Issue 118 July - August 2022
Times
NOW €3.50/£3.00
The magazine for people who don’t act their age
It happened on the Late Late Show – 60 years ago A celebration of the world’s second oldest chat show as it approaches a milestone
Which bubbles are best ? In search of Peter Rabbit: Profile of children’s author Beatrix Potter
Yoga before bed:
When the colour went out of golf:
A star was born:
Five positions to help you relax and sleep
Remembering Payne Stewart, the peacemaker
Judy Garland comes of age at 100
PLUS: News, Bridge, History, Competitions, Wine, Beauty, Health, Travel, Meeting Place And Much More..
Free hearing aids with PRSI Music to your ears
Claiming is easy, just ask in store
Subject to suitability and eligibility. Funded by the Department of Social Protection. Free hearing aids up to €1,000. Available no more than once every four years.
To subscribe to SeniorTimes call us on 01 496 9028
Issue 118 - July -August 2022
RTE Stills Library
Contents
6
10
News: 2 Another year, another Late Late season:
6
Thomas Myler traces the history of The Late Late Show as it approaches its 60th season
10
Walt at the Wallace:
16
Aubrey Malone chronicles the troubled life of Judy Garland who would have been 100 this year
In search of Peter Rabbit, Mrs. Tiggy Winkle and Squirrel Nutkin:
In the latest of her literary rambles around these islands Lorna Hogg goes on the trail of Beatrix Potter
Herbs for health: How herbs can help your well-being
54
Wine World: 62 Northern Notes: 71
How to meet individuals and groups
22
Beauty: 78 Expressway Q and A: All you ever wanted to know about the countrywide Expressway service
82
Crossword: 84
Bridge: 32 More tips and guidance from Michael O’Loughlin
Western Ways: 38 George Keegan on happening on the Western seaboard
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, Pat Keenan Michael O’Loughlin and Eamonn Lynskey.
Golf: 50
Meeting Place: 76
Mairead Robinson re-visits her favourite Mediterranean island
Ayushi Singh advises
Pat Keenan reports on happenings in and around the capital
Debbie Orme reports from north of the border
Return trip: 28
Five bedtime yoga exercises to help you sleep:
Dublin Dossier: 46
Remembering Payne Stewart
A star was born:
Eamonn Lynskey visits a fascinating exhibition on Walt Disney and his celebrated cartoon characters at the Wallace Collection in London
28
42
Crafts: 88 COVER Gay Byrne first appeared on the Late Late Show in 1962 when it was scheduled as a summer ‘filler’ Senior Times does not necessarily endorse or agree with the views and claims made in articles and advertisements
Published by S& L Promotions Ltd., 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
Sign up to our newsletter and be in with a chance to win some great prizes at www.seniortimes.ie Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and don’t miss our chart topping series of podcasts!
Sponsored by
News Now One in five Irish people carry ‘iron overload’ gene
so symptoms might not appear until ages 30-40 years. Symptoms can include: Chronic fatigue, joint pain and arthritis, diabetes, liver disorders, reduced sex drive and heart disease.
According to a new survey conducted by the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland (RPC), 57 per cent of of preretirees have adapted their retirement plans after the Covid-19 pandemic. 32 per cent of those surveyed are now considering retiring early, while 25 per cent plan to postpone their retirement plans. The survey was carried out amongst participants of the RPC’s ‘Planning for Retirement’ courses in late 2021 and early 2022.
If you are worried about any symptoms of iron overload or if someone in your immediate family has haemochromatosis, contact your GP to arrange a simple blood test. If haemochromatosis is diagnosed and treated early, patients can go onto live normal lives and avoid complications later in life.
Respondents were asked whether they would consider delaying retirement or retiring early in the wake of the pandemic. Those who decided to defer retirement cited remote working flexibility, as well as limited travel opportunities, as the main factors influencing their decision.
For more information visit: haemochromatosis-ir.com; Email: info@haemochromatosis-ir.com; Helpline on (01) 8735911
The desire to retire early was driven by factors such as changes in the working environment and work-related stress caused by the pandemic. On a more positive note, respondents also expressed how lockdowns made them realise the value of spending time with family and friends outside of work, influencing their decision to retire early.
David Beggy, GAA All Star, with his daughter Andrea and Anna McCarthy Power, launch World Haemochromatosis Awareness Day in June
What is haemochromatosis, also known as ‘iron overload’? ‘Iron overload’ or haemochromatosis is a genetic condition where a large amount of iron is absorbed from our diet and deposited in major organs in the body, such as the liver but also the pancreas, heart and joints. More men than women can develop symptoms of haemochromatosis because women lose iron through regular blood loss from menstruation and pregnancy. In Ireland, 1 in 5 people carry the gene and 1 in 83 are at risk of developing haemochromatosis. Ireland has the highest incidence of the condition in the world. Iron builds up slowly in the body,
Limerick Greenway celebrates 500,000 visits Limerick Greenway has welcomed over 500,000 visits to the 40km scenic offroad walking and cycling route since it reopened in July last year, following a €10 million investment by Limerick City and County Council. Winding through the countryside of West Limerick — via the three market towns of Rathkeale, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale — visitors pass through the 115m Barnagh Train Tunnel and cross the cast-iron Ferguson’s Viaduct, both restored relics of the 19th century train line. The recreational amenity, on the
Survey reveals varying attitudes to retirement
former Limerick to Tralee train line, will see further improvement works over the coming year. The Railway Goods Shed at Rathkeale is to be restored to supply services to Greenway users and will form part of a Greenway Hub that will also include upgraded car parking facilities. Limerick City and County Council has also confirmed that it will commence work on a new Greenway car park at Station Road, Newcastle West, later in the year. For more information, including bike hire, amenities and itineraries visit limerickgreenway.ie.
2 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
The majority of participants (73per cent) also agreed that lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic provided some insight into what retirement might be like, which may also be a driving factor for pre-retirees who have changed their plans. When asked what lessons they had learned during the pandemic that might help them to better prepare for their retirement, pre-retirees emphasised the value of social interaction and everyday routine.
GETTING OLDER DOESN'T MEAN
Acting Older Are day to day bills preventing you from enjoying your retirement? Home Equity Release without a Loan could help. residential reversions ltd, trading as home plus, is regulated by the central bank of ireland
Talk to Home Plus. BECAUSE RETIREMENT IS FOR LIVING
w:
WWW.PLUS.IE
p:
01 211 8212
News
A sound and holistic approach to ageing In the The Secrets of Ageless Ageing, Dr Karen Ward takes her reader by the hand on a voyage of self-discovery and a celebration of middle age and beyond. Rather than be daunted by this experience, she gives sound, practical advice and a common-sense and holistic approach to the inevitability that is growing older. Karen’s wise and witty style is anchored by interviews with those older and wiser, who share their regrets and joys, and give sage advice. The Secrets of Ageless Ageing is full of tips on how best to manage our physicality, time, mental health and relationships as we age, how to ease our adjustment to retirement and a slower pace of life, and, most importantly, how to embrace with enthusiasm the many opportunities that the latter stages of our lives. Dr Karen Ward, holistic therapist on RTÉ’s Health Squad and BBC’s Last Resort, is a practising counselling psychotherapist. Her books include The Health Squad Guide to Health and Fitness (Onstream, 2007), Change a Little to Change a Lot (Merlin, 2009) The book is published by Beehive and available at all good books shops and costs €16.99 Five copies of the books to be won! Senior Times is offering five copies of The Secrets of Ageless Ageing as prizes in this issue’s crossword competition at the end of the magazine.
Video celebrates role played by volunteers in Ireland We Act has launched a video to celebrate the role of one million volunteers in communities all over Ireland. As part of their national campaign to raise awareness of the value and impact of Irish charities and community groups, We Act launched the video to coincide with the recent National Volunteering Week.
• The biggest barriers to volunteering were identified as not having enough time and not being aware of volunteering opportunities
The video, We Volunteer, We Act, features four volunteers – from Irish Cancer Society, Friends of the Elderly, Ronald McDonald House Crumlin and Aoibhneas - sitting down to speak with someone they’ve impacted through their role.
Accompanying the release of the video, We Act have also launched a new Volunteering Hub on their website WeAct.ie/volunteer to showcase volunteer stories, and share the breadth and variety of roles for those interested in volunteering.
It highlights the power of volunteering, and the impact it can have, not only on those directly availing of services, but on our wider society too. Public Survey A survey of 1,000 people in Ireland conducted on behalf of the We Act campaign found: • 28 per cent said they had volunteered with a charity or community organisation in the past 12 months • 23 percent say they have volunteered as a board or committee member in the past 12 months • 57 per cent agree that they do or would get a lot out of volunteering
• 40 percent believe those who serve on charity boards are paid a salary when in fact trustees are unpaid volunteers.
‘There is such a variety of volunteer roles out there, whatever skills, experience or availability you have’, says Amy Woods, We Act Campaign Spokesperson and Communications and Advocacy Manager for Volunteer Ireland. ‘We want to make sure that everyone who wants to volunteer can do so, by helping them identify roles they are interested in, matching them with the right organisations and working to address any barriers they might have to volunteering.’ The video can be found here: On Vimeo We Volunteer, We Act.
4 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Specsavers partnership with SeniorTimes magazine, podcasts and LIVE! events Specsavers Ireland Chairman, Kerril Hickey: ‘At Specsavers, we make it our mission to help people look after their eye and hearing health, and that’s why we’re delighted to partner with Senior Times to help spread that message. We want to encourage more people to think about their eyesight and hearing as part of their overall health check, especially as they get older.' LETTER
Why will hotels not serve decent vegan food? I wanted to book a Christmas holiday to Cork with the company I go abroad with but before booking I contacted the hotel to make sure they had proper vegan food. They suggested a green salad for Christmas dinner! I couldn't believe what I was hearing! The only alternative was a vegan burger manufactured in a food factory which they buy in. I was on group holiday in Cork in another hotel last summer when I was handed a vegan burger out of Iceland or Tesco or somewhere else. I cannot eat this type of food as I have allergies and must know what ingredients the food contains. As a result I got no dinner in that hotel even though I had paid extra for my holiday with the single room supplement. They even had the mashed potato, meat and veg cooked elsewhere and brought in in see through film which they placed in a microwave. That was a 4 star hotel! This is the story all over Ireland. I just cannot get proper vegan food. What has gone wrong with the catering industry in Ireland (this has nothing to do with Covid) that no chef today can make a simple mushroom risotto, lentil dahl, falafal, bean stews and casseroles, lentil pies etc. Vegan food is the simplest food to make and costs a fraction of the cost of meat dishes. It now looks as if I will be stuck in the house alone for another Christmas. I have no family left so Christmas is a lonely time anyway but never as lonely as the last two Christmases. Name and address supplied
Use code ‘ST10AU’
TO SAVE 10%
Buy direct from doro.com
Live life with ease
Now available to buy direct from Doro, simply visit www.doro.com At Doro we are dedicated to helping Seniors live a better life, to be able to communicate easily with family and friends, despite the challenges that might come with age. That’s why we develop easy-to-use mobile phones and landlines for calls you can hear wherever you are. Free delivery on all orders Discount code will work between 1st May and 30th June 2022 inclusive and must be added to the basket at checkout. No cash alternative is available.
AD DORO 8100, 5860,6820,6880_200x260.ind.indd 1
2022-06-28 16:
Social history
Another year, another Late Late season.. Thomas Myler looks back on the highs and lows of an Irish institution as it approaches its 60th anniversary
The idea came from a producer, Tom McGrath, who had seen episodes of America’s The Tonight Show while working for a Canadian station. He liked its lively discussions with celebrity guests and proposed the idea to Telefis Eireann.
RTE Stills Library
It started as a summer filler on the newly-opened Telefis Eireann, as RTE was known then, on Friday 2 July, 1962, starting at 11.20 pm when most people were either in bed or preparing to go to bed.
Most of the controversies centered around Gay Byrne when he presented the show, not surprising considering he was host for 37 years. How well do you remember them?
McGrath suggested a young Dublin broadcaster named Gay Byrne, who had been with Granada Television in Manchester show, notably the likes of Archbishop John Charles McQuaid and was hosting a quiz show on Telefis Eireann called Jackpot and the Bishop of Clonfert condemning it as ‘blasphemes, at the time. He had been the first person to introduce the immoral, and totally unacceptable in a predominantly Beatles on television, on a Catholic country.’ Granada programme The hierarchy called People and Following one show in which women’s clamped down Places. He was 27. nightwear was under discussion, Loughrea heavily on the show, Town Council called it ‘a dirty programme notably the likes of which should be abolished altogether.’ Telefis Eireann agreed Archbishop John to give it a try on a Here we are now, 60 years on, wondering Charles McQuaid temporary basis, and what all the fuss was about. so the Late Late Show was born. After the Will there be another 60 years of the Late Late? ‘It sounds summer season, it was ridiculous but 60 years ago I’d say they never imagined it’d still decided to keep it running be running in 2022,’ Ryan Tubridy said. ‘It’s in a very healthy on a weekly basis, but place. Irish people love to talk and love moving it to an earlier spot. watching others talk. Sixty years on, it is still here, and showing no signs of stopping or even slowing down. It remains the second longest-running late night live chat show in the world, topped only by America’s The Tonight Show which started in 1957. This current season will be Ryan Tubridy’s 13th to act as host,. Back in 1962, after a light-hearted, chatty start, it gradually developed into a forum for contentious opinion and debate, involving topics such as divorce, contraception and a number of areas hitherto unspoken of. There were complaints from viewers all over the country, with many unprepared for a show bringing such discussions into their homes. The hierarchy clamped down heavily on the 6 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
One of the most controversial Late Lates’s was in 1993 when a young American divorcee Annie Murphy came on the show, hosted by Gaybo at the time and spoke about her affair with Bishop Eamonn Casey 20 years earlier. ‘The show still has a role to play in Irish life. You can stream to your heart’s content but you can’t download soul. There’s
Social history
Ryan Tubridy: ‘The show still has a role to play in Irish life. You can stream to your heart’s content but you can’t download soul.
Pat Kenny, who hosted the Late Late for ten years, has revealed that he was initially hesitant to take over the show on Gay Byrne’s retirement.
no other live chat show, as far as I’m aware, and I think people appreciate that. Long live the Late Late.’
When Kenny said, ‘The tickets are yours,’ the woman's lack of enthusiasm prompted Pat to turn to Charlie Bird, who had been his previous guest, and say, ‘If they tortured her, they couldn't get anything out of this woman.’ Bird laughed When asked who would be accompanying her using the other ticket, the woman said she was ‘not particularly interested’ in the tickets anyhow or even attending the show.
Pat Kenny, who hosted the Late Late for ten years, has revealed that he was initially hesitant to take over the show on Gay Byrne’s retirement. ‘My original view of it was that it was so associated with Gay, 37 years of it, that I thought when he retired, that maybe the show would or should die then,’ he told the RTE Guide. ‘At the time I was doing Kenny Live on a Saturday night, which was very successful and I felt I could build on that. ‘But one way or another, RTE decided that the Late Late Show would continue with me in charge or somebody else, so I figured if it it’s going to be there as my competitor, well then maybe I should be the one hosting it.’ One of the most controversial Late Lates was in 1993 when a young American divorcee Annie Murphy came on the show, hosted by Gaybo at the time and spoke about her affair with Bishop Eamonn Casey 20 years earlier. Casey had resigned in 1992 when it was revealed that he had broken his vow of celibacy having fathered a child, Peter, with Murphy during his tenure as Bishop of Kerry. Casey supported his son financially but had requested that this be kept quiet. At the end of the interview Gay said if the baby was ‘half the man his father was’ he would be fine and Murphy replied that the boy's mother, meaning herself, was ‘not so bad either, Mr Byrne,’ drawing applause from the studio audience. More than 20 years later, the Irish Examiner named the show one of its ‘Top 10 Moments of Irish Television.’ Then there was ‘the torn-up tickets affair.’ In November 2008, Pat Kenny telephoned a competition winner for a prize of a weekend in Dublin, £10,000 shopping money and two tickets to the very much sought-after Late Late Toy Show. The woman, from Cork city, picked up her telephone and correctly answered the competition question, ‘Roald Dahl.’
She said the tickets should really be raffled so that a worthier winner might be found. This reaction angered Kenny so much that, with the phone receiver perched between his ear and shoulder, he pulled the tickets from his breast pocket, tore them up, tossed them over his shoulder and said, with a mixture of anger and frustration in his voice, ‘I think I'll give up this job.’ There were gasps from the audience, and the airwaves were jammed with callers the following Monday morning, particularly to Joe Duffy’s Liveline show, voicing their anger at the action. Kenny recalled: ‘I got into terrible trouble for tearing up those Toy Show tickets.’ Most of the controversies centered around Gay Byrne when he presented the show, not surprising considering he was host for 37 years. How well do you remember them? Padraig Flynn's career was effectively ended after his appearance on the show because the Government would not endorse him for reappointment to the European Commission. This ‘vanity platform’ on the Late Late Show, prompted one newspaper columnist to say that ’Flynn managed to get both feet into his mouth and talk at the same time.’ There was the Padraig Flynn episode. In 1999 he appeared on the show as Ireland’s EU Commissioner, and talked about his donation of €50,000 to the Fianna Fail party. He also discussed the ‘difficulties’ in his own life and talked of having a salary of £100,000 and trying to run three houses, several cars and housekeepers along with regular travel. Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 7
The attempt to damage Gerry Adams politically backfired as it appeared too obvious he was being set up The performance was seen as very much out of touch with reality, at a time when house prices in Ireland were rising dramatically, and the average industrial wage was £15,380. Flynn also made remarks concerning Tom Gilmartin, a Luton-based Irish developer and investor. In response to Gay’s question that Flynn knew Gilmartin, Flynn answered: ‘Oh yes, yes. I met him. I haven't seen him now for some years. ‘He's a Sligo man who went to England, made a lot of money, came back, wanted to do a lot of business in Ireland, didn't work out for him. He's not well. His wife isn't well. He's out of sorts.’ Flynn seemed to attack the credibility of Gilmartin at a time when he was making allegations in the media of planning irregularities in Dublin. Gilmartin responded by publicising details of Flynn's failed attempts to meet with him to get Gilmartin to change his evidence. This led to Flynn's career being effectively ended because the government would not endorse him for reappointment to the European Commission. This ‘vanity platform’ on the Late Late Show, prompted one newspaper columnist to say that ’Flynn managed to get both feet into his mouth and talk at the same time.’ A minor furore erupted in 1966 when the Bishop of Clonfert condemned the show as ‘immoral’ and Gay Byrne as a promoter of ‘filth’. The condemnation stemmed from a small item on the show in which Byrne was interviewing a number of couples to see how well they knew each other. Gaybo asked the Fox couple from the Dublin suburb of Terenure what colour nightdress Mrs Fox wore during her honeymoon. Mr Fox implied it was ‘transparent’ but Mrs Fox said she had not worn any nightdress at all. This response was received with laughter by Byrne and the studio audience.. However, the Bishop either misheard or ignored this contradiction, and still feeling the need to protest against this ‘filthy’ programme and the ‘filth’ which was being televised into the nation's homes. He sent a telegram to RTE: "Disgusted with disgraceful performance", prompting a swift apology from the broadcaster. In any event, Meath VEC said the incident was ‘anti-national’, whilst Loughrea Town Council described the show as ‘dirty and should be abolished altogether.’ The furore died down after a number of weeks, but is still remembered. When the topic featured was on a TV3 documentary in 1998 called How 8 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
RTE Stills Library
RTE Stills Library
Social history
A pleasing moment for Gay: being presented with a Harley Davidson by U2
Boyzone were put on the map with their bizarre appearance on the show The Irish Have Sex, the Irish Independent's Damian Corless said Éamon de Valera ‘won't be turning on, but will instead be turning in his grave.’ The furore died down somewhat after a number of weeks, but is still remembered. In 1992 the British secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Brooke appeared on the show. After a pleasant interview, Byrne coaxed and goaded the unwilling Brooke into singing Oh My Darling Clementine on a day when seven Protestant construction workers had been killed by an IRA bomb. Unionists were outraged at what seemed to be a moment clearly out of touch with grieving families, and instantly requested the resignation of Brooke. Utterly humiliated, he subsequently lost his position as Secretary of State to Sir Patrick Mayhew after the 1992 British General Election. Then there was Gerry Adams. As a response to a change in legislation, it became possible for RTÉ to interview the Sinn Fein leader in 1994. Gay’s team set up a show with a panel of public figures such as Dermot Ahern, Michael McDowell, Jim Kemmy, Hugh Leonard and Austin Currie. Some of the panel openly loathed Adams, and Gay himself refused to shake hands with him, maintaining confrontational body language and staying some distance away throughout the show. However, Adams proved more skilful at debate than was expected. During the show, a number of people phoned in stating that Byrne and the other panellists were acting ‘hostile and aggressive’ towards Adams. Byrne also had to state that nobody was specially invited to the audience. The attempt to damage Adams politically backfired, as it appeared too obvious that he was being 'set up'. Indeed, Sinn Fein’s popularity rating in the Republic increased significantly after the interview. It could only happen on the Late Late Show.
Travelling with Expressway and your Free Travel Pass has never been easier.
Free Travel Pass holders may now reserve their seats online at expressway.ie for just €2 per trip. When booking tickets, make sure to select ‘Seat Only Reservation – Free Travel Scheme’. Then simply enter your payment details, no need for your Free Travel Pass number! Travel without a booking is still welcome if we have room on board, but priority boarding will be given to those with a reserved seat. Seats may also be reserved at ticket machines in stations. Please remember to bring your Free Travel Pass when travelling. BOOK NOW AT EXPRESSWAY.IE
Profile
Aubrey Malone chronicles the troubled life of Judy Garland who would have been 100 this year
A
was born.. r a t S
Judy Garland entered the world 100 years ago as Frances Ethel Gumm. She didn’t remember that but she did remember her “second” birth – the one in the world of film. ‘I was born,’ she said once, ‘at the age of 12 on the MGM lot.’ In many ways the studio was her home. She had a troubled relationship with her mother. Her father died in 1935 when she was only thirteen.
Garland had a stellar career as a child, appearing with her siblings the Gumm Sisters in a succession of stage acts. She also appeared with her friend Mickey Rooney in films that gave American audiences the escapism they craved in a time of war. She took that success into adulthood but it came at a price. The studio denied her food in their determination to keep her thin. It was also responsible for her early introduction to tablets – both to suppress her appetite and to keep her energy levels up when she was called on to work beyond the level of any normal star. In some ways the Wizard of Oz star was never allowed to leave the yellow brick road. A part of her always remained Dorothy. Her pill-taking intensified as she grew older. So did the demands of the studios. Her moods fluctuated as such demands increased. All that mattered was to get the films out. Garland was the forgotten quantity. She married band leader David Rose in 1941 but divorced him three years later. She then married the director Vincente Minnelli. He’d directed her in one of her non-singing roles, The Clock. He was rumoured to have had gay tendencies. 10 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Wedding day with Vincente Minnelli. He’d directed her in one of her non-singing roles, The Clock. He was rumoured to have had gay tendencies. She learned she was pregnant on their honeymoon. This was the happiest time of her life. She stopped taking pills and stopped making films. Instead she busied herself around the house, engaging in the kind of behaviour of most women her age, behaviour that had been denied to her in her upside down life thus far.
ARE YOU REAPING THE BENEFITS OF OMEGA-3? Our bodies need omega-3s daily to support good health from early infancy right up to the senior years. Eating oily fish such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and salmon, two to three times a week will ensure your body is getting enough omega-3 for a healthy heart, mind and body.Unfortunately, an IPSOS survey found that 89% of Irish people don’t eat enough seafood, so there is often a need to supplement with a premium fish oil such as Eskimo-3. Omega-3 fatty acids have been well studied for their role in supporting many systems in the body, including cardiovascular, cognitive and visual health. With its high amounts of EPA and DHA, research has shown that Eskimo®3 can also help to maintain healthy blood pressure and reduce blood triglycerides, further supporting cardiovascular health. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain function and accounts for a huge percentage of the fatty acids found in the brain. DHA is the critical component of cell membranes in the brain and retina, where it is involved in visual and neural function as well as neurotransmitter metabolism. Just as calcium is essential in building strong bones, DHA is essential for good brain health. The importance of these fatty acids becomes most obvious when they’re lacking. People who don’t get enough omega-3 in their diet can become demotivated, disinterested, forgetful and may experience low mood, while serious deficiency can lead to an increased risk of developing cognitive decline. Mary Conway in Castlebar has been taking Eskimo Brain 369 daily for years... “I find it fantastic for my memory. I used to forget where I left things all the time but now my memory is excellent. I’m 82 years of age and have no aches or pains whatsoever, my skin has a healthy glow and I feel great and love life!” Award Winning Eskimo Brain was voted the best product for Mental Health and Wellbeing in the 2022 and 2021 Rude Health Awards. On the market for more than 20 years and with over 120 scientific studies, the Eskimo range represents probably the finest quality fish oil on the market, providing Omega-3 rich oil of legendary purity, freshness & stability. Available in Health Food Stores and Pharmacies nationwide and online at eskimo3.ie.
BENEFITS: Omega-3,6,9 plus vitamin D, vitamin E and CoQ10 Omega-3 is vital to maintain a healthy heart. Omega-3 DHA - vital for brain function and vision. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system and muscular function. Available in liquid and capsules
Profile The baby was born. It was a girl. They called her Liza. Garland was unprepared for motherhood. She went through bouts of post-natal depression which made her seek leave from the studio at various times.
One day Minnelli left the set early. So did she. When she got home she saw the worst sight of her life. He was in bed with another man. She ran into the bathroom and slashed her wrists. Fortunately the wounds weren’t severe. When she arrived at the studio a few days later her bandages weren’t too noticeable. The story was concealed from the press but she revealed it to a work colleague. The colleague said, ‘You should have slashed Vincente’s throat, not your own wrists.’ She got on with her life. When you were Judy Garland that was what happened. You carried on through the madness. The Pirate opened to poor reviews. One critic wrote, ‘Would have fallen asleep were it not for all the noise.’ Garland became even more depressed. Arguments with Minnelli were followed by the inevitable trip to the pill box – or the liquor cabinet. That provided a different kind of solace. Tales began circulating about her abuse of prescription tablets. Minnelli tried to keep such rumours from the papers. Her psychiatrist recommended that she attend a clinic to recover from the stress of the film.
With her daughter Liza Minelli
A few days after it was released she entered a sanatorium in Los Angeles. It steadied her but as soon as she came out the problems that put her in there started again. Her next film was Easter Parade. It was to be directed by Minnelli. She didn’t think this was a good idea. Why bring her problems with him onto the set?
She was put into another film directed by Minnelli, The Pirate. It was a swashbuckling musical in which she played a young woman from a sheltered background who falls in love with Gene Kelly. She’d put on a lot of weight during the pregnancy. Having to take pills so she could lose it again for the film meant she was sickly for a lot of the shoot. Kelly felt sorry for her. He knew she was going through a tough time. Occasionally he feigned sickness so the set would have to be closed down and she’d get a break.She developed paranoias. One of them was that Minnelli was having an affair with Kelly. There was no talking her out of it, not even when she visited a psychiatrist. Her appearance suffered. One writer said she looked ‘visibly strung out, barely in control of her voice and movements, almost anorexic in her appearance.’ Minnelli found himself slotted more into the role of analyst than director as time went on. He knew Garland could act. He knew she could dance. But could she function? Getting her to the set proved to be a chore. When she got there she threw tantrums. A decade of marching to the beating drum of tough directors with even tougher shooting schedules had taken its toll. MGM’s most prized possession was finally revolting from all the years of what can only be called child abuse. The studio slave was breaking out of her chains. Minnelli put up with Garland’s tantrums as best he could. For him they were the price he had to pay for being married to a sensation. Somehow they bulleted their way through it. She looked forward to the day when it would be in the can. Before that happened, however, there was a shock in store for her. 12 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
With Fred Astaire in the 1948 smash hit Easter Parade He was replaced with Charles Walters as a result of her intervention. Minnelli didn’t know about it until later. Producer Arthur Freed was the man who gave him the bad news. ‘Judy’s psychiatrist’. he said, ‘thinks it would be better if you didn’t direct the picture.’
