Senior Times Magazine - November/December

Age Friendly Technology The ACORN Way

With thousands customers across every county in Ireland, the ACORN is Ireland’s first

Used by

and over 90 Irish support organisations

online

for

Join Zoom / Whatsapp calls or use our

Video talk feature, browse the web or use popular apps. ACORN is designed with you in mind.

Our local telephone support team are there to hel p you too. Call us to learn more.

No Wifi or broadband at

problem! The ACORN comes with a mobile data service option

you to the internet at home and on the go.

News: 2

Still crazy after all these years: 6 Life-long fan Aubrey Malone offers a critical appraisal of the music and life of Bob Dylan

Tis the season: 10 Eamonn Lynskey considers some Christmas customs old and new

The budget and you: 16 Sinead Ryan evaluates the budget and what it means to you

Cracking Krakow: 20 Pat Keenan is an enthusiastic admirer of this delightful Polish city

Glaucoma, a ticking time bomb: 26 Dr Pixie McKenna considers this common eye condition

COPD examined: 28 The chest condition COPD is one of the biggest killers in Ireland

The ‘Queen of the Music Halls’ and the Irish jockey: 30 John Low traces the stormy relationship between Irish jockey Bernard Dillon and arguably the most celebrated entertainer of the late Victorian and early 20th century era, Marie Lloyd.

Dublin Dossier: 40 Pat Keenan reports from the capital

Contents

Mary’s Musings: 46 A welcome return from Mary O’Rourke

Saving is the new spending: 50 Lorna Hogg on the new ‘thrift movement’ Golf: 62 Dermot Gilleece on ‘the invincible Great White Shark’

Western Ways: 70 Events and happenings on the Western Seaboard Wine World: 76

Creative Writing: 82 Northern Notes: 86 Debbie Orme reports on events from north of the border Meeting Place: 96 The Senior Times forum for meeting friends and partners Bridge: 98 Beauty and cosmetics: 102 Crossword: 108 Crafts: 112

News Now

Retina conference showcased latest treatments in revolutionising eye care..

Retina, the annual conference for people with sight loss and their families, organised by Fighting Blindness, returned to Dublin recently for its first in-person event since 2019. Now in its 23rd year, Retina brings the sight loss community together with leading experts to hear about the latest treatments revolutionising eye care, to learn of the range of supports people can access, and to share stories and gain support from others on a similar journey.

It offered an ideal opportunity for attendees to quiz the experts as to their own conditions and to find out about the promising developments taking place across a range of disease areas. With latest figures showing that there are approximately 272,000 people in Ireland living with blindness or vision impairment, this event was timely, Among the speakers headlining this year’s event was be Ben Shaberman, from Foundation Fighting Blindness USA, who provided an overview of some of the cutting-edge clinical trials underway, including new gene therapies that are enabling people to put away their canes and see stars in the sky for the first time. Also speaking was Dr Nikolas Pontikos, from Moorfields Eye Hospital in the UK, who shared details of his work on the ‘Eye2Gene’ artificial intelligence medical device to accurately diagnose and personalise treatments for eye disease.

Other high-profile speakers included consultant ophthalmologists Prof. David Keegan, from the Mater Hospital, and Dr Emma Duignan, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, on looking after our eye health, and Avril Daly, CEO of Retina International, who will addressed the importance of clinical trials being firmly focused on the patient. In addition, there were be talks on peer support and supporting partners in their role, as well

as a discussion on living with sight loss at different life stages.

For Ben Shaberman, vice president science communications at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the future for research is very exciting with new therapies coming down the tracks that have the potential to restore vision to people who are blind:

Retina 2022 is supported by AbbVie, Novartis, Roche and Specsavers. For more information on the conference proceedings visit www.fightingblindness. ie, or follow on Twitter @fight_blindness #RetinaDublin

and fitted out with the latest technology and equipment, allowing Optilase to introduce brand new innovative treatments to its offering, including cataract surgery and intraocular lens replacement (IOLs).

At the beginning of this year, it was reported* that over 46,000 people were on the wait list for eye care within the public system. Optilase is providing refractive treatment privately to patients from as little as €198 per month**. Patients are also offered the option of interest free payment plans. Optilase, an Irish-owned business, was one of the first private eye surgery clinics established in Ireland and has grown to include a network of ten clinics. Until recently, it specialised in Laser Eye Surgery, a procedure for correcting poor vision giving patients freedom from glasses and contact lenses.

These ‘revolutionary’ new treatments including the introduction of IOL surgery involving the use of an IOL, a small lens that replaces your original lens, or sometimes is placed just behind your original lens. In addition, Optilase is providing cataract surgery which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear synthetic implant called an intraocular lens (IOL) which can not only remove the cataract but also can correct your vision.

Optilase, one of Ireland’s leading Laser and Lens Eye Surgery clinics, has opened a new- state- of- the- art eye clinic in Carrickmines. The 6,000 square metre eye surgery clinic has been designed

Optilase offers free suitability consultations.

For more information, call Optilase today on 01-2238821 or visit www.optilase.com

..And new €3m state-of-the-art eye clinic opened in Carrickmines

Targeted Brain Nutrition.

Practical advice for caring at Christmas for a loved one with dementia

Christmas can be a wonderful time for family and friends. At the best of times it can also be overwhelming. When caring for a loved one with dementia, it can easily feel all too much. However, with some planning and some adjustments, this holiday can be enjoyable for everyone.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s factsheet for families caring at Christmas provides lots of ideas to help, top tips include:

• Have realistic expectations, things may need to be different but still enjoyable for everyone.

• Talk to the person living with dementia about what they think about Christmas and how they would like to be involved. Consider their past attitude to Christmas.

• Think about what you feel is possible and what you would like to do this year.

• Talk to family and friends in advance about what you both feel is needed to make the day work for everyone.

• A series of small events may work better than one large event.

• Try to stagger visitors and visiting.

• If the house is going to be busy, identify a quiet space that the person living with dementia can retreat to if they are feeling tired or overwhelmed.

• On Christmas day involve the person living with dementia in the preparations, for example setting the table, preparing vegetables or a festive activity such as singing carols.

• Build in time to do things you enjoy and make you smile

• Congratulate yourself, focus on what is going well.

To get your free copy of the factsheet Caring at Christmas call 1800 341 341 or visit www.alzheimer.ie

The advantaged of positive nursing home care

Recently Senor Times writer Conor O’Hagan joined the team at The Ardmore care home in North Dublin, to learn about what it’s really like to live in a nursing home environment. Conor interviewed Collette a local resident of Glasnevin and CareChoice’s Chief Marketing Officer Melanie O’Connor and was surprised to find a different story from the usual ones told about life in a nursing home environment. As you will hear throughout the recently launched Senior Times podcast, for Colette, spending time at the Ardmore

was a real blessing and not only was she able to recover fully from her back surgery, but she found a new connection to the community. Among the residents at the care home Colette found new friends and plenty of great people living their lives independently, yet, safely under the respectful guidance of the home’s care staff. Conor commented: ‘It’s important for all of us to remember that every person, regardless of where they live, is a human being with history, with stories, with friends and families and in particular for those who live long enough to require nursing home care, with a life full of wisdom learned and insights gained’. The Ardmore are most certainly doing something right, and Nichola Steen, the home’s director of nursing summarized it as follows:

‘What makes the Ardmore so special is the people who work here and the residents who reside here. It epitomizes a sense of belonging, a sense of community, a sense of purpose and a sense of safety and it’s these attributes that make the Ardmore what it is.’

The Ardmore is one of 14 nursing homes in the CareChoice group spread across Leinster and Munster on the east of Ireland. For more information: phone (01) 880 0900 or email: receptionfinglas@carechoice.ie | www.carechoice.ie

Improving cardiac arrest survival begins in the community

A father-of-two has paid tribute to the ‘hero’ husband-and-wife who brought him back from a sudden cardiac arrest. Jonathan Doherty, 43, passed out at home in front of his wife Claire after returning from a 5k jog and would not have survived without first-responder neighbours, Deirdre and Jonathan Roughneen. ‘I got home, jumped in the shower and started getting pains in my left arm, I thought it was muscular from the run,’ said Jonathan, recalling his brush with death in June. ‘I was trying to shake it off and couldn’t so I got into bed and called Claire, telling her I didn’t feel too well. I didn’t realise it was massive heart attack that would lead to a cardiac arrest.

‘Claire called the ambulance service, they ran through some of the symptoms and at the same time they put a call through to the first responders.’

It could have ended in tragedy - the Roughneens were seconds away from leaving home for a cycle when they got the call to attend Jonathan’s home in Kiltale, Co Meath.

‘They started CPR and did about

10 minutes, with two shocks of the defibrillator, which brought me back. The next strong memory I had was being in the back of an ambulance on the way to the Mater Hospital,” said Jonathan.

‘If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have survived. I’m here today because of the actions of people who are heroes.”

Now recovering with two stents in his heart, Jonathan, dad to Darragh, three, and eight-year-old Grace, also plans to train as a first responder. A total of 2,906 people suffered cardiac arrest outside hospital settings in Ireland in 2021 – 74% of which happened in the home.

Our CPR bystander rates – where a cardiac arrest patient is helped by a member of the public before an emergency team arrives – is 85 per cent But less than 7 per cent are getting defibrillators onto their chests before first responders or an ambulance arrives.

