Senior Times Magazine - July/August

Issue 112 July - August 2021

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The magazine for people who don’t act their age

Edna O’Brien, country girl Portrait of our greatest living writer

In Defence of Mr Trump: Making an unfashionable case

Get in the action: Film locations you can visit

Queen of the veg Meet pioneering gardener Joy Larkcom

Jim Bolger – master of horses and people Noel Coogan profiles Ireland’s legendary trainer

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

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Issue 112 - July - August 2021

Contents

18

News:

2

Edna O’Brien, the country girl: Eileen Casey profiles our most celebrated living writer as she celebrates her 90th year

5

In Defence of Mr Trump: Eamonn Lynskey make an unfashionable case

10

Jim Bolger – master of horses an people: Noel Coogan traces the achievements of one of Ireland’s legendary racehorse trainers

14

Get in the action at locations around the country: Lorna Hogg features film and TV series locations

18

Mary’s Musings: Mary O’Rourke reflects, among other things, on the Government ‘Triumvirates’, staycations, Michael Portillo and recent fiction.

24

Guess the year: Another teaser from Gerry Perkins

77 Take a break on the ‘Costa Del Cork and Kerry’: Mairead Robinson suggests some great self-catering options for summer 2021

54

Wine World: Wines for the summer days

58

Queen of the veg: 60 Colette Sheridan meets pioneering gardener Joy Larkcom Creative writing: Tackling The Tango -Eileen Casey discovers ‘a must for poetry lovers and lovers of tango’

62

Golf -- Biting the hand that feeds you: Dermot Gilleece reflects on the sometimes fractious relationships between sports stars and the media

65

Northern Notes: Debbie Orme reports on events north of the border

67

30

Meeting place:

72

Bridge: More advice from Michael O’Loughlin

31

Dublin Dossier: Pat Keenan reflects on the capital’s love affair with pubs

77

Western Ways: George Keegan on happenings in and around the Western Seaboard

34

Country life - A lasting effect: 84 Connie McEvoy recalls a lifetime of living with Foot and Mouth

Focus on legacies: Choose which charities and groups you can support

36

FRONT COVER Portrait of Edna O’Brien by Irish artist Colin Davidson commissioned by the Irish Embassy in London to celebrate the writer’s 90th birthday

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

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.

Published by S& L Promotions Ltd., CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please note our new address: P.O. Box Number 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6, Ireland Tel: +353 (01) 4969028.

Fax: +353 (01) 4068229 Editorial: John@slp.ie Advertising: willie@slp.ie

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News Now Over 1.6 million illegal medicines detained in 2020 The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has expressed its concern at an increase in detentions of illegal medicines during 2020. It announced that its enforcement section detained some 1,610,295 dosage units of falsified and other illegal medicines in 2020, an increase of 58 per cent on 2019. The HPRA states that the supply of these products into and within Ireland is illegal and stresses that consumers can have no guarantees about the safety or quality of prescription medicines they are seeking to buy outside of the regulated pharmacy setting.

It reminds the public for their own safety to only purchase medicines from authorised Irish sources. The national health products regulator also announced it detained a further 103,000 dosage units of illegal prescription medicines this recently alone as part of its Operation Pangea actions in partnership with Revenue’s Customs Service and An Garda Síochána. Operation Pangea is an annual Interpol-coordinated international week of action targeting the online sale of falsified and illegal medicines via illicit online suppliers and/or ecommerce platforms.

In the 12 months of 2020, the most significant categories of illegal products included sedatives (36 per cent ), erectile dysfunction medicines (30 per cent), analgesics (9 per cent) and anabolic steroids (6 per cent).

The 2020 HPRA figures include: • Sedative medicines - 583,805 units (344,758 units detained in 2019) • Erectile dysfunction - 484,846 units were detained (283,989 in 2019).

While the 2020 figure is the highest ever detention in a single year, it includes one detention of over 370,000 tablets.

• Anabolic steroids - 101,683 units detained (121,581 units detained in 2019)

• Analgesic medicines -145,921 units detained (81,672 units detained in 2019) • 56,876 units of Covid-19 medicines were detained, the majority of which related to traditional Chinese medicine not approved or authorised for use in Ireland.

• 482 websites, e-commerce listings and/or social media pages amended or shutdown.

• 3 prosecution cases initiated related to the importation or distribution of anabolic steroid products and eleven voluntary formal cautions issued.

Addressing loneliness has become more important than ever, says Taskforce The Loneliness Taskforce has commented that addressing loneliness has become more important than ever before, with levels of loneliness almost doubling in one year alone. This the loneliness Taskforce are talking about and encouraging conversation around experiencing loneliness. In doing so, they hope to combat the stigma and shame around loneliness and the impact it has on our wellbeing, all while making change for those experiencing it. In the years to come, the Loneliness Taskforce want to continue to use this week in June to destigmatise and talk about the effects of Loneliness.

The Loneliness Taskforce has also today a new and broader membership of the organisations working to address loneliness in Ireland.

Levels of loneliness have almost doubled in less than a year according to the CSO, in2 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

creasing from 6.8 per cent in April 2020 to 13.1 per cent in February 2021. There have been significant and damaging impacts being experienced by groups most at risk, including older people, family carers, people with dementia, migrants and ethnic minorities and more.

A spokesperson for the group commented: ‘All of our organisations have seen the untold damage loneliness has done to people’s mental and physical health, all of which have been greatly exacerbated by COVID-19. The Taskforce will seek to continue to highlight the issue of loneliness and is currently working on producing recommendations to government which will address loneliness.

‘As our membership has become much broader, the Taskforce is taking a ‘whole-of-population’ approach to loneliness.

In recognising this, we believe that government must also take this approach as well,

which is why the Loneliness Taskforce believes that the responsibility of loneliness lies with the Minister for Public Health.’

The Loneliness Taskforce members include: ALONE, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland, Disability Federation of Ireland, Family Carers Ireland, Prof Roger O’Sullivan, The Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Jigsaw, Mental Health Reform, Muintir Na Tíre, Prof Brian Lawlor, Samaritans Ireland, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, The National Women’s Council of Ireland.

The Loneliness Taskforce is a coalition of organisations and individuals who work to address loneliness. The purpose of the Taskforce is to increase awareness of loneliness and to continually advocate for policy change to address loneliness at local and national level.

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Credit Unions countrywide have seen ‘a lot of interest’ in the Peopl. Insurance term-cover, where the first month is free and six months’ cash-back is currently offered too. It is cclaimed unlike other products on the market, it allows an extra-long policy term of up to 51 years. New customers are welcomed up to 75 years of age and cover can be extended to age 91.

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Family carers report significant decline in mental and physical health during COVID-19

Features include ‘guaranteed insurability’, whereby the level of life cover can be increased without having to answer any further medical questions after a major life event.

This is a common concern following a major life event, such as marriage or the birth or adoption of a child. Usually, getting additional life insurance as you get older can become too expensive or not possible at all.

The enormous challenges faced by the family carers of people living with dementia – and urgent need for access to support services – have been highlighted in a stark report from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI).

The report found that the pandemic has led to a significant and irreversible deterioration in the condition of many people living with dementia – with their world becoming smaller and more frightening.

Research reveals 42 per cent of men have put off seeking health advice Research conducted by iReach on behalf of LloydsPharmacy shows that 42 per cent of men surveyed have put off seeking advice on health concerns and 41 per cent of those men have done so out of fear of finding out what’s wrong, compared to just 27 per cent of women.

As early intervention is crucial with health concerns, despite listing weight, stress, blood pressure and depression as key health issues, almost half of men surveyed say they are not likely to reach out to their GP or health professional if they have a health concern. Research by Men’s Health Forum Ireland shows men die, on average, up to four years younger than women, and have higher death rates than women for most of the leading causes of death. The main causes of death for men in Ireland are cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and respiratory illnesses, however up to 80 per cent of all heart disease is preventable through lifestyle changes and adjusting the risk factors associated with heart disease.

45per cent of men who have put off seeking advice on health concerns have done so because of cost, the LloydsPharmacy Men’s Health Check Service is a free service available in all 90 pharmacies nationwide. The service is available for those with concerns in heart disease, erectile dysfunction (ED), diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, sexual health, hair loss and skin conditions.

Danish medical company launched research into long-term effects of COVID-19 The Danish medical company Pharma Nord will be supplying pharmaceutical-grade Q10 in capsules for a new medical trial with patients affected by long-term effects of COVID-19. The science project is based on observations that mitochondrial function appears to be of particularly great importance to these patients.

Highly diverse and diffuse symptoms seem to affect some of those struggling with long-term effects of COVID-19 several months after contracting the disease. The diversity of the symptoms is one of the reasons why scientists from the Department of Infectious Diseases at Aarhus University Hospital (AUH) in Denmark have decided to take a closer look at the cellular energy factories – the so-called mitochondria. A study has just now been initiated where the scientists are investigating if supplements of coenzyme Q10 can help against some of the symptoms that the patients suffer from. Pharma Nord has been asked to supply the active preparations for the study. All patients will get Q10 at some time during the study Pharma Nord has granted the Q10 capsules and the placebo capsules for the entire study, which has been approved by the Danish Medicines Agency. It is a socalled cross-over trial with 120 patients suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19. All participants will get both the active preparation and placebo but in alternating time periods. Neither the doctors nor the patients know in advance who will be getting what and when.

4 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

The research Caring and Coping with dementia during COVID-19 was recently launched and also found family carers to be at breaking point – with their mental and physical wellbeing seriously affected.

Findings include: • 81 per cent of respondents were concerned about decline in the person with dementia • 54 per cent of family carers reported a decline in their mental health, and 40 per cent a decline in their physical health • 54 per cent of family carers were worried about how they will continue to cope, with 44 per cent feeling less able to cope • 28 per cent of family carers reported considering a move to long term care for the person with dementia, with 65 per cent saying that this has become a consideration sooner due to the pandemic.

The report comprised telephone and online surveys and focus groups including people living with dementia, family carers, dementia advisers and front-line service managers – and follows earlier surveys by The ASI in 2020.

Ireland’s first SOLAS Eco Garden Centre opened in Portarlington

Partners in the Eco garden centre, David Maher and John Carey

‘SOLAS Eco Garden Centre’ is a unique concept, much of the five acre development is built from old steel shipping containers, heralding an innovative and creative space, mixing garden, retail and food elements.

It is a mix of vibrant, groundbreaking creativity which feeds into the common message of reduce, reuse and recycle.

All steel, plastic, cardboard and stone at the centre is 100% recycled. A clever and imaginative 40 foot tower, built from reconstructed steel is a novel and clever touch, serving both as ‘a tower of light’ and focal point.

The creation of the centre is the realisation of a long cherished dream by Portarlington man ,David Maher, a committed environmentalist and entrepreneur, and his business partner, Horticulturist John Carey, and modelled on a directional, sustainable centre in Amsterdam.

Profile

Edna O’Brien

l r i G y r t n u o T he C

Edna O’Brien: ‘Love is so painful because it always amounts to two people wanting more than two people can give,’ she’s said on the subject.

As the celebrated Irish writer celebrates her 90th year, Eileen Casey profiles Edna O’Brien ‘The Advance Scout for the Irish Imagination’ Ireland’s greatest living writer once said; ‘When anyone asks me about the Irish character, I say, look at the trees. Maimed, stark and misshapen but ferociously tenacious.’ One thing is certain, ‘tenacious’ is a word that perfectly describes this woman’s work ethic and her lifelong approach to the pursuit of being a writer.

Her path to world acclaim hasn’t been without struggle, a misshapen, maimed childhood, for one thing. Born Josephine Edna O’Brien (1930) to farmer Michael O’Brien and Lena Cleary in a house called

Drewsboro, in Tuamgraney, County Clare, a place she later described as ‘fervid’ and ‘enclosed’. Her father, by her own admission, was a ‘profligate’ hard-drinker who gambled away his not insubstantial inheritance. Her mother Lena, was ‘strong’ but also ‘controlling’. As a small girl, O’Brien admitted being intrigued by her mother: ‘her body, her being, her pink corset, her fads and the obsessions to which she was prone.’ Her 1970 novel A Pagan Place, describes a repressive childhood and a boarding school education by the Sisters

of Mercy at Loughrea, County Galway.

This experience contributed additional words to the lexicon of childhood: ‘suffocating’, ‘coercive’ and ‘stifling’. She was, as a consequence, rebellious towards the religion she’d been born and bred into. An Irish Catholic possessed of ‘a long iceberg of guilt’.

No stranger to controversy, this still beautiful at 90, doyen of literature, began her working life in a Dublin pharmacy, having studied at night at pharmaceutical Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 5

Profile

Edna O’Brien being interviewed by Camilla Parker-Bowles for the Duchess of Cornwall’s on-line book club.

Michael Caine and Elizabeth Taylor in a scene from the 1972 film Zee and Co, adapted from Edna O’Brien’s novel of the same name

Edna O’Brien’s first book The Country Girls enjoys lasting success. As recently as 2019, it was dramatised by BBC 4.

college. Naturally, the writer who has garnered honours such as: Irish PEN Lifetime achievement, American Arts Gold Medal, the Ulysses Medal, among many others, has always been a reader. One of her most recent awards The David Cohen Prize for literature carries a bursary of £40,000 in recognition of lifetime achievements. She was appointed an honorary Dame of the British Empire for her services to literature in 2018. She’s also been a guest on The Duchess of Cornwall’s Instagram Book Club podcast, The Reading Room. However, all these accolades were far in the future in those early days working in the pharmacy (she was awarded a licence as a pharmacist). She read Tolstoy, Thackeray and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

However, it was through Introducing James Joyce (with an introduction by TS Eliot) that

with the Catholic Church. This fate also befell the second and third novels in this trilogy; The Lonely Girl (1962) and Girls in Their Married Bliss (1964). Curiously, it was when she began work as a reader for London Press Hutchinson that the impetus came to begin the trilogy. Based on her reports, Hutchinson commissioned her, for the sum of £50, to write a novel. Although that novel opened a door in terms of female awakening (in the same way Ibsen did in A Doll’s House), in Ireland O’Brien was accused of ‘corrupting the minds of young women’. When her mother wrote to her in London, all she could hear coming from Ireland was ‘bile, odium and outrage.’ There were anonymous letters too, proclaiming her a pariah. Still, although she’s lived in London for many years (where her large book collection has almost taken over),

she discovered A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man was autobiographical. She then realised that she might turn in that direction if she wanted to write herself.

Which is exactly what she did, publishing her first book The Country Girls in 1960. ‘Unhappy houses are a very good incubation for stories’ she once said, proof positive revealed in the success of the debut novel although it was banned in Ireland under The Censorship of Publications Act, 1929. O’Brien changed the female perspective in those early novels.

Women’s inner feelings and their problems relating to men. The Country Girls enjoys lasting success. As recently as 2019, it was dramatised by BBC 4. It was also a One City, One Book choice. Her frank treatment of sexuality however, brought her into conflict

6 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Profile Edna O’Brien addressing the Hay Literary Festival

Edna O’Brien with her husband Ernest Gebler . They married in 1954 but the marriage ended in bitterness 13 years later. They had two sons, Carlo Gébler, a writer, and Sasha Gébler, an architect.

she is quoted as saying; ‘Irish? In truth I would not want to be anything else. It is a state of mind as well as an actual country. It is being at odds with other nationalities, having quite different philosophy about pleasure, about punishment, about life and about death.’

Lesser individuals might have been tempted to give up at this stage. Having created that first novel with writing that often brought her to tears so deep was the pain she felt, she had none of the dizzy heights of fame which later wreathed her in honours. She was also the mother of young children. In 1954, O’Brien met and married the Irish writer Ernest Gébler and the couple moved to London. They had two sons, Carlo Gébler, writer, and Sasha Gébler, an architect.

The marriage ended in bitterness ten years later. At the core of the acrimony was Ernest’s jealousy over Edna’s burgeoning success.

So much so that, according to Carlo Gébler, he came to believe he himself was the author of her books. Ernest died in 1998. ‘Love is so painful because it always amounts to two people wanting more than two people can give,’ she’s said on the subject.

A truly remarkable achievement in O’Brien’s literary career is her ability with form. She’s written plays, short stories, biography, novels and some poetry. Surprisingly, she never learnt how to type. She writes on loose pages and then her typist will come in and collect the pages, transforming the raw material into best seller magic. In 1980, her play about Virginia Woolf (Virginia) was staged at the Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada and later in the West End of London at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. Maggie Smith starred. Her biography subjects include Lord Byron (Byron in Love) and James Joyce. She hasn’t shied away from sensitive material either, changing direction when she put her mind to a character or an idea. House of Splendid Isolation (1994) is a novel about a terrorist who goes on the run, a novel she researched in part by visiting Irish republican Dominic McGlinchey. Of this novel O’Brien remarks, ‘History is everywhere. It seeps into the soil’.

Down by the River (1996) concerned an under-age rape victim and was based on the ‘Miss X-Case’. In the Forest (2002) dealt with the case of the Brendan O’Donnell murders. Country Girl, her memoir was published in 2012 (Little Brown and Company).

Described as having ‘high drama and contemplation,’ it also details the people she met, celebrities such as Paul McCartney, 8 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Gore Vidal, Sean Connery, Princess Margaret, Jackie Onassis and a host of others.

In 2011, O’Brien won The Frank O’Connor Short Story Award at Cork Literary Festival. Her short story Saints and Sinners took the prestigious prize. I was lucky enough to attend the festival that year (having won a Sunday Tribune/Hennessy fiction award). I remember seeing her enter the lobby of the hotel where all the writers were staying. She got a standing ovation from all present, a round of applause that lasted. She had the grace to take a bow before passing through, her beautiful face lit from within. Tiny, her red hair styled, elegance was evident from head to toe. Dressed in her favourite black, she had a presence and an aura that comes with confidence. She is also reputed to be a natural raconteur, a gift from her Irish heritage. When her collection of short stories followed, the reviews were favourable. American short story writer Alice Munro said of her; ‘Edna O’Brien writes the most beautiful, aching stories of any writer, anywhere’. The stories themselves (Saints and Sinners) were deemed lyrical, powerful evocations of place and heart-breaking insight into the desires and contradictions of humanity.

Profile

Edna O’Brien in her booked-filled writing room Edna O’Brien with the Irish ambassador to the UK Adrian O’Neill, left, and artist Colin Davidson at the recent unveiling of her portrait commissioned by the Irish Embassy in London to mark her 90th birthday

Themes in the collection include a young Irish girl and her mother thrilled to be invited to visit the glamorous Coughlan’s but finding – for all the promise of their green georgette, silver shoes and fancy dinner plates – they leave disappointed; an Irishman in North London retraces his life as a young lad with his mates, digging the streets and dreaming of the apocryphal gold, an outsider both in Ireland and England, yet he carries the lodestar of his native land. In another story, a woman walks Manhattan streets, ‘contemplating with exquisite longing the precarious affair she has embarked on’.

However, critics haven’t always been kind.

Fintan O’Toole, writing in The Irish Times, (2002) discusses the ‘intertwining of fact and fiction’ and claims that O’Brien, in writing about the murders of Imelda Riney, her son Liam and Father Joe Walsh, has broken an unspoken rule.’

In his opinion she had ‘crossed the boundary into private grief” and was ‘morally criminal’. His argument is that O’Brien was not ambiguous in the novel In the Forest in the way that John Banville, for example, wrote about murderer Malcolm Macarthur, without mentioning him.

The nature of connection between real and fictional events are the key differences between staying one side of the line or crossing it. O’Brien might rejoinder that ‘It is not good to repudiate the dead because then they do not leave you alone, they are like dogs that bark intermittently at night’. Bearing in mind also, the culture of censorship in existence when she began to write, places another piece of boundary distance into the frame. When her fourth

novel August is a Wicked Month came out, detailing an unhappily married woman’s sensual awakening on the French Riveria, she received an ‘absolute scorching’ in the press. Vanity Fair referred to her as the Playgirl of the Western World. It didn’t help that the press, throughout her younger years, portrayed her as a party girl, her house an endless social whirl. That she had spent time with men like Marlon Brando and Robert Mitchum. O’Brien says that if all that were true then how could she have raised two children and written 28 books and plays and other things.

For a woman in her ninety first decade, O’Brien is not content to sit on her laurels.

Although recently, she did sit, this time for the new portrait of her by Irish Artist Colin Davidson. The painting, which was purchased by the Irish State, will be installed at the Irish Embassy in London. O’Brien sat for the painting in her home, an experience which brought back memories. ‘I felt stripped but stripped in a good way that would be necessary to what would be eventually on the painting.’ The artist said he hopes ‘that the portrait captures the spirit and courage’ of the award-winning author.

Most of us celebrating our 90th birthday might be tempted to push the boat out, indulge a little in the luxuries of life, all from the comfort of our settees. Not so with Edna O’Brien. She celebrated her 90th birthday by delivering the TS Eliot lecture on the writer and James Joyce.

It was specially streamed for Dublin’s Abbey

Theatre. Actor Sinéad Cusack performed Eliot’s Rhapsody on a Windy Night. Of the lecture itself O’Brien said; ‘It was supposed to be 15 minutes but it came in at 150 minutes. I’m glad I did it but it took an awful lot out of me.’

She proved yet again her layers of physical, emotional and psychological stamina. Covid-19 meant it needed to be recorded. But if that wasn’t enough, her novel Girl, won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for literature. Girl, about the girls kidnapped in Nigeria by Boko Haram, is a harrowing, heart breaking narrative. She claims to be very proud of Girl but also says how tiring it was. ‘I went to Nigeria twice – that was no fun and games. What was terrifying was to try and make a kind of mythic story from all this pain and horror.’

Whether praised or criticised, it’s clear that O’Brien’s legacy is solid. Scottish novelist Andrew O’Hagan maintains that her place in Irish letters is assured. ‘She changed the nature of Irish fiction; she brought the woman’s experience and sex and internal lives on to the page and she did it with style’. She made those concerns international. Irish novelist Colum McCann states that she has been ‘the advance scout for the Irish Imagination’ for over fifty years. The writer herself looks to have fulfilled her own desire regarding legacy; wanting ‘to go out as someone who spoke the truth’. Without doubt her fiction is to be relished precisely because of its truth and there is always a certain kind of beauty to be found in truth.

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 9

Current affairs

In defence of Mr. Trump

Eamonn Lynskey believes that we must give credit where credit is due.

However, people also know that there are other kinds of lie which have serious consequences, such as the one put about by the British and American governments in 2000 which insisted that Iraq was equipped with weapons of mass destruction. It has to be said that the resulting toll of death, mayhem and atrocity dwarfs any disaster that has resulted from the lies told during Donald Trump’s administration.

From what has been written and said about the 45th President of the United States, one could believe that he invented the art of disinformation. Not so of course, although it has to be said that Mr. Trump was one of the greatest exponents in the dissemination of fake news, aided by a series of hand-picked acolytes who hung on his every word until they fell off his confidence.

Most people will accept that many of the white lies we tell every day are socially excusable (‘Oh Mary, what a lovely hat. It really suits you!’).

However, people also know that there are other kinds of lie which have serious consequences, such as the one put about by the British and American governments in 2000 which insisted

that Iraq was equipped with weapons of mass destruction. It has to be said that the resulting toll of death, mayhem and atrocity dwarfs any disaster that has resulted from the lies told during Donald Trump’s administration.

The dissemination of false information was always a feature of political activity long before Mr. Trump arrived. However, it seems to have come into its own during his administration, coupled with the advent of modern media, which has added some important extra features to the Grand Olde Art of Deception. For instance, it is said that the camera never lies, and certainly the visuals of an event can speak loudly above the din of contradictory accounts.

But visuals are also open to manipulation, as people often find when using dating sites. Even

10 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

seemingly irrefutable visual evidence can be called into question. (Was it ‘doctored’? Exactly when was it recorded? etc.). Admittedly this undermining requires the skills of a master manipulator, skills in which Mr. Trump was never found wanting.

There really was something surreal about his attempt to convince an assembled group of White House press correspondents that the crowds at his inauguration were way bigger than were those of his predecessor’s, especially given that film of the event clearly showed that this was not so. Subsequent statements by Mr. Trump’s spokespersons that, although there are indisputable facts, there are also ‘alternative’ facts, brought a new dimension to Pontius Pilate’s apocryphal

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Current affairs

Statements by Mr. Trump’s spokespersons that, although there are indisputable facts, there are also ‘alternative’ facts, brought a new dimension to Pontius Pilate’s apocryphal question ‘What is truth?’

question ‘What is truth?’ Surreal or not, credit has to be given to Mr. Trump for attempting the impossible. And attempting the impossible is surely a hallmark of any true Master?