Profile
With Mickey Rooney with whom she starred in a number of Hardy family films Minnelli couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His shock at being dumped from the production was doubled when he learned that Garland was behind the decision. Why hadn’t she told him directly? Weren’t married couples supposed to discuss these kinds of things together?
Instead she made Words and Music and In the Good Old Summertime. She should have used the break to recharge her batteries instead of going back into the fray. It was always her problem. She tried to take too much out of herself. It made her tense on the set and fractious with Minnelli at home.
The film was a huge success, becoming MGM’s biggest hit of 1948 and one of its most revered films. It was released before The Pirate even though it was made after it. The Pirate was relegated to the second half of a double bill in some cinemas. Garland claimed MGM had promised her a holiday after Easter Parade. She was shocked when she was informed she was lined up for another film. It paired her with Fred Astaire and was called The Barkleys of Broadway.
Arguments between them were often followed by one or other of them leaving the house. It was no environment for Liza. They realised they’d have to do something more permanent to give her stability.
She burned herself out on it. At times she couldn’t sleep. At other times she couldn’t stay awake. She dieted to get in shape for it but couldn’t bring her weight down enough. She was also suffering from terrible headaches that the pills she was taking failed to alleviate. The studio kept delaying the scenes she was in until she was well enough to play them. She missed so many days on the set of The Barkleys of Broadway that she was eventually fired. Ginger Rogers took the part instead. It wouldn’t have happened with Louis B. Mayer. Dore Schary had taken over as production head. He had no sentiment for Garland and apparently no memory of how much money she’d made for the studio. His philosophy was, ‘You’re only as good as your next film.’
By the time Good Old Summertime was in the can, Garland and Minnelli had gone through two trial separations. Shortly afterward they declared, ‘We’re happier apart’. Except she wasn’t too happy. Another spell in a sanatorium was recommended. This time it was in Boston. ‘I can’t stand it here,’ she told a doctor at the clinic, ‘It’s too quiet.’ He replied, ‘When you don’t have a lot of noise around you, the noise inside you becomes overwhelming.’ The wheels of activity started to roll again when she came out. MGM immediately put her into Summer Stock. She’d gained weight in hospital so a diet regime began, one of those endless ones that had been her lot since her first days in the studio. Summer Stock was followed by Royal Wedding. It was Stanley Donen’s first solo directing job. She didn’t get on with him. He reprimanded her frequently for unpunctuality. On June 9, 1950, she received a letter to her Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 13
Liza commuted between her mother and her father. The times she spent with Minnelli were more normal. When she was with Garland she was often woken in the middle of the night when Garland had to make a sudden flit from a hotel due to her inability to pay the bill. Garland asked Liza how she’d feel about her marrying Luft. She said she wasn’t sure. She was worried it would lead to her seeing less of her father. Garland told her she could have a baby brother or sister if she married him. That changed her attitude considerably. When they had this conversation, Garland was already pregnant with a child by Luft.
With James Mason in A Star is Born home informing her that she was being suspended once again. When she read it she ran to her bathroom screaming, ‘I want to die!’ After locking herself inside she smashed a glass. She tried to cut her throat with the shards. Minnelli broke down the door. He stopped her doing more damage to herself than she’d already done. She was rushed to hospital. News men besieged her as she recovered. She was inundated with bouquets of flowers. The Broadway star Ella Logan decided amusement was the best reaction. ‘Dear Judy,’ she cabled, ‘So glad you cut your throat. All the other girl singers needed this kind of break.’ Even though she wasn’t seriously injured, the fact that the incident hit the papers was damaging to the studio. There had been one too many incidents. The headline ‘Judy Cuts Throat Over Lost Job’ now made her a liability in MGM’s eyes. In the September of that year she was released from her contract. She’d spent fifteen years at the studio. Now it was all over. ‘My life sentence had been commuted,’ she told friends, ‘for good behaviour.’ She tried to look on the bright side. She’d have more time at home now, more time to try and build a relationship with Liza. Garland spent so much time in hospital, the young Liza became accustomed to not having her around. When she was with her she tried to make up for lost time. Memories of her own traumatic relationship with her mother made her determined history wouldn’t repeat itself with Liza. As problems with Minnelli increased, her closeness with her daughter became more important to her than he was. Garland instituted divorce proceedings against him three days before Christmas in 1951, charging mental cruelty. She demanded custody of Liza. Minnelli didn’t contest it as he was allowed as much access to her as he wished. Garland was given both of the homes they owned and $500 a month alimony. They made several attempts at reconciliation over the next few years. In most newspaper reports Minnelli was seen as the main cause of the break-up. Garland now went to New York. There she met Sid Luft, a promoter who arranged an engagement for her at the London Palladium. Her divorce came through in 1952. Afterwards, 14 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
They got married shortly afterwards. Liza wasn’t at the wedding. She learned about it from a television report she watched with Minnelli. They’d married at a private ceremony in San Francisco. Garland told her she’d intended to tell her about it soon. She was disgusted the press got wind of it first. The baby, a daughter they called Lorna, was born in 1952. She brought Garland stability. Her career revived by the concerts, she received a new three-picture deal from Hollywood, winning an Oscar nomination for the first of these, A Star is Born. Buoyed up by success in England, she continued her live performances in the U.S. Luft negotiated an engagement at the Palace theatre in New York. By now she had problems remembering her lines. Unpunctuality also continued to be a problem. Sometimes she was booed. Sometimes rotten fruit was thrown at her. Mary Astor thought her downfall was the fact that she didn’t know how to say ‘No’ to people. Burning the candle at both ends was second nature to her. Maybe it was all she knew since she first set foot on a stage or a film set.
In some ways the Wizard of Oz star was never allowed to leave the yellow brick road. A part of her always remained Dorothy. She divorced Luft in 1965. Afterwards she married Mark Herron, divorcing him in 1969 to marry Mickey Deans, her fifth husband, the same year. She invited Liza to the wedding. Liza replied, ‘I’m sorry I can’t make it, Mama, but I promise to be at your next one.’ She died later that year of a barbiturate overdose. Those in her inner circle weren’t surprised. For them she’d been an accident waiting to happen for many years now. Dorothy had finally gone over the rainbow. She was 47 years of age.
TIME OFFER
Get 20% off* your boiler service Book a summer boiler service to keep you warm in winter and get: An expert team of service engineers with over 35 years’ experience Flexible appointments to suit you, even on Saturdays Full service, tests and checks with 20%* discount
Call us on 01 611 01 45 or book online at bordgaisenergy.ie
*Subject to availability. Discount valid until 31 July. For full T&Cs, see bordgaisenergy.ie
Poem by Rosaleen Linehan So.. I fell into a gene pool, Came out all parts in place My father’s nose, My mother’s lips, Aunti Rosie’s oval face. My mother’s father’s curly hair My granny’s ample thighs My sense of humour from the Hunts*, My dark side from the Creans*. This God who bragged a man’s free will, Knew nothing about my genes *Relatives
e c a ll a W e h t t Walt a
Entertainment
Eamonn Lynskey visits a fascinating exhibition on Walt Disney and his celebrated cartoon characters at the Wallace Collection in London ‘Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts’ at London’s Wallace Collection runs until 16 October and is an exhibition not to be missed, especially not by those who as youngsters were fascinated by the adventures of Mickey Mouse, Goofy and all the other members of Disney’s assemblage of animated characters. And most especially not by those who queued with their parents in the 1950s to get into the Regal Cinema in O’Connell Street in Dublin to see the latest full-length animations from the Disney studios – Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Peter Pan (1953). The exhibition traces the development of Disney’s work from his first short, amusing pieces in the 1930s such as Steamboat Willie (Mickey Mouse’s debut), until his first full-length animation Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937. This production banished forever the notion that animations (or ‘cartoons’, as we called them when I was young) were just bits of entertainment to put on before the main feature started so that the audience (and latecomers) could buy ice cream and settle into their seats. My mother, an avid weekly visitor to our local cinema (the Rialto in Inchicore) with me and my sister in tow, was never late and for me the short cartoons were often the highlight of the visit rather than the features that followed. To my very young eyes, a full-length cartoon was an extraordinary and glorious event.
Steamboat Willie who later became Mickey Mouse
What’s on show at the Wallace is the trajectory of Disney’s emergence as one of the earliest and foremost creators of animated film and has a focus on his continual refinements and innovations in technique which paved the way for the sophisticated Disney Studio productions we see today. Due recognition is given to his early experiments but the exhibition revolves principally around two later works: Cinderella (1950) and the
16 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
posthumous Beauty and the Beast (1991), both of which were logical developments from his ground-breaking Snow White. The section devoted to Cinderella reveals many of the tricks and sleights-of-hand used by Disney and his team of artists – and truly they were artists. The 24 drawings necessary for one second of the transformation of Cinderella’s ragged servant’s dress into an elegant ball-gown are mounted together on one wall of the exhibition. From frame to frame the
Entertainment Disney himself was a man driven by a wide variety of inner demons. Doubts about his parentage dogged him throughout his life.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney’s first full-length animation in 1937
viewer can follow the minute variations which lead to the servant girl becoming the beautiful elegant young woman that the prince would find so irresistible. This kind of behind-the-scenes information is fascinating and extraordinary given that in the 1950s Disney and his team were working in an era before computer aided design. Pen and paper, charcoal, brush and paint were what they had to work with. And such work! This focus on the painstaking application that went into every scene is also at the heart of the section dealing with Beauty and the Beast. There are fascinating explanations (accompanied by illustrations) of the lengths to which the studio would go to get just the right kind of castle suitable for the Beast who (spoiler alert!) was in fact a handsome prince trapped in the body of a monster. Numerous candidate castles were perused, many of them German and of that very convoluted and exaggerated style known as baroque. But Disney loved convolution and exaggeration and the final abode of the aristocratic beast was to be an amalgam of a number of these castle designs to produce the manyturreted, splendidly monumental castle, a version of which is the centrepiece of the many Disneyland parks worldwide today. But what of the latter part of the
Alice in Wonderland (1951)
exhibition’s title? ‘… The Animation of French Decorative Arts’? Walt Disney was of Irish descent. He visited Ireland in 1946 for research for his film Darby O'Gill and The Little People, but his first visit to Europe was as a Red Cross ambulance driver in 1918 in the aftermath of World War I. In 1935 his family convinced him to visit again on holiday so that he could relax from the
strain of overwork that was undermining his health. On this visit he was fascinated by Europe’s various artistic movements over the centuries, especially the baroque style and the ornamental and theatrical style of the rococo art period of the 18th century. By that time his studio in America, which he had set up with his brother Roy, was having great success. Mickey Mouse and a whole host of other
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 17
The First Wealth is Health Home Plus have partnered with Fitvision, to bring you the BOlder Fitness & Wellbeing Programme, to help you to stay fit and well throughout your retirement. Fitvision are highly experienced working with older people and helping them towards living an active and healthy life. The programme is available for free on the Home Plus website (www.plus.ie/bolder), social media channels, and the Senior Times website. The exercises can be done standing or sitting down in a chair. Physicality and You - Importance of maintaining muscle mass Although declining muscle mass is part of aging, it does not mean you cannot stop it. Less muscle means greater weakness and less mobility, both of which may increase your risk of falls and fractures. A 2015 report from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research found that people with age related muscle loss has 2.3 times the risk of having a low-trauma fracture from a fall, such as a broken hip, collarbone, leg, arm, or wrist. Outside of falling, the loss of muscle mass and strength is a major factor leading to impaired ability to perform daily activities. It has been reported to affect 5-13% of people aged 60 to 70 years and up to 50% of people over 80 years of age. This can typically lead to disability and loss of independence.
How does this happen? The onset of this can be spotted simply by a loss in muscle size. From there, muscle tissue quality begins to reduce followed by muscle fibres being replaced through the process of fibrosis with fat cells. This creates a negative cycle effect which ultimately lead to loss of physical functionality and frailty How can you prevent the onset of muscle loss? Spotting it early on is the key to prevention. Studies show that because muscle loss is heavily linked to physical inactivity, a consistent exercise regime is seen to be the cornerstone of treatment and preventative measures. Resistance training, muscle strengthening exercises as well as gait training have been shown to be the most effective methods of prevention and improvement, as it helps to rebuild any lost muscle mass and strength while improving balance and coordination. Fuel your Body With ageing being associated with muscle loss and function, many different types of nutritional strategies can help in keeping and increasing muscle mass and strength. For example, an increase in protein intake, coupled with muscle strengthening exercises, has been proven to show significant benefits to elderly people at risk for muscle loss and frailty.
How do you know how much protein you need? A high protein intake above the Recommended Daily Allowance (in the range of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilograms of body weight per day) has been suggested to prevent age-related sarcopenia. For example, a 70 kg (11 stone) man would need between 84 grams (3 ounces) to 112 grams(4 ouunces) of protein per day. Healthy sources of protein Protein can be found in nearly all unprocessed food. For a balanced diet, it is important to have both plant-based and dairy sources in your meal. You can find protein in red meat, milk, chicken, yogurt, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, tofu and many more. Here are some simple tips to help you reach your nutritional needs and fuel your body. Tip 1: Try to have some type of protein with every meal. Tip 2: Do not eat all your protein intake in one sitting. It gets absorbed better in the body when spread throughout the day. Tip 3: Try to change your source of protein from time to time. It is better for nutrient absorption too.
Let us have a look at two exercises that you can do today to help build strength & balance: SEATED LATERAL RAISES Step 1: Sit on a chair that supports your back. Place your hands by your side with your palms facing in. Step 2: EXHALE: keeping your palms facing in and your arms straight, raise your arms to the side until they are at shoulder level. Step 3 INHALE: Return your arms to the starting position with control to complete one repetition. Start with three to five reps each side and repeat up to three sets.
STANDING SINGLE LEG BALANCING Step 1: While standing, stabilise yourself by holding onto a secured surface. E.g., The back of a chair, secure countertop, or a strong table. Step 2: While maintaining an upright posture slowly lift one foot off the floor and shift your weight to the standing leg. Step 3: With a steady flow of breath, hold this single leg position for up to 10 seconds. Step 4: Return your foot to the floor and switch legs. Once you have completed the exercise on both sides, that completes one rep. Start with three to five reps each side and repeat up to three sets.
The BOlder Fitness & Wellbeing Programme is proudly brought to you by Home Plus is the only provider of Home Equity Release without a loan in Ireland. Home Plus believes that the best place to enjoy life is in your home. Their Home Equity Release Plan, without a loan, can help you release equity in your home to help you improve your financial health. How Home Equity release without a loan works: Home Plus buys a share in your home in exchange for a cash lump sum. You continue to live in your home for the rest of your life or until you enter long term care. How people typically use the cash generated: To pay off your mortgage, retrofit your home, pay off existing bills, buy a new car, gift money to your family, make home improvements or travel. Home Plus has been in business for over 20 years, providing customers with optimal long-term solutions. They cater to customers who may be excluded by the financial services industry, on age(s), income, or other grounds. Home Plus is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
About the Author: Home Plus made sure to find the best partner to help older people. So, why we chose Fitvision? Mark O’Reilly, Founder & Director of Coaching and Programme Development, is a key factor for us partnering with Fitvision. Holding a Masters in Mental Health and Skills from The University of Limerick, Mark completed his thesis in Physical Activity as a treatment for late-life Depression. His thesis focused on the benefits of exercise in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes along with decreasing the risk of falls and fall-related injuries.
Entertainment
Peter Pan (1951)
creations had made him a household name – and brought him a considerable fortune. His European visit with his family was something in the nature of a Grand Tour and it was about this time that he began assembling his extensive library on European art and architecture which would provide the research resources for his artists in the coming years. The luxurious buildings of Vienna and Paris, especially Versailles with its wonderful decorative interiors and furnishings impressed him greatly. The influence of the rococo art forms with their endlessly intricate and flowing detail can be seen in the two films which are the focus of the exhibition. Cinderella’s coach, the regalia of her liveried footmen and the talking teapots and dancing candleholders in the Beast’s castle all show their debt to the rococo and its endlessly imaginative detail. In our own time we have seen the descendants of that age still evident in the porcelain figurines of shepherds and shepherdesses which our grandmothers and great grandmothers were so fond of displaying in their ‘china cabinets’ or on their mantelpieces. Disney made it his business to bring these little figures to life and an early example of a swirling ball-room couple in a little cinema short clip shows how he breathed life into a conventional piece of porcelain. He collected books of fairy tales too, their fable-like quality appealing greatly to him. I’m not sure if he was familiar with the work of the Russian folklorist Alexander Propp (1895-1970) who in the 1930s was publishing his findings on how the narratives of ‘fairy tales’ run parallel to basic human desires such as the escape
The impressive Wallace Collection building in London’s Manchester Square
from daily humdrum life into a happier world; and how we long for some way in which our less attractive selves could be banished by magic and replaced by a more pleasant and attractive personality. Disney’s work shows that, if he didn’t know of Propp’s analysis, he didn’t need to. He had an intuitive grasp of the complications of the human condition and of its hopes and fears. Above all, its hopes. Disney himself was a man driven by a wide variety of inner demons. Doubts about his parentage dogged him throughout his life. One of the reasons he became an undercover agent for the FBI was because it promised to investigate whether his mother was in fact his real mother. And his harsh treatment of his employees and his secret reporting of fellow workers as communists do his reputation as a person no sort of good. Much has been written too about the Disney Studios as an example of American cultural imperialism, disseminating capitalist values worldwide. As to his utter ruthlessness as a businessman, we have to remember the advice offered to anyone who wants to work in Hollywood that, if they want to have a friend there, they should go out and buy themselves a dog. If you are aware of these negative aspects of Disney and his Disney Studios this exhibition could be an opportunity
20 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
to consider them further. If you are unacquainted with them, you can get a good overall introduction in Mark Eliot’s Walt Disney – Hollywood’s Dark Prince (London: André Deutsch, 1995). Either way, this exhibition gives a close-up view of Disneyland and is one not to be missed. Besides this exhibition there is much else to see at the Wallace Collection. Assembled over the course of the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace, it is one of the most celebrated collections of fine and decorative arts in the world. On view is an extensive collection of Old Master paintings, sculpture, arms and armour and If Disney isn’t your thing there is plenty else of interest. However, just now it is Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Mickey Mouse that steal the show. This is an exhibition that allows us to become children again, one in which we are invited to rediscover what Walt Disney called ‘that fine, clean, unspoiled spot, deep down in every one of us.’ And for those who say that people who continue to watch animations have never really grown up – I can live with that. ‘Inspiring Walt Disney: The Animation of French Decorative Arts’, 6 April 2022 - 16 October 2022 at The Wallace Collection, Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, United Kingdom. Admission charge: (Adult) £14, (Children) £5.
Mater Private Network
Your Health Matters Mater Private Network can help you stay well, with new locations and extended opening hours.
Exceptional care, from people who care. Our locations: Eccles St, Dublin · Cherrywood · Northern Cross · Cork Limerick · Drogheda · Navan · Mullingar www.materprivate.ie
Literature
In search of Peter Rabbit, Mrs.Tiggy Winkle and Squirrel Nutkin In the latest of her literary rambles around these islands Lorna Hogg goes on the trail of Beatrix Potter
Beatrix wrote two or three books a year – her total output was 30 books, including 23 books for children. A shrewd businesswoman, she patented the character of Peter Rabbit Peter Rabbit, was originally created to entertain Beatrix Potter’s former governess’s five year old son but she eventually published the antics of the rabbit in a book for children. It was a huge success and has never been out of print. Netflix are the latest media company to launch an animated version
For over a century, her stories have delighted children - and she is one of the few long established Victorian authors to have escaped accusations of political incorrectness. Parents are happy to see their children enjoying tales of the naughtiness of Squirrel Nutkin and the exploits of Mrs Tiggy Winkle. Beatrix Potter remains one of the best known - and read -- authors of children’s books and famous characters. However, what are less well known are her contributions to conservation, and how she helped to preserve the enjoyment of local countryside, to be now enjoyed by all of us. Beatrix was born on 28th July 1866 to parents from backgrounds of self-made wealth. She and her brother Bertram enjoyed comfortable childhoods at the family home in London. Their parents were interested in the arts, and encouraged both of their children to learn, and try new experiences. As was then the norm, Beatrix was educated at home by a governess and had her own
small group of friends. She was also, however, taken out to enjoy all London had to offer – in galleries, exhibitions, museums. From an early age, she enjoyed drawing, and increasingly, sketching. Like most children of that era, she enjoyed folklore, and tales of magical beings – the Aesop Fables and works by the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Charles Kingsley were favourites. She tried her hand at printing – her parents encouraged new skills, and in true Victorian fashion, she also kept scrapbooks. Above all, however, Beatrix loved the open spaces. The family travelled within the United Kingdom, and she often visited her grandparents in Perthshire. As a child, she often appeared bright and precocious, but was also reserved and frequently sickly. However, she blossomed, physically and emotionally in the countryside. Her real inspiration came aged sixteen, when she visited the beautiful, but then wild and undisturbed Lake District in Cumbria in the north
22 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Literature
Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top, seventeenth century farmhouse in Sawrey in the Lake District, in 1905. It is now a museum.
west of England, on a family holiday. In the countryside, Beatrix had freedom – to explore, slide down fells, and even get lost. At home, she and her brother were also encouraged to have pets and look after their menagerie of rabbits, lizards, mice, bats and hedgehogs! As she grew older, her interest in the natural world increased. She started to study a range of scientific subjects, including mycology the study of fungi. She wrote a paper on the subject, but as a woman, could not present it at the well-regarded Lennox Society in London, as women were not allowed to join as members. When it came to her own writing, despite her comfortable background, Beatrix was unusually modern in that she was very keen to earn her own money. Back in the 1880s, she had designed and printed Christmas cards, and sold them. This success fostered a new ambition. She became quietly determined to publish and illustrate, her own stories, and in fact, self-published a picture story book of Peter Rabbit. Peter Rabbit was originally created to entertain her former governess’s five year old son, then ill with scarlet fever. Beatrix often designed sketches and made up stories for the children of friends. He was given added appeal through her painstaking examination and careful noting of the physical characteristics of animals. This helped to create lifelike drawings. However, her efforts were
initially rejected by publisher Frederick Warne. Fortunately, he was persuaded to change his mind – possibly after another designer recommended Beatrix’s artwork, and the ‘bunny book’ became an immediate success. Her skills with delicate watercolour illustration played a vital part in creating a world where squirrels had tails for sails, and kittens climbed up chimneys. The beautiful Lake District setting, gave life to such creations as Mrs. Tiggy Winkle and Squirrel Nutkin, and a new world of children’s fiction had arrived. Beatrix wrote two or three books a year – her total output was 30 books, including 23 books for children. A shrewd businesswoman, she patented the character of Peter Rabbit, which opened up the spin-off possibilities of merchandising. In 1905, she became engaged to Norman Wade, the son of her publisher, who had encouraged her. However, he was from a different social background, and again, the match was not seen as suitable by her parents. By now, Beatrix had the money, from a bequest and her earnings, to take a highly unconventional step for a women of her time – to buy a house on her own, in1905. It was a seventeenth century
farmhouse, called `Hill Top,’ near Sawrey, in the Lake District. Whilst not intended as her permanent home, her times there were productive. Tragically, Norman Wade died shortly after their engagement, at the age of just
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 23
Literature
The Lake District, Cumbria is one of the most spectacularly beautiful areas in England, thanks in no small way to Beatrix Potter. She left much of her land to the National Trust, and is credited with providing much of the land which today forms the Lake District National Park.
37. Beatrix started to spend more time in the Cumbrian fells. Her farmyard became Jemima Puddle duck’s back yard, and several characters, including Samuel Whiskers, would be created here. Beatrix could not have known it at the time, but an entirely new phase of her life was about to begin. She became close to local solicitor William Heelis, whom she met professionally during her purchase of Hill Top. Now aged 47, she took this new opportunity of happiness and the couple married in October 1913. Beatrix moved to the Lake District permanently, and swiftly took a full interest in her surroundings. She became a serious land purchaser and farmer, as she became aware of the vulnerability of the area to unshackled development. She also became interested in the newly formed National Trust and used her name to encourage people to join or donate. One of her main concerns was that people would lose access to some of the most beautiful spots in the country, and she helped in any way she could. The right to roam was given on her land – scouts and guides could camp there. She joined local societies, such as the Landowners Community Association, and was a lifelong member of the Commons, Open Space and Footpaths
Preservation Society. She also assured the future of the native Herdwick breed of sheep and was a prize winning breeder. Her attitude was decades ahead of its time – and would set a trend and provoke debate on publicly held land. However, she also continued to work, writing and illustrating her stories, until her failing eyesight made it difficult. Beatrix died on 22nd December 1943, of
24 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
pneumonia and heart disease. She left much of her land to the National Trust and is credited with providing the land which today forms the Lake District National Park. Her twenty-three children’s books have also survived, for over a century, in film, ballet and song. She also has an unusual accolade, of which she would most certainly be proud – how many authors have their own asteroid named for them?
We are recruiting for a DAIRY FOOD STUDY Are you healthy? Aged 50+? BMI of 25 or over? Take part and be in with a chance to win a cheese & wine hamper* The study involves: 6 weeks consuming a dairy product and giving blood samples twice at our UCD clinic
To find out more and be in with a chance to win, visit cheesestudy.ie or tel 01-7162471
*Or voucher equivalent
Charity News
Specsavers Ireland Provides Life Changing Aid To Kolkata Communities In Partnership With The Hope Foundation
As part of its commitment to change lives through better sight, Specsavers is continuing to work tirelessly with The Hope Foundation to help provide vital eyecare to disadvantaged people in India. The Hope Foundation is a registered Irish charity working with street and slum children in Kolkata. The charity works to improve their lives by providing access to healthcare and nutrition, education, protection, drug rehabilitation, life skills and training as well as emergency response. With the help of Specsavers, The Hope Foundation established a Blindness Eradication Programme in Kolkata bringing improved eyecare to families living in street and slum communities. Specsavers’ relationship with HOPE started in 2017 when store partner, Lisa Walsh, travelled to Kolkata with three Specsavers colleagues to support The Hope Foundation’s eye clinic. Through this mission, Lisa witnessed first-hand how many people were suffering from lack of access to basic eye care. Thousands of people were suffering from easily treatable eye conditions, with many simply needing glasses to vastly improve their daily quality of life. On her return, Lisa spoke to stores about the work she did, and the group voted to nominate HOPE as a charity partner. Specsavers have also helped to part-fund the running of the eye clinic, and partners have fundraised to purchase much needed optical equipment for HOPE Hospital. Since then, each year roughly 10 Specsavers colleagues visit Kolkata to carry out an intense, week-long eye clinic that sees them visit the street and slum communities in Kolkata. 26 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Lisa comments: ‘In Ireland, we have access to excellent eye care but many people in Kolkata are not as lucky, making it vital that we do all we can to improve their eye health services. The eye tests in India will enable the team to provide glasses, giving children and adults better vision. The gift of sight could significantly change many of these people’s lives.’ In 2020, Specsavers further showed their commitment to HOPE and the eye clinic by agreeing to cover the education and living costs for students undertaking a two-year Optometry Diploma course. With the help of Specsavers, The Hope Foundation has since conducted over 161 free eye check-up camps treating over 27,100 people, dispensed over 15,507 pairs of glasses, provided over 9,910 free medicines to patients, performed almost 1,345 eye surgeries in HOPE Hospital and treated 7,552 patients through 430 eye clinics at HOPE Hospital. Specsavers give €45,000 annually to cover the cost of running HOPE Hospital’s eyecare clinic in Kolkata. This is in addition to the funding for the optometry students. ‘HOPE tirelessly work to combat the dire living conditions in the poverty-stricken city of Kolkata and bring much needed eyecare to those in need. We at Specsavers are committed to continuing in our mission to raise vital funds and fund the HOPE Hospital Eye Clinic and support these students.’ continues Lisa. To find out more information about Specsavers partnership with The Hope Foundation, visit www.specsavers.ie or to make a donation to The Hope Foundation please visit https://www.hopefoundation.ie/donate/.