‘Your chances of survival rise by 48 per cent once an AED is used on you,’ said Brigid Sinnott, Chairperson, Restart a Heart Group and Resuscitation Manager with the Irish Heart Foundation.

‘Restart a Heart Day encourages people to be aware of the steps that they can take to save a life: recognise cardiac arrest early, call for emergency help, perform CPR and get the nearest AED.

‘There may be an element of fear but remember that with CPR and an AED, you can do no harm. Make yourself familiar with your nearest AED and do not be afraid to use it. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, they need CPR and an AED.’ Robert Morton, Director of the National Ambulance Service, said that improving cardiac arrest survival begins in the community.‘Early recognition, early CPR and early AED use are the keys to saving more lives. AEDs are very easy to use, so know where your nearest public AED is located because it could save someone’s life,’ he said.

The four simple steps to save a life are: Check: is the person responding or breathing normally?

Call: emergency services on 112 or 999 and listen carefully to the instructions the ambulance call taker provides Compress: start pressing on the centre of the patient’s chest at a speed of 100-120 compressions per minute and at a depth of two inches or 5cms

Shock: If someone is with you, send them to get the nearest AED and get it on to the chest as quickly as possible.

The Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Strategy Group has produced a video showing the life-saving difference that Check-Call-CompressShock makes: https://vimeo. com/756710499/0f060eb3f9

Travelling with

been

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

Still crazy after all these years

Lifelong fan Aubrey Malone casts a critical eye over the life and music of Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is now 81 but still trucking. He is about to play the 3Arena. It’s part of his Never Ending Worldwide Tour, the one that kicked off in Milwaukie last November. It was his first time in Dublin for five years. When Covid hit, I thought we’d never see him on these shores again.

There’s always something happening with Dylan. He won the Nobel Prize in 2016. The fact that it was for his writing rather than his music stunned many people. He’d never been given due credit for this. I wasn’t that surprised. Maybe the surprise wasn’t that he was given it but that he accepted it. He’s famous for turning things down.

In 2020 he started selling the rights to his music. That surprised me more. He hardly needs the money. Universal gave him an estimated $300 million for these rights. A year later he got a purported $200 million more from Sony in another deal. Not bad for a man who’s spent his life writing about the poor.

I’ve never missed a Dylan concert in Dublin. That doesn’t mean they’re all great. Some of them have been abysmal. A lot of the time he doesn’t seem to

respect his audience. Neither does he move to the songs. I recently read that he suffers from arthritis. That made it seem not quite so blameworthy.

Is he doing the concerts for our sake or his? You might ask that of any artist, but he seems to make no secret of the fact that it’s himself he’s pleasing most. Every gig is transactional for a musician in some sense but Dylan gives off the vibe of ‘Listen to me if you want. If you don’t, go home.’ It’s not exactly Dale Carnegie. The present tour, which finished with the Dublin gig, is called the ‘Rough and Rowdy Ways’ one, after his recent two CD album. It wasn’t a good one. The songs on the first CD are forgettable and often lifeless. The second one comprises just one 17-minute track about the John F Kennedy assassination, ‘Murder Most Foul.’ He wrote much better about the theme of assassination in songs like Only A Pawn in Their Game all those years ago. Why re-heat the soufflé unless you’ve got something to add to it? This song has little or no air to speak of and drags on interminably. I rarely listen to people who knock Dylan but it’s difficult not to if they’re talking about songs like this. He lets himself down on it.

Is this the same man who wrote:

Ain’t it just like the night To play tricks with you when you’re tryin’ to be so quiet We sit here stranded we’re all doing our best to deny it, And Louise holds a handful of rain tempting you to defy it…

Or that haunting line, ‘The ghost of electricity howls in the bones of her face.’

I sometimes wonder why I keep buying his records. Maybe it’s for the same reason I keep going to his concerts. It’s what the young people are now calling FOMO – Fear of Missing Out. I couldn’t take the chance of missing a good one. I’ve stuck with him too long. The ‘Never Ending’ tour will have to end sometime. I first saw him live in Earl’s Court in London. It was 1981, the year Diana Spencer married Prince Charles. Photographs of them were everywhere but I didn’t look at them twice. I was on Bobwatch.

Unbelievable experience

It was an unbelievable experience. The auditorium was as big as a football pitch. He seemed miles away. I went up as close as I could to him at one stage.

Honoured by President Obama

There were many other fans like me. We wanted to see the whites of his eyes. The bodyguards tried to push us back but we weren’t budging. For nearly two hours we were under his spell. Everyone looked stunned coming out. We’d got a rub of the relic.

The only other performer who held that kind of resonance for me was Leonard

Cohen. Throughout his career he was often compared with Dylan. They came out of the same barrow, pioneered the same singer/songwriter style that was popular during the folk boom, endearing themselves to the ‘youthquake’ movement of the sixties. Both had many peaks and valleys after that but then they had that Indian summer. Cohen died in 2016. Dylan - who must have taken

double the amount of drugs Cohen did in his life - still motors on, apparently indestructible (though definitely looking his age).

I interviewed Cohen in 1988 when he was promoting his I’m Your Man album. He was a perfect gentleman, unlike what I would have expected Dylan to be if I ever got to talk to him. That’s unlikely.

Bob Dylan Joan Baez

Profile

An interview with God would be easier to negotiate. (I hear you ask: Is there a difference?)

At one stage of our conversation I asked him what was the difference between himself and Dylan. ‘Bob Dylan is a planet,’ he said humbly, ‘I’m just a comet. He’s a supermarket. I’m just a shop on the corner of the street.’

They met in Paris once outside a restaurant. They were both doing concerts there at the time. Dylan asked Cohen how long he’d spent writing Halleluah. Cohen said, ‘A couple of years.’ It was actually seven. At one point he was banging his head off a hotel floor in his underpants trying to get the rhyme right. He then asked Dylan how long he’d spent writing Just Like a Woman. Dylan said, ‘Fifteen minutes.’

Maybe that outlines the difference between them. One man is an artist, the other was a craftsman. Cohen’s concerts were brilliant but buttoned down. Dylan’s ones are usually all over the place.

There was a time when going to a Dylan concert meant you were hip. Now maybe it means you’ve had a hip replacement. Only those of us of certain age – or should I say an uncertain one – go to see him nowadays. Sometimes I wonder why. He rarely connects with the audience. He doesn’t introduce his songs, doesn’t react when we applaud, hardly seems to even notice us being there.

At one of the concerts I went to some years ago he didn’t even face the audience. He stood sideways at his keyboard the whole night. I’d have been as well off listening to one of his CDs at home. In other ones he stood there with a hoodie that seemed to have been bought in Guineys for three euro. He looked like a terrorist as he murdered the old classics.

He was often half way into a song before I knew what it was. Tommy Tiernan jokes, ‘It’s not only us that doesn’t know what songs he’s singing anymore. Bob doesn’t know either.’

Sometimes I felt like a masochist going to see him. It was like a woman continuing to date a man who constantly abused her. I was like a moth being drawn to a flame. But I never complained about a Dylan

concert the way other people I knew did. You paid your money and you took your chance.

His voice got croakier when the new millennium came in, which was saying something. Often he was out of tune. I didn’t mind that. It was Bob Dylan, after all. He could do what he liked. It was his world. The rest of us just lived in it. I’ve been buying his albums since the early seventies. I have them all, the good, the bad and the ugly. As well as the bootlegs that have been coming out with astonishing frequency over the years.

Some years ago I found a CD dealer in Canada who had bootlegs of nearly all his concerts. These weren’t the officially released bootlegs from his record label. They were ones made by fans in the stands. Considering the fact that he did approximately a hundred concerts a year since the sixties, that was theoretically in the region of 4000 concerts. ‘I’ll take them all,’ I told him.

It was a joke, but I did order large consignments from this man. It was exciting getting them in the post. I used to bring them up to the attic to play them so as the other people in the house wouldn’t complain about the noise. Being unofficial recordings, they were often of poor quality. Yet in a way that made me like them all the more. Often his voice was drowned out if someone who was beside the person doing the recording started talking or laughing or spilled a drink on the floor. Such incidents became part of the tapes. I loved them for that. It made me feel I was at the concerts. Suddenly I didn’t have to leave the house to hear my hero live. I just had to put on my headphones,

open the window of the attic and turn the volume up to Loud. I blew my eardrums off listening to him. It’s a miracle I didn’t go deaf.

In recent years Dylan has turned from a growling wolf into a wispy little pup. Like Rod Stewart, he’s started doing albums of old classics that had been sung by Sinatra and people from that era. If someone told me Dylan would do ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ when he was singing ‘like a dog caught in a barbed wire’ (to use Anthony Scaduto’s phrase) I’d have told them they were mad. But he made a great job of them.

One year he came to Vicar Street. Tickets were like gold dust. I heard of one girl who flew over from Germany and sat outside the venue with a placard saying, ‘Ticket wanted. Any price.’ Nobody was parting with them so I couldn’t make that one. I heard afterwards that the concert was a sensation. Bono even sang at it. I would have given my soul to be there. Vicar Street was such an intimate venue it would have been like having him in your kitchen.

I hope Dylan goes on for a long time more even if he infuriates me more than he entertains me these days. He changed all our lives way back when and that should count for something. And he’s still writing classic songs. Listen to Not Dark Yet if you don’t believe me. Okay, so it was a few years ago, but not that long. I don’t play Blowing in the Wind much anymore. I prefer Idiot Wind. You haven’t lived until you’ve heard him doing that at Fort Collins in a concert he did with Joan Baez. Check that one out too if you get a chance.