Mr. Trump’s adroit use of social media outlets was definitely an outstanding feature of his presidency. Few would disagree that his extraordinary facility with Twitter extended his reach towards the electorate. Indeed, it could said be that he was a trendsetter and that he encouraged a myriad of imitators to vie with each other in condemning him as a charlatan – all of which indicates the influence of one who was a master of derision and misrepresentation. Previous to his presidency, the art of twittering was practiced only cautiously by most politicians. Mr. Trump was having none of that, and after he had shown the way forward many others took to a much more frequent twittering. The future had arrived.

He was also helped by being, apparently, one of those few people who can do without sleep and therefore could twitter at all hours of the night (and day), harrying his political opponents and imaginatively renaming them (‘Crazy Ted’ Cruz, ‘Crooked Hilary’ Clinton, ‘Wild Bill’ Clinton, ‘Little Marko’ Rubio, ‘Sleepy Joe’ Biden). Their ripostes, no matter how hard they tried, were never up to his standard of vitriol and invective and so here we have another universally recognised feature of a Master: one whose powers of application and imagination easily outrun imitators. He was the Rembrandt, the Da Vinci, the Michelangelo, or whoever, in this difficult area of personal attack by the use of demeaning sobriquets and outlandish description.

for one who has been a foremost practitioner of an ancient art and who has carried it to new levels of distinction.

As to one of this ancient art’s crucial tenets: ‘the bigger the lie, the more people will believe it’, Mr. Trump rarely came up short. Who will forget his assertion that the household cleaning agent Dettol could be used to combat COVID-19?

This finesse as a master in the long history of the art of deception was little appreciated in the universally hostile (not to say hypocritical) coverage of his presidency. Indeed, his term was loudly decried, even though people have always been rather less than truthful when it suited them. Stone-age estate agents probably dressed up their language to describe cold, damp caves as ‘exceptional examples of solid, well-ventilated habitats with plenty of running water’ when selling them to young bearskin-clad couples.

The Good Book itself tells us of the trickery by which Jacob got his father’s blessing which by rights was due to his brother Esau (Genesis 27.05). Telling lies, or ‘stretching the truth a little’, has always been one of humanity’s most useful survival strategies in seeking to protect itself, or ‘get one over’ on others if need be.

That need has always been great and did not start with Mr. Trump. Calling him ‘a consummate liar’ is therefore nothing other than praise

12 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

And this at a time when everyone was desperate for something – anything – that might save them from the spiky lethal microscopic horror.

His recognition of that desperation, and how to exploit it in a timely manner, made his medical people look like punctilious nay-sayers.

Anyway, like, what did these doctors know?

Like, the President, the President of the United States, had spoken on the matter. And bigly.

Here we saw Mr. Trump at his best, representing himself in the role of the earthy man of the common people. A man outside of that privileged, self-serving lot mired in ‘The Washington Swamp’. A swamp, he assured his followers time and time again during his election campaign, that he would drain. After all, THEY hadn’t come up with any answer to the virus, had they? Everyone knew they hadn’t, he said. It was common knowledge, he said. Ask anyone.

Finally, we must look at a most essential requirement in the art of deception, again abundantly displayed by the Master – Never back down. The practice of misrepresentation has, over time, produced a lengthy series of helpful ‘disavowal strategies’. We often hear that a politician ‘mis-spoke’ when they are confronted

Current affairs

There are other kinds of lie which have serious consequences, such as the one put about by the British and American governments in 2000 which insisted that Iraq was equipped with weapons of mass destruction. It has to be said that the resulting toll of death, mayhem and atrocity dwarfs any disaster that has resulted from the lies told during Donald Trump’s administration

with facts that rubbish their initial denial of sexual or financial improprieties. It is also possible for a lesser liar to say that they were ‘misled’ by their underlings, or perhaps that they did not mean to give ‘a misleading impression’, or that their words were ‘taken out of context’.

Here we must be fair to Mr. Trump and give credit where credit is due: he rarely stooped to such miserable subterfuges and mealymouthed excuses. Not for him the withdrawal of an outrageous statement or an opinion risibly untrue. The Dettol episode he passed off as a joke that the media people were too stupid to ‘get’. And in his questioning of President Obama’s American citizenship, Mr. Trump knew well that a seed of doubt sown is a seed of doubt sown. Let others have the trouble of denying it. Masterful.

There are many people who will maintain that

they are clever enough to separate truth from falsehood and that someone like Mr. Trump would never fool THEM. However, when dealing with fakery, especially fakery on a grand scale, this is always a mistake. And when dealing with one who is a Master of the Art, it can be a really big mistake.

idea that was true. Did any glimmer of the right stuff ever shine through all the cleverly-spun falsehoods? We are all human, even Mr. Trump, despite the many attempts to paint him as the devil incarnate. Therefore, we are all prone to fall short now and then in the practice of whatever is our craft.

Think of the many people who were fooled by the ‘dossier’ used in 2003 by the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair to support the invasion of Iraq that same year. Far from being an authoritative research document, the dossier was later (but too late!) found to be full of unverified claims plagiarized from various sources, including a thesis written by a PhD student at an American university.

And, yes, there was at least one instance where Mr. Trump was caught purveying a truth. Speaking in 2020, he said ‘I'm not saying the military’s in love with me. The soldiers are.

The top people in the Pentagon probably aren't because they want to do nothing but fight wars so all of those companies that make the bombs and make the planes and make everything else stay happy’.

To conclude, it might be asked whether Mr. Trump, during his four years of practicing the dark arts of deception ever expressed an

Let’s be fair. Even a Master can slip up sometimes.

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 13

Profile

Coolcullen’s Master of horses and people

Jim Bolger: ‘I'll probably retire when some of my staff tell me I'm past it!’

Noel Coogan traces the life and achievements of legendary trainer Jim Bolger

Poetic Flare, with Kevin Manning up, winning the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot 2021 a few weeks ago. Jim Bolger has described the colt as the most complete racehorse he ever had.

Legendary horse racing trainer and breeder of several Classic and Group One, winners down the decades, Jim Bolger, may be in his 80th year but he is not ready to hand the reins over to a younger person just yet.

And why should the sprightly Coolcullen, Co Carlow-based veteran step aside, having won the English and Irish 2,000 Guineas with different colts last May to add to an already impressive list of big race successes?

On the first day of May Poetic Flare sprung a 16/1 surprise in the Newmarket colts' Classic, getting the verdict by a short-head from Master of the Seas. Aboard the victor was 54-year-old Kevin Manning, son-in-law of the trainer who became the oldest jockey to triumph in an English Classic since Lester Piggott gained the honours on Rodrigo de Triano at age of 56 in the same race in 1992.

After the race Bolger described Poetic Flare as the most complete racehorse he ever had, That was some praise, considering the high class of some of the big race winners sent to battle by the straight-talking Jim in the past.

The Newmarket 2,000 Guineas winner is certainly tough and durable, going on to run in

the French and Irish equivalents in the next few weeks. After finishing in sixth place in the French feature, Poetic Flare took part in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh just six days later with Manning again in the saddle. After winning at Newmarket by a short-head, the double-seeking colt went under by the same margin as stablecompanion Mac Swiney, ridden by Rory Cleary, gained a memorable and emotional victory. Poetic Flare crowned a memorable season so far by taking the prestigious St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot in impressive fashion.

Sons of Dawn and New Approach Poetic Flare is by the English 2000 Guineas and Derby winner Dawn Approachan. Mac Swiney is by New Approach and runs in colours of the trainer's wife, Jackie. Many of the Bolger big race winners over the years were home-bred.

A recent article in The Guardian newspaper suggested that Jim Bolger takes as much care with the naming of his horses as he does with the breeding.

14 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Mac Swiney, left, beats Poetic Flare in a memorable finish to this year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas at The Curragh.

Mac Swiney was named after Terence Mac Swiney, the Lord May of Cork, who died on hunger strike in Brixton Prison, London one hundred years ago.

Mac Swiney is called after Terence MacSwiney, the Lord Mayor of Cork, who died on hunger strike in the English Brixton Prison in October, 1920. Bolger, a man with a keen appreciation of Irish history and culture, had a long-held desire to name a horse in honour of the patriot and it was very appropriate to give a champion thoroughbred the title of the muchrevered martyr.

‘I think he's a hero of most Irish people who have an interest in and an appreciation of what those people achieved for us. Terence certainly got then word out around the world at the time but he also paid a big price for it,’ said Jim. Remarkably the colt won the Futurity Stakes for two-year-olds at Newmarket the day before the centenary of the passing of his namesake. Mac Swiney finished fourth in the Epsom Derby in June.

James Stephen Bolger was born on Christmas Day, 1941 in Oylegate, Co Wexford. His parents were Watt and Katie, who were described

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Profile as quite strict and passed on the virtue of discipline to their children. They were parents to four boys and four girls.

Jim attended Oylegate National School before getting secondary education at Enniscorthy CBS. After that he studied accountancy in Dublin and gained a job as an accountant with a motor company in the capital city.

However, young Bolger was more interested in pursuing a career involving horses. Following a brief flirt with show jumping, he had a short career as an amateur jockey. Jim still speaks of his good strike rate during that time when partnering three winners in bumper races from 12 racecourse rides. But then injuries sustained from a fall in a point-to-point contest prompted his retreat from that sphere of the sport.

In 1965 Jim Bolger was married to Jackie from Wexford town and they had two children, Fiona and Una, wife of Kevin Manning. With the trainer not travelling to Newmarket or Epsom this year, Una took over the responsibilities at the course First winner in 1976 Jim Bolger's initial venture into training racehorses occurred in 1976 when his first base was in the Castleknock area of Dublin . He sent out four winners in the second half of that year, the first of them being Peaceful Pleasure in a hurdle race at Roscommon with Dessie Hughes doing the steering.

Bolger used a stretch of ground in the Phoenix Park for gallops but that facility became unavailable because of Pope John Paul's visit to Ireland in 1979 and the celebration of Mass in that area. Jim then moved to Glebe House in Coolcullen on the Carlow/Kilkenny border, the new base being a former Church of Ireland stronghold built by the Bishop of Ossory in 1760.

After settling back in the south-east, the ambitious handler made a name for himself because of his talents with fillies. Winners from the 'fairer sex' included Give Thanks, Park Appeal, Park Express, Polonia, Condessa and Flame of Tara. Give Thanks gave Bolger his first Classic success when winning the 1983 Irish Oaks with Declan Gillespie in the saddle.

Another filly gave Bolger his maiden English Classic triumph. That success was provided

by Jet Ski Lady in the 1991 Epsom Oaks.

The Christy Roche-partnered contender went off as the complete outsider of the nine runners but she belied her odds of 50/1 with a spectacular victory.

Roche sent Jet Ski Lady into an early lead in attempt to test the stamina of the rest of the field and in the closing stages of the mile-and-a half test, dashed clear to win by ten lengths.

‘Ireland first and the rest nowhere' was one press headline.

Veteran jockey Roche enjoyed a very successful partnership with Bolger around

trainers have had dealings with sheikhs but Jim Bolger had an unusual liaison with Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi. ‘Some of his representatives called looking for a horse and I sold them one, a novice showjumper which I think did well. A few years late they called again and bought a stallion off me,’ he recalled.

During his 45 years as a trainer, Jim Bolger provided a launching pad for a number of people who went on to be very successful in the sport.

Jim Bolger is a lifelong hurling fan and down the decades has been a devoted supporter of Wexford teams. Along with dual Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell, right, he has spearheaded the Hurling For Cancer fundraiser which has generated a total of around 400,000 Euro since being set up in 2012.

that time and they teamed up for another memorable victory with St Jovite in the 1992 Irish Derby. The 7/2 second favourite reversed the result of the Epsom Derby when trouncing Dr Devious (4/5), partnered by John Reid, by 12 lengths when setting a new course record.

St Jovite went on to score a memorable victory in the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot with Stephen Craine deputising for the suspended Roche.

Dr Devious gained a narrow success over the Bolger colt in that year's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown.

Outstanding filly Another outstanding Bolger filly was Finsceal Beo (Living Legend in English), winner of the English and Irish 1,000 Guineas in 2007. One of only two fillies to achieve that double, Finsceal Beo was partnered to both successes by Kevin Manning. The brilliant middle distance performer came tantalisingly close to a Guineas treble, going under by just a head to Darjina in the French equivalent.

The Epsom Derby has been labelled as 'the greatest flat race' in the world and Jim Bolger conquered the famous Downs in 2008 with New Approach coming home the 5/1 winner.

The Sadler's Wells - Park Express colt had been runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Curragh and after being jointly-owned by Jackie Bolger and John Corcoran, was sold to Sheikh Mohammed who gave the horse to one of his wives, Princess Haya of Jordan, as a special gift.

After encountering traffic problems in the home straight, Kevin Manning found a path along the rails to gain a half-length victory from Tartan Bearer and Ryan Moore. New Approach finished the 2008 season and his racing career with two more big race wins, in the Irish and English Champion Stakes. Other notable successes for the Bolger-Manning duo were Trading Leather in the 2013 Irish Derby, Pleascach (2015 Irish 1,000 Guineas) and Matgarula (2002 Irish Oaks) In recent years most of the top flat racing

16 Senior Times l July - August l 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Men like Aidan O'Brien, AP McCoy, Paul Carberry and Peter Scudamore served their apprenticeship at Coolcullen. McCoy, 20 times British National; Hunt champion jockey, recently remarked that as well as being a great trainer of horses, Bolger is also a great trainer of people.

It has been said that Jim was inclined to swim against the tide over the years and in a recent interview he said, ‘when we were young our parents told us to stand up for ourselves.’

The trainer has often voiced strong opinions about various aspects of racing and in 1999 he gained a famous High Court victory over the Irish Turf Club which led to a changes to the rules.

In recent months remarks about the need for drugs testing in the sport in this country ruffled some feathers. In an interview with Sky Sports Racing, Bolger alleged that a quarter ton of steroids was brought into Ireland, adding, ‘so someone must be using them.’ He called for a level playing pitch for all involved in the sport.

Another pitch which has held a big fascination for Jim Bolger down the decades is the hurling one with the trainer being a devoted supporter of Wexford teams. There were many occasions when he gave preference to attending Croke Park rather than going to a major race meeting.

Along with dual Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell, the veteran trainer has spearheaded the Hurling For Cancer fundraiser which has generated a total of around 400,000 euro since being set up in 2012.

The annual match in Newbridge attracted big crowds and has seen many notable racing and GAA personalities participate. Bolger lined out in goals in the 2019 game.

When Jim Bolger reaches his 80th birthday next Christmas he is highly unlikely to celebrate with champagne. A lifetime teetotaller, he enjoys sipping a soft drink more than downing alcohol. The trainer is also a devout Catholic and a regular Mass-attender.

The veteran trainer has won most of the major flat races in England and Ireland. Absent from the list are the St Leger at Doncaster and the Irish equivalent at the Curragh. The Prix de l'Arc in France is another big prize he would love to win. When asked if he would retire on winning those races Jim remarked, ‘I'll probably retire when some of my staff tell me I'm past it!’

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Travel

Get in the act at Ireland’s film locations

Lorna Hogg features places all over Ireland which have starred in films and TV series

The previously serene Dark Hedges Avenue, along Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim, featured in Game of Thrones, received so many visitors that the road has had to be closed to protect the trees!

Fed up with the dininishing possibilities of a summer sun holiday, in surroundings which could double as TV or film sets? Well, the sun can’t be guaranteed, but over some decades, Ireland has become a sought after TV and film location site. So why not take advantage of proximity and an unrivalled opportunity to visit and explore? Research, with some Netflix repeats, or borrow some film videos from the library - before immersing yourself in the film or TV location of your choice. From day trips to organised TV/film tours or holiday rentals in beautiful, peaceful screen backdrops – this is your chance to see Ireland from the other side of the lens.

The latest screen tour is of the Line of Duty series, in Belfast. The popular action packed BBC TV crime fighing series now has a guided tour, organised by Hastings Hotel group and McCombs Coaches, starting with a light lunch at the top rated Grand Central Hotel. Then, the coach tour whisks participants past city sites of action – from AC12 HQ, Pelbury House, to lorry parks, which provided sites for TV shootings and car chases, to underground tunnels - sites of secret rendezvous!

Then it’s back to Grand Central Hotel, for a trip to The Observatory, Ireland tallest bar, with superb wrap around views – and a Wee Donkey cocktail - or an AC-12 Mocktail. Dates are – July 17th, 31st: August 14th, 28th, September 11th and 25th. Cost - £49. www.mccombscoaches.com Tel. 048 9086 6162 www.hastingshotels.com 18 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Mount Pleasant Square, Ranelagh, Dublin was featured in a number of episodes of the TV series Foyle’s War

If you prefer your police drama with a period feel, you may have enjoyed the BBC’s Ripper Street. This lengthy series focused on the police search for the legendary Jack the Ripper, in Victorian London. It was primarily filmed in Dublin’s Clancy Barracks, which is now open to visitors.

Its large space was ideal to re-create London’s then infamous East End. Eagle eyed viewers may have also have spotted Dublin Castle and the area around Kilmainham, (the jail also provided background for the film Michael Collins) as well as some scenes in Merrion Square.

Another popular and long-running ITV series - Foyle’s War was also filmed in Dublin, and received acclaim for its sets and adaptation effects.

The series follows the career of Chief Superintendent Foyle, played by

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Travel

Inistogue, Co Kilkenny was the setting for the film of Maeve Binchy’s Circle of Friends The whitewashed White O’Morn Cottage in Cong, Co Mayo, a replica of the original in The Quiet Man, and now home to a Museum

Michael Kitchen, and his criminal invesigations. City Hall, Dublin Castle, the Custom House, Iveagh Markets and Trinity College all featured, plus the Christchurch and Guinness Brewery areas. Some of the most evocative scenes of the period were, however, shot in the city’s unspoilt Mount Pleasant Square, Ranelagh.

Contemporary Dublin and Ireland’s West are the focus of Sally Rooney’s popular novel, Normal People The recent TV series drew awards – and an international fan base. It is a modern love story, of two small-town students, who weave in and out of each other’s lives, exploring sex and power, plus the human desire to be loved. As well as its Dublin locations, the film is set on a stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit Tobercurry in Sligo, pop into Brennan’s Bar or walk Streedagh Strand..

The recent highly popular Channel 4 and Netflix TV series Derry Girls is based on author experiences of growing up in the 1970s city, in a school run by nuns. There is a good choice of organised tours – including the 90 minute Derry Girls Original Sites Tour, priced at €29.58. Visit Erin’s home, which was filmed in Limewood Street, and set the scene for her walks to school. Dennis’s Wee Shop, in the Bogside is a must visit, as is the recent mural at Badger’s Bar, Orchard Street.

The Quiet Man One of the original films to showcase Ireland was, of course, The Quiet Man (1952), starring Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne. Set in the pretty village of Cong, in Mayo, the film still attracts visitors, and also has several walking tours. From the whitewashed White O’Morn Cottage, a replica of the original in the film, and now home to the Museum - to Pat Cohen’s Bar, and Rev. Playfair’s house and nearby beach - the site is still idyllic.

Your ideal film site, of course, could be the setting of one of the books of a favourite author – such as Maeve Binchy. Her popular Circle of Friends (1995) was filmed, partly in the beautiful village of Inistiogue, with its graceful ten arch bridge. A perfect place for immersion, it is within reach of Kilkenny and Woodstock, which both featured in filming. Don’t miss the views from The Mount Sandford walk, leading to the gates of Woodstock House and valley panoramas.

Barry Lyndon (1975) offered a roll call of Irish sites, from Kells Priory to Cahir, Waterford and Huntington and Dublin Castles. It’s also worth careful viewing for the fact that it was filmed in Powerscourt House, and on the estate, shortly before the fire which destroyed the house.

The film provides one of last representations left of the Grand Saloon’s splendour.

Powerscourt Estate is Ireland’s oldest film set, and provided backdrops to at least twenty five films over some seven decades. ‘The Game’s afoot’ shouted Sir Laurence Olivier, as his troops galloped across the estate, into battle in Henry V (1944) - and indeed it was, for Irish film loca20 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

tions. From Excalibur, (1981) The Tudors (2007-10) and Camelot (1967) up to contemporary times, Powerscourt’s variety of sites has ensured film director interest. Steven Spielberg was so delighted with the tall Redwood trees in the grounds, that dinosaurs fought there in Jurassic Park Co. Wicklow is, of course, the home of Irish film and there are three excellent scenic film trails in Wicklow – `Braveheart Drive’ ‘Excalibur Drive’ and `Michael Collins Drive’ All of these films helped to draw attention to Ireland’s locations. Ryan’s Daughter (1969), Game of Thrones and Star Wars (2015 and 2017) brought international fame and interest. In the late 1960s, David Lean, famed for his location films, chose Co. Kerry as the set for Ryan’s Daughter . Ironically, some critics say that the film is more memorable for its scenery than its storyline. Inch Strand, the Dingle Peninsula, Coumeenole and Banna Strand suddenly received international attention – and tourist interest.

Then came two major film/TV blockbusters, which confirmed Ireland’s place on the film and TV locations map. Game of Thrones (2010-2019) came to Northern Ireland, and the atmospheric Castle Ward and and Tollymore Forest, both within easy reach of Belfast, plus stunningly beautiful sites on Ireland’s North Coast. Cushendun Caves, Larrybane Quarry, Ballintoy Harbour and Murlough Bay, plus Dunluce Castle and Binevenagh, all drew interest – and welcomed tourists. So much so that the previously serene Dark Hedges avenue received so many visitors that the road has had to be closed to protect the trees!

The beauty of Ireland’s west and south western coastlines was also highlighted, with Star Wars epics The Force Awakens (2015) and The Return on the Jedi (2017). Many of the sites are easily visited, including Donegal’s Malin Head, and the Inishowen Peninsula - don’t miss Hell’s Hole, or the welcome at Farren’s Bar! Loop Head, in Co. Clare, saw plenty of action, as did Murphy Black’s Restaurant in Kilkee. In Kerry, the Dingle Pensinsula featured, and locals and film crew mingled at Dick Mack’s Pub. In Co. Cork, Mizen Head featured, and the Barley Cove Beach and O’Sullivan’s Bar in Crookhaven also achieved Hollywood fame.

World interest, however, centred on Skellig Michael, an ancient monastic and UNESCO protected site, reached by a seasickness inducing boat trip. However, with strictly controlled entry numbers and no guarantees of sailing in the ever changing weather – it is often viewed from Valencia, or for those who can afford it, from the air by helicopter flight. Now that’s a Hollywood style film location! www.visitbelfast.com www.discovernorthernireland.com.tv-and-film-locations www.visitwicklow.ie

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Finance

Saving in Europe, A Clever Idea There are a lot of clever ways to invest today, along with some less clever ways. Turning buying stocks into a game on a smartphone app is just one new (and fun) way, but for many people it may be too risky a way to secure their savings. Everyone knows, however, that they still need a solid foundation, particularly for retirement.

That foundation may include funds but it certainly must include cash savings – money which is not tied up in the market or in any other complicated financial vehicle. Even as people’s basic need for access to some of their wealth does not change, the economy does not always cooperate.

It is essential to have a basic bank account, and it is helpful to have a separate savings account – we often learn this lesson early in life when we notice that we keep spending our “savings” if they are not squirrelled away safely in a different bank account. But the smartest type of account is the term deposit, because this, of course, is where we earn a yield on our cash savings.

Interest rates, however, have been low for years now. In fact, Ireland has the lowest interest rates on fixed-term deposits in all of Europe, according to savings platform Raisin’s research of lowest and highest rates across Europe and the United Kingdom. The European Central Bank, moreover, reveals that thirteen out of nineteen countries in the Eurozone have higher average interest rates than Ireland. These low rates at local banks present a challenge – well, a significant loss – to Irish banking customers who want to do the wise thing and keep a segment of their money in savings. Raisin’s raison d'être is to solve just 22 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

this problem by making it easy to access the better interest rates in other parts of Europe, like France, Germany, Italy, or even as far afield as Latvia. It may sound like a terrific vacation itinerary but these countries happen to have higher interest rates than Ireland. Often, it’s simply due to their having more banks, and more types of banks, that in turn have better profit margins on their lending businesses and are thus able to offer customers a higher return on their deposits.