Dental Health
Life-Changing Dental Treatment for Those with Missing or Badly Damaged Teeth
Before
After All on 4 is a permanent replacement for damaged or missing teeth or dentures. The treatment is also known as smile in a day or teeth in a day. The procedure permanently replaces an entire arch of teeth with a highly- aesthetic dental bridge secured to dental implants. Allon-4 is the most natural replacement for a complete set of teeth.
This treatment is available from 3Dental in Dublin, Limerick and Galway. At 3Dental, consultations are free. After an examination, your dentist will present treatment options and advise you on what they think is the best course of action. They will also tell you about the available payment plans.
Many people are suffering from uncomfortable, ill-fitting dentures. Others are living with missing, broken, decayed or otherwise damaged teeth. These conditions can cause difficulty when laughing, eating and even smiling. Missing teeth can profoundly affect a person's confidence and make them self-conscious when speaking, smiling in photographs or sharing a meal. They can find themselves in embarrassing social situations and having difficulty when eating.
On your treatment day, they remove non-viable teeth and place 4-6 dental implants. Then, in one of 3Dental's private recovery rooms, you will wait comfortably while the dental laboratory prepares your teeth. When your new smile is ready, a restorative dentist will secure your teeth to your implants, and you will go home with a new set of teeth. All in one day!
The Smile-in-a-day procedure can restore the function of the teeth and greatly enhance their appearance. With a smile-in-a-day treatment, the result is a full set of teeth that look, function and feel like natural teeth. The new teeth will have a completely natural appearance. You will be able to smile naturally in photographs. You can eat confidently and laugh without worry, which will help you regain self-esteem.
3Dental uses the latest, state-of-theart imaging, design and fabrication technology. Having the laboratory onsite reduces production times and allows for better communication between the implant dentist and the laboratory technicians, so the patient gets the best result.
3DENTAL.ie
The cost of Smile-in-a-day in 3Dental is €9,999. Smile in a day is tax-deductible so you will get back 20% of this cost. At 3Dental, the treatment includes, as required: A free consultation. Treatment plan. Four dental implants. A temporary bridge. Extractions. Bone contouring. A Prettau zirconia bridge. If you are interested, you can find out more or get in touch with 3Dental on their website, 3Dental.ie where you will find testimonials from previous patients, before and after pictures, patient reviews, dentist biographies and more information about the treatment. Contact info 3Dental Dublin The Red Cow Complex,Naas Rd, D22 KV24 (01) 485 1033 3Dental Limerick Old Quarter House, Little Ellen St, V94 D72V (061) 414 673 3Dental Galway 28, Briarhill Business Park, Galway, H91 C9DR (091) 351 033
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 27
Travel
Return trip
Mairead Robinson goes back to her favourite Mediterranean island for a long overdue break. The spectacular seafront of Valletta
When travel once again opened up, I knew where I wanted to head off to straight away – for me it had to be the island of Malta. I wanted sunshine and crystal clear water to swim in, I wanted a bit of luxury and pampering, a warm and safe environment where I could indulge in top class food and wine. It had to be somewhere where language was not a problem and there were plenty of opportunities for walking, shopping and enjoying the unique sites. It was actually six years since my last visit – how time flies – and after two years of lockdown, I was like a greyhound just let out of the traps! So off I went with a Ryan Air flight from Dublin taking just three and half hours and a speedy taxi ride taking me to the newly refurbished Marriott Hotel in St. Julians, I was soon ensconced in my luxury sea-facing balcony room for a well deserved week of perfect holiday. Malta has always been a destination of choice for discerning holiday makers from Ireland, because it really does have it all. History and culture in spades - you will never tire of visiting the 365 churches that are scattered throughout this little island – and that is not counting the ones on the smaller island of Gozo. Then there are the twenty four heritage sites and museums where you can learn more about the fascinating and unique history of this Mediterranean archipelago. If you want to do a little research before you go, visit www.heritagemalta.org The Citadel on Gozo
best place to learn. And if you would like to do your own tour, there is no better way than to head off driving your own Rolling Geek. This is an electric buggy – if you are used to driving a golf buggy – this will be a piece of cake. Because the car has an inbuilt two way communication system with the office watching over you all the time you explore the 18 km route, they will put you right if you get lost. This was definitely a fun way to explore, each car takes four people, with one driving, one front passenger, and two sitting at the back. More on www.rolling-geeks.com If you are looking for something more active than just swimming in the unspoilt and un-crowded beaches, you can try scuba diving. If you have never done this before, this is the 28 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
And talking about golf – this is another new attraction in Malta. And the Marriott Hotel will arrange tee time for you at the 18 hole course at Marsa – www.royalmaltagolfclub.com
Travel
Royal Malta Golf Club
No visit to Malta is complete without taking the ferry over to the smaller and quieter island of Gozo. It takes just twenty minutes to cross over and once there the scenery will take your breath away. Home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon and caves, this pristine island has to be one of the most unspoilt places on earth. I actually met a woman from Cork there who now lives on Gozo permanently, with just her dog for company and the Blue Lagoon right beyond her front garden. It is hard to imagine anywhere more idyllic. But if like me, you are just over for a day visit, you should definitely take a chauffeured Tuk-Tuk tour to discover the heart of the little island. (www.yipppeemalta.com) Our driver was great fun and a great storyteller and we saw and learnt more during our time with him than we could have possibly done on our own. And back to my wish list for this wonderful week away. I knew that Malta had grown and developed quite a lot since my last visit and I was keen to experience some of it. First of all was the recently reopened and refurbished Malta Marriott Hotel, and I could not recommend it highly enough – www.marriott.com There are also a number of small historical houses that have been transformed into exclusive boutique hotels with anything from one to ten bedrooms. Along with the accommodation choices, I was thrilled to learn that Malta is now home to five Michelin Starred restaurants, and indeed the prestigious guide also recommends no less than thirty one Maltese restaurants in their guide. Food is now a major attraction for the visitor to Malta. Added to that is some of the best local wines, at excellent prices, that accompany such great food. Whilst I remember enjoying lovely food on my previous visit to Malta, things have certainly moved up a notch in the intervening years. There is a lot of activity going on in Malta these days, I did see quite a few cranes which reminded me of Dublin during the boom, but further development can only mean more jobs and prosperity for the local population of this small island and more attractions and options for the visitors. And although the island is small, there is a great sense of space and nature. From Saint Julians you can walk all the way to Sliema staying by the coast, with the lovely promenade to your left (on your right on the way back!) and you can stop at a coffee shop, a restaurant, a bookshop, or just a sit down to look out at the clear blue sea, 30 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
St Julians
feeling relaxed and savouring the atmosphere. Which for me is exactly what a great holiday is all about. More information If you want help planning your trip, Alpine Sterling DMC has been helping travellers experience the best that the Maltese Islands have to offer for the last 50 years. Whether travelling for business, leisure or a special interest, their international team are dedicated to curating tailor-made programmes that give visitors a real insight into their islands' culture, history and traditions. The team, led by Warren Zahra, all share a mutual passion for the Maltese Islands and their enthusiasm shines through as they share the best things to do, sites to visit, and places to stay in Malta and Gozo. For information on how Alpine Sterling can make your trip to Malta truly unforgettable, please visit www.alpinesterlingdmc.com or contact Warren Zahra directly on warren.zahra@alpinemalta.com See www.ryanair.com for best available offers for flights to Malta. There are direct flights from Dublin year round. From 27th March until October 2022, there are also flights direct to Malta from Shannon Airport. Tour operators from Ireland to Malta: Sunway Holidays: www.Sunway.ie Cassidy Travel: www.cassidytravel.ie Budget Travel: www.budgettravel.ie All information on the Maltese Islands and things to do is available at www.visitmalta.com
Active
RETIREMENT
STAY & DINE IN THE HEART OF DONEGAL TOWN TO EXPLORE THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY ✔
✔ ✔ ✔
✔
✔ ✔ ✔
✔
ACTIVE
NO
RETIREMENT
SINGLE
BEST
ROOM
PRICE
IRISH
ACCESS
TO
SUPPLEMENT
WI-FI
BUFFET
LEISURE
DISCOUNTED
LOCAL
MIDWEEK
GUARANTEE
COMPLIMENTARY
FULL
SPECIALS
RATES
SHOPPING
DISCOUNTED
BREAKFAST
CLUB
ON
DONEGAL
VOUCHER
RATES
AT
BAY
WATERBUS
DISCOUNTS
DONEGAL
GOLF
CLUB
www.abbeyhoteldonegal.com www.centralhoteldonegal.com
++353 74 97 21014
++353 74 97 21027
Michael O’Loughlin has enjoyed teaching bridge for over 40 years; his book, “Bridge: Basic Card Play” is available from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (01 4929666), price:€10.
Bridge
Calling all Novices – Intermediates! https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/and / by Michael O’Loughlin
SouthSouth DealsDeals The Rule of Eight Vul None Vul None Rule of Eight: Eight trumps between the partnership constitute a fit. It is hard to underestimate the ♠ A J♠ 9A7 J 9 7 importance of the Rule of Eight. The ♥ J 6♥4 J 6 4 primary focus of the early stages of every ♦ 9 5♦ 9 5 auction between partners is to locate an ♣ 10♣8 7105 8 7 5 eight-card fit, especially in a major suit (the 4♥/4♠ games requiring one trick less and scoring better than 5♣/5u). The fit may be 4-4, 5-3, 6-2 (even 7-1 or 8-0).
A. Finding a 4-4 fit.
♠ ♥ ♦ ♣
K 10 ♠ K 10 9 7♥ 3 9 7 3 A J♦ 3A2 J 3 2 KQ ♣ 9K4Q 9 4
N N W W E S S
https://www.andrewrobson.co /
♠8 ♠8 ♥ A Q♥ 10 8 510 8 5 AQ E ♦ K 10 7 6104 7 6 4 ♦K ♣ J 6♣ J 6
♠ Q 6♠5Q4 63 52 4 3 2 ♥ K 2♥ K 2 ♦ Q 8♦ Q 8 ♣ A 3♣2A 3 2
Dealer: North Vul Nil Dealer: North VulAll Nil All West West NorthNorthEast East SouthSouth
More tips for Intermediate players can be found at: https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/ andrew/tips_for_intermediates/
As soon as partner opens or responds in 1NT 1NT 2♥ 2♥4♠(1)4♠(1) a suit – guaranteeing 4+ cards in that suit Pass Pass Pass PassPass Pass Free bridge emails: If you wish to receive thr – when you yourself have 4+ cards in the same suit, then you know that(1) your side (1) Knows of the eight-card fit – aholds 1NT emails include Knows of the fit – fit a 1NT opener at which least 2 cards (1) Knows ofeight-card the eight-card – a 1NT opener holds at least 2 cards lessons, videos & quizz has a fit in that suit. opener holds at least 2 cards in every in every suit. Free emails: you in every suit. michaelolough@yahoo.com If you bridge wish to receive three If times perwish to re suit. week free bridge emails which include 4 v ♥4♠ ♥emails A, ♥A, which include lessons, video - leading partner’s suit –suit leads the ♥the If partner opens 1NT then youWest useWest 4 vto4♠East’s to East’s - leading partner’s – leads lessons, videos & quizzes, please email Stayman (2♣), telling partner declarer that declarer you winning ♥the 8 return with the ♥the K. At trick three declarer the What is RealBridge? michaelolough@yahoo.com ♥ 8 return with ♥ K. At trick three winning West - leading partner’s suit – leads the me:declarer michaelolough@yahoo.com have 4 cards in at least one major and leads a trump and correctly finesses the ♠10. The ♠10 wins so leads a trump and correctly finesses the ♠10. The ♠10 wins so 4 v 4♣ to East’s ♥A, declarer winning asking partner whether she has a 4-cardleads ♥back declarer the ♠K. East discarding (boo) and West winning declarer leads back the ♠K. East discarding (boo) and West winning the ♥8 return with the ♥K. At trick three What is RealBridge? major. The reason for using Stayman to and 9. and Declarer places the ♦the K with withwith theis ♠A switching toa the ♦9. correctly Declarer places ♦K with the ♠A and switching to♦the declarer leads trump attempt to locate a 4-4 major suit fit. ♦ A, she cashed the ♣ K, crosses to to East East (the (the bidder). Rising with the A, she bidder). Rising with finesses the ♠10. Thethe ♠10♦wins socashed declarerthe ♣K, crosses A noting East’s ♣J and the ♣the 10 with WestWest [with[with ♣J10♣J10 the ♣the ♣A noting East’s ♣J placing and ♣10 with leads back the ♠K. placing B. Finding a 5-3 fit. 10].♣10]. She cashed the ♠Q, leadsleads the the East East might havehave played the ♣the She cashed the then ♠Q, then might played ♣ 3 to West’s ♣ 8 and dummy’s ♣ 9 (key play), next cashing the ♣ Q If partner bids two suits, she is showing ♣3 to West’s 8 and dummy’s 9 (key play), next cashing the ♣Q East♣discarding (boo)♣and West winning 5 cards in her first suit. If she bids adiscarding suit the with ♦the Q. All defence scored are two trump tricks and discarding ♦the Q.the All the defence scored are ♠A and switching to the u9.two trump tricks and as an overcall she is showing 5the cards. ♥the A –In♥10 and game made. A –tricks 10 tricks and game made. Declarer places the uK with East (the both cases, whenever you hold 3 cards in bidder). Rising with the A, she More tips for players canube at: More tipsIntermediate for Intermediate players canfound becashed found at: and speak to your partner and op partner’s suit, you have an 8-card fit. • See the ♣K, crosses to the ♣A noting East’s bridge. • See and speak to your partner and ♣J and placing the ♣10 with West [with C. Finding 6-2 fit. • Connect everyone at opponents like face-to-face • with See- just and speak to the yourtable. partnB ♣J10 East might have played the ♣10]. bridge. hands afterwards Whenever partner opens 1NT, she has bridge. to learn from the p • Connect with everyone at the table. at least 2 cards in every suit. Therefore • and Connect at th She cashed the ♠Q, then leads the ♣3 to Bid play and gowith over theeveryone hands if you have 6 cards in any suit, your side you wishafterwards to try RealBridge for free, just e West’s ♣8 and dummy’s ♣9 (keyIfplay), to learn from the post hands afterwards to learn fr has a fit in that suit. mortem. next cashing the ♣Q discardingmichaelolough@yahoo.com the uQ.
Free bridge emails
What is RealBridge?
Having an eight-card fit means the opponents hold just five cards – likely to split 3-2, giving declarer great trump control.
All the defence scored are two trump tricks and the ♥A – 10 tricks and game made.
32 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
IfIf you wish toRealBridge try RealBridge for fr you wish to try for free, just email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com michaelolough@yahoo.com
ZOON ADVERT (SENIOR TIMES) V2.1.qxp_Layout 1 29/04/2022 11:42 Page 1
Zoom Meeting ID:
education
50,000 OBJECTS. 50,000 UNIQUE STORIES.
Hosted By
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR THE REAL THING – SEE IT HERE! www.facebook.com/countymuseumdundalk
+353 (0)
42 93 92 999
For absolute For beginners absolute beginners
Bridge Bridge
Last time we looked at one common way of winning tricks, i.e., by Length. For example, if you hold the AKQ32 of a edwe at one common way ofplay winning i.e.,oftricks, by Length. me Last looked time we at one looked common at one way common oftricks, winning way winning i.e.,tricks, by Length. i.e., by Length. suit, you can simply out the A-K-Q and provided neither opponent has any u hold the of aAKQ32 suit, you can simply play out A-Kmple, Forifexample, youAKQ32 holdifthe you hold the of aAKQ32 suit, you of acan suit, simply youthe can play simply out the play A-Kout the A-Kcards left in that suit, your 3-2 are both either opponent hasneither any cards that suit,in your 3-2 are provided Q and neither provided opponent opponent has left any in cards has left any cards thatleft suit,in your that 3-2 suit,are your 3-2 are winners.
nners. both winners.
We now look at another way in which to
win extra tricks: way in which toinwin extra wnother look We at now another look at way another which way tointricks: win which extra to tricks: win extra tricks: The Finesse
The Finesse The Finesse The Finesse
A Finesse should really be called a Positional Play. The two most basic hould really be called abe Positional Play. Thea two Finesse should A Finesse really called really Positional called Positional Play.most The basic two Play.most The basic two most basic examples of ashould Finesse are: abe fxamples a Finesse are: of examples a Finesse ofare: a Finesse are:
NORTH A53 Q72
NORTH NORTH NORTH SOUTH This time the missing high card you are concerned about is the King. – so K52 K52 K52 some stage you must lead a low card from the North hand towards the ???? EAST???? EAST???? EAST WEST ????WEST ???? Queen and if East holds the King then South will win a trick sooner or late 43 43 43 with the Queen. SOUTH SOUTH SOUTH Always ask yourself: “Am I worried about a missing high card and can it me when one opponent rather than ther other holds that particu rship of North/South are trying to a trick in this suit. The partnership of North/South arewin trying to win a trick thisbenefit suit. To he partnership of North/South arewin trying to a trick inTo this suit.inTo To summarise, with this cardmissing combination: ThereI prefer are lotsEast of these half The partnership of North/South to hold thechances missing and high card or wou %ave chance of winning trick in this suit,are card must be led have a 50% chance ofa winning a trick in suit, a card must be led card?” “Would a 50% chance ofa winning trick inathis suit, athis card must be led usually you have everything gain trying to win a trick in this suit. To have prefer West to hold it?” Last time we looked at one common way of winning tricks, i.e.,toby Length. (an extra trick) and nothing to lose by a 50% chance of winning a trick in this lots of these half chances usually you For example, if you holdThere the are AKQ32 of a suit, you canand simply playhave out everything the A-K- to g a finesse. suit, a card must be led from the South (an extra trick) andattempting nothing to lose by attempting a finesse. Q and provided neither opponent has any cards left in that suit, your 3-2 are hand towards the North hand. If West has the Ace and plays it, then Dummy’s both winners. Now look at this: Now look at this:
King wins later. If West has the Ace North and does not play it, then the King is ♥tricks: A Q 10 We now look at another way in which to win extra immediately played from the North hand West East mthe the from South South the South hand towards towards hand towards the theNorth North thehand. North hand.Ifhand. IfWest WestIfhas has West the thehas Ace Ace the and and Ace and andhand wins the trick. Of course, half the ?♥ J? or ?♥ K? ?♥ J? or ?♥ K? East Dummy’s willKing have the Ace –wins in that case sit,it, plays then thentime it, Dummy’s Dummy’s then Kingwins wins King later. later. IfIflater. West WestIfhas has West the thehas Ace Ace the and and Ace does does and does The Finesse South North/South were never going to win play laynot it,it,play then then it, the the then King King the is is immediately King immediately is immediately played played from played from the the from North North the hand North hand hand West East ♥432 with the King no matter what they did – ♥ ♥ ♥ J? or ? K? J? or most ?♥ K? basic ? ? wins wins and the the wins trick. the Of trick. course, course, Of acourse, half half the the half time time the East East time will will East have have will the the have Ace Ace the – – in in Ace – in atrick. 50% isOf better than 0% chance – half A Finesse should really be called a Positional Play. The two Your best way to play this suit is to take trying to a loaf is better than no bread. Nothing Your best way to play this suit is to take the “deep finesse”, South 2 tricks are available to North-South, ase case that North/South North/South case North/South were werenever never weregoing never goingtoto going win winwith to with win the the with King King the no no King no examples of a Finesse are: thecard “deep finesse”, to promote your is lost by chancing the Finesse. It’s as if I promote your lower first. Lead♥♥4trying 23from South to ♥10. A quarter of provided that: 2 er termatter what whatsaid they they what did they –“I–ahave a50% did 50% –isaisbetter 50% better than better than aa0% than 0%chance chance a 0% chance ––half halfaa–loaf loaf halfisis a loaf NORTH is lower card first. Lead ♥ 2 from South tonow return t todid you: €100 in oneishand and time, when West holds both ♥K and ♥J, ♥10 will win. You’ll er r than better thanno no than bread. bread. no Nothing bread. Nothing isislost lost by is by lost chancing by chancing the theFinesse. Finesse. the Finesse. It’s It’sasasifIt’s ifIYour I as if I way ♥a10. A quarter of thethe time, nothing in the other Nothing hand. Pick a chancing hand”. ♥when ♥K, Q. finesse”, If ♥West 10 draws the South handtovia different suit to best K52 play this suit is toand takelead “deep trying toyou holds both ♥ K and ♥ J, ♥ 10 will win. You stand a 50% chance of being €100 WEST ???? ???? EAST otoyou: said you:to “I“Ihave you: have“I €100 €100 have inin€100 one onehand in hand oneand and hand nothing nothing and nothing ininthe the other in other the hand. hand. other hand. ♥Q. And ♥10 Lead have promoted loses J, which half theof tim ♥to ♥10. A quarter promote your lower card iffirst. 2♥ from Southwill to happen You’ll now return to the South hand via better off. And even if you pick the hand 43 ♥ you can still lead to Q. ♥ ♥ ♥ time, when West holds both K and J, 10 will win. You’ll now return t ahand”. Pick hand”. awith You hand”. You stand stand You a a stand 50% 50% chance a chance 50% chance of of being being of €100 €100 being better better €100 off. better off. And And off. And NORTH a different suit and lead to ♥Q. If ♥10 nothing in it, you’re no worse off. ♥ ♥ ♥ Q. If 10 draws K, you’ the South hand via a different suit and lead to SOUTH nififyou even youpick if pick you the the pick hand hand thewith with hand nothing nothing with nothing ininit,it,you’re you’re in it, no you’re noworst worst nooff. worst off.A53 off. draws ♥K, you’ll have promoted ♥Q. Now promoted look at this: ♥Q. have Andif if♥♥ loses whichin will happen NORTH of And 1010loses toto♥♥aJ,J,trick which will happen In the other basic example of a Finesse, The partnership North/South are trying to win this suit.half Tothe tim North ♥ you can still lead to Q. half the time, you can still lead to ♥ Q. you are missing the King: A53 NORTH have athe 50% chance of winning a trick in this suit, a card must be led NORTH nher ther thebasic basic otherexample example basic example ofofaaFinesse, Finesse, of a Finesse, you youare are you missing missing are missing the the King: King: King: ♥KJ2 A53 Q72 Now look at this: Now look A53 NORTH NORTHNORTH Westat this: East
SOUTH North ♥AQ97 ♥ 10 8 6 32 Q72 This time the missing high card you This time the missing high card you are concerned about is the King. – so at♥South KJ2 WEST WEST ???? ???? EASTconcerned WEST???? ???? ???? ????EAST EAST Q72 SOUTH about is thethe King. – sohand towards the Q72card some stage you mustare lead a low from North West East ♥543 athigh somecard stage youare must lead a lowabout card is the King. – so at AQ AQ AQ SOUTH This time the missing you concerned SOUTH Queen and if East holds the King then South will win a trick both sooner or ♥ ANorth’s Q 9later 7 honours, but♥only 10 8by6 leading towards ♥ You can promote of from the North hand towards the Queen This time the missing high card you concerned about is the the King.–towards –so soatat This time the missing high card you are concerned King. SOUTH SOUTH SOUTH some stage you must lead aare low card from thefirst. North hand with the Queen. When this wins (luckythe you – a 25% chance), you’ll return to South in South and if East holds the King then South some stage you must lead acontaining card from the North hand towards the some stage you must leadholds alow low card from the North towards the Queen and ifyourself: East the King then South will win a trick sooner or later must come from the hand the low eagain, again, Herethe again, thelead lead the must lead come must from come the from hand containing hand containing the low the low different suit and lead towards Note Always ask “Am I worried about missing high card and can it♥K. ♥ 5 4 that 3 swap East and West’s Hear will win a trick sooner ora later with the Here again, the lead must come from thethe Queen and ifEast East holds the King thenSouth South willare trickyou’d sooner or Queen if the holds the King then will winhoping sooner orlater later with Queen. and win not one Heart trick.honours, Noboth way.of It’s all about the relative pos♥ Queen. You can promote North’s containing the and low cards towards the hand containing the card North/South are hoping toato stowards towards cards hand towards the hand the containing hand containing the card the North/South card North/South are hoping topromote benefit me when one opponent rather than ther other holds that particular You can both of North’s but only by leading towards with the Queen. with the Queen. of these high cards. Always ask yourself: “Am I worried about a missing high card and can it honours, but only by leading towards the hand containing the card North/ first. When this wins (lucky you – a 25% chance), you’ll return to South in missing card?” “Would I prefer to to hold the missing high card or would I aawinner. InInthis case, North/South are hoping toEast einto into make into winner. a winner. this In case, this North/South case, North/South are hoping are hoping toapromote promote promote Always ask yourself: “AmIone Iworried worried about missing card and can itlead Always ask yourself: “Am about a missing card and can it Always ask yourself: “Amhigh Ither worried about ♥that J first. When this wins (lucky you –and a West’s Hear South are hoping to make into a winner. benefit me when opponent rather than other holds particular ♥ different suit and towards K. Note that swap East prefer West to hold it?” ueen aawinner. The lead must from the North this time Queen the into Queen into into winner. abenefit winner. Theme lead The must lead from must the from North thehand North hand this hand time this time benefit me when one opponent rather than ther other holds that a missing high card can it benefit chance), you’ll return in arelative posi In this case, North/South are hoping to when one opponent than ther holds that particular and you’d winparticular not 25% one trick. No It’s to all South about the missing card?” “Would Irather prefer East toand hold the missing high cardHeart or would I way. There are lots of these half chances and usually you have everything to gain me when one opponent rather than different suit and lead towards ♥ K. Note promote the Queen into a winner. The not play the King, the Queen is chanced– again a 50/50 ifEast and Eastdoes ifdoes East not does play not the play King, the the King, Queen the Queen is chanced– is chanced– again a again 50/50 a 50/50 For anyone who is interested, I’ll be running a Bridge Absolute Beginners missing card?” “Would I prefer East to hold the missing high card or would I of high thesecard high cards. missing prefer card?” West “Would I prefer East to hold the missing or would I totime hold it?” (an extra trick) and nothing to lose by attempting a finesse. ther other holds that particular missing that swap East and West’s Hearts and lead must from the North hand this Course from the 4th – 8th of December 2022 in The Falls Hotel, Ennistym prefer West to hold it?” e chance ––like aacoin. nce liketossing tossing – like tossing coin.aWest coin.toare prefer hold it?”of these half chances and usually you have everything to gain There lots
32 32
card?” “Would I prefer to everything hold the you’ d win not Heart trick.orNo way. Please con and if East doesThere not play the King, the half chances Co. Clare. No prior knowledge of one Bridge required expected. are lotsof ofthese these andusually usually youEast have to gain There are lots half chances and you have everything toIt’s gain missing high card or would I prefer West Queen is chanced– again a 50/50 chance all about the relative position of these And for the hotel for details or email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com. (an extra trick) and nothing to lose by attempting a finesse. Now look atnothing this: totolose For anyone who is interested, I’ll be running a Bridge Absolute Beginners (an extra trick) and nothing lose byattempting attempting aa finesse. finesse. extra trick) and to holdby it?” – like tossing(an a coin. high cards. Improvers from the 11th – 14th of December 2022 in The Dromhall Hote Course from the 4th – 8th of December 2022 in The Falls Hotel, Ennistym
North Killarney, Co. Kerry. Co. Clare. No prior knowledge of Bridge required or expected. Please con ♥ A Q 10 the hotel for details or email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com. And for North North
Now at this: 34 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie Now look atlook this: Now look at this:
World-class Art & Furnishings Gorgeous Café & Shop Maze, Gardens & Walks
Use the Code SENIOR15 for a 15% DISCOUNT on House Tours either online or at our ticket desk
It is because of the spiritual and financial generosity of readers like you, that Missio Ireland can continue to support overseas missionaries in some of the most remote and marginalised corners on the planet. Missionaries like Sr. Félicité Sampo erves communities in Niger, West Africa, which is one of the poorest countries in the world. She, and thousands of missionaries worldwide, are calling out for your kindness. Help them to continue to share the beauty of your faith by remembering them in your prayers or if at all possible by making a donation or by leaving a
To learn how, or to find out more about Missio, please call Fiona on 01 497 2035 or go to www.missio.ie charity for overseas mission and missionaries Charity no. CHY 22544 | www.missio.ie
Bridge
A history of Contract Bridge Bridge is a member of the family of trick-taking card games and is a derivative of whist, which had become the dominant such game and enjoyed a loyal following for centuries. The idea of a trick-taking 52-card game has its first documented origins in Italy and France. The French physician and author Rabelais (1493–1553) mentions a game called "La Triomphe" in one of his works. In 1526 the Italian Francesco Berni wrote the oldest known textbook on a game very similar to whist, known as "Triomfi". Bridge departed from whist with the creation of "Biritch" in the 19th century and evolved through the late 19th and early 20th centuries to form the present game. The first rule book for bridge, dated 1886, is Biritch, or Russian Whist written by John Collinson, an English financier working in Ottoman Constantinople (now Istanbul). It and his subsequent letter to The Saturday Review dated 28 May 1906, document the origin of Biritch as being the Russian community in Constantinople. Another theory is that British soldiers invented the game bridge while serving in the Crimean War, and named it after the Galata Bridge, which they crossed on their way to a coffeehouse to play cards. Another possible explanation for the origin of the name “Bridge” is from Ripley’s “Now Believe It or Not”: “In 1884, two families living in Leicestershire, in England, used to visit each other on alternative evenings to play Whist. They had to cross over a rickety old bridge, which was unsafe at night, and the visiting party used to exclaim with a sigh of relief: “Thank goodness, it is your bridge tomorrow night”. Biritch had many significant bridge-like developments: dealer chose the trump suit, or nominated his partner to do so; there was a call of no trumps (biritch); dealer's partner's hand became dummy; points were scored above and below the line as in Rubber Bridge; the score could be doubled and redoubled; and there were slam bonuses. It has some features in common with solo whist. This game, and variants of it known as "bridge" and "bridge whist", became popular in the United States and the United Kingdom in the 1890s despite the long-established dominance of whist. Its breakthrough was its acceptance in 1894 by Lord Brougham at London's Portland Club.
