood sample.

IE_D-Pearls_Article_TheSeniorTimes_A4_0816

Preventing fall injuries It appears that vitamin D also affects how effectively our muscles function, especially as we grow older. Swiss researchers have found a link between vitamin D intake and the risk of falls by studying 2,400 people aged 65 years and older. Those who took at least 17.5 micrograms of vitamin D daily had 19% fewer falls, while those who took 25 micrograms had a 26% lower fall rate. Apparently, vitamin D plays a role in muscle strength, and the stronger our muscles are, the less likely we are to become fragile and lose our balance.

Encounters

yet another house for sale.’ I replied, only to be met with puffs and ‘what nonsense’ (They had been doing just that and making a fortune during the boom time). Things began to get heated when the woman shoved her face very close to Caroline’s to emphasise a point a bit too forcefully and that breach of personal space set off Caroline on the attack. So good was her repost that the warriors backed down and calm was restored. Curt exchanges of reassurance were exchanged but that didn’t stop them sending a registered letter basically recapping our conversation for proof that we had come to a wobbly accord. To give you dear reader a taste of how this woman operates is nicely illustrated by an exchange she had with another neighbour that purchased land and built on their property a while back. Picture this. The owner was answering a call of nature as you do but she had left the toilet door ajar and heard a movement in the hallway. It was madam Van Dijk herself letting herself in baring a grapefruit tin at arms length. ‘Hi Clare’ said the compromised toilet sitter, ‘be with you in a second’.’Oh no need, just returning something that was left on our driveway’, says Clare. She hears the sound of the tin being placed on the kitchen floor, and the sound of the door closing. Intrigued, the woman approaches the can only to be confronted with a large dog turd carefully placed inside. Now the point is, first off, these people own a small dog that could not with all the good will in the world produce such an amount of waste matter. Second off, what in blue blazes gives Ms Van Dijk the right to judge and sentence without any proof what so ever that the perpetrator of the crime was her small pooch. And third, (getting upset now) what did she think she was she doing putting a strangers dog poop on her kitchen floor? All she had to do was have a civilised conversation to ascertain who besmirched her driveway. The poor woman was so addled that she didn’t even try to defend herself and chose to ignore the whole incident, and file her neighbour’s behaviour under ‘Basket case’ and ‘Avoid 68 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

at all costs.’ I rest my case. As we have not tried to build the empire state building on our rock and bog we appear to be for the time being anyway at peace with the potential neighbours from hell. So this is country life eh? I had lived in a small semi-detached house for thirty odd years and never had a bad exchange with our neighbours that lived cheek by jowl with us. Moving house is the third most traumatic thing after death and divorce they say, so what are we doing moving into the back country on thirteen acres of rock bog and forestry? Answer: we have made a terrible mistake. No I jest, it’s just the readjustment that has taken me by surprise that’s all. We used to holiday here all the time when my parents were alive then when we inherited we rented the place out for holiday lets. We are both going through a period of homesickness for the urban anonymity at the moment. Living in the country is different, very different. For a start getting anything done generally means knowing a man that knows a man. Getting to find that man can be arduous to say the least and the days of casually flipping on the computer and letting mister Google find you a solution is no longer an option because everything is so far away. Then there is the village. Oh the small rural village where the eyes are on you all the time. Where any kerfuffle such as the Dutch/Irish land war is juicy news. ‘see the Van Dijks are at it again, putting dog shit on the neighbours car roof this time.’ After the move and finally settling in we are now beginning to come to terms with the new environment and the habits of the natives and blow ins. It’s a new world and an intriguing one, especially when you are in the autumn of your life. The story continues.

Get your “Sunshine vitamin” (even in Ireland!)

IE_D-Pearls_Ad_TheSeniorTimes_A4_0816

Did you know that: • Sunlight is our primary source of vitamin D and its very difficult to get an adequate amount from our food alone. • We fail to get sufficient vitamin D because the sun is too weak seven months a year. • An SPF 8 or higher blocks the production of vitamin D. • Vitamin D is important for healthy skin, bones and teeth. • Vitamin D supports the immune system. • Vitamin D helps maintain muscle function. D-Pearls: • Are dissolved in cold-pressed olive oil for optimal absorption. • Come in small, easy-to-swallow “pearls” which are also chewable. • Have a high dose – 38 µg (1,520 IU) of vitamin D3. • Made from lanolin – the best organic vitamin D source. Please contact us if you would like more information on D-Pearls Pharma Nord®

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Wine World Croatian wines making a big impression

Mairead Robinson discovers some wine gems from the Dalmatian regions Croatia is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination, and many cruise ships are now making regular stops there due to its stunning coastline and hundreds of beautiful islands. The pristine walled city of Dubrovnik is also a top destination for today’s travellers. But while many of us have enjoyed visiting this former Yugoslavian country, and indeed quite a number of Irish people have also purchased holiday homes there, not so many of us have

realized what a rich wine making tradition has been flourishing in Croatia for centuries. In fact, their winemaking history dates back to around 2200 B.C. when Illyrian tribes made wine in the area now known as Dalmatia. Greek colonization in 390 B.C. helped spread the craft and the introduction of Christianity under the Roman Empire in the fourth century A.D. firmly rooted production for sacramental purposes. It has not been all plain sailing though, due to Ottoman invasions, phylloxera, world wars, the rise of communism and political conflicts which have all caused problems for the wine industry. Nowadays though, winemaking is flourishing in four key regions, Dalmatia, Istria and Kvarner,

70 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

the Uplands and Slavonia and Danube. These have been divided into 12 sub-regions with sixty-six appellations. Croatia boasts 64 indigenous grape varieties, with wine also being made from ‘international’ varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Chardonnay. One of the most interesting wine producing regions is Istria which sits just below Italy and Slovenia in the northwest of Croatia. The wine region includes the islands and area surrounding the Kvarner Gulf, located between the Istrian peninsula and the mainland. The region is best known for refreshing seafood-friendly white wines, and both indigenous and interna-

Senior Times 90 x 275 Glasnvevin PQ.pdf

25/08/2016

09:12

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tional varieties are found in both red and white wines. What is really interesting for the Irish wine consumer, is that now it is possible to enjoy some great Croatian wines here at home, as well as when visiting this fascinating country for short holidays or longer stays in your holiday home. In fact it is through the property market that the wines have made their way to Ireland, in the person of one Liliane Scully who was originally involved in property in Croatia and while there she recognised the quality of their wines. Having carried out some research she discovered that Coratian wine was not being imported into Ireland and immediately recognised the business opportunity. She began by importing on a small basis by introducing the wines to friends and family initially where the reaction was all positive with everybody impressed by the unique flavour and quality of the wines. She then initiated wine tastings and introduced the wines to high end restaurants and wine shops. Initially she identified Vina Laguna, a medium sized winery as a reliable source of quality wines competitively priced. Indeed it was while enjoying an outstanding dinner in The Cellar Restaurant at Tankardstown House in Co. Meath, that I was first

introduced to the Croatian Pinot Grigio which was recommended to me by the sommelier to accompany my seafood ceviche. Immediately impressed - as I am certainly no fan of Pinot Grigio normally - I had to find out more and my research led me to Liliane. Pinot Sivi – as this wine is known locally – is a crystal clear greenish yellow colour with fine aromas of fruit like apples and pears. It is very refreshing in the mouth and has a long pleasant finish. It is an outstanding wine that has all the freshness and acidity of an old-word high quality white wine and it came as no surprise to learn that this wine, along with others that Liliane is importing is the recipient of many international awards. Vina Laguna enjoys an ideal location for viticulture stretching as it does from Italy in the north to the Adriatic Sea in the south, an area also renowned for its cheeses and olive oil. It is positioned in Porec, north-west Istria where both indigenous and international grape varieties are cultivated in 610 hectares of vineyards. These varieties include local Istrian Malvazija, Teran and Muscat Rose together with international varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. When visiting the area, the best way to

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experience the region and its wines is to take the oenological journey along the sixty-five kilometre Festigia wine road which takes in plantations of all these varieties in an amazing setting. Meanwhile to taste the wines at home among the wines that Liliane imports from the Vina Laguna Select range are the white Malvasia (also called Malvazija), Pinot Sivi (Grigio) and red Terra Rossa (cuvee) and Rose. From the Vina Laguna Festigia (Decanter 16 + IWC award winning range) she has the white Malvasia and Cabernet Sauvignon, Castello and Merlot. If you would like the opportunity to taste some of these exciting wines, checkout the current wine competition on www.hotelreviewsireland.com You will find these wines in select off-licences and top restaurants nationwide. You can find out more at www.adriatico.ie

Health

Maintaining your minerals is vital for staying active later in life – just ask Celia

Celia had always enjoyed an active lifestyle which involved long walks, swimming and aqua aerobics at her local swimming pool in Dublin. She thought that her ailments were perhaps just part of getting older until a conversation with her local pharmacy manager raised the question of whether her diet was providing all the nutrients her body required. An active lifestyle and balanced diet is the first line of defence against ill health at all ages, but often it can be hard to get all the nutrients your body needs. Research has shown we only derive one-third of the nutrients formerly available to us from our fruit, vegetables and meat as a result of intensive farming techniques stripping the soil of key minerals. It is estimated that as many as 80% of us suffer from a mineral deficiency. Minerals interact with other and other nutrients such as vitamins to nourish your cells and support all aspects of your health. For those later in life, maintaining your mineral levels can help improve bone and joint quality, guard against nerve degeneration, and assist with energy levels and immune system function.

“

This was the case for Celia Clarke, who in her early seventies was suffering chronic, debilitating pain in her knees, insomnia and a lack of energy. Celia decided to supplement her diet with a complete mineral supplement, choosing Cellnutrition Quinton Hypertonic because it provided the full spectrum of 78 organic minerals and trace elements in perfect balance with our bodies’ requirements. “I had injections in my knees last year which were meant to last for 12 months but I had still been needing to take painkillers,” Celia explained. “I was taking paracetamol going to bed and if I was going out somewhere. I was taking at least four a day. Now I might only take two in a week. I can go days now without taking any paracetamol. I feel a lot better.” Celia also found that restoring her mineral levels in a balanced and neutral way assisted with her insomnia, energy levels and other unexpected areas.

Before I wouldn’t go very long sleeping, I’d wake up during the night and be wide awake. But now I’m getting a good six or seven hours without waking up,” she said. “It’s made a big difference knowing that I’m going to be able to sleep well. “I also look a lot better, my skin and my nails, and my energy. I mean I go walking, swimming and I even go to aqua aerobics and I’m 71. “The neighbours say to me, ‘Whatever your on, Celia, I’ll have some of it’.” Cellnutrition Head of Science Roger Meacock said: “Having a balanced and complete intake of minerals and trace elements is important at all ages, but particularly later in life. When our food fails to deliver these important nutrients then it makes sense to supplement your diet so that your body has what it needs when it needs it.” For more information, visit www.cellnutrition.com

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 73

History

When there were Piggeries in Ballsbridge Jim Commins remembers the grunts and squeals between leafy Wellington and Waterloo Roads..