‘I hope Dylan goes on for a long time more even if he infuriates me more than he entertains me these days. He changed all our lives way back when and that should count for something’

‘Tis the Season..’

November has swung around again and everyone begins to think of Christmas. Well, that’s not quite true.

Even before Hallowe’en the yuletide preparations were well underway. The once popular yearly Church calendar of saints’ days is now replaced by the commercial exigencies of the supermarket. And no sooner have the witches’ hats, faux-cobwebs and plastic pumpkins been cleared from the aisles than the red-cheeked Santas and boxed fake pine-trees begin to make their appearance. Then comes the endless and inescapable playing of Christmas songs, ancient and modern. In these final months of the year, every time you venture out to get your few rashers and eggs you take your sanity in your hands.

But I don’t want this bit of scribble to turn into a ‘bah-humbug’ piece of curmudgeonry and bad-tempered writing. I enjoy Christmas as much as anyone else. It’s a great family time, particularly if some members arrive home from years in exile. And the giving and receiving of gifts is a wonderful experience, even if the gift makes one think immediately of a donation to the charity shop. So yes, it's a great festival but, nevertheless, I think I may be permitted to voice impatience at some aspects which I find rather hard to take and I suspect others may share some of my views.

Our Christmases have by now become a mixture of diverse cultural borrowings. You might say that this is a reflection of the way our Republic of Ireland has become a nation of diverse peoples, far removed from when it saw itself as a homogenous Catholic nation. But this diversification of Christmas had begun long before we became a multi-ethnic society. By the time I came on the scene (I’m talking 1950s) the festival was already a compendium of myth and folklore, gathered around the story of the Nativity. And influenced by the imagination of Charles Dickens.

Dickens was a master of the English Language. But probably his story has lasted all the more because it neatly encompasses what we would like to think is at the heart of the festival itself: the defeat of ill-will by the supernatural power of The Good.

Ebenezer Scrooge and his Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future still survive in yearly revivals on stage and screen of Charles’ Dickens ever-popular seasonal story ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Roman Catholic Ireland of the 1950s was a different society to the one we have today and St Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus was central to the celebration of Christmas. There used to be life-sized representations in Churches of the stable where the great event occurred and this continues to the present, though on a reduced scale. There also used to be much smaller ‘cribs’ in people’s houses: Joseph and Mary around the new-born child in the manger, as Luke had described, surrounded by animals, which Luke had not described. Neither had he said that the shepherds and the three wise men had arrived together to pay

Eamonn Lynskey considers some Christmas customs old and new.

There are still many Christmas cards that bear the imprint of that long-gone Dickensian world of horse-drawn coaches rolling into town in a snowy blizzard.

Cassidy Travel is Irelands leading multi – award winning Irish owned and managed travel agent with 10 retail stores located in the greater Dublin area and our customers at the heart of everything we do. We have been successfully trading for 36 years and we know that with age comes knowledge, reliability, experience plus huge expectation and at Cassidy Travel we deliver again and again.

We offer a wide range of different holiday types such as sun, city breaks, adventure trips, escorted tours, cruises, USA, Canada, river cruises and multi -city combinations to far flung destinations. The list is endless with Cassidy Travel.

mend for your perfect holiday. They

at

you

we do. For over 36 years we have been sending our clients to the most beautiful places in the world. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff have trav elled the globe and they know all the best places to

of

to help

down that

match your requirements perfectly and send you on that well-deserved break to create those unforget table memories

We offer a wide range of dif ferent holiday types such as sun&beach, city breaks, cruis es, USA, multi-city options as well as those dreamy bucket list far-flung places and, for the

CRUISES

sporting fanatics we have huge range of all types of sporting

and event type breaks

What’s hot? The trend for 2022 is all about advance planning: We are seeing strong demand for Christmas which across the board is sell ing ahead of previous years whether that be Christmas in the sun or a winter ski break or Lapland.

CITY BREAKS

Multigenerational holidays are all the rage with our large 6-8 bedroom villas in Orlando, Tuscany and, Spain moving fast as families come together after such a long time apart

Cruises, throughout the Mediterranean and afar offer excellent value when you con sider what’s included these magnificent ships cater to all age groups with racing tracks, ice rinks, top West End shows with beautiful ports of call, and no unpacking

We are proud members of the Irish Travel Agents Asso ciation (ITAA) and we are fully licenced by the Commission for Aviation Regulation (TA167) and bonded for your protection. Contact us at www.cassidytravel.ie

Do you enjoy the

things in life and dream of stopping in

on your trip, explore beautiful

Find Your Perfect Canary Islands Beach

By Ciara Dunne

hidden gems and only unpacking once!

Whether you’re seeking peaceful, tranquil seas, or the great waves for water sports, the Canary Islands have the perfect beach for you. Read on to discover the best beach in the Canary Islands to fit your personal ity…

Athlete Famara beach, Lanzarote

This pristine beach in Lanzarote’s northwest is surrounded by majestic 600-meter-high rocks. Famara is one of the most popular beaches for surf ers, kitesurfers, and windsurfers, as well as hang gliders and paragliders, thanks to the wind and its currents. Here, you may enjoy one of the is land’s most magnificent sunsets. Climb to the top of the Mirador del Bosque cillo for some spectacular views.

Corralejo beaches, Fuerteventura

Some of the greatest beaches in Fuerteventura are located near the Corralejo dunes. If you enjoy wind and wave activities, the dunes are home to the perfect beaches for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

Romantic La Tejita, Tenerife

If this is your first trip as a couple or you want to surprise your partner with a romantic beach getaway, La Tejita is a must-visit. This is one of Tenerife’s most beautiful beaches, with a little more than a kilometer of dark sand and clear waves you can spend a peaceful day at one with nature. Top your romantic evening off with an incredible sunset view at Montaa Roja!

Papagayo beaches, Lanzarote

The coves of Papagayo are ideal for

Share the company of like minded people, simply take away the complexities and unknowns, with the many

a day at the beach with a loved one. Pictured above, despite its popular ity, this region of the Lanzarote coast offers more peace and serenity than other due to its distant location. As a result, this is an excellent choice for couples who wish to relax and enjoy fine white sand and crystal blue water whilst watching a gorgeous sunset.

Nature lovers

El Verodal, El Hierro El Verodal Beach, located in the north west corner of El Hierro, is renowned for its unique volcanic sand with reddish tones. This beach is a must-see for nature lovers due to its stunning terrain, imposing cliffs, and volcanic

adding up to a

enjoyable experience from start to

and

with the

environment. Located in an entirely untouched setting, this beach is the perfect option for nature-lovers to experience the spectacular views.

La Francesa beach, La Graciosa

This little paradise on the smallest of the Canary Islands, La Graciosa, is a true fairytale. La Francesa, a horse shoe-shaped beach with fine white sand that contrasts with the sea’s turquoise blue waters, is located in the south of the island. This beach offers breathtaking views of the Famara cliff, a large natural stone wall. Here you can immerse yourself in nature’s purest form.

Family Las Teresitas beach, Tenerife No family trip to Tenerife is complete without a visit to Las Teresitas Beach. This 1.5km long beach in the north eastern part of Tenerife has clear and shallow waters which are always quiet, making it the perfect beach for youngsters to enjoy. With several facilities close by such as showers, toilets, changing rooms, beach bars, lifeguards, and a large car park, Las Teresitas has everything to ensure a nice day with the whole family.

Charco Verde, La Palma Charco Verde, located southwest of La Palma, is a great beach to go to with kids. This small bay, about 150 meters long, is surrounded by cliffs and banana fields, and boasts a calm sea, perfect for a family dip. This beach offers showers and a beach bar and is also easily accessible, with wooden ramps for persons with limited mobil ity as well as baby carriages.

For more information on the Canary Islands, please visit www.hellocanaryislands.com

Are you dreaming of the sunshine coasts of Spain, South of France, dining in the Amalfi or swimming the Caribbean shores there is something for everyone all year round.

homage, but these were minor details. The story of the coming of the child who will save mankind is surely one of the most entrancing of all time, though somewhat overshadowed today by the commercial interests of the marketplace.

As to the imagination of Charles Dickens – once so dominant in the Christmas iconography of my younger days – his influence has by now faded, though a tincture remains. There are still many Christmas cards that bear the imprint of that long-gone Dickensian world of horse-drawn coaches rolling into town in a snowy blizzard. And there are still some jolly Pickwickian old gentlemen to be seen pictured sipping their mulled wine behind the mulled windows of wayside taverns. But they are a disappearing species, although Ebenezer Scrooge and his Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future still survive in yearly revivals on stage and screen of Charles’ everpopular seasonal story ‘A Christmas Carol’.

The mention of Santa’s reindeers reminds me that there is one iconic symbol of Christmas without which Christmas would not be, well … Christmas. Santa’s red and white outfit and flowing white beard reminds us of his great ancestor, Saint Nicholas.

How come this longevity? Well, it’s down to the wonderful writing of course. Dickens was a master of the English Language. But probably his story has lasted all the more because it neatly encompasses what we would like to think is at the heart of the festival itself: the defeat of ill-will by the supernatural power of The Good. And how there must be room for everyone at the table no matter how scant the fare. Such was the influence of Dickens. In decline now, before an indiscriminate assortment of images that are not very specific to the celebration of the Nativity. The Christmas tree has gone so much from strength to strength that it alone on a Christmas card, even bereft of decoration, evokes immediately the whole festival in all its variegated jollity. It seems like it was always there amongst us, winking its electric lights and shining out its baubles. But it wasn’t.