In 1904 auction bridge was developed, in which the players bid in a competitive auction to decide the contract and declarer. The object became to make at least as many tricks as were contracted for, and penalties were introduced for failing to do so. In auction bridge bidding beyond winning the auction is pointless. If taking all 13 tricks, there is no difference in score between a 1♠ and a 7♠ final bid, as no bonus for game, small slam or grand slam exists. The modern game of contract bridge was the result of innovations to the scoring of auction bridge by Harold Stirling Vanderbilt and others. The most significant change was that only the tricks contracted for were scored below the line toward game or a slam bonus, a change that resulted in bidding becoming much more challenging and interesting. Also new was the concept of "vulnerability", making sacrifices to protect the lead in a rubber more expensive. The various scores were adjusted to produce a more balanced and interesting game. Vanderbilt set out his rules in 1925, and within a few years contract bridge had so supplanted other forms of the game that "bridge" became synonymous with "contract bridge". Duplicate (tournament) bridge became a hot activity during the middle of the century. In duplicate bridge, players at a table are dealt hands that are subsequently passed on to another table, and then to another one, and so on.
36 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Consequently, a competing pair plays the same deals that any number of other pairs play, with the differences in results being the basis for each pair's final score. Duplicate began its rise in the 1930s and continues to be popular worldwide. The number of people playing contract bridge has declined since its peak in the 1940s. However, the game is still widely played, especially amongst retirees. Contract bridge combines the elements of mental stimulation, luck, and socialising that are hard to find in other games so cheap and easy to play. Although bridge's Golden Age popularity may not be replicated again millions still enjoy the game. The game is played so much in Iceland that the tiny country of 300,000 boasted the world championship-winning team in 1991. Other unlikely hotbeds of bridge include Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Israel, Holland and Norway. Bridge is one of the few games played today by people of all ages, races, and nationalities.
Absolute beginners course For anyone who is interested, I’ll be running a Bridge Absolute Beginners Course from the 4th – 8th of December 2022 in The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare. No prior knowledge of Bridge required or expected. Please contact the hotel for details or email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com. And for Improvers from the 11th – 14th of December 2022 in The Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
HI ad Jan 2022.qxp_Layout 1 30/11/2021 17:17 Page 1
New from the Irish Manuscripts Commission
T
The Irish religious censuses of the 1760s Catholics and Protestants in eighteenth-century Ireland edited by Brian Gurrin, Kerby A. Miller and Liam Kennedy ISBN 978-1-906865-29-0, xxiv + 492 pp, €80, 2022, A4 format
his edition presents parish-level returns from the two national religious surveys conducted in Ireland during the 1760s — by the hearthmoney collectors (1764–5) and the parish ministers of the Established Church (1766). Data are presented for over 1400 parishes, some including information on households. Organised by administrative divisions and including colour distribution maps for each county, they provide a wealth of demographic and social information for late eighteenth-century Ireland. The sources on which these data are based are scattered in large and small repositories across Ireland and this is the first time they have been brought together in one volume. The religious estimates for this period provide a link between the population data provided by the poll tax survey of 1660 and that of the 1831–4 report on religious numbers and religious observance.
T
Campaign journals of the Elizabethan Irish wars edited by David Edwards ISBN 978-1-906865-93-1, xxii + 310 pp, €25, paperback
his reprint in paperback of the popular 2014 edition gathers together 19 journals of military campaigns in Ireland during the reign of Elizabeth I. They record military operations by crown forces in all four provinces, on land and at sea. The journals cover every aspect of the fighting, from preparation to the often bloody aftermath, and offer unique insights of the Tudor conquest and how it was experienced by those who took part. These important historical sources are reproduced in full here for the first time. They demonstrate the importance of record-keeping for Elizabeth’s commanders, and the central role of soldiering in their sense of themselves and their place in history.
IRISH MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION
TRADE ORDERS TO
support@irishmanuscripts.ie
Gill & Macmillan Distribution, Park West, D12 YV96 T: + 353-1-500 9500 sales@gill.ie
45 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, D02 VY60
Western Ways George Keegan on what’s happening in travel, the arts, food and entertainment along the Western Seaboard
Life’s a beach.. Lahinch beach Co Clare, a resort which welcomes large numbers of holidaymakers every year from the Limerick area. Another great place for surfing and the town has a championship links golf course.
I have no doubt that readers of a certain vintage (meaning my own!) will have special memories of spending a week or fortnight each summer in a seaside town somewhere in Ireland. Memories of sandy beaches, paddling pools, a dip in the ocean, funfairs, fishing in a rock pool with a net attached to a long stick and building sand castles using a colourful small bucket and spade. Oh, those memories! At some beaches you could even drive the car on and park, taking a picnic with you of course. I grew up along the east coast and can remember my father giving me driving lessons along a certain beach. There have been many songs written about beaches and holidays. Remember big hits such as Brian Hyland’s Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini or Cliff Richard’s Summer Holiday. There are also numerous poems with titles such as A Day at the Beach or While Walking on the Beach. In a recent survey Ireland was placed 5th on a list of most popular European countries for their beaches. Western beaches Spending the day on a fine sandy beach in summer is a lovely experience however there should be other attractions too, especially if it’s a family holiday. The following are some of the superb beaches you can discover along the Wild Atlantic Way, all with Blue Flag status and offering special attractions within easy reach, adding to the overall enjoyment. We begin our journey in County Donegal Bundoran Beach: a great example of the typical seaside town. The sandy beach faces Donegal Bay and the Atlantic. There are two outdoor sea water swimming pools and it’s a haven for surfing with no less than 5 surfing schools. This town has an abundance of ‘things to do’ with cliff walks, an adventure park, waterworld and an equestrian centre. There is a fine golf course overlooking the sea on one side with the Dartry Mountains as a backdrop on the other. Attractions include the Fairy Bridges on Tullan strand (sea stacks hundreds of years old) and a Wishing Chair to sit on and look out to sea. 38 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Rathmullan Beach, Co Donegal, a lovely fine sandy beach New here for summer 2022 is a beach wheelchair for those with mobility problems
Rathmullan Beach, Co Donegal: a lovely fine sandy beach in the same county but not often written about. New here for summer 2022 is a beach wheelchair for those with mobility problems. It must be pre-booked but is free of charge. There is a 6km looped walk from the pier along the beach. A local charter company offers day trips to Tory Island and deep sea angling excursions. The Lough Swilly car ferry operates from here to Buncrana from June to September. It can carry 18 cars and over a 100 foot passengers. The crossing takes 40 minutes. Rathmullan has a good selection of rental accommodation and Just a few metres from the beach you will discover the really excellent Rathmullan House Hotel. This 18th century Georgian house has been owned by the Wheeler family for many years. There are two award winning restaurants and food served is delicious. Quite a lot of the ingredients come from their large walled vegetable garden. During summer months (July and August) a purpose built Pavilion is open to residents and nonresidents for casual dining. It is situated on a lawn close to the main entrance offering stone baked pizzas and locally brewed craft beers. Quite close and along the town’s Pier Road is a delightful café named Belles. It has a very extensive menu of snacks and meals. Open 9.30am -6.30pm. The Irish Navy service ship the LE James Joyce is scheduled to anchor at the village pier during the Community Festival & Annual Regatta on Sunday 6th August as part of the week-end festivities. A short distance away is the small but interesting town of Ramelton on the Lennon River, one of 5 Heritage towns in the county. A country market is held in the local Town Hall weekly.
Western Ways Mullaghmore, Co Sligo : this beach is in a village along a peninsula in the northern edge of County Sligo and is internationally known as a location for big wave surfing. The skyline is dominated by Ben Bulben, a section of the Dartry mountains. It has a distinctive flat top and many myths and legends attached to it. The 3km white sandy beach has a large dune system so particularly good for family holidays. The village has several restaurants and cafes with of course an emphasis on seafood. A looped walk gives great views of the privately owned Classiebawn Castle. Further along is Strandhill where you can take a warm seaweed bath at Voya Seaweed Baths. Close by also is the Creevykeel Court Tomb, dating from the Neolithic period. Trawmore strand on Achill Island if it’s a quiet peaceful beach you are seeking then this beach, also known as Keel beach, could be the perfect setting. Its 3km long and links Keel to Dookinella and is very popular with locals for swimming. In fact, the island as a whole has several Blue Flag beaches giving tourists lots of options. Activities around the island range from guided tours to horse riding, painting workshops to bike hire. A special attraction to consider is the Achill Experience at Keel containing a replica ‘Boley House’ from times past containing artifacts and an aquarium displaying fish native to local waters. Here is an opportunity to learn all about local fishing traditions. Earlier this summer the inaugural Achill Island Film festival took place on the island. Lahinch beach Co Clare: a resort which welcomes large numbers of holidaymakers every year from the Limerick area. Another great place for surfing and the towns has a championship links golf course. Nearby towns of note are Ennistymon (market town) Kilrush (Heritage town plus famous Vandeleur Gardens) and Kilkee (popular holiday centre). A visit to Scattery Island from Kilrush is highly recommended. This island was an important ecclesiastical centre founded by St. Senan in 532. There are eleven main sites to explore including the remains of the monastic settlement and a deserted village. The last of the inhabitants left Scattery in 1978. A family run business operates boat trips to the island from the Marina in Kilrush. Close to Lahinch are the world famous Cliffs of Moher (no further comment required). On the way there check out the excellent Rock Shop, a real Aladdin’s cave with display of fossils, gemstones, pottery jewellery and collectable rock suitable for all ages. It has a good tea room for soups, sandwiches, cakes, scones and freshly ground coffee. Inch Strand, Co Kerry: we have arrived in The Kingdom and this sandy beach stretches for some 5km as part of a narrow peninsula into Dingle Bay with extensive dune system bordering the eastern side. It is regarded as the longest beach in Ireland. Here was shot the beach scenes for David Lean’s film Ryan’s Daughter which starred Robert Mitchum, Sara Miles, John Mills and Trevor Howard. It was also the location for a second movie Playboy of the Western World with Siobhan McKenna. Information received suggests it’s possible to drive right on to this beach- now that’s a blast from the past! A 20 minute drive brings you to Dingle. On the peninsula visitors can enjoy many activities such as walking, hiking, summer festivals and events. 40 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Located on the south of the island it is connected to the mainland by two causeways. The beach is very wide and is popular with families. There is a public car park and toilet facilities.
Inchydoney beach, Co Cork, Inchydoney Island where you will find this beach voted the No1 beach in Ireland two consecutive years running
Just 5km away is the charming town of Clonakilty which has lots of attractions including the West Cork Model Railway Village, Equestrian Centre, Michael Collins Heritage Centre & House, an Adventure Park with Adventure golf and the Clonakilty Distillery and Visitor experience. Not to be missed are the Lisselen Estate Gardens. However, no visit to this town would be complete without calling into the Black Pudding Visitor Centre. Useful websites www.blueflagireland.org www.thewildatlanticway.com www.discoverireland.ie www.rathmullanhouse.com www.therockshop.ie www.cliffsofmoher.ie www.michaelcollinscentre.com www.clonakilityblackpudding.ie/visitor-centre
Summer festivals and events in the West There are a host of festivals and events taking place during July and August. Here are a few suggestions. July: Galway Film Fleadh 5th – 10th Earagil Arts Festival Letterkenny 9th-24th Ballina Salmon Festival 10th-16th Galway Arts Festival 11th-24th Ballygawley Music Festival Co. Sligo 15th-17th Galway Race Meeting 25th -31st August: Dingle Races 5th-7th Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival, Co. Sligo 6th-10th Puck Fair Killorglin Co. Kerry (Ireland’s oldest fair) 10th-12th Dingle Regatta 13th-14th (to be confirmed) Rose of Tralee International Festival, Co. Kerry 19th-23rd All summer long: Festival of Folk at Siamsa Tíre the National Folk Theatre of Ireland in Tralee from May to September, featuring Irish music, song, dance and storytelling plus guided tours and workshops. NB: due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions check out these events before travelling.
Irish Hospice Foundation launches Pledge to Plant campaign Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) launches Pledge to Plant - its plant, grow, sell initiative to raise vital funds. Pledge to Plant has been created to give anyone wishing to support the work of Irish Hospice Foundation the chance to sow seeds and grow flowers, plants and vegetables to sell to family, friends and colleagues to raise vital funds for services supporting those facing end-of-life and bereavement. Anyone registering to get involved in Pledge to Plant will receive a free supporter pack full of information, planting tips and complimentary seeds to get started with planting in May and organise a plant sale in June.
L to R: Marie Staunton – Gardener, Sharon Foley – CEO IHF, Aisling Easton (7), Hazel Easton (4)
highlight the incredible support that Irish Hospice Foundation provides”. Helen McVeigh, Fundraising Director with Irish Hospice Foundation says: “We are delighted to launch Pledge to Plant and hope to see many people involved. Whether green fingered or not, we’d love to see people planting seeds for flowers, herbs, vegetables or salads, to sell to friends and family. We hope everyone has a good time planting and raising vital funds for Irish Hospice Foundation to support work in endof-life care and bereavement!” This year Irish Hospice Foundation will invest over €1m in one of their services - Nurses for Night Care - which delivers nursing care into the homes of those facing their final days. Funds raised from the Pledge to Plant campaign will go towards this crucial national service and end-of-life work across the country, helping to make a real difference to those facing end of life. Pledge to Plant has its initial roots in remembering a loved one. Kathy
Whyte had the idea after her mum, who was a keen gardener, died. This legacy, combined with a wish to generate funds for Irish Hospice Foundation, inspired Kathy to develop the Pledge to Plant initiative.
For more information or to register, see hospicefoundation.ie/ pledgetoplant/ or call Irish Hospice Foundation on 01 679 3188.
This year, Irish Hospice Foundation is delighted to have the support of gardening expert Marie Staunton on board - “I’m getting involved with Pledge to Plant because it’s something I can personally do to Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 41
Health
Yoga before bed: five poses to help you sleep and relax Ayushi Singh advises
At senior age, keeping an active lifestyle becomes important. Regular yoga practice can help you fall asleep faster. According to Harvard Health Publishing, ‘A national survey found that over 55 per cent of people who did yoga found that it helped them get better sleep. Over 85 per cent said yoga helped reduce stress. You can use supportive props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks to make poses comfortable so that you can stay in the pose for longer and continue to breathe.’ These easy yoga poses will help you get started safely and calm your mind.
You should not practice child's pose if you have severe knee pain or recent knee injury. How to practice Child's Pose To come into child's pose, start in a kneeling position on the mat. Gently sit on your heels, either separate your knees or keep together but keep the toes together. On an exhalation, lay your torso between the thighs. Slowly rest your forehead on the yoga mat or the floor. Stretch the arms out in front of you with your palms facing up. Focus on your breathing. Stay in this position for 40 seconds to 1 minute.
Corpse Pose Child's Resting Pose (Balasana)
Corpse Pose (Shavasana)
Child's Resting Pose (Balasana)
Corpse pose gets its name from the lying down position of the dead body. Corpse pose calms the central nervous system and
Child's pose is a beginner level yoga pose, also known as Balasana in Sanskrit. The resting pose helps to stretch the
helps reduce blood pressure. It helps to reduce mental stress and headache.
thighs, hips and shoulder muscles. It gently relieves neck and back pain and calms the brain.
How to practice Corpse Pose To perform the Corpse pose, lie down on your back. Let your arms and legs drop open and completely relax your body. Take
42 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Health slow and deep breath through the nose with your eyes closed. Stay in corpse pose for 5 to 10 minutes.
Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama)
Sleeping Swan
Sleeping Swan Pose (Kapotasana) The sleeping swan pose requires flexibility of the knees therefore you are advised to practice knee stretching exercises before doing the sleeping swan pose.
Alternative Nostril Breathing
How to practice Sleeping Swan Pose To come into it, start from a table pose (on hands and knees). Keep the left leg behind and place the right knee between
In Sanskrit, 'Prana' means life force and 'Yama' means to gain command. The Nadi shodhan pranayam is a breathing technique. It helps keep the mind calm and peaceful.
your hands on the floor. Your right ankle comes close to your buttock. Center yourself so that your body weight is balanced. Bow forward and stretch the arms forward with palms facing up. Hold 3 to 4 minutes in this position. Practice sleeping swan pose on both sides for better results.
According to International Journal Of Yoga, ‘Majority of the research studies and reviews evaluating the health benefits of Yoga have considered Yoga asana” and pranayama’ as a whole, without focusing on pranayama solely. Pranayama alone has demonstrated numerous beneficial health effects, including stress relief, beneficial cardiovascular effect, improved respiratory function, and enhanced cognition.’
Happy Baby Pose
Happy Baby Pose (Aanand Balasana) Happy baby pose is an easy stretching exercise, which is also common in Pilate due to its calming effect. It gives relaxation because it involves lying on your back on the floor and moving from side to side. Happy baby pose eases anxiety and stress. It stretches the spine, inner thighs and inner part of the groin. It is beneficial for the digestive system. How to practice Happy Baby Pose Lying on your back and bringing both knees towards your chest. On an inhalation, hold the inside of your each foot with each hand. Hold for 30 to 40 seconds. If you are a beginner and cannot reach your feet, you can also hold your ankles.
How to practice Pranayama Sit comfortably with crossed legs or on your knees with your spine erect and shoulder relaxed. Place your right thumb to the right nostril and ring and little finger to the left nostril. Gently place your index and middle finger on the bridge of your nose. Close your right nostril with the right thumb and start inhaling from the left nostril. Exhale through the left nostril completely, close the left nostril, and inhale through the right nostril. Now, exhale through the right nostril. Repeat cycles for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep your eyes closed throughout the breathing practice. Do not breathe from the mouth or force the breathing. Put the fingers gently on the nose and forehead. Warning: Do not attempt any of these exercises without consulting a medical professionals. Further information: For Child's Resting Pose and Corpse Pose https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/bedtimeyoga For Sleeping Swan Pose aka Pigeon Pose https://www.lovetoknowhealth.com/fitness/basic-yoga-posesfor-senior-citizens) For Happy Baby Pose https://www.google.com/amp/s/morelifehealth.com/articles/ pelvic-floor%3fformat=amp Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 43
If you can, please support MSF in this special way
Rebecca Ferguson MSF paediatric nurse - Herat, Afghanistan
MSF doctor Solveig Köbe with Nyayesh, eight months old. Nayayesh was severely malnourished and had pneumonia when she was admitted to the intensive care unit of the MSF-supported paediatric department of Herat Regional Hospital. Credit: MSF 2022
I’m a paediatric training nurse in the city of Herat, in the west of Afghanistan. Our training covers all the basics of triage (the process of deciding how sick a patient is), as well as the assessment and care of sick children. On the hospital’s opening morning, when I ran from triage to the red zone with our first emergency patient to put them onto the resuscitation bed, the nurse working there immediately started checking “ABCDE”. This is airway, breathing, circulation, disability, level of consciousness and exposure – the formal assessment of every patient. With a moment of pride, I thought back to our days in the classroom before the hospital opened: first with the whiteboard and the team calling out answers to my questions, then with the plastic mannequin – imagining we had someone’s son or daughter in front of us – and I saw all the work click into place. The patient, a small baby only three months old, was referred from a clinic a whole day’s travel away. Pulling back the thick blanket wrapping the baby, we saw he was blue and floppy. The nurse laid the baby onto the resuscitation table and began the assessment: “Airway: no obstruction. Breathing: The baby is not breathing!” The team sprang into action, calling for extra help. The other nurse assembled what’s known as an Ambu bag and mask to deliver breaths and oxygen to the baby, at the same time the doctor assessed the heart rate with his stethoscope on the baby’s tiny chest. The nurse squeezed the Ambu bag and gently inflated the baby’s lungs. One, two, three, four, five. The doctor reported a good heart rate, and, as he lifted his stethoscope off the chest, we saw the baby start to take his own breaths. Colour returning to his skin, blue to pink. The mother was watching our efforts anxiously and the doctor informed her the baby was improving and breathing without our help. Relief spread across her face and with gentle encouragement she came to hold the hand of her baby. It was a nice moment for the team. Often, patients arrive too late for our help and despite 44 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
our best efforts, we don’t see them take their own breaths ever again. After opening the new ER and ICU, we can already see the road ahead will be challenging. We are one of the only hospitals able to provide free emergency care to a large population. This includes people both in the city and in the camps for displaced people on the outskirts, as well as people who travel to us from other provinces. Some people here have almost nothing and have travelled from their villages to find work. They don’t have access to food and water, and they cannot find these basic human needs at home. Forty years of war seems to have finally reached a tentative end in Afghanistan, but people still suffer the consequence of those years of conflict. This is my second time working in Afghanistan, and the resilience and strength of the staff, as well as their determination to do everything to the absolute highest standards, drew me back here. The team here have an amazing motivation and are a joy to teach. I believe they will ensure the new service runs full steam ahead, providing world-class emergency care where it is needed the most. It all starts with a simple ABCDE. Leaving a gift in your will is a way for you to stand with us and ensure this vital work continues. Internationally, gifts in wills fund a sixth of our lifesaving work. If you can, please support MSF in this special way.
A gift in your will can heal and save lives. To request your free brochure with more information please visit msf.ie/legacy, or phone Ruth on 01-2815184
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 Charity Number: 20069360 Registered Revenue Number: CHY18196
Photo: Omar Havana, Nepal, 2015
THIS IS YOUR LEGACY.
County: Eircode: Send to: Ruth Hanahoe, MSF, 9 Upper Baggot Street, Freepost F4763, Dublin 4
!
Dublin Dossier Pat Keenan reports on happenings in and around the capital
Dublin airport eighty years on
The 1940 control tower designed by architect Desmond FitzGerald, a brother of former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, has the lines of a luxurious ocean liner and has won many architectural design awards. Today there are fine views of it as you walk to Terminal One departures.
Dublin Airport has been headline news recently, mostly for all the wrong reasons. The return to travel after the pandemic has been sometimes chaotic and a blemish on what had been a remarkable success story. From the first commercial flight 82 years ago (1940) when a small Aer Lingus Lockheed14 departed to Liverpool, beginning a twice weekly one destination service. Today Dublin Airport manages over 700 flights daily to 190 destinations. The old terminal, now DAA (Dublin Airport Authority) headquarters, was designed to handle up to 100,000 passengers a year. Now with two terminals they can handle more than 100,000 passengers every day and Dublin Airport accounts for over 80 per cent of air traffic on the entire island of Ireland.
The first commercial flight from Dublin Airport was 82 years ago (1940) when a small Aer Lingus Lockheed14 departed to Liverpool, beginning a twice weekly one destination service.
Liverpool and a train to London. Affordable fights increased with living standards but really only took off with the arrival of Ryanair cheaper fares. These early cheap fare passengers were sometimes deprecatingly referred to as 'the boat people.' Ryanair is now Europe's largest low-cost carrier and Dublin is Europe's 12th busiest airport.
When I was at school, neither today nor yesterday, we called it Collinstown Airport. We could cycle there, park our bikes against the walls of the terminal building, go to the balcony and see relatively few aircraft. Because we were such regular visitors and the airport was small, we became well known and brazenly we could stroll into the staff canteen for a bite to eat. In those early days only the rich could afford to fly, mind you they hadn't many places to go. Many families would visit the airport just to have a day out, or for a special occasion meal in the Collar of Gold restaurant, then one of Dublin’s best. I even remember going for breakfast on the weekends, an idea unthinkable today. My first venture abroad in 1965 was by an arduous passenger/cattle boat to 46 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
The Aer Lingus Lockheed L1049 Super Constellation aircraft embarked on its inaugural flight from Dublin and Shannon to New York with a crew of 6 tending to 99 guests in economy class.