In Dublin 4, running parallel between the Wellington and Waterloo Roads there is a laneway- Heytesbury Lane. The elegant houses in the area have large front gardens and even larger ones at their rear. At the end of those, at one time, there were horse stables with hay lofts and small yards for carriages. With the demise of the horse-drawn coaches many of the premises were either sold, leased or rented out. In the early sixties, at the Baggot Street end of the laneway there was a small business that supplied shops with fresh cream and eggs. At the other end a potato merchant used a coach-house for storage. He was known as ‘the spud man’. In between there was a garage for vehicle repairs and a pig rearing facility. The pig rearing was run by two brothers Paddy and Jimmy and were noted for their pig husbandry. They were called ‘the pig men’. They worked a seven day week feeding their stock with waste and unwanted food collected from the local hotels, restaurants and cafes. Boland’s mill was also a good food provider of stale bread and scraps. On one occasion I happened to witness wooden trays of steaming hot buns being brought into the pens. Apparently there was an over production of pastries the previous night. Every so often their feed was supplemented with the best of Kerr’s Pinks obtained from the nearby potato store. The animals were really well fed and it showed. They were of the long Landrace breed and kept gleaming white by being sprayed regularly. This, they seemed to enjoy. So too when scratched between the ears. The only times of discord were when they were being taken away, squealing. Once during a feeding time, I vividly remember Jimmy, normally the mildest of men, cursing and swearing, whilst paradoxically Paddy was saying ‘oh, thank God, oh thank God’. Jimmy had just retrieved a glass jam jar from one of the barrels of waste and was decidedly unhappy. 74 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Leafy Waterloo Road..but yards away was the Heytesbury Lane Piggery.

Fortunately it was not broken, if it was, he consequences could have been disastrous. During the summer months, the smells and swarms of flies could be a bit of a nuisance. The manure was regularly taken away and the pens sluiced. Periodically, a gardener who tended some of the local gardens came and took away wheelbarrowfuls of the dung. The vegetables would definitely be organic! The Spring and Horse Show weeks were nightmares for the small enterprises and local residents alike. The double yellow lines were not yet in existence and visitors up from the country whilst not quite blocking entrances parked their vehicles in such ways that driving in the laneway was nigh impossible. Driving could also be difficult after stormy nights due to flooding and strewn broken branches. I remember one particular night’s torrential rain and storms when one of

History

Heytesbury Lane site of the Ballsbridge Piggery

Guided tours and cemetery museum at Glasnevin Located just 2.5km from Dublin’s city centre, Glasnevin Cemetery covers 124 acres of parkland with plenty to appreciate – perfect for those interested in exploring the legacies of Ireland’s heroes.

the wooden gates of the potato store was blown open. Inside the coach-house were stacks of eight stone jute sacks of spuds and nibbling away at the Golden Wonders were four rats. One could not but approve of their choice! Seeing them, reminded me of the time in 1955 when I worked in Singapore when heavy downpours of monsoon rains flushed thousands of rats from their drain and sewer habitats and could be seen foraging for food in the streets. Recently, whilst strolling down the ‘lane’, a lane of many memories, I could not help but notice that the store seemed to be the only original coach-house that did not succumb to the march of the mews. The large wooden gates however were a sorry sight and the coach-yard overrun with briers and brambles. The storm also caused pig slurry to flow on to the lane. This was swept up and taken away as soon as the rain ceased. This may have been the catalyst for the closure of the enterprise for soon afterwards signatures were canvassed to close it down. Naturally, the owners of the other businesses did not sign, they could be next on the “hit list”. At that time the London trend of building mews in laneways had reached Dublin. Significantly, Brian Cleeve, the well known writer and broadcaster who was one of the longest residents and who lived quite close to the “problem” was not on the list of protesters. The objectors got their way and it was only a matter of time before the other concerns ceased. During the nostalgic stroll it was interesting to learn that one of the local residents now kept two small pigs. They were however Shelties and not Landraces!

Awarded Best Cultural Experience in Ireland at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards, Glasnevin is now one of Ireland’s most popular visitor attractions and is firmly established on the list of best things to do in Dublin. Tripadvisor lists it at number 2, highlighting Glasnevin as a cemetery of historic importance. The story of modern Ireland is told through interactive exhibitions, dramatic re-enactments and daily walking tours. Visitors learn about the harsh realities of life in Dublin, hear about gravediggers and grave robbers, cholera epidemics, and world wars. Since 1832, 1.5 million people have been interred in Glasnevin. 1916 exhibition This centenary year, Glasnevin is holding guided tours of the graves of combatants and civilians involved in and affected by the 1916 Rising telling the story of the dramatic events of a century ago, that shaped Ireland as we know it today. The story of Glasnevin Cemetery and those buried here is central to the history of the 1916 Rebellion. The full significance of

this is further explored in the 1916 Rising Centenary Exhibition. You can visit the graves of Eamon DeValera, Michael Collins, Harry Boland, Countess Markievicz, and many more. PUBLIC INFORMATION Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday/Bank Holiday Public and private tours . Re-enactment at 14.30 and 1600 Pedestrian link to National Botanic Gardens Public rates Adults €12.00 Seniors, students, Children (Under 5’s free): €8.00 Family ticket: €25.00 Entry fee includes guided tour, entrance to museum and exhibitions area, re-enactment (2.30pm), genealogy voucher worth €5.00 and 10% discount in the Tower Café Car and coach parking available onsite Bus services from O’Connell St: Dublin Bus no’s 140 and 40 Citysightseeing Blue Route every 30 minutes Glasnevin Cemetery Museum Finglas Road, Dublin 11 Tel: 01 882 6550 museum@glasnevintrust.ie

Retirement

‘Serious’ issue of loneliness must be tackled

Jim Collier reports from the Active Retirement Ireland AGM

Over 500 delegates, representing more than 24,500 members, recently attended the Active Retirement Ireland AGM at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Co Cavan. ARI, the country’s largest community-based older people’s organisation, called on the Government to ‘once and for end loneliness’ which is one of the biggest contributing factors to poor health in old age. President Higgins who gave the keynote address at the conference, which saw members from as far afield as Kerry and Donegal make the journey to Cavan, said: ‘Providing for aging and longer life with dignity must be a central pillar of our social contract. Just as we had to learn to build our policy structure in ways which respected childhood and age.’ The President added: ‘Continued dialogue on the needs and the potential of an aging population are essential to the fostering of active senior citizenship and, in that way, the creation of truly democratic societies and communities. It is through such active participation, by groups such as the Active Retirement Association, that increased and better policy measures and services to meet the needs and enable the contribution of older people in our society to do this come to the fore can best be achieved.’ Mai Quaid, President of Active Retirement Ireland, also said the challenge of loneliness is growing more difficult for community groups to overcome. She also said: ‘ A generation of ‘’hidden citizens’’ have beenleft behind in a recession and not party to any recovery. Our hidden citizens come from all walks of life. They are in our cities, towns and villages; they are living alone in the middle of nowhere. They need our help. They need the hand of friendship.’ Active Retirement Ireland has continued to highlight the serious issue of loneliness in our older communities in 2016 and called on the new government to address the National Positive Ageing Strategy. Mai Quaid added: ‘We understand that homelessness and hospitals will take precedence for the Government, but that is no excuse for pushing the of Ireland’s hidden citizens further down the road. This will affect everyone. We must see action from the Government to alleviate the isolation and loneliness that impacts on our older people. In order to do this The National

The new Active Retirement Ireland national committee with President Higgins and the First |Lady Sabina Higgins

Positive Ageing Policy must be a priority for the Government’. Fundraising Frank Phelan, the new Director of Funding, thanked the ARA membership for their ongoing a continuous support for fundraising activities such as the National Raffle, and the Marigold Festival Series etc. He reminded members however that very generous financial support from philanthropic bodies would finish at the end of 2016. This would lead to greater reliance on earned income and raised funds, when greater help would be needed from all Ara’s. He would welcome any thoughts or ideas in the future and could be contacted at the central office on 01 8733836, or at 087 6169320, or by mail at frank@activeirl.ie Election of officers The position of President Active Retirement was contested between existing President Mai Quaid and Existing National Treasurer Kevin Molloy. Mai Quaid retained the position.

My disenchantment with politics I regularly refer to myself as being apolitical, but I have not always been that way inclined. Having dabbled on the borders of a few

76 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

political parties in the past, I came to the view that independents working for local communities were more worthy of my vote. That was until the advent more recently of the more radical independent groups of Independents, who leave a lot to be desired. I will not mention any individuals or groups, but I like to support honesty and integrity, intelligent and hard-working individuals who also have good track records. I am in a bit of a quandary at present, especially when I see senior politicians changing their mind from day to day, speaking out of turn, and causing confusion among the populace. There have never been so many advisors (at enormous expense that could be used for more worthy purposes) to Government politicians, who obviously lack the knowledge and expertise to make worthwhile decisions, or should we be electing those with the necessary qualifications to make decisions. We really need politicians of the calibre of the late Sean Lemass who was a great example. I’m glad to read that Vincent Browne will be returning in the Autumn to host ‘tonight with Vincent Browne’, not because he is a county man of my own, but because his successors on the programme have not got the same intensity to pursue probing questions and getting results.

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To find out more about leaving a gift in your will to The Irish Hospice Foundation, please contact Anna Sadlier on 01 679 3188 anna.sadlier@hospicefoundation.ie

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Culture

Maretta Dillon reports on happenings around the country over the next few months

Woody Allen explores Hollywood’s most glamourous and decadent era, the 1930s, in his new film, Café Society. In cinemas from September 2. Bridget Jones’ Baby arrives on September 16 while The Girl on the Train –based on the bestselling book of the same name – leaves the station on October 7. Edges of Light is Music Network’s new tour for the autumn season. It’s a little bit different from their usual offering. Dancer Colin Dunne known for his Riverdance choreography joins three traditional musicians: fiddler Tola Custy, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power. Inspired by the natural sounds and shimmering patterns of light that announces the arrival of every new day in Ireland - this is an exciting new collaboration. More from musicnetwork.ie Dublin Theatre Festival fires on all cylinders from September 29 for a full 18 days. Among the highlights are: a celebration of the work of actor Sinead Cusack; Corn Exchange Theatre’s new production of Chekhov’s The Seagull; while CoisCéim Dance Theatre and ANU bring the audience on an immersive live performance that cross-pollinates contemporary dance, visual art and theatre in 1916 in These Rooms. This is just a taster of what’s on offer so check out the whole package at dublintheatrefestival.com As part of the festival, Druid and Civic Theatre Tallaght present Helen and I from September 27 – October 1. Cathy Belton heads up the cast in this new take on the usual family drama. The audience will be seated above the stage so this is literally a new perspective. With their father dying, Lynn and her older sister, Helen, return to their childhood home. Lynn’s husband, Tony, arrives uninvited while Helen’s teenage daughter, Evvy is intentionally summoned. The weather is hot and sticky and relationships soon tangle into an intractable mess. How far back do you have to go, in order to move forward? Another autumn standard, Wexford Festival Opera, is back on the scene celebrating forgotten works by Donizetti in Maria de Rudenz, which centres on a scorned woman’s determination to destroy her former lover and his new intended bride. Also reclaimed is Vanessa, Samuel Barber’s work about an ageing woman, not wanting to acknowledge the many years that have passed since her former lover’s departure, waiting with tense anticipation for his return, only to discover that he is not who he appears to be. In addition to the

Sean Costello stars as Mario Lanza in a celebration of the great tenor as part of the University of Limerick Concert hall autumn programme

Dublin Theatre Festival fires on all cylinders evening opera galas, there are three daytime ShortWorks operas, concerts, lunchtime recitals, lectures, talks, parties, buffets and lunches: 56 events over the 12-day Festival. All the info from wexfordopera.com Finally, University Concert Hall, Limerick has a wide and varied programme for the autumn season: from Mozart to Nathan Carter with stop offs for Mario Lanza and Christy Moore. Check all the myriad events on uch.ie.

