Senior Times Magazine - May/June by SeniorTimes Ireland

Issue 111 May - June 2021

Times

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The magazine for people who don’t act their age

Eanna goes wild about life Lessons from the celebrated environmentalist The night I won the Eurovision Remembering Shay Healy

Doing it yourself staycations Countrywide self-catering options

An out-of-thisworld six iron Alan Shepard’s famous moon shot

Rosemary Smith Life in the fast lane

PLUS: Mary O’Rourke, Bridge, History, Competitions, Wine, Beauty, Golf, Meeting Place And Much More..

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Issue 111 - May - June 2021

Contents 61

Motoring: Breda Corrigan test drive the new Peugeot e-208

Dublin Dossier: Pat Keenan on happenings in and around the capital

Western Ways: George Keegan reports on events along the Western Seaboard

Wine World: Mairead Robinson’s tipple tips

The day I won the Eurovision song contest: A tribute to Shay Healy

Creative writing: Eileen Casey profiles poet Pauline Fayne

Mary’s Musings: Mary O’Rourke’s latest observations

Guess the year: Another teaser from Gerry Perkins

Golf -The six iron that was out of this world: Dermot Gilleece recalls the story behind astronaut Alan Shepard’s celebrated lunar golf exploits Northern Notes:

Barney Dooley’s fart and the end of the world: Short story by Alan Brady

Meeting Place:

Cosmetics and beauty:

News:

A full life in the fast lane: Gary Cooke profiles celebrated Irish rally driver Rosemary Smith

Buses, wire hangers and other hardships: Eamon Lynskey recalls a family elder’s reminiscences Eanna Ní Lamhna on a mission to open our hearts and mind: A review of the environmentalist’s new book

Bridge: 32 Michael O’Loughlin’s tutorial for beginners and intermediates Do it yourself: Lorna Hogg looks at some self-catering options

Legacies update: More bodies offering choices for your support

Publishing Directors: Brian McCabe, Des Duggan Editorial Director: John Low Advertising: Willie Fallon Design & Production: www.cornerhouse.ie Contributors: Lorna Hogg, Dermot Gilleece, Maretta Dillon, Peter Power, Matthew Hughes, Mairead Robinson, Eileen Casey, Debbie Orme, Connie McEvoy, George Keegan, Michael O’Loughlin and Pat Keenan.

Lockdown story: 78 William T Ahern Covid diary Crafts:

Senior Times does not necessarily endorse or agree with the views and claims made in articles and advertisements.

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News Now Report stresses the importance of correct diet for older people A report published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) stresses the importance of correct diet to enhance older people’s nutritional well-being with the ultimate aim of improving health in later life. In general, dietary intake goals for older adults are similar to those for the general adult population, but particular nutritional issues relating to ageing such as, the need for a more protein-dense diet to prevent frailty, require more specific food-based dietary guidelines. Other matters associated with advancing age, such as decreased mobility, frailty and possible dependence on residential care, must be specifically addressed in dietary recommendations. Key recommendations from the report include: • Older adults who are obese with weight-related health problems should receive individual intervention to ensure weight reduction undertaken is beneficial and minimises loss of muscle tissue (slow weight loss with physical activity). Lower risk older adults who are overweight are advised to avoid weight-loss diets in order to prevent loss of muscle mass. • Older adults at risk of ‘low intake’ dehydration need adequate amount of drinks. Women need 1.6ltrs and males 2ltrs per day (unless a clinical condition to require fluid restriction). • Strong tea should only be consumed between meals and not during meals, as it interferes with absorption of iron and zinc. • Sense of taste diminishes with age and can lead to increased salt intake; therefore, consumption of salty foods should be avoided and alternatives such as herbs and spices can be used to increase flavour. • High quality proteins to stimulate muscle protein: Healthy older adults should eat a more protein-dense diet – foods such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs. • Adequate calorie intake to prevent development of frailty, muscle loss (sarcopenia) and undernutrition. • Diets should contain high fibre carbohydrates, but low in free sugars. The average intake of carbohydrates are at the lower end of recommended consumption range whilst one third of older people exceed recommended free sugar intake. • A daily 15 g vitamin D supplement is now recommended by the Department of Health for all older adults in Ireland. This report provides specific details on the range of dietary intake recommended for vitamin D in older adults, which vary according to ability to obtain some of this vitamin from sunlight exposure. 2 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

• Fortified foods are a good source of B vitamins (B12, folate, B6 and riboflavin) and vitamin D; whilst unsweetened orange juice, salads, fruit and vegetables are reliable daily food sources of vitamin C. Over 65s are the fastest growing age group in Ireland, having increased by 19% in the 2016 census to some 630,800 people (13.8% of total population), with expected ongoing increases to a predicted 1.6 million older citizens by 2051. Older adults represent a diverse group, some healthy and fit with a good capacity for physical activity and some living with chronic conditions and diseases, which compromise activity levels and mobility and have an impact on nutritional requirements. This report covers these factors and describes various dietary approaches that are optimal for managing the differences in nutrient requirements of the older population in Ireland. Scientific Recommendations for Food-Based Dietary Guidelines for Older Adults is freely available to view and download at https://www.fsai.ie/DietaryGuidelines_OlderAdults_Ireland/ Or telephone Jane Ryder of The Food Safety Authority of Ireland at 087 2429180

Programme for retraining and upskilling adults for the workplace Navigate Your Work Future is designed specifically for those in their 50s and upwards who may have lost their jobs and is open to all. The first lecture is by Sinead English, career consultant and founder of Hilt Career Management Consultancy. Sinead will speak about ‘Creative Job Search, How to network your way into a job’. She will cover * putting together a job search action plan * finding your confidence * approaching potential contacts and networking in a pandemic The series is organised by Third Age Ireland. For more information, contact Liam Carey, telephone 087-7998567 lcarey@thirdageireland.ie www.thirdageireland.ie

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Croí heart/stroke charity wins international accreditation Croí, the heart disease and stroke charity, has received a major international recognition in being the first Irish organisation to be accredited by the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) for its work in cardiovascular risk management and prevention. Croí is one of only eleven organisations across Europe to be awarded the status for its Croí Heart & Stroke Centre in Galway. The purpose-built facility opened in November 2012 and is a leading centre for heart and stroke prevention, research, education, support and rehabilitation. The centre is also home to the Croí Courtyard Apartments which allow family members to be as close as possible to patients receiving cardiac or stroke care in University Hospital Galway. Since the onset of the pandemic, Croí has nimbly responded to the needs of patients and carers through a range of supports and services. Last year, Croí’s Heartlink West free telephone and virtual support service responded to over 3,000 queries. Additionally, 384 people at risk of, or living with, cardiovas

Neil Johnson, CEO of Croi with the award

cular disease participated in a range of online structured lifestyle, education and recovery programmes. These include the innovative cardiac prevention and rehabilitation programme, Croí MySláinte, and the specialised obesity programme, CLANN. The Croi MySláinte programme was one of a number of specially selected initiatives funded through Sláintecare innovation funding. The announcement follows an assessment and benchmarking of Croí’s cardiovascular risk management and prevention work under a range of performance For more information on the work of Croí, visit www.croi.ie

Well-being, autonomy and community’ are key when designing housing with support for older people A new evidence review conducted by the Health Research Board (HRB) explores the perspectives of older people from around the world on housing with support and examines the impact of this kind of housing on their well-being. The review will support development of a policy framework for housing for older people in Ireland, which is being jointly developed by the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Housing with support refers to non-institutional accommodation where older people have their own front door and access to support or care services, with the aim of providing independent, accessible housing options that can improve quality of life. The implementation of this kind of housing has been rapidly expanding in recent years – a trend that is likely to intensify in the context of COVID-19, which has made clear the risks of relying primarily on nursing homes. Key findings from the international evidence review include: • Individual choice and autonomy are important for successfully transitioning to housing with support. • The change is made easier where the housing location allows older people to maintain their existing social networks. • While personal care and support services are a key aspect of housing with support, opportunities to socialise are also essential for well-being. The report findings are brought together in an aspirational model of housing with support that will inform future policy, with the ultimate aim of improving quality of life for older people. Download the full report on www.hrb.ie 4 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Alcohol consumption still remains ‘significantly higher’ than Government target A new report from the Health Research Board (HRB) has found that while alcohol consumption levels in Ireland have plateaued since 2013, people’s consumption ‘remains significantly higher’ than the Government’s 2020 target of no more than 9.1 litres of pure alcohol per person a year. In 2019, on average every person in Ireland aged 15 and over drank 10.8 litres of pure alcohol a year – the equivalent of either 40 bottles of vodka, 113 bottles of wine or 436 pints of beer. Given one in four people in Ireland don’t drink at all, actual consumption rates among those who do drink would be much higher than this. Key findings include: • Continued high levels of consumption and hazardous drinking habits • Increasing demand on hospital services due to alcohol-related harm • The importance of minimum unit pricing as a tool to reduce harmful consumption • Initial insights into how drinking patterns have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic Ireland ranks 9th among OECD countries in terms of alcohol consumption and 8th in the world when it comes to monthly binge drinking, defined as consuming more than six standard drinks in one sitting. The report provides a number of insights into how consumption patterns vary between age groups and genders. For example: • Older adults aged 65 and over tend to drink less; however, of those who do drink, one-third are hazardous drinkers, with over 40% of men over 65 engaging in monthly binge drinking. • Three in five drinkers over 60 years who take medication that interacts with alcohol have reported that they continue to drink while on such medication. Read the full report on the HRB website www.hrb.ie

Stepping back to live in the past A Step Back in Time is written my Mayo woman Angela Burke and deals with things many remember or have forgotten. The author is the founder of Greenway Gifts. These gifts are all unique ideas reflecting the cottage type industry in Mayo and contribute to the local economy. Angela is no stranger to celebrity endorsement – her Greenway Gifts products were presented to President Barack Obama, President Michael D. Higgins, and Sonia O'Sullivan. A Step Back in Time is 153 pages packed with everything you ever wanted to know about Irish life in days of yore. Making hay, cutting turf and even a dog’s funeral. When you order the book directly from http://www. greenwaygifts.ie, you will receive a copy, signed by the author.

Profile

Rosemary Smith

A life in the fast lane

In an inspiring new interview with Gary Cooke rally driver, Rosemary Smith, speaks about her life, career and her ongoing passion for life. Smith, such a glamour figure of the 1960s, remains an indomitable spirit, continuing to race in rally events and recently becoming the oldest person to drive a Formula One car – performing notably better than one Jeremy Clarkson. So how are you dealing with the current situation? I have the newspapers, I have television, I can go for walks, I can have a little glass of wine now and again and you know you've got to think positively and just think and like most other people we're now in spring. My little snowdrops and daffodils are popping their heads up. I think I hope this year is going to be better but it's going to take a long , long time but you just gotta put up with it or you just go, I can’t take this and lie down and get totally depressed and do nothing. I can't do that and I was never like that anyway but you know it's just one of these awful things that happened to so many people unfortunately so many of them have passed away but you know at the moment but really I feel I have too much living to do so I am totally optimistic. I'm very lucky because I don't mind being on my own I mean some people just can't bear it they literally they go off their rocker but I don't mind.

My dad was exactly the same - he could sit and read a book or something by himself, he never needed people around him and I think I'm exactly the same because even when we we're rallying all the time there's only you ,the car and your co driver - you don't talk to your co driver, she will say you know left, right, straight or whatever but there's no sort of chit chat.

Monte Carlo or bust! Rosemary Smith poses on her celebrated Hillman Imp having made it to the Principality Rosemary Smith with the iconic Hillman Imp with which enjoyed so much rally success, and in action in an Imp in the 1967 Circuit of Ireland Rally

the Circuit of Ireland, you won in Scotland, the RAC Rally, the Alpine Rally, you weren’t just a woman driver in a man’s world you were a champion woman’s driver? So where did this interest and talent come from? Not in just competing in rallies but also winning them – you won

My interest in racing and cars came from my dad who had a small garage in Rathmines and he used to take me up to a field we had in Oldbawn to teach me to drive from the age of Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 5

Profile

With Tour De France winner Stephen Roche

13. And it was he who taught me things like use your ears and try not to use your brakes which is essential to motor racing. I was working as a dress designer for Irene Gilbert in South Anne Street and across the road from our shop was the Coffee Inn which was owned by Delphine Biggar who’s husband was Frank Biggar who used to do the Monte Carlo Rally’s with a Jaguar and it was from knowing her and her asking me to be her co driver in races around Ireland that I got into motor racing. And for a period of time we swapped seats in the middle of races as she realised I was the faster driver and changed back at the end of the race - but we were soon caught. It was from there that I started rallying myself across Ireland, then England, then places like Monte Carlo as a privateer. But my father was always the one pushing me, encouraging me.

What reaction did you get from men and what did your husband think of you racing? Initially I found men’s attitude towards a woman driver very stereotypical - it’s like the old saying which I find myself saying sometimes when you see someone driving badly – they must be a woman driver and all the ridiculous photo’s they made me do on the bonnet of car didn’t help the old ‘dolly bird’ image of women drivers. But once I started winning stages of rallies and from that male co-drivers wanted to drive with me that it all started to change. 6 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

My husband didn't appreciate it at all. I was driving when I met him initially and he thought it was great going out with somebody who people knew. He was unfortunately terribly jealous and I was away an awful lot because we did the reconnaissance trips and then we come back and then we go out and do the rallies and I just I knew I should never have married him - it's not that I’m a women ranting, but he was just the wrong person for me and if I had somebody who would supported me and backed me up like my dad did it would have been grand. But my heart goes out here for having to deal with all of that stuff and dealing with that in any marriage is incredibly, incredibly difficult. The London Sydney Rally was very eventful for you when you broke down in India and ran into some locals - you ended up going up the Khyber pass backwards? Yes well another thing that my dad told me that if it won't go forward it'll always go backwards! London Sydney was 12,500 miles and it started in London and we went down to Dover and across into Europe and then we went right across Europe and down to Istanbul right down through Afghanistan, Pakistan, India.

But it was when we got into the desert in Afghanistan and the car had been running particularly badly and one of the pistons had gone and then another piston had gone and then it suddenly decided it wasn't going to go any further and we were sitting there and this girl with me and the next thing I heard a rush out of the sand dunes and 20 men appeared on camels and I thought Oh my God what’s going to happen next! They circled the car and camels are big things when you're sitting down in a low car and so they came around and took my bracelets and my earrings. So I gave them some cans of oil which we had in the boot of the car and they began drinking them, thinking they were Coca Cola which of course made them very sick and very angry with us and it was only when a couple of English men came along and chased them off that we were able to get to the end of the stage. So the next day anyway we started off and they did a bit of a running repair so the car would move and we started off up the Khyber pass and of course it went chuck, chuck, chuck and stopped and we only had got about a mile so free wheeled it back down to the start,

Keeping your Heart Happy,

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Profile

‘My interest in racing and cars came from my dad who had a small garage in Rathmines and he used to take me up to a field to teach me to drive from the age of 13’.

Rosemary Smith’s fear of failure and her determination to succeed continues to this day and is evident in the success that she describes when driving the Formula One car as an ambassador for Renault.

turned it around put it into reverse and we reversed I think it was something like 73 K right over the Khyber Pass! What I find quite extraordinary is that you became the oldest woman to drive a Formula One car at the age of 79 – do you like danger? Gary the oldest person, man or woman to drive a Formula One car! It's a hair raising experience because I like to see where I'm going and with a Formula One car as you know you've got to get in and go down and down and down and also I'm very tall and they kept it down further I said might also be out the front of the car if I get any further 8 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

down but they said well if you see the tops of the front tires then you can see where you're going. But it was exiliarating and I didn’t stall it which is more than can be said for Jeremy Clarkson! I see racing as something I really love doing and if you are going to do something, just go and do it. You can't think of the danger, you can be apprehensive. Before an event – don’t talk to me. The only thing I was worried about when driving the Formula 1 car was not making a fool out of myself, crashing never crossed my mind. Are you disappointed that more female drivers haven’t come through the ranks and challenged the male dominance in motor racing and rallying?

As far as rallying is concerned there are a few drivers out there who are very good but there are no Irish, there are a number of Irish co -drivers. You have to remember to go rallying or racing you have to have money. A sponsor who is a relation of yours – everything is money now in motor sport. Even to go into Formula 1 you have to bring with you something like 1 million pounds - no matter how good you are. This is an edited version of the Rosemary Smith Senior Times podcast interview with Gary Cooke. To listen to the full interview visit seniortimes.ie and click on ‘podcasts’

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Clearly outline the problem, providing full details of your complaint.

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What should I do if I am dissatisfied with the outcome? Ask how your complaint can be ‘progressed’ by your service provider in line with their Code of Practice. Generally, this means that your complaint is passed to your service provider’s‘second-line support team’, who can help with more complicated complaints. If you still feel dissatisfied with the outcome, our Consumer Care Team may be able to help you.

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History

Nostalgia

Buses, wire hangers and other Eamonn Lynskey remembers a family hardships elder’s reminiscences Who is it has never been ordered by mother to sit for a while with a visiting elder on the promise of a reward later? A granduncle perhaps, or some other relative full of years, who having settled himself (it was nearly always a himself) into a favourite chair, proceeded to inflict nuggets of arcane remembrance on his younger relatives – remembrances which invariably took the form of comparisons between times past and times present, usually unfavourable to the latter. “We were all very careful with our money then, ye know. Had to be! There was very little of it around. Unlike the pocket money ye youngsters are handed today. Unheard of when I was yeer age “ Even the most casual remark might lead to a quite unexpected turn in the ‘conversation’ – ‘Buses? Did I ever tell about the open platform at the back of the old buses?’ ‘Ah, the open platform’. We youngsters, with ‘our’ modern, comfortable buses, didn’t know how lucky we were. He would never forget as long as he lived the open platform at the back of the bus in his day where, if you sat near it at all, the wind would cut you in two halves. ‘Two halves, mind you. In particular with the so-called ‘heating system’ which roasted the feet off anyone lucky enough to grab the seat above it, but did nothing for anyone else, and especially nothing for anyone sitting anywhere near the open back platform. “’Draught’ did ye say?” (we hadn’t). ‘Draught isn’t the word. ‘North Pole wind’ would be more like it’.

10 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

and hit the ground running as the bus slowed down. Any boy who waited until the bus came to a halt before getting off was liable to be ridiculed at school as a sissy, and have his head dunked (deservedly) into the nearest water-barrel. A bout of unrestrained laughter usually seized granduncle at this point but he always recovered quickly enough to

Here he sometimes paused, and a nostalgic tone would creep into his voice as he recalled that rare skill (now unhappily lost) acquired by school boys who took up position on the open platform, ready to jump

forestall any contributions from his listeners. Still on the subject of the old-style bus he might then ask us did we ever hear of the ‘television seat’? And very quickly, and to head off any replies that might break his flow, he would continue immediately ‘No?

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Nostalgia Well ...’ and he was off again. The ‘television seat’ was so-called because it extended the complete width of the bus at the top end of the lower deck and faced back into the rest of the carriage. Woe to whoever had to rush out in the early morning in any state of hurried dress. They would nearly always be sure of a ‘television seat’ because people would stand for the entire journey into town rather than sit up there and be scrutinised by their fellow-passengers. This was at a time, he reminded us, “before yeer’’ – scornfully – “mobile phones and earplugs”. What with the windows always fogged up, and the bad lighting making it hard to read, the ‘TV seat’ provided a great bit of entertainment. ‘And It was also really great fun to see the poor unfortunates nearly falling off that seat every time the bus pulled out from a bus stop!’ Hearty laughter here. And despairing smiles. Any mention of the mobile phone always opened up the scenario of the phone desert that was the Dublin of 1950s and he would launch into a dilation on how hard it used to be for ‘an ordinary person’ to make a phone call back then. It was only possible if one had a friend who had a housephone, something very rare indeed. Otherwise, the only resort was the Public Phone Box, which was often vandalised. Arriving at one, you could find a broken receiver dangling from its coin box and the box itself forced open for its contents. There was nothing for it then but to hunt for another box. ‘And what do you think?’ – this was of course a purely rhetorical question – ‘It too would be wrecked! Nowadays, all ye have to do is reach into yer pocket where yer phone is ready with its list of all the addresses ye need!’ This was always a point at which we expected to hear him sigh: ‘Ahhh! Things were very different then alright!’ And we were rarely disappointed. The trouble with writing an essay like this is that it could, like granduncle, go on forever (a chilling thought!). This because, not alone was his store of reminiscences inexhaustible but also the telling of one memory fed seamlessly into the telling of another. So it was that the mention of the ‘television seat’ recalled the vagaries of signal reception in TV’s early days. There was only one channel then, he would tell us: Telefís Éireann. And if you tried to watch others, maybe the BBC, everything looked like it was happening during a snowstorm. However, the picture could sometimes be improved by the addition of a wire hanger to the ‘rabbit ear’ aerial, an expedient which required a family member to engage in a lengthy bout of twisting and turning the hanger while the rest of the family engaged in an ongoing commentary as to the improvement (or otherwise) of the signal. This unfortunate ‘family member’ was, Granduncle gave us to understand, nearly always himself and he was extraordinarily 12 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

..the only resort was the public phone box, which was often vandalised. Arriving at one, you could find a broken receiver dangling from its coin box and the box itself forced open for its contents. There was nothing for it then but to hunt for another box.. amused at this memory, laughing uproariously and slapping his thighs. We always made it our business to laugh with him, though minus the thighs bit. ‘But nowadays of course ye young people have pictures so good ye’d think the thing on the screen was actually happening right before yer very eyes. And,’ – accusingly – “so many channels too!” For one ghastly moment it looked as if another reminiscence was bearing down on us, something to do with quantity not

being the same as quality and what does it matter to have a great picture when all that’s on show is utter rubbish? Of course, we didn’t remember the great Earl Holliman playing Stoney Burke in that terrific rodeo series. Or playing Mitch Guthrie in The Wide Country or ...but at this point mother would arrive with the tea and sandwiches and we knew, try as he might, granduncle wasn’t able to speak with his mouth full. Mother would then nod discretely to us and we escaped into the free world. And If you have read up to this point and are, perhaps of mature age, you may be rather annoyed at this portrayal of a senior citizen. Quite disrespectful, you might be thinking. ‘Seniors are not at all like that’, you’ll object. ‘Speak for yourself!’ Alas, that is exactly what I have been doing. The elderly gentleman described above is no other than...me! And this despite my vows when a youngster that, when older, I would never – ever – bore the pants off younger relatives with my hobnailed recollections. I would never, I swore, regale them with reminisces beginning with ‘Ah, I remember well ...’ and ending (or rather, only pausing) with ‘Ye don’t know how lucky ye are, ye young people ...!’ Nevertheless, having reached the serene state of seniorhood, this is what find myself continually doing. It seems I can’t help it. However, I must say that I always find my young listeners to be patient and kindly towards me and I am very fond of them for that. Although I do often wonder what rewards mother has promised.