GOLDEN YEARS MIDWEEK BREAKS Enjoy a midweek break in Tralee, our Over 55’s breaks include Bed/Breakfast & Dinner each evening and complimentary Tea/Coffee & Scones on arrival. PACKAGES
2022
July & August
September
October
November & December
2 Dinner, B&B
€200 pps
€175pps
€155pps
€150pps
3 Dinner, B&B €267 pps Single Room Supplement
€240pps
€220.50 pps
€214.50pps
€28 per night
To book call 066 7199100 or visit www.therosehototel.com The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4. Email: reservations@therosehotel.com
An Unmissable Experience! Cobh, The “Queenstown Story” An informative and sometimes emotive story of Irish emigration. Learn about Cobh's connection to the Titanic and The Lusitania.
20% Discount on production of this advert
Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland
Telephone: 353 (21) 4813591 Email: info@cobhheritage.com Find Cobh the Queenstown Story on Facebook www.cobhheritage.com
Dublin Dossier Before commercial operations began in 1940, Collinstown was already an airfield. In 1918 the Royal Flying Corps (later became the Royal Air Force) began work on an aerodrome on farmland in the townland of Collinstown. Three RAC Training Squadrons flying de Havilland and Avro biplanes began pilot training operations, ending with the withdrawal of the RAF’s Irish Flight in 1922. The land, hangars and airfield buildings returned to farm use until 1936 when it was selected as the site for Dublin Airport. Work began in 1937, more land was acquired and the site cleared for the new grass runways. The following year construction began on new terminal building. The architect was Desmond FitzGerald, a brother of former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald. Designed to echo the lines of a luxurious ocean liner it won many architectural design awards. Today there are fine views of it as you walk to Terminal One departures.
Recent scenes at Dublin Airport – unimagined 80 years ago!
Last orders for more and more Dublin pubs.. The pandemic has seen the loss of around 350 pubs in Ireland and jointly the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Licenced Vintners’ Association (LVA) have noted a 5 per cent drop in pub licence renewals. All in all Dublin seems to have weathered the crisis better than expected. Highly urbanised Dublin lost 33 public houses and mostly rural Donegal lost the same number. But did the pandemic only speed up and compound an already existing trend? In the age of safer driving adherence, cheap off licence prices and smart phones, have we changed the ways we commune and socialise - meet more at home than in the local? In Dublin we appear to have pubs disappearing and some new opening, even some reopening. Only time will tell...probably! More fundamentally, how important are or were our pubs in our UNESCO City of Literature, to our news reporters or have writers also changed their ways. Do pubs and drink hinder or initiate creative writing? I remember, as a younger man going on a press trip to Boston with a bunch of provincial newspaper men. On arrival, I recall one of them who will remain unnamed, never went further than the pub next door to our hotel. At the close of each day he would regale us with all the great news stories he had stumbled upon during his day at the bar. Probably reflected on how he worked at home... does this happens anymore ? The Pearl Bar in Fleet Street: gone since 1973 to make way for a bank, was an
The Pearl Bar in Fleet Street: gone since 1973 to make way for a bank, was an Irish Times pub. An unlikely regular was Maeve Binchy who might pop in twice a day.
Irish Times pub. An unlikely regular was Maeve Binchy who might pop in twice a day. Gone too The Scotch House on Aston Quay with Myles na Gopaleen ensconced in the front snug writing his Irish Times column. Hourigans in Lesson Street, one of my own old abodes and where beloved sportswriter Con Houlihan might retire after a match and deliberate on his imminent sports column deadline over a pint of milk liberally laced with brandy, gone. Con equally frequented The Bank pub on College Green and The Palace Bar at 21 Fleet St in Temple Bar, both these bars
48 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
are still with us. The Palace sports a bronze plaque commemorating Con on the wall outside. The Oval in Middle Abbey St. (another news hacks abode -mostly from the Indo) is still with us since 1820. Scruffy Murphy’s off Mount Street Lower, Kiely’s in Donnybrook, both gone; The White Horse on the corner of George’s Quay and Corn Exchange Place where Brendan Behan would voice the odd expletive across the street, referencing De Valera, directed at the offices of The Irish Press, sadly also gone, and the pub has been replaced by a Starbucks coffee shop. I could go on, and possibly list another 50 pubs gone.
Dublin Dossier Gone too The Scotch House on Aston Quay where Myles na Gopaleen (Flann O’Brien) could often be seen writing his column for the Irish Times
But some are returning..
Number 3 Eden Quay beside O'Connell Bridge is a story of rebirth after rebirth and rebirth again. In the 1916 Easter Uprising the original residential property here along with most of Eden Quay was burned to the ground when a British warship HMY Helga sailed up the Liffey and began exchanging shells with rebels in Liberty Hall and the GPO. The HMY Helga incidentally was built in Dublin as a fishery protection vessel and later converted to an anti-submarine warship during WWI. It should be said there were other military sources of shelling at the same time. British Army gunners were also set up on the south quays by Butt Bridge at Tara Street. In the early 1920s 3 Eden Quay was rebuilt and became a pub notable enough for inclusion in Ulysses by James Joyce: ‘I see, he said. I didn’t recognise him for the moment. I hear he is keeping very select company. Have you seen him lately? He had. I quaffed the nectarbowl with him this very day, said Lenehan. In Mooney’s en ville and in Mooney’s sur mer.’ (Mooney’s en ville was in Lower Abbey Street and Mooney’s sur mer was at 3 Eden Quay) The well regarded 'Horse and Tram' pub was also here. When it closed there was a short period of decline, it became a lap dancing 'private club', without a liquor licence and it also closed seven years ago. There followed many empty derelict years until it was rescued, stripped of all the gaudy red paint, cleaned and skilfully restored to returned as Meaghers Bar, joining the other Meaghers family pubs, The River Bar at 1 Burgh Quay and Hartstown House, just the other side of Blanchardstown. Bothers Tom and Michael Meagher spared nothing on this restoration. It meant something very special that their dad
Tom was a regular in the old Horse and Tram back in the 1980s. He was friends with the people who owned it, even sometimes switched sides of the bar to helped out with a few shifts. Apparently other people who were regulars in those days are coming back in now and remark that the new pub has retained much of its character from the old Horse and Tram. Visit their website at www.meaghersbar.ie Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 49
Golf
Dermot Gilleece remember a celebrated golfer and a true sportsman
When the colour went out of golf.. When major tournament golf returned recently to Boston with the staging of the 122nd US Open, memories were sparked of 1999 and the bitterness which attached to America’s victory in the Ryder Cup. This time, events at Brookline were more conciliatory, with a locker-room display for the shirt Payne Stewart wore 23 years ago, a month before he was killed in a freak air-accident. The shirt was presented by Stewart’s widow, Tracey, in the hope that golfers in these troubled times would be reminded of her husband’s sportsmanship. It will be recalled that, touched by the rough treatment his singles opponent, Colin Montgomerie, was made to endure from the partisan Boston galleries, Stewart conceded the 18th hole and victory to the beleaguered Scot. On his last visit to Britain and Ireland for the Dunhill Cup shortly afterwards, Stewart continued to make peace. Which was his way. He had no wish to make enemies, wherever he went.
The circumstances of his death, brought to mind another great American golfer who was similarly cut off in his prime. Two years after capturing the Open Tony Lema and Championship at St Andrews, Tony his wife Lema and his wife were killed when their private aircraft crashed en route from the 1966 PGA Championship, to a pro-am event elsewhere in the US. Born in Springfield, Missouri on January 30th 1957, Stewart first made his name as a tournament golfer in decidedly modest circumstances _ as co-champion of the Southwest Conference in 1979. Ten years later, however, he had captured the first of three major championships, when he finished a stroke clear of Andy Bean, Curtis Strange and Mike Reid in the PGA Championship at Kemper Lakes. The second major triumph came in 1991, when he beat Scott Simpson in a play-off for the US Open at Hazeltine. And 50 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Payne Stewart’s statue, which aped his iconic pose, is located in front of the Pinehurst No. 2 clubhouse 50 yards from the 18th green where Stewart sank the dramatic putt to win by one shot over Phil Mickelson.
despite having to cope with an unexpected extension of the tournament schedule into a Monday play-off, there was never a question but that he would fulfil his commitment to play in the Irish Open at Killarney later that week. His first visit to Ireland proved to be an unqualified success for all concerned. After rounds of 69 and 71, he was tied for the lead at the half-way stage with future Ryder Cup rival Montgomerie. But jet-lag began to take its toll over the weekend and Stewart slipped to rounds of 77 and 76 and an eventual share of 16th place behind the winner, Nick Faldo. Far more memorable, however, was his demeanour throughout the tournament. Locals were drawn to this warm-hearted American who dressed in decidedly odd, even garish clothes, characterised by plus-twos, or knickers as they call them in his part of the world. And Stewart became the envy of local politicians when responding with kisses, hugs and handshakes to all-comers, as appropriate.
ASI press dvert 188x130 artFeb2019.indd 2
WWW.OIDEASGAEL.IE
Ireland’s language and culture Adult Irish Language Courses • all learning levels • weekend and week-long
Cultural Activity Holidays Hill Walking, Archaeology, Environment, Geology, Painting, Tapestry Weaving, Flute & Whistle, Bodhrán, Irish Harp
26/02/2019 12:00
DSPCA Free Will Service Do you have a will in place or are you thinking about making one? When thinking about making a Will we think about the people and the things that are of most value to us. Making a Will can often be our last opportunity to help look after our loved ones and can have a lasting impact for the causes and charities closest to our hearts. Whether you’re a pet owner, an animal lover or someone who wants to leave a legacy that will make a real difference then remember the DSPCA in your Will. The DSPCA have partnered with our legal advisors O’Shea Barry Solicitors LLP offering a FREE Will service. O’Shea Barry Solicitors LLP is an Irish law firm established is 2007 located at 5 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
If you want to know more about our Free Will Service call 086 0451 756 or (01) 499 4707 DSPCA, Mount Venus Road, Rathfarnham, D16
Tel: +353 (0)74 97 30 248 oifig@oideasgael.ie
www.dspca.ie
Golf That was the period when he was contracted to the American NFL, which meant he would wear the colours of the various teams in the league. Sometimes this would mean some outrageous combinations, to the extent that spectators were heard to remark: "Gee, Payne looks good enough to eat today." Typically, he would greet such comments with a shrug of the shoulders, a warm smile and a light-hearted response with that high-pitched drawl of his. And later, he would turn sartorial quirkiness to splendid advantage by establishing his own clothing line, featuring a figure of a golfer as his logo. Meanwhile, he returned to Ireland prior to the 1998 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and gained the distinction of having a hole in one on the short third at Ballybunion. That particular visit was prompted by his friendship with Irish businessmen, Dermot Desmond and J P McManus, and culminated in a return, competitive visit for the Smurfit European Open at The K Club where, sadly, he failed to make the cut.
Waterville links where Payne Stewart was made honorary captain in 2000 Payne Stewart comforts Colin Montgomerie at the infamous 1991 Ryder Cup at Brookline
And he was back once again in July 1999, with resonances of Killarney '91 in that he was again the reigning US Open champion. His latest success was achieved on the punishing terrain of Pinehurst No 2 where he conquered domed greens, treacherous rough and Phil Mickelson. On this latest Irish break, much of his time was spent at Waterville GC where he is reported to have entertained both his US Tour colleagues and delighted locals, with rousing tunes on the harmonica. Small wonder that the club decided to make him honorary captain for the year 2000, a distinction he was delighted to accept. As Jay Connolly, the club's chief executive said at the time: ‘Payne has many supporters in Ireland and on recent visits to Waterville, he has won the hearts of our small village. By way of thanks, this is the highest honour we can bestow.’ On that visit, he played The Old Head of Kinsale where, with typical good humour, he set off into a dense fog in a sixball with colleagues Tiger Woods, David Duval, Mark O'Meara, Lee Janzen and StuartAppleby. And, as it happened, I had the good fortune to walk the18 holes with them. On the final hole, they retreated to the very back tee from where there is a vertigo-inducing, sheer drop of 300 feet to churning Atantic breakers below. That’s where Stewart delivered his Sunday best - and didn't quite make the fairway. Feigning anger and alarm in equal measure, he exploded: ‘Michael Jordan never hit this green with a nine iron?’ He was assured that the former basketball ace had, in fact, done as much during an earlier visit. Still, as Stewart settled over a fourwood second shot, he continued to mutter: ‘Michael Jordan never .....’ Instinctively, professional pride came to the fore. With that beautifully lazy swing and remarkable tempo, he hit the most glorious approach into a fresh breeze and safely onto the putting surface. And still he muttered: ‘Michael Jordan ....’ As a special tribute a week after the fatal plane crash, Waterville GC decided to proceed with their plan to have Stewart as their honorary captain for Millennium Year. So it was that his name went on the club's honour board, alongside the functioning captain for 2000, Willie O'Driscoll. In the meantime, the flag flew at half-mast and the Waterville club were represented at the player's funeral in the US by Jay
A familiar-clad figure tees off at the celebrated St Andrews 18th
Connolly. The links would also be closed on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect. As a reflection of the general mood of the place, Paul Mulcahy, the 1999 captain, said: “We're all shattered down here. There is a profound sadness about the place at the loss of a man whom we all considered as a friend. Everybody loved him. During his visits here, he was in every bar in the village, making others feel good." It also gave him the player the opportunity of indulging his love of fly-fishing in the upper lakes, with Connolly and local gillies, Paddy Carey and Vincent O'Sullivan. So, he was understandably delighted with a rather special presentation made to him in Brookline, two days before the Ryder Cup. According to the Waterville captain, the conferring by Connolly of honorary captaincy for 2000 was accompanied by the gift of an inscribed, hand-made fly-fishing rod. ;Payne was thrilled to accept it and greatly appreciated the unique honour which we bestowed on him,’ said Mulcahy. By a remarkable coincidence, the presentation took place on September 22, five years to the day since the death of Paul's uncle, Jack Mulcahy, who returned from the US to develop the Waterville golf club complex in 1970, with Eddie Hackett as his course architect. The captain concluded: ‘In our sadness, all of us down here realise that we're very much the better for having known Payne Stewart.’
Fr. Aengus Finucane.
The Irish Catholic looks at a rich and varied life lived in the service of others and of God.
F
r. Finucane was ordained as a Holy Ghost Priest in 1958. In his first assignment in Uli, Nigeria, Fr. Finucane found himself involved in the bitter civil war between Nigeria and Biafra. Following Biafra’s attempt to secede, this widespread conflict had displaced millions. What’s more, there was a blockade of food, medicine and basic necessities by the Nigerian authorities. At the height of the crisis in the summer of 1968, it was estimated 6,000 children died every week.
An Irish effort In response to the Biafrans’ terrible plight, Concern Worldwide – originally called Africa Concern – was founded and began raising awareness and funds to help those suffering. On 6th September 1968, the 600 tonne, Columcille set sail for Sao Tome – a Portuguese island close to West Africa. The cost of chartering the ship and its vital cargo of powdered food and medicines was all paid for with donations from the people of Ireland. To circumvent the blockade, the supplies were then flown from Sao Tome to Biafra overnight. The following day in Uli, Fr. Finucane was among the Holy Ghost priests who would help distribute the life saving supplies. With his commitment and that of the Irish public and priests, this operation grew into one flight a day for 11 months. Fr. Finucane was deeply committed to helping the poorest of the poor. So after leaving Biafra, in 1972 he became Concern’s Field Director in Bangladesh after its war of independence from Pakistan – the war had left
millions in desperate need of food. The period after Fr. Finucane’s time in Bangladesh was particularly testing. In Thailand’s Kampuchea refugee camps he saw the desperation of Cambodians who had fled the Khmer Rouge’s genocide. And in Uganda the horror of HIV in Kampala, where even in the best hospitals one third of the children born were HIV positive. Fr. Fincane worked tirelessly to alleviate suffering, and recognised his responsibility to help the poor and underprivileged. Concern appointed Fr. Finucane as its Chief Executive in 1981. During his 16 years as the head of the charity he was ‘on the ground’ during many of the world’s worst disasters. These included the 1983-1985 famine in Ethiopia and the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Relinquishing his post in 1997, Fr. Finucane became Honorary President of Concern Worldwide US. He held this post until his death on 6th October 2009.
Fr. Finucane′s legacy Fr. Finucane is the cornerstone behind much of what Concern has become today. It was he who expanded its aid work into 11 countries and dramatically increased its fundraising. Tom Arnold - Concern’s CEO from 2001 to 2013 - says: “There can be few Irish people of his generation, or of any other generation, who have contributed as much to improving the lives of so much of humanity. “He inspired a whole generation of Concern overseas volunteers.” Fr. Finucane continues to inspire as his legacy still influence’s Concern 12 years after
Do as much as you can, as well as you can, for as many as you can, for as long as you can.” – Fr. Aengus Finucane
Photo: Jason Kennedy / Concern Worldwide.
“I would really love to meet everyone that is behind this support so I could thank them in person.” – Yona Lambiki away. There was nothing for his family to eat, let alone any to sell.
Help for now and the future
But thanks to Concern’s generous donors and Yona’s hard work he is now able to look after his family again. Yona immediately received a vital cash transfer from Concern. With this he bought food and other basic necessities his family needed to be safe and free from hunger.
Will Fr. Finucane inspire you too? There’s a way you, just like Fr. Finucane, can leave the world a better place. And help improve the lives of families like Yona’s both now and for future generations. How? By leaving Concern a gift in your Will. When you leave a gift, your legacy lives on – helping for years to come. “I know that this is a very personal decision. But I assure you, gifts in Wills have had a phenomenal impact in reducing
The devastation of climate change Today one of the primary causes of acute food insecurity are weather extremes. Climate change is increasing hunger levels and pushing even more people to the brink of famine. With multiple famines predicted, there are currently 41 million people teetering on the edge of starvation. Extreme weather caused by climate change is having a devastating effect on the most vulnerable people in the world’s poorest countries. And these calamitous weather conditions are now more frequent and varied. No sooner has one disaster struck than another arrives. People don’t have enough food for months, sometimes years on end. In Malawi droughts, floods and strong weather patterns are a regular occurrence – placing huge stress on land and crop production resulting in food shortages and hunger. These weather extremes affect an already vulnerable population where 80% source their livelihoods from the land, 71% live below the poverty line and an estimated 20% are living in extreme poverty. People like Yona Lambiki and his family. Yona, a farmer, lives in Nkhambaza village with his wife and five children. He was always able to support his family with the crops and food he grew providing them with a healthy balanced diet. Any excess was sold, with some of the money used to pay for his children’s schooling. But two years ago everything changed ... In March 2019 Cyclone Idai caused devastating floods and loss of life in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The floods completely destroyed crops just weeks away from harvest – food people were relying on for survival. Although his house wasn’t affected, like thousands of others, the crops Yona was about to harvest were completely washed
Crops destroyed by Cyclone Idai. Yona received seeds including maize, tomatoes, beans, three bundles of sweet potato vines and other vegetables to grow so he could, once again, support his family. He also received, fertilizer and a hoe to help him grow his crops. As well as five goats for milk and manure. Like other families in his community, Yona planted the seeds he received in his home garden. What they harvest is used to feed their families, any excess is sold to improve their livelihoods. But Concern do far more than simply give communities plants, seeds and tools. They provide training in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) to ensure long term, inter-generational support. This helps better protect farmers from the ravages of extreme weather like Cyclone Idai. And provides communities with the skills they need to get higher yields from their crops. Farmers like Yona are taught the three principles of a CSA technique called Conservation Agriculture: crop rotation, minimum tillage and the use of mulching and soil cover. In the medium to long term, these techniques increase soil fertility and structure. What’s more, they reduce evaporation, suppress weeds, promote
Photo: Kieran McConville / Concern Worldwide.
Photo: Concern Worldwide.
his death. In 2020 Concern worked in 23 countries, responding to 78 different emergencies, helping 36.9 million of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Concern’s vision, mission and work continues to strive to end extreme poverty, whatever it takes. The charity believes that no-one should live in fear of not having enough food.
Photo: Jason Kennedy / Concern Worldwide.
“A legacy of incredible humanitarian significance”
diversification, decrease labour and farming costs too. Moreover, the skills learned can be taught to the next generation and the gardens transferred to them, providing support for years – possibly decades – to come. On speaking about the people who support Concern and make our work possible, he said, “I’m so very happy with the support I have received from Concern. My life and family’s life is healthy and can afford everything we could not afford before. I’m so happy and thankful to Concern”.
extreme poverty, hunger and suffering around the world. Today, as the catastrophic combination of conflict, climate change and COVID-19 have plunged so many people into the grip of crisis, your gift will help us to be there in their time of need.” – Dominic MacSorley, CEO, Concern Worldwide Gifts in Wills are a vital source of funding for Concern. Your legacy will help families like Yona’s reverse the many struggles caused by Climate Change … … will provide the tools and knowledge they need to not just survive but help themselves – a gift from you they can pass down for generations. To find out more about how a legacy gives a safe, secure future, please request your complimentary copy of ‘A World Without Hunger’ – Concern’s legacy booklet. You’ll learn of others who desperately needed help, and how legacies from people just like you have done so much. There are also answers to common questions people ask about leaving a gift in their Will. And explains how to get started. Requesting your free booklet does not oblige you to do anything else.
To receive your free, no obligation booklet – in complete confidence – please contact Concern’s Legacy Manager, Siobhán O’Connor. Call 01 417 8020, email siobhan.oconnor @concern.net, or write to 5255 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2
Health
Herb gardening: six useful tips every gardener needs to know Ayushi Singh on the proven health benefits of herbs
According to a study, “Working in the garden restores dexterity and strength, and the aerobic exercise that is involved can easily use the same number of calories as might be expended in a gym.” Relieves mental stress: Gardening can help maintain good mental health and wellbeing.
Are you looking for a satisfying indoor activity for yourself? Gardening is one of the common activities which is often recommended to older people. According to The Royal Horticultural Society, “Gardening can help to keep you fit and healthy. Gardeners might be delighted to learn that the number of calories burnt from 30 minutes of gardening is comparable to playing badminton, volleyball or practicing yoga.’ Nature and human beings are linked together and it has an impact on our wellbeing. For some people, gardening is much more than a hobby. Benefits of herb gardening for seniors Reduce the risk of dementia: The positive benefits associated with herb gardening is that horticulture therapy may help improve memory, learn new skills and regain lost skills for people with dementia. Gardening or simply walking through green spaces could therefore be important in preventing and treating ill health. Gardening was found to be more effective than walking, as reported by Royal College of Physicians. Good exercise: Working in a garden uses every muscle in the body. Gardening is also a form of exercise that helps you to make you relaxed and boost your mood.
Gardening tools for seniors If you want the most fresh produce possible, consider planting your own herb garden. There are a lot of great tools that make gardening fun and safe for senior adults. Follow these easy steps using gardening tools for successfully starting your own herb garden. ■ Pruning shears is one of the most commonly used gardening tools for older people. They are used to cut branches and remove unwanted growth from shrubs. Pruning shears should be easy to handle and sharp.
Thyme is an aromatic herb rich in iron, magnesium Thyme: Thyme is an aromatic herb rich in iron, magnesium, vitamins and minerals. Thyme is a great source of vitamin K and it helps in reducing the risk of bone diseases. Thyme used in savory dishes like roasted meat, pasta, pizza and sauces.
■ Garden scissors are good for cutting flowers, herbs, leaves and twigs from plants. ■ Use garden gloves for the protection of your fingers and fingernails. You can also use gloves for planting herbs. ■ A spray container to water plants instead of using a heavy watering can is a must for older herb gardeners. ■ Create raised beds to better drainage and that also allow you to sit on the side while gardening. Best herbs with medicinal benefits Planting an herb garden is a great way to give pleasure to the eyes and nose. But did you also know that fresh herbs may have many health benefits apart from their quality of bringing appetizing taste to your food. Here are 10 holistic herbs to add to your herb garden.
54 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Sage is a good source of vitamin A, which is best known for eye health. Sage: Sage is an herb, a member of the mint family. Sage is a good source of vitamin A, which is best known for eye health. Sage might help to improve memory and thinking skills and prevent Alzheimer's disease in healthy senior adults. Better known by its common name, sage, Salvia Officinalis has several benefits for mental health. Salvia Officinalis has been shown to reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant. Inflammation and oxidants are both
Health believed to be significant contributors to the damage seen in Alzheimer’s disease.’ (The Alzheimer's Organization) The herb has been used for treating indigestion and good at lowering cholesterol levels and diabetes. Sage is used as flavourful garnish, meat marinades, teas and soups. Marjoram has been used as an herbal medicine because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Rosemary was commonly used to cure muscle aches, boost immunity systems and improve gut health.
bugs into your herb garden. Marjoram has been used as an herbal medicine because it has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The fresh or dried leaves of marjoram can be brewed as a tea, or you can use it as garnish salads, marinate vegetables and meat dishes.
Rosemary: A very strongly flavoured herb, rosemary may improve brain function in elderly with dementia. Rosemary was commonly used to cure muscle aches, boost immunity systems and improve gut health. In cooking, rosemary is used to season meats, soups, salads and it can be added to biscuit or bread dough. Lemon balm is a lemon-scented herb. It has traditionally been used to soothe symptoms of stress, anxiety and insomnia. Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is a lemonscented herb. It has traditionally been used to soothe symptoms of stress, anxiety and insomnia. It has a lemony aroma and flavour so it is often used to marinate fish or chicken, add flavour to baked items and teas. Dill is a commonly used herb that is packed with fibre, calcium, manganese Dill: Dill is a commonly used herb that is packed with fibre, calcium, manganese, and iron. Dill is also a great source of vitamin A and C that helps your body to improve immune system, eye health and skin. Dill is often used in vegetable dishes, pickles, soups and dipping sauce. Marjoram: Marjoram is an aromatic and easy to grow herb. It is also great for attracting butterflies and other beneficial
Parsley is one of the most versatile herbs. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C and K. It is a great source of antioxidants that may lower the risk of certain cancers. foods, beverages, and also can be used as spice for sausage and pickling.
Caraway Seeds: Caraway is a multifaceted herb. Caraway seeds have been used to treat digestion, gas, and bloating. Caraway seeds are commonly used in Irish soda bread, roast chicken and sausages.
Parsley: Parsley is one of the most widely used herbs. Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C and K. It is a great source of antioxidants that may lower the risk of certain cancers. Parsley is used in salads, sauces, garnish and vegetables to add flavours to food and also to make it look good. Fennel: Fennel is a flavourful herb with pleasant-smelling. It is used for treating heartburn, digestive problems and loss of appetite. Fennel seeds used in baked
Lavender: Lavender is a unique and versatile herb for cooking. Lavender may be useful for treating insomnia, stress, chronic pain and asthma. Culinary lavender is used to make cookies and cakes, cocktails and marinated meat dishes.
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 55
Prof. Alex Kalache, Director of the Institute of Longevity Brazil and DCU President Daire Keogh
Michiel Drost AFU Participant
Join us on Friday, August 26th, for the annual "Taste of DCU" DCU established the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University (AFU) in 2012 and leads a global network of over 100 universities representing Europe, South East Asia, North and South America and Australia.
but also help participants understand how to navigate around the university and experience different lecturing styles. There is also a social aspect to both programmes with seasonal get-togethers, and cultural visits.
Despite being a "young" university, DCU's commitment to increasing age diversity is evident in the number of older people on campus. It is not unusual to see AFU participants meeting between modules in the Helix for coffee or taking advantage of the DCU Sports Centre Active for Life Programme. There are events and activities on an ongoing basis open to all who wish to take part in educational, research, social and cultural opportunities and make new friendships.
John Mullins served in the Garda Síochána for 37 years and joined a DCU music appreciation course as part of the Love of Lifelong Learning programme. Not having had the opportunity to go to university, he was delighted to be on campus, interact with the students and lecturers, and found the experience incredibly uplifting. During the course, John played music with his classmates and extended his knowledge about the history and construction of music. He made lifelong friendships and often went for a meal together after the class with the other participants.