Events around the Country / September - October 2016 CAFÉ SOCIETY Film Woody Allen’s latest oeuvre with young

78 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

hopeful Kristin Stewart at large in 1930s Hollywood. Sept 2 nationwide SCULPTURE IN CONTEXT Sculpture Always enjoyable outdoor sculpture exhibition in the wonderful setting of the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin. Sept 8 - Oct 21 Information: botanicgardens.ie MUSIC IN MONKSTOWN Music Now in its third year, Monkstown, Co. Dublin is home to a feast of classical music including Mozart and Haydn. September 9-11 Booking: musicinmonkstown/eventbrite.ie

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Culture

Edges of Light is Music Network’s new tour for the autumn season. Dancer Colin Dunne known for his Riverdance choreography joins three traditional musicians: fiddler Tola Custy, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power.

Emily Blunt stars as the girl of the title based on the hugely popular best-selling book The Girl On A Train.

Woody Allen explores Hollywood’s most glamourous and decadent era, the 1930s, in his new film, Café Society.

EDGES OF LIGHT Music Dancer Colin Dunne, fiddler Tola Custy, harpist Maeve Gilchrist and uilleann piper David Power collaborate. Sept 13 - 24 Information: musicnetwork.ie

DUBLIN THEATRE FESTIVAL Arts Festival Celebrating new Irish writing, music and dance in a packed programme of world-class theatre and performance. Sept 29 - Oct 16 Information: dublintheatrefestival.com

CULTURE NIGHT Arts Back again for its now annual slot - the country’s one night celebration of the arts – everything and everywhere. Sept 16 / island wide Information: culturenight.ie

THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Film Emily Blunt stars as the girl of the title based on the hugely popular best-selling book. Oct 7 nationwide

WRITE BY THE SEA Literature A new festival of writing and reading with the sea as its theme and focussing on established Wexford writers. Sept 23-25 / Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford Information: writebytheseaKQ@gmail. com HELEN AND I Theatre DRUID in association with Civic Theatre presents a new drama centring on two sisters returning to the family home. Sept 27 – Oct 1 Civic Theatre, Tallaght Information: civictheatre.ie

CREATING HISTORY – STORIES OF IRELAND IN ART Visual Arts The National Gallery’s contribution to the Decade of Centenaries – 50 paintings from the 17th Century onwards. Oct 8 – Jan 15 / National Gallery of Ireland Information and booking: www.nationalgallery.ie FREUD PROJECT: 2016-2021 Visual Arts 50 works by Lucian Freud (1922-2011), regarded as one of the world’s greatest realist painters at IMMA. Oct 21, 2016 – Oct 21, 2017 / Irish Museum of Modern Art Information: imma.ie

80 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

I, DANIEL BLAKE Film An out of work carpenter seeks help from social services in director Ken Loach’s Palm d’Or winner. Oct 21 nationwide WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA Music Extended programme of revived opera classics and ShortWorks for daytime performances. Oct 26 – Nov 6 Information: +353 53 9122400 / www.wexfordopera.com GUINNESS CORK JAZZ FESTIVAL Music One of Ireland’s longest established festivals with an eclectic programme of jazz and jazz related music. Oct 28 -31 / Cork City Information: guinnessjazzfestival.com

Finally, if you’d like your event to feature in our list of What’s On please email: events.country@gmail.com

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Short Story

Eithne’s Clothes

By Noel King

After the last mourner leaves the house, Arthur goes upstairs to their room. He lies on Eithne’s side of the bed. All his tears are gone. It’s a different view from her side; he can see less of the beech tree outside, not as much sky. Had she allowed him the better view all these years? He turns to face down into her pillow.

fishing gear, golf clubs and a few books have hidden this self of him. A safe hour when she went to the markets on Saturday mornings and two wonderful hours on Wednesday evening while she was at keep-fit was all he usually had. Now he pours himself a whiskey and takes a near hour to get ready, great care to every detail.

After sleeping, he opens her wardrobe, meets her scents; bringing fresh tears. He presses his face into her favourite aquamarine dress. Her sisters will be coming to remove her things; Oxfam them probably. He stares at the colours, now lifeless, redundant. He can’t bear the vision of her clothes on other women.

A silk slip there had been hers, but disappeared from the wash after her first wear of it. His tights have ladders in them and all three pairs need to be washed. He’ll no longer have to sneak the washing to the launderette on the other side of town. Dropping his trunks he pulls on the tights. He never wears anything under them. If she’d known she’d have said he’d catch cold.

His fingers stroke every garment in turn as they had done in admiration each time she bought something new. She always said he had a good feel for a fabric, ‘One of your oddities, dear,’ she used to say. He recalls at least one occasion of her in each outfit, tries to remember when and where she, or they, bought each. The occasion comes to him for all but a loose blue print dress. So that’s the one he puts on. Underneath he wears a bra, his own bra. He’s pulled it from the pile of his clothes in his locked cupboard under the stairs, in front of which his 82 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

In the mirror he finds a hint of stubble, so he shaves carefully. Cheap make-up stings his face as he pastes it on. No longer needing to watch the clock he lights a cigarette, inhales deeply and pursing his lips, pollutes their room slowly with its first cigarette smoke. Back at her wardrobe he wonders what else he might keep? Her sisters would surely not notice. He could buy himself more now too, keep them in his own wardrobe.

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Short Story

Dumping the leftover sandwiches he chooses a pizza from the freezer and puts it under the grill, then checking the cooking instructions, takes it out again and puts it in the oven, not caring to pre-heat the oven. While watching the weekend sports results on TV, he opens his shoe-box of cheap jewellery. A number of friends phone. He assures them that yes, he’s perfectly all right alone tonight, and yes, if he needs anything he’ll ring them. The doorbell he ignores too, watches from a safe distance inside Eithne’s net curtains as a neighbour woman finally gives up.

Standing for a long time in front of the mirror he observes the woman in the clothes. There is a hole under the arm of the blue dress, he fingers it and remembers where she got it, a weekend in Sligo about five years ago. She had already spent money on something. They fought over her buying again. She’d found the hole when they got home. He’d been unsympathetic; told her it ‘served her right’ and that he didn’t like the bloody thing anyway. So was that why she’d never worn it! Arthur, exhausted now, returns to the bed, this time to his own side and slipping off his size nine court shoes, lies down fully dressed, and shuts his eyes into the uncertain dreams of his new world.

He opens a bottle of wine, gulps it down with the pizza followed by some vanilla and hazelnut ice cream. The specialist magazines come out on the coffee table, magazines for men like him. They can stay on the coffee table tonight. He reads again about clubs where one could meet others. He’d never had the daring to check them out, not even on business trips alone. Now he has nothing to lose. He can take the car any weekend, go anywhere he wants, do what he wants.

Noel King was born and lives in Tralee, Co Kerry. In this his 50th year, he has reached his 1000th publication of a poem, haiku or short story in magazines and journals in thirty-eight countries. His poetry collections are published by Salmon: Prophesying the Past, (2010), The Stern Wave (2013) and Sons (2015). He has edited more than fifty books of work by others and was poetry editor of Revival Literary Journal (Limerick Writers’ Centre) in 2012/13. A short story collection, The Key Signature & Other Stories will be published in 2016.

And some day, maybe some day he’ll find another woman to share his life. But what woman could he tell about himself? He has a firm belief in himself from the magazines that he isn’t any less of a man. A modern woman would understand, maybe? He couldn’t be untrue to her, she’d have to know everything.

Drama • Literat ure • Histo ry •

Would you like to get into print? Why not email your short story, poem(s) or article – on any subject likely to be of interest to our readers -- to: john@slp.ie We regret we cannot accept ‘hard copy’ entries.

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Idea s•M usic . . . and muc h more!

Visit our website for full programme of events

Booking at 01 462 7477 or www.redlinebookfestival.ie Follow us on 84 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie B22880 RLBF 2016 Senior Times 132x190.indd 1

23/08/2016 17:11

Northern

By Debbie Orme

NI company develops faster method of identifying patients at risk of Alzheimer’s

Notes

Northern Ireland company, Randox Laboratories, has announced that it has been presented with a NACB/AACC Distinguished Abstract Award for a new Randox Biochip Blood Test to identify Alzheimer’s Disease risk. Out of 1024 posters presented at the recent 68th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in Philadelphia - the largest of its kind globally - the poster for the company’s new ApoE4 test, presented by its R&D Scientist Dr Emma Harte, was one of only 29 to receive this prestigious award. This blood test is an affordable method of identifying patients at risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease, and provides a faster alternative to standard testing which analyses a patient’s DNA. There are three versions of the ApoE gene: E2, E3 and E4. The E4 version increases a person’s risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and it may also be associated with an earlier onset of memory loss. Each parent passes on one ApoE gene to their child. Around 25 per cent of the population inherit one copy of the ApoE4 gene. ‘This type of testing is important in our quest to understand and diagnose Alzheimer’s and empower patients to understand risks, consider medication, and even make early lifestyle changes,’ Dr Harte said. ‘Pairing this test with medical and family history for risk of Alzheimer’s disease has the real potential to advance personalised medicine. This fast, accurate testing will allow doctors and patients to make more informed choices earlier to potentially slow the possible progress of Alzheimer’s.’ Meanwhile, on the ground in NI, the battle to meet the challenge posed by the increasing incidence of dementia continues. There are currently almost 16,000 thousand people actually diagnosed with dementia in NI (although it is estimated that many more are currently diagnosed). By next year even the figure of those diagnosed is estimated to rise to more than 20,000! Now, a charity has been formed to help give those diagnosed a ‘voice’, which, it is hoped, will not only help improve their quality of life, but will give hope to others affected by this distressing and challenging illness. ‘Dementia NI is a charity which was set up by a group of five people living with a diagnosis of dementia, to provide a voice for people who are living with a diagnosis of dementia and to reach out to others who have dementia in Northern Ireland,’ says Dementia NI Programme Manager, Tara Collins. ‘Dementia NI aims to improve the quality of life, social inclusion and visibility of people with dementia in Northern Ireland, through development of empowerment groups in each health trust area. ‘Our empowerment group members are working hard to engage with policy makers and service providers who recognise the needs and aspirations of people with dementia and to shape services and support for people with dementia. We work to improve public awareness and understanding of dementia resulting in reduced stigma and greater social inclusion of people with dementia. ‘Our empowerment groups, supported by staff, meet fortnightly in dif

Dementia NI Programme Manager, Tara Collins.

ferent areas in Northern Ireland, encouraging people who are living with dementia to come together to have their voices heard on matters that are important to them, such as receiving a timely diagnosis of dementia and improving care services for anyone who has a dementia; provide support to each other particularly after a recent diagnosis of dementia; raise awareness of what it is like for them as individuals living with different types of dementia; consulting with other organisations on how to make their local communities and businesses more dementia-friendly and educating others on how people with dementia can live their lives to their full potential with the right support. ‘Our members have demonstrated how they benefit from attending our empowerment groups, by helping them maintain their communication skills through conversations and giving presentations; improving self-confidence sometimes lost after a diagnosis of dementia; utilising members’ existing skills and knowledge to help Dementia NI deliver our aims; learning new skills, such as talking on the radio; alleviating possible boredom often experienced due to early retirement from work; improving mood through social interactions and satisfaction from the knowledge that they are making a difference to the lives of themselves and other people with dementia; and networking with relevant people who can help improve their lives and others who are living with dementia in NI. ‘We are looking for people who have recently received a diagnosis and would like to be involved in our important work, enabling them to have their voices heard and helping us to make a difference to the lives of everyone in Northern Ireland who is living with dementia.’ There’s no doubt that the members are already recognising the benefits that the group has afforded them. ‘It gets me out of the house and gets me meeting people,’ explains Doreen from Crumlin. ‘It’s great to get to share with others whatever you’re doing, share your problems, share your experiences, share the craic. From that point of view, I look forward to it.’ John from Toomebridge totally agrees. ‘We have a very important job to do in challenging the stigma,’ he said. ‘While I have dementia, I can still do things for myself and make decisions. I just need society to allow me the time to do it in my own way.’ For more information please contact Tara Collins on 028 90 68 67 68 during office hours, email her on info@dementiani.org or visit the website: www.dementiani.org Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 85

The Peace People founders from left, Mairead Corrigan, Ciaran McKeown and Betty Williams.