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Environment

Éanna Ní Lamhna on a mission to open our hearts and mind Our Wild World, from the birds and bees to our boglands and ice caps Ireland’s favourite force of nature, Éanna Ní Lamhna, is on a mission to open our hearts and minds to our wonderful, wild world – to help us find the balance between our needs and the future of our precious planet. In her inimitable style, she tackles the questions we all need to ask: How exactly does our wild world work? Why do we need to care now more than ever? Where do the swallows go in winter? And, more importantly, why do they come back? Why are all these spiders in my house anyway? What did happen to the hole in the ozone layer? Are climate change and global warming the same thing? Are genetic engineering and windfarms really the way forward? A timely new book, looking at the challenges that face our natural world, and why we need to understand it, in order to save it, and ourselves. An accessible, informative, lively read for young and old. Our Wild World looks at: Wildlife, the great outdoors, pollination, migration, hibernation, farming, birds, bacteria, pandeminics, global warming, and much more. 14 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Éanna Ní Lamhna is one of the best-known public figures in Ireland, in particular as a biologist, environmental and wildlife consultant, radio and television presenter, author and educator. Éanna has one of the most instantly recognisable voices on Irish radio and has been for many years a member of the panel of experts on RTÉ’s wildlife programme Mooney Goes Wild. She also served for five years as president of the national environmental charity An Taisce, and is currently president of the Tree Council

of Ireland. Originally from Louth, she now lives in Dublin. Éanna is the author of several popular wildlife books, including Talking Wild, Wild and Wonderful, Straight Talking Wild, Wild Things at School and Wild Dublin: Exploring Nature in the City, shortlisted for the Reading Association of Ireland Award. Our Wild World is published by The O’Brien Press at €16.99/£15.99

Music

The night I won the Eurovision Song Contest!

As The Eurovision Song Contest celebrates its 60th birthday, Shay Healy recalls his triumph as the writer of Johnny Logan’s winning What’s Another Year

Shay Healy acknowledges the rapturous audience

As a tribute to the late Shay Healy we are republishing this article which first appeared in Senior Times in 2015 As the ‘What’s’ Another Year’ plane took off for Amsterdam I found myself in an unusual situation. As well as being the songwriter of Ireland’s entry to the contest, by default I had become Press Officer for the RTE delegation so I was obliged to present the best side of the Irish team and to stay close to Johnny Logan in case he hit any snags.

Another important item on the agenda was, which country would have the best craic and Ireland off to a glorious start. With Johnny Logan’s piano player, Andy O Callaghan at the piano, we had a talented, consummate musician who knows so many songs, from Skibbereen to Status Quo.

Turkish delight

We soon discovered that we were tipped as possible winners of the competition, but I dismissed the idea and settled down to an intense week of dinners, receptions and parties.

Dymphna my wife, was the first to make friends with the Turkish delegation. We were delighted to find out that they were just like us! The Turks gave up on her name, and rechristened her Dumptruck. We happily stayed up till dawn, drinking and carousing with our new best friends.

It’s mad to think that the Eurovision Song Contest is 60 this year! Historically, the contest still has no peers and over those sixty years has seen the pictures go from black and white to vivid color, from analogue to digital, from electricians climbing up on a ladder, to the computerised mega show it is today.

The word spread: every night, in the run up to the final, the lounge in the hotel was jammed with Andy filtering through the good singers, playing a blinder. He looked like he was about 11 and innocent. No way! But who was that standing behind the piano. Why it’s Louis Walsh, the man who discovered Johnny Logan. Wondered what became of him?

Sadly in 1981 orchestras were phased out and replaced with backing tracks. I hate backing tracks in competition because everything is too rigid. No natural swing. Metronome is King and that’s not good for music.

When we first arrived in The Hague people were getting a laugh from a t-shirt I was wearing, which said on the back ‘IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT I WIN THIS CONTEST’. Roy Esmonde our photographer friend suggested that we should do a thumbs -down pic in case we lost, and a thumbsup in case we won.

Besides the excitement singers with orchestra would give the judges a better chance to compare songs and find a worthy winner. We satisfied ourselves that the technical requirements for our song and our lighting cues were correct and then called for conductor Noel Kelehan who raised his baton and conducted us into the pub next door. Which became a regular stopover for us for the rest of the week. 16 Senior Times l May - Junel 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Back at home all our families were gearing up to watch the show. I was particularly anxious about my dad, who had suffered a minor heart attack two weeks prior to the contest so he was being minded. And then suddenly it’s on. You’re here and the contest is on in a couple of hours, the place is alive, with everybody from stagehands to the orchestra

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Dana, Ireland’s first winner in 1970

Johnny gave a flawless performance and on cue he stood up from the stool and the boy became a man.

The most famous Eurovision winners, Abba. They triumphed in 1974

brass section, all contributing their own small tile to the mosaic of the whole picture. I suddenly remember there were 24 other writers feeling the same as me. We found out that although the Eurovision is a song contest, the writer is neglected and left almost excluded. Enough of the complaining, let’s go up to the auditorium. The Halle de Congress was a vast space. Johnny sat at the edge of the stage, in jeans and jumper noting the people coming in so that he could have some mental picture of his audience when he sang and had to face the bright lights. The only bit of advice I gave to Johnny was, ‘Stay on your stool until you reach the ending of the sax solo and go for go for it on the last verse. Johnny gave a flawless performance and on cue he stood up from the stool and the boy became a man. The place went bonkers! On stage there was lots of huggin’ and muggin’ through a maelstrom of producers, performers and musicians, Johnny and myself in the middle of it all. Then Johnny reprised the song, to an even greater reaction from the crowd, and then he whispered the unforgettable line ‘Ireland I love you’. 18 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

It was a rude surprise to find that Johnny had been swept off in a sea of flashbulbs and television cameras, and I was dragged upstairs to do an interview live on the air. When I got back down, the party was gone. I made several attempts to find them, only to see them passing by in another corridor 40 feet away from me and by the time I got down that corridor, they were gone again. I decided to abandon it and I set off to walk across this huge plaza and I could see the red light of the hotel that was housing the CBS winners party. An along the way I bumped into Pat Kenny and the late Aine O’Connor. We sat down on the side of the road and giggled like children. Security was tight and I almost wasn’t allowed in, because I was the writer. There was a slot outside the door into which you would slide an identity card. Inside four or five other CBS Artists, were carelessly thrown on the floor, discarded. That’s showbiz. I finally linked up with the gang back at the hotel, Irish people drove from miles around and Mossy Stack from Tralee came on the four hour trip from Belgium. He was in plenty time, the sing song was only getting going. Across the room I’d lock eyes with Johnny for just a second, which was binding us together as Shakespeare said ‘With hoops of steel, we would always be brothers from now on.

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Shay, Johnny and the evergreen Larry Gogan

Read all about it..Shay with his late father

The next night at the Ambassador’s residence, with far too many vodka and oranges in me already, I still insisted that I was going to make a speech. In the middle of the speech I began to cry, when I remembered something my 11 year old son Oisin, had said to me, ‘Dad, what’s it like being a star, and having a son who is a diabetic?’ Cue tears. I cried and I cried so they all shouted at me and went off and left me. My brother Fin was the only one loyal enough to stay. Now it was two real brothers, locked into an emotional embrace. My brother steered me into a small dark pub and we sat at the bar and drank more vodka. Nothing could dissuade my brother from buying a teddy bear as a memento of two brothers on the lash. When the deal was concluded, we realised that the arse was already burnt out of the teddy! Amsterdam airport was hopping after Johnny’s victory, with the new found freedom to spend. I bought several gadgets. Myself and Dumptruck didn’t hear the call for our plane until the very last minute when we were forced to run down the corridor, on this mad dash. DD ran into a plane of glass and cut herself badly on the head, but we still 20 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

had to hustle her onto the plane with a towel wrapped around her head. Needless to say the rest of the troop didn’t let us off lightly. Then as we were about 20 minutes out from Dublin, I felt a tug on my sleeve from my brother with the squashed teddy bear. I leaned forward to him and I asked ‘what’s up’ to which he replied, ‘I wish the merry-go-round didn’t have to stop’. He was right, it was only starting. RTE had a limo waiting for us, full of champagne. As press officer for the Irish delegation I announced a Press Call at which Minister P Flynn was presiding. Out the front, Johnny was being mobbed, the place was mayhem. The nice people from RTE told us there was a limo waiting for us outside the back. We were determined to go straight to Vincent’s Hospital, casualty, but we managed to side track the driver, to swing by Madigan’s in Donnybrook. When we walked in the door, the whole pub rose and gave us a standing ovation. That night a welcome home party was held, in Portmarnock Country Club, it was one of the first places in Ireland to have a big screen and it was a significant week also, for soap operas in Ireland. JR Ewing had just

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After winning the National Song Contest, a rare shot of Shay, Johnnie Logan and Larry Gogan, with backing group from left Ann Bushnell, the late Pat Reilly, centre, and Rita Madigan

Disappointment in 1984...Linda Martin,with writer of Terminal Three, Johnny Logan, were pipped by three points by Sweden

been shot in Dallas and the whole nation was trying to guess who was the culprit. Some genius had the idea of marrying two special moments on the television and in life. And so we celebrated, Johnny Logan singing What’s Another Year rotating with a clip of JR Ewing being gunned down in Dallas. And the rest of the evening we saw JR being shot followed by Johnny Logan saying Ireland I love you, followed by JR again..

Disappointment The Eurovision song contest can be a terrible disappointment. Fast forward to 1984 and Linda Martin is representing Ireland singing a song written by Johnny Logan, Terminal Three was a famous member of the show band Chips and her fella at the time, Paul Little, was quietly confident. We were sitting in the auditorium when the contest began, and as we got to the end of the voting process, it looked like we would be 22 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

winners. I even leaned across my wife to Johnny ‘This is your real destiny’, until up popped three little Swedish blond boys, in their cutesie trousers and tops. The Herreys from Sweden beat us by three points! Luxembourg Square was the saddest place in the world and robbed of all the adrenaline of the night before, we collapsed onto the bus and headed for home, just one step away from greatness for a second time. I later heard this story from Tony Woolcott who was the managing director of CBS records: ‘Myself and one of the other executives had taxied out onto the runway of Heathrow airport, ready to take the private jet for the one hour jaunt to a victorious Linda. When I found out she hadn’t won, they turned the plane around and put it back in the hangar’. Happy 60th Eurovision, I enjoy you now on a different level. I am astounded and delighted and love the flamboyance and the gaiety.

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Mary’s Musings In her latest observations Mary O’Rourke reflects, amongst other subjects, on the return to school, the beauty of Co Mayo, Elizabeth Bowen, Enda Kenny..and King Lear

The work on the greenway was just beginning and Anita would take off every day on her hired bicycle, and Ann and I at our leisure would visit Mulranny beach or the lovely town of Newport and later on into Achill and down around the beaches, where Anita would join us having pedalled her way there.

Hello to all the readers of this lovely magazine, Senior Times.

continue what appear to be, as of now, decent figures with regard to the exit from lockdown.

regular basis, so it seems like sometimes I have a front row seat for the Leaving Certificate.

I am so glad to have recently seen it around and about in shops in Athlone, and I am sure it is the same in Dublin and other regions. Looking back on when I last wrote in February, we were talking then about children going to school, but sadly at that time I think it was the removal of some young people from schools because of the spread of coronavirus.

But in the meantime, all is well. The sun is shining, the vaccine difficulty seems to have been ironed out satisfactorily, and we are looking forward to the month of May when, all things being well, there will be much more opening of facilities. My fervent hope is that the hairdressers and of course the barbers will open early in May. We all look so weird, not just with the colour misplacement but the length and general look of the head of hair we are wearing at the moment. So here’s hoping for May hairdos all round!

Sometime recently the Department of Education and Norma Foley said that they were not making the Shakespeare questions obligatory for the Leaving Certificate, but that there would be a choice. When I telephoned each of my grandchildren, I said to them ‘Is that very good news?’ But both of them, individually and separately, said they were going to do the Shakespeare play King Lear. Now it happened that each of them had a separate word of praise for their English teacher, but they had enjoyed the whole drama of King Lear and were looking forward to doing an answer on him. I thought that was a very good outcome, that the Bard of Avon is still held in high regard in Ireland anyway, and certainly among young people. Of course, King Lear is a great drama. Each of them has taken the choice of doing

And here we are on April 18: the sun is shining (in Athlone anyway) and all over the country a million young people are back at school. I always feel that figure is so staggering. We will not know for about two weeks or so, Dr Ronan Glynn tells us, if in fact the return to school of such huge numbers will have an effect on our climb out of the pandemic. But fingers crossed and a fervent prayer it will not, and we will 24 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Back to education: as the readers of this magazine will know, I have a granddaughter in Dublin, just turned 18, and a grandson in Athlone, just turned 18, both of them doing their Leaving Certificate. I telephone each of them on a

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Mary’s Musings

King Lear -- seen here played by Al Pacino -- is a great drama. Two of my grandchildren have taken the choice of doing four to five written examinations and three to four continuous assessment, so that should be a good mixture.

I have just finished a most wonderful book which I want to tell the readers about. The title is The Shadowy Third by Julia Parry. It’s about love, letters, and Elizabeth Bowen, the great Anglo-Irish writer from County Cork who achieved great fame in the 1920s and 30s

four to five written examinations and three to four continuous assessment, so that should be a good mixture. How is the book-reading going? I have just finished a most wonderful book which I want to tell the readers about. The title is The Shadowy Third by Julia Parry. It’s about love, letters, and Elizabeth Bowen, the great Anglo-Irish writer from County Cork who achieved great fame in the 1920s and 30s. The story is an out-and-out love story, beautifully written and with such a romantic background. I can confidently say that once readers take this book in their hands, they will find it very difficult to put down. I kept putting off all sorts of things I was to do, like telephone calls and writing letters, because I wanted to continue reading The Shadowy Third. I urge readers, if they can get it in their library by whatever method or in a bookshop online, it’s just a great read and a book that you feel good after reading, that you had shared in a really emotional experience all round. I have another one lined up called The Partition by Charles Townshend, and that seems a wonderful, if very worthy, read. I’m finding it very difficult to start it because I am so full of the romance and intrigue of The Shadowy Third, and The Partition is an immensely serious book, but one well worth reading. So when the sun stops shining, I will buckle down and start my reading of it. We are having such wonderful weather. I am aware that by the time these musings find themselves in print, the weather may well have turned awry again. But until then, right throughout April since Easter, we have had these lovely sunny days – very cold night but what harm, and then sunshine again in the morning. It makes for such a change and contributes, I think, so much to good feeling all round.

I don’t know if many of the readers of this magazine are TV addicts? I am not what you would call an addict, but I peruse the TV columns every day in the newspaper to pick out what I might like. Of course, I always like Prime Time or any political programme, but of late there has been a new one on RTÉ One called Iarnród Enda. As you can imagine, Iarnród Enda is about Enda Kenny, our Taoiseach as was for a number of years, and each Sunday night he is getting on his bicycle and, so far in the series, riding on a greenway or what would have been a defunct railway line. The first week he was on the greenway out of Dungarvan. He says he is 70, but he looks about 50 as he cycles away, covering a fair amount of ground, his hair suitably dishevelled like all of us. Along the way he meets, as arranged, various interesting people who talk about the history of the area or invoke some famous saint or scholar who was involved in the area. It makes for great viewing. It’s bilingual, so Enda can show off his Irish, for which we have good subtitles. The people he meets are often English-speaking or bilingual too, so it makes for a very good mix.

26 Senior Times l May - June March - April2021 2021l www.seniortimes.ie l www.seniortimes.ie

Last weekend, he did the route from Westport to Mulranny to Newport and on into Achill. This, of course, was home territory for Enda, and for me viewing it, it was à la recherche du temps perdu. Why? Well, some nine years ago, Ann Lenihan and myself, both us widows, went for four or five days to the beautiful Mulranny Hotel. It was built as a railway hotel, way back in the middle of the 19th century, and it is such a beautiful building in a wonderful location. Ann’s daughter Anita came with us. The work on the greenway was just beginning and Anita would take off every day on her hired bicycle, and Ann and I at our leisure would visit Mulranny beach or the lovely town of Newport and later on into Achill and down around the beaches, where Anita would join us having pedalled her way there.

Iarnród Enda is about Enda Kenny, our Taoiseach as was for a number of years, and each Sunday night he is getting on his bicycle and, so far in the series, riding on a greenway or what would have been a defunct railway line.

Mary’s Musings

That was the route that Enda did on last week’s episode of Iarnród Enda. He told us so much wonderful information. Arthur Balfour, Chief Secretary to Ireland from 1887 to 1891, was very much in favour of this railway line on into Achill, and was the person who gave the original money to build it all the way from Westport. It took a thousand men to toil and build what turned out to be a most beautiful route. Now Enda didn’t tell the story, but I remember when we stayed in Mulranny the manager in the hotel showed us around the back where the railway line had a stop for the hotel, and all the ‘posh’ people would alight with their luggage to spend a restful few days in the beautiful Mulranny Hotel. My sister-in-law Ann sadly passed away, but Anita and I were discussing it recently and if the lockdown lifts, and if we are allowed to travel around Ireland, we are going to try to book and stay in Mulranny again. I will tell the readers all about it if that comes to pass, but in the meantime it has given me something to look forward to and hope for. I am so interested in Iarnród Enda because the defunct railways have suddenly found a new life, and all the work that went into them is being realised in newfound enjoyment on the

greenways. We have a greenway between Mullingar and Athlone. The main rail line of course is Athlone to Dublin, but at one time there was a Mullingar-Athlone line which is in the middle of being converted to what we hope will be a dramatic and lovely greenway and a new crossing over the River Shannon. In the meantime, we have four more episodes with Enda and his bicycle and his hairdo to look forward to. I hope many of the readers of Senior Times are getting their vaccines. I have had my two, and I’ve had my two weeks’ obligatory solitude which we are informed we must do before we can take to the road again. I have now renewed my favourite trip, which is to the Hodson Bay Hotel 5-6 kilometres outside of Athlone. Oh, it was so good to be back and to look out at the lovely Lough Ree, to listen to the children playing, and to read my paper and think long thoughts. The Hodson Bay Hotel is where I was brought up from the age of 12, and from where I got married at the age of 22. So it always has happy memories of romance and of another Enda, my own Enda O’Rourke, whom I met in the Hodson Bay all those years ago.

We will not know for about two weeks or so, Dr Ronan Glynn tells us, if in fact the return to school of such huge numbers will have an effect on our climb out of the pandemic

It is just great to be out and about, to be able to drive my car, to look out at people and to wave and drive on. I am not interacting as yet with anyone as I am taking Dr Ronan Glynn’s advice to stay safe and stay home as often as possible. Slán tamall. Mary O’Rourke Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 27

Modern history

Another teaser from Gerry Perkins

Guess the year

WORLD news: the European Economic Community (EEC) – the forerunner to today’s EU – came into being. Various Caribbean island nations form the West Indies Federation, which ends up lasting just four years. The US launches its first space satellite – Explorer 1 – following the USSR’s lead with Sputnik 1. The United Arab Republic is established by Egypt and Syria. The Munich air disaster happens, with 21 people killed – including seven Manchester United footballers returning from a European Cup match. The word Aerospace is coined. Saint Clare is named the patron saint of television by Pope Pius XII. Ruth Carol Taylor becomes the first black woman to be hired as a flight attendant. She is hired by US airline Mohawk Airlines, but lasts in the job only six months because of the airline’s ban on married flight attendants. Bertrand Russell launches CND – the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Cuban rebels kidnap motor racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio and release him after 28 hours. A US bomber accidentally drops an atom bomb on South Carolina. A British expedition completes the first overland crossing of the Antarctic. Nikita Khrushchev is appointed premier of the Soviet Union. Belgium unveils the famous Atomium structure in Brussels for the world’s fair. Restaurant chain Pizza Hut is founded. The hula-hoop is marketed for the first time in the US. Parking meters are introduced in the UK. Prince Charles is given the title the Prince of Wales. The CIA lends support to Tibet in its struggle against Chinese rule. Vladimir Nabokov’s controversial novel Lolita is published in the US. Instant noodles are introduced in Japan. The University of New Orleans becomes the first racially integrated university in the southern states of the US. Hendrik Verwoerd – seen as being the architect of Apartheid - is appointed prime minister of South Africa. China launches its state television channel. South Korean tech giant LG Electronics is formed as GoldStar. The computer chip is invented in the US. NASA is founded as the US space agency, replacing the old NACA. The world’s first video game – Tennis for Two – is invented. Blue Peter begins airing on BBC television. 28 Senior Times l May-June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Pope Pius XII dies and is succeeded by Pope John XXIII. Russina novelist Boris Pasternak wins the Nobel prize for literature. The Hope Diamond is donated to the Smithsonian in the US. The Bossa Nova is born in Rio de Janeiro. The Jim Henson Company is founded as Muppets Inc. The UK opens its first motorway. The US launches SCORE, the world’s first communications satellite. Passenger numbers for air travel exceed those for sea travel for the first time. FILM news: sweeps the Oscars with seven gongs. Other films of the year include Gigi, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and South Pacific. MUSIC news: Elvis Presley joins the US army. Warner Brothers Records is launched. The Beatles hold their first recording session, as The Quarrymen. Marvin Gaye, Phil Spector and Kenny Rogers all formally begin their recording careers. SPORT news: Brazil beats Sweden in the World Cup final, introducing a young Pele to the football world. Real Madrid beat AC Milan to lift the European Cup for the third consecutive year. Wolves win in the English league division one, while Bolton Wanderers beat Manchester Utd in the FA Cup final. In golf, Arnold Palmer wins the Masters. IRELAND news: Santry Stadium in Dublin witnesses history as Australian athlete Herb Elliott breaks the mile run record, shaving 3 seconds off the record. Ardmore Studios in Bray is opened. The rule requiring women teachers to retire upon marrying is abolished. The US Embassy in Dublin displays plans to move from Merrion Square to a new modern structure in Ballsbridge. The Carlisle Monument in the Phoenix Park is blown up. A Pan-Am Boeing 707 is the first transatlantic plane to land in Europe, at Shannon Airport. The Great Northern Railway is split and divided between CIE and the Ulster Transport Authority. The Harcourt Street railway line – now part of the Luas green line – closes. Answer on page 80

Short story

Barney Dooley’s fart and the end of the world By Alan Brady For an hour Donal O’Brien held the floor with his tales of chewy squid and cures for diarrhoea . Just arrived back from his Spanish holiday, he was the centre of attention among the small gathering of middle-aged regulars in Carty’s pub in the sleepy village of Ballydally. Usually local know-it-all Barney Dooley held sway, but this afternoon Donal was stealing his thunder. “Did you go by plane?” enquired Barney, attempting to interrupt another tale of Iberian woe. “Well, it would be a long feckin’ swim, Barney,” replied Donal, “especially with the suitcases and the missus taggin’ along.”

we might be in the pissins tomorrow. Or, as those of us in the know say, the weather’s in a constant state of flux.” “So, them scientist fellas are wrong?” said Donal. “The whole thing is all made up,” explained Barney. “A fella on the telly the other night reckoned that hundreds of years ago it was a lot warmer than this. By all accounts, Brian Ború wasn’t killed by a Viking but mauled by a tiger, and apparently there’s evidence that Fionn mac Cumhaill used to ride to school on a camel.” “You seem to know a lot about it right enough,” agreed Mary. Barney stood up, placed his paper in his jacket-pocket, and swallowed the last of his pint.

“You probably went on an A320, said Barney, as ever trying to give off the impression that he knew what he was talking about when in fact he knew as much about aeroplanes as his cat knew about astronomy. “Was it warm?” said Mary Carty, the proprietor, drying a glass with a bar-towel.

“I’d better be off for my tea,” he announced.

“Hotter than the devils’ jacuzzi,” said Donal. “Even the natives have the willies. It’s climate-change, apparently.”

Everybody in the little bar was stunned. Then the stench hit them. “Sweet mother of Jesus!” exclaimed Donal.

“Barney, do you believe all this climate-change malarkey?” asked Tony, the local retired postman.