However you gain access to more profitable, secure savings deposits in other parts of Europe, the key thing to remember is that earning a yield on your savings makes a difference. Just take the difference between Ireland and France as an example: as the European Central Bank shows us, on average, French savers earn four times more interest on their savings than the Irish do – or what about Italy? Italians earn eight times more. If you keep 50,000 euros in a 1-year term deposit earning 0.1% in Ireland you come out with 50 euros interest at the end. But in France you earn 200 euros, and in Italy 400! Now, imagine keeping that 50,000 in the bank for five years and letting the interest compound, and by the way, for a 5-year term deposit you are earning much more interest. You begin to see that interest rates are about more than pocket change – and even pocket change is worth keeping track of!

When you are divvying up your savings and keeping part of it available, make sure you use term deposits, the clever option, and in doing so don’t only look within Ireland for the best interest rates. We have great benefits in being part of the Eurozone, and part of Europe – including a EUwide harmonized regulation on deposit guarantee schemes to protect Europeans’ savings. Use this to your advantage and get a solid return on your hard-earned money.

We’re Bigger & Better!

Announcing the New Summer Series July - September 2021

The new Summer 2021 Senior Times podcast series has adapted to the continuing Covid scenario by planning new content that will hopefully see us emerging into a Summer to enjoy. With over 40 podcasts hosted by our fantastic team of presenters there is something for everyone!

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The Senior Times

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Summer’s here - so get by outMike and Murphy about and listen to your favourites!

Presented We have some amazing interviews from our ever expanding panel of presenters - we’ve welcomed Robbie Irwin to the team and new interviews are 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 for you this Summer, whenever, or wherever it suits!

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Coronavirus COVID-19 Public Health Advice

Mary’s Musings In her latest observations Mary O’Rourke reflects on, among things, staycations, the present government ‘triumvirate’, Michael Portillo’s documentary skills and some recent fiction

I have a double reason for watching Michael Portillo’s excellent documentary skills. When I went to Brussels in 1987 as a very raw new Government Spokesperson for Education attending the meeting of European Ministers for Education, Michael Portillo was representing the UK. He was such a joy to do business with. If we were staying overnight, he would say ‘We’ll meet for breakfast, Mary?’ and if I said yes, he would say ‘Delightful!’

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

As I am compiling this piece, it is glorious midJune, Mediterranean-like weather: bright sunshine, long evenings, and everywhere a feeling of happiness now that summer has arrived and with it a feeling of relief that we are coming through the pandemic. Now I am aware that by the time this magazine issues it may well be in bad weather, in the showers and cold which the Irish summer can so easily turn to.

However, I can only express what I am feeling as I sit in the bright sunshine.

And yes, we seem to be emerging from the pandemic. Now I always talk like this in a cautious note because, as we all know, we have had setbacks before and right now we are beginning to notice the onset of a new variant called Delta. But a big sign of a better health forecast is the fact that Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, has a smile on his face and is saying cheerful things like laying out when we’ll be able to go abroad and other wonderful dictums relating to betterment

in our health outlook. Let’s hope he’s true and that the smile and hopeful words stay with Dr Holohan. Seeing him on TV the other night with his hopeful mien, I thought to myself: it really might happen now, we might skirt this delta and emerge the other side. We simply must keep to the normal health sanctions like mask-wearing, distancing between people, avoiding crowds, etc, but enjoying what we are now, after so long, able to enjoy: the company of others and good food laid out for us.

I am sure the readers of Senior Times have been following different things on TV. Recently we had Michael Portillo hosting a documentary on RTÉ One called Partition 1921. Now I had watched him some time ago when he hosted Easter 1916: The Enemy Files, and then Hawks and Doves: The Crown and Ireland’s War of Independence. So I made sure that I was available on the ready when this came on at 9.30pm.

You see, I have a double reason for watching Michael Portillo’s excellent documentary skills.

When I went to Brussels in 1987 as a very raw

24 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

new Government Spokesperson for Education attending the meeting of European Ministers for Education, Michael Portillo was representing the UK. He was such a joy to do business with. If we were staying overnight, he would say ‘We’ll meet for breakfast, Mary?’ and if I said yes, he would say ‘Delightful!’ And then we would meet and we would plot the day. We worked very closely together on a special project called Erasmus, which Gemma Hussey in her day had originally worked on with Europe but it fell to me to carry it forward to the next stage. So many young people throughout this country have taken part in Erasmus and have gone to see strange places, strange cities and have benefitted immeasurably from the experience.

I remember one episode in particular in the Brussels meeting. There was a heated enough discussion about the various disciplines which Erasmus would cover in different countries, and I had put forward quite a novel idea about the number and different types of disciplines. This was getting nowhere in debate, but Michael Portillo spoke heavily and agreed with it, and from then on it sailed through.

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Mary’s Musings

Sylvia Plath is a favourite poet for Leaving Certificate students

I have read two very good books recently. The first one is Snowflake by Louise Nealon. The second book I have finished is Listening Still by Anne Griffin.

So, you can imagine that I have warm memories of him. Of course, we’ve all watched him as he clutches his Bradshaw Railway Guide and travels around all of the railways of Europe and indeed sometimes farther afield. We laugh at how he is clad in outlandish coloured outfits; he might have orange trousers matched with a lavender jacket, or some other equally bizarre combination, but always striding along with his Bradshaw Guide. He is a joy to listen to and observe on TV. The Leaving Cert rolls on and as I told the Senior Times readers before, I have a grandchild in Dublin aged just 18, Jennifer, and a grandchild in Athlone, just 18, Luke, both pursuing the Leaving Certificate. It gives me great joy that I can telephone them at night and talk over the papers they’ve done or are awaiting, and talk in general about studies and what lies ahead for those two young people who are only just arriving at the doorway of life. Sylvia Plath is a favourite poet of both of them, and likewise Seamus Heaney and Paul Durcan. What a great choice young people have nowadays.

The fact that they need only sit as many exams as they want to and then they also have the predictive grades is a positive development.

I think in this way Norma Foley, the Minister for Education, has lifted the complete dread and skewed anticipation which measured the arrival of Leaving Certificate each year.

How is the reading going? I have read two very good books recently. The first one is Snowflake

by Louise Nealon. I found it engrossing. It’s about a young, rural girl who goes to Trinity to study, leaving behind her mother who is prone to a very nervous disposition and her uncle who lives in a mobile home at the gate of the house. It expertly goes through days in college and the various ups and downs of life there. It is very beautifully written and makes for quite compelling reading.

The second book I have finished is Listening Still by Anne Griffin. She is a Mullingar person and it is a follow-up to her earlier book When All Is Said. When I say a follow-up, it is not the same story at all. This story is truly unusual. It’s

26 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

about a woman called Jeanie Masterson who, with her father, runs a funeral parlour in a rural town in Ireland. She and her father share a gift which enables them to talk with the deceased person who has been brought in and to hear their last words expressed. It is enthralling, and though what I’ve described sounds fantastical, it is not really. The way it is written, you somehow believe that they share that gift of being able to listen to what the now-dead person can say in their last thoughts.

Of course there is love in it; her first love is Fionn who goes off to England, and she has a faithful childhood friend, Niall. There’s a great twist in the book coming towards the end, which really holds the reader’s attention. I cannot compliment this book enough. It is enthralling and absorbing. I hope now that bookshops are opening up it should be easy to obtain a copy, or go to your local library which no doubt will have a list of people awaiting this book but will gladly search around in other libraries for you.

Lined up I have a book called Mother Mother by Annie MacManus, which looks promising. I have not as yet turned the first page but the delights await me.

While it is contradictory to say it, somehow the really fine weather does not allow for decent reading, so I welcome the odd dull day when I can settle down with a book.

My niece in Dublin, Anita, and I are planning a few days staycation somewhere in Ireland. In

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The site also features a new visitor centre with gift shop and a 120 seat café. If time allows, relax by the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers, waterfall and statues and watch the peacocks strut by displaying their finery.

Mary’s Musings

A recent MRBI Irish Times poll which showed that the Irish people approved very highly of the way the present triumvirate government is bringing the country and us all through the pandemic.

So Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan – take a bow at that finding.

The present triumvirate

other years we have been to Connemara, to parts of Kerry, and to Mulranny, so we are combing advertisements now for staycations.

Indeed, there are many of them in these fine pages of Senior Times, so perhaps we will hit on one. My son and his wife and family have already been to Mulranny and had a very good time there between Mulranny, Newport and Achill, retracing indeed Iarnród Enda’s tracks per bicycle. Aengus and Lisa and the family brought their own bikes with them and had a couple of days of terrific cycling on the Greenway from the hotel to Achill and back again.

Both Anita and I have had our double dose of the Pfizer vaccine, so we will travel hopefully and healthily to whatever destination we

choose. As the readers of this magazine may know, most of my life I was engaged in politics and clearly I have kept that interest alive. You may know there was a recent MRBI Irish Times poll which showed that the Irish people approved very highly of the way the present triumvirate government is bringing the country and us all through the pandemic. So Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan – take a bow at that finding.

Now I don’t always agree with polls, and you might say with a laugh ‘Only when they show approval!’ But this one had ups and downs in it, and yet the finding I have outlined above is really a heartfelt one for the difficult times through which we all have travelled.

28 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

I look forward to talking with you all again on the next occasion. In the meantime, stay safe: yes, get out and about and enjoy yourself where you can, but remember at all times to take care and to stay safe.

Slán tamall.

e k r ou ’R O y ar M

Modern history

Another teaser from Gerry Perkins

?

Guess the year

IRELAND: the first Penneys store opens. Charles Haughey introduces the tax exemption for people working in the arts. Samuel Beckett wins the Nobel Prize for Literature. Free secondary school education formally comes into being. The modern-day IRA was formed as the troubles in the North escalated.

WORLD: Golda Meir is elected Israel’s first female prime minister and Yasser Arafat is sworn in as Palestine Liberation Organisation – or PLO – leader. Boeing’s 747 ‘Jumbo’ jet makes its maiden flight. France holds the first test flight of Concorde. Richard Nixon is sworn in as US president.

Neil Armstrong is the first man to walk on the moon. Teddy Kennedy is embroiled in the Chappaquiddick incident after he drives into the water surrounding Chappaquiddick Island in Kennedy heartland Massachusetts, killing his companion Mary-Jo Kopechne. Rupert Murdoch buys the News of the World newspaper in the UK. john Lennon and Yoko Ono marry in Gibraltar and hold their honeymoon and famous ‘bed-in’ in Amsterdam.

US army lieutenant William Calley is charged with murder over the deaths of 109 innocent Vietnamese civilians in My Lai, in what became known as the My Lai Massacre.

Prince Charles is given his title of the Prince of Wales. Willy Brandt becomes chancellor of West Germany. Followers of hippie cult leader Charles Manson – collectively known as the Manson Family – murder seven people in two plush Los Angeles homes over two nights. Victims include heavily pregnant movie actress Sharon Tate, who is married to film director Roman Polanski at the time, and celebrity hair stylist Jay Sebring.

Collectively known as the Tate-LaBianca murders, the crimes go down as arguably the most notorious in US history. Charles de Gaulle steps down as president of France, to be replaced by Georges Pompidou. The US makes its first troop withdrawal from Vietnam. The Stonewall riots in New York mark the start of the global modern-day gay rights movement.

The first Wendy’s burger chain opens in the US. Fashion retailer Gap opens its first store in the US. American novelist Jack Kerouac dies.

30 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

SPORT: Kerry beat Offaly to win the All-Ireland football championship, with Kilkenny beating Cork in the hurling. Manchester City win the FA Cup in England, with Leeds crowned league champions. AC Milan win the European Cup and Newcastle United win the precursor to the Uefa Cup/ Europa League. Belgian cycling legend Eddy Merckx wins the Tour de France. Former heavyweight boxing champion Rocky Marciano dies in a plane crash. Robin Knox-Johnston becomes the first person to sail solo around the world without stopping. Australian tennis greats Rod Laver and Margaret Court dominate the mens and womens tennis season, winning all but one of the Grand Slam tournaments, with Ann Jones winning the Wimbledon ladies championship.

MUSIC: Irish rock band Thin Lizzy form in Dublin. Spain, the UK, the Netherlands and France win the Eurovision Song Contest in a four-way tie. The Beatles make their final public performance atop their Apple Records building in London. The Beatles also release their Abbey Road album and record the iconic image of them making the road’s pedestrian crossing the most famous in the world. The Woodstock music festival is held in upstate New York, going down in history as arguably the most famous music festival ever. Simon and Garfunkel release Bridge over Troubled Water. In a tumultuous year for the Rolling Stones, guitarist Brian Jones dies and a black audience member – Meredith Hunter – is murdered by Hell’s Angels bikers at the band’s free concert at the Altamont speedway track near San Francisco. Led Zeppelin release not one, but two monumental albums – their self-titled debut and ‘Led Zeppelin II’.

FILM/TELEVISION: The year marks the debut of a number of now iconic television programmes including Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Sesame Street, and Scooby-Doo. Big films of the year include ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’, ‘Midnight Cowboy’, ‘True Grit’, ‘Hello, Dolly!’, and ‘Easy Rider’, ‘Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice’.

Answer on page 76

hree Three Three to three to three to and three and half and half pages. half pages. pages.

I’ll I’ll leave leave I’ll you leave you toMichael you to O’Loughlin to has enjoyed teaching bridge for over 40 years; his book, useuse whatever use whatever whatever images images images areare easiest are easiest easiest “Bridge: Basic Card Play” is

Bridge

available from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (01 4929666), price:E10.

West East Notrumps West East ♥ K 10 8 2 ♥AJ3 Notrumps (b) ♥ K 10 8 2 ♥AJ3 964 Declarer (b) Declarer ♥Q964 N 964 ♥Q964 N After A732 W E KQ5♥2, ♥5, ♥A, ♥4, East returns ♥J (top of t After ♥2, ♥5, ♥A, ♥4, East ♥J (top twoWest remaining).

Sou with ♥Qreturns and West winsof♥K. can count d with ♥Q and West wins ♥K. West can count declarer for two rem A732 W E KQ5 hearts, so will try to find way back to East’s h S so will try to find way back to East’s hand in another suit hearts, East to lead ♥3 through declarer’s ♥96 to Wes EastJ108 toS lead ♥3 through declarer’s ♥96 to West’s ♥108.

West leads the 2 against a No Trump contract to East’s Queen (third hand J108 Return top of two remaining, butthree low from th The keythe point is that backas thepossible). top of Return top of two remaining, buton lowthe from The Rule of Two wins trick asleading cheaply must return thefrom King Return top of two East remaining, but low three remaining: West leads the 2 against a No Trump contract to East’s Queen (third hand heThe Rule The Rule of Rule Two of Two of Two two remaining cards enables the defender with remaining: The Rule of Two: When, as a defender, you are second round, then the 5 over to West’s Ace. Now West is on play to cash the thewins longest length to be a positionas to possible). lead the trick as incheaply East must return the King on the leading from two cards, lead the higher of the Dummy long card.

Dummy heThe RuleRule The of Two: Rule of applies Two: When, of Two: When, asWhen, aas defender, a as defender, a with defender, you are are leading you leading are from leading from twofrom two twoto length winners.

Ace. Now ♣ two.

This whether you began life a you second round, then the 5 over West’s West 7 5 is on play to cash the The key point is that leading back♣the top of two remaining cards enables the 7 5 doubleton, or have two remaining cards – take long card.whether ards, cards, lead cards, lead thelead the higher higher theofhigher the of the two. oftwo. the Thistwo.

This applies This applies whether applies whether youyou began began you began East Top of a doubleton way backlength to whento a be West defender with harks the longest in a position to lead length winners. these layouts: West The key point is that leading backnothe ♣top remaining cards enables K of 10two 8 2East ♣ A J 4 the 3 fe with life with life a doubleton, with a doubleton, a doubleton, or have or have two or have two remaining two remaining remaining cards cards – take cards – take these – indicates take these these player playing “high-low” they hold ♣longest K 10 8length 2 The to be in a position ♣ A Jto 4 lead 3 length winners. defender thethe more cards andwith can ruff third round. (a) Declarer ayouts: layouts: layouts: (a) (a) (a) Top of a doubleton harks way back to when a player playing “high-low” Declarer top-of-a-doubleton opening lead is somewhat ♣ Q round.

96 indicates they hold no more cards and ruff the third overrated, It’s relatively ♣ Q to 9 can 6when Top ofhowever. a doubleton harksunlikely way you’ll back a player playing “high-low” 964 964 964 score a ruff; too often you’ll helpopening to set up lead isAfter ♣2, ♣5, ♣A, ♣6, East returns ♣3 (low The top-of-a-doubleton somewhat overrated, however.

It’s indicates theyEspecially hold nomisguided more cards andfrom canthree ruff the round.

N N N After ♣2, ♣5,third ♣A,West ♣6, East returns ♣3 (low fr declarer’s side-suit. is the too remaining). beats declarer’s relatively unlikely you’ll score a ruff; often you’ll help to set up declarer’s After ♣2, ♣5, ♣A, ♣6, East returns ♣3 (low from three remainin Thefrom top-of-a-doubleton is somewhat however.

It’s declarer’s (say) ♣9 with ♣10 and co queen queen-small and jackopening from jack- leadbeats (say) ♣9 with ♣10overrated, and can count declarer for side-suit. Especiallybeats misguided is the(say) queen from queen-small and jackdeclarer from can declarer’s ♣9 with ♣10 and can count for jus unlikely you’ll score and a ruff; too often you’ll to set declarer’s because you’re losing your honour just one more Club. help He cashes ♣Kup (felling ♣Q) enjoys A10732 A10732 W W W E KJ5E small, A10732 E KJ5 KJ5relatively Club.

He cashes ♣K (felling ♣Q) and th jack-small, you’re losing your and potentially He cashes ♣Khonour (felling ♣Q) and enjoysand themisleading longfrom card. also potentially because misleadingClub. partner into thinking and enjoys thealso long card. side-suit.

Especially misguided is the queen from queen-small jack partner you own the card immediately below (leading top-of-ayou own theinto cardthinking immediately below (leading jack-small, because you’re losing your honour and also potentially misleading S S S South Deals ♠875 top-of-a-sequence).

There’s argument about one sequence). There’s no no argument thing, though.

If5you are leading South Deals ♠ 8 7 partner into thinking you own the card immediately below (leading top-of-aQ8 Q8 Q8 None Vul ♥ A2 about thing,from though.

If you are leadingcards, back you backone a suit two remaining must lead the well as ♥ Atop.

2 If As ♦ A Q 10 9 sequence).

There’s no argument aboutNone one Vul thing, though. you are leading leads her fourth highest 3 against No aTrump contract.

East wins with WestWest leads her leads fourth highest 3 highest against NoaTrump contract.

East winscards, with West her fourth 3a against Trump East wins with aNo suit from twocontract. remaining you must lead ♦ A Q 10manoeuvre.

962 giving partner the count of the suit, this is a crucial unblocking theback top.

As giving partner the beat count the of a well suit from two remaining cards, you must lead the top. As well as ♣ Q J the King (third hand high).

If East returns the 5,as West will beat the he King (third hand high).

Ifhighest East mistakenly returns the 5, West will beat the the King (third hand high).

If mistakenly Easta No mistakenly returns the 5, West will West leads her fourth 3 against ♣ Q J Dummy thegiving suit, this is a crucial unblocking manoeuvre.

Trump East wins withnecessarily the King partner the count of the ♠ Q 9manoeuvre.

632 Queen with the Ace, but East will necessarily win the third round with the ueen with the contract.

Ace, but East will win the third round with the Queen with the Ace, but East will(third necessarily win the third round with the suit, this is a crucial unblocking N ♠Q9632

♠765 hand high).

If East mistakenly returns the 5, N ♥ Q 9 7♠ 4K 10 4 the suit issuit now Unless West hasoutside an outside entry, she will ack Jack and and the now blocked.

West has West an sheentry, will Jacksuit andis the is blocked. now Unless blocked.

Unless has anentry, outside she will Dummy W E ♥Q 9 7 4 ♥ 10 8 5 West will beat the Queen with the Ace, but West East W ♦ E8 5 be unable tonecessarily cash her two other winners in suit. thein suit.

The e unable tounable cash her other winners inwinners the The is for tofor to be to two cashwin her two other the solution suit.solution The East to ♦ 8 5 ♠solution 7 6isEast 5forisEast Notrumps East will the third round with the S ♦K7 ♠two K 8 4 remaining 2cards. ♠ AThis J3 ♣ S ♣ 10 6♣ K 9 8 5 3 return theand Jack on the second round, top oftop herof remaining cards.

This eturn thereturn Jack on the round, top of her two remaining This the Jack the second round, her10 two cards.

Jack the suitsecond ison now blocked.

Unless West West East ♣ 10 6 Notrumps Declarer ♠ A J hasJack, an outside entry, she will be6 unable to cash will go Jack, Queen, Ace, and West can cash the icktrick will go Queen, Ace, 6 and now6now West can West cash the thirdtrick will go Jack, Queen, Ace, and now can cash the 10,thirdthe third♠K 10 10, 8the 4 the 210, ♠AJ3 ♠AJ ♠Q9 her two other winners in the suit.7with The ♥K J 6 3 round master and follow with the 7solution and ound master and follow with the and 2. 72.and 2. round master and follow the Declarer ♥ KJ63 is for East to return the Jack on the second ♦J43 ♠Q9 ♦J43 round, top of her two remaining cards. This trick After ♠4, ♠5, ♠A, ♠9, East must return ♠J. West beats ♠Q with ♠K and ♣ A 7 4 2 ♣A 7 4 2 will go Jack, Queen, Ace, 6 and now West can After ♠4, ♠5, ♠A, ♠9,IfEast must return ♠J. West cashes ♠1082.

East mistakenly returns ♠3, his ♠J blocks the suit on the East West North cash the 10, the third-round master and follow After ♠4, ♠5, ♠A, ♠9, East must return ♠J. West beats ♠Q with ♠K and West North East South beats ♠Q with ♠K and cashes ♠1082. If East third round. with the 7 and 2. cashes returns ♠1082. mistakenly on the mistakenly ♠3,IfhisEast ♠J blocks the suit onreturns ♠3, his ♠J blocks the suit 1 NT Pass 3 NT Pass thethird third round. round. (b) Pass 3 NT Pass Pass (b) (b) Pass Dummy Pass 964 964 964 ♥75 N N N Dummy Trick one went ♠3, ♠5, ♠K, ♠A and at trick two, West East ♥75 Notrumps declarer led and passed u J. East won u K ♥ K 10 8 2 ♥ A J 3 2 A732 W WA732 W E KQ5E KQ5 E KQ5 and the key moment had arrived. If East had Declarer returned ♠ 4 to ♠ J,♠Q and ♠ 7, then her ♠ 10 ♥Q964 would have blocked the suit. East made no S S S

mistake, returning ♠10, top of two remaining.

J108 J108 J108 Westof beat ♠J remaining). with ♠ Q and cashed ♠962 After ♥2, ♥5, ♥A, ♥4, East returns ♥J (top of After ♥2, ♥5, ♥A, ♥4,hand East returns two South covers 2 against a No Trump totwo East’s Queen (third t West leads leads the 2 the against a No Trump contract to East’s Queen (third hand West leads the 2 against a No contract Trump contract to East’s Queen (third hand ♥J (top down one. remaining). South covers with ♥Q and West leads the 2 against a No Trump contract with ♥Q and West wins ♥K. can count declarer for two remaining winstrick the trick as cheaply as possible).

East return the King on the the cheaply as(third possible). must return the King the wins the trick as cheaply asthepossible).

East must return the theWest West wins ♥K.on West canKing counton declarer for toas East’s Queen hand winsEast trick as must hearts, so will try to find way back hand in can another suit, enabling second round, then 5East over to West’s Ace. West Now West isWest on play to cash the nd round, then as the 5 the over to West’s Ace. is Now on play to cash second round, then the 5 return over toNow West’s Ace. issoon play Further examples be found on Andrew two remaining hearts, willthe try toto findcash way theto East’s cheaply possible). must the East to lead ♥3 through declarer’s ♥96 to West’s ♥108.

Robson’s excellent website: www.andreback to East’s hand in another suit, enabling King on the second round, then the 5 over to long card. card. long card. lead ♥3cards throughenables declarer’s ♥96 to the wrobson.co.uk and I would highly recomWest’s Ace. Nowleading West is on play to cash the Thepoint keyThe point isleading that back the ofremaining two remaining the key is that back the top oftop two cards enables the enables key point is that leading back the topEast of to two remaining cards mend his daily remaining: BridgeCasts.

West’s ♥108. long card.

Return top of two remaining, but low from three defender withlongest thewith longest length into a position tolength lead to length nder with the length to be to in abeposition winners. defender the longest length be to in alead position lead winners. length winners.

Calling all Novices – Intermediates!