The Peace People mark 40 years This month marks 40 years since two Belfast women formed the Peace People movement, a community-led reaction to the Troubles which had flared up around them. Shortly after 2 pm on August 10 1976, an incident occurred in West Belfast, involving members of the IRA and British troops. A chase developed with soldiers on Land Rovers following a car driven by a young republican, Danny Lennon, who was carrying a passenger. As Lennon drove the car at speed down Finaghy Road North with the soldiers in pursuit, they opened fire and Lennon was shot dead. As Lennon’s car careered out of control, it mounted the pavement and crashed into a family, who were out for a walk on a bright, sunny afternoon. Anne Maguire had been wheeling a pram carrying six-weekold son, Andrew, while daughter Joanne, aged eight and a half, and her toddler brother, John, aged two and a half walked alongside. A few yards further along was another son, seven-year-old Mark. As Anne and her family enjoyed their afternoon walk, the car containing the now dead Danny Lennon and his comrade crashed through the family group and into the railings of St. John the Baptist school. Joanne and Andrew were killed instantly. John, medically dead was pronounced clinically dead in hospital the following day. Anne Maguire was severely injured, suffering leg and pelvic injuries, and brain bruising, and was unconscious for days. Her mind shattered, and haunted by images of the three children she never saw again, she finally took her own life 41 months later. The core reaction of the community was one of pure anguish at the needless deaths and, over the next couple of days, chapels were packed for prayers, groups of people prayed spontaneously at the death site. Local women went from door to door with a petition for a end to the violence. 86 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

All over Northern Ireland, plans were made for protests against the continuing violence. After her door had been knocked on by petitioning neighbours, a woman called Betty Williams rang a local newspaper. The Irish News, and talked to veteran reporter Tom Samways. She gave out her number asking that anyone who wished to contact her should do so. Not long after, Anne Maguire’s sister-in-law, Mairead Corrigan, contacted Mrs Williams to thank her for her reaction to the news of the death of the children. On the day of the Maguire children’s funeral, Friday August 13, Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan were invited to take part in a current affairs programme, Seven Days, broadcast by Ireland’s RTE from the BBC’s studios in central Belfast. Also booked to appear was Ciaran McKeown, a journalist with expertise on both politics and paramilitary underworlds of Northern Ireland. And so, the Peace People were born.... Following the horrific events of August 10, the people of Northern Ireland showed their great desire for peace, when thousands marched throughout Northern Ireland – and in the South. Within the first six months, there was a 70 per cent drop in the rate of violence, and things would never return to the terrible rate of death and destruction experienced in 1976 when it looked like the community was spiralling into all-out civil conflict. In 1976, Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in trying to encourage a peaceful resolution to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In the subsequent years, the group has continued to work for reconciliation in Northern Ireland and around the world. To commemorate its 40th anniversary, the Peace People opened its doors at its premises on the Lisburn Road in Belfast to allow people to ‘reflect on how peace and reconciliation have blossomed out of pain and loss’.

Finance

Northern Notes

Free Chi Me Sessions in Portadown People’s Park

Retirement should not be when things stop! Kintyre financial advises Today’s retirees can expect to be much more active than previous generations. In fact you can look forward to enjoying two or three decades of life after work, which is great news! In retirement you will have 2000 extra hours a year to do something you want to do. In order to have a comfortable retirement, there are key issues from planning perspective that you should consider. These are things that we at Kintyre Financial have the skills and expertise to help you with.

iForget about the world, unwind and begin your journey to better health with a free five-week Chi Me programme in the beautiful setting of Portadown People’s Park. Starting on Thursday 1 September, from 9.30am to 10.30am, the series of Tai Chi influenced exercises will help put a spring in your step as you relax, breathe deeply and perform graceful upper and lower body moves that flow into each other. Chi Me exercises can help improve muscular strength, balance, co-ordination, flexibility and relaxation – so why not give it a try? The 30 to 40-minute sessions will take place close to the fountain in the park, every Thursday until 29 September, followed by a refreshments in the meeting room. Places are limited, so, to avoid disappointment, please book early by contacting Cathy Devlin on 028 3831 2533 or email her at cathy.devlin@armaghandbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Plans for memorial to VC hero Belfast City Council is giving local residents another chance to give their views on a lasting memorial to one of the city’s most renowned war heroes. Plans have been drawn up for the placing of a commemorative stone in memory of William McFadzean VC close to his home on the Cregagh Road. McFadzean – who was born in Lurgan, but lived in Cregagh – was posthumously awarded the country’s highest honour for gallantry, after he sacrificed himself to save his comrades. On the morning of 1 July 1916, as the men of the 14th Battalion The Royal Irish Rifles prepared for the first assault of the Battle of the Somme, a box of grenades slipped into their crowded trench, dislodging two of the safety pins. McFadzean threw himself on top of the box, and was blown to pieces. Only one other man was injured. He is therefore regarded as the first soldier to be killed at the Somme. Now, the Cregagh-based McFadzean VC Memorial Committee has been given permission to place a commemorative paving stone on a piece of land adjacent to his family home, on which there already is a Blue Plaque. It is part of a national initiative to install permanent memorials to 400 recipients of the Victoria Cross – including eight from Northern Ireland – across the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/consultations.

Kintyre Financial can help you. · Have you checked that your pension is on track? · Have you considered consolidating your pension into one plan? · Have you drawn up a budget? · Did you consider that you can pump up your pension contributions? · Don’t just think about pension – do you have savings/investments/ property? · Explore accessing your pension from age 50! · Think about inheritance planning! · Do you know where your money is being invested? Sometimes the best laid plans don’t turn out as we’d hoped and even retirement isn’t free of surprises. All kind of things can happen, and this can mean changing your plans. But you always have options, and that’s where we at Kintyre Financial, as independent financial advisers, can guide you through. Issues such as · Divorce – apart from the emotional upheaval, divorce can be expensive and eat into the financial reserves you have built up. Family home and pension assets are often the largest assets built up. There are several ways to split a pension and we can help you work through your options · Ill health – a serious illness may mean that you can take pension benefits sooner than expected. Kintyre Financial can help you work through your options, and also help you put serious illness cover in place for you. · Redundancy – possibly not what you were hoping for as you head towards retirements, but we can help you work through this in a tax efficient way Good financial planning can take the stress away from planning a comfortable and enjoyable retirement. Kintyre Financial offers our clients a complete range of financial planning and investment solutions, whether you are a private individual, a trust, a pension fund or a business. Our services are split into 8 distinct areas 1. General Pension Planning 2. Approved Retirement Funds 3. Approved Minimum Retirement Funds 4. Portfolio Planning 5. Estate Planning 6. Income Continuance planning 7. Critical Illness Protection 8. Family and Business Life Assurance What our clients say about us ‘Working with Kintyre financial has given me confidence as I approach my retirement’ Brian Dolan ‘Lawrence and his team offered practical solutions to my pension planning issues and a friendly, efficient service’ Diarmaid McDermott Talk to us today at our stand. Or contact us on 01 2944927 or email info@kintyrefinancial.ie www.kintyrefinancial.ie

Citizens Information Service

Know Your Rights

Advice from the Citizens Information Service

Our landlord phoned to ask us to leave the house we have rented for the last three years because he plans to sell the house. Do we have to accept this?

out a separate risk assessment for her If there are particular risks to her during her pregnancy, these should be either removed or she should be moved away from them. If neither of these options is possible, she should be given health and safety leave from work, which may continue up the beginning of her maternity leave (under the Maternity Protection Acts 1994 and 2004).

As you have been renting the house for three years, you have what is called a ‘Part 4 tenancy’, which gives you certain rights. The landlord can only end your tenancy for certain specified reasons. An intention to sell the property within three months counts as a valid reason. However, a phone call is not a valid form of notice. You must get a written notice of termination, signed and dated, stating the reason for termination and giving you the proper period of notice, which, in your case, as you have rented for three years, is 12 weeks (84 days). When a landlord plans to sell the property, the notice of termination must include a statement that he intends to sell the property within three months after the tenancy ends. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) publishes sample notices of termination with the detailed information that is required in various situations. In the case of a planned sale, the wording of the required statement is: “The reason for the termination of the tenancy is due to the fact that the landlord intends to sell the dwelling, for full consideration, within three months after the termination of the tenancy”. Your landlord must also make a statutory declaration that he intends to enter into an enforceable agreement to sell his full interest in the house. (A statutory declaration is a solemn statement, which must be signed in the presence of someone who is authorised to witness statutory declarations – such as a practicing solicitor, a Peace Commissioner, a notary public or a Commissioner for Oaths.) The RTB’s sample notice of termination for a landlord planning to sell contains sample wording for this statutory declaration, which you should receive along with the notice of termination. If your landlord is found to have evicted you illegally, he may be required to pay you substantial damages. My daughter does night work regularly but she is expecting a baby in six months. Can she stop working at night while she is pregnant? Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, every employer is required to carry out a risk assessment for the workplace. This assessment should identify hazards in the workplace, assess the risks from such hazards and identify the steps to be taken to deal with any risks. Now that your daughter is pregnant, her employer should carry 88 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

If a doctor certifies that night work is unsuitable for her during her pregnancy, she be given alternative work or health and safety leave. Time spent on health and safety leave is treated as though she has been in employment, and this time can be used to accumulate annual leave entitlement. She is not entitled to leave for any public holidays that occur during health and safety leave. During health and safety leave, her employer must pay her normal wages for the first 21 days (3 weeks), after which she may qualify for Health and Safety Benefit from the Department of Social Protection. When she returns to work after maternity leave, if there is any risk to her because she may have recently given birth or is breastfeeding, that risk should be removed. If this is not possible, she should be moved to alternative work. If it is not possible for her to be assigned alternative work, she should be given health and safety leave. If night work is certified by a doctor as being unsuitable after the birth, alternative work should be provided. If alternative work cannot be provided she should be given health and safety leave. What is the new Tax Appeals Commission? The Finance (Tax Appeals) Act 2015 came into operation on 21 March 2016. This Act gives effect to a revised tax appeals process and established a new independent statutory Tax Appeals Commission (TAC), which replaces the former Office of the Appeal Commissioners. The TAC adjudicates, hears and determines appeals against Revenue decisions concerning taxes and duties under the Finance (Tax Appeals) Act 2015, the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 as amended and other related legislation. There are currently two Appeal Commissioners, appointed by the Minister for Finance for a period of seven years. The main change to the tax appeals process is the requirement that all appeals (other than customs duties and Registration Tax “first-stage” appeals) are now made directly to the TAC and not to Revenue in the first instance. The Appeal Commissioners have sole responsibility for accepting or refusing appeals, although Revenue can raise objections to appeals. If both parties agree, the Appeal Commissioners can make determinations based on written submissions (rather than a full hearing). However, you can insist on a hearing if you wish.