As is common knowledge, when Prince Albert arrived from Germany to woo the young Victoria, it was love at first sight.

Much less successful was his hope to bring his wisdom to the English nation and to leave his mark on their political affairs. The British parliament soon put him wise on that score. The only lasting mark he left on English culture was the Christmas tree, a German custom that had long been part of the German Christmas and was an immediate success among the gentry of Britain and Ireland. Soon it became popular among all classes and has by now come to be the pre-eminent symbol of the celebrations.

And what is it that has kept Christmas cards so popular in this age of the email, the Zoom, the Skype and the WhatsApp? Yes, there are those who have changed over to the practice of sending digital greetings to their friends at Christmas, thereby saving themselves the bother and expense of sending actual paper cards with written good wishes. Nevertheless, packets of cards still appear on sale during November and are readily bought up. It seems that people are still intent on imparting a personal touch to the act of greeting others, especially their nearest and dearest, and do not favour sending a generic email message that has a ‘business-like’ feel about it; one which says: ’I’d like to wish you a Happy Christmas but in the shortest and least bothersome way possible’ (my addition in italics).

Sometimes the sender even forgets to use the Bcc computer option which hides other recipients and one sees that the exact same message has gone out to several other ‘friends’. So much for sincerity! An actual card, with even just a sentence or two, is always much more appreciated. In the matter of Christmas good wishes, emails just don’t cut it.

Now please give me leave to mention my own particular bête noir: Christmas lights. And yes, I do understand the atavistic

The only lasting mark Prince Albert left on English culture was the Christmas tree, a German custom that had long been part of the German Christmas and was an immediate success among the gentry of Britain and Ireland. Soon it became popular among all classes and has by now come to be the pre-eminent symbol of the celebrations.

The mention of Santa’s reindeers reminds me that there is one iconic symbol of Christmas without which Christmas would not be, well … Christmas. Santa’s red and white outfit and flowing white beard reminds us of his great ancestor, Saint Nicholas,

need we all have to brighten these winter days, the darkest of the year. And no, I am not criticising the City Fathers’ attempts to bring some cheer to the city centre. I am talking about the increasingly garish electrical adornment of suburban houses.

This type of outdoor decoration began with the placing of a few electric bulbs in the front garden, in a tree or a bush perhaps, ‘to brighten things up’. Fine. However, of recent years, and under the influence (I think) of American TV and movies, electrical lighting has started to cover the whole front facades of suburban houses, complete with neon-enabled ‘on-off’ colours which have a terrible effect on those of us whose eyes have become somewhat sensitive over the years. Santa and his reindeers and elves often feature too, cascading down a roof illuminated by a host of white electric mini-bulbs simulating snow. It will be interesting to see if these expensive demonstrations of ‘good cheer’ will survive our 2022/23 costof-living crisis when even boiling an egg will become a BIG DECISION, thanks to escalating electricity bills.

These displays are a long way from the era in which it was the custom to place a candle in the front window to guide the wayfarer along dark winding rural roads and perhaps to the offer of a bed for the night. Suburbia put paid to that kindly notion, but yet the occasional candle is still seen in housing estates windows. Old customs die hard. Sometimes too one sees the seven-branched candle-stick, a symbol of the Jewish people and a reminder that Jesus himself was a Jew. Perhaps too this can be a poignant reminder of sufferings endured in the past and of the need for us to be men and women of good will towards others.

The mention of Santa’s reindeers reminds me that there is one iconic symbol of Christmas without which Christmas would not be, well … Christmas. Santa’s red and white outfit and

flowing white beard reminds us of his great ancestor, Saint Nicholas, who saved the three poor sisters from being sold into slavery by providing them with dowries so that they could be decently married. I always liked that story and I find in our Santa the embodiment of that generosity – a virtue which we hope will outlast the season and stay with us into the New Year, no matter how many disappointments land on us. As for Santa’s reindeer, the temptation is to think that these are (like Prince Albert’s tree) some kind of cultural import. Not so. The bone fragments of reindeer consumed by humans have been found in Ireland, dating back to our ancestors of 35,000 years ago when land bridges linked us to other territories far and wide.

I have not enough space to consider traditional Christmas carols, though their history is as interesting as any other. It’s true to say too that most of the lyrics are wonderful (‘… when the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even’) although their constant playing three or four weeks before Christmas Day takes a good deal of the shine off them and, as mentioned, makes shopping in the local supermarket something of an ordeal. But it is the endless playing of popular Christmas songs that is a particular penance. I always had a soft spot for Brenda Lee, and still have, though having to listen to her endlessly Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree for weeks every year has put a severe strain on our relationship. And I do not trust myself to put down on paper anything about that chap who sings that he wishes it could be Christmas every day. Is he mad or what?

Finally, I want to thank you so much for taking time to read this piece. Despite the objections and reservations outlined above, I want it known that I intend to enjoy my festive season, as always.

And that I wish the blessings of the season on each and every one of you and on your families and friends.

I always had a soft spot for Brenda Lee, and still have, though having to listen to her endlessly Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree for weeks every year has put a severe strain on our relationship.

By the time I came on the scene (I’m talking 1950s) the festival was already a compendium of myth and folklore, gathered around the story of the Nativity. And influenced by the imagination of Charles Dickens.

The and what it means to youBudget

Sinead Ryan picks the bones out of the recent budget

The annual budget usually has positive outcomes for seniors, and so it proved –in spades – this year.

Paschal Donohoe knows, as do the three party leaders in Government that meddling with the so-called ‘grey vote’ is done at any politician’s peril.

But this year, they went far beyond the usual ‘fiver for everyone in the audience’ and, given the extra billions they had to spend - largely excess profits from US multi-nationals - geared a fair share of it toward the over 66s.

Budget

The general increase in social welfare benefits amounted to €12 a week, double the normal increase and this of course applies to station contributory and noncontributory pensions. Given rampant inflation, the Minister had sought €15, so she should be fairly happy with that outcome.

They also threw in not just the normal double week at Christmas time, but one in October for good measure. Helicopter money, (the economic term for simply pumping cash into people’s bank

accounts), is inflationary and generally ill advised, and a curious measure at a time of already high inflation, but the optics of the cost of living crisis called for an extreme response and it is not out of line with what our European neighbours are doing while the war in Ukraine continues.

For those on very low incomes, especially the pensioners in receipt of Fuel Allowance, an extra amount of €400 is being paid in a once-off measure. The numbers who will qualify for the

allowance is being expanded at the same time as are those who will be entitled to a GP visit card.

The living alone allowance recognises that many older people have to heat a house even though they are alone in it. An extra €200 is coming their way.

These are very targeted measures which have been called for by the opposition.

It’ll be welcome, along with the €600 energy credit which will appear on three successive electricity bills between November and February.

This will be paid to every household, not just those at risk of fuel poverty. Hopefully it will be enough to stem the tide of rising fuel prices, but it remains to be seen. More of that anon.

All in all, as Mr Donohoe boasted on Budget Day, a single pensioner at the lowest strata of income, can expect to see an extra €2,375 in supports paid before the end of 2023.

The numbers who will be entitled to a GP visit card is being expanded.

So, perhaps now it’s time to look at what wasn’t included in this year’s largesse.

Paschal Donohoe knows, as do the three party leaders in Government that meddling with the so-called ‘grey vote’ is done at any politician’s peril.

Consultant Spine Surgeon

Islam Gawish

Ashley

Spine Surgeon

Deb Roy

Inheritance Tax

The issue of inheritance, particularly of property, is a burning one for many older people. It is a peculiarly Irish thing, that need to ‘pass on’ housing and land to the next generation.

The value of what you can leave, tax free, has been steadily whittled away over the years. In 2009 for instance, it had reached a high of €542,544 but currently, for the last number of years it has remained at €335,000. This is an accumulation of all gifts and inheritances from a particular group (e.g. parents) over their lifetime, so any money over €3,000 handed over to kids say.

Given Capital Acquisitions Tax, charged on anything over that amount is a hefty 33%, it is often the case that the very asset being left to a son or daughter must be sold to pay the tax.

All taxes are blunt instruments but CAT is particularly onerous on singletons and Dubliners. The former, because if you have a house worth, say €1 million, and three children, they can inherit equally without Revenue getting a cent. But a single child will be hammered for €219,450 in taxes.

The capital’s residents have disproportionately high house prices and so meet a lower bar for death duties. Tax avoidance, therefore, is the sensible solution for older people, who may have made a will when their children were younger, to revisit that instrument and update it reflecting their current financial position.

It’s as simple as a back-of-an-envelope calculation. Write down all the people you may wish to receive something after you (and your spouse) pass away.

Children obviously, grand-children possibly (each can inherit up to €32,500 before tax), but what about your in-laws (your children’s spouses can receive €16,250 each), god-children (if not related, then €16,250 also; if they are nieces and nephews, it increases to €32,500). You can consider favoured charities (make sure they are registered with the Charities Regulator), friends, neighbours or anybody else you wish to the value of €16,250.

The issue of inheritance, particularly of property, is a burning one for many older people. It is a peculiarly Irish thing, that need to ‘pass on’ housing and land to the next generation.