For those considering a course of study to experience university without committing to a four-year programme, it is possible to undertake a single module from a selection of undergraduate programmes without the need complete assignments or take exams. It is a perfect option for those curious about a topic who want to keep their minds active and engage in a learning experience. This audit option provides participants with a student card, email address and library access. With over 150 modules to choose from, there is plenty of variety and the opportunity to experience intergenerational engagement with the traditional student cohort. These programmes run from September to December and January to April and are modestly priced at €100. One can also choose to take these modules for credit which cost €500 which is ideal for those who need an accredited module for their work. A Love of Lifelong Learning Programme runs concurrently during the academic year and offers modules in Music, Genealogy, Life Writing, History, English, Botanical Art and specialist modules. DCU lecturers deliver these 6-week programmes and are very popular with older people. They not only offer a learning experience
When Catherine Clancy first heard about the AFU, she was inspired to join the life writing programme and signed up to improve her writing skills. It was the impetus Catherine needed to write her memoirs as a legacy for her grandchildren. “I also made new friends and opportunities to engage in research projects in the university” said Catherine. Michiel Drost said “DCU’s AFU scheme has enriched my life and opened up new horizons for me - I signed up for a photography course. Every Wednesday morning for eight weeks. A number of different teachers, all very knowledgeable on their subjects, delivered the lectures. It was not just an instructive occasion but also a very social affair as the students compared cameras and notes. A few months later I enrolled for one semester of the philosophy module on an audit basis for one hour three mornings a week. Our lecturer Dr. Ian Leask, delivered the subject in a very engaging fashion, always drawing the students into the mind-set of the philosopher. One of the lectures about Michel Foucault’s book “Discipline and Punish – The birth of the Prison” introduced me to the former penal colony
56 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
for young offenders in Mettray, near Tours in France where the cult writer Jean Genet spent some of his teenage years. I went to visit the place. " There are unlimited opportunities to engage in DCU under the AFU programme, whether it is to continue the lifelong learning journey, contribute to research, wellness social, and cultural opportunities so why not give it a go? We have regular social and cultural events, visits to sites of interest as well as a choir and a dedicated Coordinator and support staff Join us on Friday, August 26th, for the annual "Taste of DCU" to hear more about the range and breadth of courses and other activities we offer in DCU. It provides an opportunity to visit the campus, meet with DCU staff and students and experience lectures and workshops on various subjects. The event is free, refreshments will be provided, and more seasoned participants will be on hand to share their Age-friendly University experiences. Register here for the Taste of DCU event. Visit our website www.dcu.ie/agefriendly or contact us at afuinfo@dcu.ie
Want to learn something new? A warm welcome awaits you at Dublin City University - Ireland's first Age-Friendly University. Did you know you can choose from a broad range of modules offered under the AFU programme without the need to take exams or assignments? In addition, the Lifelong Learning Programme offers a selection of customised modules such as Geneaology, Life Writing, English, History, Botanical Art, Choir and more... There are also opportunities to engage in contributing to research, social, cultural and wellness programmes, attend guest lectures and engage in intergenerational exchange. If you would like to hear more about how to get involved in DCU's Age-Friendly programmes come along to the "Taste of DCU" on Friday, August 26th from 9.30 - 4 pm where you can experience being a student for the day, take a tour of the campus and hear more about the work of the AFU. For more information visit: dcu.ie/agefriendly/news E: afuinfo@dcu.ie T: 00 353 1 700 5454
Age-Friendly University
Global network
Health
Being Social Without Alcohol
Covid-19 has changed our lives in many ways with consequences for our health and wellbeing. It brought with it many unexpected and unplanned changes to all our lives but in particular affected those in the older age category. Older people generally followed the rules regarding isolation and remained indoors when the world became a much smaller place. Extra precautions were taken to stay safe. This for some, initially, meant loneliness and isolation, leading to anxiety and depression. For others, initially, it meant having time for themselves, no longer minding grandchildren and a reduction in social interactions with others.
for some advice & tips, consider all the benefits associated with drinking less or not at all.
Now with the lifting of restrictions and the summer months in full swing, we are in a period of transition which brings both opportunities and stress, moving from our smaller world of silence and isolation to a bigger world of crowds, chat, and social events and expectations.
Ways to reconnect:
Transitioning from the “new normal” to reconnecting with our customary way of “living” can bring with it the anxiety of re-engaging, having social connections, and doing the things we previously enjoyed. Habits create needs and we may have adapted to and became comfortable with the restrictions and the fewer expectations on us to socialise. Now, reconnecting with our previous lifestyle will involve a change in mindset and habits and doing things we are not used to.
· You may find it hard to acknowledge you are anxious or depressed. Feeling anxious coming out of isolation is normal. By reconnecting with your social life and doing things you enjoy you may become happier and less stressed/anxious.
It takes small changes and steps to reconnect with our old, social world. If you find yourself relying on alcohol to jump back into your social life or find yourself thinking you need to have a drink when out socialising, why not try some alternatives instead? ·
· · ·
Practice mindful drinking. Are you drinking because you feel anxious? Take note of how each drink makes you feel and remember alcohol can make feelings of anxiety worse. Try swapping to alcohol-free alternatives. Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. Explore new ways to socialise without alcohol. For example, taking up a hobby with your friends, or spending time in nature.
During the various lockdowns, you might have noticed that your drinking increased to levels you weren’t happy with, if you still feel that you’d like to cut down/out alcohol visit drinkaware.ie 58 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
• • • •
Improved mental health Better long-term physical health Better sleep & more energy Saving money.
Perhaps you find it easy to socialise without alcohol but are still struggling to reconnect with others. Take a look at some different ways to reconnect with others:
· Firstly, if resisting reconnecting is due to being anxious, ask yourself why you are feeling anxious. Is it a fear you may get the virus or tiredness? Knowing what is causing the anxiety can help you to be in control of it.
· Get involved in activities that bring you comfort and peace e.g., listening to music, going to see a film. · Plan your day as this will leave less time for focusing on fears. Look at how you will mind yourself today. · Exercise for at least 30mins each day. Go for a walk locally, at own pace, chat your neighbours. · Reconnect with nature as it can have a calming effect · Grieve your losses and the changes that have taken place · Being healthy involves seeking and accessing support and help for yourself when needed. Join a group - you are not alone. Remember to be KIND to yourself. Live one moment at a time. If feelings of anxiety and loneliness persist, know that you are not alone, and visit your local GP if you’re in need of extra support.
Silver Stream Healthcare Group Promotion
Home from Home
Silver Stream Nursing Home, Nenagh
Mairead Robinson meets Silver Stream CEO, Tom Finn, to hear about the latest developments in their nursing home care While I start from the premise that nobody wants to live in a nursing home, I come to realise that for many of us this can be not only a relief but also a very welcome phase in our lives. In recent times there has been more emphasis on keeping people in their own homes for as long as possible, and certainly none of us would argue with that. We all want to stay in our homes surrounded by family, neighbours and the familiar area while enjoying a good degree of independence. But there does come a time in many people’s lives when due to physical or mental issues, this option is no longer possible and nursing home care is required. This can bring great relief not just to the person themselves, but also to their families when the safety and wellbeing of their relative is assured. For the many of us who will spend time in a nursing home, it is very encouraging to learn of the developments in the sector where there is no longer a fear of being locked away from our previous lives, maybe heavily medicated and perhaps also all but forgotten about. That is very much an outdated view, and certainly not one that is borne out after my discussion recently with the CEO of Silver Stream Healthcare Group, Tom Finn. First of all the group, Silver Stream itself was bought over by Dutch private equity firm Waterland in July 2019. They currently have seven nursing homes within the group located in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath and Tipperary. Tom came on board in January of this year, an extremely difficult time for the sector as the third wave of Covid hit the country. However Tom stresses that their homes had the resources to deal with the situation, and once the second vaccine was administered, the numbers dropped and life for everybody vastly improved. His remit now is to grow the company, and to increase bed numbers from three hundred and fifty, to one thousand. These will be spread throughout the country, and will incorporate existing facilities
Tom Finn (centre) and his management team after winning their award at the Public Service Awards
together with new builds. Indeed, it is a daunting prospect in these times when many other companies are looking to buy into the sector, but it is one that Tom is very happy to take on. Home from Home is very much the model that Tom is focussed on, and while each of the nursing homes within the group has its own identity and personality, the ethos is firmly on the care of the residents, their health, happiness and wellbeing. He has begun refurbishing aspects of the homes, and his “resident first” approach extends to encouraging each new person who moves in, together with their families, to choose the décor and paint colour of their room. In this way the resident can stamp their personality on their new home and make it their own. It also helps to make the move less traumatic for those who find the change mentally difficult or disorienting. “I am fascinated by the science when it comes to care for the elderly” Tom insists, when our conversation turns to the difficult subject of dementia. He is very sensitive when it comes to how the progression Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 59
Silver Stream Healthcare Group Promotion
The Croft Nursing Home
of this disease can affect the person who suffers with this condition, from the early diagnosis to a progressed condition. “It is very distressing for a person to learn that this is an illness they are facing, and also for their families too” he says, and so with the care of dementia suffers in Silver Stream nursing homes his focus is to make the sufferer as comfortable as possible in their new environment. This is done in conversation with their families and with the input from new residents to accommodate their preferences and needs. He is undertaking further refurbishments at the homes to this end by taking out lino and blinds and installing more modern and contemporary décor including anti-microbial carpets and curtains. As part of modernizing the nursing homes, Tom is aware of how animals and children can enhance the lives of many residents, and he is also keen to incorporate music and singing into their daily lives. Depending on the location of each home, there may be chickens or horses in the grounds, or a crèche next door. All of these things help to engage residents with life as it continues around them. Ideally each resident will have lived in the area previously, have family living nearby or even may have grown up close by and so the neighbourhood is familiar. Residential care has changed fundamentally over the past number of years, and with people staying in their own homes for longer, they generally come to a nursing home later in life. These days up to eighty-five percent of residents in nursing homes are suffering from some degree of dementia. As we return to this topic, we discuss research trialling AI systems which can diagnose dementia after one brain scan. The system works by comparing brain scans of people who suspect they might have dementia, with those who have already been diagnosed. If early intervention treatments can kick in, it will slow down the progression of the disease. Tom reiterates how keenly interested he is on the ongoing research and development in the treatment of dementia. “I want the science of elderly care to be at the centre of everything we do”, he explains. He is following the latest findings in this area and is keen to incorporate every little change and improvement in Silver Stream Homes to enhance the lives of the residents. So what attracted him to this role, particularly at a time that is so very challenging for the sector? Tom grew up on a farm 60 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
in Carlow and having studied both general and psychiatric nursing here, he took the opportunity to work in the US. He told me how excited he was as a young graduate to take up the opportunity to work and experience life stateside. He subsequently spent 12 years working on the front line in Los Angeles, where working in the ER he was at the centre of many dramatic events, including caring for those caught up in the violent Rodney King riots in 1992. He ran a laser eye-surgery firm for a while, and became CEO of a group of three companies called Pacific Oaks Medical Group. They ran all of the HIV wards in LA with about 4,000 HIV patients. They delivered anti-retroviral drugs that were so important in tackling Aids. Following that he was involved in developing the HPV vaccine, something which he is very proud of. He also told me of his stint in Saudi where he took on a medical diagnostics project. When Covid first hit, he was unable to travel home and unfortunately his father passed away during that time. So subsequently, after all his travels and varied roles within the medical world, when the opportunity came up to take on Silver Stream, he was delighted to return home to Ireland to take it on. He has long had an interest in care of the elderly, and while there are many groups buying up nursing homes in Ireland, he is delighted to be fronting Silver Stream as they embark on increasing their capacity three fold. “We are looking at existing homes with between fifty and one hundred beds. This allows for a more intimate type of nursing environment, which is what we are all about”. While the company will grow throughout the country with further nursing homes coming under the Silver Stream umbrella, the ethos of Home from Home will be to the forefront of each and every one of them. And for a sport-loving CEO who likes nothing better than to watch a game with one of his ninety year old residents, also a sport enthusiast, it is clear that Tom Finn himself knows exactly what Home from Home feels like. CONTACT DETAILS: Silver Stream Healthcare Group, Ratoath, Co Meath, A85 YW73 Tel: (01) 826 4265. Email: admin@silverstream.ie
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 reassurance, guidance, technology and the 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
Wine World Which bubbles are best?
Mairead Robinson checks out the different sparkling wines on the market today. There is something about summertime and bubbles, weddings and bubbles, Christmas and bubbles – in fact any occasion you like seems to go better with bubbles. For some of us, there are specific times when we just want a good bottle of bubbles – and Champagne is our number one choice. As Mme Lily Bollinger is known for explaining ‘I only drink Champagne when I am happy and when I am sad. Sometimes I drink it when I am alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I am not hungry, and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it – unless I am thirsty’. Now of course while Champagne is considered the king of sparkling wines, in the past few decades there has been an increase in the number and quality of ‘fizzy wines’ that have appeared on the market. Many in the New World especially were quickly slapped down for using the word Champagne on their sparkling
wine, as only wine produced within the DO Champagne in France has the right to use that name. And so we find that while we have lots of choice when it comes to choosing a sparkling wine, the grape variety, quality and origin all can differ quite a lot, as indeed does the price! Now when it comes to price, here in Ireland we pay much more tax on our wines, and even more so on our sparkling wines, than our neighbours in other parts of the world. Those of us who have enjoyed drinks in Spain, Portugal and France while on holiday can indeed attest to this. On a recent family holiday in Spain I enjoyed drinking a very good quality Cava pool side in an upmarket hotel for a mere three euro a glass! It is a fact that we pay more for our wine and even more again for sparkling wines, than any other country in Europe. Irish consumers pay €3.19 excise duty on every
62 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
standard €9 bottle of wine and a whopping €6.37 on sparkling wine. And this is without factoring in the VAT which adds another 23% to every bottle. The excise duty is reviewed annually by the Minister for Finance in his budget – but I would not hold my breath on any reduction any time soon! And so while some call this a tax on celebration in this country, it has not stopped our love of sparkling wine. So once we get over the price we have to pay for a bottle of bubbles in this country, lets look at the different types and methods of producing sparkling wine, which often causes confusion. How many times have you attended a ‘Champagne Reception’ only to find yourself drinking Prosecco Frizzante! Here is a quick guide to the most common sparkling wine styles:-
24 SINCE 2016
IN IRELAND
www.120santarita.com
@120santaritacl
vinacarmencl
VinaCarmen
www.carmen.com
Wine World Champagne – Mostly made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this must come from the Champagne region in France. It is produced using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle.
sparkling wines of very high quality. The cool climate and limestone soils in southern England are similar to those in Champagne. Interestingly, Champagne shipments soared in 2021, showing a remarkable uplift from the depths of a difficult 2020, which saw sales dramatically hit by the pandemic. It is reported that overall shipments in 2021 increased by 31.8 per cent compared to 2020.
Cava – Sparkling wine from Spain using both native grapes scuh as Xarello and Parellada, as well as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Reserva and Gran Reserva Cavas undergo ageing in bottle offering additional complexity.
Reports also show that the Rose Champagne category in particular continues to grow. In fact this is true for many sparkling wine categories. And as the summer is upon us, Rose still wine comes into its own. To lift the occasion a little further, we add bubbles and pink sparkling wine is very much in vogue these days.
Prosecco – Made in the Veneto region of north-east Italy from the Glera grape using the tank or charmat method. The main types found here in Ireland are Spumante (Sparkling) and Frizzante (Semi Sparkling). Cremant – There are eight appellations in France where Cremant sparkling wines can e produced and local grape varieties tend to be used.
kling wine that really hits the mark comes from Vallepicciola, Perlinetto Rose. It is made with 100 per cent Pinot Noir, and is my current favourite sparkling wine for this summer. So on your next visit to your favourite off-licience or supermarket, check out their sparkling offerings. You can often find some good bottles reduced by up to 50% on a promotion, so it is definitely worth keeping an eye out when you do your weekly shop. And put a little sparkle into your weekly shop!
I have often highlighted ‘Celebrity Wines’, and there are two that stand our for me as being particularly good wines – those with Graham Norton stamp of approval, and those from Kylie Minogue. Both of these wine lovers produce pink sparkling wine, in delightful bottle styles too, which make them the perfect present to bring to a summer occasion. Another pink spar-
Of course there are many very good traditional sparkling wines to be found in the US, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. Interestingly enough England has had considerable success producing
Competition winners from the last issue and seniortimes.ie
SENIOR TIMES CROSSWORD No. 118 SOLUTION
1
B
A
A
16
G
N A
N
R
29
D S
E
B
U
I
S
C
E
59
C T
L 66
A
T F
R A
W
N 89
H
94
W I
R
M
81
K
S
I
R
I
D
T A Y
E
R
E
82
P
E Y
A
60
E
B
L
A
E R Y
C
78
90
R
I
R
I 39
S
100
A
C U
E
8
A M O P
F
E X
L
S 40
C
T
N
I
A 74
B
R
T I
L
S R
91
R G
R
41
T
A B
Y
I
I
G I
S
O
S
69
R
84
E
92 96
T
J
E
E
A N
S
A
A
42
45
I
E R
79
85
S
T
H R
E
A E
E
106
F
E B
I
E R
D
97
M
L
N S 93
T
I 56
I
S
88
L O
E E
A
C
K
A
L T 107
E
Emily Durnin, Galway Olive Galbraith, Kimmage, Dublin 12 Maire Ni Shiodhail, Greystones, Co Wicklow Owen McManus. Carlow
M
50
S
S
P A
A
D E
K
S
L L
A M
I P
103
H
O
U
P L
Michael McDonald, Dublin 6W Aine Guinness, Dundalk T Tobin, Ennis
L
O E
Three copies of Wildflowers of Ireland
77
R
E
Crossword-Four copies of Unspoken
H N
L E
I A
O W
86
28
N
76
V N
71
R
X
V
E
T
Y L
H
C
E
I
T
T
A
64 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
43
W A
S
E
A
13
O
L
R
E
I U
R
A
O
102
C
L
D T
36
N
M
33
T
70
O I
R O
O
R
P
R
A
58
B
75
A
E
N
57
A 19
R
O
M
E
T
A
E
E L
Y
63
W I
C
S
M
R
R I
R
O
R C
25
C
49
I U
I
T
I A
A
27
12
T
A
O
I
E
R
I
T
F
O W N
R O
S
L
G D
N
Q
55
L
N
T
F T
S
N
24
A M
U
H
R
P
U T
E
11
T
U
32
M O
Y
R
E
P
I E
P
T
62
E
K
S
G
A
T
M
O T
C
101
D 105
83
E M
H L
O L
T
R
S
C
A
R C
54
61
U
O
C
R
10
S
18
S U
9
T
W
Y
C Q
A
N
R
68
A
T
D
R I
E O
E T
31
48
E T
23
L
S U
E B
35
U
B
M
H
A U
7
R
F
T
F
T
B
67
N
M
E
R
B
95
44
P
C N
Y
D R
I
U
S
E
F
F
L
53
L
M
99
L
P
C
O
R
M
65
R
L
L V
87
R
6 15
A
I R
Y
R Y
V D
I
E
64
N
L
A
V
C
104
47
S
T E
E
S
E
S
H P
22
N
E W E
G
T
G
26
E
17
C
38
A W
R
E
30
5
N
E N
R
A
52
H O
80
C
C
34
S
M
P
N
U
R
A
S W E
S
73
4
M O
L
21
M
V
72
98
R
N U
3 14
V
E
46
51
E
P
O
37
B O
R 20
2
S
Four copies of Lilys Favouries Eileen Sullivna, Cork Liliann Webb, Naas, Co Kildare Dorothy Anderson, Cavan Francis Dolan, Tullamore
Why Leave A Legacy to the Irish Red Cross?
The Irish Red Cross is a proud member of the international network of Red Cross Societies which coordinate over 14 million volunteers worldwide working to provide assistance to those in need in 192 countries throughout the world. In the context of the crisis in Ukraine, this inter-connectivity enables the Irish Red Cross to provide direct support to their partners within the Ukraine Red Cross as well as national Red Cross Societies in Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova and Romania. Since the start of the conflict on February 24, Red Cross volunteers have reached hundreds of thousands of people throughout Ukraine and the surrounding region with lifesaving aid. “Many of our staff and volunteers are also experiencing the conflict first-hand. They are worried about their families and their safety, and yet they continue to put on the Red Cross vest to deliver critical aid to neighbours and strangers alike. This is the true spirit of the principle of volunteerism upon which the Red Cross is based.” - Maksym Dotsenko, Director General at Ukrainian Red Cross. Since the conflict started, 6,000 new volunteers, among them teachers and medical professionals, have joined the Ukrainian Red Cross. In Ireland, Irish Red Cross volunteers are providing a welcome, assistance and coordination to those arriving in the country at our ports and airports.
immediate necessities such as clothes and hygiene items. The Irish Red Cross has also played a key role in the coordination of temporary accommodation for Ukrainians through its appeal to the Irish public to share their homes and properties. Why leave a legacy to the Irish Red Cross? As a humanitarian organization that act as first-responders in times of crisis, it is so important that the Irish Red Cross are able to mobilise their volunteers to provide life-saving aid to people in their most vulnerable moments, as and when it is needed. Legacy gifts are a special kind of support as they allow us to respond quickly, with urgency and in the most efficient and appropriate manner. Ultimately, it provides the ability to have the greatest possible impact to some of the most vulnerable people in Ireland and around the world.
In addition, the Irish Red Cross maintains 80 branches throughout the country that are providing local support for Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 65
Please consider leaving a gift in your will to the Irish Red Cross so that they can remain prepared to respond with humanitarian aid in times of terrible conflict and disaster. Hear from Edwin, an Irish Red Cross supporter who decided to leave us a legacy gift. “I have always been lucky. I earned enough money to live a comfortable life. I travelled, both for work and for leisure. Generally, I went to places that reinforced my sense of my selfworth. I felt I deserved my good fortune. But, as time went by, I could no longer fool myself. It is obvious that we live in an unequal world. What I take for granted: education, work opportunities, a place to live, time for enjoyment, even the shirt on my back, are unimaginable luxuries to those for whom fate has decreed that they be born in a very different world. In the 21st century, with the advance of technology, it should be possible to share
resources across the planet. Maybe that will happen in time. Future generations, wiser than mine, may grasp the nettle and cut through the political barriers. Until then, it may seem impossible for any individual to make a difference to the inequity around us. Fortunately, however, some people are already tackling the problem. The Irish Red Cross, with its associate organisations, has, for many years, been present in areas of conflict, disease and natural catastrophe, lending comfort, medical assistance and funds to whoever needs it most. I seem always to have been aware of the Red Cross, with its distinctive logo. If I can help their efforts, I am proud to do so. My own contribution is probably miniscule, compared to the overall need, but I do believe that every effort should be made. Above all, I trust the Irish Red Cross to use my contribution effectively and efficiently.
Legacy gifts are a remarkable choice and the Irish Red Cross is grateful to anyone who leaves a gift, large or small. Human tragedies occur. We know that we are far from a world with no conflict or disasters, natural or man-made. In Ireland, growing social isolation amongst vulnerable groups mean more people are likely to need our help. And the Irish Red Cross will always be there. That responsibility has been with us for over 70 years and it will be with us in the years to come.
Call or email the Irish Red Cross to avail of a Free will-making service For more information on leaving a gift in your will to the Irish Red Cross, call legacy lead Frank on 01 642 4645 for a confidential conversation, or email at fphelan@redcross.ie. Charity number: CHY3950
66 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Registered charity number: 20005184
Creative Writing
Summer Miscellany: A host of reading delight Dorrie Johnson, at the ripe young age of 84, has a twinkle in her hazel eyes and a spring in her step. At this stage of her life she considers herself a ‘fortunate woman’. Surrounded by nature (she lives with partner Eric near a reserve), she is very aware of the canine world, dogs who frequent the walking spaces near her house. Indeed, in many ways, these dogs are a barometer of weather and changing seasons. ‘I place a bowl of water at the bottom of steps leading up to the house. I renew it daily; it keeps the dogs cool and marks the seasons.’ How so? Apart from keeping the dogs cool, “at times it is nearly empty, murky, dust filled, with dark bits of stick or leaf when the weather is very warm and dry. Floating fluff or catkins or seeds in season, are barely touched in cold weather. Iced over when it’s really cold.’ Just one of many examples how observant Dorrie is and so in tune with the rhythms of each season. At present she is enjoying the slide into summer and how its ‘exploding’ all around her in the garden. I came across Dorrie’s wonderful poetry collection Following the Monarch’s Way and was intrigued at once. Historians among us will remember the fate of Charles 1, beheaded in 1649. Once believed the Divine right of kings, appointed by God to rule, this period in history was a fermentation of opposing opinions in this regard. Parliamentarians did not agree and so, determined to end support for a king’s ruling powers. None other than Cromwell headed up the opposition. Cromwell’s legacy in Ireland was to leave behind a campaign of massacres at Drogheda and Wexford, a widespread slaughter of catholic soldiers and civilians. All to eliminate support for the exiled King Charles 11. So, how
in the pathways and stopping places’. As Dorrie and her partner Eric loved walking anyway, the seeds were sown for a healthy and cultural trip. As luck would have it, a Monarch’s Way Society was in formation also at that time, so research was already under way to map the route Charles took. The results of this extensive research are seen on the book cover, mapped from starting point at Worcester to Stratford (290 km) and ending at Shoreham and the boat to France. Charles had a close encounter with Cromwell’s troops at Stratford-uponAvon and at Charmouth he anticipated to find a boat to France but was forced onwards.
Dorrie Johnson, at the ripe young age of 84, has a twinkle in her hazel eyes and at this stage of her life she considers herself a ‘fortunate woman’ do these terrible events bring about a collection of poetry so many centuries later? When Charles Stuart, later to be crowned King Charles 11, arrived in Worcester with a Scottish army to meet Oliver Cromwell’s army on 3rd September 1651, Charles fled hoping to hide in France. Following the Monarch’s Way retraces the footsteps (or horse hooves) of a king in flight. ‘I learnt that Charles’ route began around the middle of England (incidentally where Dorrie was living at the time)’. This very astute lady was quick to realise the potential of a king’s flight, how it might translate to poetry. ‘There was variety
This is what happens when the stars align. A poet who loves walking and who is also a historical buff. Could there be a third element to seal the deal as it were? Yes. Chance again stepped in in the form of an MA in Creative Writing. Dorrie’s aim at the outset was to hold past and present, reflection and action, observation and speculation together, a quest ably achieved in one of her own favourite poems from her collection; ‘On a given day, date, month, year/this path, that winds and doubles back/splits and comes together,/has a beginning,/an end not yet known! (excerpt ‘Knowing the Moment’).The cover map of Following The Monarch’s Way shows the 615 miles Charles covered as he fled, proving how Dorrie’s geographical instincts transfer to the poetic impulse in extraordinary ways. As an ardent writer however, Dorrie can’t actually remember the first stirrings when it came to her love affair with the written word. There are no rituals attached to the act. She writes poetry because a poem “won’t shut up”. Conversely, if they are silent, then she doesn’t write them. There’s no structured
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 67
Creative Writing if the dying can be dignified and I can bear it with equanimity’. Partner Eric also writes but since moving to their present residence (7 years ago now), ‘he’s picked up the violin again and plays fiddle for a Morris side, a group of people who either dance or play an instrument. Between them, Dorrie and Eric have DNA representing four countries.