Bridge Bridge Bridge by by Michael Michael

by Michael O’Loughlin O’Loughlin O’Loughlin

by Michael O’Loughlin

Calling Calling Calling all all Novices Novices all Novices – Intermediates!

– Intermediates!

– Intermediates!

Dummy of aTop doubleton harks way back toback when player “high-low” ofTop a doubleton way back to when a player playing “high-low” of harks a doubleton harks way toawhen a playing player playing “high-low”

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 31

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Practical advice in this bridge book Why You Lose at Bridge is a book by the Russian-born, English bridge player S. J. ‘Skid’ Simon (1904–48), first published in 1945. It contains practical advice directed mainly towards rubber bridge players and introduces to the world four stereotypical players: Mr Smug, the Unlucky Expert, Mrs Guggenheim, and Futile Willie. It has been much admired by duplicate bridge players as well as by rubber bridge players and Simon's four fictional characters have passed into legend.

‘Portrait’ (Simon's title for his preface to the book) exemplifies his style of writing: ‘You are the ordinary club player.

You have a fair amount of playing ability, which you imagine is greater than it is. A smattering of all the more popular systems.

Your bidding is adequate and your defence quite shocking.

You have no ambition to become a master player, but you like winning.

You do not keep accounts and tell everybody that you think you are about all square on the year.

You lie - and you know it.’

The game discussed is rubber bridge for money but the discussion is somewhat applicable to duplicate. This is a reprint of an old book - written in a day when bridge was a different game. That does not mean it's not helpful, as much of the advice is timeless, and the anecdotes are very entertaining: It's funny and fun to read.

Why You Lose At bridge is a true evergreen.

Many books dwell for long pages on the intricacies of the complex game of bridge, but this book really focuses on how to think at the bridge table. Walking the fine line between being too aggressive or being too conservative is the key to success in bridge, and this book has good advice on how to fine-tune your approach.

This book is reaching its 76th birthday, having been originally published in 1945, but is certainly not ready for retirement! It is humorous and practical, concentrating on the unspectacular but effective ways to avoid making mistakes and make the most of your cards – and your partner. The first part, on technique, is interesting; the second part, on the psychological aspects of playing with different partners, is virtually unique. S.J. Simon invented a quartet of archetypical bridge characters whose exploits at the bridge table are both instructive and hilarious. We meet 1. The Unlucky Expert, 2. Mrs Guggenheim, well-meaning but incompetent, 3. Mr Smug and 4. Futile Willie (the ‘very bad good player’, who uses conventions without real understanding).

We come across them in our clubs - and if we are honest, we recognise something of them in ourselves. The truth of the book is eternal, and the style sparkles with humour.

It is really about partnership, about reading your opponents and trusting your intuition; rather than choosing the theoretically better play, it shows you how to build partnership trust and help your partner to be at their best, how to use whatever leverage you gain over your opponents and give them 'permission' to make mistakes. Playing a card game is really playing the other players.

The essence: play for the best result possible with this partner, not the best possible result. A lesson for life?

To sum up: it's fun, the characters are memorable and the boards excellent and thought provoking. it's a hoot and really insightful despite its age, a true classic. Well worth reading.

About the author, S. J. ‘Skid’ Simon: A member of a Russian-Jewish merchant family from Vladivostok, his family left Russia when he was a boy and he was educated and lived the rest of his life in England.

Together with Jack Marx, Simon was co-developer of the Acol bidding system.

32 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Why You Lose at Bridge is a book by His humour always touched human comethethe Russia n-born, Englis h bridge player S. J. ‘Skid’ Simon (1904–48), first publis hed in 1945. It contains dy, but never with malice.

For example: practical advice directed mainly towar ds rubber bridge players and At auces pre-war Bridge Congress a lady who introd to the world four stereotypical players: Mr Smug, Exper heldt, an on lead seven the Unlucky Mrs ace Guggeand nheimwas , and Futile Willieagainst . It has been much admired by duplic ate bridge playerdoubled s as well as by no trumps neither nor led the ace. rubber bridge players and Simon's four fictional characters have passe into legend The contract was made, dand the story of the .

‘Portr ait’ (Simo n's title for his prefac double omission quickly went the rounds.

It his style of e to the book) exemplifies writing:

was Skid who pointed out that she must be acquitted on at least one count. If she was not going to lead the ace, he said, she was quite right not to double.

‘You are the ordinary club player.

He taught his team-mates to play and to laugh . ‘Skid’ lived to only age 44 – by a series of miracles. He was a heavy smoker. He crossed the busiest street, nose buried in a book. He dismounted from buses travelling at full speed, nose still buried in a book. He once walked through a plate glass window.

In his books, on the radio, at the bridge table, he made fun of everybody. Most of all he made fun of himself .

In the past half-century, a regiment of bridge authorities has studied the technique of bidding and play in minute detail but very few have explored the character weaknesses that constantly make their impact on the game. Bridge is played by human beings, and their personal attitudes and foibles affect their performance.

S.J. Simon invented a quartet of characters whose exploits at the bridge table are both instructive and hilarious. €12.23 including delivery from www.bookdepository.com.

Bridge

Bridge boards, simple four-way card holders, are used to player's hand to be passed intact from table to table, and calculated by comparing each pair's result with others wh cards. Bidding boxes are often used to facilitate the mech prevent inadvertent passing of information, and minimize

Getting started: for absolute beginners

Screens are used in higher levels of competition and were reduce the chance of passing unauthorised information to

The most widely played game of the the same opponents. A session typically arrangement of the 52 cards into the four Whist family is Bridge, and the most of between 24 and 28 boards in total. hands) is played at each table and scoring is In duplicate bridge, a player normally plays with the same partner consists widely played version of Bridge is Contract based on relative performance. In this way, Typically around eight boards are played per Bridge. hour, so a typical session will last approximatehand, whether strong or weak, is played throughout an event. The two areevery known as a "pair". ly 3 hours. in competition with others playing identical Within Contract Bridgeexceptions: there are popular cards. Therefore, the element of skill is heightThere are two variations: Immediately after a board is played, the North ened while that of luck is reduced. player writes the result of that board on the 1. in team events two pairs constitute a team of four, and Rubber Bridge: Rubber Bridge is a form of travelling sheet, and the East player checks Bridge boards, simple four-way card holders, contract bridge played by two competing pairs players it. The information recorded includes the are used to change enable eachpartners player's handafter to be each 2. in individual tournaments, round. using a particular method of scoring. A Rubber identifying numbers of the North-South and passed intact from table to table, and final is completed when one pair becomes first to Pairs game East-West pairs and the score achieved. The scores are calculated by comparing each win two Games. A Game is won by achieving traveller is contained within and travels with the pair's result with others who played the same In a pairs each deal iscards. played number ofused times a score of 100tournament, or more. A new game ensues board. This means that the players learn how Biddingaboxes are often to by different until one pair has won two games to conclude they did up to that point on each board. A modfacilitate the mechanics of bidding, prevent inplayers, after which all the scoresadvertent are compared. the Rubber. Rubber bridge involves a high ern development is an electronic data-entry passing of information, and minimize degree of skill but there is also a fair amount of device on each the noise level: The tournament consists of a number of rounds; in each round, a number of table that transmits the results luck involved in who gets the better cards. wirelessly to the director's computer: boards (i.e. hands), usually two orScreens three, played the same areis used in higheragainst levels of competiChicago Bridge: Chicago Bridge, also known Thisin allows results to be posted at a club or on tion and were introduced to reduce the chance opponents. A session typically consists of between 24 and 28 boards total. as Four-deal Bridge and Short Bridge, is a form a website very quickly after the end of play. of passing unauthorised information to one's Typically around eight ofboards played per hour, so a typical session of contract bridge and a variation rubber arepartner: Every will pair plays against a different opposing bridge.

Getting its name from the Standard pair in each successive round. last approximately 3 hours.

Club of Chicago where it originated in the early In duplicate bridge, a player normally plays with 1960s, the game is well suited club andis home Duplicate the same throughout event. Thethe result Immediately after atoboard played, thepartner North playeranwrites ofbridge thathas the advantage of complay. While the auction and the play of the hand two are known as a "pair". pensating for a run of bad luck with the cards. board on as the travelling sheet, are the same in rubber bridge, Chicago hasand the East player checks it. The information A pair that has had poor hands all night may the following unique features: have the highest score and finish first for are two of exceptions: recorded includes the identifying There numbers the North-South and still East-West the evening – as long as they play those cards pairs and theofscore The1.traveller istwo contained within travels • A rubber consists exactly achieved. four deals. than the other pairs with the same poor in team events pairs constitute a team andbetter • The duration of a set ofThis four deals is likelythat to of four, and with the board. means the players learn how they did up cards. to that be more consistent (typically about twenty 2. in individual tournaments, players change point on each board.

A modern development an electronic data-entry minutes) than in rubber bridge. This is an More in the next issue. partners after eachis round. attractiveon feature of Chicago device each tablewhen thatlimited transmits the results wirelessly to the director's time is available. In Rubber Bridge, like in a Pairs game computer: game of Monopoly, the length of time of play is Absolute Beginners Classes: If you live in unpredictable. the Dublin area and have never played bridge In a pairs tournament, each deal is played a before or if you know of anyone who wishes number of times by different players, after Duplicate Bridge: Duplicate Bridge is the to take up bridge, face-to-face classes are which all the scores are compared. most popular variation of contract bridge in planned for St. Tiernan’s Community School, The tournament consists of a number of club and tournament play. It is called duplicate Balally, Dublin 16 starting in September. rounds; in each round, a number of boards (i.e. because the same bridge deal (i.e. the specific hands), usually two or three, is played against

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 33

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

Newport lighting project hire top international lighting designers

Newport Church with a clear sky

The friends of Mayo Dark Skies, a community group affiliated with Dark Sky Ireland and a chapter of the International Dark Sky Association have been engaging during the past year, thanks to financial support from the Heritage Council, with the renowned Italian lighting designers Marco Palandella and Roberto Corradini to address the issue of light pollution emitted from the town of Newport. Marco and Roberto say they joined the team to begin a concentrated effort into researching the needs of the community on themes of biodiversity, heritage, safety, traffic and social ambiance and importantly to secure the future of the International Dark Sky Park which is just 15km from the town.

In 2019 the community’s bid to hold a European symposium on protecting the night sky was successful .This very prestigious event included 23 speakers from 12 countries. Among

Renowned Italian lighting designers Marco Palandella and Roberto Corradini

those speakers was Roberto Corradini who acquired vast experience working on outside lighting at churches in Rome and Venice.

It was 3 years earlier a Gold Tier standard of International Dark Sky Park was awarded to Wild Nephin Ballycroy National Park, now known as Mayo Dark Sky Park. This vision has now been extended to include public lighting and members of Friends of Mayo Dark Skies are working closely with Mayo County Council to achieve their aims.

Project Manager Georgia MacMillen says the team are confident a reduction in light level can be achieved by the shielding of existing lights, however best results would come from improved lighting, reducing the time of usage and better controlled emissions.” The combination of reduced light travelling beyond the town boundary plus reduced blue component will have an important impact in the sky above

34 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

the surrounding countryside. It will reduce the apparent light dome over the town thus enabling a better view of the sky above the National Park area”.

Georgia also confirmed to compliment the Mayo Dark Skies lighting plan Newport has been approved as a sustainable energy community by the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEAI). This means experts can now prepare a plan leading to grant schemes for businesses and residents to avail of dark sky friendly lighting, plus other efficient initiatives. The County Council has already changed the lights on the main street to 2700 kelvin which complies with dark sky requirements. This pilot scheme, a first in the country, has now been extended to the village of Bangor Erris.

The overall plan is supported by a number of organisations including Bat Conservation

Duncan Stewart: ‘Our use of artificial lights needs to be fundamentally re-imagined.

As a gateway town to the Ballycroy dark sky zone initiative to protect our few remaining but fast disappearing dark sky areas that remain free from light pollution’.

Mulraney beach

Ireland, Swift Conservation, Birdwatch Mayo, Marine Institute Furnace Newport and Mayo County Council.

Experts in the field of light pollution point to the fact that the widespread use of artificial light at night time places a long term stress on ecosystems - with various insect species and birds being particularly affected.

Speaking to Senior Times Duncan Stewart, a passionate environmentalist who hosts the long running RTE programme Eco Eye, said that our use of artificial lights needs to be fundamentally re-imagined. ‘As a gateway town to the Ballycroy dark sky zone initiative to protect our few remaining but fast disappearing dark sky areas that remain free from light pollution, our society generally seem unaware of the effect of outdoor artificial light at night time and of the severe impacts to nature ( insects, wildlife, aquatic and nocturnal species)’.

‘Populations of wildlife have plummeted down to less than a third of their numbers globally (including Ireland) over the past 50 years.

Species extinction rates are now a 1000 times the natural background rate. The highest rate of loss of species on earth that has occurred in the past 55ml years! All of this destruction is from various forms of impacts brought about by human activity which greatly includes the effect on all species from artificial light. Without a healthy and stable biosphere and the essential multiple services we receive free from well functioning ecosystems, we humans could not exist. We are clearly creating a 6th mass extinction – the anthropocene.’

Dark Skies celebrates 5th Anniversary Regarding the Mayo Dark Sky Park Catherine Martin T.D Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media told me she was

aware the Park celebrated its 5th anniversary last month and congratulated all those involved in bringing such an exciting project to fruition. ‘Achieving International recognition is a fantastic example of positive, productive collaboration between local communities and other important stakeholders, such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte, Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland’.

‘Ireland has the honour of hosting two internationally recognised dark sky places- Mayo International Dark Sky Park and Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve both of which have been awarded the highest gold tier standard.

The wonders of a pristine night sky can only covey a sense of calm and closeness to nature, intensifying the beauty and wonder of our landscape. achieving International recognition as a dark Sky place offers rural communities excellent year round sustainable tourism opportunities and enhances our natural recreational offering’.

The Minister added she was happy to report Mayo Dark Sky is one of the core strengths on which Fáilte Ireland plans to build, in line with its Destination Experience Development Plan for this part of North Mayo. ‘Among the priorities for future developments are plans for a world class planetarium and observatory for the Mayo Dark Sky Park, to be developed through the strategic partnership between Fáilte Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service’.

Mullraney chosen as first Mayo ‘De-carbonising’ zone

The village of Mulranny which hosts several events during the annual Dark Sky Festival is to become County Mayo’s first initial decarbonising zone with the aim of reducing greenhouse

gases up to 51 per cent by 2030. Mulranny was chosen by Mayo County Council from a list of 10 communities. A spokesperson for the local group says the awarding of the zone did not happen overnight but was the result of 15 years hard work by the committee on a number of environmental issues. The council defines a Decarbonising Zone (DZ) as a spatial area identified by the local authority, in which a range of climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity measures and action owners are identified, to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate needs. This will contribute to national climate action targets. The village is now set to be an exemplar site for other Mayo communities also seeking to decarbonise.

Upcoming festivals For 2021 some festivals will hold live events while others may be virtual. Check websites for details.

Earagail Arts Festival: a bilingual event in Irish and English (4th-25th July) 21 days of music, theatre, visual arts etc. www.eaf.ie Balyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival: 29th July- 1st August www.ballyshannonfolkfest.com Galway International Arts Festival: 28th Aug18th Sept (some top concerts now re-scheduled to July 2022). www.giaf.ie Willie Clancy Summer School, Miltown Malbay, Clare 4th-10th July (virtual event this year) www.scoilsamhraidhwillieclancy.com

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 35

Legacies

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.

36 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

It is usually a much more straightforward and cost effective process 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

Will you make a lasting difference today?

When you write a will, you can look after your family and loved ones. If you include Irish Hospice Foundation, you can reach out to families in a crucial time of need.

A gift in your will is a meaningful way to help us ensure no-one faces death and bereavement without the care and support they need.

Email clare.martin@hospicefoundation.ie or call 01 679 3188

Registered Charity 20013554

hospicefoundation.ie

I hope that, one day, my grandchildren will ask,

“What WAS cancer?”

You can help make cancer a thing of the past by leaving a gift to the Irish Cancer Society in your Will.

Contact Eilis Dwyer at 01-2316649 or edwyer@irishcancer.ie or speak to your solicitor. www.cancer.ie/legacy

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

charity as they consider most nearly fulfils the objects of that which I intended to benefit.***

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.

* 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, 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

Notes:

** 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.

Support for cancer research has never been more important Every three minutes, someone in Ireland gets a cancer diagnosis – and this rate of cancer is continuing grow. In the coming ten years we will see over 500,000 new cases of cancer occur in Ireland, making cancer one of the great health challenges of our time.

As we get better at detecting and treating cancers, the number of survivors will also increase significantly. This means that we must continue our efforts together to ensure that anyone dealing with cancer can have the best chance to overcome it and thrive afterwards.

Thanks to advancements in cancer research, cancer is no longer a death sentence. However, there is still much more that must be done.

Support for cancer research has never been more important.

With cancer patients and some survivors considered a higher risk, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought huge changes to their lives with many cocooning, alone in isolation, and others having treatment plans changed. The challenge ahead is significant and those affected by cancer need us now more than ever.

The Irish Cancer Society focuses on research that goes beyond the laboratory, asking new questions and looking for answers that will ultimately save lives and lead to improved treatments. Scientists are always looking for the next breakthrough, the discovery that will make a vital difference to cancer patients and their families.

Many people of Ireland leave a gift in their Will to the Irish Cancer Society as their way of improving cancer treatment and care for generations to 38 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

come. This will help ensure that patients diagnosed with cancer will have access to the most cutting edge treatments and the best possible care.

Gifts in Wills, no matter what size, lead to enormous steps towards a future without cancer.

“Research is everything. It has made a difference to me and hundreds like me; I wouldn’t have survived without research into new and better treatments. Even if it’s not in my lifetime, there is hope that in the future people won’t have to go through this”.

Stephanie Powell, Breast Cancer Survivor.

For your free information pack please contact Eilis Dwyer on 01-2316649 or at edwyer@irishcancer.ie to find out more about how you can help make cancer a thing of the past for future generations.

The crutches that help the injured to walk

A new generation of nurses, doctors and midwives, trained to care for the most vunerable.

1 in 6 projects are funded by legacies.

A gift in your will can heal and save lives. To request your free brochure with more information please return this coupon, visit msf.ie/legacy, or phone Ruth on 01-2815184.

Yes, please send me a legacy brochure Name: Address: Town:

Registered Number 464033 Charity Number CHY 18196

Photo: Omar Havana, Nepal, 2015

THIS IS YOUR LEGACY.

County: Eircode: Send to: Ruth Hanahoe, MSF, 9 Upper Baggot Street, Freepost F4763, Dublin 4

!

Legacies

Caring for a tiny broken heart

As restrictions continue to ease and more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be able to spend more time with the children and young people in your life.

If they are bereaved, you may be worried about how you can help them through the pain of losing someone they love right now.

How will I explain that their Granny or Grandad has died? How will I find the words to tell them they’re not coming back?

But there are things you can do with the support of our Irish Childhood Bereavement Network (ICBN).

Speaking to a bereaved child It’s only natural you want to protect children from the pain of grief, but it’s always best to be gently honest with children about death and dying.

Here are some tips on speaking to a child when someone close has died: ♥ Talk — The very worst thing you can be is silent. Ask them how they feel. If they ask questions, tell them the truth, using clear language they can understand. ♥ Explain — Try not to use euphemisms like, “he’s in a better place”.

Explain that the person has died in a way they understand, no matter how young.

40 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

♥ Acknowledge — Let the child know they can ask questions to help them understand what’s happened and cope with the emotions they’re feeling. ♥ Reassure (+ Repeat) — Comfort the child with kindness and be patient. You should be prepared to have to repeat yourself until they can fully understand what’s happened.

Visit www.childhoodbereavement.ie for more information and supports.

At Irish Hospice Foundation, we believe no one should face dying, death or bereavement without the care and support they need. We rely on the generous support of the public to help us reach families across Ireland at end of life and during grief.

By remembering us in your will, you help ensure the best end-of-life and bereavement care, for all. Just one percent of your estate can make a wonderful difference. Contact Clare on (01) 679 3188 or email clare. martin@hospicefoundation.ie today.

The Irish Blue Cross – The Animal Welfare Charity

Our frontline workers have been on call all the way throughout Covid-19. They have gone above and beyond what has been asked of them. Our essential services have remained operational throughout even the most severe lockdown, treating thousands of sick and injured animals.

Pets are close to your heart. And ours. Help Support our vital work.

We have never seen such a demand for the vital work that we do. The charity’s resources are now stretched to the very limit. We are trying as best we can to keep our services open for all the sick pets who need us.

The Irish Blue Cross is here for the pets that are there for you. Since 1945 we have been offering low cost veterinary support to the people who need it most. Today we operate a network of ten mobile veterinary clinics across Dublin, as well as our clinic in Inchicore.

That is why we need you. Help us keep our essential veterinary services operational and save the lives of countless pets.

Thousands of Pets Need Our Help, So We need Yours.

The Irish Blue Cross is facing a huge funding shortfall, as our major fundraising drives have been cancelled or badly affected by Covid-19.

We still give the very best of care to thousands of pets. And our teams are doing this under the strictest of pandemic safety protocols. We expect to be busier still as the economic reality of Covid-19 hits home, and more and more families find the need for our services.

What keeps us going is knowing that we help pets and owners who need our low-cost care. They might not otherwise be able to afford veterinary care for their beloved pets.

What also keeps us going is you. Your support means the world to us and the pets we help.

Pets are amazing. They offer companionship, encourage exercise, promote responsibility and help with mental health issues. A lot of them are also very cute.

Each year we get thousands of visits to our clinics from families who would not otherwise be able to afford veterinary care. We do not turn them away, because our mission is to help everyone who needs our services.

Some of our services: We promote responsible pet ownership through neutering, microchipping, and vaccination programs. We also provide free talks to schools and youth groups on request. Our horse ambulance service is on standby at race meetings and big equestrian events in Ireland.

We appreciate your donation, however much you can give.

If you decide to go online, you can make a once-off, or a regular monthly donation securely at www.bluecross.ie and you can read more about the pets we help! You can also call one of our team on 01-416 3032 to make donation over the phone.

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

Legacies

NCBI’s celebrates 90 Years with your support.

NCBI (National Council of the Blind of Ireland) is celebrating 90 years in 2021. During this time, our services and supports across the country have changed and evolved to make sure we can continue to advise, empower and train people who are blind or vision impaired.

Our service users range from young children to the elderly who can be born with a sight loss condition or develop sight loss due to an accident, trauma, inherited condition, disease, or agerelated sight degeneration. As one of the vital sensory organs we all take for granted, losing one’s sight can be immensely debilitating without having NCBI there to help with every step of the journey.

ONE OF OUR LEGACY HEROS “My father-in-law Michael lost his sight in 2015. It happened over roughly a six-week period, because of Toxic Optic Neuropathy.

This was a devastating blow to a man whose passions were his family, reading and sport. His stoicism inspired those around him and with the help of NCBI he took on the challenges of his new reality still determined to find joy in life. He even discovered a talent for creative writing, and he wrote and performed for NCBI's White Cane Audio Theatre. With the help of NCBI, his world which had become so small so suddenly, was a little brighter and braver”. – Patrick O’Sullivan Contact us for support in making your choices?

The Impact of your gift By supporting NCBI in your will, you are ensuring the kindness, humanity, and compassion you show in life can continue. It will provide rehabilitation, emotional and practical support, and training to live independently, college bursaries for education, Book share library, training and entry into employment. It will aid our new Digital HUB technology unit.

42 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Sharon Fallon – NCBI Legacy 01-8821972 sharon.fallon@ncbi.ie.

We offer a free wills online service. Any gift you give is tax free and can reduce your overall tax bill. We have alliances with advisors in legal, tax and financial planning.

To access our services, simply call 1850 33 43 53.

It can be a frightening time when you, or a loved one’s sight, starts to fail.

National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) provides support and services to almost 55,000 people with a vision impairment nationwide. Serving people since 1931, our experience helps people to live independently and to make the very best of their remaining vision. We provide the rehabilitation support, guidance, and technology skills needed. Public support is vital to ensure these services continue to grow into the future.

You can help by remembering NCBI in your Will.

By making a gift, big or small, in your will to NCBI, you leave a legacy of hope for so many people.

For further information phone (01) 882 1972 or visit www.ncbi.ie/personal-giving/ Email: foundation@ncbi.ie Registered Charity CHY 12673

Legacies

The ISPCA are putting a stop to Puppy Farms

Puppy farm. It sounds adorable, doesn’t it? A wonderful place where you might bring your grandkids or young children for a fun day out. But the reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

Conor Dowling, Chief Animal Welfare Inspector with the ISPCA, says that there has been huge demand for pets during lockdown and there are more illegal puppy farms than ever before. Sadly, many dogs are being bred in squalid and dangerous conditions and their puppies sold for big prices.