Adding all that up, if you don’t breach the total value of your estate then Revenue don’t get a look in. This kind of tax avoidance isn’t just for the rich and famous; everyone should consider it. It goes without saying that tax evasion is a completely different thing, and quite illegal!

Fuel

The biggest story of the year (and possibly next year too) is the energy crisis. We don’t yet know if we’ll experience blackouts, but rising prices are a given. With that in mind, and while politicians wrest with the financial outcomes, the regulator in this area – the Commission for Energy Regulation – has asked all suppliers to treat customers sympathetically. How this will translate in practice remains to be seen, but it’s not a good look for an energy provider to generate bad new headlines in this area. Anybody who considers themselves a ‘vulnerable’ customer, for instance if they need an electrical supply for medical devices, can register with their supplier to be so designated. It means no matter what, you will not be cut off during winter months.

Savings

If there’s any light at the end of the inflation tunnel it is that for the first time in over eight years savers may finally see some return for their prudence. With interest rates on the rise, banks will be under pressure not just to apply them to borrowers (which they do at speed), but to savers – the backbone of their coffers.

We’ve seen precious little movement just yet, except for the mega-wealthy where deposits of over a million euro were brought from negative territory to zero. But as rate increases roll on, this may

If there’s any light at the end of the inflation tunnel it is that for the first time in over eight years savers may finally see some return for their prudence

change. However, the big elephant in the deposit account is that interest will never catch up with inflation. So for money that isn’t needed in the next five years or so for an earmarked purpose, it would be worth getting expert investment advice over where to put it. Older people, quite rightly, don’t like taking risk, but if you’re on the sprightly side of 70, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t tie up cash for 10 – 15 years and get a proper return on it. But there’s always a sting: DIRT tax remains at a stubbornly high 33% on all interest received, save for those over 65s who qualify for a refund, generally where your tax liability (including spouse income) is less than your tax credits or your overall income is below the exemption limits. You can find these on citizensinformation.ie

Sinead is Personal Finance Columnist with the Irish Independent and presents ‘The Home Show’ on Newstalk every Saturday at 8am.

The Ultimate Dry Mouth Relief

Cracking KrakówCracking Kraków

Cultured Kraków, Poland's second largest city and once its royal capital is historic, beautiful and an enchanting place to visit. Thankfully it largely escaped destruction during the Second World War, possibly because the occupying German Nazis made it their regional headquarters, and so retains most of its former glory. It's easy to see why this city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Rynek Glówny, the largest medieval square in Europe You'll spend many enjoyable hours in the quaint Old Town, perfectly preserved cobbled streets surrounding the Rynek Glówny, the largest medieval square in Europe. Its massive centrepiece is the 14th century gothic St. Mary’s Basilica. Every hour on the hour a trumpeter on its highest tower will play the famous five-note Polish bugle call - the hejnał mariacki. It's a sound that will forever remind you of Kraków.

The square is always filled with shoppers and tourists. The Cloth Hall in the centre hosts a massive market of umpteen crafts, clothes, souvenir and curio stalls. Be careful with the many city tour guide touts, they are genuine enough but only use if you're a seasoned and persistent haggler. Along the entire edges of the square trendy cafés with seating indoor or outside under canopies serving every conceivable choice of Polish and pan European foods. Sit there and soak in the melee of activity, street performers, musicians and the finely tuned clip clop of the healthy well-embellished horses and their pristine carriages.

Beneath the square is Muzeum Krakowa stretching underground from the Cloth Hall to St Mary’s Church. Over centuries of time the floor levels of the market square have risen considerably, so this underground space takes us back centuries to see the foundations of cottages and objects from as far back as the 12th century.The museum liberally uses 3D technology and videos showing how the city evolved over the centuries. To descend into underground Muzeum Krakowa, enter from the arcaded gallery of the Cloth Hall on the side of St Mary’s. www.muzeumkrakowa.pl/en

The Cloth Hall

The Cloth Hall also houses Noworolski, an opportunity for a break in one of the most famous high society coffee shops

in Kraków. Relax surrounded by Art Nouveau mirrored walls, paintings and an array of some very good pastries and chocolates. Sit and enjoy those very ambiences enjoyed since 1912 by artists, intellectuals and writers. Reflect the best of time and perhaps some bad times past. During the Second World War it was requisitioned by the Nazis and access was restricted for Germans only. When the war ended the cafe was nationalised by the Communists. The good times only returned in 1991 when the Noworolski family regained possession and re-established the café.

While on the subject of indulgence, don't miss a sampling of some century-old chocolatier recipes, indulgent desserts and hot chocolate at the E.Wedel Chocolate Lounge at 46 Rynek Głowny Street. Ok, admittedly founded in Warsaw and now owned by a South Korean-Japanese conglomerate. Don't let that put you off, still the same recipes.

On the south side of the Old Town is Wawel Hill with the Royal Castle and Wawel Cathedral. Worth a visit if only for the views over the city and the Vistula River. The castle itself housed Polish monarchs since the 11th century. It has been built and rebuit over the years, a mish-mash of architectural styles, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance. Explore the castle’s ornate state rooms with their complex tapestries and sizeable art collection.

Jewish quarter

As previously mentioned, the city largely escaped bombing during the Second World War but the trauma of Nazi German occupation remain, particularly in the historic Jewish district of Kazimierz. Today's visitors will recognise the area from Steven Spielberg’s film Schindler’s List . Before the war it was the centre of Jewish life, with about 65,000 residents, six synagogues and kosher markets. But after it remained for years a ruined empty place.

Today it has again emerged, bohemian in nature with trendy bars, cafés and nightclubs. Don't miss the opportunity to try a bagel here at its very birthplace. It still remembers its Jewish heritage. Oskar Schindler’s factory is still there, now a museum devoted to recalling Jewish ordeals under Nazi occupation. The

Pat Keenan is an enthusiastic admirer of this delightful Polish city Rynek Glówny, the largest medieval square in Europe

Old-Town-Market-Square

Jewish Memorial in the main square remembers the 65,000 Cracovian Jews murdered here in 1942. You will see the walled zone known as the Kraków Ghetto where Jews were forced to live and from where they were sent to Nazi extermination camps such as the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau. Kupa Synagogue at ul. warszauera 8 is still open for religious services and visitors can stop in every day except Saturday.

Walk down Szeroka Street, lined by synagogues, art galleries, and cafés. Famed in the cosmetic business Helena Rubinstein was born here at 12 Szeroka, now part of a restaurant and hotel and across the road is The Old Jewish Cemetery beside the small 16th-century Remah Synagogue one of two still active synagogues in the city. Well worth a visit. Visitors to the Synagogue or cemetery are required to wear a cap, pick up a paper kippah at the entrance.

The weddings

This was my second visit to Kraków, an invitation to a wedding took me here on both occasions and once again the bride was Polish and the groom, Irish. I suppose it's not that extraordinary given that, according to our Dept. Of Foreign Affairs, 2.5 per cent of the Irish population is Polish and about 2,000 Irish live and work in Poland and to their credit they have created a very positive image of Ireland in Poland.

So that leaves me looking forward to an invite to a third wedding in Poland. This time the difference was in my preparedness. Polish weddings last two days, involve waves of food, beginning with 'zakąski' a sort of tapas of chicken, pork, lamb, beef, salads, paté, pickles and other peculiar concoctions which, out of politeness I eat anyway. Then there is a ‘ceasefire’ maybe lasting an hour or so. Now that the truce is over, the waves come larger and in earnest; a traditional bowl of 'Rosól' (a sort of broth) followed by the main courses. The dancing too is relentless. It seems everyone dances with the bride and everyone dances with the groom. Later in the evening the indoors eating was interrupted by a garden barbecue. And everything is washed down with endless vodka shots.

This time I came fully aware of the infamous vodka shot and the knowledge that no self-respecting Pole would sip a vodka. How we Irish survived that first Polish wedding remains unanswered. Clueless we supped away at our pints and pausing every now and then to toast something or other with vodka shots. This time round I realised that Poles know not to mix their drinks and just slug down the shots followed by fatty food to absorb the alcohol. You'll stay sober for longer they say. The

Cosmetics magnate Helena Rubinstein was born in this house in the Jewish quarter. It is now a hotel.

second day of the wedding, called 'Poprawiny' is usually held in the evening and is less formal. It's supposed 'to correct' or 'improve' on what you might have got up to the day before. No, It's just another booze-up.

Outside the city

If time permits, two places outside the city that might be of interest, a day would have to be set aside to visit, one or both. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, 13 km (8 miles) southeast of Kraków produced table salt from the 13th century until it closed in 2007 and Auschwitz - Birkenau concentration camps 66 kilometres (41 miles) west of Kraków.

On this occasion I didn't visit Auschwitz - Birkenau concentration camps but I did on my previous visit. It is a powerful moving experience, one you will never forget, and I would recommend a visit. It is hard to imagine such horrors happened not that long ago and I suggest best left toward the end of your trip so as to separate and departmentalise happy and harrowing experiences. I went on an organised trip. If you make your own way there, Auschwitz is free to visit, but queues can be long, so best book in advance. www.visit.auschwitz.org There are many ticket sites online and many that you can book while in Kraków.