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Know Your Rights By default, all hearings are held in public. However, you can request that a hearing (or part of a hearing) be held in private. To improve the transparency of the appeals process, the Appeal Commissioners are required to publish anonymised versions of all of their determinations. Another significant change is that appeals can no longer be re-heard before a Circuit Court Judge. You can appeal to the High Court on a point of law, but not in relation to the facts. I have applied for a means-tested Jobseeker’s Allowance but I was told that I’m not eligible because of my live-in partner’s earnings. We live together but we are not married and we split our expenses equally. Why is this? The Department of Social Protection (DSP) treats married and unmarried couples in the same way when assessing entitlement to a means-tested social welfare payment. It assesses the total income of the household, rather than the circumstances of the individual claimant. This means that if you are married, or are living with another person in an intimate and committed relationship, the means of your spouse or partner are also taken into account. This is the case even if only one of you is actually claiming a payment. The DSP uses detailed definitions and criteria to assess whether a couple are cohabiting and you can read these online at welfare.ie. How the means of a couple are assessed differs slightly depending on the payment being applied for. For Blind Pension, State Pension (Non-Contributory) and Carer’s Allowance, the DSP adds all of your means together and then halves them to get the assessable means for each one of you. For Jobseeker’s Allowance, Disability Allowance, and Farm Assist, the DSP adds all your combined means together and then assesses them against the maximum household payment for your circumstances. If your spouse or partner is getting a social welfare payment in their own right, your means are taken to be half of the total means of yourself and your spouse or partner. Sometimes a certain amount of income, or income from particular sources, is not taken into account. This is called an income disregard. For example, a certain amount of income from employment can be disregarded. What are the changes to the grant for respite care this year? How do I apply for the grant? The name of the Respite Care Grant was changed in 2016 and it is now called the Carer’s Support Grant. The grant is an annual payment made to carers by the Department of Social Protection. Carers can use the grant in whatever way they wish. You can use the grant to pay for respite care if you wish, but you do not have to do so. In 2016 the grant will be €1,700 (increased from €1,300). You do not qualify if you are working more than 15 hours a week outside the home, if you are taking part in an education or training course for more than 15 hours a week, if you are getting a jobseeker’s payment or if you are signing on for jobseeker credits. You also do not qualify if you are living in a hospital, convalescent home or similar institution. If you are caring for more than one person, a grant is paid for each of them. In June of each year (usually on the first Thursday of the month), the Department of Social Protection pays the grant automatically to carers getting Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit, Domiciliary Care Allowance or Prescribed Relative’s Allowance. If you are not getting one of these payments and you did not get the grant last year, you should fill in an application form. You can apply for this year’s grant from 7 April 2016 (8 weeks before the grant is payable). 90 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

If you got the grant last year you do not need to reapply. You will get a letter at the end of April from the Carer’s Support Grant section in the Department of Social Protection with a short questionnaire. You must answer the questions on the back and return the letter to the Carer’s Support Grant section. A freepost envelope will be included with your letter. After you return the letter, the Department will use this and the information on file to reassess you for the Carer’s Support Grant. You can apply for a Carer’s Support Grant for any given year until 31 December of the following year. So, for example, you can apply for a grant for 2015 up until 31 December 2016. My grandson shaved his head on Saturday and was sent home from secondary school on the following Monday. The school is using school policy to justify suspending him for one week until his hair starts to grow. What can his parents do? All schools should have policies in place to deal with issues as they arise in the normal day-to-day running of a school (codes of behavior, school rules and other policies). These should be provided or made available to parents of children attending the school. If you are unhappy about a school’s policy or the implementation of a school’s policy you can make a complaint to the school. The school should have a formal complaints procedure that you can follow. The complaints procedure usually involves contacting the principal with the complaint. (The school’s procedures may ask his parents to speak to another member of staff before speaking with the principal.) If having spoken with the school principal, they are still not happy that their complaint has been resolved they may contact the chairperson of the school’s management authority. If the chairperson cannot resolve their complaint they should discuss the matter at a meeting of the management authority. The school’s Board of Management is usually the management authority. However, in the case of Education and Training Board schools they should contact the Education and Training Board responsible for the school. Shortly after reaching its decision, the management authority will let them know its decision on their complaint. This decision ends the school complaints process. The Department of Education and Skills provides information about making a complaint to a school on their website. If the parents have followed the school’s complaints procedures and are not satisfied with the outcome they can escalate their complaint about the school to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. The key criterion for any intervention by the Ombudsman for Children is that the action complained of has or may have adversely affected the child. The Ombudsman can examine any administrative actions of the school, staff or Board of Management including whether the school’s policies have been followed correctly or if those policies are fair.

Know Your Rights I intend to buy a drone. Are there any rules I should be aware of? Drones and model aircraft are both considered small unmanned aircraft and the same rules apply to their operation. The rules are set out in the Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order 2015 (SI 563/2015). Under the rules, all drones weighing 1kg or more must be registered with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This includes the weight of the battery and all attached equipment, including cargo, at the start of its flight. You must be over 16 years of age to register a drone, otherwise it must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. You register your drone online at iaa.ie/drones. You must never operate a drone in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property of others and you must have permission from the landowner for take-off and landing. You must never operate it: • • • • • • •

Farther than 300 metres from you or out of your direct line of sight Over 120 metres above ground level Over urban areas or over a group of 12 or more people Within 120 metres of any person, vessel or structure not under your control Closer than 5 kilometres from an aerodrome If it will be a hazard to another aircraft in flight In civil or military controlled airspace or in restricted areas such as prisons

training course. If your drone weighs 4kg or more, you must complete a drone safety training course before operating it. You should be aware that there may be privacy or trespass issues if you operate a drone over private property. While you do not need insurance to operate a drone it is recommended that you are insured and that you complete a drone safety training course. Know Your Rights has been compiled by Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000.

If you want to operate your drone outside these limits, you must apply to the IAA for a specific operating permission and complete a drone safety

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Crossword (A copy of Alice Taylor’s Country Days) Ena Domoney, Kiltyclogher, Co Leitrim Stephen McCabe, Dublin 22 Aileen Kelly Lawless, Portumna, Co Galway Olive Long, Dunkeely, Co Donegal Tickets to Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald show Caroline Meade, Dublin 14 Mary Marshall, Waterford Richard Treacy, Dun Laoghaire Break for two at Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co Tipperary Eileen O’Sullivan, Cork Tour and tea at Belleek Pottery for four people Carol Kavanagh, Mullingar Lunch and tour of the cruise liner MSC Splendida in Dublin Port Suzanne Milne Catherine Barry Ahmnet Demirbas Sandra Gough Thomas Magner

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For more information and an application form log on to www.sage.thirdageireland.ie/recruitment Or contact: Michelle Rooney Education, Training and Support Coordinator E: michelle.rooney@sage.thirdageireland.ie T: 086 183 1428

Don’t Mention the “R” Word We’ve all seen the advertisements. You know, the ones where the retired couple are bungee jumping in New Zealand, mountain biking in Corsica, dining in California, sipping wine in Tuscany. Everyone’s smiling, the implication is clear: this retirement lark is a doddle. But what if it isn’t? While there are undoubtedly those who lead those dream lives post-career, but according to the author of a book about preparing for the reward years, they might well have put a lot of planning into achieving that contented look. Marianne Heron, a former Features editor at the Irish Independent, has had almost 20 years practice at being retired, although she admits that it’s actually more a case of ‘semi-retirement’. In fact, she doesn’t even like the word ‘retirement’, believing that it is outdated, was not reflecting the reality for many people and belongs to a time when “you got your gold watch before you popped your clogs”. Therefore the 100 page booklet, co-written with business partner Paul Britton, has the more proactive title ‘Rewire, Don’t Retire - Your Passport to a Fulfilling Retirement’. It aims to be a short but sweet guide to maximising the years after you’ve had the send- off from your work colleagues. Sponsored by Irish Life and Active Retirement Ireland, it is available in hard copy or as a free download and aims to be a lifestyle guide for that time in your life when the idea of having all that time to do whatever you want might just get a little overwhelming. Marianne and her husband David Morgan had a vision while on a holiday I’m a wine valley in South Africa in 1996 about how the future could be. Within 18 months Marianne had stepped away from her full-time job, taking early retirement. It has proved a fruitful period and one which has informed the writing of the book. “You have two or even three decades of life after your main career,” she says of retirement. Using numbers, this means an extra 2,000 hours a year to fill every year. She admits that she often hears from younger people about their mum or dad, who had been so looking forward to stepping away from work after years of graft, suddenly find themselves “feeling lost” within a year. She refers to a comment she heard from former Ireland international footballer Niall Quinn, who remarked that on finishing their playing careers, six out of ten football marriages fail. The adjustment, even at that young age, is so great that it throws many people off kilter. Retirement can present similar problems, she contends. “It hits people that hard,” she says, “it’s a big transition.”

Nigel Baxter talks to Marianne Heron for those who are single, there can be similar pitfalls: “Very often singles have vague plans and can find themselves in not so splendid isolation,” she adds. She took up hillwalking and painting watercolours and is a big believer in the five minute rule - try something and if you still like it after five minutes it might be worth continuing. Activities, she says, should ideally be purposeful and have an end result (this, by the way, does not include golf). She also stresses the need for a positive attitude - “now you have to be a self-starter”. And another key point: “invest your time in your health we are very bad at that.” Considering that around one-third of premature deaths are lifestyle-related, having the time to focus on improving your health canny dividends. Marianne also believes that employers should help prepare their workers for retirement by running courses that prepare them for once they stop working full time, and references transition courses run by Dublin City University that help people move on to a second career.

One issue is the sense of having lost your identity. As Marianne phrases it: “Who really are you when you take away your work title?” The workplace has, after all, provided regular social contact, and when this is removed it can feel like a loss, a gap that needs to be filled.

The state, too, could do more, she believes, referring to previous “appalling attitudes to the over-65s where they are seen as a burden rather than seen as a resource” while admitting to being excited by what she sees as “the beginnings of a change of heart” in this regard.

The finances may be sorted on retirement - as many as 70% of retirees have cleared the mortgage by the time they finish work - but just because you are not working full time does not mean that you do t want to feel relevant, Marianne argues.

Of course, Irish society is changing. Our population is getting older, and in all likelihood pensionable age is likely to rise, with many of us working longer. For this reason she thinks an “arbitrary retirement point” makes less sense, and workplaces may change their approach by introducing gradual step down in people’s careers, rather than a big break. Case histories in the book show how organisations such as Active Retirement Ireland and Men’s Sheds can help fill the spare time.

She admits that there is no single perfect formula, but believes there are common pitfalls that can be easily avoided. The book outlines 10 key aspects that if followed should make the transition from full time career seem that bit more manageable. One of these is to have a “joint plan” she says. By having realistic expectations that are shared by your partner, it can help when the honeymoon period is over and you might begin to feel that something is missing. For this reason, she is wary of “bucket lists”, which tend to veer towards all-action one-off events for which your partner may not share the same level of enthusiasm. “People being together 24/7 can cause problems you need to have time together and time apart,” she says. As 94 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Ultimately, it simply boils down to preparation and then focus on the right areas. She refers to a company that does brokerage on half built yachts - symbol of the ‘right here, right now’ approach to late years when may pacing yourself might be the key to a long and happy retirement. As Marianne says: “People tend to think of retirement as a one-off event but it’s not - it is a progressive period of adjustment.” *Rewire Don’t Retire” can be downloaded from www.irishlife.ie or can be ordered through Irish Life, Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1

Outreach

Support for male victims of domestic abuse Maria Griffin, research and policy officer, explains the aims and work of AMEN whose primary purpose as an organisation is to provide support and information to male victims of domestic abuse, while campaigning for greater recognition and support services for male victims from political and statutory bodies.

Over the near 20 years since AMENs inception our service user population and their needs have grown. AMEN provides confidential helpline support and legal information, one-to-one support meetings, counselling, an outreach clinic in Dolphin House in Dublin, court accompaniment and group support meetings and a Parents Plus accredited course. AMEN Support Services Ltd is a person centred, client led non-profit organisation and registered charity. We are committed to the highest standard of ethical and efficient service delivery, promoting the empowerment, dignity and equality of male victims of domestic abuse through our advocacy and support service role. Tackling the problems surrounding male’s victims of domestic abuse is not just about providing emotional support,

legal information and providing for their immediate protection and that of their children; it is also about raising awareness and contesting the prevalent negative and flippant attitudes to men as victims that is inherent in contemporary Irish society. In 2013 alone we received over 5670 calls to our helpline service; reflected further by a 400% rise in calls received from 2011. Not only are these calls in relation to domestic abuse or violence but due to the limited supports available to men currently we are often times supporting men in dealing with some of the more subtle, yet equally damaging structural, discrimination they face at all levels of seeking support.