The unscrupulous people who operate these illegal puppy farms are only concerned with the profit they can make. Female dogs often spend their entire lives in horrific conditions, breeding litter after litter of pups. These poor Mums are never walked or exercised, or experience the love of a kind owner. Often there is no natural light and a total lack of hygiene. Conor adds, “I have seen dogs and puppies crammed into tiny cages with little ventilation. Sometimes, the stench of ammonia takes your breath away”.

In the first six months of this year alone, ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspectors have uncovered twelve illegal puppy farms. Most of 44 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

these are now closed and case files are being prepared against some to help prosecute and hold the people who ran them accountable. Hundreds of dogs and puppies have already been removed and taken to safety. For the Mums especially, from that point forward, their lives are forever changed for the better.

Conor says, “ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspectors must act quickly to get the dogs to safety where they will receive the treatment and care they so desperately need. Whilst we have legal authority to seize these dogs, the owner is always given the option to surrender them first. Many dogs will be suffering from psychological trauma and have behavioural problems which can mean a longer time is needed to recover” Anyone who loves animals, who looks into the eyes of a beloved pet and feels the warmth of their love and sees the trust in their eyes, will be appalled by these puppy farms. Thankfully, with the kind help of generous animal lovers throughout Ireland, ISPCA Inspectors continue to work tirelessly, to put a stop to these cruel and illegal places.

To find out more, get involved or kindly donate, please visit www.ispca.ie

Free Will Writing Your kind Legacy could help ISPCA In spectors save vulnera ble animals and bring their abusers to justice.

These adorable pup's Mum spent years in poor health having litter after litter.

Never walked, never played with, never loved. All are now in happy homes.

By making a Will, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that those you care about will be looked after and that your wishes for your loved ones, friends and family will be respected.

The ISPCA’s Free Online Will Writing service can be used to make a will for the first time or to amend an existing one. It’s available at no cost to you and with no obligation to donate.

We are very thankful for the kind legacy gifts from animal lovers whose generosity continues to help rescue and save hundreds of animals each year, and to begin their journey to find loving new homes.

For more information please visit www.ispca.ie/Legacies or call us on 087 0512603

Legacies

Reduction Of Extreme Poverty Slowing

Sori Gollo (21) in her kitchen garden in Kalacha, Marsabit. Concern has supported mother of 3 to grow an healthy and varied kitchen garden in Chalbi desert.

Photo: Jennifer Nolan / Concern Worldwide

THE REDUCTION of extreme poverty around the world is slowing due to the COVID-19 pandemic – according to Ireland’s largest international humanitarian organisation.

Concern Worldwide said levels of extreme poverty have increased by 7 per cent for the first time in 20 years due to the effects of the global crisis caused by the coronavirus.

Its aid workers – who support people in 23 of the world’s poorest countries – are continuing to help people through these difficult times.

“It’s the first time that we see that we’re not progressing in reducing or eliminating extreme poverty,” said Concern’s International Programmes Director, Carol Morgan.

In order for countries to recover from the effects of the pandemic, Carol said a comprehensive vaccine programme is needed, which is difficult for developing countries who don’t have the same finances as wealthier nations.

Despite charitable efforts to get vaccines to poorer parts of Africa, the rollout is still slow. “Across African countries, it’s about one or two people per 100 of the population that are vaccinated,” said Carol. “If everyone is not vaccinated, then no one is safe. “The capacity in these countries to roll out the vaccine, and the uptake too, is quite a challenge because they don’t have the same level of education programmes that we’ve had around the vaccines.”

Health systems have been “totally overwhelmed” in developing countries, with poorly developed infrastructure, which is unable to deal with the Covid-19 crisis.

On top of this at household level, when poor countries in Africa went into lockdown, many people were left without means of income.

46 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

“That’s more challenging in their context because they don’t have social welfare,” said Carol. “Many people are dependent on what we call the informal sector, such as day labour, or selling some excess produce in the market. “So when they shut down, it meant many people no longer have access to food.”

This has led to a reduction in the amount impoverished people are eating as well as the quality of food, which has led to children who are “very vulnerable” becoming malnourished.

To tackle this, Concern is involved in livelihood programmes aimed at educating people how to sustainably farm, which is part of their ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’.

“It’s about really looking at sustainable productivity,” said Carol.

“At the household level we use what we call garden sacks. Soil is put into sacks and vegetables are grown in these. This is really good for household nutrition level. It’s not labour intensive, and families have access to vegetables all year round. The amount of water needed is minimised using this approach and has been really quite successful in reducing the levels of malnutrition in the community.”

Gifts in Wills play a huge role in the myriad of programmes Concern is involved with, as almost 10 per cent of all donations from the public are legacies.

“This fund is there so that when there is a crisis, or a problem in a country, the funds can be allocated immediately,” Carol explained. “We can do that in 24 hours. The flexibility that gives us is key.”

“Without legacy donations we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do,” she said. “They’re key to helping us plan those longer-term programmes as well, which are key to help people get out of poverty.”

UN: Hunger levels highest in countries affected by climate extremes

This land was once filled with crops, but five years of poor rainfall has left it barren.

U

N warns gains made in ending hunger and malnutrition are being eroded by intense climate extremes.

Worldwide, droughts and floods have more than doubled since the early 1990’s with Africa particularly badly affected.

Climate change has an increasingly destructive impact on people living in already vulnerable communities. Such as those in Niger, Western Africa where 80% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods. And where this year 2.7 million people are now projected to urgently need food if they are to survive.

Since 1968 Irish charity Concern Worldwide has worked around the world helping alleviate hunger caused by natural or manmade disasters. Over this period, climate change has become one of the key drivers of hunger.

Concern not only supplies emergency food, they continue to provide sustainable solutions to vulnerable communities – so they’re able to feed themselves long into the future.

To fund its work, one of Concern’s most vital funding sources – on which it absolutely depends – are gifts in the Wills of its supporters.

These gifts ensure Concern will always be there for people in need of a helping hand.

What Concern’s help looks like In Niger life is a constant struggle for survival which becomes almost impossible during the annual ‘hunger gap’.

Causing untold suffering, the annual hunger gap runs from April to September – with people spending almost half their year struggling to stay alive.

It’s a desperate period where food from the last harvest has run out and it will be months until more is available.

During this time, normal life grinds to a halt. Children leave education to help with agricultural chores at home.

Adults travel anywhere to earn even the smallest amount to support their families.

And Covid-19 has further exacerbated an already dreadful situation. Local markets have less food to sell so prices have risen. And there’s a shortage of seeds for next season’s crops – the pandemic’s deadly effects will be felt next year too.

Vulnerable families, who already have little to eat, are in grave danger.

But thanks to gifts in Wills, Concern is providing food for families in desperate need. And equipping communities to support themselves long into the future.

This is achieved by provid-

ing drought-resistant seeds – proven to yield more food – along with the the tools and training needed to adopt climate-smart techniques.

Chawada Aboubacar is a mother of five. Her family own a small piece of land where they grow the grain, millet. When it runs out between harvests, it used to be a struggle to provide the food they needed to survive.

Chawada’s can feed themselves this year. And have the knowledge and skills to produce enough food to eat every year from now on.

Be part of a world without hunger Won’t you help Concern fight poverty and hunger – to end it in some of the world’s poorest communities – by leaving a life changing gift in your Will?

To discover more about how this transforms and saves lives, please request your complimentary copy of Concern’s legacy booklet.

It shows how legacies are helping the world’s poorest people and answers many questions people have about leaving a gift in their Will.

It also explains how to start With Concern worker the process.

Mounkaîla’s help, Chawada Of course requesting your can now grow food to help free booklet does not oblige her family survive. you to leave a gift, or do anyBut thanks to support thing else. from Concern, she now has a thriving kitchen garden and To receive your free, grows a variety of vegetables. no obligation booklet This will provide nutritious food for her family this year and for years to come. Keeping her children safe from hunger so they can thrive.

“We will start eating cabbage, carrot and lettuce in one month and then the onion in about six weeks. This – in complete garden helps me and my confidence – please family. It makes me happy.” contact Concern’s – Chawada Aboubacar Legacy Manager, By passing on the skills Siobhán O’Connor. she has gained to her chilCall 01 417 8020, dren, Chawada is ensuring email siobhan.oconnor they will be self-sufficient in @concern.net, or visit the future; able to provide www.concern.net/gift for both their own families and the wider community – helping to pull everyone out of poverty.

Thanks to generous people leaving gifts in their Wills to Concern, families like Photo: Apsatou Bagaya / Concern Worldwide.

Photo: Apsatou Bagaya / Concern Worldwide.

Hunger worst in countries with agricultural systems highly sensitive to climate change.

Walking

A Kingdom Classic

Conor O’Hagan guides you on a notable Kerry walk

Bolus Head Looped Walk Ducalla, Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry Ascent: 280m/270m Distance: 9km / 2hr30mins Estimated Time: 3hrs Grade: Moderate Grid Ref: OS Sheet 83, V388650 Terrain: Minor roadways, mountain tracks, green tracks Whoever designed Ireland’s southwest coast obviously believed that you can’t have too many heads. The result is that many people outside the kingdom have never heard of this one, which is remarkable in itself, given the quality of the views from this exposed protrusion into the Atlantic Ocean.

This loop offers a spectacular but safe vantage from which to enjoy sea cliffs without risking life or limb. Views of St Finan’s Bay and Ballinskelligs Bay, not forgetting Great Skellig in the distance with its huge seabird colonies in late spring and early summer, are more than ample reward for the moderate difficulty of the walk.

Other points of interest include a ruined barracks building dating from the Napoleonic Wars, and at the start point, a memorial to the US Navy Liberator aircraft which crashed nearby in World War 2.

Starting from the trailhead, follow the purple arrow along the surfaced road for 1.5km to reach a Y-junction - the roadway to the left is a culde-sac. This is the point from where the loop ‘proper’ begins - you will return to this point later - for now veer right. Follow the road to a gate into a disused farmhouse. Cross the stile and proceed to the back of the house Behind the house the loop turns right and zig-zags along a line of dry ditches, crosses a stream, and starts an angular ascent onto the ridge from where you have superb views of the Skellig Rocks and the Atlantic.

Turn left on the ridge - and be aware of the high cliffs on your right as you follow the purple arrows along the official track on the ascent to reach an old stone hut. From here the loop ascends again - this time along the left of a wire fence - to reach the ruins of a military barracks and lookout post. From the barracks the loop turns left.

48 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Follow the purple arrows on the right of a wire fence as the loop descends gently to a pass at Ducalla and reaches a green road at a stile (on your left). Turn left here. Follow the green road downhill into the townland of Ducalla. After 1km you rejoin the outward section at the Y-junction in B above. Turn right and enjoy the 1.5km back to the trailhead.

hotelwestport

leisure • spa • conference

T

he four-star Hotel Westport is located in 400 acres of woodland, lakeland and parkland in the heart of Westport on the Wild Atlantic Way. Only a short stroll along the Carrowbeg River to the beautiful and historic Westport House. The hotels’ facilities include a 20m pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and gym.

For guests seeking a little more TLC, check out the fabulous treatments on offer in Senses Spa, you will leave feeling

pampered and renewed. The numerous Dining areas offer a comfortable and relaxed socially distanced setting to enjoy a leisurely bite to eat using the best of seasonal products from local and artisan producers. Whilst holidaying in Hotel Westport, enjoy a stroll through the 400 Acre Westport House Estate leading to the Quay or experience the 42km Great Western Greenway that meanders through the Estate all the way to Achill Island. Call today and

book your well-deserved Holiday to the West and enjoy all that Westport has to offer. The Team at Hotel Westport look forward to welcoming you.

BOOK YOUR NEXT GETAWAY IN THE STAYCATION DESTINATION! Tel: 098 25122 Email: reservations@hotelwestport.ie www.hotelwestport.ie

WIN €500 getaway to Hotel Westport WIN €500 towards a 5-Night Golden Holiday of your choice.

Arriving on a Sunday and departing on Friday morning. Enjoy complimentary use of the leisure facilities and wonderful walks through the 400 acres of Westport House Estate.

For your chance to win this great prize, visit www.hotelwestport.ie/golden-holiday-over55.html and tell us the answer to the following question.

What have we planned for 2021?

Tip – Answer is on the Golden Holiday page of our website www.hotelwestport.ie/golden-holiday-over55.html

Home Care

Preventing falls at home With more of us now staying at home, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from falls or accidents in the home One-in three older people fall every year and two-thirds of them fall again within six months according to the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the risk of falling increases with age. Not all falls will result in injury, but a significant number do. For example, 20% of older adults will require medical attention for a fall. 10% will experience a serious injury, such as a fracture and the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions have also seen an increase in reported falls.

According to Danielle Blower, Associate Director, of My Home Care, “Confined home environments for people can lead those individuals with mobility and balance impairments, such as Parkinson’s and dementia, to experience falls. The decline in physical activity, loneliness and lack of vitamin D are also consequences of social isolation, resulting in an increased risk of falls in our ageing population.” Danielle says other risk factors for falls include: limitations in mobility and undertaking activities of daily living without support and polypharmacy, which is the concurrent use of multiple medications by a patient. “Those who are taking more than four different types of medication have been shown to be at an increased risk of falling. “Environmental hazards, such as loose-fitting rugs, uneven floors, inadequate lighting, and stairs without supporting handrails are also risks.”

Regular exercise regime of strength, flexibility, mobility and balance can have a huge impact on someone’s risk of falling. Physically inactive people can lose as much as 3% to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after the age of 30. Even if you are active, you’ll still have some muscle loss. Any activity is better than none. The more you do the better, even if it’s getting up to make a cup of tea and moving around your home.

Try to do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility at least 2/3 days a week, such as lifting weights. And do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity if you are active, such as aerobics 50 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

or jogging. Regular changes from light to moderate to vigorous activity will keep the body energised and the mind sharp. A Chartered Physiotherapist with falls management experience should be consulted to implement a range of balance, strength and mobility exercises, to aid in the implementation of a falls prevention programme.

Avoiding falls at home Tips for preventing falls in the home include: • immediately mopping up spillages • removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet • using non-slip mats and rugs • making sure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit • organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept • to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things • getting help to do things you're unable to do safely on your own • not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights • not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up • wearing well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the • ankle • taking care of your feet by trimming your toenails regularly and seeing a GP or chiropodist about any foot problems

We empower you to lead an independent lifestyle

"Since signing up for Isaac care I’ve had reassurance that my Mam is ok and can easily access help if needed. Isaac is helping us provide better care to her at home and she is much happier and more independent since we started using Isaac’s services."

by Charlie Trustpilot reviewer

Our GPS enabled falls device, the Isaac Pendant, and smart motion sensors feed information into our app to provide you with the information you need, when you need it.

Empowering our clients to live happier and safer in the comfort of their own homes with the assistance of technology and support from our home care partner, myhomecare. www.isaac.care

Home Care

Kare Plus – Care with a ‘K’, Care with a difference!

We at Kare Plus pride ourselves on consistently offering the highest quality of care and support services. We are a HSE-approved provider.

Our highly-experienced management team guarantee that we deliver superior homecare, nursing and healthcare services.

Each of our staff members go through a rigorous recruitment process before commencement of employment to ensure that we only employ qualified, experienced and trustworthy care-givers. Regular spot checks are carried out to ensure that our carer’s are continually working in line with our high standards. Prior to the beginning of any care package, a risk-assessment is carried out, carers & clients are introduced and an individualised comprehensive care plan is composed.

Kare Plus was established in 1989 and today Kare Plus Ireland is recognised as one of Ireland’s fastest growing healthcare providers. We have offices located in Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Dublin, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

We have over 25 years’ experience in delivering care and support to individuals in their own homes, and supplying nurses, healthcare assistants, home carers and more to the private and public sector. Our aim is to deliver the highest possible standard of care services and first class customer service.

Each of our specialist Kare Plus teams are highly skilled; their expertise, professionalism and reliability guarantees we deliver exceptional service, first time, every time. Kare Plus offer a range of healthcare services to a diverse range of clients.

What our clients say “Nikki and all who cared for dad, thank you so much for all the excellent care and kindness shown to dad. Pete and I really appreciate that we know he was in such good care.”

A Client-Led Service What does ‘client-led’ really mean?

It is a service which fulfils the clients’ needs and expectations, and exceeds client expectations wherever possible. Prior to the commencement of any care package, we will carry out an assessment of needs, a risk-assessment, introduce carers and compose an individual, specialised care plan which comprehensively outlines the needs of the client and identifies how these needs will be met. Our carers will ensure that all needs and expectations are met.

If you or a loved one are in need of some extra help at home please contact your local Kare Plus office to arrange a free consultation or to find out more information on the services we offer.

Living safely and independently at home for longer We live in an age where most seniors don’t want to move into retirement or nursing homes. In fact, over 93 per cent of seniors say they want to age in the comfort of their own homes. This had led to a growing market in the technology supported care space. It is revolutionising the way people are cared for at home.

Most recently, one of Ireland’s leading home care companies, Myhomecare, introduced their latest service “Isaac Care” to the market.

It focuses on using ambient assistive technology to empower people to living safely and independently at home for longer. Building on over 10 years’ experience in providing high quality homecare services, this unique solution has brought innovative telecare to the Irish market. The solution itself combines a family caring app with a range of assistive technology devices and support services, forming a complete independent living solution. The innovative solution is being rolled out to homes across Ireland, enabling people to effectively manage their own or their loved one’s health, from the comfort of their own home.

The game changer here is the solution is fully supported by MyHomecare. This means they can step in and provide in person care to service users if needed, for as long as needed, until they are back on their feet. This bridges the gap between technology and care, in order to provide a complete solution.

The Isaac Care team design bespoke packages tailored to the individual’s needs. Their services include a 24/7 call centre, remote monitoring of vital signs, homecare services, and a first responder service. These services support their technology offering which include smart ambient motion sensors, a GPS enabled falls device called the “Isaac Pendant” and vital monitoring devices including blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, weighing scales and blood glucometers. One of its key strengths are all their devices are fully pre-configured and work straight out of the box with no need for an installation team.

52 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Their devices are built with simplicity in mind, so anybody, regardless of their technological capabilities can use them.

All information from their devices is transferred into their user-friendly family caring app, where information can be shared with circles of care.

The Isaac Care app allows families to easily manage care through a simple messaging feature, calendar management, and allows each user to input their medical history, meaning all their important information is always on hand and stored in one secure place.

CARE WITH A ‘K’

care with a difference!

Kare Plus provides the following services: Homecare

For more information please contact your

Postnatal, Parenthood & Household Support

local Kare Plus Office below:

Intellectual Disability Services For Children & Adults Assistance with Daily Living Dementia & Alzheimer Care

WEXFORD - wexford@kareplus.ie WEST - west@kareplus.ie

End Of Life & Palliative Care

MIDWEST - midwest@kareplus.ie

Emergency Care & Respite

DUBLINSOUTH - dublinsouth@kareplus.ie

Mental Wellbeing Support

SOUTHEAST - southeast@kareplus.ie

Holiday Care

WATERFORD & SOUTH TIPPERARY -

For more information please visit

www.kareplus.ie

waterfordsouthtipperary@kareplus.ie

Kare Plus Kerry Coming Soon!

Travel

Take a break on the Costa Del Cork and Kerry!

The four star Kenmare Bay Hotel offer a range of accommodation including their two bedroom luxury lodges

Mairead Robinson suggests some great self-catering options for late summer There is no doubt that it has been a long and lonely year for many of us, with the senior population being the one that has stuck most obediently to the restrictions. But the upside to this situation is that the government has been rolling out the vaccines according to age, with the eldest citizens at the top of the queue. The relief for so many people is huge, and the opportunity to meet family and friends again is very welcome. It also means that fully vaccinated seniors are the first out of the traps when it comes being able to organize a well earned holiday break. While traditional sun spots might not be on the cards for everybody just yet, Irish hospitality is ready and able to welcome visitors for a well-deserved break. So now that inter-county travel is back, it is time to head to the hills and coast for a well deserved break.

There are many popular destinations in Ireland for the domestic visitor, but in my opinion there is nowhere better than the south west of the country, specifically Cork and Kerry. I am somewhat biased, as I have made my home in both counties, while having originated from the capital. Firstly there is the climate, East Cork benefits from being in the ‘Sunny South East’, while West Cork and Kerry benefit from the gentle gulf stream, which means that palm trees and exotic plants flourish – just visit Dursey Island for an example. The scenery is second to none, there are an abundance of castles and historic sites to visit, pristine beaches to enjoy, and gorgeous routes to drive that will take your breath away.

Also I have noticed over the past few years how the food scene has improved so dramatically. You are not limited to a ‘Toasted Special & Chips’ when you stop for lunch any more, there are wonderful seafood platters, farmhouse cheeses, chowders and wholesome brown bread to choose from. So whether you are driving around the Wild Atlantic Way, or basing yourself in a

self-catering cottage in the region, you have an abundance of choice when it comes to enjoying local cuisine. I like to opt for selfcatering to enjoy privacy and independence and also if you choose a self catering lodge or cottage that is connected to a good hotel, you really have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy all the amenities of the hotel - restaurant, bars, golf, leisure centre, spa etc. – while having your own private ‘home’ to return to. You can also choose different restaurants and cafes in the area to sample, without being restricted to the hotel restaurant all the time. These days are so many four and five star hotels that offer great luxury self-catering options, and in my opinion, this is certainly a great option when visiting an area.

A favourite destination for many people from the capital is the town of Killarney. If you prefer not to drive, and instead take advantage of your Travel Pass, you can opt for the train to the centre of the town, and from there it will be a short hop to your chosen hotel. Some hotels even provide a pick up from the station, and there are plenty of taxis ready to meet all the arriving trains. Killarney is a great town to base yourself in and from where you can tour the ring of Kerry.

The Gleneagle Hotel will even pick you up from the train station. They have luxury apartments which can accommodate up to 5 people, and are offering a three night stay in a two bed apartment for up to five people for just €255 There is also a four night stay for just €250 and then this goes down to €225 per night for a seven night stay. Check out the hotel for availability and best rates. Residents have full use of extensive leisure facilities. www.gleneagle.com The Castlerosse Park Resort have luxury lodges right on their scenic golf course and are very popular with golfers. Guests also have full use of their leisure facilities so if golf in a gorgeous setting is your thing, they are offering

54 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

a midweek four night break from €345 and a two night weekend break for just €240 www.castlerosse.ie Killarney Park Hotel: so if you fancy some serious five star luxury right in the centre of town, The Killarney Park Hotel are offering four nights for the price of three in July. If you want to have a bit of luxury in the midst of your selfcatering break, this is the best hotel in town.

Enjoy four nights from just €1,050.00 www.killarneyparkhotel.ie The gourmet town of Kenmare is situated just forty minutes drive from Killarney and offers a host of accommodation choices from the five star Park Hotel and Sheen Falls Hotel and there are great dining options in Kenmare town itself.

The four star Kenmare Bay Hotel offer a range of accommodation including their two bedroom luxury lodges which are available for just €314 depending on the length of stay. Self catering options at the Kenmare Bay Hotel are very popular for both their Luxury Lodges where they have a 3 nights for the price of 2, or 4 nights for the price of 3 on certain dates. www.kenmarebayhotel.com Just outside of Kenmare on the Sneem side, sits the lovely Parknasilla Resort & Spa www.parknasillahotel.com – who also have self-catering accommodation, however this is very heavily booked for the summer months.

Great value is available if you want to travel in the off-peak season, with October rates just €155 for their luxury two bed Courtyard Lodges.

The Sneem Hotel enjoys a beautiful location on the sea front entering the picturesque town of Sneem. Their self-catering options start at €250 for a 2 night stay, €355 for a 3 night stay and €420 for four nights. Once again this is for a two bedroom accommodation. www.sneemhotel.com

The BioXtra range of mouth care products offers a complete solution to dry mouth that works throughout the day and night.

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Prescribed and recommended by doctors and dentists

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Available in your local pharmacy.

Another five star option in East Cork is the Castlemartyr Resort– www.castlemartyrresort.ie which offers luxury self-catering option on their extensive grounds which include a historical walled garden.

Moving west, the Derrynane Hotel and Ocean Front Cottages, www. thederrynanehotel.com - again offering deluxe self catering choices as well as hotel rooms and have one of the most stunning locations in Kerry. Check the hotel for availability and costs of their cottages.