Value for money

Kraków is cheap compared to most European destinations and you will marvel at the low cost drinks and food on offer. Prices in cafes and bars are generally very reasonable but there is a group of Bania Luka bars where the prices are ridiculously cheap. You will notice a number of these bars around the city. Despite being a member of the European Union, the Polish currency is still the złoty. In Kraków, ATM machines are everywhere and have English instructions and they accept all major credit and debit card types. Roughly 100 zloty is 21 Euro. I would advise you buy perhaps €100 worth of zloty for initial small purchases (available in any post office)

Kraków is a safe and enjoyable destination, the war in nearby Ukraine seems very far away. And yet there are Ukrainian flags everywhere. Over a million refugees have crossed into Poland since the Russian invasion. Poland, despite a right-leaning government, has been treating the refugees with respect and decency. It wasn't always so, toward the end of WW2 Poles and Ukrainians ethnically cleansed one another. Perhaps the common experience of Russian oppression which spanned much of modern times from the 18th century partition to the fall of the Soviet Russian backed communist regime in 1989.

The Oskar Schindler factory houses a museum featuring many of the kitchen items and military equipment made there.

Perhaps for some, the shared inherited memory of standing alone against the Nazis in 1939. Today in the middle of the main square you will see Ukrainians gather peacefully singing and waving flags around the statue of Adam Mickiewicz, regarded as the national poet of Poland, Lithuania Belarus and other Slavic countries.

Where to stay

It is preferable to stay near the Old Town which is in its the heart of the city. Normally city centre accommodation might be the expensive option but generally accommodation in Krakow is priced reasonably. We stayed at Residence 9, 31-009 Kraków, an unpretentious hotel less than a hundred yards from Rynek Główny, the main square; 12 minute’s walk to Wawel Castle; same to National Museum. Includes: modern lift to all four floors, free WiFi, mini fridges and an easy-to-use en suite shower. Some rooms with sloped ceilings, I can live with that.

There’s a large bright reception and dining area for breakfast and other meals and also acts as a bar and meeting area. Outside there is comfortable shaded terrace and courtyard. The owners Beata and Marek Wawrzeniec were marvellous

hosts and since I travelled independently and paid for my accommodation, they had no idea I would write this article. They advised that it might be noisy at night and suggested keeping windows closed. As it turned out, it seemed quiet enough to us. All the rooms are fully air conditioned. Family rooms can sleep up to four guests. You can also have upgraded apartment units with kitchens and living areas. Highly recommended.

The Residence 9, Szewska 9, 31-009 Kraków. Telephone: +48 12 429 15 97 https://www.residence9.pl/en/ Email: rezerwacja@residence9.pl

Getting there

Ryanair fly direct daily from Dublin to Kraków. Flight time is approximately two and a half hours.

For further information on Krakov, accommodation etc. contact the Polish Tourist Office in London. Tel: 0044 7747701806 Email: london@pot.gov.pl

Auschwitz - Birkenau concentration camps 66 kilometres west of Kraków.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, 13 km (8 miles) southeast of Kraków

St Mary’s Basilica in the main square, Rynek Glówny

On the south side of the Old Town is Wawel Hill with the Royal Castle

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 technology to keep you connected effortlessly.

The Doro 6820 is a stylish 4G feature phone perfect for loud and clear conversations, sending text messages and taking photos using the 2MP camera and flash. Comes with hearing aid compatibility, an assistance button and a charging cradle in the box.

Doro

with

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. Flu affects people of all ages. In a typical flu season, up to 500 people, mainly older people, die from flu in Ireland. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. This is different from a cold which is a much less severe illness compared to flu. A cold usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. Symptoms of a cold are generally mild compared to flu.

Flu is unpredictable. While anyone can catch flu, some people are more at risk of getting seriously ill or needing hospital treatment. Serious breathing complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people, younger children and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Pregnant women are also at increased risk of severe complications from flu. Flu can significantly increase the risk of premature birth and even stillbirth during pregnancy.

This year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine protects against four common virus strains. The flu virus changes each year and this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each flu season.

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, and others from the flu. This year the free flu vaccine is recommended for you if you are in one of these groups:

· Aged 65 years and over

· A health care worker

· A child aged 2 to 17 years

· At any stage of pregnancy

· People with certain medical conditions which put them at increased risk of complications from flu e.g. heart or lung disease

year to be protected for the flu season. Flu vaccines have been given to millions of people worldwide and are very safe. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It takes 10-14 days for the vaccine to start protecting you against flu. Both flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses and the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. It is important to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have had the COVID-19 vaccine you should still get the flu vaccine. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

The flu vaccine and administration are free from participating GPs and Pharmacies to those within the recommended groups. If you are a health care worker, you may be able to get the free flu vaccine at your place of work.

More information is available from your GP, Public Health Nurse or Pharmacist.

www.hse.ie/flu provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you may have about flu.

PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE

If you are over 65 or have a long term medical condition you should also ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine which protects against pneumonia, if you have not previously received it. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the pneumococcal vaccine.

Why do you need flu vaccine?

Flu can cause pneumonia and bronchitis and can make chronic health conditions worse.

Up to 500 people die from flu every year in Ireland.

Flu vaccine protects you

You should get the flu vaccine if you:

• are 65 years and older or • have a chronic health problem such as heart or lung disease or • are pregnant

Flu vaccine protects others too

Flu isn’t just a cold Flu is serious Flu vaccine is free for people at risk

You should get the flu vaccine if you are a healthcare worker or a carer or if you live with someone with a chronic health condition.

Talk to your GP (doctor) or pharmacist today about getting the flu vaccine.

hse.ie/flu

What you should know about glaucoma

Is there any particular lifestyle routine which can help prevent or at least minimise its seriousness when developing glaucoma?

It’s important to get regular eye tests. Most glaucoma cases are picked up through routine eye tests, but these were restricted during the pandemic. Through regular eye tests for early detection, followed by careful observation and regular treatment, can usually minimise loss of vision. Most patients are entitled to an eye test free of charge through the public health service every two years

Is there any evidence that it is, or can, be hereditary?

Yes, some eye conditions, such as glaucoma, are hereditary and some, such as Retinitis Pigmentosa, also known as RP, are genetic conditions and can be inherited. It is really important to have regular eye tests if you have a family history of glaucoma and, if someone in the family develops problems with their retinas, make sure you tell your optician.

Can diet be an important factor in minimising its onset?

We’ve all heard that carrots can help us see in the dark and there is some truth behind it. Eating a healthy diet is good for your eyes. For example, leafy green vegetables and nuts have lots of health benefits and can help protect against a range of eye conditions. Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of conditions caused by being overweight, such as type 2 diabetes.

It is said that glaucoma is a symptomless condition but can other conditions such as hypertension exacerbate its effects and is there a connection?

Yes they can. We see Glaucoma more in patients who have diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions have an impact on eye health overall.

Also is there any connection between diabetes and glaucoma?

Yes, diabetes can increase your chances of developing Glaucoma.

We usually associate glaucoma with older people but can it be contracted by younger people – and how young?

In Ireland, it is most commonly detected in patients over the age of 60. While it can develop in younger patients, it is rare. Should there be a Government information campaign alerting the population to the consequence and prevalence of glaucoma?

I would agree that there should be. We have seen by the survey in the report that further education is required on one of the biggest causes of blindness in Europe as well as the importance of regular eye tests. Almost 40% of the Irish population don’t know what glaucoma is, despite it being the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness it is important we reduce that statistic.

Glaucoma - A Ticking Time Bomb

Almost 40 per cent of the Irish population don’t know what glaucoma is, despite it being the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness.

This shock statistic came to light in a surve conducted to mark World Sight Day (Thursday, 13 October) by Specsavers.

It revealed worrying misconceptions around glaucoma (a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve) – 48 PER CENT of respondents don’t worry about it because they think ‘it’s rare’ while 40% wrongly believe it can be ‘cured’.

There are more than 246,773 people in Ireland who are blind or visually impaired. But alarmingly, almost half (48%) of people still don’t know how often they should visit their optician for a routine check-up.

A staggering 75 per cent of all sight loss is avoidable and Specsavers believes nobody should have to live with sight loss that could be avoided.

The Specsavers report highlights the link between sight loss and an increase in risk of loneliness, isolation and other health conditions such as clinical depression, diabetes, dementia and stroke. Glaucoma is a key focus for the report. Kerril Hickey, Chairman of Specsavers Ireland, describes the findings as deeply concerning. He says: ‘Glaucoma can be symptomless which is why only half of those affected even know they have the condition. While it cannot simply be cured or reversed, early treatment can be particularly effective in slowing or preventing vision loss, it is crucial that it is detected at the first possible opportunity’.

Anna Moran, interim CEO of Fighting Blindness, says: ‘We remain deeply concerned about the lasting impact of coronavirus on people with, and at risk of, sight loss. Throughout the pandemic, so many of us concerned with eye health have worked hard to provide urgent care and support to those who have needed it. There is now a move towards getting back to in-person meetings and consultations – but there is a backlog that the specialist hospitals are struggling to meet’.

For more information about the State of Ireland’s Eye Health Report visit https://www.specsavers.ie/reports/state-ofirelands-eye-health-2022 or to book an appointment visit www.specsavers.ie

Dr Pixie McKenna answers some common questions relating to the condition

Irish doctor and television personality, Dr Pixie McKenna, recently launched The State of the Ireland’s Eye Health 2022 report

PATRICK KAVANAGH ALMOST EVERYTHING...