2014 statistics: Overall contacts: • 6660 contacts. 36.8% increase in overall contacts (Up from 4868 in 2013) • Over 1300 new men contacting the service in 2013 • 95% of contacts had children • 65% were married • 50 to 60 years of age is the average age ratio of male helpline callers

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 95

shame, the same fear and desperation. While there are a large variety of services dedicated t support of female victims of domestic abuse in terms of advocacy, legal supports and even provision of places of refuge for them and their children, male victims of the exact s circumstances face only obstacles. Every year we run a nationwide awareness program a launch of our annual report with the support of a wide variety of spokespeople. Disclosures of Abuse: • 8437 disclosures of domestic abuse • 3278 disclosures of physical abuse • 5157 disclosures of verbal & psychological abuse (this represents a rise of 679 more disclosures of abuse then 2013) Helpline: • 5670 helpline calls (1598 more calls than 2013) • Increase of 39% in number of calls received • 47% of calls received were crisis calls • 850 new men contacted the helpline

The problems associated with gender ro and not victims, as tough, macho and bolstering the structural discrimination th of the men we engage with experience a bias towards women and notions of fem negating the experience and protection

One to One Support Sessions

• 477 one to support sessions were delivered Top AMEN Row: AMEN Manager Mr.Niamh Ireland Karl Bowe. Administrative Lisa Carolan. Research P to 359 (this represents an increase ofThe 152AMEN on team: The In issues of inequality, sexism and and dom team: Top Row:Niamh AMEN Farrell. Manager Farrell. Mr. Ireland Karl Bowe.Assistant Administrative Assistant Maria Griffin 2013) Lisa Carolan. Research and Policy Maria Griffin silent and hidden presents with the sam Bottom Row: Board of Directors Chairperson Finola O’Sullivan. Supports Workers Aoife McGrath and shame, the same fear and McDermot desperation. Bottom Row: Board of Directors Chairperson Finola O’Sullivan. Supports Workers Aoife McGrath and Andrea Andrea McDermot support of female victims of domestic • 47% increase from 2013 provision of service places of refuge and for the The positive responses from our service users reflects the vital role our provides in circumstances face only obstacles. Ev • 82% increase from 2012 the increasing need for its expansion. AMEN is incredibly proud of the work we do and into the f launch of our annual report with the sup violence, gender is irrelevant. The male victim of domesticour abuse leavesnationwide. men in a equally (These figures represent an enormous 71% riseto increase we hope reach We operate and open door policy. though silent and hidden presents with the threatening and difficult position without supin individuals seeking and receiving one to one same physical increasingly on the margins. support over two years!) For anyone port whoand may have been affected by the contents ofand thispsychological article ortraumas, is in need of help the same hurt and shame,and the same and confidential helpline number is 046 9023718. We can provide support legalfear information, on desperation. While there are a large variety of Amen’s support services while providing Counselling: one meetings, counselling and court accompaniment. services dedicated to the support of female support for male victims of domestic abuse victims of domestic abuse in terms of advoalso play a fundamental role in the protection • Increase of 100% in counselling hours cacy, legal supports and even the provision of children, young people and vulnerable of places of refuge for them and their children, adults in the homes of abusers. Our service • 214 hours of counselling provided male victims of the exact same circumstancusers represent a cross section of Irish society es face only obstacles. Every year we run a subsequently we are increasingly collaborating AMENs role as advocates has increasingly nationwide awareness program and a launch with other services (TUSLA, SOSAD, HSE, become centred on the recognition of men’s of our annual report with the support of a wide Family Resource Centres etc.) in addressing experience and rights. This includes our variety of spokespeople. the complex needs of service users whose increased work with minority ethnic groups and backgrounds reflect a diversity of needs such our work with fathers in low income families, The positive responses from our service users as mental health, parenting, healthy living, and long term unemployment and coming from reflects the vital role our service provides and addiction issues. backgrounds of huge disadvantage. The indeed the increasing need for its expansion. status of male victims of domestic abuse is AMEN is incredibly proud of the work we do The problems associated with gender roles complex and our role as a support service and into the future we hope to increase our and norms perpetuating the idea of men as necessitates our commitment to advocacy The AMEN team: Top Row: AMEN Manager Niamh Farr reach nationwide. We operate and open door perpetrators and not victims, as tough, macho and empowerment in the continued provision policy. and independent, has silenced male voices on of a nationwide information and support serBottom Row: Board of Directors Chairperson vice for male victims of domestic abuse and their families. We further compliment this role in developing and delivering awareness training on domestic violence and the male victim. We offer this training to all age groups, within schools and for professionals in all areas of the caring and social services. The gender disparity that sees places of refuge and domestic abuse services in every county dedicated to supporting female victims

many issues bolstering the structural discrimination they now face which permeates all sections of society. Many of the men we engage with experience a wide variety of obstacles stemming directly from a systemic bias towards women and notions of femininity, which leads to a bias in society and the legal system negating the experience and protection of men in real and threatening situation. In issues of inequality, sexism and domestic

96 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

positive from our service For anyone The who may haveresponses been affected the of increasing itsof expansion. AM by the contents this article need or is infor need we hope to increase our reach nationwi help our confidential helpline number is 046 9023718. We can provide support and legal For anyone who may have been affect information, confidential one-to-one meetings, helplinecounselling number is 046 9023 and court accompaniment. one meetings, counselling and court acc

Crafts

A berry good time Connie McEvoy shows you how to stitch an attractive blackberry motif

Now that autumn is upon us once more the hedgerows are full of delicious fruits glistening with dew in the morning sunshine. What beauty to behold in the stillness unless an attempt to pick some is noticed by a blackbird or thrush that is guarding it’s territory starts hovering close enough to make contact, singing/shouting in loud defensive notes that clearly indicate dissatisfaction at the intended fruit sampling session at that particular location. Having encountered and escaped from such a predicament on a few occasions a decision was made to embroider some hedgerow beauties embellished with beads, projects that could be displayed in frames or cards and viewed all year round without offending any of God’s creatures. Have enjoyed penning a wee verse also for the autumn season- while sweeping up leaves most days last year my constant companion was a robin that kept right at my heels happy to catch all worms and insects that were disturbed while sweeping was in progress, it seemed quite content to stay the course and chirped away happily each day. Requirements for the small oval Blackberry project: 1 skein each of Anchor stranded cotton- Green no 1044 and brown/tan no 5968 (2 strands). Oddments of white and pink no 074 (1strand of each combined for blossom) and yellow no 487 (1strand) for French knots at centre of blossom.

Autumn It’s autumn again, I know by the Trees Now the leaves make more noise as they blow in the breeze Some tumble down after a flutter What beautiful colours to sweep up I mutter Light yellow, orange, bronze, scarlet and gold A warning the weather is soon to turn cold Trees that were clad in great mantles of green During the heat of the fine summer’s weather Will strip off in autumn as though warm in their leather! They’ll be bare very soon as we near Halloween Then a bright harvest moon can more clearly be seen Still bountiful apple crops sport vivid hues Just waiting to end up in pies, tarts and stews So I’ve made up my mind-no if’s and’s or but’s To go to the orchard my basket to fill picking apples, berries

Sewing cotton for beads- Gutremann m303 red no 156, green no 396, Tootal Royal gleam blue no 445 and black.

and ripe fruit at will

Trimmits Rocailles seed beads- red, green, blue and black. 1 piece of white or ivory Evenweave fabric measuring 11cms X 10cms

Connie Mc Evoy.

And I’ll top it all off with some fat hazel nuts.

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 97

Coping with stress in dementia care Dr Gerard Clarke and Andrew P Allen of University College, Cork advise

and 1red Anchor flexi-hoop and picture frame measuring 6.5cms x 9cms, no CHF 023 04 + some red felt for backing and 17cms of narrow red satin ribbon. A beading needle if available otherwise a fine sharp could be used, a crewel needle some pins and a fine tapestry needle for needle weaving. Begin by drawing the stem freehand lightly onto the right side of fabric using a black pencil, draw small circles also in the desired berry areas, leaves, thorns and blossom can then be added as desired as these will lie in relief on the fabric. Work the main stem first: stem stitch overcast using 1 strand each of green no 1044 and brown no 5968 combined in the crewel needle, finer stems are worked in stem stitch and thorns in straight stitches using the same colour combination as for main stem. The areas where the black berries are to be worked will need to be padded using 2 strands of thread (blue/black, red or green) in appropriate circles with circles of chain stitches, work a second row on top towards the centre of the 1st row and finish off with 1 or 2 stitches in the centre before taking the thread to back of work and securing there. This method gives an excellent anchor and padding to the bead work. Attach the beads in groups of two or three as well as one at a time, they tend to sit better if given a twist in order to get them looking natural in most projects. The leaves are all needle-woven using the tapestry needle, apart for a few that are worked in stem stitch near the red berry. Work the blossom last using 1 strand each of pink and white thread combined in the crewel needle, it will be necessary to make about 6 buttonhole loops for a blossom of this size, it is finished by adding some French-knots using 1 strand of yellow thread. Wash the finished work in tepid suds and press carefully while still quite damp on a soft towel that has been folded in four. The project can now be fitted in the flexi hoop as per instructions supplied by the manufacturers and the ribbon can then be attached as desired. The larger circular blackberry project was worked on purple satin with a white organza overlay in order to allow for another dimension of quilting. 98 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

Despite a lack of physical frailty, Joanne’s mother, Ruth, was no longer able to live independently. As the one daughter of Ruth without a family of her own, Joanne had taken early retirement, moved back to Ireland and into her mother’s house to care for her. Following a visit to a specialist her mother had received a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease. The news was hard to takeAlzheimer’s was not something Joanne knew much about. For months she felt increasingly distressed. With advice from her doctor, Joanne accessed information about dementia, met a support group for carers, and found out about day care services. With time Joanne and Ruth began to settle into a new routine. Joanne did not see Alzheimer’s as something they would “get through”-rather something they had gone into. But now she felt better able to face it. Caring for a loved one with dementia can take an emotional, financial and physical toll on people. Given the huge contribution to our society that caregivers make, it is important that carers themselves get help that they require, and that their own well-being is taken care of. Increased stress can make people pursue relief through unhealthy means, such as self-medication, comfort eating and isolating themselves from friends, and carers are no exception. However, there are other options available. Programs to support caregivers generally target multiple aspects of the process of dementia care giving, including information about dementia, practical support, and emotional support. Educational programs can make carers more aware of the broad symptoms of dementia, as well as entitlements that can help with the caring process. Respite can help carers to cope better with their role, although some families do not opt for this as some patients find it difficult to re-adjust following respite. Mindfulness is one approach to stress management. It involves a non-judgemental awareness of the present moment. When caring for someone with dementia it can be easy for many people to feel overwhelmed by anxiety about the future, as well as feeling guilty for their own thoughts and feelings towards the person they are caring for. A mindful approach to our thoughts acknowledges them with a greater level of objectivity, allowing us to let our thoughts be what they are without letting them overwhelm us. There is evidence that meditation can reduce stress within care givers, as well as reducing levels of depression. If you are caring for someone with dementia, do talk to your doctor about sources of help and support available to you. We are currently conducting research on dementia care giving in collaboration with the Centre for Gerontology and Department of Epidemiology & Public Health at UCC. We are looking at the effects of dementia care giving on the well-being, biology and cognition of caregivers. We are also interested in the effects of classes for care givers to help them deal better with care giving. This research is funded by the Health Research Board, Ireland. If interested in taking part you can contact Andrew P. Allen (Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science and APC Microbiome Institute, UCC) at 0899526518, or at givingcare2020@gmail.com.