Kerry has an abundance of accommodation choices, and it appears that since reopening on 2nd of June this year, bookings have been flying in, so you should get in touch with your chosen accommodations as soon as you decide your itinerary. If you do not get your chosen dates, there is great comfort in knowing that after August, you will be able to avail of even better rates and options.

However a quick look at their websites or indeed a telephone call will very soon be giving you all the information you need. And like Kerry, Cork has choices ranging from basic to luxurious and stretching from west Cork to include Kinsale, Clonakilty and Bantry, to East Cork which includes Ballymaloe, Ballycotton, Youghal and Midleton, home of Jameson Whiskey. Certainly if it is beaches you are looking for, you could not find better than Youghal, where a new extension to its Eco-Boardwalk is about to open stretching it all the way back to Redbarn. Here the Quality Hotel - www.qualityyoughal.ie – offers self catering cottages right beside the beach for a real seaside holiday experience. Three nights self-catering here is priced from just €295 As with all the hotels offering self-catering options, the facilities of the hotel itself are open to selfcatering guests.

Staying with East Cork and the Sunny SouthEast, if you are looking for a five star stay with a luxurious spa, then Fota Island Resort & Lodges - www.fotaisland.ie - is set in beautiful grounds, could be a perfect choice.

The fact that it is close to Fota Island Wildlife Park, recently reopened as restrictions are lifted, is an added bonus. There are also spa and golf packages available. Four nights for two people in one of their luxury self-catering cottages is priced at €1,055 Availability is limited, so call the hotel directly at 021-4883700 or check the website for rates and availability.

Another five star option in East Cork is the Castlemartyr Resort– www. castlemartyrresort.ie which offers luxury self-catering option on their extensive grounds which include a historical walled garden. You have blue flag beaches, great restaurants and wonderful walks on your doorstep, and it is merely a half hour drive from Cork city. Again, while staying in the privacy of their luxury lodges, you also have all the facilities of the hotel, including the Spa, Golf and Restaurant.

You can choose from The Walled Garden, Heron’s Reach or The Mews for self-catering options. You are also just a short drive from the weekly Farmer’s Market in Middleton, where you can stock up on lots of local produce.

Turning to West Cork there are no shortage of self-catering options, both attached to hotels, and stand-alone houses. If you want to be close to the sea and enjoy some sea water therapy, then the one place has to be is Inchydoney Hotel & Spa – www. inchydoneyisland.com is home to Ireland’s first seawater spa. Apartments can sleep up to six people. Situated in the lovely little town of Clonakilty, there are many independent self-catering options in the immediate area.

Facilities include whale watching, surfing, walks, cycling and golf.

The Clonakilty Park Hotel – www.clonakiltyparkhotel.ie formally known as the Quality Hotel offers spacious

56 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

self-catering lodges for short lets during the off-peak months, and during July and August a week’s stay is priced at €1129, while just €845 in June and September. Contact the hotel directly for best rates.

Another West Cork gem has to be the gourmet town of Kinsale, and here again there are many self-catering options. Kinsale Hotel & Spa www.kinsalehotelandspa.ie also have some beautifully designed lodges built around the main hotel building. You can choose from the Oysterhaven Suite Lodge, one of twelve Superior Lodges, or four Classic Lodges. Once again the Spa, Leisure Club and Restaurant facilities are all available to guests staying in one of the lodges.

While there are many self-catering options that are not connected to a hotel, I personally feel that having all a good hotel facilities on your doorstep – restaurant, bar, leisure centre, spa, golf etc. is the perfect self-catering package.

However it is very easy to find stand-alone cottages and houses for rent throughout Cork and Kerry in all the most scenic and beautiful locations. A quick search on Google will bring up hundreds of options.

At the time of going to print, it appeared that bookings have been coming in fast and furious over the past couple of weeks since hospitality opened up again. Many hotels said they had almost no availability for July left and limited options for August. However, it is always a great option to look at September, as the weather is often lovely and the roads are quieter. I also recommend always telephoning the hotel to check for best rates, and get in there as early as you can to make sure that you get your well-deserved holiday break in the coming months.

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Wine World

Wines have personality too!

Mairead Robinson suggests seeking out some exceptional wine instead of the usual.

There is a huge variety of wine available to the consumer in Ireland these days, and there is also quite a price war especially in the supermarkets. It is incredible that you can buy a bottle for as little as five euro, when the tax on each bottle amounts to more than that. While there are often bargains to be found, honestly when the price is rock bottom, the quality is usually that also.

The bulk of the cheaper wines are mass produced using cost saving methods and often large amounts of sulphites to save on time and money. The headache you might endure the morning after a bottle of one of these wines will tell you all you need to know!

So life is too short to drink really bad wine, something that we all realise as we get older, but there are certainly bargains out there if you keep an eye out. But certainly more important than just the price, is the personality, the character, the individual expression of a really good wine. It is also so rewarding to get to know the story behind the wines that you enjoy, and certainly as a wine writer I have had the great pleasure of visiting many wineries around the world and meeting the winemakers behind the labels. And so I was fascinated recently to hear about an Irish company importing really interesting wines from small producers and making them available to buy on-line at very reasonable prices. Wines With Stories was founded ten years ago by Sherril and Thomas Soliman who met, married and lived for some years in Venice where they enjoyed excellent quality artisan wines from small producers who often found it difficult to find a market for their wines outside of Italy. On returning to Belfast and seeing what they experienced as the inferior quality and high price of Italian wines here, they began to import wines not only from Italy, but as the business grew, they included wines from small.

Sheril explains: ‘The idea behind Wines With Stories is that authentic, artisan wines with

provenance always have stories, whereas commercial wines, produced on an industrial scale never do. It’s a great filter when selecting wine from a restaurant menu or at a wine store.

Ask what the story is behind the wine. If there isn’t one, then don’t risk buying a commercial wine that is generally propped up with high levels of sulphites and other chemicals to cover bad wine making. Commercial wines are often produced with seductive looking bottles and confected brand names, rather than an

58 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

authentic winery name. Usually they have created a brand, hired a massive bottling plant and bought in bulk wine to put in the millions of bottles they then produce to flood the export markets. The UK and Ireland in particular are awash with commercial wines, due to the high rates of excise duty in both markets putting pressure on pricing’.

the Garanega grape, and the beautiful Austrian Gruner Veltliner Ried Schneiderberg from Weinrieder. For lovers of a good white wine, these two are stunners. Don’t over chill them so you get the beautiful round flavours in the mouth as you savour them. And when it comes to red wines, it would be very hard to beat the Dogarina Carmenere from Italy or the full bodied Skemerdans Grenache from South Africa. These are definitely wines with character and personality - well worth checking out. Get the full story on www.wineswithstories.com

Wine World

Listen to my wine podcasts!

Well after hearing that, I certainly had to try these wines and see for myself what the ‘story’ was.

Certainly the price was fair enough, with a case of six bottles often costing less than €100 and delivery included with the case arriving the following day from ordering. I have to say I was blown away by the quality and individual personality of some of the wines I tasted. White wines in particular impressed me, as this was an opportunity to get away from the usual Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. I loved the Anselmi San Vincenzo made with primarily

And talking about stories, I am delighted that our Senior Times Wine World podcasts are proving so popular. It is so interesting to chat about wine with people who have a passion for it, and hearing their individual stories is fascinating. My first conversation with Sommelier Alain Bras was very informative for those wishing to learn more about wine, and Bill Kelly from Kelly’s Resort Hotel had lots to say about his wine journey. About to be released is my next conversation regarding women in the wine business, specifically in South Africa. So if you have not had an opportunity to listen to these yet, do go to www.seniortimes.ie and check out the range of fascinating podcasts that you can enjoy. Until the next time, enjoy your summer tipples and whatever you do, try something new from the wonderful world of wine!

First two Magic of Mozart podcasts now available!

The first two parts of The Magic of Mozart podcasts in the Senior Times Classical Collection series are now available, featuring many of the notable works and key events in the life of the genius composer.

To listen to these podcasts visit seniortimes.ie and click on ‘Podcasts’.

Watch out for the third and final part of this series which is coming soon!

Hosted by John Low these podcasts include many of Mozart’s most celebrated works and some which may be new to you.

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 59

Profile Queen of all she surveys – Joy Larkcom in her Co Cork garden

Joy Larkcom: ‘I suppose I did introduce a lot of things (like rocket, purslane, endives and chicories). It would have happened eventually.

Even now, I see vegetables and think - 'oh my God, I introduced that'.

g e v e h t f o n e e Qu

Colette Sheridan meets pioneering gardener Joy Larkcom

West Cork-based gardener extraordinaire, Joy Larkcom, is enjoying her 'retirement garden,' cultivating tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers for the summer while also working on her extensive archive. The 85-year old English woman, the grand old lady of gardening, was described by The Daily Telegraph as having ‘had more effect on the way we grow and eat salads and vegetables than all the celebrity chefs put together.’

It's quite an accolade and one that Joy, modest but quietly assertive, accepts. ‘I suppose I did introduce a lot of things (like rocket, purslane, endives and chicories). It would have happened eventually. Even now, I see vegetables and think - 'oh my God, I introduced that'.

Joy wrote gardening columns for years and has published several books including Grow Your Own Vegetables, The Organic Salad Garden, Creative Vegetable Gardening, Oriental Vegetables and her wonderful memoir, Just Vegetating. She advocated intercropping - sowing a fast-growing crop (salad leaves or spring onions) between the rows of slower growing crops (cabbage, kale, leeks). The

standard practice in Ireland, Britain and several regions of Europe was to grow in rows wellspaced and wait for maturity. With intercropping, the fast crop would be harvested long before the slower one needed the space. This was revolutionary at the time. It made for a more productive garden and a more efficient one with less weeding needed.

Always interested in gardening having been brought up in rural Berkshire, Joy has a BSc in horticulture from Wye College. She has worked as a teacher and as a librarian before devoting her life to gardening and writing about it. She remembers as a young girl helping her father to create a garden. ‘He would give me wireworms to take to the chickens.’

Surprisingly, Joy doesn't think she has ‘very green fingers. A sign of really green fingers is people who can take cuttings which always strike. I don't think I have that magical ingredient.

But I do love gardening. I suppose I know quite a bit but there are so many variables. I'm very suspicious of anybody who comes up with all the answers. Even now if I go to a garden, I always learn something. But I don't have the mega green fingers that some people have.’

60 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

What Joy and her late husband. Don Pollard, had in spades was an adventurous risk-taking spirit. Back in 1976, before supermarkets sold bags of mixed salad leaves, they and their two young children, Kirsten and Brendan, set off around Europe with a caravan on what Joy called her 'Grand Vegetable Tour.' While Don did the cooking and taught the children, Joy would set off on her bicycle to find out how people were growing vegetables. She collected seeds of rare varieties. It was a tour that sparked a lifetime of garden writing.

Looking back on that adventure, Joy says it was ‘a pivotal year in our lives. It was an absolutely incredible experience. Ever since that trip, I can't bear to see a drop of water being wasted. Finding water was our crucial aim every day as we moved around. The people we met and what we learned was amazing. It was kind of brave. We did take a gamble. Don had to leave his teaching job and he never really got it back. The school refused to give him a year's sabbatical. Afterwards, he had to do supply teaching and things like that. We hoped to have an income from renting our house back in the UK but the people living there went broke so we never got that. We

Profile

What Joy Larkcom and her late husband. Don Pollard, had in spades was an adventurous risk-taking spirit.

were living on a shoestring. But we got through it. It affected everything we did subsequently, gardening-wise.’

Back in England, in her market garden in East Anglia, Joy developed the salad seeds mixtures that are so popular today. She championed organic gardening before it was popular.

She also travelled to China and Japan on a quest to explore oriental vegetables. And all the time, she was writing, distilling her knowledge in an accessible and often witty way, including columns for The Observer.

As it says in the publisher's introduction to her memoir, ‘From unusual cabbages to Chinese ways of growing garlic, truffle orchards to herb conferences, tomato breeders to slugduggery, Joy's writings reflect her wide-ranging interests.

And whether she is describing an onion festival or the vagaries of seed sowing, her love of potagers or the creation of her 'retirement' vegetable garden on the west coast of Ireland, they are always engaging.’

Joy misses her husband - and his imaginative cooking. ‘I was interested in cooking but nothing special. I still can't make a cake. Don completely took over the cooking the year we were travelling and he cooked ever since.’

Us Irish traditionally overcooked vegetables.

As did British people. ‘My mother was Scottish.

Even as a teenager, it broke my heart to see the way she cooked vegetables to death. We had a big old range. I would push the vegetables off the heat. It wasn't much different to the way the Irish cooked vegetables. But cooking is amazing now.’ Ingredients from around the world as so accessible these days’.

Joy says it is possible to grow decent vegetables and herbs even in small urban spaces. ‘I'm always interested in what you can do in difficult environments such as what's called

Creative Vegetable Gardening, one of the many books on vegetables written by Joy Larkcom

'cut-and-come-again' growing. This means you can grow an awful lot in little spaces. So many things are being done in cities now with window boxes on balconies. You can also use allotments and spare spaces. There's a big move towards that. I've travelled quite a lot in China and I've seen the balconies, or platforms really, that people build attached to their homes quite high up. They put soil in old bowls with holes in the bottom. It can be done.’

Concerned about climate change, Joy says she was writing about it twenty-five years ago.

‘I think at that point, we had no idea of how huge the potential damage was. As the situation got worse, I've just been feeling devastated at the lack of political will and people not taking it seriously. It's such an important issue. I feel such despair.’

But that doesn't stop Joy from doing her bit and advising people that we should all cut down on waste. ‘It's really about taking a step back from the kind of luxuries we all now take for granted.

This thing that you've got to have the best and the latest, having the heat on all the time rather than wearing heavy sweaters..I'm still old fashioned and frugal because I was brought up in war time.’

Joy abhors the extravagance she observes in everyday life. ‘If everybody could use less energy and less plastic and just cut back instead of everyone feeling they have to have mobile phones, for example. We're so materialistic.’

These days, Joy, who has had 'wonky knees ' for a while, finds it hard to walk around and bend down when gardening. ‘I used to swim once a week in a pool in Clonakilty but with Covid, that has been impossible. It has had a really bad effect on me. If I garden for a little

while, my back starts to ache. So I'm limited. But we were lucky that when we sold our house in the UK, it paid for this one and with the extra money left over, we built a greenhouse. We linked it to the outbuildings and the house. It has been a complete life-saver for me. It is purpose built so that everything is at my height and it's very convenient. In winter, it's full of Chinese greens, salad plants and chicories and now I've got broad beans beginning to come in and peas. The problem is I need to change the soil.

I'll have to get strong people in to do that.’

With such a wealth of knowledge and experience, it's only fitting that Joy's writing is going to be archived in the Garden Museum in London.

‘They have lottery money to keep an archive of garden designers. Before, all the famous English gardeners' stuff ended up in the US. In the London archive, I'll be the kind of token vegetable lady. It was the late Beth Chatto (well known for her plants) who suggested to the museum that they ask me to give them my archive. So that's what I'm working on at the moment. I'm trying to do it during energy spurts.

The trouble with being old is that you don't get many energy spurts.’

The Observer has described Joy as 'the queen of vegetable growing.' However, Joy writes in Just Vegetating that the mainstream press ‘poured scorn’ on the early Organic Growers Association that she reported on.

Clearly far-seeing, Joy says organic vegetables are now utterly mainstream. ‘There's been a huge change in attitude.’ And some of it is down to this pioneering woman who created a niche for herself that has also bettered our everyday experience of food consumption.

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 61

Creative Writing

o g n a T e h Tackling T

Eileen Casey discovers ‘a must for poetry lovers and lovers of tango’

...‘and out they went, cheek to cheek as though swept along by the swirling tide of the tango, as though they’d got lost in the tango’ Jorge Luis Borges (The Man on the Pink Corner) When poet and writer Liz McSkeane relocated from Scotland to Ireland in 1981, it wasn’t long before she found her way into Dublin’s literary circles. Born of mixed heritage (Glasgow father, Dublin mother), she didn’t begin to write poetry until she came to Ireland, working initially as a teacher of languages before moving into curriculum development and freelancing. ‘Writing was – and is – a very normal thing to do in her adopted city. Much less so in Scotland at that time,’ though she thinks it might have changed now.

How might she define a good poem? The question brings a smile, ‘I wouldn’t even try! But I think I know it when I see it’. Her poem ‘Sculpture, Botanic Gardens’ which features in her second collection Snow at the Opera House (New Island, 2001) expresses something of her thoughts about what poetry and art, is. ‘I wrote it after seeing one of the first sculptures they started to put up in the Botanic Gardens in Dublin. It was a kind of a tripod, tepee-like construction.’ After reading the poem, her explanation makes perfect sense; 62 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

...‘I love the skewedness/of it/and the slap-dash harmony/that mixes permissiveness and care/in just the right amounts; enough attention/to give it shape and make it hold its centre/but not too much, no search for perfection/or even symmetry in it, but freedom/to grow to itself, from its own wisdom.’

‘Sculpture, Botanic Gardens’ and a second poem ‘Water Lilies, Botanic Gardens,’ won McSkeane a Hennessy/Sunday Tribune New Writer Award in 1999. No mean feat for a writer whose biggest obstacle, by her own admission, is getting started. ‘Someone once suggested telling myself that I was going to do just 15 minutes’ work, then I could go back to whatever I really wanted to do. I almost always find that when I am actually sitting down and writing, it just goes on and the morning has gone’. Her first novel Canticle was one of the 2016 winners of the Irish Writers’ Centre/Greenbean Novel Fair Competition. Based on the life of the Spanish mystic and poet, St John of the Cross, it was published in 2018. Readers of that very intriguing work will be glad to know that a second historical novel, now in its final stages of completion, will be published early in 2022. A big fan of detective fiction and spy novels, one of her favourite writers is John Le Carré. She’s currently reading Music for the Dead and Resurrected by Valzhayna Mort, a poet from Belarus. ‘It’s

Creative Writing

a searing indictment of life under an authoritarian regime and beautiful crafted, engaged poetry.’

Which brings me to McSkeane’s recently published Learning to Tango, also beautifully crafted, using the tango dance as a foundation for poetic form. ‘Tango is magical. I find the music very moving, it makes me want to get up and dance! The dance itself is very technical, quite difficult, for me at least, and so a big challenge.’ We are all familiar with Strictly Come Dancing. Tango is consistently one of its most popular forms. Who could ever forget Debbie McGee’s tango action? Indeed, tango discipline is a blueprint for enlightened mind, body, spirit. However, I’m soon to learn that the real tango - Argentine tango – ‘isn’t really like the dance you see in Strictly, although there are common elements. That is ballroom tango, which is quite different and of course, when you see Debbie and the rest tripping the light fantango, those dances are choreographed with care and are flamboyant. Real life tango is improvised – as are salsa and swing, i.e. the leader determines the moves and the follower – well – follows.’ There’s no doubting the philosophical aspect, surely? ‘I can step or turn/on one foot but please, not both/at the same time. Choose’ (‘Tango Plea’, Learning to Tango). McSkeane describes ‘Tango Plea’ as a ‘tongue-in-cheek plea from a follower, begging the leader not to ask for the impossible;(you can’t take a step and turn at the same time, but sometimes inexperienced leaders try to lead that, which can make you fall over!).’ Is there a lesson for life in there? Yes. ‘Something about keeping expectations reasonable and realistic, if you want results’.

I can’t help wondering if this vibrant woman’s ability to explore dance in writing, must surely mean that music is a constant in her soul? That she must feel most alive when dancing?

‘I wouldn’t say I am very musical in an active way but maybe I have a feel for it that tango brought out. I play the guitar a very little bit. I’d love to learn the piano and have started but I never learned as a child and I can’t read music. I’ve always loved to listen though, to classical music and opera.

Tango music is a new discovery for me.’ Did she dance at home during lockdown? Or has writing the poems kept her attuned and connected?

Could she continue to hear the music in her head? ‘Unfortunately, the lockdown put paid to tango. At milongas (tango dances) and in classes, people often switch partners which is obviously completely impossible in this era of the pandemic. I can’t see tango starting up again until this pandemic is completely under control.’ One thing for sure though is that a dance that began in 1880 in dance halls and perhaps brothels in the lower class districts of Buenos Aires is not going to disappear no matter what pandemic. Once passion for tango bites, it won’t let go, especially the Buenos Aires version, where the Spanish tango, a light spirited variety of flamenco, merges with the milonga, a fast sensual and disreputable Argentine dance.

So where did it all begin and how did such a vivid collection emerge as a result? She tells me that she ‘stumbled into tango by accident. About 12 years ago, a friend asked me to accompany her to a class. She dropped out and I stayed, which is really surprising, as I was never any good at dancing, or sport, or anything like that.’ So how then did she fall in love with tango?

Learning to Tango carries a lovely quote in McSkeane’s acknowledgements about tango being part of the ‘intangible cultural heritage’ of humanity’. ‘UNESCO have a designation that recognises a cultural heritage which isn’t tangible, in the way that painting or a building or a book is. There is a Dept. of Foreign Affairs document which explains this, and here is a quote from it “Intangible cultural heritage ‘refers to the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of their cultural heritage.’

‘Interestingly, some of the flashy things you see dancers doing are less difficult than the simple things – like walking. The walk is a very important basis of tango, requiring balance, correct posture, timing, smooth change of weight from one foot to the other – and more! In a poem titled ‘the walk’ the lines ‘in tango the walk is simple/and therefore, takes a lifetime to learn’; is one which continues to resonate. Another poem describes, almost in slow motion, the movement of the dance; ‘draws strength from the earth/to power the standing leg/which propels the free/foot forward back to the side/in the beginning, the end’ (‘The Tango Step’).

Naturally, for a busy, working writer and publisher, McSkeane’s involvement with tango has not been continuous. ‘After an intense first two and a half years, when I went to classes and milongas several times a week (like sport or a musical instrument, you need to keep practising), I had to give it up for a while’. After all, she was completing Canticle and it’s not possible to write and dance at the same time. ‘It took up too much emotional energy. Since then, I’ve been dancing on and off and during COVID, not at all. Though I still listen to tango music and sometimes do a few exercises.’ Which brings us full circle to McSkeane’s writing, a constant in Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 63

Creative Writing

her life. Learning to Tango is a must for poetry lovers and lovers of tango.

It’s quite remarkable how McSkeane delivers a Master Class in both forms. Not only can readers engage with the dance but also, the poems are a visual pleasure, using shape in interesting and flamboyant ways.

The symbiotic relationship between the two is clearly evident. Tango has been good to her, gifting her a sequence of poems that are a delight on many levels. I ask if there are any rituals around the act of writing, a particular process in terms of time and place? ‘No rituals though I do tend to write in the morning. I can write anywhere really. I have a designated work space – my study – but I often find myself writing in the kitchen”. I ask if she’s a splurge writer or an everyday writer. She’s a bit of both as it turns out.

‘I have long stretches of time when I write every day, especially when I’m immersed in a novel or pulling a collection of poetry together. Then I tend to have a break, to explore other ideas and let the well fill up again.”

Where does she get her best ideas? “When I’m not looking!. Anywhere.

From life, from things I hear or read in the paper, or things that happen to me or others’.

One of McSkeane’s favourite quotes about life is taken from a poem by ‘Traveller, there is no road. We make the road by walking. When asked about growing older, she quotes Michael Caine (what he’s supposed to have said!), ‘it’s better than the alternative.’ When she was young she lost a couple of close family members, one of them around her own age.

At that time ‘I promised myself that if I lived to be middle aged, or even old, I would remind myself how little time they got and be grateful to be still here. And I always have.’ Her beloved mother passed away last year, aged 92 so there’s a longevity gene in her bloodline for sure. It’s unlikely McSkeane’s creative energy will run out of steam anytime soon.

In 2017 she started Turas Press. So Long Calypso, her third collection of poetry (first collection, In Flight published by Lapwing) was scheduled for publication a few years before that by Seven Towers Press. Unfortunately, the publisher and a great supporter of poetry, Sarah Lundburg died tragically. ‘I put the book away and more or less abandoned it. After about two years I decided to honour the book and Sarah’s intention so I set up Turas Press, to publish by own work’. ‘Turas’ in both Scottish Gaelic and Irish, means ‘journey’. Today, the press is thriving. 14 books by 64 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

11 writers, two more scheduled for 2021. In The Dark, a Spanish Civil War novel by Dubliner Anamaria Crowe Serrano, is due out this summer and is a stunner.”

Learning to Tango, is a poetry collection that takes me out onto the dance floor and leaves me feeling exhilarated, thanks to its balance of passion and grace. Evidenced in gorgeous lines such as ‘And now, nothing left but to change your shoes,/a little sad that it ended so soon,/ not greedy, though, just thankful for the chance/of one perfect tanda, stumbling home on loose/cobblestones, under this tango moon.’ (from ‘The Perfect Tanda’, Learning to Tango, Turas Press).