Dorrie Johnson’s poetry collection Following the Monarch’s Way writing routine either and despite advice to the contrary, she doesn’t keep a regular journal. The urge to write is not as strong as it was, a state of affairs Dorrie attributes to advancing age. She concedes that perhaps ‘there are no more words inside me clamouring for expression’. A natural response for someone who is by nature a ‘doer’, someone who doesn’t turn her back when a poem clamours to be written. Plus, she has been prolific and so, deserves to kick back and relax a little. Her partner is very dear to her, this year they celebrate 60 years of marriage. They have three adult children, each different from each other, all of whom, along with partners and families ‘we love and respect’. She enjoys an occasional glass of wine but having a Salvation Army background, it hasn’t become a habit. Dorrie’s grandfather, who died when she was just 14, had been a prolific writer of hymns for the Salvation Army in which he held Officer status. ‘Like so much writing, those hymns are now out of date’. Meals out are a treat for the couple. As with everyone else, “we watch expenses’. She doesn’t worry about getting older and claims not to be afraid of death. However, ‘I will be grateful
A lover of photography, she believes there are common elements to poetry and photography. Both create images, both can be ‘played with’ to form different pictures; ‘how a shadow can create mood, how a word can create a mood; how important light is in a photograph, how a word is in the nuance of a poem’. Because Dorrie and her partner moved from the home they’d lived in for 33 years, her priorities change. ‘I concentrate on flowers and Eric produces wonderful vegetables in pots and raised beds. I watch individual flowers now rather than large groups.’ Dorrie and Eric have a strong relationship with the Church of England. They attend the church every other week and attend a Meeting House on the other Sundays to join the Quakers in their silence. Dorrie is constantly in awe of this created world, its wonders ‘stretching from split atoms to a telescopic view into space, the inter-relationships and knowing there is still more we don’t know about’. Dorrie’s advice to would be writers then is not surprising and can be summed up by the word reverence. ‘Look at something, really look. At a cushion, a buttercup, a piece of art or toast. Feel something, taste something and write down what you discover – see where it takes you’. In the words of Paul Klee, take a line for a walk, sometimes it shows you the way.
68 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Fascinating collection from Sophie Parou
Another fascinating collection is Omar Addihaoui, King of Chefs and 21st Century Chef to Kings by Sophie Parou. This collection of culinary essays accompanied by gorgeous images of architecturally magnificent cakes is a labour of love. Another fascinating collection is Omar Addihaoui, King of Chefs and 21st Century Chef to Kings by Sophie Parou. This collection of culinary essays accompanied by gorgeous images of architecturally magnificent cakes is a labour of love. Born and raised in Orleans, France, Sophie, aged sixteen, set out to discover the world. After a few years spent in Ireland and UK, her journey took her to the Middle East where she settled for twenty years. She became a successful business woman and entrepreneur in the food industry. While in Kuwait, Sophie became enthralled by the story and achievements of one of those rare, unsung human beings Omar Addihaoui. ‘An exceptionally gifted individual who dared pursue the unconventional against regulated standards within the field of majestic cakes’. And so, Parou’s first book was born, bringing a beacon of light and hope for
Irish Blue Cross Appeal – Help Us Help Patients Like Bonnie
This is Bonnie, a 9-year-old Shih Tzu and beloved companion to her owner, Audrey. Bonnie had bladder stones caused by a bladder infection. She was suffering huge discomfort. Some patients with bladder stones will have bloody urine, recurrent bladder infections and difficulty urinating. If they cause a blockage and the pet is unable to urinate, the stones can lead to a lifethreatening emergency. Bonnie was brought to our clinic in Inchicore, where our veterinary team leapt into action, giving her an X-ray and a scan. They identified that Bonnie needed urgent surgery, and thanks to our vets’ expertise and care, the operation was a success. Bonnie’s life was saved. Our vets and nurses gave Bonnie all the aftercare she needed – including the occasional belly rub, making her tail wag with happiness! Bladder stones often require lifelong management for pets – that’s why our team have put Bonnie on special medication
and a bespoke diet. She has regular check-ups at our Inchicore clinic to make sure that she is responding well to treatment. “The Irish Blue Cross is a fantastic resource, they have been so good to our two rescue dogs, but especially Bonnie, with her multiple surgeries and endless visits. We can always count on The Irish Blue Cross and we know Bonnie is in great hands with them. We appreciate all the staff so much, from the vets to the drivers of the mobile clinics.” –Bonnies Owner. Thankfully for Bonnie and her owner, The Irish Blue Cross team were there when they needed us. Today, she’s come through her ordeal, and is thriving. To support the lifesaving work that we do, you can donate online at www.bluecross.ie, or call us on 01-4163032.
Have you considered leaving a legacy?
Remembering the Irish Blue Cross in your will is a kind and generous gesture. It costs you nothing in your lifetime but your kindness makes a difference forever. Once loved ones are looked after in your will, consider how else you can help. Let your love for pets live on as part of your legacy, and help safeguard the future of the Irish Blue Cross. To find out more, speak in strictest confidence with Paul at the Irish Blue Cross, on (01) 4163032 or email legacy@bluecross.ie.
15A Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8 T:+353 1 4163032 E: fundraising@bluecross.ie www.bluecross.ie
Pets Need Our Help, So We Need Yours
Times l May - June| 2021 l www.seniortimes.ie 69 41 Senior TimesSenior | May - June 2022 www.seniortimes.ie
Creative Writing
And a bog narrative.. Omar Addihaoui King of Chefs King to Kings Chef of ry Chef Century 21st Centu and 21st and
Sophie Parou
all those who dare pursue, ergo, propel their imaginative gifts to the realms of the gods. This collection of sumptuous illustrations and stories about each cake and how each masterpiece came about is a delight for the senses. I thoroughly recommend it.
Bog images from Tina Claffey
Finally, Bogmen First and Last is my own contribution to bog narratives. In 2021 I received a Creative Ireland Community Award to enable me chart the working lives of men on Boora Bog, County Offaly. The poems came from the peat itself, the flora and fauna of the landscape and also, the community spirit built up around Boora. In the process, I discovered what a historic place Kilcormac is. Dorrie Johnson talks about Cromwell being in Ireland. Well, during his campaign, he smashed churches and religious iconography. The church in Kilcormac houses The Pieta, a sculptural piece that had lain hidden in the bog for centuries. There was a fair amount of camaraderie on the bog. New recruits were sent in search of glass hammers, long stands or sky hooks. And then, the Golden Egg Award…conferred annually on someone who had made the most monumental ‘egg on face’ situation over the course of a bog year. Whatever took place at regular social events, it was harmless fun and Lichen eye, one of the wonderful images from Tina Claffey’s Portal
cemented the friendships. There was tremendous loyalty between the men, they supported each other through thick and thin, a solidarity which existed long before mens sheds were introduced (a wonderful innovation by the way). The opening poem Once Upon a Kilcormac Time is a sequence which follows these Bord na Móna workers from start to finish of day; ‘At this hour/it’s a prising out/like unsticking a glued-sod./Winter mornings, a bogman’s harder to rise than set. But spring’s/in the greening air. Blue sky/A job. Friends. Car pool./ Packed lunch box./Ham and cheese or both (if lucky)./Words of a song in the head./Could be any song. Or a bog song./ Warbled or full-throated,/easing out the choke on silence. Bogmen First and Last is a time capsule of a certain period in Ireland’s working history. This volume contains a selection of Tina Claffey’s bog photographs. They are a wonderful addition to a collection I greatly enjoyed working on. More information Dorrie Johnson’s Following the Monarch’s Way is published by The Battle of Worcester Society (BoWS). www. thebattleofworcestersociety.org.uk where a few remaining copies are still available at £4.99.
It’s been a very busy time for birthing new books. Tina Claffey, County Offaly award winning photographer’s new collection of bog images Portal is a beautiful, weighty tome, filled to the brim with gorgeous photographs and startling illuminations of nature. Tina’s work is garnering much attention. Rightly so. She brings a holistic spirit to her work, each engagement with her images leaves me in a very peaceful state of mind. Another book I recommend thoroughly. I’m lucky enough to have a poem Presence included in Portal. 70 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Link to Tina Claffey’s Book Portal. https://currachbooks.com/ or my website https://tinaclaffey.com/ Omar Addihaoui, King of Chefs and 21st Century Chef to Kings is available on Amazon as well as over 200 libraries. publishroom.com for the paper version and librinova.com for the e book version.€29.99 for paper version and €24.99 for an E-book version. Bogmen First and Last is available from the author, numberninebirr@gmail.com €12 (includes P & P)
COPD and Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential in the management of COPD. It won’t cure COPD, but the right food can help you feel better, make your body stronger and help to fight infections. Keeping a healthy body weight supports your lungs as they work. Good nutrition gives your body the energy it needs do the work of breathing and staying active. Good nutrition can help you have a better quality of life. Food is the fuel your body needs in order to perform all activities, including breathing. By choosing a wide variety of nourishing foods you are getting all of the building blocks or nutrients needed for health and wellbeing. There are no good or bad foods, but how you combine them together each day and each week is important. • Vegetables, salad and fruit contain antioxidants, which fight harmful free radicals and can help support your immune system. • Cereals, breads, potatoes, pasta and rice provide valuable energy to our bodies. • Milk, yoghurt and cheese products contain calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. This is especially important if you take steroids as they increase bone loss. • Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts contain protein which is important to build and maintain muscle. • Fats, spreads and oils are high in energy and provide vitamins, such as vitamin D which we need to absorb calcium.
• Confectionary for example: cakes, crisps, fizzy drinks provide very little nutrition other than sugar, fat and empty calories. Many people with COPD can experience a poor appetite. It is very common to feel full more quickly and you can be put off by certain foods. When you have COPD your body needs extra energy just to breathe and even more energy to fight an infection. Tips which may help a poor appetite: • Eat little and often: choose smaller meals and snacks. • Try to eat something, no matter how small, at every mealtime. • Avoid drinking for a half hour before and during meals as this can make you feel fuller more quickly. • Try to eat a protein food twice daily e.g. cheese, meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, pulses or nuts. • Add extra butter, cream or cheese to foods, this increases the calories but not portion size. • Try to have a pint of full fat milk each day – or a white coffee, hot chocolate or other milky drink. • Use ready meals, tinned and frozen foods which require no preparation time. • Stop smoking or try in particular to avoid it just before meal times as it can reduce your appetite .
Health
Other issues which may affect your food and nutrition • Dry mouth – due to oxygen usage, medications – sip water, suck ice cubes, avoid caffeine • Bloating and trapped wind due to gulping air whilst eating – Take your time, smaller bites • Reflux or Indigestion – common in people with COPD, eat slowly, eat small amounts, reduce alcohol • Constipation - stay hydrated, eat well and include fibre in your diet • Coughing whilst eating – eat slowly, eat softer foods, don’t talk and eat What can I do? • Eating a variety of foods in the portions that suit you best is a good place to start. • Ask your healthcare professional to refer you to a dietician or contact the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) which will has a list of registered dieticians in Ireland www.indi.ie • Contact the COPD adviceline at 1800 832146 or nurse@asthma.ie • Download our COPD & Me Booklet on our website www.copd.ie A COPD diet is meant to be followed for a lifetime and following these diet guidelines consistently can help you manage symptoms along the way.
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 71
Northern
By Debbie Orme
Notes
The new Elevation garden on the railway viaduct in Randalstown
Randalstown in bloom as railway viaduct garden opens
Move over New York – Northern Ireland has got its very own High Line as a former railway viaduct has been transformed into a community garden! Spanning the River Maine in Randalstown, the project – the first of its kind across Ireland – is just one of four installations across the UK which have been designated a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Community Garden as part of National Gardening Week, which was held in May. Officially opening the garden, with hundreds of visitors descending upon the suspended garden – christened ‘Elevation’ – Councillor Billy Webb, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, was full of praise for the new garden. ‘Designed in conjunction with the local community, this popular recreational pathway will become a destination hot spot that is equal parts working garden and world-class attraction for locals and visitors alike,’ he said. ‘The repurposing of what was already an iconic heritage landmark into a picturesque restorative space will undoubtedly increase tourism footfall to such a beautiful part of Northern Ireland, which in turn helps to boost the economy. ‘We have all seen the important role that gardens and outdoor spaces have played over the past few years when it comes to our physical and mental wellbeing. With its beautiful walking routes, projects such as this will allow enhance the town even further and allow us to create a more vibrant future for all.’ The garden will offer a mix of sustainable pollinator-friendly planting, extended bee corridors, shelter for hibernating species, as well as seeds and berries for birds. An intergenerational team will maintain the site, which has seating and areas for people to get together and facilitate workshops, according to community organisation Tidy Randalstown, who were the Northern Ireland recipients of the RHS Community Garden award. 72 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Horticultural Officer, Dylan Freeburn, joined Mayor Karen Douglas at the launch of Translink in Bloom at Bangor Castle Walled Garden
Translink Ulster In Bloom competition gets underway
Ards and North Down Borough Council has launched this year’s Translink Ulster In Bloom competition for 2022. The annual, green-fingered awards boost civic pride across Northern Ireland, encouraging cities, towns and villages to look their best with striking floral displays and seasonal plants which often represent the history, culture and unique features of each area. The core competition criteria, ‘Horticultural, Environment and Community’ helps to instil local pride, create awareness of the environment and biodiversity, while also encouraging cross community participation and involvement from people of all ages in the Borough. The competition is judged July to early August. Volunteer judges travel in pairs and follow prepared itineraries so that every place is visited over the key summer period. Besides selecting the best entries, judges also select a few special awards and choose the entries most likely to represent Northern Ireland in the national RHS Britain in Bloom competition. ‘I am delighted to help launch the Translink Ulster In Bloom competition in Ards and North Down,’ said Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas. ‘The Translink In Bloom competition helps boost civic pride and encourages our residents to make the most of the beautiful outdoor spaces we have on offer here in Ards and North Down. Good luck to all those participating in this year’s competition – I look forward to seeing the beautiful displays you create.” Ards and North Down Borough Council has also launched this year’s Ards and North Down In Bloom campaign and community competitions. There are several different categories that cater for people Anyone interested in participating in Translink Ulster In Bloom or entering this year’s Ards and North Down In Bloom community competition, should contact the Council’s Parks Service on andparks@ardsnorthdown.gov.uk
DIGITAL SKILLS For everyday living
Sign up for Active Retirement Ireland’s Hi Digital classes for older people and learn basic and essential online skills. Active Retirement Ireland's free, in-person Hi Digital classes for older people are available to book across the country. Classes are open to any person aged 65+ who would like to develop their digital literacy and confidence with guidance and support from other older people in their community. A first of its kind, five-year initiative, Hi Digital was developed by Vodafone Ireland Foundation alongside charity partners, Active Retirement Ireland and ALONE, to support older people who lack digital skills, through online and in-person training.
The Hi Digital training course consists of bite-sized lessons organised around key digital themes including internet basics and how to use online devices, as well as digital apps and features such as social media or video calling that can enhance daily life and combat isolation. Topics covered include: Sending emails Keeping in touch with friends and family through social media or video calling Online banking and government services online Looking up information for hobbies or travel Using the internet on your phone Using your phone to take and share pictures or videos Online safety and more.
Community-led training
Active Retirement Ireland’s comprehensive programme of in-person classroom learning is delivered through a network of community partners across the country. Classes are run for older people, by older people — trained ARI digital ambassadors who offer face to face training and guidance so older people can develop their skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
To find out about Hi Digital classes in your county and book your place, call Active Retirement Ireland on 1800 20 30 30 or visit www.activeirl.ie/hidigital
Northern Notes
Belfast’s rich cultural diversity celebrated Residents from different cultures in the city came together recently at a ‘Grand Culture Café’ event at 2 Royal Avenue, as part of Belfast City Council’s PEACE IV work. Among those were representatives from the Indian, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, Bulgarian, Polish, Arabic, African and African-Caribbean communities. The Grand Culture Café on Friday 17 June was the finale event of a series from 2019 (in-person and online) which showcased and celebrated Belfast’s rich cultural diversity. Working closely with different communities, the events shared the traditions, life, food, cultural
Belfast cultural cafe artefacts and language of diverse cultures that call Belfast their home. At the special event, two publications entitled ‘Belonging to Belfast’ were also launched including one for children – featuring interviews and information on all the cultures that took part in the Culture Café series. ‘Our Culture Cafés shone a spotlight on a range of cultures here in the city,’ said Councillor Mal O’Hara, Deputy Chair of Belfast City Council’s Shared City Partnership. ‘They have been imaginative and interesting and generated lively conversations. I would like to thank all
those who have contributed to the series. ‘The Culture Cafés have also contributed to the aims of our Good Relations strategy by increasing knowledge of diverse cultures, identities and heritage, creating respect for diversity, fostering an increased sense of belonging and challenging racism and stereotypes too. ‘We believe good relations is everyone’s business – we all have a role to play to create a brighter and better future for Belfast. We all have differences and similarities and that is a beautiful thing to be celebrated.’ For more information on the programme, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/PEACEIV
Looking forward to August Craft Month Craft Month is Northern Ireland’s unique celebration of crafts.
Throughout the month of August, there will be opportunities to experience,
Belfast UNESCO City of Music walking tour a main attraction
participate in and learn about crafts. So, whether you’re thrilled by Abbie Dixon’s modern silver jewellery inspired by nature’s intricate detail, or intrigued by Brian McKee’s steam bending of timber
to create contemporary, hand-made furniture, you’re sure to find something of interest. For more information, visit craftni.org
Take a leisurely walking tour to explore Belfast's rich music scene, taking in some off the beaten track venues before relaxing at the Oh Yeah Music Centre to enjoy a performance by a local musician just for the tour group. You will discover why Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music! From hip hop to classical and punk, pop to folk and jazz - plus everything in between - music plays a significant part in the fabric of Belfast, making it a vibrant city to live in or visit.
before settling down to enjoy an exclusive 25-minute performance by talented local musicians.
The tour ends with a visit to the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast’s own dedicated music hub. Here you will have time to browse the Oh Yeah’s Music Exhibition,
74 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
The tour will take place from 1pm to 4pm on: • • • • • • • • •
Saturday 30 July 2022 Friday 5 August 2022 Saturday 20 August 2022 Friday 23 September 2022 Saturday 8 October 2022 Saturday 22 October 2022 Saturday 12 November 2022 Saturday 19 November 2022 Saturday 10 December 2022
Meeting Place CARLOW MAN, 6ft, LATE 70s, widower with GSOH, SD. Retired professional with interests in sports, meeting people, dining out and current affairs. WLTM a lady around own age for friendship and socializing, preferably in Leinster. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A1 LONELY WIDOW from Leinster, full of warmth and kindness, dignified, good appearance, keen sense of humour, family grown up. Seek a warm, personable, educated gent to share coffee and conversation. Age range 75-85. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A2 OFFALY MAN, 70s, NS, SD, tall, looking for a romantic woman 60s -70s for socialising, interests include walking, reading and winter holidays. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A3 ‘PRETTY WOMAN’. Widow, North Co Dublin WLTM man for friendship/ relationship in his 70s and a NS for chats, outings and caring and sharing. . Warm and loyal with very GSOH and good company. NS and non-driver. I am good company. Take a chance on me! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A4 NORTH CO DUBLIN MAN 70S, GSOH, NS, ND, likes the outdoors, travel, gardening and cooking. Courteous, friendly respectful, various interests. WLTM lady with some or similar interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A5 DUBLIN LADY, 67, WLTM ladies and gents for socialising., days, trips, concerts, weekends away and general craic. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A6 SOUTH DUBLIN LADY MIS 60s, NS, SD, GSOH, loving, attractive, average height, very friendly, good conversationist. Interests include music, sailing, tennis, walking, weekends away. WLTM gent 60s to 70s. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A7 NORTH WEST MALE, EARLY 70s, NS, SD, academic, interested in arts, classical music, theatre, concerts, history, country life, reading, golf. WLTM lady 60-60s with similar interests for companionship/relationship anywhere ins Ireland. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A8 PLEASANT NORTH CO DUBLIN FEMALE, 60s, NS, SD, seeks the company of a kind, respectful gent to share happiness in retirement years. Interests include cinema, theatre, all kinds of music, afternoon drives, travel at home and abroad etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A9
DUBLIN MALE NATURIST 60 (looks younger) single, WLTM a nice, broadminded, uninhibited, mature lady to join a naturists club and to travel abroad on naturists holidays. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A10 TALL SINGLE PROFESSIONAL LADY living in South Dublin WLTM a tall single NS Irish professional gent aged 68-75 for socializing and maybe a relationship. Many interest including ballroom dancing, concert going, theatre, travelling, eating out, current affairs, GAA, swimming. Must be of generous nature. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K1 TIPPERARY MAN 6ft, WLTM a woman around my own age for friendship, maybe more. I am a retired professional and widower, GSOH. I lead an active life NS SD. Interests and hobbies include meeting friends, eating out, current affairs, sports and outdoor activities. My children are grown up and living in Dublin. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K2 SOUTH EAST FEMALE, 58, WLTM tall male who enjoys the theatre and garden. I’m interested in friendship and possible romance. I am 5 foot 7 and have English accent. Reading, theatre, sea and garden are things I enjoy must. Good sense of humour important. If anyone would like to meet up I would be delighted to hear. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K3 ATTRACTIVE WIDOW late sixties, living in Dublin, NS, SD, GSOH, enjoys playing golf, bridge, reading, music and travel. WLTM likeminded gentleman mid 60's to late 70's, for companionship and to share common interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K4 SINGLE PROFESSIONAL WOMAN 60s,NS, SD, enjoys reading, walking, foreign travel, the arts and good conversation WLTM an educated, active, refined, kind man with GSOH aged 59 - 69 with similar interests for friendship/relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K5 SOUTH DUBLIN WOMAN M 59, independent, straight-talking, fit, outdoors type with own unique sense of style, seeks company of like-minded professional man circa 60 to enjoy - exchanging views, sometimes walking my dogs, watching sport, dining out, occasional weekends away and holidays. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K6 NOTE: When replying to advertisements give only your telephone number and/or email address. DO NOT give your postal address
76 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
SOUTH DUBLIN LADY 70s, WLTM ladies/gents for friendship, Love to dance, meet for coffee, Chat, walk, and have a good laugh. This lady is fun with a good sense of humour and would like to meet likewise. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K7 ATTRACTIVE WIDOW late sixties, living in Dublin, NS, SD, GSOH, enjoys playing golf, bridge, reading, music and travel. WLTM like- minded gentleman mid 60's to late 70's, for companionship and to share common interests REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K8 ARE YOU IN LIMERICK OR SURROUNDING AREAS? Are you interested in social interaction and 'meet ups' with other retired people for coffee and chat, dining out, shows, days and breaks away etc REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K9 SOUTH CITY CORK GENTLEMAN, single, mid 60’s, sincere, friendly, respectful, well educated, tall, athletic and considered attractive WLTM a tall lady with similar characteristics/interests for friendship/romance and long term relationship. Interests include cooking, swimming, walking, gardening, reading, dancing, music and travel at home/abroad. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K10 NORTH MUNSTER RETIRED WIDOW, warm and caring with a positive and youthful outlook enjoying varied interests & exploring new ones, WLTM a NS genuine, caring, sociable gent early 70s who has a GSOH to explore common interests and share life's adventures. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K11 FUN LOVING CO WEXFORD LADY fifties, young at heart, would love to meet similar ladies for fun days out and general socialising. Interests include brisk walking, good music, travelling, eating out ,coffee and chats . REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K12 PROFESSIONAL RETIRED DUBLIN MAN, 70s, WLTM nice lady from Dublin or surrounding area. ND, SD. Various interests and like to travel a lot. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K13 NORTH KILDARE LADY, 70s, NS, SD. Interests include country walks, nature, wildlife, theatre, historic buildings, and travel.WLTM gent with similar interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K14 DUBLIN GENT, 60, WLTM lady of similar age from the capital or surrounding area. Enjoy the simple pleasures such
as weekends away, concerts, eating out etc. If you’re a lady who likes a laugh and is a genuinely happy person we might get along great! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K15 KILDARE MAN 65 suffering from recent bereavement wishes to find a sympathetic lady to talk to. Interests include painting in oils. Have a large house with a room to accommodate a lady. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K16 ‘HAPPY IN JEANS’. Co Meath lady, 65, WLTM gent roughly same age for coffee, or lunch and a chat. I like the seaside, going for walks and a little dancing. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K17 CLARE MAN MID 60s, single, no ties. Kind, sincere and caring, very socialable. NS, SD, love traditional and C&W music, gardening and going to events. WLTM down to earth, caring, honest lady in her early 60s with similar interests and from the same area or adjoining counties for friendship and possible relationship.. REPLY TO BOX K18 CAVAN MAN 72 WLTM lady 60-70 from Cavan or surrounding areas. Live in the country and like most kinds of music, Interests include indoor and outdoor events, outings, dining out, dancing, theatre, cinema. . I’m honest and since and if you are a nice genuine lady please get in touch. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K19 ROMANTIC, SHARING, CARING DUBLIN CHAPPIE, 72, single never married. Interests include watercolour painting, art history, woodland walks, seeks commitment with positive lady. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K20 DUBLIN GENT 60s, medium height. Enjoy reading, walking, cosy nights in, eating out etc. WLTM lady from Dublin or surrounding area with a view to a long term relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K21 WATERFORD GENT, 60, DIVORCED, WLTM nice lady. Interest include swimming, walking, watching most sports, travel home and abroad. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M1 LADY LATE 60s, KILDARE AREA, RETIRED, NS, SD, GSOH. Average height, easy on the eye (I’m told). Stylish, chatty, fun loving. Interests include current affairs, listening to music, love comedy and the outdoors, days out, weekends away. WLTM gent 65-75 for friendship and possible romance anywhere in Ireland. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M2 KILKENNY LADY, ATTRACTIVE, KIND, 72. Interests include travel, eating
out, theatre, cinema, etc. WLTM gent of similar age and interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M3 WICKLOW WOMAN WLTM, kind, courteous, friendly man. NS, SD, interested in all kinds of music. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M4 DUBLIN WIDOWER 70s, NS, WLTM lady for companionship, friendship. Interests include art, walking, eating out, theatre, cinema, travel and weekends away. If you are lady who enjoys a laugh, I would love to leet you! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M5 CARING MIDLANDS WIDOW, RETIRED PROFESSIONAL Good appearance, full of warmth and kindness, keen sense of humour, family ground. WLTM a warm professional gent top share coffee and conversation, preferably a widower age range 80-85 REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M6 TALL MUNSTER GENT, WIDOWER, 60s, KIND AND CARING, WLTM lady for friendship. NS, SD, interests include good conversation, sport, walking. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M7 SOUTHEAST RETIRED, ACTIVE, enjoys a change of scene. Would like to explore reciprocal exchange arrangement Kilkenny City/ Dun Laoghaire Rathdown with corresponding homeowner (or apartment) for occasional night or weekend accommodation and have a chance to meet new friends. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M8 SOUTH DUBLIN LADY 60s WLTM kind/generous gentleman with a good sense of humour for chats, visits, theatre, concerts and a good laugh. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M9 QUALIFIED MALE MASSGE THERAPIST, 60, WLTM mature ladies and couples for massage. I have my own place in Dublin 12 (3 miles from Dublin City Centre ) and can accommodate overnight. There is no charge for this massage or for accommodation. Go on why not enjoy a nice massage and do some shopping in Dublin as well. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M10 SOUTH DUBLIN MID 60’s LADY NS SD GSOH Fun loving, attractive, average height, very friendly, good conversationalist. Interests include music, sailing, tennis, walking, weekends away, eating out WLTM gent 60’s to 70’s. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M11 RETIRED PROFESSIONAL WIDOWER, mid-70s, South Dublin Retired professional widower, mid-70s,
South Dublin, WLTM a pleasant, educated lady who enjoys dance (not ballroom), theatre, reading, dining out and holidays abroad, for companionship and friendship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M2 DUBLIN MALE, 60, looks younger WLTM a broadminded mature lady to join a naturist club and travel abroad on naturist holidays REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M13 MIDLANDS WIDOW, early 70s, with good humoured, cultured and sincere personality, WLTM a gentleman mid 60s-early 70s, Midlands area or nearby, similar personality for companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M14 TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT If you are interested in meeting someone of the opposite or same sex, send your advertisement, with four stamps (which is the average reply rate) enclosed in the envelope, to:
Meeting Place, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Or email: john@slp.ie IMPORTANT
Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live, noting your interests. The advertisement should not be more than 60 words. If you are replying to the advertisement via Senior Time’s email, ensure you include your postal address for those not on the Net. (Only Senior Times will have these details). Deadline for receipt of advertisements for the next issue is 25th August 2022.