Maybe that Indian takeaway last night wasn’t a good idea, thought Barney. Panic ensued in the little bar. Doors were flung open; windows likewise. Mary turned the fan to its maximum. After a few minutes, the smell had dissipated sufficiently for all in attendance to breathe comfortably again.

“Climate change is real all right,” agreed Barney, before taking a slurp of his pint. The others, all expecting the usual contrarian view from the great sage of the bar-stool, looked at each other. “So, you think we’re in trouble?” asked Mary. “Not at all,” said Barney, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “It’s all cod. Strictly speaking, climate-change is real. I mean, it’s sunny today, but

Then it happened. Barney let off the mother of all farts. A real ripper: a window-shaking, glass-rattling, ten-second uninterrupted trumpet-blast from hell.

Outside, meanwhile, a confluence of eddies and breezes nudged Barney’s fart skyward in the same pristine and odious form it had left his trousers. Eventually this noxious cloud reached the atmosphere – and its arrival wasn’t exactly greeted with joy by Mother Nature. Impressively, of all the cow-farts and millions of exhaust-plumes emitted at that moment, it was Barney’s humble contribution to the miasma which became the straw that broke the camel’s back. And so, over the coming Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 29

Short story months, various climatic tipping-points toppled like dominos, ensuring that humanity’s collective goose was about to be cooked. Despite unknowingly triggering global apocalypse, Barney’s simple life continued as normal – except for the fact that he had become a mini-celebrity in the pub when retellings of his epic episode of thunderous flatulence began doing the rounds.

“How can we afford to buy grub when they’re charging so much for a feckin’ pint?” wailed Barney – to the agreement of the other boozers. Barney didn’t realise, though, that the staggering price of a pint was the least of it. Globally, things were now heating up rapidly. “I see some eejits from nasa are flyin’ around the Arctic looking for the ice,” said Mary, reading from the newspaper at the usual Saturday gathering.

Summer gave way to early autumn. “That shower’s complainin’ that it’s getting warmer in the Arctic,” said Mary to Barney one day as he sat onto his stool.

“And the same gobshites are tellin’ the rest of us not to fly,” snorted Barney. “I’d say it’s all a scam to clock up air-miles,” added Donal.

“That’s typical,” replied Barney. “First they’re complainin’ that it’s too cold up there, and now they’re whingein’ that it’s too bloody warm. I wish they’d ever make up their bleedin’ minds.” “True for ya,” agreed Tony. “I mean,” continued Barney, “how many of them scientists do you see walking around up there in their bathing togs? Warming, me arse.” As the weeks rolled by, he was equally dismissive of news- reports about weather-catastrophes around the world. “If this climate-change nonsense is what it is cracked up to be, then I wonder why we have yet to see pufferfish swimming up theIrish Sea or gazelles stomping around the Curragh?” he wondered, in front of his usual retinue, as they huddled in the bar that October afternoon while the wind outside shrieked like a banshee forewarning the arrival of a hurricane. As Christmas approached, the news became increasingly dominated by weather-stories. Potatoes and brussels sprouts would be in short supply because of weeks of monsoon-like rain, and a farmer in Monaghan had his livelihood destroyed when a tornado hoovered up his entire flock of turkeys and dropped them in a lake. “Sure them poor ol’ feckers were gojn’ to be eaten in a couple of weeks anyway,” said Barney. “At least they got to have a go at the ol’ flyin’ before they went, the poor ol’ craters.” Christmas was a washout. Apart from the shortage of turkeys, the roof of the pub was blown off, but the locals rallied, and within a few days had built a new one. By now, things were becoming so weird that even Barney noticed. “There was a bleedin’ seal in my garden the other day,” he told the others in the pub. “The fecker was gawpin’ in at me while I was eatin’ my breakfast.” “But you live two miles from the sea,” exclaimed Tony. “Surely that’s not right,” added Mary. “Not at all,” said Barney wistfully. “It’s all part of the flux. Besides, living closer to the sea won’t do any harm to the ol’ property prices.” “But if this keeps up,” said Donal, “Ballydally will soon resemble bleedin’ Venice.” “Buy a gondola,” sneered Barney. “Get your hands on a straw hat and a stripy T-shirt, and ye’ll be set up.” The crisis would soon become personal for the pub regulars, though. Following a disastrous grain-harvest, the government had to decide between using the reduced yield for food production or for making booze. Politicians demanded a referendum. The government, though, angered many by deeming feeding the country a national priority. This resulted in skyrocketing beer-prices. 30 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Rising seawater was now encroaching on the village, and the Saturday-afternoon pub sessions would now have to take place wearing wellies. The following week, things were even worse. Eighteen inches of water was now lapping around the feet of the punters. Mary broke the drastic news that if the water level got any higher, she would have to close her doors. Barney quickly organised a whip-around to buy a pump. But Mother Nature had one final twist to deliver. Several thousand miles away, in the Antarctic, a huge chunk of melting ice fractured and slipped suddenly into the warming sea. The resulting splash caused a hundred-metre-high mega-wave which, within a few hours, had reached the Irish shoreline. It was Saturday afternoon, and as usual, Barney and the others were in the pub, sitting in three feet of water, and setting the world to rights, when the wave crashed upon them. Barney and his cronies now found themselves up to their chins in water. Being no eejit, Barney realised that they were in trouble. “We’ll have to invest in a bigger pump,” he said. Suddenly, his bar-stool was swept from under him, while he and the others slipped under the water. Even though he was now fully submerged, Barney still gallantly managed to hold his pint above the waterline. A minute later, he surfaced for air – and didn’t waste the opportunity to take a gulp of his drink. Then he went under once more. Looking on helplessly while clinging to a pillar, Mary was sure that her most prized customer was gone, but Barney’s head bobbed to the surface again. “The flux seems to be experiencing a bit of a wobble,” said Barney. “No shit, Sherlock,” said Mary with a roll of her eyes. “In fact, Mary,” gurgled Barney, treading water with the others as a shoal of pufferfish swam past, “there might be something to this climate-change malarkey after all.” This was the winning entry in a collection of humorous short stories Brevity Is the Soul: Wit from Lockdown Ireland edited by Kevin Gildea and published at E12.99 by Liberties Press in conjunction with Irish Pensions & Finance

Three copies of Brevity Is the Soul: Wit from Lockdown Ireland to be won In association with the Publishers Liberties Press, Senior Times is offering three copies of Brevity Is the Soul: Wit from Lockdown Ireland in this competition. To enter, answer this question: What is the name of the village featured in this short story? Send your entries to:

Short Story Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Or email to: john@slp.ie The first three correct entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is June 20th 2021

Michael O’Loughlin has enjoyed teaching bridge for over 40 years; his book, “Bridge: Basic Card Play” is available from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (01 4929666), the the last last trump thetrump last outstanding. trump outstanding. outstanding. As inAsexample in example As in (a), example (a), you yo m price:E10.

Bridge

prevent prevent the prevent the opponent opponent the opponent withwith the the master with master the trump master trump from trum fro w leadlead andand playing leadplaying andit.playing it. it.

Calling all Novices – Intermediates! ♠

Another Another example Another example (c): example (c): (c):

by Michael O’Loughlin

Dummy Dummy Dummy 4♠ 3 24 3 ♠ 2 432 ♥ A ♥K A 2 K♥ 2AK2

Declarer Declarer Declarer ♠ A ♠8 7A 68 5♠7 6A 58 7 6 5 ♥ Q♥5 Q 4 35 ♥4 Q 3 543 Spades Spades are Spades trumps. are trumps. are trumps.

In (c), In (c), theInthe aim (c),aim isthe toisruff aim to ruff the is tothe fourth ruff fourth the heart fourth heart in the heart in the dumm in d unless unless hearts unless hearts split hearts split 3-3.3-3. Duck splitDuck 3-3. a spade. aDuck spade. On a spade. regaining On regainin On re th and,and, leaving leaving and, their leaving their master master their trump master trump outstanding, trump outstanding, outstandin playpla ♥ ruff ruff ♥5 with ♥ruff 5 with ♠♥4.5Note ♠with 4. Note you ♠4. you Note do not doyou not mind domind not if a top if mind a top heart if ahe theirtheir master master their spade master spade as you spade as you canascan peacefully youpeacefully can peacefully ruff ruff ♥5. ♥ru 5

[Advice [Advice to[Advice defenders: to defenders: to defenders: If you If you do find Ifdoyou find yourself doyourself findon yourse play on p master master trump, master trump, cash trump, cash it initorder cash in order ittoindraw order to draw two to two draw of the oftwo the op trumps]. trumps]. trumps].

The Rule of One

If there is just one trump out that is higher than yours, leave it out. Why waste two of your trumps to get rid of an opponent’s trump that will win anyway. For example (a): Dummy A43 Declarer K7652 Cash the Ace and King, then, assuming a 3-2 split, an opponent has one master trump – also called the boss trump. Leave it out and go about your business in the other suits. Try to stop their master trump from drawing two of your small trumps; aim to score dummy’s remaining trump by ruffing. Example (b):

Dummy 8643

Declarer A752

A dicey trump suit, certainly. However, the likely 3-2 will see you able to manoeuvre to Dealer: reachDealer:Dealer: SouthSouth South a Rule of One position. The right approach will Vul: Vul: Vul: be to duck the first round and take the second NoneNone None round with the ace. Then, assuming both opponents follow twice, leave the last trump West West West outstanding. As in example (a), you must aim ♠ KQ10 ♠ KQ10♠ KQ10 to prevent the opponent with the master trump ♥ J96 ♥ J96 ♥ J96 from winning the lead and playing it. ♦ Q93 ♦ Q93 ♦ Q93 Another example (c): ♣J1098 ♣J1098♣J1098

NorthNorth North ♠ 9754 ♠ 9754 ♠ 9754 ♥ 853♥ 853 ♥ 853 ♦ A4 ♦ A4 ♦ A4 ♣ A432 ♣ A432♣ A432

Dummy ♠ 432 ♥A K 2

SouthSouth South ♠ A863 ♠ A863 A863 ♥ ♠AK4 ♥ AK4♦ K765 ♣ K5 ♦ K765 ♣ K5

Declarer ♠ A8765 ♥Q543 Spades are trumps. In (c), the aim is to ruff the fourth heart in the dummy, necessary unless hearts split 3-3. Duck a spade. On regaining the lead, cash ♠A and, leaving their master trump outstanding, play ♥AKQ and ruff ♥5 with ♠4. Note you do not mind if a top heart is ruffed with their master spade as you can peacefully ruff ♥5. [Advice to defenders: If you do find yourself on play with the master trump, cash it in order to draw two of the opposing small trumps].

East East East ♠ J2 ♠ J2 ♠ J2 ♥ Q1072 ♥ Q1072 ♥ Q10 ♦ J1082 ♦ J1082♦ J108 ♣ Q76 ♣ Q76 ♣ Q76

1♠(1) P 2NT(2) P 2NT(2) 1♠(1)

W P P

N 2♠

4♠(3)

N 2♠

E P

4♠(3)

E P END

END (1) With a 4-card major and a 4-card minor open the higher ranking as With a 4-card major and a 4-card (1) With a(1)4-card major and aAcol. 4-card minor per modern minor open the higher ranking as (2) Game invite (around 17 – 18 open the higher ranking per modern Acol. as per modern Acol. points) with just 4– cards in Game invite (around 18 with (2) Game(2)invite (around – 1817points) Spades17(suggesting notrumps in points) with just 4 cards in case part hasnotrumps raised with just 4 cards in Spades (suggesting notrumps Spades (suggesting in just 3 cards in Spades). case partraised has raised 3 in case part has withwith justjust 3 cards in (3) Maximum with 4 card support in cards in Spades). Spades). Spades. (3) Maximum with 4 card support in (3) MaximumSpades. with 4 card support in Spades.

Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 31

Opening lead: ♣J

Bridge Opening lead: ♣ J On our featured deal, whilst no more than 8 tricks are possible in notrumps, you can win no fewer than 11 tricks in Spades – provided you handle trumps correctly (analogous to example (b) above). The key is to prevent a third round of trumps being played. Win the ♣ J (with say the ♣ K) and duck a trump altogether (key play). Say West wins the ♠ 10 and continues with the ♣ 10. Win with the ♣ A and lead to the ♠A. Leaving their master trump out (the Rule of One), cash the ♥AK, the uAK and ruff the u 6. It does West no good to ruff, nor to throw the master ♣ 9, so he throws the ♥J. You now ruff the ♣ 4 - your eleventh trick. 4♠ made + 1. There is an exception, however. When you have set up a suit in the dummy, you should often force the defender to take the boss trump while you still have an entry to dummy, so you can enjoy dummy’s running suit. Example:

Absolute Beginners Classes: If you have never played Bridg know of anyone who wishes to tak e up Bridge, I would rec Absolute Beginners online classes give n by Bridge Grand M MacCormac: thomas@grandmaste rbridge.com

Books with a bridge theme The Cardturner

An elderly life-long bridge player becomes blind and enlists his teenage grand-nephew to sit at his table in the bridge club and call out the cards for him. By such exposure does the teenager become intrigued by the game of bridge and end up an avid student.

Books with a bridge theme

The Cardturner may well inspire young people to take an interest in bridge – much needed, since the average age of bridge players is increasing every year and stands at 71 in the United States. The best-selling author, Louis Sachar, explains the rudiments of bridge very well. For example, Finesse: “A Finesse is a cool play that allows you to win two tricks with the ace and queen of a suit, even though one of your opponents holds the king. It has a 50 per cent chance of success, depending upon which one of your opponents holds the king. By the way, when I first showed this to Leslie, I used real cards not a bridge diagram. If you find it difficult to follow the diagrams, try using a real deck”.

success, depending has a 50 per cent chance of opponents holds the king. ItOther bridge conceptskin en I first and techniques arewh explained g. By the way, onents holds the beneficial Dummy to absolute beginit upon which one of your oppclearly, making this book find you If m. real cards not a bridge diagra ♠ K32 showed this to Leslie, I usedners and improvers alike. u A K Q J 10 ms, try using a real deck”. difficult to follow the diagra k boo this In an interview the author “Few young people have of bridge, and for those kingg brid Ansaid: , ma erly arly life -lon ed cle geever plaheard yer becI hoped ques are explaineld omestoblin techni d and Declarer have, they probably think of it as something old and fuddy-duddy. present it enlists h Other bridge concepts andwho gra e.nephew to sit at his table ndalik ers rov imp and ers inn ♠ A8765 beg in te the as something new and exciting. It is full of limitless possibilities. But probably the best part of olu brid ge club and call ou beneficial to abs him rd of u432 suc bridge, unlike you chess, ispeo thatple it. isBy a partnership game”. h exp r hea osu e eve re hav doe s the tee ng nag w er bec “Fe : ome intrigued b In an interview the author said old ingavid ethan brid som as ge it and of k end thin up ly bab pro y stu den the t. Thiattention havae, s book–ma Spades are trumps. A defender those who As forthe novel, it is, as they say, a page turner, more than they well inspire andruff is the reader’s bridge,may g. Itholding excitin andres ing toeth tak e new som an astwists inte it t t sen in pre brid third round of Diamonds with her master trump to ge ed – plot having many and turns. As it is both entertaining and educational, I would highly mu hop I ch nee dy. ded, since the average and fuddy-dud bridge, unlike t par besyer and cut you off from dummy’s two winning recommend it. ly thepla s ist of incr But probab easing every year and stands at 71 limitless possibilities. of full in the United Diamonds – so it may be better to give the rship game”. chess, is that it is a partneThe Theforbes defender her master trump. Cardturner Available €7.07, including delivery from www.bookdepository.com. t-se llin g author, Lou ’s is Sachar, explains the rud re than holding the reader iments o a page turner, mo well. For ing exa As a novel, it is, as they say, ain mp ert le, Fine ent h sse bot : is “A it Fine As sse ns. is tur a coo and l play that allow ny twists attention – the plot having ma two tricks with the ace and queen of a suit it. nd me om rec , eve hly The Bridge Ladies n though one o hig uld and educational, I wo The author, Betsy Lerner, w.b becomes a regular attendee at her mother’s Monday afternoon m. y.co tor osi ookdep ry from ww her connection ivestrengthening ing del club, with her mother, building friendships with the other Available for €7.07, includbridge octogenarian “Bridge Ladies” — and falling in love with the game of bridge. Lerner says: “I think most people need some motivation to learn bridge. Usually friends or spouses play and they don’t want to miss out. Unlike most card games, you probably should take lessons and you need to play a lot. I’m terrible at maths, logic and have memory issues, but I love the game. People who are “naturals’ have an abundance of these skills. The rest of us plod along”.

Speaking of her mother’s generation: “Their generation is called “The Silent Generation.” They didn’t have a culture of therapy, confession, Oprah, openness. Children were supposed to be seen and not heard, you were meant to suffer in silence and pull yourself up by your bootstraps”.

Andrew Robson

The author goes on to state: “I think bridge attracts people with new found time on their hands: divorce, unemployment, widowhood, empty nest, all kinds of life transitions might be responsible for some people taking the plunge”. And now we can add Covid to that list.

Further examples can be found on Andrew Robson’s excellent website: www.andrewrobson.co.uk and I would mother’s es a regular attendee at her highly recommend his daily BridgeCasts. om , bec hor, Betsy Lerner This book is instructive in the area of bridge, a valuable piece of social history and an honest

The aut nection with her hening her conrelationship. ngtmother/daughter ge club, stre exploration of the Highly recommended. y afternoon brid nda Mo Free bridge emails: If you wish to receive free ogenarian “Bridge Ladies” — oct er oth the h wit s hip nds g frie r, buildin mothevideos bridge emails which include lessons, & quizzes please email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com 32 Senior Times l May-June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

The Bridge Ladies Available for €7.51, including delivery from www.bookdepository.com.

Bridge

Getting started: for absolute beginners Bridge is a partnership game involving four players: two against two. The four players sit at a square table, each player facing her partner. The points of the compass are used to designate the four players: North, South, East and West. Decide which partnership is going to be North/South and which partnership is going to be East/ West. This can be done by agreement between the four players or by drawing cards. In a Bridge club, North/South get to sit at the same table for the duration of the session whereas East/West, after playing 2 or 3 hands move to a different table and play against different opponents. After each hand has been played it is North’s job to calculate and write in the score on the score sheet. She shows the score to East/ West in order to get their agreement. Sometimes it is necessary for the cards to be shuffled and dealt at the beginning of the session. On other occasions the cards have been pre-dealt. The Tournament Director will announce whichever is the case. Each player takes her cards from the correct pocket of the wallet/board. The wallet/board will say which player is the Dealer. The Dealer makes the first bid in the Auction. Bridge is truly a game of two halves. First you have the Auction also called the Bidding. The Auction determines how many tricks out of the thirteen available, your side is committed to making, i.e., your Contract. That is why the full title for the game is: Contract Bridge. The Auction also determines whether or not there will be a Trump Suit: A Trump Suit is a Master Suit which takes precedence over the other three non-trump suits. Only after the Auction has been completed, does the second half, the Play, commence. Before the Auction commences, each player evaluates the strength of her hand by giving a value of 4 to each Ace, a value of 3 to each King, a value of 2 to each Queen and a value of 1 to each Jack. Ten points is the average number of points that each bridge hand contains. To make the first bid in the auction you need slightly more than the average because by making a bid you are committing your side to winning the majority of the tricks. When you bid you are committing your side to winning at least 7 out of the 13 tricks available. To make the first bid in the auction a minimum of 12 points is required. If the Dealer has less than 12 points she says “Pass” and the player on her left gets a chance to bid. The bidding, like the play of the cards, goes in a clockwise direction. After a positive bid is followed by three Passes the auction is over. The first bid you are going to learn is the bid of 1 No Trump. The bidding is like a code; however,

everybody at the table knows the meaning of the code. To start the auction off with a bid of 1 No Trump, your hand must fulfil two requirements:

Open 1NT with each of these hands: ♠QJ7 ♥ K975 u A52 ♣ K86; ♠76 ♥ KQ87 u J52 ♣ AKJ9; ♠764 ♥ K9 u AQ963 ♣ K75

1. You must have 12 – 14 High Card Points (abbreviated to HCPs): these are points you give yourself for any high cards you have in your hand: 4 for each Ace; 3 for each King; 2 for each Queen and 1 for each Jack.

Here are some hands not suitable for a 1NT opening: ♠QJ76 ♥ K975 u 5 ♣ AK85 (contains a singleton); ♠76 ♥ Q8 u KJ532 ♣ AQJ9 (contains two doubletons); ♠K64 ♥ AJ9 u A963 ♣ K75 (contains 15 points); ♠9764 ♥--- uAK963 ♣ AQ75 (contains a void).

2. You must have what’s called a Balanced Hand. A Balanced Hand has a bit of everything, at least two cards in every suit. More precisely a Balanced Hand has one of the following distributions (your distribution is the number of cards you have in each suit): 4-3-3-3; 4-4-3-2 or 5-3-3-2. Another way of looking at it is: a Balanced Hand has no void (a void is a suit in which you have no cards); a Balanced Hand has no singletons (a singleton is a suit in which you have one card); a Balanced Hand has at most one doubleton (a doubleton is a suit in which you have two cards). Here are examples of hands on which you would open the bidding with a bid of 1 No Trump (opening the bidding means making the first positive bid in the auction – “Pass” is not a positive bid because “Pass” is negative and means “No Bid”): ♠K76 ♥A97 uQ652 ♣A98; ♠J76 ♥KQ87 uA652 ♣A9; ♠Q76 ♥K97 uK6 ♣A9875 To repeat: THE ONE NO TRUMP OPENING BID Holding 12-14 points and a balanced hand the correct OPENING BID is 1NT. A Balanced Hand: does not have a VOID does not have a SINGLETON does not have TWO OR MORE DOUBLETONS A Balanced Hand: has 4333, 4432 or 5332 shape.

When you bid, you always mentally add 6 to your bid to work out the number of tricks you need to win. For example, when you bid 1 No Trump you are committing your side to winning 1 + 6 tricks, without a trump suit - which means that each suit is of equal value when it comes to the play of the cards: for example, if a diamond is led, then whoever plays the highest diamond wins that trick. When you bid 1 No Trump you will either make 7 or more tricks and get a score awarded to your side or you will fail to achieve your target of 7 tricks and in that case your opponents will have a certain score awarded to them; when you bid 2 No Trump you are committing your side to winning 2 + 6 tricks without a trump suit: you will either make 8 or more tricks and get a score awarded to your side or you will fail to achieve your target of 8 tricks and in that case your opponents will have a certain score awarded to them; when you bid 3 No Trump you are committing your side to winning 3 + 6 tricks without a trump suit: you will either make 9 or more tricks and get a score awarded to your side or you will fail to achieve your target of 9 tricks and in that case your opponents will have a certain score awarded to them; and so on. More in the next issue. Absolute Beginners Classes: If you have never played Bridge before or if you know of anyone who wishes to take up Bridge, I would recommend the Absolute Beginners online classes given by Bridge Grand Master Thomas MacCormac: thomas@grandmasterbridge.com Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 33

Travel

Do it yourself..