Featuring Bono, Jessie Buckley, Hozier, President Michael D. Higgins and many more

CD, Vinyl & Streaming

Sadly, according to the National Healthcare Quality Reporting System, at least 1,500 people die each year of COPD and over 15,000 patients are admitted to hospital with the disease.1

While perhaps more well-known as bronchitis or emphysema, what is not so well-known about COPD are its symptoms and risk factors. Against this backdrop, COPD Support Ireland is urging the people of Ireland to get to know the “ABC” of COPD and when they should get checked out:

• A is for those Age 35 and over • B is for ongoing Breathlessness • C is for a Cough that won’t go away, with or without phlegm

In summary, if you are over 35 years of age, have ongoing symptoms of breathlessness and a persistent cough, with or without phlegm, then you are encouraged to visit your GP for a simple spirometry breathing test.

Expert Videos

While tobacco is the main cause of COPD, other risk factors include exposure to second-hand smoke, inhalation of dusts, chemicals and fumes, living with an existing condition such as chronic asthma, and having a family history of certain lung-related illnesses. COPD Support Ireland is launching a series of expert videos on life with COPD. The videos cover topics such as what is COPD, types of treatments, managing breathlessness, using oxygen, coping with flare-ups, making the most of exercise, going abroad, and accessing supports. Other educational resources to support people with COPD, including the COPD & Me information booklet, and the Exercise at Home poster, are also available and can be found at www.copd.ie

Gloomy Statistics

Consultant Respiratory Physician & chair of COPD Support Ireland, Prof. Tim McDonnell, comments: ‘It really is quite astonishing that more than two-thirds of the people thought to have COPD in this country have absolutely no idea that they have it. It’s probably then not surprising that Ireland has such high hospitalisation for COPD with a rate approximately double that of the UK according to latest figures1. However, notwithstanding these gloomy statistics, the important

Do you know the ABC of COPD?

It is estimated that there are 380,000 people in Ireland living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. Yet, 270,000 of these are unaware that they may have this serious and progressive lung condition.

message that I would like to get across is that while COPD is a chronic disease that unfortunately doesn’t go away, early diagnosis means that treatment and support can be offered immediately meaning a much better quality of life, for longer.

‘Because smoking is the major risk factor in causing COPD, many people have a misplaced guilt on learning of their diagnosis, which can give rise to stigma and judgement. Firstly, it’s important to remember that when they would have started smoking a number of decades ago, the information back then as to its harmful effects was much less apparent than it is now. Secondly, smoking is an addiction and not an easy nut to crack. That’s why I’d encourage smokers to access the many supports available to help maximise their quitting chances.’

Winter-ready!

Joan Johnston, General Manager, COPD Support Ireland, adds: ‘As we enter the winter season, I really cannot stress enough the importance of everyone getting their ‘flu, pneumonia and COVID vaccines. This will not only help people whether they have COPD or not, but will also help minimise the risk of spreading infection to others. There were many new routines adopted in response to the pandemic and, if you have been diagnosed with COPD, or have lung health problems, it really does

make sense to continue to avoid overlycrowded places at this time of year, and to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly when out and about.

‘If you or a loved one has a persistent cough, shortness of breath or recurring chest infections, I’d urge you not to delay but contact your GP or call the COPD AdviceLine on Freefone 1800 832146 where you can make an appointment to speak to a COPD specialist nurse or physiotherapist.’

For full details of the national network of 33 COPD support groups under the COPD Support Ireland umbrella across the country, and the exercise and education programmes on offer, visit www.copd.ie

COPD Support Ireland is a charity set up in 2013 to support all those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is Ireland’s only national COPD support and advocacy body, bringing together 33 local support groups from around the country.

1 National Healthcare Quality Reporting System Annual Report 2021/2022

https://assets.gov.ie/236763/88ff5f95b41e-467f-aac9-e6a7a07490fe.pdf

Marie Lloyd – from humble beginnings in the East End she became an international superstar, successfully touring Australia, South Africa and the US.

The ‘Queen of the Music Halls’ and the Irish jockey

Marie Lloyd was a superstar and one of the highest paid entertainers of her day. Immodestly she called herself ‘The Queen of The Music Halls’ but she had a point: she commanded huge appearance fees, had a string of hit songs to her name, including The Boy I Love Is Up In The Gallery, Oh Mr Porter!, Don’t Dilly Dall On The Way and A Little Of What You Fancy Does You Good. She performed all over the world, appeared in films, lined up at Royal Variety Performances, and was still treading the boards shortly before her premature death in 1922. It is estimated over 100,000 people turned out for her lavish funeral. T S Eliot wrote a eulogy for the church service.

Marie was born Maria Victoria Wood in 1870 --nobody knows why she changed her name, but it’s thought she believed it sounded more ‘classy’ --in Hoxton in London’s East End the eldest of nine children. At an early age she demonstrated a precocious stage craft with a fine voice while appearing in a concert party that toured mission halls all over London denouncing the evils of drink. (Ironically drink had a part in her downfall and that of her third husband, the Irish Epsom Derby winning jockey Bernard Dillon).

John Low traces the stormy relationship between Irish jockey Bernard Dillon and arguably the most celebrated entertainer of the late Victorian and early 20th century era, Marie Lloyd.

Bernard Dillon was Marie’s junior by 18 years, having been born near Tralee in 1887. He learned to ride on the family farm and his hard-taskmaster father soon spotted his talent. At 14 he went to England to join the successful stable of W B Purifoy near Salisbury. A year later as an apprentice jockey he won his first race.

Over the following years, apart from the Epsom Derby in 1910, he won a number of prestigious races including The Two Thousand Guineas (twice), The Thousand Guineas, The Jockey Club Stakes, (twice), the Cesarewitch, The Coronation Cup, The Eclipse Stakes, the Grand Prix de Paris, The Cambridgeshire and the Liverpool Cup. He was also associated with one of the most brilliant fillies of all time, Pretty Polly, who won 22 of her 24 races and to this day a race is run in her memory every year at Newmarket. Undoubtedly, he was one of the most successful jockeys of the early Edwardian period and his celebrity status was confirmed when he was characterised by society painter Sir Leslie Ward (‘Spy’) in Vanity Fair

Spy’s Caricature of Bernard Dillon in Vanity Fair

Modern History

as well as being featured in one of the popular packs of cigarette cards.

Husband number one

While Dillon was still an infant Marie was marrying her first husband who was five years her senior. The marriage failed after a few years, but they had a daughter Marie junior.

If Marie’s private life had suffered, her career was going from strength to strength. She was indeed The Queen of the Musical and in the early 1890’s she took on a new challenge playing pantomime in Drury Lane with another musical legend of the day Dan Leno. The performances were a triumph and were supported by her loyal fan-base. But she couldn’t wait to be get back to the halls. And she was soon again giving her loyal followers what they wanted and loved -- her hugely popular songs, loaded with barely disguised innuendo, saucy introductory ‘patter’

and suggestive dance routines. Unsurprisingly she was never far from controversy and clashed regularly with ‘purity’ movements who attempted to oppose the renewals of her musical licences. Her attitude was summed up perfectly in a newspaper interview: ‘They don’t pay their shillings and sixpences at a music hall to hear The Salvation Army. If I was to try to sing highly moral songs, they would fire ginger beer bottles and beer mugs at me. I can’t help it if people want to turn and twist my meanings’.

On another occasion, according to legend, when the ‘watch committees’ objected to her song ‘I sit among the cabbages and peas’ with its obvious reference to urinating she changed the lyrics and sang instead ‘I sit among the cabbages and leeks’.

Notwithstanding her run-ins with the ‘moral vigilante committees’ her fame

was unstoppable and international– she successfully toured Australia, South Africa and the US. Despite her success as one of the brightest stars in the entertainment world she never forgot the comparatively badly paid supporting acts of which she had once been one. In 1907 she gave her full support for a performers’ strike. She told a rally : ‘We (the stars) can dictate our own terms. We are fighting not for ourselves but for the poorer members of the profession, earning thirty shillings a week. For this they have to do double turns. These poor things have been compelled to submit to unfair terms of employment and I mean to back them up in whatever steps are taken’. The strike was successful, but many theatre managers did not forget Marie’s involvement and banned her from their premises.

In 1906 Marie married again, this time to singer Alec Hurley. The marriage only lasted four years and there were stories

Bernard Dillon aboard one of the most brilliant fillies of all time, Pretty Polly.

Bernard Dillon’s celebrity status was confirmed when he was featured in packs of cigarette cards.

Marie Lloyd and Bernard Dillon in fancy dress.

Modern History

that after drunken sessions Hurley regularly beat her. But there were other claims that the marriage failed because Marie had met – some accounts record at her daughter’s wedding – Jockey Dillon and had started a relationship with him. Their tumultuous love affair was liberally fuelled by drink.

Refused entry

Dillon accompanied Marie on a welldocumented trip to the US in 1913. At this point he had lost his jockey’s licence for gambling (jockeys were not permitted back horses) and drunken behaviour. On arrival in New York Marie was asked by an immigration official: ‘Is this man your husband?’. After Marie admitted that Dillon was not her husband they were ordered to return to the liner as ‘undesirables’. Dillon was charged with ‘moral turpitude’ for travelling with a woman not his wife. After protracted legal negotiations they had to agree not to cohabit during Marie’s nine-month tour of US vaudeville theatres where she was earning more than 1500 dollars a week.(Nearly 50,000 dollars in today’s money). In the middle

of the tour Marie heard that Alec Hurley had died, and she promptly married Dillon.