Learning to Tango by Liz McSkeane is available directly from Turas, link below or from good bookshops. turaspress.ie/portfolio/poets-and-novelists Choreographed Argentine Tango listed below:Geraldine Rojas and Ezequial Paludi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhuRLqiNm-o&list=PLbEqLwPitL-Yx4OCacomhMc7LYHl-zC_8&index=3 Sebastian Arce and Mariana Montes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKxq-w-Tgg4&list=PLbEqLwPitL-Yx4OCacomhMc7LYHl-zC_8&index=4 Chicho Frumboli and Juana Sepulveda; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Art0OVpLkXQ&list=PLbEqLwPitL-Yx4OCacomhMc7LYHl-zC_8&index=5 María Inés Bogado and Sebastián Jiménez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbOR3e389Yk Ireland---UNESCO-Intangible-Cultural-Heritage.pdf” Ireland has currently three inscriptions on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List: Uilleann Piping, Hurling and Harping”. In 2009, UNESCO designated tango as part of the “Intangible cultural heritage of humanity” https://www.unesco.org/archives/multimedia/document-319

Golf

Dermot Gilleece reflects on the the sometimes fractious relationships between sports stars and the media

Biting the hand that feeds you..

‘Nobody could depart a tournament as expeditiously as Monty at his best. As the big frame swept purposefully towards the car-park, not even the slightest hint was provided of a quick word for a persistent scribe’.

In November 1996, I made the long journey to the Erinvale club near Cape Town to cover the World Cup of golf. Anoraks will recognise this as the memorably emotional occasion when Ernie Els and Wayne Westner combined to gain a runaway victory for the new South Africa.

That alone, made it worth the trip, especially in view of the rather disappointing showing by the Irish partnership of Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington, who finished down in 19th place.

Still, I retain a special memory of the build-up, a few days before a competitive ball was struck.

As I stood in the clubhouse, attempting to get my bearings on the first of the practice days, Harrington approached me. ‘I presume you’re going to want to talk to me at some stage,’ he said. ‘Could we do it now? That would leave me free to hit some balls.’

This was near the end of Harrington’s first year as a tournament professional and I was struck by how quickly he had learned the ropes. And, of course, it suited me perfectly, not having to go searching for him at a fairly expansive venue.

These thoughts returned recently, prompted

by Naomi Osaka, the elite tennis player and

Naomi Osaka: ‘Given the millions in cash she’s raking in, I find it difficult to have any sympathy for Ms Osaka.

Modern sport is so different from what I experienced when learning my craft, that I won’t have any regrets about leaving the Majors behind, even though I retain many great memories from the 104 of them that I’ve attended’.

the storm she caused at the French Open by claiming that meeting the media endangered her mental health. Her eventual decision to withdraw, provoked some fascinating reactions, many supporting her stance, others highly critical. The one that stuck with me was from Martina Navratilova who, with typical bluntness, declared: ‘It’s not a mental health issue, it’s a mental issue for a tennis player.

She’s a four-time [Grand Slam] champion ... she’s a pro, you sign up for this.’

She went on: ‘If the person asks you the same question that you answered already in a press conference, you say ‘asked and answered.’

You need to deal with it, you just got to man up here. Woman up, I should say.’

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 65

Golf

It was inevitable that something like this was going to happen with a leading sportsperson, because of the way social media is making a nonsense of modern, sports press conferences. Gone are the days when a keen, well-respected scribe can corner his or her quarry in a quiet spot and get the interview they desire.

Managers have ensured that their clients will talk only to the media en masse. This includes the various web-sites, often represented by some decidedly dubious characters. At a press conference involving Tiger Woods, say, I would need to be stupid or inordinately vain to ask the great man a question. If it happened to yield a worthwhile answer, it would be plastered all over the internet in a matter of minutes, leaving me with crumbs for the following morning’s paper.

Apparently Ms Osaka found it especially challenging, mentally, to engage in a postmatch press conference if she happened to lose. In my experience, those journalists who have properly learned their craft, will know how to handle such situations without being unduly harsh.

The problem here is that there’s nothing to protect her from some thoughtless novice, working for an obscure internet site.

Losing is never easy, but the way a sportsperson handles defeat, can tell you an awful lot about their character. In an golfing context, I have never observed a better loser than Jack Nicklaus. Woods must also rank very highly for his grace in defeat. Generally, I think Irish sportspeople behave admirably, with Harrington an exemplary representative.

And there’s rarely much difference between the sexes. Both can be difficult or amenable, depending on the circumstances and mood. I remember one particular Irish woman golfer, about whom I wrote many complimentary pieces, waving me away from the 18th green when she lost.

It should be noted, however, that there are certain individuals who can provide great copy, simply by being there. With their emotions worn very clearly on their sleeves, no interview is required, win or lose. One such sportsperson is Colin Montgomerie who ranks in a class apart, pure gold as far as feature writers have been concerned.

I remember mentally thanking him on my own behalf when reporting on the 2007 US Open at Oakmont, where it became obvious he wasn’t having the best of experiences in the second round on the Friday. While making my way back to the clubhouse up the right-hand side of the ninth hole, I noticed him coming towards me in the opposite direction, down the 10th.

‘As I stood in the clubhouse, attempting to get my bearings on the first of the practice days, Padraig Harrington approached me. ‘I presume you’re going to want to talk to me at some stage,’ he said. ‘Could we do it now?

That would leave me free to hit some balls.’

That was when he left the fairway and headed towards his girlfriend, Gaynor Knowles, on the other side of the ropes. As he approached her, I heard him say: ‘It’s such a shame. It’s really upset me. It really, really has.’

Since there was no indication of a warning for slow play, the only clue to Montgomerie’s discomfiture was the decidedly frosty bodylanguage between himself and his caddie.

In the build-up to the championship, the Scot had caused quite a stir by sacking his longtime bagman, Alastair McLean. And on the recommendation of the local caddie-master, he opted for 62-year-old, Billy Goddard, a veritable gem who was guaranteed to meet the player’s requirement of not talking too much. Mind you, that particular quality was later to come under some scrutiny.

Though Montgomerie rallied through a difficult homeward journey, it ended badly, with a double-bogey on the last for an 82 – his worst-ever US Open score since his debut at Baltusrol in 1993. And a foretaste of his likely, post-round mood could be gleaned from a thunderous glare when a shouted ‘Get in the hole!’, greeted the third of six strokes down the last. Embarrassed at what he might have provoked, the noisy youth turned to his fellow spectators and pleaded: ‘I was only trying to encourage him.’

Nobody could depart a tournament as expeditiously as Monty at his best. As the big frame swept purposefully towards the carpark, not even the slightest hint was provided of a quick word for a persistent scribe. So it was that a potentially juicy story seemed to be disappearing with his every stride.

That’s when I came to the rescue of my fellow scribes. Relating to them the words I had overheard from Montgomerie to Ms Knowles on the 10th, I suggested that a chat with the caddie could prove to be fruitful. Which it did.

On being asked if he had any idea as to the

66 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

source of Montgomerie’s black mood and dispirited words on the 10th, Goddard was immediately forthcoming.

It seems that when the player approached his drive down the long fourth, with the infamous Church Pews bunkers on the left, he asked Goddard for the yardage. ‘Lay up or go for it?’ enquired the caddie. ‘I’m going for it,’ came the reply.

Goddard went on: ‘After he made a bogey on the hole, he said to me: 'You should never have said the words lay up'. And after that, we hardly talked. That was the first taste I had of his reputation.’Goddard added: "He’s a good guy but he just gets mad at himself. And he got mad at me, absolutely.’

Still, it made a colourful tale. And Goddard’s description of the Scot was right on the money.

Given the millions in cash she’s raking in, I find it difficult to have any sympathy for Ms Osaka. Modern sport is so different from what I experienced when learning my craft, that I won’t have any regrets about leaving the Majors behind, even though I retain many great memories from the 104 of them that I’ve attended.

Sport teaches great players to be mentally tough, through the ruthless demands of competition. For someone to make an issue of engaging with the media, is to see just the one side of a very complex story.

What about me? What about the arrant nonsense I’ve had to endure over the years, sometimes listening to blatant dishonesty about their less noble achievements? What about the cheating?

There was a time when sportsperson and scribe respected each other, before excess money muddied the waters. The loss of respect, for whatever reason, shouldn’t surprise us.

Northern

By Debbie Orme

Notes

Music

Keeping them down on the farm..

Visitors to Slemish Farm enjoy the craic, while Rae (background) prepares some traditional Norn Iron food!

With ‘staycations’ on most people’s agendas this year, it’s great to know that the North’s Mid and East Antrim areas has plenty to offer everyone.

husband. It was while returning from a holiday to Spain, however, as she was flying over Northern Ireland’s beautiful green countryside and mountains, that Rae decided to share the beauty of the area with tourists.

The area’s beautiful landscape, with its rolling hills and blue skies has been heavily promoted over the last few years – even during the pandemic! – with a view to offering a wide range of interesting and often unique activities to both Northern Ireland’s population – and those from further afield.

Once home, Rae trained as a tour guide and began to fulfil her dream of showcasing everything she loved about home with people visiting the area. During her training, Rae conducted a tour of the farm: a tour, which proved so popular that Slemish Farm Tours was born.

The province is well known for its farming industry and at Slemish Farm Tours, visitors can embrace what grassroots farming is truly about.

‘Our farm tours really do provide the ultimate learning experience for adults and children over twelve years of age,’ says owner, Rae Kirk, who runs the business with her brother, Thomas Moorhead. ‘The farm has been in our family for six generations and Thomas, our father, and Thomas’ son still work the farm today.

‘We farm cattle and sheep, but we also have a soft spot for other farm animals, including donkeys, pygmy goats and hens. We also grow our own vegetables and trees, doing as much as possible to sustain the environment and work with nature to protect the wildlife around the farm.’

Although she’d spent her childhood on the farm, once Rae married, she became a ‘townie’, working in offices and travelling extensively with her

‘Farming,’ says Rae, ‘is more than a job – it’s a way of life – which six generations of this family can vouch for. As well as enjoying the fabulous farm tour and going out over the fields in a trailer pulled by our tractor, Thomas takes visitors on a walk and explains how further development of the environmental aspects of farming is important. The tour also provides the opportunity to see the great range of farm machinery and implements and learn how they’ve been used through the years.

‘Any visit to the farm wouldn’t be complete, of course, without meeting our four-legged family of animals. From pygmy goats and donkeys, to cattle and sheep, visitors have the opportunity pet and fed them. Then, once the tour is over, we then welcome everyone into the kitchen for the ‘yarn and craic’, where they can enjoy traditional Northern Ireland dishes of stew, shepherd’s pie or champ, while listening to stories of the ‘olden days’.

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 67

Northern Notes

Heather (middle) helps her clients to create their own unique pieces.

Heather showcases her crafts to locals and visitors For those more interested in arts and crafts, meanwhile, Gobbins Crafts, which is based in the picturesque village of Islandmagee on the worldfamous Causeway Coastal Route enables owner, Heather McFadden, to showcase the joy of jewellery making for both locals and tourists alike.

‘Throughout history,’ says Heather, ‘the island of Ireland has seen some of the most beautiful pieces of jewellery created. My classes allow people to create their own unique pieces. To see the delight when someone sits down with a strip or sheet of silver and transforms it into a ring, knot or pendant is wonderful.’

Heather has been showcasing the joy of making jewellery for the past four years, and is going from strength to strength.

‘I had been teaching at Belfast Metropolitan College for a number of years,’ says Heather, ‘and I wanted to develop this further by offering my own classes. Over the last few years, jewellery making has proven to be something that more and more people want to learn and I firmly believe that, in light of the pandemic and people’s need to staycation in Northern Ireland, more people will be searching for new and interesting ways to spend their holiday time.

‘Here in the north, we have always had an extensive world of crafting, but with so few classes outside colleges offering the basics, I wanted to offer something that everyone could participate in at every level. That’s why I’ve now got something for everyone – from taster classes to fourweek evening courses – so everyone can embrace the experience!’

Alderman ‘honoured and humbled’ by award Bannside Councillor, Alderman Tommy Nicholl MBE, has thanked the people of the area for their loyalty and support during his 40-year career in local government, after he was presented with a prestigious award from outgoing Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston.

Alderman Nicholl, who was first elected to the former Ballymena Borough Council in May, 1981, said he was ‘humbled and honoured’ to receive a special certificate from Councillor Johnston in his last official engagement of his Mayoral term.

‘I have fought eleven elections over the course of 40 years as a councillor and have been privileged to represent the Bannside constituency throughout all of that time,’ Tommy Nicholl: forty years in local government 68 Senior Times l July - August l 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Alderman Nicholl said. ‘The people of the area have remained loyal to me and I am deeply appreciative of that support. I have a great love for the Bannside people and I have been proud to lobby and campaign on their behalf on a wide range of issues, from roads, to health and education.

‘It was an honour for me to serve as Mayor for two terms, during 2000/01 and 2005/06, and to be able to work for all the people of the Borough, across all sections of the community. My wife, Ellen, was only 44 when she died, but my sons, Raymond and Norman, and the many wonderful friends I have made throughout my life, have given me such support and joy. I am truly grateful to every one of them for being by my side throughout the last 40 years.’

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Northern Notes

NI 100 programme unveiled

by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has launched its NI 100 programme to coincide with Northern Ireland’s 100th anniversary.

Launched against the iconic backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site, the once-in-a-life anniversary encourages everyone to ‘Glance Back, Look Forward’ while showcasing Causeway Coast and Glens’ unique achievements, people and places.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding and Councillor Michelle Knight McQuillan, Chair of Council’s NI 100 Working Group, pictured at the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site, for the official launch of Council’s NI 100 programme of events.

Among the programme events are:

‘We’re proud of where we live,’ said the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Mark Fielding, ‘and we want to showcase this through our programme of events which will take place between now and the end of the year. As a Council we want to mark this important date by focussing on our Borough and its place within Northern Ireland.

We have a rich past and generations of people who have made an enormous contribution to all facets of life throughout the past century and into the present day.’

100 Years – Our Famous Sons and Daughters May 2021 – March 2022 An online exhibition showcasing the achievements of 100 individuals with links to the Borough over the last 100 years, who have made a positive contribution to people’s lives.

Back to the past for Natalie

though they’re not my ancestors – and they’re other people’s family trees – I find the work very rewarding.

Tracing the family tree has become increasingly popular over the last decade but, while many choose to research their own genealogy, family historian and genealogist, Natalie Bodle, has found her research services in increasing demand.

As a child, Natalie had always been interested in her family’s past, but, thanks to her company Roots Revealed, Natalie has now taken her research to the next level as she assists clients from the States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand with finding out about the generations that preceded them. ‘I had had many years’ experience of researching family trees,’ Natalie tells Northern Notes, ‘and found genealogy such an absorbing and interesting hobby that I decided to work towards a professional qualification. I completed a postgraduate certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde, with the aim of setting up my own business as a genealogist and family historian.’

Natalie feels that the link to the past is something that many people now want to discover. ‘I suppose it’s important to have a connection with the past,’ she says, ‘and with people that you don’t even necessarily know. The more you find out about these people, the more real they become, and you can build a picture of their lives and you can tell their stories.

‘Doing genealogy research for other people brings me a huge sense of satisfaction. Even

NI 100 Commemorative Floral Displays June 2021 Themed floral displays will be created across the Borough enhancing our urban areas while increasing biodiversity.

Eat Local Celebration Summer 2021 In association with Taste Causeway, visitors can learn more about the provenance and heritage of our local food, meet local producers and suppliers through a series of videos and menu demonstrations.

For more information, visit causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/ni-100

‘The fact that you can discover information for people that they really want to know, often something that they’ve been researching for many years and that has eluded them, they’re thrilled with it, and I’m really pleased to be able to help them on their ancestral journey.’

Irish genealogy research has a reputation for being difficult due to the destruction of many documents, but Ballymena-based Natalie’s experience and knowledge of where to source records means she can provide detailed family histories.

‘Sometimes,’ Natalie continues, ‘people come over here from countries such as the US and Canada want to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors. They want to visit the places where their ancestors lived.

‘There might still be a little cottage that would be lying in ruins somewhere, and it’s great when we can find that – or maybe the graveyards where some of their ancestors are buries, or the churches where they were married, or places where they worked or the towns and the streets that they walked down. They want to be able to have that connection with the land and walk in their ancestors’ footsteps.’

Natalie says that local access provide added information for her.

‘I recently had undertaken family research for a client to find out about his family before they emigrated to America. And we knew that some of his family were buried in a particular graveyard. It’s a nice old graveyard and I was able to take photographs and provide him with

70 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Roots Revealed founder, Natalie Bodle, in the Linen Hall Library in Belfast.

photos of his ancestors’ headstones. He was delighted with that the information on some of the headstones expanded the family tree even further.

‘People will often find me in a variety of locations.

Sometimes, of course, I’ll be sitting in front of the computer at my home office, but at other times I can be in the Public Records Office in Belfast, the General Register Office out at Stranmillis, the Central Library in Belfast and yes, even the Linen Hall Library in Belfast.

‘My hometown of Ballymena has a great local studies section as well, and you can also find me sometimes walking around old graveyards, searching for headstones. The newspaper library is another great place as well. There’s an awful lot of records that aren’t available online, that locally-based genealogists such as myself can access.’

Finance

Strong uptake in Lifetime Loans since new availability in January

Home refurbishment or retrofit most popular use of funds With a well flagged pent-up demand for lifetime loans, as the product was not available for several years, it wasn’t surprising that Spry Finance have been busy since re-launching in January.

Even before the relaunch, they had built a significant pipeline of unsolicited leads from prospective borrowers who had joined their waiting list on their website. Demand has remained consistent which isn’t surprising as the number of Irish people aged 60 or older has increased by over 50% since lifetime loans were first introduced into the market back in the early 2000s. Today’s over 60s are also more active and feeling younger at heart than ever before – arguably therefore having an even greater desire than their predecessors to maintain a certain level of lifestyle in retirement.

Unfortunately, adequate pension planning and provision has not improved much in that period for many of this new and growing cohort of over 60s who now face the same classic issue of being asset rich but cash poor.

How people use the funds Spry's experience over the last few months would indicate that borrowers will continue to use the loan proceeds in similar ways to those previously experienced in Ireland and other countries. The loans are typically used for more than one purpose, but consistently the most common use is to fund works to the home to make it more comfortable and energy efficient. After that, clearing residual debts to free up monthly cashflow and funding specific care or medical expenses are amongst the variety of other purposes for which the loan

proceeds are used. These are generally once-off expenses that may be a challenge to fund solely from a retiree’s existing pension income.

Experience in other countries The reasons behind lifetime Loans’ consistent popularity in other countries are primarily that older homeowners are often ‘asset-rich’ but ‘cash-poor’ and do not have access to a traditional re-mortgage product due to their reduced income and their age. Cashflow is the big issue. Many of these people live in homes that need upgrading and/or retrofitting.

They may also need money for healthcare needs, or simply for everyday purchases. But understandably, many people in their 60s and 70s don’t want to sell their homes – downsizing is an attractive option for some – but not for all.

Other finance options for this cohort might be to take in a lodger by way of the rent a room scheme; to get financial support from family or friends; to use existing savings if available and/or more efficient budgeting of income and expenditure. Again, these are all worthwhile options for people to consider depending on their individual situation and their needs. A lifetime loan is just that – a solution for a certain situation – it’s certainly not for everyone, but for many people it satisfies a real need and indeed a want for additional funds to support them in later years.

Getting good advice Making any financial decision must be approached with prudence – especially one of this size. Interested parties must know all the facts and figures and use them to assess

whether this option is right for them. Speaking with a lifetime loan expert and taking separate independent legal advice is essential.

Experience indicates that applicants also often include their sons or daughters in the decisionmaking process, as it’s often a case that the family home would become part of their inheritance further down the line. Most sons and daughters invariably wish their parents latter years to be as comfortable as possible and accept that this may involve a reduction in any future inheritance they may ultimately receive.

All applicants are encouraged to take their time in deciding whether a lifetime loan is right for them.

The concept This financial product allows people to release some of the equity (value) in their home without having to sell it or move out. Effectively, a person borrows a lump sum secured on their residence. The amount depends on their age and the value of their house. For example, an 80-year-old can borrow up to 35% of the house value, whilst an 85-year-old could borrow up to 40%. The mortgages are generally much smaller than a conventional mortgage – a typical lifetime Loan would be anywhere between €50,000 to €100,000.

The borrower does not have to make regular re-payments. Instead, the interest is added to the loan each month, so the loan balance grows over time. The interest rate is fixed for life at the outset, therefore, there is predictable certainty in terms of the size of the outstanding loan balance at any time in the future.

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 71

Meeting Place NOTE: When replying to advertisements give only your telephone number and/ or email address. Do not give your postal address.

SUPPORT GROUP for those estranged from their family of origin. I would like to form a group which will meet regularly for support and friendship. All people are welcome.

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REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W16 DID YOU REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B2 in the last issue?

The advertisement read: ‘DUBLIN WIDOWER looks younger, tall, active, NS, SD, likes walking. driving, cinema, listening to music, dining, holidays at home and away, WLTM lady with similar interests for long-term friendship/relationship. Good conversationist would be ideal’.

The advertiser reports that he had a number of replies without a phone number so he is unable to respond. If you replied, reply again to Senior Times giving your phone number and your reply will be forwarded to the advertiser.

72 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Perhaps we could meet for a coffee or a drink.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K4

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

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

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

IMPORTANT Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live, noting your interests. The advertisement should not be more than 60 words.

SOUTH DUBLIN WIDOW, 67, interests include walking, nature, gardening. Reading and music.

WLTM widower or single man 65-72.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F1

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 20th August 2021.

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

TO REPLY TO AN ADVERTISEMENT

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

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

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 July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 73

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Cosmetics and beauty

Keep

As the country opens up and we are all enjoying meeting and celebrating outside, be it in our own back gardens or in the newly opened restaurants, hotels and bars. So once again we need to pay serious attention to our skin as we enjoy this ‘outdoor summer’. Experts are worried about an increased risk of skin cancer from people spending more time outdoors because of pandemic restrictions. They are warning people to pay heed to the sun and remain vigilant of the amount of time spent outside, even if they are not in direct sunlight.

So now that grandparents can enjoy having their grandchildren over to visit again, undoubtedly there will be picnics and barbeques in the garden, and maybe even a paddling pool for the little ones – as we had in our garden during the recent hot weather. It is a good idea to keep a stock of children’s sunscreen to hand, as their delicate skin can burn very quickly.

Nivea Sun have a Kids Protect & Care 50+

under the sun Mairead Robinson returns to the ‘burning’ question of protecting our skin outdoors this summer.

extra water resistant spray which is specifically developed for children’s skin. You can even let them spray themselves and each other, which they have great fun doing with this gun-like sprayer. Just ensure that they keep it away from their eyes and they cover the whole body, including the back of the neck! Their range also includes a roll-on SPF50 which is also extra water resistant.

And back to the grown-ups. If you are planning days by the beach, or have been turned on to sea swimming, as I have this past year, it is vital that you use a water resistant product.

Not all sun screens will protect your skin if you are swimming between applications, so ensure that what you are using is listed as water resistant. We can learn a lot from our Australian cousins, who enjoy a lot of sunshine outdoors, and spend hours on the beach and in their swimming pools. A new brand available here is Bondi Sands whose range of products

74 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

include a SPF 50+ broad spectrum formula that is non-greasy, water resistant for four hours and leaves your skin feeling moisturised and protected. For those who really love a golden tan but also want to ensure their skin is protected, they have a Protect & Tan SPF 15 Coconut Beach tanning oil, which is a beautifully fragranced smooth body oil.

There are times when we are caught out unawares when it comes to spending timeout doors, and certainly this can happen to all of us in Ireland when we are not so used to continuous sunny weather, and are often unprepared for it resulting in getting burnt. Years ago it was always Calamine Lotion that we used to sooth burns, but now Aloe Vera is deemed the product of choice. Bondi Sands have a nongreasy moisturising gel spray which soothes and hydrates the skin after sun exposure. My favourite is the non-greasy Cooling Gel, which gives seventy-two hours hydration with cooling

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Cosmetics and beauty Aloe Vera and vitamin E. Remember to apply cooling after sun products liberally and as often as necessary, and don’t wait until you feel your skin burning in bed at night!

Lip balm is very important also, and should not be forgotten when applying sun protection.