As the country begins to open up Lorna Hogg suggests a number of self-catering options

The charming Blanchville in Co. Kilkenny

As we come out of lockdown, the idea of getting away, to new surroundings and experiences has never been more appealing. It’s what we all dreamed of for the past year. However, many people are now understandably wary of crowded resorts and `close encounter’ holidays. Despite our jabs, many of us now want a holiday or break which involves keeping our distances. So, what better way to get the family together, (within current Covid restrictions) than on a self catering break, ideal if you have vulnerable family members? Self catering breaks are proving a popular holiday choice this year, and if you have not experienced one in recent years – you will be amazed at the range of properties, styles and stays that ae now available. Forget about childish memories of worn sheets, broken kettles and dirty chipped crockery – plus restrictions. From country cottages to cool urban dwellings, seaside retreats or sleeping under the stars – the choice is now extensive. Your idea of getting away might be to retreat - to pure luxury, with no cleaning, shopping or cooking to distract you from the views, local restaurants and multi channel television. Alternately, you might want to try the newly popular Glamping – often summed up as `luxurious camping – for posh people’! You might yearn to get away from it all, to peace and quiet - or let the grandchildren run free 34 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

and make as much noise as they want in a large house. Whatever your preference, be it chilling in peaceful solitude, gathering together a bubble of (allowed) friends, or all generations of your family - there is a holiday home from home waiting for you. As any experienced traveller knows, the key to a successful trip lies in research, and holiday homes are no exceptions. Some properties have their own websites. Others are linked to Irish self catering or tourist websites. Don’t overlook UK or international websites - some have excellent examples of Irish self catering homes. When researching, it is also worth noting that many of the top rated and most popular sites have owners or staff on hand. With thorough checking, you can then discover the kind of holiday home that will pass the ultimate test - will you be regretful to leave, and book your next stay before you do go? Catering to your demands.. The Oak Barn, Dunany Eco Lodge, Co Louth Dunany Oak Barn in Co. Louth is a traditional build, but with a very modern style. Its 800 square feet are made from green oak and it has full eco-cred. There is geo thermal underfloor heating, eco friendly electricity – 50% from a renewable source and even Irish well water. It also has views to match, with 180 degrees sea views, is near a sandy

beach – and just 50 minutes from Dublin Airport. The building can provide a home for a family to six absolute maximum, or three to four adults. The hosts are on hand to help and advise. The Barn has 2 bedrooms, 1 upstairs, one downstairs, bathroom, kitchen and open style living room, plus outside terrace. There is also a large garden, and easy access to golf, plus easy access to historic Carlingford. and Drogheda. www.travelagenciesfinder.com Croan Cottages, Kilkenny Just 20 minutes from Kilkenny and set betwen Dunnamaggin and Knocktopher, these five award winning self catering modern build cottages are set in the grounds of the historic Croan House, an eighteenth century manor house. The hosts are on hand, to help and advise. The cottages are, however, in traditional design, 3 and 2 bed, with all modern conveniences we love, and set around a court yard. Many of the original aspects of the house and estate remain, however – lime trees give shade, there is a duck pond, and walled gardens still produce fruit and vegetables. This a dog-friendly area, so your pooch is welcome.The two bed cottages (at time of going to press) have a starting price of €315 for two nights off-peak, and €345 for 2 nights for a 3 bed version. The cottages are just 20 minutes from Kilkenny, with an array of

Travel activities in the area -- golf, shooting, fishing horsetrekking. Castle Morres demesne is nearby, and 2000 acres of forest park to roam. www.croancottages.com

The Gables and Longbow, Co. Kilkenny The Gables is a cosy eighteenth century fishing lodge, dating back to the days of the splendid Archerstown House. It is ideal for country lovers – waking up to the day, with birdsong from the magnificent horse chestnut trees, before viewing the walled garden or taking country walks, catching fish from the river for supper, and finishing the day enjoying a range of local pubs. Here also, the hosts are on hand. This three star lodge sleeps five – one double bedroom with walk in bathroom, one twin bed upstairs, and a single downstairs, with bathroom and shower. The double bed toom has a TV/DVD. There is a fitted kitchen, open turf fire, and patio plus BBQ. Guide dogs are welcome, family pets can go to nearby boarding kennels. Rates off peak range from €500 to €800. Longbow is an eco friendly architect designed house, complete with grass roof, sleeping six. Expect full 4 star style here, with a master bedroom ensuite, and also a double, and geo thermal heating. Off peak rates start from €599 for five to six nights, but 2 night stays are also possible. www.gables.ie Blanchville, Co. Kilkenny This splendid house is an Historic House letting, and guest observations do mention the words `Downton Abbey’. The 1800s building is just a few minutes from Kilkenny, so it is perfect for city slickers, who want some rural charm as well,. The house has been lovingly restored to the period style of of its earlier days. With six bedrooms, it can take groups of 16 to 20, and is ideal for large family gatherings, or celebrations. Prices on application. Happily for the rest of us, Blanchville also offers a converted Coach House, with two dwellings which sleeps 5/6 each and have been beautifully restrored and converted – with a period sensitive kitchen/diner. Prices range between €500 - €600 a week off-peak or €150 per night. There is also a pretty Garden Cottage, with two bedrooms, sleeping six, but be aware - unsurprisingly, it is often booked out months in advance, www.blanchville.ie Woodland Song, Tullamore, Co. Offaly This designer created rural retreat at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains is open plan, which maximises the splendid views. It can take 8 guests, with two sitting rooms, both up and downstairs, 3 bedrooms and an open gallery. One of the four bedroom has a spa, and there are three bathrooms – no morning queues here! Outside, the acre and a half of

One of the cottages in the Woodlands Song complex near Tullamore

gardens are landscaped, utilising a stream, and a boardwalk which takes you through a trail. Low light pollution means that this house is perfect for viewing expanses of starry skies. Children do need supervision, however, as there is also a lake and plunge pool. www.housetrip.com Bagenal Harvey Cottage, Co Wexford If you have ever hankered after the Tudor lifestyle, complete with romantic castle surroundings, medieval gardens, a tower house and spectaclar views, this Heritage Precinct Tower House will fit the bill nicely. The two cottages are set in the original cow house – hard though it is to believe. Oak beams are now matched by wooden flooring, the period furnishing blends beautifully with traditional open fireplaces, now set to new use. That’s just the interior. The surroundings are a large part of the appeal. Its two cottages are set in suitably romantic surroundings, nestling against the old Tower House of Bagenal’s Castle. They are surrounded by a lavender garden, herbs garden, flower and vegetable planting, an orchard – and an `enchanted beech walk’’. Accomodation includes 2 King and 3 Twin bedrooms, plus crib plus one half bath, one ensuite and one full bathrooom. In the unlikely event that you might become bored wandering around the surroundings, you can also take a trip to the nearby Saltee Islands, and Wexford is nearby Prices start off peak from €500 for 2 nights. www.housetrip.com wwwtripadviser.com Homes from home.. When it comes to looking for your ideal break, the exhaustive – and sometimes exhausting, list of online self catering spots can seem a daunting task. However, there are ways and short-cuts to narrow down the available selection, to suit your needs. It helps to be flexible about your dates. Obviously rates are considerably higher in peak season, and advance bookings advance

further with the desirability of the home – which is an advertisement in itself. If, however, your circumstances allow you can consider not just off-peak, but last minute deals, or short breaks, e.g. a few days, or mid-week stays, you can get some excellent deals, even on expensive sites. If, however, you are planing a big family re-union, then you may have to aim for some months of waiting time. Don’t just look at companies or services – check the online review sites. Not only do they list the top and most popular properties, they will have homes that you may never otherwise hear of. As well, the layout of reviews means that you can swiftly categorise the layout, area, size, room number, inclusive services or general style of each property, and this can save considerbale time. Remember also, details of Covid restrictions, responses and details of house cleanliness should be amongst the first details to catch your eye when searching a website. It is also worth typing in the type of property you are searching for - e.g. size, bedroom numbers, area. Remember, whilst many self catering properties are listed on websites, which handle their bookings, many property owners are just as anxious as you for a good match. They want clients who will treat their homes with respect. Such a search can also help with niche interests - e.g. eco, luxury, suited to disability or pet friendly. Whilst prices and facilities were correct at time of going to press some facilities and properties as well as prices may become unavailable at short notice. Check websites for latest details and bookings. www.tridentholidayhomes.ie www.dreamireland.com www.hometogo.com www.selfcater.com www.westcoastsholidays.ie www.hogansholidaycottages.com www.imagineieland.com www.expedia.ie www.tripadviser.ie Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 35

Legacies

Have you considered when making your will to leave a legacy gift to a cause you care about? Everyone should have a will Only three in ten Irish adults have made a will, yet making a will is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. As a legal document, it ensures that proper arrangements are made for family and friends, and that your assets will distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights and conditions. With so many benefits associated with this important process, the decision to make a will should be straightforward. If your wishes are not expressed in a will, then the law (called Succession Law) determines how your estate is distributed according to strict legal rules. It can also mean that your estate might not be divided in accordance with your wishes. Why make a will? There are a number of important reasons why a person should make a will but the most important reason is that you decide what happens to your estate when you are gone. Your will should be prepared by a solicitor who will advise you of the tax and legal implications of your decisions and who will use your outlined instructions to draft your will. Before making an appointment with your solicitor, it is helpful to take note of the following: · · · ·

Your assets, their value and their location. Your nearest relatives. Your executor(s) – this is the person(s) that will administer the estate in accordance with the directions set out in the will. This person should be someone that you trust and who is responsible. The proposed division of your estate – which refers to all of the money, property, assets, interests and things of value controlled by a person while alive.

Your solicitor can then take you through any legal restrictions (if applicable), special circumstances, inheritance tax and types of will. It is usually a much more straightforward and cost effective process 36 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

than you might think and your solicitor will discuss what is necessary for drawing up this important personal document when you make your appointment. Once family and friends have been looked after and all other important personal decisions have been made, deciding to leave a legacy gift to a charity is a wonderful way to support a favourite cause in the future. Large or small, every legacy is a generous gift of hope and trust for the future.

Steps to Making a Will 1. Make An Appointment Avail of expert advice and support. Take the first step to discuss your wishes and decisions for the future 2. Look After Loved Ones First Why a will is important. A will provides for loved ones, assigns guardians, protects your assets and helps reduce inheritance tax 3. Consider A Legacy To Charity Your gift may be big or small and is tax free. If you have a cause close to your heart, please consider leaving a gift to that charity in your will

Childhood stops for seriously ill children.

Legacies

At Barretstown we Press Play.

Without Paul Newman: Barretstown would not exist. Without our supporters: Barretstown won’t continue to exist. Be part of Paul Newman’s legacy for future generations of children living with serious illness. One of the most powerful and lasting ways a person can support Barretstown is by considering leaving a gift in their will. In 2020 it will cost over €6 million to run our Therapeutic Recreation camps and programmes. We must raise 98% of the funds needed from public sources. Will you help to Press Play on childhood for a family living with serious illness? Would you like more information about leaving a gift in your will to Barretstown? Please feel free to make a no obligation phone call, or pop in and visit us here in Ballymore Eustace.

If you are leaving a gift in your will to Barretstown you don’t need to tell us, we know it’s a very private matter. The only reason we like to know, is so we can say thank you!

Please contact Deirdre Treacy on 045 864 115 or email: fundraising@barretstown.org

Protecting what is most vital – a home for life Threshold has been at the heartbeat of communities for more than forty years. Thanks to kind and generous supporters, Threshold is helping families to keep their precious and beloved homes. Because like our supporters, we believe in stopping homelessness before it starts. If you have never had to call Threshold, you might be one of the lucky ones. But for so many renting in Ireland, Threshold is the first line of defence for those at risk of losing their home. From every corner of Ireland, Threshold receives 300 requests for help a day. Requests to stop illegal evictions, requests to prevent illegal rent increases, requests to help a tenant have their heating fixed in the cold winter months. In the last year alone, Threshold supported over 36,000 men, women and children at risk of homelessness. For every tenant privately renting in Ireland – we're just a phone call away.

Protecting renters – a changing story At Threshold we support families and individuals of all ages. Typically, renting in Ireland has been associated with younger people – as a stepping stone to buying a first home. But the number of renters aged 40 and over has increased by 23% between the 2011 and 2016 Census and based on our experience with clients, we see this number increasing in years to come. Karina Timothy, Western Regional Services Manager at Threshold says, “This speaks to a key societal challenge that the entire country will face in the very near future. There is an increase in the proportion of older people who are renting, living with little security of tenure and paying high rents. These renters are vulnerable to the risk of homelessness that is inherent in the current instability of the private rented sector.” This instability has never been so stark as when Covid-19 hit. What was already a difficult situation for renters, turned 38 Senior Times l March - April 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

into an emergency, as those most disproportionally affected by Covid-19 are in need of greater protections. Despite the government’s protections, and the moratorium on evictions, our phone has still been ringing. But thanks to Threshold’s donors and supporters, we are still here to help.

Frank’s eviction Frank is one such renter we supported during the lockdown restrictions. Frank is in his seventies, and worked his whole life as a post-man. He has a wicked sense of humour and loved nothing more than to stop and chat on his rounds. But now in his retirement, his rented house was sold suddenly with his new landlord, his problems started. “He wouldn’t deal with any issues I had in the house. He’d be angry if I contacted him. Over time, the roof got worse and worse – it started leaking badly. The most serious problem was when the heating system broke down at the coldest time of the year – it was freezing for months. I didn’t even have hot water.” Then an eviction notice dropped through the letterbox. And Frank’s world dropped to rock bottom:

If you know of anyone who is facing an eviction or struggling to pay the rent – please tell them to contact Threshold straight away by calling our National Freephone Helpline on

1800 454 454

“I knew I couldn’t do it anymore. Covid had me isolated. I felt so alone. I was trapped – I couldn’t live in the house with no heating and all the other problems. And now I was being thrown out – with nowhere to go – in the middle of a pandemic. I knew I badly needed help.” A neighbour told Frank about Threshold. He phoned us and explained what was happening. Things started to change immediately.

Offering a helping hand – for as long as it takes Thanks to the support of kind people from all over Ireland, Threshold was able to help right away. Róisín, one of our Housing Advisors, set to work. After thoroughly investigating the case, she was able to tell Frank the eviction notice was illegal – because of Covid-19, evictions weren’t allowed. We were delighted to help Frank and so many others like him. Because of donations from generous people who care about homelessness, we were able to support Frank to have his case heard – and won – at the Residential Tenancies Board. Frank was delighted and relieved. “No one knows the hours and hard work Threshold puts in for you. They stayed with me for over 9 months answering all my worries whenever I called. Róisín was there for me until I found a new suitable home. They gave me back my confidence. The feeling that I had the right to demand basic standards and conditions for the home I paid rent for. That I could fight an illegal eviction. Róisín was always at the end of the phone with her knowledge and her big heart.” Thankfully, Frank has left all the stress, hurt and fear behind. Today, thanks to kind donations like the one you can make today, he received a settlement through the Residential Tenancies Board and he is now happy in a warm, wellmaintained, mobility-friendly home.

How you can help At Threshold we are not only supporting people like Frank to protect their rights and keep their homes, but also to act as a voice for the older renters in Ireland. In 2021 Threshold will be conducting extensive research into the viability and suitability of private renting for older people. This work will be carried out in partnership with ALONE and will be utilised to inform policy proposals to Government. If you would like to support someone like Frank, and to help to amplify the voices of senior renters in Ireland, please make a donation to Threshold’s home-saving services. • Call us on 1890 43 44 45 • Write to us at 25-28 Strand Street Great Dublin 1 D01 XP04. To learn more about Threshold’s services, please go to www.threshold.ie

€250 A gift of €250 saves a home. For an average stay, it is estimated that it costs €31,000 for a family to live in emergency accomodation.

Who we are When a family, couple or individual suddenly find themselves at risk of homelessness, Threshold takes immediate action to help keep them in their home. • We offer free, confidential and expert housing advice. • We challenge unreasonable rent increases and illegal evictions. • We act as a point of contact to provide guidance and negotiate solutions between landlord and tenant. • We are a frontline service for those most at risk of losing their privately rented accommodation.

A gift in your Will – and our gift to you Legacy gifts are an extraordinary way to help those at risk of losing their safety, their security – their home. At no cost to you, you can leave a life-changing Gift in your in your Will to help us to create a better and more secure future for people like Frank. We have partnered up with LawOnline (www.lawonline.ie) to offer you a free Will-making service. This free and simple to use service means you can make a Will for free or amend an existing Will for a significantly reduced price. There is no obligation to leave a gift to Threshold to use the service, but of course if you do, your support will help to protect families from homelessness for future generations. To use this service, or to find out more about leaving a gift to Threshold in your Will, just contact us in confidence on 01 635 3629 or email us at legacy@threshold.ie.

300 300 requests a day. Threshold's Housing Advisors are helping someone on the brink of homelessness every 3 minutes.

36,000 36,000 men, women and children at risk of homelessness supported in the last year alone. Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 39

Legacies

When should you make a will? To make a will you must be 18 years or older, be of sound mind and acting of your own free will. Your will must be in writing and must be signed by two witnesses for it to be valid. There are a number of key events in the course of a lifetime that act as a trigger to make a will. These include: · When you get married · If you are going abroad · If you get divorced or separated · When you buy/inherit a house or become the owner of property or cash · When you start a family · Upon retirement, getting older or if suffering from an illness Remember, you can change your will at any time and as often as you like. In fact, it is highly recommended that you regularly review your will, especially if your circumstances have changed. Legacy Wording Here is some useful information for a person leaving a legacy gift to charity. It is very important to include the following information. Your charity can provide this or please consult the Charities Regulator’s website for the list of registered charities.

· Full name of charity · Registered address of charity · CHY number · Charity registration number Precedent clause for a Will I GIVE the sum of €xx (sum in words) to [name of charity] [charity registration number] of [registered address of the charity]* for the general purposes** of the said charity and I direct that a receipt by the treasurer or other proper officer of the said charity shall be sufficient discharge for my executors in the payment of this legacy. If, at the date of my death, the said charity has ceased to exist or has amalgamated or become incorporated with another charity or has changed its name, then this legacy shall not fail, but my executors shall pay the legacy to such

charity as they consider most nearly fulfils the objects of that which I intended to benefit.*** Notes: * A testator (person making Will) may wish to leave a gift to a particular branch of a charity and in which case the branch address should be inserted. ** If testator wants to leave a gift to a charity specifically for research and development, ensure that the charity has a research and development function. *** If a charity changes its name or becomes amalgamated into another charity, this provision allows the executors to leave the gift to a kindred charity.

You can Press Play for a seriously ill child. Childhood stops for seriously ill children. At Barretstown we Press Play Be part of Paul Newman’s legacy for future generations of children living with serious illness in Ireland. One of the most powerful and lasting ways a person can support Barretstown is by considering leaving a gift in their will. Barretstown receives just 2% funding, and must raise the remaining 98% from the public. All legacy gifts left to Barretstown, no matter the amount, are combined into the Magic Fund. This Fund is a vital source of income for Barretstown, allowing even more campers to experience the magic of Barretstown and allowing Barretstown to invest in vital capital projects, they would not otherwise be in a position to undertake. When a child is seriously ill, their life becomes about everything they can’t do anymore, and they can stop feeling like a regular child. Even when they physically start to get better, the psychological scars of their illness, or that of their siblings, can remain: eroding confidence, diminishing self-esteem and coping skills. Barretstown empowers and encourages each child to step out of their comfort zone and re-build their confidence through medically endorsed therapeutic camps and programmes. They start to discover the magic of being a child again. Hospitals treat the illness. Barretstown treats the child. The Barretstown programme is endorsed by leading medical professionals and has become internationally recognised as having a profound and lasting impact on the lives of children living with serious illness. 40 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Elsie with Richella You can be part of the magic. You can Press Play on childhood. “Barretstown has become a magic word in our house. It means joy, it means happiness. But the biggest impact Barretstown has had is to enable us to know that there was something else outside of cancer and treatment. Something brighter to look forward to. I’m so grateful that there is a Barretstown. And I’m very grateful to kind people who make it possible for families like mine to go there.”

Irish Blue Cross Appeal – Help Us Help Patients Like Coco

This is Coco, a five-year-old Staffie, and a much-loved family pet. Coco came to see our team at the Inchicore Clinic. She had a large tumour on the left side of her body. The tumour kept getting bigger, causing Coco huge pain and discomfort. The tumour grew out into the space behind her leg, which made it extremely painful for Coco to walk. It soon became ulcerated and infected, a heavy lump in her side. Without treatment, the tumour would take away Coco’s ability to walk. She would have to be put to sleep. Coco needed emergency surgery. So, after treating her infection with antibiotics, our veterinary team took Coco into the operating room. For over three hours, the surgeon worked to remove Coco’s life-threatening tumour. We soon discovered there were two more tumours hiding behind the first, giant growth.

Coco was a wonderful patient and although we were sad to see her leave, we were delighted to send her home having made such a wonderful recovery. We put her on a course of antibiotics and painkillers to help her heal after the operation. Her owners then took over, looking after Coco with kindness, keeping her comfortable, and yes, tickles.

“We can't thank The Irish Blue Cross enough for saving Coco’s life. She's been spoilt rotten since the operation. She is full of life and energy now, and is a totally different dog. We really appreciate all of the help and support we received from all the vets and nurses.” – Coco’s owner.

Thanks to our vets’ expertise and care, the operation was a success. Then, as her surgery was so extensive, we kept her under observation for a week.

Luckily for Coco and her family, the Irish Blue Cross team were there when they needed us. Today, she’s come through her ordeal, and is thriving.

Our vets and nurses gave Coco all the aftercare she needed – including the occasional tickle to her tummy, causing her tail to wag with happiness.

To support the lifesaving work that we do, you can donate online at www.bluecross.ie, or call us on 01-4163032 .

Have you considered leaving a legacy? Remembering the Irish Blue Cross in your will is a kind and generous gesture. It costs you nothing in your lifetime but your kindness makes a difference forever. Once loved ones are looked after in your will, consider how else you can help. Let your love for pets live on as part of your legacy, and help safeguard the future of the Irish Blue Cross. To find out more, speak in strictest confidence with Paul at the Irish Blue Cross, on (01) 4163032 or email legacy@bluecross.ie.

15A Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8 T:+353 1 4163032 E: fundraising@bluecross.ie www.bluecross.ie

Pets Need Our Help, So We Need Yours

Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 41

Legacies

Eight months pregnant and fleeing conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia: Zaid’s Story Zaid Mehari is eight months pregnant. She has been forced to flee her home in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, due to the outbreak of conflict. Away from her husband and family she is scared and traumatised, awaiting the birth of her first born. Thanks to GOAL, Zaid is being supported and feels safe. She is one of millions of people r eached by the humanitarian aid agency every year in 14 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. In Tigray, northern Ethiopia, Zaid told GOAL her tragic story and how she had no choice but to flee her safe and warm home in Adigrat, the second biggest city in the region, and venture into the unknown. Leaving her mother, husband and brother behind she is one of thousands of displaced people who have been forced to escape conflict in Tigray. Before the conflict Zaid was a successful and respected retailer, and her husband a government employee. The couple were e xcited, counting days to the birth of their firstborn. Forced to flee by conflict. But the conflict started, and she fled to a nearby small town. She begged her elderly mother to go with her. But her mother refused saying she would r ather die in a place she had lived in all her life.

42 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Leave a Leave a priceless gift. priceless gift. Please remember GOAL Please GOAL in your remember will in your will

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Contact Courtenay on Contact Courtenay on 01 2809779 or via email 01 2809779 or via email at cpollard@goal.ie at cpollard@goal.ie

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better place. You too can help change lives.