Meeting Place Let’s hear from you, gents! Once again the ladies are severely outnumbering the gents in terms of number of advertisements. Come on lads, let’s hear from you! 70S OFFALY LADY, GSOH, WLTM respectable kind gent for friendship and to share lifes joys. Interests include walking, dancing, cinema, eating out, weekends away, long drives in the country etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C1 ATTRACTIVE 60s LEINSTYER LADY WLTM a man who believes we can enjoy the elements, have a laugh, dance to Van, curl up with a film or dine out on words that say we’re on the same page. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C2 DUBLIN LADY EARLY SIXTIES, WLTM a gentleman around the same age. Enjoys walking, cinema, theatre, travelling and golf. GSOH. NS. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C3 ATTRACTIVE, RETIRED MUNSTER LADY. WLTM cheerful male/female companion interested in winter sun vacations, music/dance, countryside, books. NS REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C4 PETITE,SINGLE DUBLIN LADY, late 60s, with average dancing ability, WLTM a sincere, respectable gent who likes dancing. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C5 DUBLIN WIDOW, 60s, WLTM gentleman for friendship and companionship. Interested in golf, bridge, dancing, arts and musicals. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C6 LIMERICK LADY, 60s, semi-retired, professional widow, outgoing personality, caring and sincere and having a positive outlook. Interests include travel, reading, current affairs, social interaction, restaurants and nature. WLTM unattached genuine educated, positive and interesting NS gentleman with GSOH to share enriching times. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C7 CORK-BASED LADY, 68 seeks gentleman for a cheerful mate, kindred spirit, sound and strong not stuck in the past when things go wrong! Having inner peace and social ease, like to dance and shoot the breeze A mum, a gran with positive view, lots of interests, and faults..well a few! NS, SD Christian and free. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W1 ATTRACTIVE, SEMI-RETIRED DUBLIN BUSINESSMAN,60s, NS, many interests, kind and caring, WLTMA a warm, mature, affectionate, caring, romantic woman for mutual enjoyment, companionship and happy fun times together. Discretion assured and expected. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W2 WILD ATLANTIC KERRY LADY, early 60s, would like to share the following hobbies: theatre, drama, sailing, foreign/home holidays, dancing and fishing with an authentic man looking for companionship and friendship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W3

TALL, SLIM, HAPPY, CARING, ROMANTIC LADY. Early 60s, but young in heart and no couch potato, interested in music, art, architecture, mountains and sea, theatre and movies. WLTM tall, honest, interesting, professional man, 55-65 to share interests and dis cover new ones, to dance, to laugh and maybe to love. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W4 TALL, ATTRACTIVE DUBLIN WIDOW, 70, retired, professional, kind, romantic and sincere. Interests include travel, music, art, reading, current affairs, good conversation and outdoor life. WLTM sincere gent, 60s-70s to share the joys of life. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W5 WIDOWED LEINSTER GENTLEMAN, LATE 70s, with no ties. Outgoing personality, with many interests, including golf, fishing, boating and walking. Interested in meeting woman late 60s with similar interests with a view to companionship and relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W6 GALWAY WIDOW, NO TIES, children flown from the nest, early 60s, medium build WLTM a sincere, honest male 64-68. NS, interests include cooking sun drives, GSOH. A lot of love to give to someone special. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W7 FEMALE, 60s, SEEKS travelling companion from Munster area for guided tours and city breaks outside Ireland. Interests include culture, theatre, concerts, nature. NS, ND REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W8 EDUCATED DUBLIN LADY, 64, seeks tall, educated gent for long-term relationship. Divorced, living alone. Interests: dancing, music, walking, travel, cinema, eating out, etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W9 DUBLIN WOMAN, FAILING SIGHT, LATE SIXTIES, SEEKS male or female ‘guide’ for outings, eating out etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W10 INTELLECTUAL CONVERSATION required by lady (60s) over a cup of coffee in a café once a week in Dublin area. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R1 CORK CITY LADY, 60, PETITE, ACTIVE, outgoing personality SD, with varied interests WLTM unattached NS 60-65 kind, genuine man with GSOH. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R2. MIDLANDS WIDOW, LATE 60s, WLTM lady or gentleman with whom she could share holidays at home and abroad. Compatibility important. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R3. WILD ATLANTIC KERRY LADY, EARLY 60s. If you are male or female and enjoy the following activities please reply: walking, theatre, cinema, drama, sailing, fishing, holidays and dancing. My only requirement is you are an authentic Irish soul. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R4.

SINGLES EVENING IN DUBLIN!

RETIRED CO TIPPERARY LADY, 60, would like to hear from men of similar age. Very outgoing. Hobbies include social dancing. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R5. WELL EDUCATED GALWAY WOMAN, EARLY 50s, separated. Interests include theatre, cinema, sports, outdoor activities, cycling, hiking, country walks, cultural events, history and cooking dishes from all over the world. WLTM man with similar interests, GSOH with a positive outlook on life. View to friendship and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R6. SELF RELIANT CORK CITY GENT, warm, conversationally good, informed. WLTM expansive, confident, self-caring and self-responsible lady for mature, engaging and good company. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M1 DUBLIN LADY YOUNG MID 60s, educated, divorced, petite (am told attractive) WLTM unattached male, NS, 60-70 with similar interests which are music, walking, love of nature, good conversation and general interests in life and living! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M2 ACTIVE UNATTACHED TIP LADY, 53, semi-retired, no ties. Seeks male of female travelling companion anywhere in Ireland. Also interested in city breaks, walking holidays, cruises, anywhere off the beaten track, near or far. I’ve plenty of destinations in my ‘bucket list’ – do you? REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M3 CULTURED, PROFESSIONAL DUBLIN WIDOW, various interests include music, theatre, films, walking, and outdoor life. WLTM sincere gent to share and enjoy happy times together – the best is yet to come! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M4 SINGLE NORTH EAST LADY, EARLY 60s, attractive, active with outgoing personality, sincere, kind and caring. Enjoy cinema, theatre, walking, hiking, restaurants and travel. WLTM sincere active man with GSOH, for friendship, travel, chatting and the simple things of life. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M5 YOUNG DUBLIN LADY, 61, interests include swimming, walking, reading, travelling, yoga, laughter, fun and GSOH, cycling, spirituality. WLTM soulmate from Dublin area. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M7 LOVELY WELL-EDUCATED GALWAY WOMAN, late 50s, 5ft 6in, slim build, charming with GSOH, NS/SD, well-travelled, kind and sincere, Taurean. Interests include art, music, painting, reading, theatre, concerts, walking, yoga, healthy lifestyle, golf and bridge. WLTM sincere, attractive mature gentleman for friendship and companionship who has good values, with similar interests and is kind and caring. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M8 DUBLIN MAN 62, tall, slim, energetically fit, good

We are planning a Singles Evening in Dublin in late November or early December. This will include dancing, entertainment and a table quiz and a great opportunity to meet kindred spirits! If you would be interested in attending such a function, please let us know! If we don’t get the interest, we cannot put on this function. Send a note to us showing your interest to: Singles Evening, Senior Times, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Or email: john@slp.ie See you there! 100 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

dress sense, NS, SD witty sense of humour. Likes great outdoors, hill walking, sailing, rugby, history, decent restaurants, cinema, theatre, classical and traditional music. Likes visiting different parts of the country. WLTM an active female 60/65 who enjoys and has a young outlook on life. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M9 SINGLE DUBLIN MAN 60 NO TIES NS SD GSOH. Interests include good conversation, travel, walking, reading. WLTM sincere down to earth lady 60-65 for friendship, good company and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M10. DUBLIN GENT looking for lady (not too tall) to practice, waltz, quickstep, tango and foxtrot with a view to taking part in competitions. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M11 KERRY LADY LATE 60s, RETIRED, with no commitments, NS, SD, caring with GSOH, WLTM sincere gentleman for social life and share general interests and for friendship and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M12 RESPECTABLE DUBLIN PROFESSIONAL businessman 60s, NS, tall medium build, told attractive. Many interests, very private. WLTM mature, affectionate, interesting feminine woman for friendship, romance and shared mutual enjoyment. Discretion assured and expected. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M13 SINGLE MIDLANDS TEACHER, EARLY 50, enjoys reading, history, computers, sport, foreign holidays, and WLTM interesting male for friendship/relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M14 SINGLE DUBLIN GENT, 60s, NS, ND, many interests, WLTM refined female from any part of the country. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M15 PETITE DUBLIN LADY, 60s, returned emigrant WLTM kind, cultured gentleman with a GSOH for friendship/companionship. Hobbies include reading, walking, theatre, classical music, art appreciation, travel, intelligent conversation and world politics. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B1 ATTRACTIVE SOUTH DUBLIN BUSINESSMAN, 60s, NS, semi-retired, medium build, tall, kind, considerate, WLTM an attractive, mature, affectionate, caring woman for friendship, companionship and to share special moments. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B2 SINGLE MAYO LADY, MID-50s, with many and varied interests, seeks genuine man for friendship/relationship, to spend and enjoy time together travelling, eating out, chatting, having fun and companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B3

LOVELY LEINSTER LADY, 58, 5ft 4in, slim, blonde WLTM tall, well-built gentleman with Old School values, and above all honesty, and sense of humour. Very feminine, dislike outdoors, love books, theatre, fine dining and good conversation, especially about politics. Strongly business and work orientated. Don’t suffer fools or overly PC people. More Jane Austin than Sex in the City! Interested? REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B7 CORK LADY MID-60s, sincere and good sense of humour. Enjoys dancing, animals and good conversation and people with a good sense of humour. WLTM sincere single or widower teetotaller gent with a good sense of humour. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B8 KERRY LADY EARLY 60s, NS, occasional drinker, would like to correspond with honest, caring and respectable person for friendship and companionship. Many interests, including reading, walking, gardening, wildlife, cinema, current affairs etc. Told I am a good humoured and caring person. All genuine replies welcome. Discretion assured and expected. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B9 ATTRACTIVE, ARTICULATE NEW YORK WOMAN educationalist, 60s, now living in Ireland and within the Dublin catchment area WLTM a cultured, refined man with no ties. Interests wide and varied and include love of life, good conversation, comedy, theatre, travel, reading and the arts. My life is a tapestry of colours and sharing experiences which makes it more enriching. Are you my long awaited other half? Do answer ASAP REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F1 OFFALY-BASED RETIRED BUSINESSMAN, 66, fit, good looking, SD, NS, GSOH. Varied interests. WLTM a nice lady who is caring with GSOH, SD, NS for friendship and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F2 ATTRACTIVE DUBLIN LADY, 60s, widowed with no ties, very active and fit, with outgoing personality. NS, SD with many interests. Enjoy walking, dancing, dining out, lively conversation and current affairs. WLTM educated, sincere gent with GSOH, 60s, 70s for friendship/relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F3 SEPARATED, RETIRED GENT 67, medium height and build, ND, light smoker, enjoys reading, walks, films, music, WLTM female over 50 with view to a relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F4 CORK LADY 64 SINGLE, likes dancing, gardening, history, animals and walking. Good listener, GSOH, NS, SD, WLTM respectable gent, single or widower, from anywhere in Ireland for friendship/ companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F5

GALWAY GENT, 60s, UNATTACHED, with many interests, GSOH. WLTM unattached, kind, sincere lady for friendship and whatever the future holds. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B4

ATTRACTIVE, PETITE, DUBLIN LADY, single, retired professional, late 60s WLTM kind, sincere, respectable. Interests include dancing, cinema/ theatre and walking and eating out. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F6

MID-SOUTH COAST WIDOW, NS, ND, sincere, refined. Interests include baroque music, rugby, books, gardening, animals and world affairs. WLTM sincere free male/widower 68-73 to share above for friendship and companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B5

NORTH WEST DONEGAL LADY, very young 64, nature lover, enjoys going for country walks, WLTM meet either male or female for friendship, weekends away, or perhaps form a friendship group. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F7

KIND, SINCERE SOUTH COUNTY DUBLIN man, 63, 5ft 10in, good appearance medium/slim build divorced, no children, NS, ND, enjoys reading, walking, conversation, radio, own home, and car. WLTM NS lady at least 5ft 3in tall for friendship/ relationship. Phone number please. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B6

DUBLIN LADY 60s, retired. Interests include history, dancing, reading, cinema and travelling with gentleman with similar interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F8 RETIRED FEMALE PRIMARY TEACHER living in the midlands, early 50s, wishes to meet interesting man for friendship or maybe more.