Nivea have a soothing long lasting moisture caring lip balm SPF 30 with Jojoba oil. For extra protection, Bondi Sands have some deliciously flavoured lib balms with SPF 50+ in flavours including tropical mango and wild strawberry.

A friend of mine who is a keen skier, gave me a great tip once that she uses when on the slopes. Use the lip balm on your nose, as this will help avoid the dreaded red nose that often stands out after wearing sun glasses all day!

And when it comes to your face, you should certainly not skimp on quality products. As well as keeping yourself safe from the serious damage of sun burn, we also want to ensure that we minimise skin ageing and the deep wrinkles and dehydrated skin that comes with over exposure to sunshine. Nuxe have a great range of anti-aging cellular protection creams from SPF 20 to SPF 50 that are suitable for both face and body. My favourite is the pocket sized SPF 50 light fluid high protection cream for normal to combination skin. It is a light fluid high protection cream, that can be carried

around in your handbag and taken out and reapplied as necessary.

Finally don’t forget your hair! The sun can dry up your hair leaving it frizzy and dehydrated and unmanageable. It is always recommended to wear a sunhat outside, and this will certainly protect your hair as well as your face. There are numerous products for protecting your hair in the sun, and many body oils can also be used on the hair. But the simplest and easiest thing to do when planning a day in the sun, is to leave your hair conditioner in your hair after washing it, instead of rinsing it out as you would normally do. This will provide a protection during the day, and you can then rinse it out afterwards.

Many people will be chancing a trip abroad later this summer and into the winter, so do remember that the Mediterranean sun can be a lot stronger than what we normally experience in Ireland. It is vital now more than ever that as we soak up the Vitamin D from the sunshine, we also protect our skin both at home and abroad.

There are many excellent products available now for sun protection, so read the information on the bottle and choose wisely. Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe.

Competition results from the last issue 1

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Three copies of Brevity Is The Soul Elizabeth Doughton, Wicklow Mary Wade, Tuam, Co Galway Mary Marshall, Waterford

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Four Beethoven CD sets Mary Thornton, Dundalk, Co Louth Terry O’Toole, Limerick Mary O’Brien, Mullingar, Co Westmeath T Twomey, Dublin 18

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Crossword 111: Four copies of Icebound in the Arctic Richard Mugan, Castlerea, Co Roscommon Pauline Deasy, Mullingar, Co Westmeath Lilian Webb, Naas, Co Kildare Liam Maloney, Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Three months supply of Revive Active Valerie Sheridan, Julianstown, Co Meath

T

Guess the Year: 1969

Dublin Dossier Pat Keenan on happenings in and around the capital

Good, bad or unredeemable, Dublin can’t live without its pubs..

We appear to be returning to whatever our normal was, at least that’s what it seems as I write this towards the end of June.

Our routines have been affected in many ways, we have coped in differing ways and will no doubt return in different ways. Overall it has been strange experience, living in a Dublin without pubs, its very soul, good, bad or unredeemable. Will they all survive and what changes might happen; will we embrace more outdoor sidewalk drinking or continue to drink at home.

Our pubs have changed over time, mostly for the good. Was a time when pubs were largely 'men only' places; granted in a few, a woman could quietly sip a glass in the snug and perhaps, in so doing, might also risk her reputation. A pub would only serve women a drink in a glass - never a pint. And more than likely there would be no female toilet facilities. I remember a time when lady friends, if needs be, would have to leave Gaffney's on Fairview Strand and walk to a neighbouring pub. Liam Collins writing in The Irish Independent under the wonderfully inventive heading 'Drinker, Taylor, soldiers, spy' told of Richard Burton, during the filming of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold'(1965) in the Liberties, popping into The White Horse on the corner of George’s Quay and Corn Exchange Place for a 'quick one'. When his wife Elizabeth Taylor tried to join him she was refused entry. The owner told her it was a 'men only' pub. On another occasion, Liam recalled, Liz was on set as Richard was filming near Fairview and, as Liam put it, became 'short-taken'. They took her to Cusack's pub on North Strand, which in those days had no female toilet. Showing true gentlemanliness, locals stoutly stood guard while she used the mens.

Davy Byrnes on Duke Street was able to open outdoors for Bloomsday this year.

Joyceans gathered, guzzled down pints, gobbled dozens of Gorgonzola sandwiches and many sups of Burgundy, all celebrating that original day, immortalised in Ulysses

Before 1962 a pub might be called upon to act as a morgue. I grew up in Baldoyle where Duff's pub on College St. (no longer there) was often used for this purpose. The Coroners Act of 1846 stipulated that dead bodies found on a public road or washed up on the shores should to be brought to the nearest tavern until further arrangements were made.

Thankfully this practise ended in 1962.

While on the subject of the departed, Billy Brooks Carr, owner of 'Mama Hattie's Irish Hamburgers' in Houston,Texas died in 2011. He so loved the pint he remembered in Mulligan’s pub in Poolbeg Street, he requested that some of his ashes be deposited there. Those ashes are still in the pub's grandfather clock and some of his family return in pilgrimage every year. Some of his ashes were also scattered near hole fourteen at Clear Creek golf course in Houston, site of a hole-inone remembered.

(Further reading: Mulligan's Grand Old Pub of Poolbeg Street' by Declan Dunne, Mercier Press)

Oldest pub in Dublin In times long past, Dubliners may have consumed more wine than beer. The Brazen Head, still with us at 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher's

The Brazen Head, still with us at 20 Lower Bridge St, Usher's Quay, claims be the oldest pub in Ireland - dating from 1198

Quay claims be the oldest pub in Ireland - dating from 1198 which would roughly coincide with the arrival of the Normans. They and their anglo allies were invited here by the deposed King of Leinster Dermot MacMurrough, to help him win back his kingdom. The Normans arrived Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 77

Dublin Dossier

Laurence Harvey, in a break from shooting Of Human Bondag (1964) in Ardmore, took Kim Novak to Bartley Dunne’s in an attempt to soften their famously frosty relationship - it didn't work.

Bartley Dunne’s which claimed to be Dublin’s first ‘gay-friendly’ bar

as you would expect armed to the teeth but they also brought their wine merchants, vintners and large stocks of wine. Archaeologists excavating the controversial Wood Quay site found large quantities of pewter tavern tokens. All of which explain how Winetavern Street is so called - the The Brazen Head is just a few minutes walk away. We know for sure it is the oldest pub in Dublin because there's a tiny piece of early graffiti scratched on a window pane: ‘John Langan halted here 7th August 1726’ Cheers John.

It wasn't exactly LBGT but some old pubs managed to combine an eclectic cosmopolitan way of thinking, open-minded and doors open to all. 'Gay' was a word not used in those days, homosexuality was illegal and punishable by jail. Bartley Dunnes on Stephen’s Street Lower (now replaced by Break for the Border) was such a place. But it was partly gay, it was also place where a young man could take girl for an intimate night out in one of its dimly lit nooks and alcoves. Of course Richard Burton took Elizabeth Taylor here and Laurence Harvey, in a break from shooting Of Human Bondage (1964) in Ardmore, took Kim Novak here in an attempt to soften their famously frosty relationship - it didn't work.

Davy Byrnes on Duke Street was able to open outdoors for Bloomsday this year. Joyceans gathered, guzzled down pints, gobbled dozens of Gorgonzola sandwiches and many sups of Burgundy, all celebrating that original day, immortalised in Ulysses when Davy served Leopold Bloom and Nosey Flynn. Joyce was no stranger here, it also gets a mention in Dubliners.

Sacrilegiously abridged: ‘Davy Byrne came forward from the hindbar in tuckstitched shirt-sleeves, cleaning his lips with two wipes of his napkin..And here’s himself and pepper on him, Nosey Flynn said. ‘Can you give us a good one for the Gold Cup?’ Davy Byrne answered. I never put anything on a horse....Mr Bloom ate his stripes of sandwich, fresh clean bread, with relish of disgust, pungent mustard, the feety savour of green cheese. Sips of his wine soothed his palate......Nice quiet bar.

Nice piece of wood in that counter.’

78 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

No pubs in this Dublin..

We know from James Joyce how difficult it is to walk across Dublin without passing a pub. Well back in 1992 I visited a Dublin with no pubs, a foretaste of things to come. Surprisingly this Dublin even gets a mention on the opening page of Joyces's Finnegan's Wake: ‘By the stream Oconee exaggerated themselse to Laurens County's gorgios while they went doublin’ - I know, the distorted wording of Finnegan's Wake is no easy read. I found a Dublin divided by a river, not north/south by the Liffey - this one west/east by the Oconee.

A Dublin where you would be hard pressed to walk across without passing a church, there was one on every corner, my guide pointed out that there was even a Roman Catholic church! You would also be hard pressed to find an Irish name, even in the cemetery. While there I was introduced to Robert J Walker, Mayor of the City of Dublin, Laurens County, Georgia, USA. I presented him with a copy of the book Memories, a Pictorial Celebration for Dublin's Millennium, published here

by John Coughlan and Smurfit Publications. Mayor Bob even invited me to settle there and become their token Irishman.

Dublin Dossier

Colourful history of The Morrison Hotel Just beside the Ha'penny Bridge, the well established Morrison Hotel on Ormond Quay was always been a favourite of mine.

Splashed as one of Dublin's upscale 'designer hotels'- this one was designed by The John Rocha. During the financial crisis in Irish banking, NAMA sold it to Russian billionaire investor Yelena (Elena) Baturina rated by Forbes as Russia's richest woman. How did Elena, a factory worker in her early 20s, amass a fortune worth more than €2 Billion in her late 40s.

There were always allegations her Inteko construction company may have benefited from her husband who just happened to be Yuri Luzhkov, Moscow's city major; the man widely credited in transforming a desolate Moscow following the collapse of the Soviet Union into a thriving city of shopping malls, towering office blocks and bustling traffic filled highways. In 2010 husband Yuri was dismissed as mayor, over 'political differences', by the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, Dmitri Medvedev, a long time colleague of President Vladimir Putin.

Shortly after his dismissal, Elena sold her construction company; their two teenage daughters were sent to live in London, claiming they were no longer safe in Russia. Yuri died aged 83 in 2019 following heart surgery in Munich.

In early 2012 Elena spotted a NAMA bargain and bought the Morrison Hotel, 'they' say for between €20 to €25 million. Earlier this year she sold it to Zetland Capital, a London-based private equity firm for an undisclosed sum, but 'they' say somewhere around €65 million".

Originally she stood to get an estimated €80 million, unfortunately that was before the Covid pandemic hit the market. A second major Dublin hotel sale was announced this year. The Moxy Dublin City hotel, Sackville Place just off O’Connell Street, sold by the Spitzer’s Midwest Holding group for €35 million to the MHL Hotel Collection. Other MHL Dublin hotels include: The Westin on College Green, The Intercontinental in Ballsbridge and The Morgan in Fleet St, Temple Bar. Just beside the Ha'penny Bridge, the well established Morrison Hotel on Ormond Quay was always been a favourite of mine.

Recalling Dublin’s Indian restaurants

The Taj Mahal in Lincoln Place, opposite the Dental Hospital and the back gate of Trinity College

The first Indian restaurant in Dublin was opened in 1908, the India Restaurant and Tea Rooms, 20 Upper Sackville St., now O'Connell St. It closed a few months later, but for the history, it predates the first Indian restaurant in London by three years.

Our love of curries may date back to the many Irish serving in India with the British Raj army. Sadly back to the time of events we might rather forget - the 1919 Amritsar massacre in Punjab when Sir Michael O’Dwyer, Irish Catholic and self proclaimed Irish nationalist, was the Empire's lieutenant-governor of Punjab. Under his command 300 to 1,500 peaceful demonstrators died - the disparity of numbers depend on British and Indian accounts.

Generally when we talk of 'Indian food' we include the countries and regions of the Indian continent - India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and

indigenous regions within India like Kashmir in the mountainous north.

There was the Indian Restaurant which opened at 50 Lower Baggot Street in 1942 and I vaguely recall The Golden Orient at 27 Lower Leeson Street. Most remembered is the Taj Mahal (1966-1996) on at the corner of Lincoln Place and Clare Street. Everyone of a certain age remembers when the late lamented Larry Gogan had his regular ‘Just a minute’ quiz on RTE Radio and asked ‘Where’s the Taj Mahal?’ The Dublin accented listener replied ‘opposite the Dental Hospital.’

Sadly that Taj is no longer there but the other one is still standing somewhere in India! The Taj curries were graded from mild up to very hot and beyond, the asbestos hot one listed on the menu was the 'Micheál Ó Doibhilin'. I recall Micheál was a regular and worked nearby at the Doherty Advertising Agency.

SeniorTimes TimesllJuly July--August August2021 2021 llwww.seniortimes.ie www.seniortimes.ie79 79 Senior

Four copies of Wildflowers of Ireland to be won!

In association with the publisher Gill Books, Senior Times is offering four copies of Zoe Devlin’s Wildflowers of Ireland new edition in this issue’s crossword competition. Discover the fascinating world of Ireland’s diverse and astonishing collection of native wildflowers. This new edition reflects the many changes to our botanical knowledge since The Wildflowers of Ireland was first published in 2014. There’s updated information on the distribution of native wildflowers, along with more than 90 additional species, all beautifully photographed by the author.

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80 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

Send your entry to: Crossword Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Deadline for recept of entries is 31st August 2021 . The first four correct entries drawn are the winners.

Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 79

Crossword Crossword History

Number 112 by Zoë Devlin

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DOWN

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Digits found in tomatoes and potatoes (4) Small smooth stone (6) Thicker than mist (3) Tatty - showing signs of wear and tear (6) Essayist Charles ___ or young sheep (4) Pacify or appease (7) Curl or whorl of hair (7) Practices self denial or is he a banister? (9) Swedish chemist who created prizes (5) Very fast and lively tempo (6) Be wary of being lopsided! (4) Regarding poetry or drive backwards (7) Mountain peak that Noah’s ark rested on (6) Officer of church in charge of sacred objects (6) Large flightless bird (3) Peter Pan’s large dog (4) Long and arduous trip (4) Ferry port in northern France (6) Writer of ‘Wind in the Willows’, Kenneth ___ (7) A mature athlete who does not play for pay (7) Very wet (6) U.S. Vice President, ___ Harris (6) Dens of animals, off the rails! (5) Lightweight cords or violins? (7) 12th sign of the zodiac - for those loving spices? (6) Filmmaker/actor, Orson ___ (6) Unlimited expanse, outer or blank (5) Practitioner who look down in the mouth! (7) Low wall around a roof or balcony (7) Tear up (5) Ocean floor (6) St Laurence or Peter ___? (1'5) Wrench - don’t throw it in the works! (7) Dublin suburb or the vanished Lord ___ (5) Current Housing Minister, Darragh ___ (1'5) Politician/writer Conor ___ O’Brien (6) US Dancer/actor Fred ___ (7) See 60 Down Did Martin hurtle through the Reformation? (6) Comply or take orders (4) Monetary unit, found in innocent Vincent? (4) Old cowboy, always on Trigger, ___ Rogers (3) Light humorous drama (6) Austrian composer, Gustav ___ (6) Month of fasting in Islamic faith (7) Writer ___Austen or novel ‘___ Eyre’ (4) Oireachtas Eireann’s upper house (6) Natural state of resting overnight (5) Can an acid eater wipe out or annihilate? (9) Breed of dog, not one of the alpines! (7) Robert ___ Childers, writer of ‘The Riddle of the Sands’ (7) Stately aquatic white bird (4) Large stately mansion (6) Children’s plaything (3) Brutal Russian leader, Joseph ___ (6) US creator of Mickey Mouse, ___ Disney (4)

Misprint (4) Work out in detail, refine or complicate (9) Paradise, promised land (4) Man-made receptacle for bees (7) First female to fly solo across Atlantic Amelia, ___ (7) Danced with Nureyev, Margot ___ (7) City of tribes or Belfast-born flautist? (6) Sixth planet from the sun (6) Sweater traditionally worn by Irish fishermen (4) Smooth-haired hound with long ears & short-legs (6) Blackout or memory loss (7) Can I rob this ballpoint pen? (4) Ma cares for such photographic equipment (7) Dublin hospital, ___ Misericordiae (5) Australian airline (6) Connolly Station, formerly known as ___ Street Station (6) Actor Richard or 45 Across ___ (6) ‘Romeo & Juliet’s fairy, Queen ___ (3) Many planes fly to this Italian port (6) Pilgrimage site in Portugal (6) Stopped temporarily (6) Staid and dignified married woman (6) Saltzburg-born composer, Wolfgang ___ Mozart (7) Gastropod, it nails the prize for going slowly (5) Small biting flies with tangs for human flesh! (5) Famous Brazilian footballer (4) Country of 38 Down’s birth (7) Capital of Kenya (7) Young canine (3) Severest peak in Himalayas? (7) Starting place for each hole on golf course (3) Wooden writing implement (6) Small tower extending above a building (6) Tangy salad plant or firework? (6) & 72 Across RTE’s ‘Eco Eye’ environmentalist (6,7) Dark heavy-bodied ale (5) Month of showers and primroses (5) Small pie with fruit filling (4) Hunt, seek or look for (6) Major port standing on the Tagus River (6) Grey donkey in ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ (6) A little jewel for Meg (3) Female dancer in a liberal lab? (9) Heavy material used to stabilise a ship (7) Waterfall in US and Canada (7) He was Sundance’s partner, Butch ___ (7) Highly contagious disease with red spots (7) Bram Stoker’s vampire (7) US pianist/bandleader,/composer ‘Count’ ___ (5) World’s largest hot desert (6) Fictional Rough Collie dog (6) One who rents land or a building (6) Little green vegetables (4) Yarn woven across the warp (4) Food shop found in dandelions and deliveries! (4) Joke or act in a funny way (4) Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 81

Poetry

Seven poems by Noel King

Rejuvenate

Somewhere in you a cell decided to give up, die.

That was unusual for you Mr Positive, Mr Well Balanced, Mr A Confident, Mr Perfect Health.

It nudged on a neighbour to die too and another and another, until a friendly one figured, uh-oh, we’d better let himself know, out this ‘carry on’.

A message to the brain sent down a medical team: opened a little crack, lit a little break, met a little, took a little, then stopped; and you stopped running; buying time to get back over your hill, to live thank God, to live.

Beacons

Tourists click the mist that sheath the islands rejuvenating their beauty Now, Honey, them ’re the Skelligs only you can’t see ‘em in the fog.

Bu’ here’s the postcarde, THAT’s where we’re standing.

The Farewell Party Pour me a glass of port, loan me a five euro note, join me in a final tipple.

In the morning I leave.

If you ever come across, do visit, with you with me will help me remember home.

In the afternoon I’ll be flying.

You must send me the bones of all the news.

I must keep up, keep the option open for a return.

In the evening I’ll arrive.

In the night I’ll sleep in my new home.

What Matters

Earlobe

Catching fish or not was unimportant.

There was little talking; being together, a father and a son ’s what mattered.

The Girl plays Tennis with her Daddy

We’ll go for a cast, he said, and winked at his son, the other eye on the wife; whether she’d object, want him to carpenter the place or an odd-job something or other.

Night Fishing

Four of us went, my uncle and his three nephews, none of us brothers.

We’d leave home in time to have the rods ready at the point that dusk turns to dark.

We opened and closed several gates on a long drive/climb up Glenntenassig mountain.

The midges ‘ate us’ as we fished.

Unsure of my footing I often slipped, but never into the lake itself.

I didn’t enjoy it that much.

You two older cousins picked on me a lot but mother made me go – having only younger sisters, fishing with the lads would make a man of me.

At each of your funerals, I ate fish at the wake, a ritual of remembrance.

82 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

The breeze that came after she’d shut the door after a tear came into me after the first breath that upset the tears just brushed my earlobe.

He got me better rackets each birthday, promised that one of these years we would leave Mammy at home and he would take me to Wimbledon, just Daddy and me.

We watched it together on the telly while Mammy complained I needed sunshine not cooping up.

We played furiously then as did all the country it seemed; until July, 2nd 1978, the sun in my eyes, wet armpits in my short white costume, Daddy clasping his right arm with his left, his racket falling in slow motion to the ground; screams, Mammy, the doctor, ambulance.

I never again took up the racket.

If you are interested in submitting one or more poems to Senior Times, email them to john@slp.ie Deadline for the next issue is August 18th

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Country life

Before and after the Cull

Connie McEvoy recalls a lifetime of living with Foot and Mouth

Before and After the Cull

As far as I know the first outbreak of foot and mouth disease in Ireland during 1941 occurred in Dhun- nan- Gall and the last outbreak was on my Father’s farm in Kilcarry, Cluain- na- Ngall in Co Carlow, he and my Mother were married in April of that year and Mam was three months pregnant with me when the outbreak started on our farm in September. Kilcarry lane was long and narrow in a remote area and eight farming families accessed it on a daily basis in order to work their farms of good land suitable to mixed farming.

As the disease was detected on our farm first all cloven footed animals from the other farms were brought to our farm and were taken with the animals of our farm to a field by a detachment of specially trained soldiers to be shot, destroyed and buried in quick lime. Then these soldiers stayed for a number weeks on our farm cleaning out and disinfecting all farm buildings and manure heaps using sprongs and shovels.

Mam and Daddy were marooned for the duration and were given the same food rations that were being supplied to the soldiers by the Army including cans of condensed milk, now at this stage Mam was suffering from morning sickness and just couldn’t stomach or even look at condensed milk. She never forgot the kindness of one of her neighbours who was outside the exclusion zone as she came every second day to the bottom of the lane with a five noggin bottle of milk which was to be conveyed by a soldier to her and her unborn baby.

What a way to start a new married life- being ten miles away from her parents and family middle ways up a long lane aged 20 years, her husband who was 40 was the next youngest person and all others in that vicinity were senior citizens. I was born on March 7th 1942 upstairs in the far room, Dr Cantwell, nurse Bond, Grandma Kavanagh and a neighbour were

A lasting effect in attendance, Daddy was pacing the kitchen floor and keeping the kettle boiled but he wasn’t allowed in the far room until I was washed and dressed complete with binder and shawl . That is how things were during that pandemic.

Things had improved somewhat by that Spring though as the farming families involved were now allowed to go to fairs in order to restock rather slowly due to the fact that compensation paid for stock loss was totally inadequate. Now there is consternation because partners are not allowed to attend births in hospitals during this Covid19 pandemic but foot and mouth or not men were never present during childbirth in those days.

I never knew anything about foot and mouth until the summer of 1946 when my father who was in the habit of walking his farm on Sundays accompanied by his two children and his sheepdogs to take stock of crop progress and fence flaws had occasion to instil in me a sense of the utter devastation that had numbed him and his neighbouring farmers in 1941.

We had come to a field of after grass where my brother and I on noticing a large level area about the size of a football pitch which was raised above the level of the field scampered to play there with our ball and the sheep dogs.

I will never forget what I sensed in my Father’s voice when he gently asked us not to play there, that’s where all of the animals from the foot and mouth are buried.

Then I grew up and married a dairy farmer in Co Louth, although we escaped when there was another outbreak in the UK in the 1970s and were outside the exclusion zone when the outbreak occurred in Proleek during 2001 an awesome chill ran down my spine and set my

84 Senior Times l July - August 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie

tummy rolling then when the terrible news came over the air waves. My Father passed away in 1979, my Mother must surely relive every moment of those dreadful days of 1941 when she went on her daily walk to the bottom of the lane.

My mother passed to her eternal reward May 2010 in her 90th year, my husband Mickey McEvoy predeceased her aged 74 years in August 2009.

I wrote an article titled A Lasting Effect in the third person (as Mam was still with us in 2001) and it was published in Senior Times issue April 2005. I also worked a few paintings in acrylics titled Before and After the Cull depicting Cooley without mountain or lowland sheep after the outbreak there during 2001. The boy with his pet lamb is my son Lorcan as a 4 year-old with one the pet lambs that he reared on a bottle after it was orphaned. To be honest I more or less had put the Proleek outbreak to the back of my mind even though some sheep farmers in the Cooley area felt that they had been unfairly treated regarding compensation. My husband Mickey and I were present when this issue was on the agenda at several Co., Louth IFA Executive meetings for some time afterwards and with the passing of time I thought that things had been resolved. However on Saturday morning February 27th 2002 former Co., Chairman Matthew Mc Greehan when interviewed on Country Wide spoke of the lasting effect that the most recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth in Ireland had on sheep farming in the Cooley area twenty years afterwards!! I am sure that this Covid 19 pandemic will have a lasting effect on all surviving humans world- wide for years and years to come but hopefully due to vaccines things will improve soon.

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