Registered Charity No. 20010980; CHY 6271, Carnegie House, Library Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Motoring

Silence is golden

Breda Corrigan tests the new electric Peugeot e-208

of 150km/h (where permitted). Based on strict new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) real-world driving range test procedures, the e-208 achieved a range of 340km’s on a full charge – potentially enough range for a week-long commute for some drivers. The e-208’s regenerative braking system (B mode) is essentially an eco mode which recoups some of the energy otherwise lost to braking, while enabling the car to slow right down by coming off the accelerator pedal.

In my opinion, the all-new Peugeot e-208 is one of the most distinctive, and most attractive small electric vehicles (EV) on the market. Peugoet’s designers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the new 208 supermini (with petrol, diesel and fully-electric power options) is easily identifiable as a member of Peugeot’s revitalised and reinvented range. The new e-208 feels like a surprisingly wide car inside, and there is also an ample amount of headroom for occupants. Up front, there are some neat storage solutions, including a handy storage area behind a glossy black fold down door. A 311-litre boot can be extended to an impressive 1,106-litres when the rear seat backs are folded flat, while the car’s charging cables come in a neat Peugeot-branded carry bag. The e-208 features Peugeot’s intuitive i-Cockpit design, which places the steering wheel below the digital display instead of in front of it, thereby meaning that the driver’s eyes don’t have far to travel between the road and the display. Impressive power and easy charging options Producing 136bhp and 260Nm of torque, the 50kWh battery enables the e-208 to sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.1-seconds, on its way to a top speed 44 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

This energy is then fed back into the battery for an extended range, and is a system that works extremely well in practice. The e-208 charges using a classic domestic plug with the standard cable supplied with the vehicle, or on a reinforced Green Up™ Legrand® plug for a reduced charging time. However, you can charge the e-208 more quickly and safely with a 11kW Wallbox, with the complete charge taking just 5 hours. The car can be easily recharged on public stations too, with the thermal regulation of the battery allowing for an 80% charge in just 30 minutes from a 100kW charger. With the new e-208 you get a choice of four well specified trim levels – Active, Allure, GT Line, and the flagship GT. The e-208 offers three driving modes – ‘eco’ with autonomy optimised by adjusting certain settings, ‘normal’ with optimised comfort for daily use, and ‘sport’ for the priority of performance with maximum power and torque, with the modes easily changeable by way of a switch located adjacent to the transmission lever on the centre console. The new e-CMP electrified modular platform, which underpins the new Peugeot 208, was developed to incorporate a high-voltage battery with a large capacity of 50kWH, while preserving cabin space, and boot volume too. The battery is guaranteed for 8-years/160,000km (for 70% of its charge capacity), while all other components of the car are covered by Peugeot’s comprehensive 5-year/100,000km warranty for ultimate peace of mind motoring. My test car was a Peugeot e-208 GT and was finished in head-turning Vertigo Blue metallic paint with a contrasting black roof and rear spoiler, gloss black wheel arch extensions, gloss black rear cluster connecting strip, gloss black B-pillar and dark tinted rear windows for maximum visual impact. Also standard on the range-topping GT model are 17”

Motoring

diamond cut two tone alloy wheels, ‘Piano’ access keys, LED daytime running lights, full LED 3D signature rear lights, full LED headlights with Smartbeam Assist, automatic lights & wipers, keyless entry & start, electric parking brake, Visio Park 180-degree (rear view camera), front & rear parking sensors, electric windows front & rear, SOS emergency & assistance function, alarm, active blind spot monitoring, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, driver attention warning alert, speed limit recognition and recommendation, and multiple airbags, along with many more comfort, convenience, safety and infotainment features. On the road, the e-208 performed every task asked of it without fault, while the high quality – and refreshingly different – cabin of the car is a very pleasant place to be. The e-208’s road-holding ability is terrific, while its minimal body-roll through bends is to be admired. Pricing The new Peugeot e-208 is a pleasurable and smooth car to drive, with terrific acceleration from the immediate application of engine torque, while the silent engine provides a air of tranquility. Reduced maintenance and low energy costs ensure that the new e-208 is a budget-friendly car

to live with, while a VRT rebate of up to E5,000 and an SEAI Grant of up to E5,000 makes the new e-208 a financially sound proposition too. For buyers who want to charge the e-208 at their home there is an additional grant of E600 for home charging installation by the ESB. With pricing for the new e-208 starting at just E27,335 (after VRT rebate & SEAI grant), Peugeot’s seductive and emission-free electric supermini has what it takes to stand out from the ever-expanding EV crowd.

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Senior Times offer is available until 31 December 2020 or while stocks last. 20% discount is not available with any other offer. 1. Enrichment of Macular Pigment Enhances Contrast Sensitivity in Subjects Free of Retina Disease: Central Retinal Enrichment Supplementation Trials – Report 1, Nolan et al, IOVS, 2016. 2. The Impact of Supplemental Antioxidants on Visual Function in Nonadvanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Head-to-Head Randomized Clinical Trial” Akuffo, et al IOVS, 2017. Food Supplements should not be used to replace a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.

Dublin Dossier Pat Keenan on happenings in and around the capital

A bald statement on South Great Georges Street..

The famous ‘why go bald’ sign in Georgia Street, Dublin, one of my first neon works

‘I saw you on the Nine O'Clock News last night,’ There were many phone calls and people stopped me in the streets. Fame at last. There is the oft-quoted Andy Warhol prediction: ‘Everyone will be famous for 15 minutes’. My television debut (...and swansong) fell short of that by as much as fourteen minutes. Less quoted but perhaps more appropriately, Warhol added: ‘art is what you can get away with’ It was one of those lighter wrap-up pieces RTÉ often use to end the nights news.

The sign had ceased to function, and the owners decided it may have fulfilled its purpose and the costs to repair were too high. They decided to have it removed and dumped. This prompted a preservation group called the 20th Century Trust to start a campaign to have it saved and restored. They organised public support, rallied the help of some influential names and finally managed to get Taylor Signs, who originally built it in 1962, to have it fully restored free of charge.

The year was 1999 and there I was on the telly, bald headed, being interviewed in front of the flashing 'Why Go Bald' neon sign at the corner of South Great Georges Street and Dame Lane. ‘A landmark well-known to Dubliners over nearly four decades has been restored to its former glory’ intoned Ann Doyle, ‘the city centre neon sign, which had been destined for the rubbish tip, was switched on this evening for the first time in five years. I hadn't quite realised just how renowned it had become. The news mentioned it was used as a background in movies, the likes of A Man of No Importance and Educating Rita. And to settle the matter conclusively, they announced it was U2's Bono's favourite Dublin landmark.

All those years ago, just fresh out of school I was trying to start a career in advertising or design. I managed to secure a job in Taylor Signs as a salesman. I was a terrible salesman, just hadn't the brass neck for cold canvasing. But thankfully Taylors recognised I had some artistic skills. So I became a salesman/designer. One day a sign enquiry came in from the the Universal Hair and Scalp Clinic and Taylors despatched me to meet and discuss signs with Sydney Goldsmith who had just opened his Dublin clinic. He already had two hair and scalp clinics in Britain - in Liverpool and Brighton. In essence he wanted a snappy and memorable neon sign with a 'why go bald' message,,, and the rest is history.

46 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Dublin Dossier I returned with my brief to Taylor Signs, then they had a factory along the side of the canal in Portobello. The rest of the day was spent designing a neon sign. Looking back now, the design may have been influenced by my dad's safety razor blades - anyone remember 'Mac Smile' blades? They came wrapped in a sleeve featuring a bald man with a dark chin stubble but when inverted the man was clean shaven and his chin stubble became the hair on his head. Something similar could be achieved using the flashing properties of neon, a sequence that would turn a frowning bald man into a smiling one with a full head of hair. In those days the design would be presented to the client painted on a black colour board, representing the night darkness. We would then

use an artist pointed brush to apply the sign design using gouache watercolour paint. The neon 'glow' was added using an airbrush spray gun and piston compressor. The flashing sequences were shown using gouache on clear acetate overlaid sheets - a sheet for each flash. Moving the sheets up and down quickly would demonstrate the flash effects. I recall that to render watercolour paint on to shinny acetate required mixing in large quantities of soap. Those were the days ! Days later I returned and presented the design at the Universal Hair and Scalp Clinic. Sydney gave his approval and ordered two signs one for South Great Georges Street and one to be shipped across the Irish Sea for his hair and scalp clinic in Liverpool. I wonder what ever became of the Liverpool sign. Now and for the future the upkeep of the 'Why Go Bald' sign is publicly funded and secure.

The Dublin woman who nearly killed Mussolini

A plaque honouring Violet Gibson, the Dublin woman who attempted to assassinate Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini is to be erected by Dublin City Council at her former home at 12 Merrion Square.

Days after Violet Gibson’s assassination attempt Benito Mussolini appeared in public sporting a plaster on his nose where Violet’s bullet had grazed him

A plaque honouring Violet Gibson, the Dublin woman who attempted to assassinate Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini is to be erected by Dublin City Council at 12 Merrion Square. Although born in Dalkey this is where she spent most of her young life. She came from a privileged background, her father Edward Gibson, 1st Baron Ashbourne and Chancellor of Ireland lived and worked at this address.

events spiralled her descent to mental instability, Her sister Constance talked of the death of their brother Victor: ‘found dead, whether by his own hand or that of somebody else, has never been cleared up to our satisfaction’ She described her sister as cultured, clever, and artistic but also a girl of extremes. She became a Roman Catholic convert, attracted to aspects of Catholicism that encouraged self-mortification – hair shirts, self-flagellation and fasting. The attempt on Mussolini was, she said ‘for the glory of God.’ But, she might also have had another victim in mind. According to her friend, the novelist and fellow convert Enid Dinnis. she may have travelled to Rome to kill Pope Pius XI, someone for whom she had the utmost contempt and on the same visit she tried and failed to get an audience with him.

The assassination attempt took place after the opening the International Surgical Congress in Rome on April 7, 1926. Mussolini was back in his car passing cheering supporters when Violet Gibson, 49 years old at the time, ran out and fired a revolver at almost pointblank to his face. Two bullets were fired, the first grazed his nose, the second shoot misfired, the bullet catching in the gun's chamber. Enraged Mussolini supporters set upon her, kicked, beat and almost lynched her. Police intervened and dragged her into custody. Mussolini was not Violet's first shooting victim and her first victim also survived. Just a year before she survived her own attempted suicide - this bullet bounced off one of her ribs. Poor Violet led a sad life and a series of tragic

Remember that at this time, before the war, Mussolini was seen by many in a better light. He had after all been awarded the Order of the Bath by King George V of England. The President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State W.T. Cosgrave, wrote to congratulate him on his survival. Her father Edward Gibson, Lord Chancellor of Ireland was a close friend of British prime minister

Benjamin Disraeli and this could have had some bearing on her release from prison by Mussolini and her subsequent deportation back to Great Britain where the rest of her life was spent in at St Andrew’s mental asylum in Northampton. There were attempts to have Violet released, arguing that political history had come round to her initial conclusions. Two decades of treatments at St Andrew’s asylum failed. She died there aged 79 years on May 2, 1956,. Four people attempted to assassinate Mussolini, she came closest. Twenty years after her assassination attempt Mussolini along with other Fascists were lynched and hung upside down from the roof of an Esso gas station in Piazzale Loreto, Milan. Lord Ashbourne, a lifelong member of the Kildare Street Club, Dublin, died in England 1913, was cremated at London's Golders Green Cemetery, later his ashes were returned to Dublin and interred at Mount Jerome Cemetery and Crematorium in Harold's Cross. Violet Gibson accompanied his ashes home and attended the funeral service at Mount Jerome. It was her first time back in Dublin since 1902 and her last. Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 47

Dublin Dossier

Bishop Berkeley and Trinity College’s links with the slave trade Last year, at the height of the Black Lives Matter protests, Trinity College began to examine its links to the slave trade. They didn't have too far to look - beginning, as you would, in their own great library - the Berkeley Library named after George Berkeley, Ireland’s most celebrated philosopher, an Anglican bishop of Cloyne... and a slave-owner.The same Berkeley gives his name across the USA, Berkeley University in California, City of Berkeley and Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut has links too.

George Berkeley, Ireland’s most celebrated philosopher, an Anglican bishop of Cloyne.. and a slave-owner.The same Berkeley gives his name across the USA, Berkeley University in California, City of Berkeley and Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut has links too.

Yale researching their own slavery links turned up some details of Berkeley's American 'missionary project.' That began with the purchase of a a 96-acre plantation in Rhode Island. Berkeley named it Whitehall ‘in loyal remembrance of the palace of the English Kings from Henry VIII to James II.’ They found that in 1730 Berkeley purchased ‘a negro man named Philip aged 14 years or thereabout’ and later ‘a negro man named Edward aged 20 years or thereabouts’. The Yale researchers further found he had ‘baptised three of his negroes’ - in what appears to be Berkeley's attempt at justifying slavery on grounds it would lead to Christian conversions - clearly a view of its time, but many of his compeers strongly condemned the slave trade. By the way, his feast day is on June 16 and still observed by the US Episcopal Church.

Mary gets her place name.. Mary encouraged friends to drop in if passing. Her Lad Lane mews became a meeting place for many a bohemian gathering.

In March a public square near Dublin's Grand Canal was renamed Mary Lavin Place. Appropriately the quarter acre square leads to 11 Lad Lane, where she lived and worked for 23 years. It was the first time an Irish woman writer was so honoured. Mary encouraged friends to drop in if passing. Her Lad Lane mews became a meeting place for many a bohemian gathering. Frank O'Connor was a neighbour. Other regulars included Benedict Kiely, Seán Ó Faoláin, Padraic Colum, a young John McGahern, Nuala O’Faolain, Colm Tóibín, Eavan Boland and of course Patrick Kavanagh, commemorated not far away on his canal bench. Paul Durcan even referred to her mews in his poem No Flowers (from Crazy About Women collection published by the National Gallery of Ireland).

48 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Western Ways George Keegan on what’s happening in travel, the arts, food and entertainment along the Western Seaboard

Contemporary sculptures to feature on Westport Quay this summer

Westport Quay in a painting by James Arthur O’Connor (Painting copyright Westport House). It can be viewed in Westport House.

The designated heritage town of Westport in County Mayo is situated at the entrance of Clew Bay and has the distinction of being one of the few planned towns in the country. It is a very attractive town with the Carrowbeg River running through the centre and the pilgrim mountain of Croagh Patrick as a stunning backdrop. The iconic Westport House which was the former residence of Lord Sligo, Earl of Altamont can be clearly seen from the Quay. In normal times the house is open to the public and there are guided tours available. Over the past few years the Quay area of the town has witnessed a major resurgence with a number of old warehouses being converted and the opening of several pubs and restaurants. These changes have been of major benefit for tourists and locals alike. It is worth noting that during the 1870s Westport was the main port in County Mayo. At the harbour end you will find a museum in the Clew Bay Heritage Centre which celebrates both the history of the town and the

maritime history of Clew Bay. Close to here is the start of an archaeological trail which has stages stages ending at Clare Island. At the town side is the Custom House Studios Gallery. Recently it was announced that these studios, supported by the Westport members of Mayo County Council, are to host an outdoor exhibition of contemporary sculptures for summer 2021 around the quay and in the Clew Bay Park. This is the perfect location for what should prove to be an exciting project featuring a total of ten outdoor sculptures. As we go to press the final 10 are being chosen by a selection panel. The exhibition will run until September 2021. Clew Bay Park a lovely amenity to enjoy at any time but especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly on a fine summer’s day. Families with children plus the pet dog can stroll safely around the park which was developed by Michael Collins, a member of the Residents Association. It was officially opened in 1980. Facilities include a green area with a

50 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

large pond in the centre. There is a looped walk around this water feature complete with bench seating, picnic tables and a children’s playground. A twin monument at one side was erected in 1994 to commemorate 32 people accidently drowned in the bay in 1894. Each of their names is inscribed on one of the sides. Customs House Studio Galley A Custom House was a building which housed the offices for Government officials processing the paperwork involved in both the import and export of goods. These officials also collected customs duty on goods arriving into the country. At that time many such buildings existed at sea ports or in cities located on a major river with access to the ocean. In Westport the building consisted of a Collector’s office, Controller’s office, Long Room, attic and kitchen (occupied by the custom’s officer). Other sections included what was known as the Queens Warehouse, a coal house (old watch house), a yard and extra accommodation.

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Clew Bay Heritage Centre

However with the introduction of the railways and an increased volume of international trade such buildings became obsolete and many were allowed to fall into ruin. This was the case with Westport Custom House but thankfully in 1999 a group of artists from the area received a grant from the Government to refurbish the building and so the Studios Gallery was established. Today this imposing corner building houses galleries and a workshop area and is an important facility for both artists and students. Clew Bay Museum This small museum in a 19th century building is at the other end of the quay. It offers visitors an insight into the history of the planned town and Clew Bay area from pre- Christian times to the present day, including the maritime history of

the bay. There are many artefacts, photographs and documents to enjoy. The Centre is run by Westport Historical Society. Guided tours are available. Of course with the exception of the park all these attractions are still closed to the public, but thinking positively let’s hope these and many others nationwide will finally re-open in a couple of months time. For an update on the exhibition and images of completed works watch this space. Useful websites: www.customhousestudios.ie www.westportheritage.com . www.westporthouse.ie

Edinburgh is one of the new routes from Ireland West Airport

New flights from Ireland West include services to Edinburgh and Manchester For anyone living in the North West or parts of the midlands hoping to take a break or visit family in the UK sometime soon there is some good news. Ryanair has announced two new twice weekly routes to Edinburgh and Manchester from this September, as part of their Irish summer 2021 schedule. The airline points out that families can book a break to either destination on low fares with the option to avail of the zero change fee should their plans change. This applies to those who book before 30th June 2021. Speaking at the announcement Joe Gilmore MD at the airport said ‘we thank Ryanair for their continued unwavering support for the airport in expanding their route network during what continues to be the most challenging period in the airport’s history and indeed aviation globally, as a result of Covid-19 pandemic.’ 52 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Ireland West lost these routes when an airline ceased trading and efforts have been on-going for the past twelve months to secure a replacement carrier for what are considered important and popular routes. Ryanair will also operate flights to Palma Majorca and other summer destinations. Ireland West Airport Knock was built in 1986 opening up a whole new world for those living along the Western Seaboard. Just recently it was announced by Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton.T.D, that funding of €2.1m had been approved for capital expenditure projects at the airport. This funding was provided to contribute towards capital investment in the areas of safety, security and sustainability under the Regional Airports programme (2021-2025). www.irelandwest.ie www.ryanair.ie .

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Wine World

Summer time wine pleasures

Well it has been a long time coming, and we are all delighted to be getting back out into our gardens and enjoying some fine weather. There is nothing nicer than an al-fresco lunch, picnic or indeed dinner, in the fresh air on a warm sunny day or evening. And so to celebrate the season, and the lifting of restrictions, this is the perfect time to enjoy some delicious food and a glass or two of something special. For me summertime wine has always been about Rose. I am talking about a fragrant delicate floral aroma with crisp citrus flavours. Some of the best comes from the South of France and some of the too sweet hails from California. And in between, there is a lot that is wonderful, and admittedly a lot that is not! But if your summertime wine is to go with light seafood, salads, fish and cheeses, a chilled semi-dry rose could be the perfect choice. 54 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Rose wine is no longer considered just ‘for the girls’, but rather a serious wine choice when it comes to food pairing. It can be the perfect choice with some Asian foods, for example. Renowned winemaker Francois Lurton makes a wonderful rose from Sauvignon in Southern France that is enjoyed throughout the world. Indeed, Villa Maria in New Zealand have produced a wonderful pink wine called Blush Sauvignon using 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Merlot. With aromas of passion fruit and fresh herbs, passion fruit and cranberry, its makers describe it as a wine to enjoy when you are loving life and those around you! Blush Sauvignon is a pleasantly unique wine in my experience, a pink wine that tastes like Sauvignon Blanc! Kylie Minogue’s wines have been very well received and since they landed here in Ireland they have won quite a number of fans. Her

Mairead Robinson suggests celebrating summer with some sunshine wines

newly launched Sparkling Rose Prosecco is a great addition to her collection. Light and elegant, yet lively with notes of summer fruits – raspberries and strawberries – this beautifully presented wine is a top summer choice. The bottle itself is just gorgeous, covered in tiny glass hearts! It is an extra dry wine, exactly to my taste when it comes to ‘pink wine’. She has also added an organic Cava to her collection which in my opinion tastes just as a good Cava should – dry and crisp, aromas of fresh blossom and apple with fresh biscuit flavours. It is aged in cellars for 15 months, giving it the Reserva status. Besides being organic, this is a vegan friendly wine also. It is an excellent Cava. Now when thinking about bubbles, not many people are as familiar with Cremant as they might be with Champagne, Prosecco or Cava. And yet Cremant is a group of sparkling wines made with the same technique as Champagne, but from outside the Champagne

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region. Cremant employs the same labour-intensive secondary bottle fermentation as does Champagne. And a bottle of Cremant De Bordeaux is a wonderful celebration of summer, and if you have not tried it yet, now is the perfect time to discover real quality bubbles at a lot less cost than Champagne. Maison Celene have been producing Ballarin Cremant in Bordeaux since 1947 and specialize in the production of sparkling wines. Besides the fabulous wines from France, there is another European country that often gets overlooked for its wines, and that is Portugal. Certainly in my experience, wines from Portugal can represent very good value for money. Anybody who has holidayed in Portugal can testify to that fact. I have visited the Dauro in northern Portugal which shares the river with Spain (Ribero Del Duero) and have tasted some excellent wines from that region. Quintada De Porrais enjoys thirty six hectares along the Dauro, most of it devoted to vineyards with some olive groves also. Most of the vineyards are 65 or even 85 years old, and their wines are 60% white and 40% red. Grapes are hand picked, and the quality is excellent. Staying with Portugal, when it comes to summer wines, the traditional Vinho Verde is a lovely choice. Light and refreshing, it is a perfect picnic wine. All of these wines are perfect to enjoy this summer, so check out your local off-licence for best quality wines. As the song goes ‘Summertime, and the Living is Easy’!

Ageing wine under water! As a footnote, one of the most fascinating things about having a keen interest in the world of wine, is the continual emergence of weird practises and extremes that wineries will go to in an effort to ‘improve’ their wines. The latest such development that was highlighted in a recent edition of Decanter Magazine, is the process of ageing wine under water. This has developed as a niche trend around the world going back some seven or eight years now. Participants of this practise say they are keen to experiment with ageing in a new environment in nature and that there is evidence of underwater conditions affecting a wine’s flavour. This could possibly be linked to the condition of wines discovered in shipwrecks after spending decades nestled on the ocean floor. Think Titanic! With renowned wineries such as Veuve Clicquot and Gaia Winery trialling bottles matured under water, the question is can you actually taste underwater wine ageing? As far as I can see the jury is still out on this one with some trials reporting differences between ‘underwater wine’ and bottles or vats aged on land, but there are varying opinions and research is still very much an emerging area. As I said, there is no end to the wonder in the wonderful world of wine!

Over three hours of Beethoven music in Senior Times podcast! In the latest of the Senior Times Classical Collection podcasts, Senior Times editor John Low traces the life and work of Ludwig Van Beethoven, arguable the most influential mind in Western music. To commemorate the 250th anniversary last year of the great man’s birth this fascinating podcast features many of his most popular works, as well as some less frequently heard compositions and rarities. Works featured include the 4th, 6th, 8th and 9th symphonies, piano concertos, the glorious Septet, chamber and choral works –and arrangements of Irish folk songs! A must for all Beethoven fans, this podcast can be accessed on seniortimes.ie or wherever you get your podcasts.