Enjoysreading, walking, history, sport. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F9 SINGLE TIPPERARY LADY, never married, no ties, well-travelled, own home, GSOH, loves theatre, music, sports, walking, WLTM refined, caring gent 65-75, single or widower. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F10 CORK LADY MID-60s, sincere and good sense of humour. Enjoys dancing, animals and good conversation and people with a good sense of humour. WLTM sincere single or widower teetotaller gent with a good sense of humour. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER G1 KERRY LADY EARLY 60s, NS, occasional drinker, would like to correspond with honest, caring and respectable person for friendship and companionship. Many interests, including reading, walking, gardening, wildlife, cinema, current affairs etc. Told I am a good humoured and caring person. All genuine replies welcome. Discretion assured and expected. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER G2 DONEGAL WIDOWER, LATE 50s, WLTM woman, 50-65, from North West for friendship and perhaps more. Wide range of interests. SD. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER P1 KERRY LADY EARLY 60s, fit, sincere, outgoing, loves nature, travelling, dancing and fishing. WLTM sincere man for friendship and companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER P2 ROMANTIC DUBLIN GENTLEMAN, 60s, civilised, open, tall, no children, GSOH, positive, loyal, dependable. WLTM cheerful widow to share this wonderful world, in friendship, perhaps romance, perhaps committed relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER P3

TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT If you are interested in meeting someone of the opposite or same sex, send your advertisement, with four stamps (which is the average reply rate) enclosed in the envelope, to: Meeting Place, Senior Times, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Or email: john@slp.ie IMPORTANT Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live, noting your interests. The advertisement should not be more than 60 words. If you are replying to the advertisement via Senior Time’s email, ensure you include your postal address for those not on the Net. (Only Senior Times will have these details). Deadline for receipt of advertisements for the next issue is October 10th 2016. TO REPLY TO AN ADVERTISEMENT Each reply to an advertisement should be enclosed in a plain, stamped envelope, with the box number marked in pencil so that it can be erased before being forwarded to the advertiser. Send these envelopes in a covering envelope to the address above so that we can forward them to the advertiser. There is no limit to the amount of advertisements to which you can reply, provided each one is contained in a plain, stamped envelope. Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live. For those submitting their advertisements by email ensure that you also supply Senior Times with your postal address so that we can post replies from those who have replied by post. (Only Senior Times will have your postal address).

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 101

Crossword Crossword Number 79 by Zoë Devlin

ACROSS 1 4 7 11 15 16 18 19 21 22 23 25 28 29 30 33 39 41 42 43 47 50 51 52 56 57 58 59 62 65 67 68 73 74 77 79 81 84 85 86 89 91 93 94 98 100 102 103 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5

& 14 D. Sir ___ ___ ,sang ‘The Young Ones’ (5,7) & 12 D. He won Eurovision Song Contest twice (6,5) Sister of Hansel in Grimm’s fairytale (6) Long thick pillow (7) French city - also New ___ in Louisiana (7) Mild expletive (4) AKA Rosemary Scallon, 1970 Eurovision winner (4) Perfumed liquid ... on the Rhine? (7) & 1 D. US singer. Star of ‘Going my way’ (4,6) Negotiable coupon or gift token (7) US university or type of lock (4) See 72 Down. Oliver ___, part of early Hollywood comedy duo (5) Zodiac sign for March/April (5) Island off the toe of Italy (6) Staff of life - or cash? (5) Large masses floating in polar seas - or lettuces? (8) & 86 A. Waterford-born singer, not all cool and vain! (3,8) Heavy material used to stabilise ship (7) Region of France and high quality brandy (6) Union of 28 countries, soon to be 27 (1.1.) He partnered 28 Across (6) Accomplished or adept (7) Relating to tailoring - or lariats? (9) Unable to keep still (8) Female pronoun (3) Very wet or saturated (6) Word that qualifies a verb (6) & 110 A. Irish singer, she sang ‘Nothing compares’ (6,1’6) Las Vegas is largest city in this state (6) Starting place for each hole on golf course (3) Deep fissure or chasm (8) Luke Kelly & Barney McKenna were part of The ___ (9) Founder of Planxty, singer ___ Moore (7) Unit of currency in many countries based on 100 cents (6) Conjunction used to link alternatives (2) Persons to whom money is paid (6) Roman god of the sea (7) Liquor distilled from molasses (3) See 41 Across Cliffs of Moher are in this county (5) Decayed .. unsound .. bad (6) Republic in NE Africa of pharaohs and pyramids (5) & 103 A & 17 D. Irish tenor and Papal count (5,4,9) Supervise, watch and direct (7) Genre of music, originated in New 15 Across (4) Film about cowboys - horse opera! (7) See 94 Across Painful swellings of big toes (7) See 111 Across See 96 Down See 62 Across & 108 A. Music popular in early 50’s (4,3,4) Absolutely disaster .. complete failure (6) Writers Emily, Charlotte and Anne ___ (6) Root vegetable from Scandinavian kingdom? (5) See 21 Across Land mass surrounded by water (6) Rectangular cloth, emblem of country (4) Fair and honourable (4) New York River or US star Rock ___ (6)

102 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

DOWN continued 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 17 20 24 26 27 31 32 34 35 36 37 38 40 44 45 46 48 49 53 54 55 57 60 61 63 64 66 67 69 70 71 72 75 76 78 80 82 83 87 88 89 90 92 95 96 97 99 100 101 104 105 106 109

Hankering for some Japanese money? (3) Spielberg film, ‘Saving Private ___‘ (4) Jeweled headdress (5) See 100 Down Centre of a target or old-fashioned sweet? (5-3) See 4 Across Performance building such as Gaiety or Abbey (7) See 1 Across See 94 Across O’Toole, Ustinov, Lorre or Sellers (5) Anita Brookner’s novel, ‘Hotel du ___‘ (3) Window sash, usually hinged on one side (8) Proverb or memorable saying (5) Not in work or out of action (4) There’s a net iciness to this persistent demand (10) Small piece of floor covering (3) Standard dry-cell battery used in small devices (1.1.1) Italian opera singer, Beniamino ___ (5) Vegetable such as bean and pea (6) Gentle affectionate stroking (6) Johnny Cash’s boy or take legal action? (3) Egg-shaped (5) Sound, often unwanted (5) Well-known people, in short (6) Join or attach with sticky paste (4) Ironical, humorously sarcastic (3) Annoy or irritate (3) Appraisal or judgement of the sanest mess! (10) Ridge which moves across surface of sea (4) Move back and forth or sideways (4) All gone - you wouldn’t dupe us? (4-2) Evergreen tree often found in graveyards (3) In a dignified, aristocratic manner (5) Similar (5) Hasten to this Greek capital (6) Small end of a branch (4) Decorating or embellishing (8) Comfort felt in time of disappointment (6) Intricate network, as used by spider (3) & 25 A. Old blue-eyes - US singer, father of Nancy (5,7) Musician who blows his own instrument? (9) Long thin implement - lightning or fishing? (3) Eyelid infection - sounds like home for a pig? (4) Automaton capable of carrying out functions (5) Pointed tool - it’s a law unto itself! (3) Make a mistake (3) Does an elf adore to live off somebody’s generosity? (8) Be in accord - concur (5) Bishop’s staff (7) Harsh, corrosive, bitter (7) Beverage made by steeping leaves in water (3) What evenings do in autumn (4,2) & 109A. Founder member of The 73 Across (6,4) False, not according to facts (6) She won silver in Sydney, ___ O’Sullivan (5) & 10 D. Irish tenor of ‘Hear my song’ fame (5,5) Film ‘___ the Greek’ which starred Anthony Quinn (5) Group of countries in special alliance (4) Could be sternum, tibia or one for the dog? (4) Beds for babies (4) A light touch or stroke (3)

Three subscriptions to Senior Times to be won! The crossword prizes for this issue are three subscriptions to Senior Times for yourself, family member or a friend. Each is worth â&#x201A;Ź40.

Name: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Send your entries to: Crossword Competition, Senior Times, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. The first three correct entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is 10th October.

Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie 103

Scam Phone Calls Every day fraudsters and scammers come up with new ways to steal money and information from unsuspecting people. Scams can be very elaborate and it can be easy for even the savviest of people to be taken in by them. Following are some common scams to be aware of and how to recognise and avoid them. A new and pervasive scam revolves around the claim that your computer is infected with a virus. Someone rings and says that your computer has been hacked and malicious software has been loaded onto your computer. They offer to help for a fee or they ask for information so that they can access your computer. They often end up with people’s credit card information, personal information that can be used for identity theft purposes, or both. Microsoft and other legitimate technology companies will not ring you out of the blue. If you have any concerns about your computer, ask someone you know and trust to look at it or hire an established tech-support company to investigate the issues. A second common scam involves a claim that your cred it card has been stolen. A person calls who says that they are a representative from a store and they claim that someone has tried to fraudulently use your credit card. They advise you to ring either your bank or your credit card company. Once you hang up they stay on the line. A phone line is active until the initiator of the call hangs up. Fraudsters have been known to play a recording of a dial tone and then a ring tone to disguise the fact that they are still on the line. They then pose as a representative of your bank or credit card company and then gather your personal details. If someone rings you and you need to verify the information they are giving you, hang up and try to ring from a different phone such as a mobile. Other common scams involve claims that you have won a prize, lottery or free holiday. The fraudsters will then charge a fee or “tax” before 104 Senior Times l September - October 2016 l www.seniortimes.ie

releasing the prize. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers may ring and claim to be from a charity asking for donations. Sometimes the charity is real and other times it is fake. Either way, no money goes to charity and the fraudster then has your credit card details. Be suspicious of anyone who cold calls you and asks for personal information or money. Don’t give out personal details over the phone. If you are unsure if someone is legitimate, take down their name and contact information. Independently verify the information either online, in person, or by ringing the number that is listed on your bank are credit card statements. Legitimate callers should not pressure you or make you afraid. Genuine people and organisations will understand why you are being cautious. If you do end up falling prey to a scammer, don’t hesitate to contact your local Garda Station. You may also want to ring the Crime Victims Helpline for someone to talk to. The Crime Victims Helpline provides non-judgemental listening and support at Freephone 116 006. We can also be reached by email at info@crimevictimshelpline.ie. Our hours are:

Monday Tuesday through Friday Saturday Sunday

10.00 am to 19.30 10.00 to 17.00 14.00 to 16.00 Closed

Further information can also be found on our website at www.crimevictimshelpline.ie

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