TO REPLY TO AN ADVERTISEMENT
Each reply to an advertisement should be enclosed in a plain, stamped envelope, with the box number marked in pencil so that it can be erased before being forwarded to the advertiser. Send these envelopes in a covering envelope to the address , above, so that we can forward them to the advertiser. There is no limit to the amount of advertisements to which you can reply, provided each one is contained in a plain, stamped envelope. Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live. For those submitting their advertisements by email ensure that you also supply Senior Times with your postal address so that we can post replies from those who have replied by post. (Only Senior Times will have your postal address).
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 77
Cosmetics and beauty
Keep a bright smile this summer Mairead Robinson suggests how we can look and feel our best for summer 2022
Nobody would disagree that it has been a long and difficult couple of years, and now we are all looking forward to a long sunny summer 2022. Whether heading abroad or staying in Ireland, there are several steps we can take to make sure we are looking and feeling our best to enjoy the summer months. I regularly emphasize the importance of hydrating and protecting our skin during the hot weather, but while we all like to have a healthy glow to our skin, what about to our smile? I am talking about specifically a bright smile that will showcase clean white sparking teeth? While it is often down to veneers, we do admire the bright white teeth of our American cousins, however for many of us as we get older we find our teeth becoming more discoloured and less attractive. So what can we do about this, without resorting to expensive and invasive treatments? First of all we look at what causes this discoloration? Certainly black coffee and red wine are culprits, but who wants to give up them? Also as we get older, our teeth will naturally discolour, 78 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
and there is little we can do about it. Some dentists have claimed that whitening and brightening treatments will have little or no effect on mature teeth. However, a new range of products from Spotlight Oral Care – Created by dentists – have actually shown great results, even on the 50+demographic. The whitening products contain the active ingredient, Hydrogen Peroxide which is clinically proven to whiten teeth and can be used by those with sensitive teeth or gums. Created by dentists, the Teeth Whitening Strips have been specifically designed to effectively and safely whiten your teeth with minimal sensitivity. They contain 0.01% hydrogen peroxide and by wearing the strips for one hour daily for 2-weeks, they will gradually and safely whiten the teeth and cause minimal sensitivity. My favourite product from this range is their Teeth Whitening Pen, an easy-to-use handbag item for safe and effective whitening on the go. The pen dispenses a small amount of gel, which contains the active whitening ingredient hydrogen peroxide, onto the teeth and actively dissolves stains leaving long-lasting results.
EE X XP P LL O OR R EE TT H H EE JJ O OY Y O O FF
CLASSICAL CLASSICAL MUSIC MUSIC WITH WITH NAXOS NAXOS “Naxos is part of every music lover’s life” – Gramophone “Naxos is part of every music lover’s life” – Gramophone
SELECTED TITLES INSPIRED BY SELECTED TITLES INSPIRED BY THE SENIOR TIMES CLASSICAL COLLECTION PODCAST THE SENIOR TIMES CLASSICAL COLLECTION PODCAST
14 CDs 14 CDs
GRIEG COMPLETE PIANO MUSIC GRIEG COMPLETE MUSIC Now available as a 14CD PIANO set Now as a 14CD set Einar available Steen-Nøkleberg Einar Steen-Nøkleberg
8.501404 8.501404
“All housed in very smart packaging “All housed in very smart packaging featuring beautiful artwork.” featuring beautiful artwork.” – BBC Music Magazine – BBC Music Magazine
ALSO AVAILABLE ALSO AVAILABLE BRAND NEW BRAND NEW
8.506041 8.506041
8.508021 8.508021
6 CDs 6 CDs
SIR MALCOM ARNOLD SIR MALCOM ARNOLD COMPLETE SYMPHONIES AND DANCES COMPLETE SYMPHONIES AND DANCES CENTENARY EDITION CENTENARY EDITION
RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872–1958) RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS
150 150 (1872–1958)
YEARS YEARS
A VAUGHAN WILLIAMS A VAUGHAN WILLIAMS ANTHOLOGY ANTHOLOGY CELEBRATES 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATES 150TH NOW ANNIVERSARY AVAILABLE AVAILABLE NOW
VISIT INSTORE OR ONLINE AT WWW.TOWERRECORDS.IE VISIT INSTORE OR ONLINE AT STORES: WWW.TOWERRECORDS.IE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE STORES: DAWSON STREET, DUBLIN, IRELAND | PHONE: (01) 671 3250 • O’CONNELL STREET, DUBLIN, IRELAND | PHONE: (01) 878 668 DAWSON STREET, DUBLIN, IRELAND | PHONE: (01) 671 3250 • O’CONNELL STREET, DUBLIN, IRELAND | PHONE: (01) 878 668
www.naxos.com
Cosmetics and beauty A word of warning to ensure you get the best results from these products. If you haven't visited your dentist in 6 months, you may have a build up of plaque and tartar that stops the active ingredients from penetrating onto the enamel which will result in a less than ideal whitening treatment. So do ensure to see your dentist and hygienist prior to using them for best results. So once you have your bright smile sorted, the other summer essential for a healthy happy glow is a good skin colour. We all love the sun tanned look, but of course we have to be careful to use skin protection in the sun. Not just for the more serious skin conditions that sun exposure can bring about, but also for the ageing effects of the sun. That is why a new product from skin care brand EUCERIN is specifically designed for mature skin. Photoaging Control with advanced spectral anti-age technology is a sun fluid designed to prevent photoaging and visibility reduces the appearance of wrinkles. So you have a sun protection product and an anti-ageing product all in one. Apply liberally to your face, and the back of your hands, when you go out in the sun. Eucerin have also just introduced a new range of their Hyaluron-Filler products called the Triple Effect formula. The upgraded Hyaluron-Filler formula is enriched with a new ingredient Ennoxolene, traditionally used in treatments for eczema and dermatitis conditions. Combined with short and long chain Hyaluronic Acid, to moisturise and plump, and anti-oxidant Saponin to stimulate skin’s own Hylauronic acid production, this formula creates a triple threat against fine lines and wrinkles. More good news on the skin care front. Finally, are you one of the 20% of Irish people who suffer from hay fever? With a higher pollen count and an unusually wet, warm and humid spring earlier this year, hayfever is on the rise more than ever before. With more pollens and grasses in the air, people are experiencing symptoms that are more severe including overheated, reactive skin, especially around the nose, and red, stinging, itchy eyes. Tips to help manage the condition include:• • • • • • • • •
Check the pollen count daily. Spray Thermal Spring Water (Avene or similar) onto the face and eyelids for immediate cooling effect. Stay indoor if possible and keep windows shut. Wear a face masks outside to block out pollen in the air. Wear sunglasses to stop pollen getting into the eyes. Have a shower when you come in from being outdoors. Consider adding a Vitamin C supplement to your routine. Don’t dry your clothes outside as they can carry pollen indoors. Keep pets clean with weekly baths.
We have weeks of summer weather left to enjoy, so make sure you mind yourself and get the best out of our Irish summer 2022.
80 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Why not subscribe to Ireland’s magazine for people who don’t act their age? €40 for 8 issues delivered to your door
It’s also the ideal gift for a friend or loved one for their birthday, retirement or other special occasion. We will even send a personalised card with the first issue.
To subscribe or to find out more – Call us on 01 496 9028 or go to www.seniortimes.ie or send your cheque or postal order (made payable to SeniorTimes) to SeniorTimes, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6
SeniorTimes magazine is published by S&L Promotions Ltd SeniorTimes, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6 • Tel: 01 496 9028 • Email info@slp.ie
Travel
Expressway - Free Travel Pass holders Q&A 1. How many routes does the Expressway network offer? The Expressway network comprises of 14 routes that provide direct and regular services to and from cities and towns throughout The Republic of Ireland. Travel on all Expressway services is available to all free travel pass holders. 2. Where do the routes go to and from? Dublin city, Dublin Airport, Waterford, Wexford, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Sligo, Tralee, Killarney, Ballina, Donegal, Letterkenny, Derry, and Dundalk are the main points from which Expressway services operate. Many other locations are served along routes between these main points. See www.expressway.ie for more details. 3. Can you book and reserve a seat on Expressway using a Free Travel pass? Yes absolutely! We launched our brand new MyExpressway website earlier this year, which means that by booking online at expressway. ie or from a ticket vending machine in bus stations and at our Dublin Airport shelters, passengers may now guarantee a seat for their chosen journey. The seat reservation system helps us effectively to manage our capacity and all seats on board buses are available for booking ahead of travel. 4. What are the benefits of seat reservation? A seat reservation guarantees you will be able to travel on your chosen service. Customers with seat reservations also have the great benefit of priority boarding. Without a seat reservation, there is a risk that a walk-up customer’s preferred service will not have capacity, so we do recommend that customers pre-book where feasible. 5. How do I reserve a seat using my free travel card online for Expressway services? Free Travel Scheme Reservations are available online at www.expressway. ie. To book, you select the “Seat Reservation Only” option for a booking fee of €2.00. Customers will be asked to select a time and date of departure when buying online or at a ticket vending machine in the bus station. 6. How does my online/ticket vending machine seat reservation ticket work? Tickets purchased online (stored as either on a mobile device or printed), or issued at a ticket vending machine,
should be presented to the driver to be scanned. Please note that your ticket must be validated by the driver using the QR code displayed on the ticket. Seat reservations are only valid for the specific service and origin stop selected. Tickets are non-transferable. 7. Is it mandatory to reserve a seat when using my Free Travel card? Booking is not mandatory for any passenger, as public transport is now operating at normal 100% capacity. We strongly encourage anyone using Expressway services to please reserve their seats prior to travel to avoid
to and from Dublin Airport daily. See list of services below; Dublin Airport to Ballina Expressway Route 22 connects Dublin, Maynooth, Mullingar, Ballinalack, Rathowen, Edgeworthstown, Longford, Tarmonbarry, Strokestown, Tulsk, Ballinagare, Frenchpark, Ballaghaderreen, Carracastle, Charlestown, Swinford and Foxford to Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport to Donegal Expressway Route 30/X30 connects Virginia, Cavan, Butlersbridge, Belturbet, Derrylin, Bellanaleck, Enniskillen, Belleek and Ballyshannon to Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport to Dundalk Expressway Route 100X connects Dublin, Drogheda, Dunleer, Castlebellingham and Dundalk to Dublin Airport.
disappointment, as demand for bus services can be high especially around peak travel times. 8. What safety measures are in place since Covid-19? Please be assured that we continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard our customers. The wearing of face coverings remains mandatory on public transport and hand sanitising units are in place on our fleet and in all our bus stations. Signage is displayed in our bus stations to encourage social distancing, and we continue to have an enhanced cleaning service on all our fleet and in our stations. Our coaches are deep cleaned daily, and enhanced cleaning is carried out at depots between services also. 9. Have Expressway invested elsewhere in the business? Bus Éireann has invested €16 million in June 2021. This includes 30 new coaches, which operate on Routes 40 (Waterford to Cork), 51 (Galway to Cork) and 64 (Galway to Derry). Each of these coaches has 4G Wi-Fi, charging ports at every seat and extra comfortable reclining leather seats with head and footrests to make your journey with Expressway a relaxing one. These new coaches also have toilet facilities on board! 10. How many Expressway services operate to and from Dublin Airport? Expressway has the largest Airport network in Ireland, operating 7 routes
82 82 Senior Senior Times Times || July July -- August August 2022 2022 || www.seniortimes.ie www.seniortimes.ie
Dublin Airport to Letterkenny Expressway Route 32 connects Ardee, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney, Monaghan, Emyvale, Aughnacloy, Ballygawley, Omagh, Newtownstewart, Sion Mills, Strabane and Lifford to Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport to Sligo Expressway Route 23 connects Dublin, Lucan, Maynooth, Mullingar, Ballinalack, Rathowen, Edgeworthstown, Longford, Newtownforbes, Rooskey, Dromod, Annaduff Church, Carrick-onShannon, Boyle, Castlebaldwin, Drumfin, Collooney and Ballisodare to Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport to Waterford Expressway Route 4/X4 connects Dublin, Red Cow LUAS, Carlow, Carlow IT, Leighlinbridge Cross, Royal Oak, Gowran, Thomastown, Ballyhale and Mullinavat to Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport to Wexford Expressway Route 2 connects Dublin, Donnybrook, Merrion Road, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, Arklow, Gorey, Clough, Camolin, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Oylegate and Wexford Town to Dublin Airport. 11. Do Expressway serve Airports other than Dublin Airport? We also operate services to Shannon Airport on route 51, Kerry Airport on Routes 14 and 40 and Ireland West Airport Knock on route 64. See www.expressway.ie to book and view timetables.
30 X30
64
100X
DUNDALK
30 X30
Castlebar
2
X2
4
X4
22 23 30 X30 32 100X
Claremorris
X2
Clonmel Charleville N11
2 X2
40A
4 X4
Senior Times l May - June 2022 l www.seniortimes.ie 83
Five copies of The Secrets of Ageless Ageing to be won!
Senior Times, in association with the publishers, Beehive Books, are offering five copies The Secret of Ageless Ageing in this issue’s crossword competition. Author Karen Ward takes her reader by the hand on a voyage of self-discovery and a celebration of middle age and beyond. Rather than be daunted by this experience, she gives sound, practical advice and a common-sense and holistic approach to the inevitability that is growing older. Karen’s wise and witty style is backed by interviews with those older and wiser, who share their regrets and joys, and give sage advice. The Secrets of Ageless Ageing is full of tips on how best to manage our physicality, time, mental health and relationships as we age, how to ease our adjustment to retirement and a slower pace of life, and, most importantly, how to embrace with enthusiasm the many opportunities that the latter stages of our lives offer. Dr Karen Ward, holistic therapist, appears on RTÉ’s Health Squad. Name: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Address: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Phone: ............................................................................................................................................... Email:................................................................................................................................................ 84 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Senior Times would like to send you details of special offers, competitions, future features etc. Please tick this box if you do not wish to receive this information.
Send your entry to Senior Times Crossword Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6. The first four entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is 20th August 2022.
Crossword Crossword History
Number 118 by Zoë Devlin
ACROSS 1 Football game (6) 4 Game played with racquets on a court (6) 8 Team sport played by Irish women (7) 11 Violent weather condition (5) 15 Accumulate or gather (5) 16 Fencing sword found in a teepee? (4) 17 Large silver plate for serving food (6) 18 Game played with shuttlecock (9) 20 Young horse (4) 21 Central area of a church (4) 22 Located within or close to centre (5) 23 Familiar name of Dwight D Eisenhower (3) 24 Consistent with fact or reality (4) 26 Team game resembling basketball (7) 28 Hard durable wood (4) 29 Lower house of the Oireachtas, ___ Eireann (4) 30 Game or type of fruit drink (6) 35 Revolve or turn around (6) 37 German composer, Ludwig van ___ (9) 38 Game more properly called table tennis (4-4) 42 Beyond normal limits, unrestrained (9) 44 Traditional Irish game (7) 46 Fish or Co Mayo peninsula (6) 48 Move - depart - proceed (2) 50 Broadcast that has episodes (6) 52 Sharp pointed implement with eye (6) 53 Asian river, sacred to Hindus (6) 54 Something that is a threat or danger (6) 55 Very sad - involving grief (6) 56 Encouraging or prodding (6) 58 Gatherings where Irish dancing takes place (6) 59 Morning prayers (6) 63 Extra-terrestrial! (1.1.) 64 Robin Hood’s lady love, Maid ___ (6) 65 Provide commentary or tell story (7) 66 Cardinal number and sum of 21+1 (6-3) 68 Can a listener live in this province? (8) 70 Set free this edible rat? (9) 73 You get nil for this 2/- coin (6) 78 Sweet liquid attractive to pollinators (6) 80 AKA Paul Hewson of U2 fame (4) 81 Fury, anger, madness (4) 82 Stolen Irish-bred racehorse (7) 86 Brown coating on iron caused by moisture (4) 88 Inferior dog (3) 89 Not asleep (5) 90 Stately white aquatic bird (4) 91 Cord in a candle (4) 95 Unaccompanied form of sacred chant (9) 96 Destroyed (6) 97 Wets the seashore twice daily (4) 98 Bertie ___, former Taoiseach (5) 100 Game in which pointed missiles are thrown (5) 101 Medical procedure involving an incision (7) 102 I can relate to this Co Kerry town (6) 103 Dough such as puff, shortcrust or flaky (6)
DOWN 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 18 19 25 26 27 31 32 33 34 36 39 40 41 43 44 45 47 49 51 55 57 58 60 61 62 67 69 71 72 74 75 76 77 79 82 83 84 85 87 92 93 94 99
Garment worn around the neck (5) A care chart for a fictitious person? (9) Compass point (4) This hour can be the last possible minute (8) Certainly not ‘Yes’ (2) Discolourations and unclean marks (6) Large dark enclosed space (6) Preserve beloved of Paddington (9) Eternal .. infinite (7) Travel through water like a fish (4) Freshwater mammal with webbed feet (5) Long-tailed primate (6) Remember or recollect (6) Headgear for a horse (6) Closing section of a musical composition (6) Respiratory organ in the chest (4) Sons of your brother or sister (7) Product of human creativity (3) Not fast (4) Deprive of food (6) Acting in a funny or teasing way (6) Bar from attention or disregard (6) Either of two offspring born at the same time (4) Unengaged or not working (4) Postponing or putting on a red finger? (9) At once .. straightaway (9) Breakfast foodstuff .. sounds like a TV soap (6) Roman Emperor of Wall fame - he had rain! (7) Not fake or counterfeit (7) Swelling from excessive water in tissues (5) One who loves to be cruel (6) Actress ___Ekberg or author ___Brookner (5) Increase threefold (6) Loft or attic or ___ Fitzgerald? (6) Belfast-born actor, ___ Hinds (6) Ken Doherty won at this cue sport in 1997 (7) Having wisdom, like one half of Eric & Ernie? (4) Make tight and secure against leakage (4) Divine type of plant for growing grapes (4) Piece of land for building on (4) Lake Isle that WB Yeats would go to .. (9) Rubbed out, removed from memory (6) Fish eggs with grainy texture (3) Careless, inattentive, lax (9) King of the fairies who had no robe (6) Sweat (8) Chief mountain range of western N. America (7) Frightened of cedars or perhaps sacred! (6) Saint whose day is on first of February (6) Soft decayed area in a tooth (6) Song or hymn of mourning (6) Long pointed rod used as a weapon (5) Broadcaster with daily show on Newstalk. Pat ___ (5) Love interest of Superman ___ Lane (4) Indonesian island south of Borneo (4) In short, it means Thank You (2)
Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 85
Adults return to the Gaeltacht for a unique holiday experience
Irish summer colleges are often associated with teenagers, but for almost 40 years participants aged 18 to 88 have travelled to Oideas Gael, in the Gaeltacht of southwest Co. Donegal, for a unique holiday learning experience. Since its foundation in 1984, Oideas Gael has attracted thousands of participants to its highly-acclaimed language courses and cultural programmes. Many people come to learn or improve their spoken Irish and Oideas Gael courses cater to all levels from beginners to advanced speakers. Those who would prefer to avoid the classroom, or who would like to try a different kind of holiday, can choose from a wide selection of week-long cultural activity courses, including Irish traditional music, hill walking, exploring the environment, archaeology, geology, painting, tapestry weaving, and more. These courses are delivered bilingually, and language ability is no barrier to taking part. What’s more, you might leave with a cúpla focal more than you came with.
weekend and the Easter holidays,” says Oideas Gael Language Director Rónán Ó Dochartaigh. “It’s fantastic to have people back in person and it really is the best and most enjoyable way to engage with our living language and culture.” At Oideas Gael, there is a strong emphasis on the spoken language and enjoying the learning process. All participants can take part in the evening cultural sessions—which range from traditional song to Irish dancing to mindfulness classes—which add an additional cultural element to week’s experience, not to mention some good craic! To learn more visit www.oideasgael.ie or call +353 (0)74 97 30 248.
While the COVID-19 pandemic meant that much of Oideas Gael’s activities since 2020 moved online, this year the organisation’s staff are enjoying welcoming people in person once more: “Already, in 2022, we hosted two very successful courses over St Patrick’s 86 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Health
Maintaining a healthy mind
Magnesium 500:
CoQ10 200mg
Get eight hours sleep, meditate, get a hobby, get enough exercise…
You don’t have to recover from COVID-19 alone…
These are just some of the things we are told to do to maintain a healthy mind and body. Reducing and preventing high stress levels is vital for our mental health, however it can be difficult for some of us to find the time to prioritise relaxation. Something which is often overlooked when reducing stress levels is creating a healthier and more balanced diet. Consuming three healthy balanced meals per day, ensuring to include enough protein and fibre, and reducing caffeine intake is one way to manage our blood sugar levels which in turn, helps us maintain a balanced mood throughout the day. However, certain nutrients are often low or deficient in our diet due to food processing. Magnesium is an example of one of these nutrients which nearly fifty percent of the population may be low or deficient in, largely due to poor diet but also due to the use of fruit and vegetable processing which depletes the natural levels of magnesium in our soil. Deficiency in Magnesium can cause a range of issues such as tiredness, cramping, fatigue, poor sleep and can even affect our bone health. While consuming more fruit and vegetables can help replenish our magnesium levels, supplementation can help to boost magnesium in our body quickly and will ensure that you are receiving a standardised amount each time. Sona Magnesium 500mg contains elemental magnesium for optimal absorption, helping to promote normal muscle function, reduce tiredness, and fatigue and maintain excellent bone health. Supplementation of Sona Magnesium 500mg means that you can choose when is optimal for you to take the supplement. For example, some people like to take it before bed to increase their sleep quality, while others prefer to take it in the morning to balance their nervous system and reduce tiredness.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that your body produces naturally. Your cells use CoQ10 for growth and maintenance. Levels of CoQ10 in your body decrease as you age. CoQ10 levels have also been found to be lower in people with certain conditions, such as heart disease, and in those who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins such as Lipitor and Atorvastatin. CoQ10 is found in meat, fish and nuts. The amount of CoQ10 found in these dietary sources, however, isn't enough to significantly increase CoQ10 levels in your body. CoQ10 dietary supplements might help prevent or treat certain heart conditions, as well as migraine headaches. CoQ10 may also help you recover faster from ‘long Covid’. Recent evidence has suggested that supplementing with 200mg of CoQ10 each day such as Sona CoQ10 MAX, while recovering from Covid-19 may help to speed up the healing process and reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue. While evidence is still in the early stages, medical practitioners are introducing the supplement to patients with long covid since medication for the illness is yet to be introduced to the market. In addition to Covid-19 recovery, CoQ10 supplements also host a plethora of other benefits for heart health. It is specifically recommended for those who take statins (Lipitor or Atorvastatin), as this medication can deplete natural levels of CoQ10 in the body, leaving patients feeling fatigued. Sona CoQ10 MAX provides 200mg of concentrated coenzyme Q10 per capsule, including a small amount of oil for optimal absorption into the bloodstream and Vitamin E. Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie 87
Crafts
Connie McEvoy rediscovers some period greetings cards
It’s on the cards..
During the long lonely months of the past winter that the Omicron variant decided to send our way I eagerly spent some more time going through the collection of old greeting cards that I am so happy to have at my disposal. These beautiful cards were stuck onto pages of a sketch book that seemed to have been used as a scrap book also, but with the passage of time and being handled by three or four generations some of the pages and cards became detached due to dampness in the days when homes were not centrally heated. One of these loose pages although showing evidence of two small cards having been pasted on it was in better condition than the other pages. It depicts some men in a boat at sea and is the only one that is signed, it bears the signature- L Raven Hill - so I got it framed professionally and I think it looks alright all things considered. The second page that attracted my attention due to the beautiful hand writing in ink seems to use this sketch/ scrap book as a diary also, I can read the
entry as follows..’ Wednesday morning September 22nd 1830’ Visited the cottage on the Morrough, for the last time along with dear Mary. Mathilda B. Mathilda B, I am unable to make out the three letters at the top right corner of the page. Underneath the entry there is a sort of watermark/impression which reads J Whatman 1829. The three birthday cards that were clinging rather loosely to the page underneath above will be described to the best of my ability as: No1 Forget-me-nots, front messageA happy Birthday. Back verse –Your Birthday! May hope’s golden light upon its hours because , while mem’ry with its tender smile slants backward o’er the past, and all the Future track for you, be lovelit to the last. Helen Marion Burnside. 4013 Raphael Tuck & sons London, Paris, New-York. Card No 2 of horseshoe and magnolia, front message only-With kindest wishes on your birthday.
88 Senior Times | July - August 2022 | www.seniortimes.ie
Card No 3 is gold edged circular hand painted morning glory posy, front message only-May circlet of all blessings sweet around a happy birthday meet. My favourite page is the third one, although it is paste stained the young lads facial expression is of a happy disposition, he seems to be carrying a kid by its hind legs as he guides the goat by its horns (probably milking time). Card No1 top left of page depicts a large horse shoe, some periwinkle flowers and maiden hair fern, and this greeting/verse reads as follows-A happy birthday. Go birthday posy- swiftly bear. The wishes of my heart in rhyme. The outward symbol of the prayer. My lips have prayed –so many a time. Helen Marion Burnside. Card No 2 top right of page-I selected this wee picture of a demure little lady who I think bears a resemblance to the young lad for this position as I thought it would be most appropriate as indeed is the greeting. With loving birthday wishes. All your years to be. May bliss betide! May you only see life’s sunny side. Samuel K Cowan M.A Berlin.
NEW
A NEW WAY TO TAKE MACUSHIELD
• ONE-A-DAY • EASY TO TAKE • CHEWABLE TABLET •
™
NUTRIENT BLEND
• BILBERRY FLAVOUR • VEGAN FRIENDLY
NOW AVAILABLE MACUSHIELD Visit us at macushield.com * Vitamin B2 helps maintain normal vision.
CHEWABLE
SUITABLE FOR VEGANS JB-000871. Mar21
#1 in ireland
50% of Irish people do not get enough Magnesium
BLOOD PRESSURE
MOOD
BLOOD SUGAR
HEART DISEASE
Magnesium is involved in more than 600 reactions in the human body and is essential for health. Unfortunately, studies suggest that about 50% of people in Europe get less than the recommended daily amount of Magnesium in their diet.
Sona, the best selling Magnesium supplements in Irish pharmacies. SONA provides Magnesium tablets of 250mg, 300mg Time Release and 500mg elemental Magnesium.
Sona proudly SupportS
RCN: 20042462 | CHY: 13534
IrIsh vItamIns