Win four Beethoven three-CD sets! Senior Times, in association with Naxos Music, are offering four three-CD sets of Beethoven music featuring many of his most loved works as well as some less known ones. To be in with a chance of winning one of these sets, simply answer this question: Which year was Beethoven born? Send your answer to: Beethoven Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Or email john@slp.ie The first six correct entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is 30 June 2021.

We’re Bigger & Better! Announcing the New Third Series April 1st - June 25th The new third Senior Times podcast series has adapted to the continuing Covid Lockdown scenario by planning new content that will hopefully see us emerging from Lockdown into a Summer of sorts. With a total of 40 podcasts hosted by our fantastic team of presenters there is something for everyone!

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We have some amazing interviews from our ever expanding panel of presenters - this month we welcome Robbie Irwin to the team. Upcoming interviews include retiring GAA President John Horan, Colm Meaney, Brian Kerr, Maxi, Ronnie Delaney, Rosemary Smith, Willie John McBride, Bill Beaumont and many more added every week…plus a new Quizmaster series with Mike Ryan and Bird Table by Conor O’Hagan and Niall Hatch. It’s all here!

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Creative Writing

o t n i l m u r C From n w o t s g i r r Ca Eileen Casey profiles poet Pauline Fayne

Pauline Fayne: ‘I’m very much a splurge writer. There’s always paper and pen near me – some in every coat and handbag, so I end up finding random ideas in the strangest places and at the oddest times!’ In the year of super rock star Philip Lynott’s 35th anniversary (20th August – 4th January, 1986), it’s appropriate to highlight a Crumlin born poet who drew inspiration from Lynott ‘running past our house’, even before he reached the dizzying heights of stardom. So much has been written about Lynott’s descent into ill health and his eventual passing as a result of addiction. However, it’s quite disarming to meet the young man who flashed his ‘brilliant smile/At the cameraman/Striding towards stardom’. The cameraman, as it happens, is none other than poetry stalwart Michael O’Flanagan, an unsung hero who has done much for poetry over the years (his broadsheet Riposte helped many a fledgling writer into print and revived a traditional printing form in the process). Thanks to Michael, some rare footage exists which showcases the early talent of Lynott when he was part of ‘The Black Eagles’. Cue Pauline Fayne, one of those ‘Giggling teens/In ‘budgie’ jackets/Trip Hazard flares/And high wedge heels’. While Lynott was forging a national and subsequently an international career with Thin Lizzy, (their 1973 hit ‘Whiskey in the Jar’ rocketed to number one in the UK charts), Pauline was living her life, marrying husband Terry and settling down in Tallaght, at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains. Although Lynott was born in Hallam Hospital, West Bromwich, England, he grew up in Crumlin with his Irish mother, Philomena. While writing poetry began at an early age for Pauline, Lynott was no stranger himself to lyrical expression. His first book of poetry, Songs for 58 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

While I’m Away, was published in 1974. 21 poems, all but one, featuring the lyrics from Thin Lizzy songs is now a collector’s treasure. Only 1,000 copies of that first edition were printed in total. Although a second volume was issued in 1997, both books were brought together in a single volume, again titled Songs for While I’m Away. This second print features illustrations by Tim Booth and Jim Fitzpatrick, the latter very generously granting permission to reproduce some of his artwork here. Serendipity is a marvel, I sometimes think. As Pauline watched that film, wishing she’d been in her garden that particular day, ‘Shyly waving among the wallflowers’, a poem was born. Such are the seeds that blossom into the poetic life. It’s also good to have a mentor, a guiding light. In Pauline’s case, it was her mother’s diligence in showing her young daughter clippings from newspapers of poems written by Pauline’s grandfather Cathal Lally. At sixteen, Pauline sent a poem about the women of Moore Street into the Evening Press and they kindly included it in their letters page. It would be fair to say that Pauline mostly writes about working class life, though not exclusively. In her early twenties she joined a Writers Workshop organised by national treasure Dermot Bolger in The Grapevine Arts Centre on North Great Georges Street and around about then, she began her yearly visit to Listowel Writers Week Festival. This annual pilgrimage is also a casualty of Covid-19 although in fairness, online events go some way towards redress. Still, it’s not the same, she’s the first to agree.

Creative Writing

Jim Fitzpatrick in his studio working on one of his many portraits of Phil Lynott I ask Pauline what growing up in Crumlin was like. She remembers it as being ‘a very community centred experience. Our neighbours were very much involved in each others lives, in good times and hard.’ A bit like Carrigstown I interject, referring to Pauline’s very enjoyable stint as an Extra in the hit soap. Pre-Lockdown of course. She really enjoys the buzz of being around a popular show. ‘Everyone’s extremely nice and respectful. There are no divas, just ordinary people from different backgrounds earning a living.’ Pauline joined Extras.ie when she retired. ‘You pay an annual fee and are included on their database with your photograph. They supply the extras for Fair City and other T.V. programmes as well as film. Her favourite Fair City characters are Bela and Cass, closely followed by Sharon and Anto. The last few programmes she worked on were Normal People (‘my trademark white hair makes an appearance in one scene’), Cold Comfort and the new comedy on Channel Four, Frank of Ireland. ‘There’s a lot of sitting around, waiting to be called!’ I wonder what she thinks of the current controversy surrounding a new character Father Liam and his connection to Hayley and ex-lover Ger? ‘Well, it’s a sign of good drama if a storyline evokes a strong emotional response in viewers.’ But to return to the topography of Crumlin. ‘Part of the road we grew up in consisted of cottages. There was a pig farm among them and a lot of people grew their own vegetables.’ Sounds like it was the best of both worlds, surroundings both rural and urban. She has vivid memories of being ‘chased from the surrounding fields by Mr Mooney – as have many Crumlin people!’ In the 80s in Tallaght, which was a place still very much under construction, one of Pauline’s first port of calls was The Women’s Centre in Tallaght Village. ‘It was a welcoming space that offered classes in a variety of subjects and was a place you could just drop into for a cup of tea and a chat.’ The Centre turned out to be a haven. ‘One day I suggested that I could run a writer’s group if there was anyone interested.’ And so, The Clothesline Writers Group were formed, meeting every Friday for several years. Those small sparks soon fanned the flames of a greater ambition. When the Centre closed its doors, a local arts group, Alternative Entertainments, based in Tymon Bawn Community Centre, invited Pauline to assist them in forming an an

A selection of Jim Fitzpatrick works for Phil Lynott albums nual Tallaght Writers Seminar. It was a successful, much looked forward to week of unforgettable moments, which include workshops and readings by writers such as Eavan Boland, Nell McCafferty. Pauline remembers Nell ‘accompanying us to the Jobstown Inn for a night of hilarity and walking through Tallaght, deep in conversation with Rita Anne Higgins’. The sight of Michael Hartnett, with mischief in his eyes, advising his taxi driver to keep going past the venue of his poetry reading still resonates. Where there’s life, there’s joy, celebration and hope. Yet, too, there’s the darker moments. Teri Murray (Pauline’s collaborative partner in A Childhood Unshared) passed away. Not only was Teri a partner in poetry but she was a dear friend, a friendship began in those Friday morning sessions. When they realised that they had both grown up in Crumlin, had similar experiences and even knew the same people, they felt they just had to collaborate. Poignantly, A Childhood Unshared is Teri’s last published work, a poet of spirit and amazing visceral qualities. Having common themes and experiences doesn’t necessarily mean the resulting poems are similar. Two very different personalities result in a different set of perspectives, which is why some collaborations work well. Pauline is no stranger to ill health herself. Three years ago she was ill with bacterial meningitis and sepsis. As a result she’s lost some of her long term memories and has short term memory problems. She also became sensitive to light and noise. ‘Day to day life during lockdown has been very fulfilling in many ways for me. Lockdown has helped, in the sense that it’s become normal to avoid crowded places and life has been quieter – less traffic, more birdsong!’ Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 59

Creative Writing In the absence of preordained subject material, I wonder what brings Pauline to the blank page and if she’s a write every day type of writer? ‘I’m very much a splurge writer. There’s always paper and pen near me – some in every coat and handbag, so I end up finding random ideas in the strangest places and at the oddest times! Ultimately, it’s the need to communicate and connect to others that bring her to write; ‘To attempt to understand the world around us.’ Like a lot of writers, Pauline feels that she ‘communicates better through the written word than in conversation.’ Her advice to writers is to ‘read twice as much as you write and take every opportunity presented to meet other writers.’ Has she a dedicated writing space? ‘Not yet, but I’m hoping to convert our small box room into a study and that’s shaping up. Terry’s retired now so there’s no excuse’. Pauline spends many hours on genealogy sites tracing family history as far back as she can. In some cases, she’s managed to make contact (and been contacted in turn by distant cousins). ‘Many of them have a fascinating tale to tell’. At the moment she’s working on a sequence of poems based around her family history and her interest in genealogy. She’s also working towards a collaborative family memoir with one of her cousins. Pauline and Terry have five grown up children, two sons and three daughters, and two grandchildren. Terry is involved in Tallaght Athletics Club as he has been running since his teens. ‘We are now in that lovely stage of life where the children are all settled in their own homes. We look forward to a great family get-together once lockdown has lifted.’ On the subject of growing older, Pauline agrees with American activist Maggie Kuhn, ‘old age is not a disease, it is strength and survivorship.’ Again, with her interest in genealogy in mind, Pauline recommends using old photographs as a starting point for a story or poem. ‘It could be an old family photo, one you have borrowed from someone else or one found online. Imagine what happened immediately before the photograph was taken or immediately after. Are those smiles real or posed?’ And for the record, she DID see Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy when they were at the height of their powers. Another memory (this time at The National Stadium) for another poem?

Philo By Pauline Fayne Giggling teens In ‘budgie’ jackets Trip hazard flares And high wedge heels We admired the daring Of the graffiti artist Who sprayed your name Along the village walls Hoped to meet you At the Star Cinema or Fusco’s chipper, Swore the Black Eagles Would be world famous soon. Today I watched again that film Of you running past our house, Chasing your dreams down Somerville Avenue And wished I had been in the garden Shyly waving among the wallflowers As you flashed your brilliant smile At the cameraman, Striding towards stardom. (from A Childhood Unshared)

Which brings me nicely to a book I discovered recently. While out walking, I fell into step with a friend and couldn’t help noticing the wad of colourful photocopied sheets in her shopping bag. It turned out she has kept herself very busy during lockdown by putting together a family memoir for a granddaughter on the other side of the world. For my Grandchild, A Grandparent’s Gift of Memory is a beautiful hardback edition, brim full of prompts and triggers which will ensure that family history becomes the priceless heirloom it is. The book can be written into directly or photocopied for multiple uses. For My Grandchild: A Grandparent’s Gift of Memory is available from Lark Crafts (ISBN139781454927099) at a remarkable price of £15.

A Childhood Unshared (Teri Murray, Pauline Fayne) is available from Amazon.

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Golf

Dermot Gilleece recalls the story behind astronaut Alan Shepard’s celebrated lunar golf exploits

The onehanded six iron shot that was out of this world...

Even in the recent Covid restrictions, 293 million miles seemed a rather excessive distance to travel to hit golf shots. Still, the landing of the spacecraft Perseverance on Mars in February, revived memories of Alan Shepard from the 1971 Apollo programme, and prompted the thought as to whether NASA had similar plans for the red planet. Golfers will remember Shepard’s implement as a trusty six iron which prompted a memorable reaction from no less a body than the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. February seems to be a popular month for space travel. In the event, it marked the despatching in 1971 of a telegram (remember those strange missives?) from St Andrews with the message: ‘Warmest congratulations to all of you on your great achievement and safe return. Please refer to Rules of Golf section on etiquette, paragraph 6, quote _ before leaving a bunker a player should carefully fill up all holes made by him therein _ unquote.’ Three years later, the club which executed a shot, literally out of this world, was presented to the US Golf Association’s Museum in New Jersey. And the donor was Alan Bartlett Shepard Jnr, pilot of Apollo 14. ‘I really didn't develop an interest in golf at a young age,’ he said. ‘I played a little bit and knew the basics of the game, but I guess I never really got serious about it until I got into my forties.’ One of the advantages of being a US astronaut at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston

Apollo 14 blasts off

during the 1960s, was the opportunity it afforded of meeting some of the great names of the game. For instance, Shepard received some very helpful tips from the 1956 Masters winner, Jackie Burke, who founded the Champions Club at Houston with another Masters champion, Jimmy Demaret. ‘It wasn't a regimented type of thing,’ the astronaut told Rich Skyzinski of the USGA in the course of an interview in 1996, two years before he died. ‘I'd be out there practising and Jackie would come along and give me a hint from time to time. I guess that's where the seriousness of it all started.’ Shepard, who then played modest golf to a handicap of 15, explained: ‘I think what he tried Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 61

Golf

to tell me was that, as an engineer, I was too regimented; that I should relax and enjoy the game. I remember that, and sometimes when I get a little uptight about it I try to remember Jackie's words of just relaxing and trying to have fun.’ After the near-disaster of Apollo 13, it clearly took tremendous courage for Shepard and his colleagues to go into the small nose-cone on top of a rocket and be propelled at 25,000mph into space. He later reflected: ‘I think all the analyses showed that there was a chance probably one out of 20 flights would result in fatalities. And we were willing to take that risk, figuring that if it happened to somebody, it was going to happen to somebody else and not to us.’ The enthusiasm for golf which Burke had instilled into him, led Shepard to come up with a fascinating idea for the Apollo 14 mission. And by way of making it workable, he visited Jack Harden, who was head professional at the River Oaks CC in Houston at the time, taking with him a retractable instrument which was used to collect dust and rock samples from the moon. ‘I swore him to secrecy,’ said Shepard. ‘And then I asked him 'Is there any way we can make a six-iron fit the end of this strange-looking handle?' Sure enough, he cut off a six-iron, put a little fitting on it and we had it.’ Aware that the lunar atmosphere would restrict his movement, he then set about doing some practice, so as not to embarrass either himself or NASA. ‘I enlisted the secrecy of the fellow who handled the pressure suits,’ the astronaut explained. He went on: ‘At night, after hours, I would go down to the suit room and put on the full suit, with the oxygen tanks and the radios and all that stuff, and practise swinging, which I couldn't do very well. But at least I got to the point where I was making some contact .... I wanted to be 62 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

sure I didn't fall down, 'cause I planned to do it in front of the television camera.’ Then came a consultation with Bob Gilruth, director of the manned space centre, who had the power to scupper the idea. And Gilruth's reaction was: ‘No, I don't believe we're going to do that. It's far too frivolous.’ Undeterred, Shepard put his case a second time, armed with photographs he had taken from his sessions in the suit room. And he added: ‘How would it be if only a handful of people were to know? They would be people who have to know. How would it be if we go up on the lunar surface and we have any kind of problems equipment failures, or we're making mistakes or the mission's not going well and NASA's embarrassed then I won't do it. ‘But if everything's going smoothly and I want to whack these two golf balls. I'll leave them up there. And I'm going to pay for the golf balls, and the clubhead and there will be no expense to the taxpayer.’ With that, Gilruth was persuaded, ‘Okay,’ he said, ‘you have a deal.’ And that was the way it worked out. After a 40-minute delay because of a rainstorm, Apollo 14 left Cape Kennedy in the afternoon of January 31st 1971, with Shepard, Stuart Roosa and Edgar Mitchell on board. Though severe technical problems were encountered en route, everything went according to plan once on the lunar surface. Towards the end of his second lunar walk, Shepard pulled out the club with the two golf balls. ‘The suit was so clumsy, being pressurised, it was impossible to get two hands comfortably on the handle (of the club),’ he recalled. ‘And it was impossible to make any kind of turn.’ So, the shots were made, one-handed. According to Shepard, he shanked the first one, which rolled into a crater about 40 yards away. With the second one, however, he kept his head down and the result was a flush contact

Alan Shepard and the famous six iron in the US Golf Association’s Museum in New Jersey

which sent the ball ‘at least 200 yards’, though this has since been disputed. He insisted: ‘The reason I know that, is that I planned to hit it down-sun, against a black sky, so I could follow the trajectory of the ball. ‘That happened to be the direction we paced out 200 metres, for our experimental field, and it landed just past that area. Of course I said it went for several miles, which was a slight exaggeration. I folded up the club, with the clubhead, put it in my pocket, climbed up the ladder, closed the door and we took off.’ And what about the condition of those golf balls, some decades on? According to the man who hit them, they are unlikely to be in a recognisable condition, given temperatures which fluctuate between 250 degrees above zero and 150 degrees below. ‘I think they've exploded or melted, or a combination of the two,’ he told Skyzinski. As to the brand of the balls, which would have been a priceless source of advertising for the manufacturer, Shepard wasn’t saying. ‘I wanted it to be without any commercial aspects,’ he said. ‘In fact only one person knows the trade name of the golf balls. That's me.’ Then, by way of emphasis, he added: ‘My wife thinks it's in the will. But it ain't.’ Before he died on July 22nd 1998, aged 74, Shepard said: ‘I'll forever be remembered for playing golf on the moon.’ Indeed he will. Meanwhile, we may have to wait some time before a repeat performance on Mars.

Northern

By Debbie Orme

Notes

Music

Billy to repeat his World Cup odyssey in Malmo next summer Although all Northern Irish eyes will be firmly set on Northern Ireland's campaign to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, one Randalstown man’s eyes will be firmly set on the team’s campaign of more than 60 years ago! Eighty-eight-year-old Billy Hunter was one of a handful of fans, who travelled to Malmo in Sweden for one of Northern Ireland’s most successful World Cup campaigns and he is hoping to mark the occasion by returning to Malmo with his daughters this autumn! It was in the spring of 1958 when the then twenty-six year-old baker decided to follow his team to Sweden. ‘As a young man, I played football myself,’ says Billy, ‘but I was never going to be a top-class player – I was too small and light, and too easily hurt,’ he laughs. ‘I’d joined the Boys Brigade as a boy and I played on its football team. I wasn’t bad – in fact, I was the only player who was transferred to 3rd Bangor BB and then I worked my way up to the 21st Belfast BB. ‘I used to travel every Saturday morning on the bus to play and then I joined the Army Cadets. In 1946, I played at outside right for their team against Wales.’ Billy was a baker by trade and moved around a lot. His longest job was the two years he spent at the Inglis factory in Eliza Street in Belfast’s Markets area, making pancakes, soda and potato bread and snowballs. ‘Ninety per cent of the workers were girls,’ Billy laughs, ‘hence my reason for working there the longest!’ A lifelong Northern Ireland fan, Billy was delighted when the team qualified for the 1958 World Cup finals and so he decided to travel over as a spectator. Since he’d known that the World Cup was coming up, Billy had been saving for two months and had raised the princely sum of £200 £2000 in today’s money – so he had enough to stay for a fortnight. ‘Like the others, I’d nothing booked,’ Billy continues. ‘I just wanted to get to Malmo for the opening round. I travelled to Liverpool, then took the train to Dover and then the boat to Ostend, another boat to Skattegat and then to Malmo. The whole trip took two days’ On the boat to Liverpool, Billy had met up with Stanley Mahood and Ian Malcolmson – both of whom played for Coleraine – and got into conversation with them. When the three arrived in Malmo, they headed for the Irish team hotel. The Mayor of Belfast – Alderman Cecil McKee – who was already at the hotel with the team, thought it was brilliant that the men had taken the trouble to travel so far and insisted that they stay in the hotel at the expense of the Irish Football Association. ‘Mikey McColgan and Davey Nicholl had set up a tent in the grounds of the hotel,’ says Billy, ‘and we thought we’d be staying there, so this was a nice surprise. Needless to say, it didn’t take us long to settle in. We were treated like kings. On the first night, for example, there was a long table laid out with every type of food you could imagine. We were spoilt for choice and were licking our lips. The next minute we were sharing our tea with seventeen players and twelve assistants. It was a dream come true.

Billy Hunter: looking forward to repeating his memorable trip to Malmo next summer

‘I filled my plate to the brim. It was only later I realised that this was just the starter! I thought to myself that I could live here rightly. Perhaps unsurprisingly the table was cleared,’ he laughs. Billy was to spend the next two weeks in the company of the team, observing training sessions and dining with them afterwards. It was during one of the training sessions that Billy was to witness an innovative tactic. ‘Danny Blanchflower had got a free kick just inside own half,’ he says. ‘Peter McParland was standing on the corner of the eighteen-yard box tying his laces, letting on that he wasn’t involved in the free kick at all. All of the other players were marking each other, but Peter just stood outside of it all. As soon as Blanchflower went to take the free kick, Peter started running towards the corner of the box. Blanchflower had kicked it at head height and Peter headed it like a bullet past the goalkeeper. It was amazing to watch.’ One of the Northern Ireland players at the time was Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Harry Gregg. ‘I really felt for Harry,’ says Billy. ‘The Munich plane disaster had only happened in February of that year – just four months before the finals - and so Harry shared a room with one of the trainers – Gerry Morgan. Harry was still having nightmares about the disaster and so the team was having a religious service before each match. There was no ‘green’ Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 63

Northern Notes

The 1958 Northern Ireland World Cup football team. Captain Danny Blanchflower is seated middle front with goalkeeper Harry Gregg behind him

or ‘orange’ about the team or about the service, it was just done Swedish style. The whole team just knitted.’ The 1958 World Cup finals marked a special moment for the teams of the British Isles, since it was the first – and indeed only – time that England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland had all qualified for the same championship. In a tournament that was to witness the début of a small, swift striker from Brazil named Pele and France’s Just Fontaine score a ground-breaking thirteen goals, Northern Ireland’s chances were not considered to be high. In footballing terms, the Northern Ireland team of 1958 wasn’t as good as other teams technically, but in terms of work rate, as Billy says, ‘they would have died for each other’. That camaraderie was going to be sorely needed, in light of the fact that Northern Ireland were in a ‘group of death’ – one which featured Argentina, West Germany and Czechoslovakia – a formidable combination. To put it mildly, the team’s chances of emerging victorious from the group were slim.. Fortunately for the team, however, they had most of the opening venue of Halmstad cheering for them. That was down to a local Swedish boy named Bengt Jonasson, who had been acting as a runner for the team, passing on messages within the camp and translating for Gerry Morgan. The team’s affection for Jonasson was such that he actually referred to Morgan as ‘Uncle Gerry’, but the affection was reciprocal and Jonasson had whipped up support for the team among the locals. When the team stepped out in their opening match against Czechoslovakia, most of the crowd was cheering the team on. Spurred on by the home fans – and to everyone’s amazement - Northern Ireland beat the Czechs 1-0, with Derek Dougan and Harry Gregg playing starring roles. The team’s luck was to run out in the follow-up match, losing 3-1 to Argentina, but things improved again in the third match, with the team managing a very respectable 2-2 draw with West Germany – one of the goals a repeat performance of the tactic Billy had seen Danny Blanchflower and Peter McPartland practise in training. Northern Ireland’s draw with the Germans meant that they would face Czechoslovakia once more in the play-offs. This time they couldn’t rely on the massive support they’d enjoyed in the first match, since the play64 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

off was to be held in Malmo, more than 100 miles from Halmstad, but, again, to everyone’s amazement, the team overpowered the Czechs by 2-1. ‘It was absolutely amazing that Northern Ireland were able to beat a powerful team like Czechoslovakia,’ says Billy, ‘particularly because the team had only been able to afford to take seventeen players for the tournament. Five had to be left behind because the FIA couldn’t afford to take them, so the manager didn’t have a big pool to choose from. The team was absolutely racked by injuries by the time they got through to the quarter finals.’ Billy had booked two weeks’ holidays for the first round of the finals as he – like everyone else – didn’t expect the team to progress to the quarter finals. ‘I was ready to come home,’ says Billy, ‘primarily because I hadn’t saved enough money for more than two weeks. When I told the guys that I was going home, however, the players and officials had a whipround and gave me the money so that I could stay for the extra week in the hotel.’ Unfortunately, Northern Ireland lost 4-0 to France in the quarter finals and so the team had to return home. Nevertheless, their heads were held high, with the team’s captain, Danny Blanchflower, to say later, ‘In years to come, when we reflect with the judgment and enchantment that distance leads to these things, we may marvel at the most impossible feats we achieved..’ Billy returned to the Inglis factory on the Monday morning and was left to face the foreman, Dan Magee, about the fact that he was only supposed to have taken two weeks’ holiday. Billy asked Dan if he could have his ‘cards’ ready for him for 5pm. ‘I’d no fear about walking away from the job,’ says Billy. ‘After all, I was single and unattached and so I’d no issues with not having a job. I’d lived the dream by travelling to Sweden and spending time with the team. When you’ve been in heaven, it’s very hard to come back to hell.’ Billy is hoping to return to ‘heaven’ this year – pandemic allowing – accompanied by daughters Jane and Judith. ‘We’re not sure if we’ll be able to go just yet due to the coronavirus,’ says Jane, ‘but we’re hoping to take Dad over to reminisce. That trip to Sweden – and the time he spent with the team – is one of the highlights of his life, and we’d love to let him relive all of those memories.’

MAKE A DECISION TODAY TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN. After you’ve taken care of your family in your will, think about the legacy you want to leave. By remembering Age Action in your will, you can help ensure that older people in Ireland will always be empowered to live life as full citizens, and that they have access to services that meets their changing needs. Your legacy could last for generations to come. Contact us today to learn how you can build a better world for your children and grandchildren.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT AGE ACTION Contact Daragh Matthews at 01 4756989 or dmatthews@ageaction.ie

Northern Notes

Drive to raise awareness of oesophageal-gastric cancers

Oesophageal cancer survivor, Lorraine Pinkerton

Helen Setterfield (centre, Chair, OG Cancer NI) with (from left) : Louise Collins (OG Clinical Nurse Specialist, Belfast Trust); Maureen Toner (OG Clinical Nurse Specialist, Belfast Trust) and Ray Kennedy (surgeon, Belfast Trust) at the launch of the OG Cancer 2021 Catch It Early campaign.

More than 400 people per year were diagnosed with oesophageal-gastric (OG) cancer each year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a Northern Ireland charity - OG Cancer NI – has launched a new campaign to encourage people with symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancer to contact their doctor as soon as possible. OG Cancer NI Chair, Helen Setterfield - herself a survivor of oesophageal cancer – feels that it’s vitally important that patients contact their GP if they’re troubled by persistent heartburn that doesn’t go away, have trouble swallowing, regurgitation or recurring hiccups. ‘Recent figures show that there has been a drop in the number of those referred by their GP to the hospital due to showing symptoms in 2020 compared to previous years, so we want to make sure that we reverse that,’ Helen told Northern Notes. ‘Early diagnosis leads to a much better chance of survival from this cancer - which has a 20 per cent survival rate of five or more years - according to the NI Cancer Registry 2019.’ Lorraine Pinkerton was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer at 59. ‘In 2012, I went to my GP with really bad symptoms of reflux, which had flared up and didn’t seem to be settling. Over the next year, I

gradually had more and more symptoms so I adjusted my diet to really bland food and I cut the wine because it was irritating it. Then, about August time, I started having really bad indigestion and the indigestion pain was going into my back. It was progressing, not getting any better, and I was just trying to treat it myself with a bland diet. ‘In the September I started to feel really sore when I was swallowing. The food wasn’t sticking, but it was sore going down. Eventually, on the fourth occasion, the GP referred me for a scope. ‘By the time I went to the scope, my food was sticking in my oesophagus and, in October,

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I was diagnosed with quite a big tumour in that location. I had an oesophagectomy in February 2014 and two lots of chemotherapy beforehand. The chemotherapy enabled me to swallow again and then I had my surgery in the February. I’ve now been in remission for seven years.’ ‘When it comes to OG cancer,’ says Helen Setterfield, ‘I think one of the key words is ‘persistence’. It’s about getting symptoms taken seriously. We advise everyone that, if their symptoms are persistent, then the patient should be persistent. It can be the difference between life and death. Pharmacists may, at times, be best placed to spot recurrent symptoms in patients.’

Pets & Mental Health Pets provide unconditional love. Your pet never judges you. Your pet does not ask why you’re home late, why you’re in a bad mood or why you’re sad. Your pet is happy to just sit with you when you are having a bad day and just be there with you, be your friend! Your pet loves you as you exactly as you are and all they ask for in return is that you love them back. Who would not want this? Is this relationship not invaluable when it comes to our mental wellbeing? Your relationship with your pet is an uncomplicated relationship. Your pet will always be loyal and will always forgive you. A pet has a huge presence in and impact on every household. Making a commitment to a pet, whilst being a huge responsibility, is a rewarding commitment that can have a highly positive impact on a person’s mental health. Pets provide a source of routine. They need regular mealtimes, regular exercise and lots of play time. Often, unaware to ourselves, we fall into a routine that is set out by our pets. Having a daily routine can have a positive impact on our mental health. It is suggested having a routine can help cognitive function, protect against cognitive decline, and reduce the likelihood of depression. Now more than ever, due to theimpact of Covid-19, having a routine has become even more important for our mental health. A big part of our routine as a pet owner is taking our dogs for a walk. This routine not only provides exercise for our furry friends but also for us humans! Exercise is something that has a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. Exercise releases endorphins which make us feel happy. Exercise has positive effects on our physical health benefiting our heart, blood pressure and muscles. All of this helps our mental health, improves self-esteem, and helps with depression.

Having a pet is wonderful for children, it helps to teach them care and compassion from a young age. Pets provide companionship and that unconditional love that can help children with their confidence and self-esteem. Again, going on walks with a pet provides a fun and easy source exercise for children as well as adults. Exercise is increasingly important for children in an era of technology. A lot of recent studies are showing that pets can help children with autism, learning difficulties and children that find communicating and relationships with other children difficult. Of course, in these cases choosing the right pet for a child is extremely important and should always be done with advice from a professional.

The list of benefits that pets provide when it comes to our mental wellbeing is endless and growing. It is important to remember that a pet is a lifelong commitment and a financial commitment. For anyone that is considering getting a pet it is important to do your research and where possible rescue a pet that needs a home. As a pet owner of two rescue dogs, I can tell you, everything you give to your pet you get returned tenfold! Úna O’Toole is the head of veterinary services at The Irish Blue Cross, the animal welfare charity. For more pet advice visit www.bluecross.ie/pet-advice Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 67

Meeting Place NOTE: When replying to advertisements give only your telephone number and/ or email address. Do not give your postal address. GALWAY LADY, DIVORCED, GROWN UP FAMILY, looks younger, 5ft 6in tall, medium build, NS, SD, GSOH. Interests include most kinds of music, reading, walking, conversation, animal welfare, gardening, WLTM man, preferably 55-65, with similar interests for friendship and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER D7 LONELY NORTH MIDLANDS GENTLEMAN, late sixties, NS, SD loves nature, cycling, walking, music, gardening, touring Ireland, eating out, weekends away. WLTM pleasant, romantic lady for friendship and relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER D1 WEXFORD LADY LIVES IN DUBLIN, EARLY 60s (look younger). Take a chance and contact this lovely lady with a kind and generous nature and GSOH. Many interests, including golf, cycling, cooking, music, theatre, cinema, walk in the country and on the beach. Each day brings new adventures so join me and share those great moments. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER D2 SOUTH EAST MALE, 60s, retired, no ties, well read, very romantic and understanding. Like music, walking holistic lifestyle. WLTM unattached lady for meaningful relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER D3 POST COVID ROMANCE. Single Dublin gent 60s WLTM lady. ‘I am healthy with a wicked sense of humour and nice lifestyle. If you are a lady who enjoys champagne/strawberries and the craic then perhaps summer romance is in the air.’ REPLY TO BOX NUMBER D4 DUBLIN ROMANTIC LADY LATE 60s widow WLTM bachelor or widower 63-73. Interest include gardening, walking good music and reading. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER D5 DUBLIN MALE 60s SEEKS male travelling companion 50-70 for holiday to Thailand when its safe to travel. Enjoy the lovely weather, beautiful beaches, fantastic food, great nightlife and gorgeous, friendly ladies. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER D6 SHY GAY DONEGAL MALE, 56, seeks men of similar age and up to 70 for meetings, fun times and weekends away, dinner, walks etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C1 MIDLANDS SINGLE MAN, 63, average height, slim, presentable and solvent, usual interests. Given the usual travel restrictions I would like to hear from a lady under 60 from anywhere in Ireland who has an easy-going manner for phone chats etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C2 68 Senior Times l May - Junel 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

DUBLIN LADY LATE 60s RETIRED NURSE, separated, NS, SD, WLTM youthful gentleman 60-70. I am slim, petite and have always looked much younger. Interests include oil painting singing (choral), reading, history, science and the arts. Also interested in spiritual tradition and have travelled widely. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C3 DUBLIN GENT NEVER MARRIED, country origins, seeking female soulmate. Cultured, joyful, romantic, caring, artistic, respectful. Let us re-discover Ireland’s wonderful, beautiful scenery together so that our souls are moved! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C4 KERRY MALE, 39, interests include sport, dancing, country music, going to gym, walking. WLTM an easy going, caring female between 39-45 for friendship in Kerry or West Limerick. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C5

ROSCOMMON LADY, good-hearted and caring WLTM a widower 68-72, NS. I’m outgoing, enjoy dancing, cycling and walking REPLY TO BOXNUMBER K2 PROFESSIONAL DUBLIN LADY, divorced ex-teacher, attractive 60s, WLTM gent for friendship/relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K3 GAY WIDOWER, 65 SOUTH DUBLIN/ NORTH KILDARE. GSOH, warm, friendly with many interests including the arts, gardening, current affairs, gardening, food and wine. WLTM female or male travel companion for a few much-need journeys, hopefully some time soon. Perhaps we could meet for a coffee or a drink. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K4

NORTH DUBLIN ACTIVE RETIRED MALE, widower, 70s, medium build 5ft 10in likes walking, dancing, travel, WLTM lady for friendship and more. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C6

PROFESSIONAL DUBLIN MALE, 75, living alone, seeks female companion (68-78) to spend time with. I am fit and healthy. Seek a companion for walks, talks and coffee, chats and meals out, as well as theatre, music and cinema outings together. Hopefully we can meet socially distant in 2021 REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K5

OFFALY FEMALE, 54, WLTM similar age gent. Must love dogs, hiking and walking. Would like to have someone genuine to share adventures and to fill my bucket list. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C7

RETIRED DUBLIN MALE DOCTOR, 70s, WLTM lady of similar age who enjoys the good things in life, e.g. dining out, going to the theatre, concerts etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K6

MID-WEST RETIRED professional lady, widowed. Caring with happy positive outlook & varied interests, including travel. I would love to connect with interesting warm-hearted, GSOH sincere, caring and unattached gent, 70ish. Sharing 'getting to know you' telephone chats & laughter would lighten current restricting lifestyle until we can once again interact socially. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C8

SOUTH DUBLIN WIDOW, 67, interests include walking, nature, gardening. Reading and music. WLTM widower or single man 65-72. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F1

DUBLIN MALE 60 (LOOKS YOUNGER) single, WLTM a nice, broadminded, uninhibited mature lady to join a naturist club to travel abroad on naturist holidays when it is safe to do so. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C9 CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: Interested in joining a social group of retired and semi-retired business and professional women - Limerick and surrounding areas?. Currently communication is via social media but we look forward to future socialising and new adventures. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C10 DUBLIN GENT 70, LOOK YOUNGER, widower, retired professional. GSOH, fit and healthy. NS 5ft 9in. Enjoys conversation and all the good things in life - walking, cinema, travelling, theatre, music, eating out, driving etc. WLTM attractive lady 55 - 68 with GSOH. Living Dublin south west but born in the country. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C11

ACTIVE RETIRED TALL MAN, NS, SD WLTM active lady, preferably never married and with youthful outlook for outings, theatre, travel etc. and perhaps leading to romance. Dublin area. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F2 SICILIAN-NEW YORK RETIRED TEACHER, living in the North East. ‘I am blessed with the Italian good looks and quirky metropolitan humour. Culture couples with joy, happiness and laughter are my centres’. WLTM a gent 60s upwards ‘who can compose an excellent and lengthy summary is welcome’ REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F3 FRIENDLY GENT 69 looking to form a small social group for walks, coffee, chats in Dublin area. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F4 SOUTH WEST GENT, ex-teacher, 60, good conversations, friendly outlook, love dancing, walking, travel, play some golf. WLTM lady or around the same age with similar interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F5 SOUTH EAST MAN, 62, enjoys walking, keeping fit, eating out, reading, travel etc. WLTM

that special lady for company and perhaps relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F6 DUBLIN WOMAN, 64, EDUCATED AND CONSIDERATE, enjoys walking, reading, travelling, cinema and dining out. WLTM kin, considerate man, 59-69, with GSOH for friendship and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F7 ROMANTIC DUBLIN MALE, 60s, medium height, interested in reading, walking dining out, cinema etc. WLTM lady 50s upwards from Dublin area for a loving relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F8 DUBLIN MALE 60 SEEKS male travelling companion 50-70 for holidays to Thailand when the time is right to enjoy lovely weather, beautiful beaches, fantastic food, great night life and gloriously friendly ladies. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F9 MIDLANS-BASED VEGETARIAN LADY, EARLY 50s, interested in holistic health, WLT, gent with similar outlook. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F11 ATTRACTIVE, EASY GOING NORTH WEST LADY, WLTM a kind man in his 70s who shares the same outlook and quite possibly the same interests which are music, the outdoor life, and caravanning. Let’s discover the new together! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F12 MIDLANDS WIDOW, LATE 60s, genuine, romantic, lovers chats and music WLTM an attractive 60s-70s gent to enjoy trips around the country etc. Does not have to be midlands based. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F13 MIDLANDS WIDOW LATE 60s .Genuine, romantic and loves chats and music. WLTM a gentleman medium build, mid 60-70s with GSOH to enjoy trips around the country, coffees, chats and going out to dinner. Doesn’t have to be from Midlands. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T1 ATTRACTIVE DUBLIN MALE NATURIST 60 seeks mature lady for naturists holidays abroad. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T2 GROW OLD WITH ME. Attractive North Co Dublin lady with trendy personality mid 60s, NS, SD. WLTM kind, caring gent for new beginnings. Interests include cinema, theatre, music, eating out, conversation, nice walks and days away. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T3 100 PER CENT GENUINE CO CORK MAN, 63, single, easy to please. Interests include C&W music, sport, animals. NS, SD. Never married. WLTM similar unattached lady aged 68-80s who genuinely wants a discreet romance to share the joys of love and life. Absolute discretion assured a and expected. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T4

SINGLE WEST OF IRELAND GAY MALE 62, sincere GSOH WLTM other males 55+ with view to friendship, socializing and possibly travelling. Interests include music of all types, outdoor life, cycling and walking and sport. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T5 TRENDY OLDER SOUTH DUBLIN WOMAN seeks companions, preferably with GSOH with spiritual and moral values. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T6 TALL MUNSTER GENTLEMAN 62, educated, NS, ND loves nature, scenic walks, cycling, eating out, cinema, cooking, holidays in Ireland/UK. WLTM pleasant, romantic lady for friendship and relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T7 GALWAY MAN LATE FORTIES lives alone WLTM other males of any age for company and maybe more. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T8 DUBLIN BASED GALWAY GIRL, attractive retired schoolteacher, mid-60s WLTM genuine NS male with GSOH for friendship, socialising and outdoor activities. Interests include golf, hill-walking, travel and a lot of joie de vivre REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B1 DUBLIN WIDOWER, 70, looks younger. Tall, active, NS, SD, GSOH. Likes walking, driving, cinema, theatre, listening to music, dining out, holidays at home and way. WLTM lady with similar interests for long term friendship/relationship would be ideal with lots of good conversation. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B2 FEMALE NORTH DUBLIN WOMAN WLTM other ladies to socialise in Dublin and surrounding areas. Interests include nature, music. Let’s meet up for coffee. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B3 SOUTH EAST GENT MID 60s slim and of youthful appearance. Interests include current affairs, reading, walking, travel, concerts, dining out. WLTM lady from Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford areas. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B5 MIDLANDS LADY 70s WIDOW. WLTM caring, warm gentleman for friendship. Enjoy walking, reading, dancing, holidays in the sun and winter breaks at home. NS SD. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B6 DUBLIN MALE 70, long time separated, happy caring with positive outlook. Interests include music, theatre, WLTM lady for friendship/ relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B7 SINGLE LEINSTER GENT 60s, honest, cheerful, positive with a relaxed outlook on life. WLTM a warm-hearted lady 60s 70s who likes to enjoy laugher which is the best medicine. Wide range of interest and always open to new ideas. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B8

RESPECTFUL DUBLIN MALE 60 (looks younger) single, WLTM a nice lady 45-70 to join a naturist club and to travel abroad on naturists holidays. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B9 SINCERE, CARING TRUSTWORTHY LADY from Leinster, widow, retired from a profession. Young at heart WLTM educated, personable gent, preferably a widower for friendship and chats. Ideal age range 80-85. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B10 EAST COAST FEMALE WLTM aspiring Fred Astaire for ballroom, Latin and social dancing. Let’s give it a whirl! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B11 FED UP WITH AIRPORTS? Dublin semi-retired businessman, NS, divorced, good appearance, medium build. Solvent, kind, considerate, respectful, private, good fun. Interest include cinema, the arts. Would like to invite into my life a warm, kind, interesting, affectionate, tactile, warm woman 60-70 for companionship, chats, laughs and short breaks in in Ireland. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B12

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, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, 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 30th June 2021.

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 May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 69

g n i w glo

Cosmetics and beauty

Get

Now that the long awaited summer is arriving and our travel restrictions have eased, we are all getting out and about that bit more. We are taking longer walks, perhaps a dip in the sea, certainly getting out in the garden, maybe a round of golf – and taking in a welcome breath of bright fresh air. Never have we yearned for the outdoors so much. And while it is vital to get as much Vitamin D as we can to boost our immune systems, it is also very important to protect our skin from sun damage. And so with a little care and some good products we can do just that. There are many sun protection creams and sprays on the market, so it is important to choose the right one for maximum protection for your skin. Unfortunately due to our pale Celtic complexions, we are more sensitive to sun exposure, burn more easily and generally we need more protection. It is a sobering fact that the Irish Cancer Society has said that rates of skin cancer in Ireland are increasing and expected to double by 2040. So using good sun protection is vital and while the most important thing is to protect against skin cancer, we also want to protect against skin aging. 70 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

this summer Protect your skin now that summer is here. Mairead Robinson offers some suggestions.

Avene have been very active in skin care for over thirty years, and are a well loved brand for those with sensitive skin. Their new Intense Protect 50+ is a daily sun care and enhancer for sensitive skin and a complexion perfector. My daughter who is in her mid-thirties will use nothing else! Intense Protect 50+ is suitable for everyone including babies from 6 months of age, children, pregnant women and very light photo types. Due to the very high protection and tolerance properties this new hero hybrid sun cream can be used on damaged skin, tattooed skin, scarred skin and even on post procedure skin. Thanks to these outstanding properties, Intense Protect 50+ covers the most intense protection requirements and the most extreme conditions and is suitable for the most sun-sensitive skin. It is fast-absorbing, non drying and is sweat and water resistant for up to two hours. It has a transparent nude tone that all skin types can wear. Another well loved skin care brand Eucrin have an excellent range of sensitive protect sun allergy creams and sprays for face and body with

New Irish-made DIACARE tackles Dehydration and Stomach Upset

Win a 3 Month Supply of Super Supplement Revive Active

When stomach bugs are doing the rounds, it is important to quickly deal with the unwelcome diarrhoea and stomach upset that can be especially harmful for seniors and young children. A handy new Irish-made solution to both the dehydration and stomach upset is now available, that the whole family can take to limit the spread of illness. MyPro DIACARE is an effective oral rehydration solution combining the benefits of a probiotic with glucose and minerals to aid recovery from diarrhoea and the dehydration that comes with it. The orange flavoured drink helps restore natural gut flora and can be taken by children and adults suffering from diarrhoea, fever or any condition causing the loss of body fluids. Norovirus, also known as Winter Vomiting Bug, is the most common stomach bug in Ireland and is highly contagious, according to Galway GP, Dr. Laura Lenihan, who recommends acting fast to curb the spread if someone in the household is ill. “You are most contagious once the symptoms start, and for up to two days afterwards, so stay at home and away from others during this period. The best way to prevent spreading infection is to wash your hands with soap and water, regularly and well, not unlike the Covid-19 advice”, the GP advises. Antibiotics don’t work with a viral infection, the experts say, and the most important thing to remember is to keep hydrated, as dehydration can lead to more serious complications. Take regular sips of water or use a product such as Diacare, Dr. Laura Lenihan advises. “I recommend Diacare because of its balanced blend of glucose, minerals and probiotics that can prevent the risk of dehydration and restore good bacteria in the gut, prompting quicker recovery”, the GP says. Easily dissolved in water, Diacare will help shorten the duration of any diarrhoea and restore the acidic pH of the stomach, protecting against future bacterial infections. Make sure to get plenty of rest if you are unwell with a stomach bug, is the GP’s advice, and when you feel like eating again, try small amounts of plain food like soup, pasta or bread. Each Diacare box has 12 dual sachets and can be bought online at https://www.meddirect.ie and in pharmacies at a RRP of E 14.95. A single daily dose is administered to children, aged over three, while up to four sachets a day can be taken by adults to balance electrolytes and provide probiotic digestive care.

Revive Active is an Irish super supplement that stands out with a unique formulation of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help you get the most from your busy, active lifestyle. Packed with 26 active ingredients specially formulated to support your energy levels, immune and nervous system, heart and circulatory system, thyroid function and teeth. Formulated for adults looking for a comprehensive supplement, Revive Active is delivered in a daily powdered sachet which is mixed with water or juice in the morning to make a nutritious daily drink that is easily absorbed. Each sachet includes vitamins B6, B12, C & D as well as folate, thiamine, copper, zinc and selenium and is enriched with 150mg CoQ10 and 3,000mg L-Arginine. CoQ10 is an antioxidant and plays a critical role in cellular energy. L-Arginine is an amino acid which is a precursor to nitric oxide. Don’t let the day get ahead of you, get ahead of the day with a sachet of Revive Active Super Supplement. Find out more at www.reviveactive.com or follow on social @ReviveActive To enter the competition, simply answer this question: How many active ingredients are in Revive Active? Send your answer to: Revive Active Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Or email to john@slp.ie The first correct answer drawn is the winner. Deadline for receipt of entries is June 30th 2021

If entering via email you are agreeing to receiving additional information about Revive Active from John@slp.ie. If you do not wish to be contacted please state that in your email entry.

Cosmetics and beauty

SPFs of 30 and 50. They have also released a new range of skin care products to combat pigmentation, which we often accept as age spots or sun spots. The correct term is hyperpigmentation, and it covers uneven pigmentation caused by a range of issues, age, sun, laser treatments, hormone imbalance among others. Eucerin’s anti-pigment range acts directly to reduce melanin production in the skin – the root cause of hyperpigmentation. So effective is this new range using the ingredient Thiamidol, that you can notice a real difference in your skin after using these products for just two weeks. The range is especially suitable for mature skin and includes a day cream with SPF 30, a night cream and a dual serum. It also includes a Spot Corrector which effectively reduces the appearance of dark spots and gives a more even skin tone.

with seven precious botanical oils is a multi-purpose dry oil. As an all in one product, the skin is nourished, smoothed and evened, hair is soft and shiny and it also improves the appearance of stretch marks and scars. The exciting news now is that NUXE have just released a new Super Serum [10] which combines their oil expertise and anti-aging expertise to produce a serum which your face will love. Ingredients include natural hyaluronic acid and botanical oils. It should be used morning and night on face, neck and décolleté. The effectiveness of this new serum has been evaluated by a cutting-edge technology using 3D micro-dermis. It certainly feels like silk as it penetrates the skin.

You certainly don’t have to break the bank when choosing the sun protection product that works best for you. Garnier Amber Solaire have a new Anti-Dryness Super UV SPF50+ which contains glycerine and is a real tonic dry for very dry skin. And this new cream costs just €6

And finally, a new range of skin products that were developed in Cork. The core ingredients in Codex Beauty Bia collection are locally sourced in Ireland. It is a bioscience-led beauty company that is setting a new standard in organic luxury skincare. The core collection includes an Exfoliating Wash for toning and polishing, Eye Gel Cream for cooling and brightening, Day Cream for restoring and hydrating and Skin Superfood which is nourishing and moisturising.

Of course it is not just the face that needs care and moisturising, as dry oil for body and hair should be part of your regular skin care routine. I always recommend massaging oil into wet skin after the shower for maximum benefit. Nuxe has for years been a favourite brand of mine, and their Huile Prodigieuse,

So as we step out into the garden, the beach or park, while we welcome the much-needed Vitamin D, it is vital to also protect and nourish our skin too. There is no shortage of good skin care products to help you do just that. Check out your local pharmacy and choose what suits you best.

Senior Times Classical Collection

Reflections..

In association with:

For the challenging times we are living in

Over three hours of unforgettable melodies from the great masters to help you relax.

Presented by John Low. Produced by Conor O’Hagan.

Works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Bruch, and many more.

Available on all podcast platforms or visit seniortimes.ie and click on ‘podcasts’.

72 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

€40 for 8 issues delivered to your door

Housing

"It’s just not too much fun to be alone."

HRB Research Officer Camille Coyle, PhD, reflects on our recent evidence review, 'Housing with support for older people', describing how this type of accommodation enables an autonomy and independence that’s integral to well-being.

"I needed companionship with others my own age.”

We all want older people to enjoy a good quality of life - to have autonomy and independence for as long as possible. Housing with support can achieve this, providing older people with their own front door and their own home, living alongside other older people in a community where support and care services are available on site. It is expanding as a model of housing for older people in Ireland and throughout the world – a trend that is likely to intensify in the context of COVID-19, which has made clear the risks of relying primarily on nursing homes.

Others moved because they wanted to live alongside other older people, as this woman described: “My neighbourhood was mostly young couples with children. I needed companionship with others my own age.” Regardless of their primary motivation for moving, older people who made the decision for themselves felt this eased the transition. Individual choice and autonomy were found to be crucial for successful transition, so they could age in place and die in place in housing with support. Additionally, when housing with support was available close to their original home, this allowed them to maintain their established social networks and access the same amenities and community services, further easing the transition.

Exploring perceptions and experiences

Improved wellbeing and increased independence

We at the HRB Evidence Centre were commissioned by the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review international evidence on housing with support, so that its expansion in Ireland can be informed by evidence. We aimed to explore older people’s perceptions and experiences of it, and examine its impact on their quality of life. Following a search of four databases and a grey literature search, 75 articles across 10 countries were included.

In housing with support, older people can access health services, social activities, housekeeping, and a wide range of other services. Importantly, older people felt that this made life easier, improved their well-being, and helped them live independently for longer. Personal care and support services are a key aspect of housing with support, and reablement, cognitive support, and mental health services are particularly important. Yet communal spaces, organised social activities, volunteerism, and mutual support are also fundamental to well-being, as they foster social engagement and create cohesion in the community.

We found that many older people moved to housing with support because they felt lonely living alone and burdened by maintaining a large house. For instance, one woman said: “I was just getting tired of living alone after my husband died. It’s just not too much fun to be alone. Even though I had friends and I played bridge once a week, it’s not the same. Your house gets very lonely when you don’t have anyone in it. You know - five rooms to keep, three bedrooms. So I just made a change.” 74 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

One woman described this well when she said: “I volunteer in the choir, we sing for the long-term care residents every Wednesday. Being socially active is very helpful, because being home was lonely.” "We're all connected ... It's like a family here."

Housing Moreover, opportunities to socialise and make friends led older people to feel a strong sense of community. “We’re all connected,” said one woman. “And we are not alone. It’s like a family here since I’ve been getting to know the girls. I just call them ‘the girls’. Nobody calls me ‘Mrs.’ anymore.”

of older people themselves, we can reflect their preferences in future policies – helping shape housing models that meet their needs. We all want to live in a society that respects, honours, and cares for older people. Providing them with housing options that can improve their quality of life is a fundamental way of achieving this.

Overall, our review found that:

Our evidence review, 'Housing with support for older people', was authored by Camille Coyle, Olivia Cagney, Sarah Buggy, Louise Farragher, Caitriona Lee, Darren Patje and Jean Long.

• Housing with support has strong potential to enhance quality of life for older people • Older people value autonomy, independence, and choice in terms of where they live and how they live • Maintaining previous social networks is highly beneficial • Wellbeing is influenced by access to care and support services, but also to social activities Above all, housing with support enables a self-directed life that maximises a sense of independence that’s integral to well-being. An important avenue for future research will be to examine the experiences of older people living in similar housing here in Ireland as well.

• Read our press release on housing with support for older people • Download our evidence review on housing with support for older people • Watch a video of Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, TD, welcoming our evidence review on housing with support for older people For further information visit www.hrb.ie

Informing policy to meet the needs of our older people The findings of the review will inform the Government’s work in this area in the months and years ahead. By understanding the perceptions

Child Marriage feared to be on the rise in Afghanistan Before the spread of Covid-19, 57% of girls in Afghanistan were married before the age of 19 but this figure is expected to increase as families are forced to adopt negative coping mechanisms to deal with ongoing economic hardships. World Vision is working around the clock to reduce incidents of child marriage in the Herat and Badghis provinces and to alleviate its negative impact on the survival and development of Afghan girls. World Vision is working to transform cultural norms, attitudes and practices that support and enable child marriage. The charity is working to keep children, particularly girls, in education, and empowering families, communities and the State to protect children’s rights. Many of the complex factors that drive child marriage in stable environments are exacerbated in emergency settings, as family and community structures break down during crisis and displacement. A global pandemic also presents unique challenges that can increase child marriage both in the acute and recovery phases. Challenges include the loss of household income, a higher risk of violence in the household and lack of access to education. According to World Vision Ireland, 250 million children – many of them from disadvantaged backgrounds – are not learning even basic literacy and numeracy skills. The Irish charity said the world’s most vulnerable children include trafficked children, orphans, child soldiers, street children, child brides, displaced children and children that are in conflict or emergency situations. Without support, these children are vulnerable to neglect or deliberate harm from others. Their physical and mental

development can be threatened or affected permanently. The charity said that child protection is about contributing to a society that helps uphold a child’s rights; it is about the sustained well-being of children within their families and communities. World Vision Ireland said that hundreds of millions of children experience violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Their rights to care and protection are ignored. Many traditional practices, such as early marriage, are incredibly harmful. Children are particularly vulnerable in the face of natural disaster or human conflict and all these threats have long-lasting effects on a child’s wellbeing. The charity is fearful that child marriage could be on the rise due to Covid-19 and economic hardship in the developing world. While promoting the rights of children and the importance of education, World Vision also works with children’s families, communities, and governments to strengthen the systems that protect them. The child protection system is the full protective environment around the child, consisting of laws, services, attitudes, and behaviour that combined, prevent, and respond to abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other forms of violence against children. To donate to World Vision Ireland or to learn more about the work the charity does, go to https://www.worldvision.ie/

Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 75

Four Copies of Icebound In The Arctic to be won! Senior Times in association with publishers The O’Brien Press, are offering four copies of Icebound In The Arctic by Michael Smith in this crossword competition. This enthralling historical work covers the mystery of Franklin’s doomed North West Passage expedition which has captivated people for generations. How did two navy vessels and 129 men simply vanish in the ice? Why has the mystery endured, and what is still to be discovered? These and many other questions are addressed in this historical ‘whodunnit’

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Send your entry to: Crossword Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Deadline for recept of entries is 25th June 2021 . The first four correct entries drawn are the winners.

Crossword Crossword Number 111 by Zoë Devlin

ACROSS

DOWN

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Solicit votes in electoral campaign (7) Happy facial expression. (5) Coil or ringlet of hair (4) Would an LA native like this Co Kerry island? (8) Provide commentary or give detailed account (7) Person authorised to act for another (5) Mr Spock in 68 Across, ___ Nimoy (7) Shade of brown in old photographs (5) It’s the card in your mobile phone (3) Biblical patriarch who built an ark (4) Children’s poet, Walter __ __ ____ (2,2,4) Ballroom dances in triple time (7) Creative composition in verse form (4) Ireland’s largest island, off the coast of Mayo (6) Shakespeare’s ardent lover (5) One who paddles his own canoe? (7) Recompense found in a drawer? (6) Fine-toothed cutting tool used to cut curves (7) Got up to see this pink, sweet-scented flower (4) Comedian brothers of the silver screen (4) We locals love this cabbage salad (8) Primate found in a different landscape? (3) Person expelled from home or country (5) Studio especially for artist or designer (7) Pavarotti sang at ‘La ___‘ in Milan (5) Co. Clare’s international airport (7) Does this Co. Donegal island have a promontory? (4) Region of France, site of 1944 landings (8) Aromatic seed, source of spice (6) Pullover or Channel Island (6) Uilleann piper & flute player, Willie ___ (6) Land mass such as 10 and 52 Across (6) Sci-fi series where viewers learnt ‘To Boldly Go’ (4,4) Subdivision of larger religious group (4) Arabian Nights’ tale of ___ ___ & the 40 thieves (3,4) I also like this midland county (5) Pan used for frying foods (7) Raised structure in churches (5) Also known as ... in short! (3) Dublin-born Whig, satirist & playwright, R.B.____ (8) Oval reproductive bodies of hens (4) Thin fog (4) Northern republic, capital Helsinki (7) Author of ‘Emma’, Jane ___ (6) Do Teasels grow on these Co Wexford islands? (7) Antarctic explorer, Capt. Robert Falcon ___ (5) March aggressively into another’s territory (6) Adult male deer (4) Lighthouse, 8 miles off Co Cork coast (7) One born between 21 Jan & 18 Feb. (8) Unit of area measuring 4840 sq. yds. (4) Habitation of wild animals (3) The Beatles’ drummer, ___ Starr (5) Francis Albert ___, US crooner (7) ‘Monument of Light’ in Dublin’s O’Connell St. (5) Pale seedless grape used in wine & cakes (7) They could be from Algeria, Nigeria or Rwanda (8) Rock that flows from Mt Etna (4) Italian film actress, Sophia ___ (5) Inhabitant of Thailand or sleek cat (7)

Body of laws governing Christian church (5,3) Bellini’s tragic opera - not quite normal! (5) The ___ Islands lie at the mouth of Galway bay (4) Scandinavian kingdom (6) Classical female singing voices (8) Period following the Bronze Age (4,3) In Paris, the ___ Palace & the Champs ___ (6) He wrote ‘Brooklyn’, ___ Toibin (4) Dry red table wine from N Spain (5) Star of ‘Roman Holiday’, ___ Hepburn (6) Cardinal compass point (4) Starch used to make milk pudding (7) Was Al armed when he sensed danger? (7) French painter, Toulouse ___ (7) Large shallow dish used for serving food (7) Hard sharp-flavoured cheese from Italy (8) Would Eve barge in for this drink? (8) More stalwart or able to survive (7) Beside each other, facing same direction (7) Handheld sunshade (7) Annually (6) Spiny shrub with yellow flowers, AKA furze (5) Round edible bulb with pungent taste (5) Narrow roads or tracks (5) Breezy or blowy (5) Gusto .. relish (4) Steering mechanism for a vessel (4) Open jar for holding flowers (4) Yearning or hankering (3) Pointed tool for punching holes (3) Spoil, damage (3) 8-day cycling race, ___ Tailteann (3) County of Lough Melvin and Lough Allen (7) Birds’ feet (5) In Wonderland or possible a chalice? (5) Single-reed musical instrument with straight tube (8) Pout or brood (4) John McGahern’s novel ‘___ Women’ (7) Catastrophe .. calamity (8) Magical phrase from ‘Ali Baba’, ‘Open ___‘ (6) Sign of those born March 21 to April 19 (5) Fine grained mineral used to dust down skin (4) Baltic state (7) Pie with fruit filling (4) County of Lough Sheelin (5) Capital of 72 Down (7) Cocktail of gin & vermouth (7) Large fish valued for their roe (8) Revere at an even rate! (8) Mountainous European republic, capital Vienna (7) Captain Kirk in 68 Across, William ___ (7) Person who carries a message (7) Dublin Street of the Mansion House (6) Grimm brothers’ fairy tale ‘___ & Gretel’ (6) Intermissions or temporary cessations (6) Added to usual amount (5) I do declare! It’s a western county! (5) Neck ring or Killarney waterfall (4) Collection of information (4) One of the bones in the human forearm (4) Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 77

Random lockdown thoughts By William T Ahern

I am a OAP, have COPD and am in a wheelchair so am considered vulnerable to the current virus. My social life is a weekly trip to the supermarket. This current lockdown has even denied me this outing. I have a good working brain, am fully independent in all aspects of personal care and am in good general health. My continuous prayer is that I continue in this situation. I am supremely happy. Writing and books play a huge part in my life. During the last lockdown I wrote a researched article on Fr. Mathew and sent it to the Holly Bough. I did not make the final cut and on viewing the contents of this year’s magazine think that my effort was too academic and did not match the general tone of the articles published. The project kept me busy and meant that I was able to look back on a satisfying day at bedtime and sleep soundly. At the moment I am planning an article on yawning. It is at the advanced research stage and I hope to start writing it soon. I love books and in normal times a trip to town had to include a visit to a bookshop. Two or three volumes are brought and added to my already bulging shelves. These new items may be read in the following days or stored until later. I have books which are unread for years. I needed a method of being able to find any book and have filling system where each item is stored by subject. Spirituality and the soul have always fascinated me and there are several books on this subject on my shelves. The human form is made up of the physical, the mental, the emotional and the spiritual and it is now recognized that each plays a part in the well-being of the person. Mindfulness is a popular form of spiritual - psychological exercise and is now being taught to those people leaving Irish jails on completing their sentence. It is also being investigated by the scientific community who want to know how and why it works. I looked into it and discovered that its basic teaching is “ Living in the Now.” I have been using this philosophy for many years. 78 Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

In my younger days I was taught that to ask for something meant a lot of prayer, penance, a promise to be good and to stay away from sin. Your wish may be granted if it was considered good for you I have recently discovered a book which says there is another easier method. The title is The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel – Shinn. She says that “ The Game “ cannot be played without knowledge of the spiritual law and of the Old and New Testaments give the rules of the game and gives many examples of the spirit working, I will just note one. A woman came to the author in a state of worry, dejection and discouragement. She had just $8 to her name it was blessed and was told to multiply with these words “ Infinite spirit

open the way for great abundance for she is an irresistible magnet for all that belongs to her by divine right ” . Later she met a person from who she received thousands of dollars. I have been using the wheelchair for the past six years and until recently often had the thought that if I could get my walking sticks, put on my jacket and go out when I wanted too. I came to the conclusion that these thoughts were negative energy and that I could use it in a positive way. I feel a lot better in myself. Before I finish I must tell a funny story. Some weeks ago my sister was going to Cork City to get her eyes tested and I decided to go too. My nephew parked me in a well-known bookshop and I brought a couple of items. I came home happy but it took me two full days to recover from this outing.

History

Mrs Collier & Mrs Robertson on steps at the front door of An Grianan with a view of the marquee tents in the background

Connie McEvoy recalls the official opening of An Grianan

Alice Ryan speaking as she was about to present President Sean T O’ Ceallaig with the key wearing mam’s white gloves!

When the President came to tea.. When John Bowman started a discussion on radio about Benedict Kiely and his writing on Sunday morning August 11th 2019 I was having my breakfast and all at once decided to pay attention as during my childhood Grandma Kelly who needed to be kept in ‘weekly reading fodder’ as follows- all available Sunday newspapers, The Irish Home magazine, Farmers journal, Carlow Nationalist, Wexford Echo, Wicklow People and Ireland’s Own seemed to quote his writing/articles frequently. Another reason for my attention that morning was that I was reminded of a very interesting report/article that I had read in the Irish Press on the 15th of October 1954 written by Benedict Kiely. This informative and long and detailed report begins as follows: ‘The trees were in their autumn beauty and the paths were dry around the Grianan at Termonfeckin when the President yesterday opened the door of the house with a wrought iron key and planted a plum tree on the smooth lawn’.This report in condensed form and also the accompanied photo of this very important event was published one week later in the Farmers Journal and both reports and photos are still in my possession. I was twelve years old then but I have read that beginning many a time since then over the years with great admiration. I have yet another reason for remembering the 14th of October 1954 as I got a day off from Clonegal NS school (was marked absent in the roll book) in order to help my father look after the house and my siblings aged one and two years as well as looking after the farm. Three older

siblings did attend school and we all needed to be fed for the day while mam was attending this very important event but daddy was well able to turn his hand to cooking and housekeeping in fact I think he enjoyed it to the full and so did we when such occasions arose.

well and as Mrs Robertson quietly approached mam was clearing the membrane from the calf’s nostrils. When the healthy heifer calf had been steered in the direction of it’s first drink of beestings both ladies retreated to the huge 40 gallon pot where rainwater was collected from a drain pipe On the afternoon in the yard, filled a of Wednesday bucket of water October 13th and washed their 1954 my siblings hands with carbolic and I were eating soap before our dinner and entering the kitchen. doing our school Soon afterwards homework Mrs Robertson when a car addressed mam arrived at the as follows: ‘My dear doorstep, the Mrs Kelly I am the unexpected bearer of great visitor who had news as we can arrived was Mrs both now ignore Nora Robertson the bus and train of Huntington timetables that have Castle, Clonegal been issued from who knocked Part of the newspaper cutting of Benedict Kiely’s report and ICA headquarters on the door and picture. Mam can be seen sporting a blue biro mark on her re getting to the asked to speak left shoulder and Mrs Collier is standing in front at mam’s right official opening on with our mother. shoulder in the photo. tomorrow October We replied that the Sullivan cow was calving in 14th as Mrs Collier from Bunclody guild is driving the field off the yard and needed help so mam her car to An Grianan and has offered to take was out there and told us to stay quiet in case us with her for company on the journey, all we she needed to call us to help her help the cow. need to do now is to make some sandwiches Mrs Robertson assured us that she would help and fill a flask with tea in the morning so as we mam and was about to open the wooden field can have a picnic somewhere along the way’. gate just as the cow gave a loud low and final push aided by a strong pull by mam so all was Having arrived at their destination safely Senior Times l May - June 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 79

History and with time to spare they were treated to a guided tour of the college and grounds and advised to take photos and go to the marquee on the lawn for refreshments before the dignitaries arrived for the official opening. Members of the local branch of Macra na Feirme were helping in the marquees stewarding on the day under the supervision of the head gardener Mr Harry Synott. As Mrs Robertson, Mrs Collier and mam were availing of refreshments a lady from Co, Monaghan spoke and introduced herself to them as Rosa Patterson, she went on to inform them that she was so pleased that such a college and proposed adult educational facilities would now be available to the women of Ireland and that she had gifted An Grianan with a very old Belleek ware vase (that had been in her family for years) to adorn the mantelpiece in the library ( that vase remained there until the library was converted into an office). Mrs Robertson’s reply complemented Rosa’s gift insofar as her gift was also to the library- an autographed copy of a book she had written titled Crowned Harp and it was in the bookcase there until the conversion but I haven’t seen either gift since then. Both ladies were in deep conversation when Harry Synott came rushing into the marquee desperately asking if anyone had a pair of white gloves as Miss Alice Ryan needed a pair when handing

Mam wearing her white gloves with Mrs Collier and unknown outside An Grianan before she was requested to part with them. She was wearing a navy blue go-ray pleated skirt that she made herself, a pale blue topper/coat, navy hat with white feathers and navy bag and shoes.

the wrought iron key to President Sean T. O’Ceallaig in order to perform the official opening ceremony. During the 1950’s no lady considered herself dressed when going out unless she was wearing a hat and carried/ wore gloves but believe it or not mam was the only person of that large gathering there who was wearing white gloves, with a gleam in her eye she gladly handed Harry her gift to An Grianan in spite of the fact that she then really didn’t feel fully dressed without them. Later on that night when the three ladies returned home still bubbling with the excitement that was experienced and the new friends that they met at the official opening of An Grianan Mrs Robertson advised that a full and descriptive report would need to be given to members of Clonegal and Bunclody guilds

at the next monthly meeting. Mam always filled in her diary before going to bed but she also wrote her report for the next meeting while it was still fresh in her memory. When the business of the next meeting was over mam gave her report to a very attentive audience and answered many questions that were posed regarding the future of this new college and the Kellogg foundation, having dealt with AOB just as she was about to declare the meeting closed Mrs Robertson stood up and asked for permission to speak and then went on to add to mam’s report as follows: ‘My dears imagine when an urgent request for a pair of white gloves went out to the gathering the only person in attendance who was in a position to oblige was our president Mrs Kelly who had delivered a calf single handedly during the previous afternoon!’

Competition results from the last issue 1

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Crossword 110: Four copies of Best Loved Irish Ballads Susan McCann, Dublin 18 Richard Millgan, Castlerea, Co Roscommon Ciaran Kitching, Ballinasloe, Co Galway Anne Hurley, Youghal, Co Cork Four copies of The Anti-Cancer Cookbook Dympna Keogh, Tullamore Caroline O’Shea, Leamlara, Co Cork Pauline Walsh, Dublin 13 Peter Power, Drogheda

Three copies of Bibi Baskin’s The Happy Book Kevin Byrne, Dublin 6 Eugene Kennedy, Kildowry, Co Cork Mary Cunningham, Carrick, Co Donegal Four copies of Bridge: Basic Card Play T Malone, Killarney Emer Foley, Dublin 18 Maeve Murtagh, Athlone John O’Brien, Cork Emporia mobile phone Gerry Waldron, Athleague. Co Roscommon Guess the Year: 1958

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Senior Times Magazine - May/June

Articles inside

Lockdown story

Cosmetics and beauty

Meeting Place

Northern Notes

Creative writing

Wine World

Dublin Dossier

Motoring

Legacies update

Do it yourself

Eanna Ní Lamhna on a mission to open our hearts and mind

Bridge

Mary’s Musings

The day I won the Eurovision song contest

Barney Dooley’s fart and the end of the world

Guess the year

Buses, wire hangers and other hardships

A full life in the fast lane

News