By the time they returned to Britain World War 1 had been declared and Marie signed up to entertain the troops and workers in armament factories. Dillon joined the army but typically he was always in trouble through drinking and going AWOL. In 1917 he was sentenced to a month’s imprisonment for assaulting his wife and she even caught him in bed with another woman. In another drunken stupor he was arrested for attacking her father. The Lloyd/Dillon marriage was truly fertile fodder for the tabloids of the day.

For such a fundamentally decent, muchloved human being Marie certainly drew the short straw in her personal life, having married three abusive parasitic drunkards.

After years of being physically attacked by him it seems likely Marie gave Dillon his marching orders in 1920. At this stage she was in decline, drinking heavily and her voice getting weaker. She

In the 1970s Barbara Windsor and Bee Gee Maurice Gibb starred in Sing a Rude Song, a musical about Marie Lloyd and Bernard Dillon.

could no longer perform for two hours as she had done for many years in her prime. During a performance in October 1922 at The Empire Theatre, Edmonton, London she began staggering around the stage. The audience thought it was part of the act. She was rushed back to her house in Golders Green about eight miles away. She lapsed in and out of consciousness for three days and died on 7th October. She was 52.

It is estimated 100,000 attended the funeral at Hampstead which included 12 cars full of flowers. She was buried in Hampstead Cemetery with both her parents to be joined by her daughter Marie Junior who died in 1967.

Dillon outlived Marie by nearly 20 years. His last job was as a hotel porter. He died in May 1941.

Marie Lloyd’s funeral was attended by an estimated crowd of 100,00, with 12 cars full of flowers.

Seanad100: the centenary year of Seanad Éireann

In 2022 we mark the centenary of Seanad Éireann, the Upper House of Ireland’s Parliament.

Since its first meeting in Leinster House on 11 December 1922, the Seanad has reflected a broad range of views. Our centenary programme aimed to capture this diversity of perspectives, causes and changes to Irish life that Senators used their office to champion.

The programme included a series of exhibitions, lectures, a TV documentary, themed tours of Leinster House, Culture Night events and student debates in collaboration with Comhairle na nÓg to highlight the contribution the Seanad has made since 1922, ahead of a 100th Anniversary Ceremonial Sitting in December.

The series of exhibitions included themes such as: ‘Minority voices, major changes’, ‘Women in the Seanad’, and ‘Northern voices’. You can explore these exhibitions and more on the dedicated Seanad100 webpage.

Speaking at the launch of the first exhibition, the Cathaoirleach, Senator Mark Daly explained that the exhibitions,

“…perfectly sums up the role Seanad Éireann has played and continues to play in Irish life. Over the last century the Seanad has been a platform for those who have championed and advocated for marginal and minority voices and in many cases leading to what became major changes in our society.”.

Minority Voices, Major Changes: an exhibition

More than 830 individuals have taken their seat in Seanad Éireann since 1922. Collectively they’ve represented a broad church. The selection of 26 senators for this exhibition shines a spotlight on some of those changemakers and the causes they championed.

Northern Voices: an exhibition

Northern voices in the Seanad, both nationalist and unionist, have been vital in ensuring representative and inclusive debate since the sitting of the First Seanad, while also providing insights and understanding not always available elsewhere. This exhibition of 26 former Members highlights the role played by the Seanad and the Senators as a platform for such voices.

Women in the Seanad: an exhibition

The exhibition highlights the lives and work of women senators who have championed minority issues since the first sitting of the Seanad in 1922. Learn more about 26 of these senators and the causes they advocated.

Seanad Éireann Ceremonial Sitting

You can view the ceremonial sitting on the Oireachtas TV Channel on Monday, 12th December.

You will also be able to view on social media and on the the Houses of the Oireachtas website –www.oireachtas.ie

Stay tuned.

Oireachtas TV is available throughout Ireland on: Saorview Channel 22 Virgin Media Channel 207 Sky Channel 517 eir Vision Channel 504 Vodafone Channels 201

www.oireachtas.ie/Seanad100

The History Of Bridge (Part 1)

The eighteen and nineteenth century belonged to Whist, the twentieth and twenty first century to Bridge - but where did Bridge come from, and why did it take over?

Whist evolved into Bridge Whist, then Auction Bridge and finally into Contract Bridge.

Whist is a classic English trick-taking card game which was widely played in the 18th and 19th centuries. Whist is a descendant of the 16th-century game of trump or ruff. It takes its name from the original 17th-century meaning of whist (Irish expression: “hauld your whisht”) meaning shh, quiet, silent.

Whist differs from Contract Bridge in four significant ways:

1. In Whist there is no bidding: the dealer turns over the last card dealt to himself and that becomes the trump suit.

2. In Whist there is always a trump suit: there is no option to play in No Trump.

3. In Whist there is no dummy.

4. In Whist the scoring is very simple and rudimentary in comparison to Contract Bridge scoring.

At the end of the 19th century Whist was superseded by Bridge Whist. Bridge Whist introduced the following innovations: 1. The dealer chose the trump suit or NT or he could pass the choice over to his partner. Only the dealer and his partner may bid. 2. However there were no levels of bidding: all bids remain at the one level. 3. Dummy becomes a feature of the game. 4. The scoring became similar to Rubber Bridge with below and above the line scoring.

Around 1910 Auction Bridge became popular, introducing these changes: 1. Allow all four players to participate in the bidding; previously only the dealer and his partner had been permitted to bid. 2. Game bonuses and slam bonuses are awarded without the need to bid them. For example, if one player ended the bidding with 2H and won 10 tricks then his side was awarded the game bonus. Consequently the players kept the level of bidding as low as possible: no incentive to risk bidding higher.

During the bidding process, modern Contract Bridge players are asking themselves three questions: 1. “Do we have enough good stuff to outbid the opponents?” 2. “Do we have enough good stuff to bid game?” 3. “Do we have enough good stuff to bid slam?”. At Auction Bridge only the first question was relevant. The reason for this is that playing Auction one does not need to bid game/slam in order to be awarded the game/slam bonus: all declarer needed to do was to win the required number of tricks.

Auction bridge players realised that rarely does one wish to double a low level contract for penalties. Auction Bridge books described the takeout/ informatory/informative double

alongside the penalty/business double. The problem was telling them apart. Sound familiar? At one point a new bid was introduced called the “challenge bid”

or simply “challenge”. Its purpose was to avoid the confusion generated by double having two contradictory meanings. Challenge was intended to replace the takeout double. For some reason this change - which is not without merit - has not survived.

To be continued in the next issue.

For a fuller account of the history of bridge I recommend Bumblepuppy Days by Julian Laderman, a retired applied mathematics professor.

Return of the Vikings

14 she sailed into Dublin Bay and up the River Liffey and docked at Customs House Quay. Dubliners lined the quays in welcome and so began several days of Viking themed festivities.

In 1962 Danish archaeologists happened upon the wrecks of five Viking ships together at the bottom of the Roskilde Fjord in Denmark, 30 km west of Copenhagen. They had been deliberately scuttled as part of the maritime defence of Roskilde. But one of the ships was different. Dendrochronological tests showed this particular ship was built around 1042 and that the timber used was not local. Eventually the materials used were traced to Ireland, around the Dublin area. This 30 metre warship capable of carrying a crew of 80 warriors was in fact built in Dublin using wood from Glendalough in Co.Wicklow. Named Skuldelev 2, it was the second largest Viking warship ever found and can be seen today at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde.

Work began in 2000 on the biggest reconstruction of a Viking warship using only Viking methods and tools. Three hundred oak trees, 7,000 iron nails, 118 square metre flaxen sail and four years later the 25 ton warship was completed. At the launch Queen Margrethe

Correction

They decided that the best test of her seaworthiness, manoeuvrability and speed would be to send her on a round voyage in the waters plied by the original ship - a trip to Dublin. At 4pm on Sunday July 1, 2007 the Sea Stallion departed from the Viking Ship Museum at Roskilde and set sail for Dublin, up the east coast of Denmark, across to the Orkney Islands and down the west coast of Scotland into the Irish Sea. On August

The ship was then moved to the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, where it remained on display until June 2008 when it again returned to the sea for the journey back to Roskilde. This time sailing south along the Welsh coast past the tip of Cornwall into the English Channel, the Straits of Dover, up the east coast of England and Scotland and back to Denmark.

Today The Sea Stallion from Glendalough the Viking Ship Museum's reconstruction of the Skuldelev 2 is on display in the harbour beside The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde. The remains of the original Skuldelev 2 are in the museum. www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/

Mea culpa, in the last issue I'm afraid I got two of Dublin's closed markets mixed up. Sadly the Iveagh Market in the heart of the Liberties remains closed and the campaign to have it reopened continues. Although listed as a protected building it is sadly slipping toward dereliction. A High Court case involving Dublin City Council and a private developer is supposed to be recalled - hopefully soon. Better news across the river where the closed Fruit and Vegetable Market on Mary's Lane is looking more hopeful. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

Pat Keenan reports on happenings in and around the capital

Dublin Dossier

II of Denmark christened the ship Havhingsten fra Glendaloug (Sea Stallion of Glendalough)

Mainie Jellett

Photo (C)

The brewery around the corner

We are all feeling the pinch, uncertain times at home and abroad and prices all round are hiking upwards. Depending on your point of view, the glass is either half full or half empty. Ah well, we'll still enjoy the odd glass or two of beer, optimistically full to the brim. If ever there was a time when that beer should taste good and refreshing, this is it.

They say the closer the brewery the fresher the taste and as luck would have it Dubliners have a famous world renowned brewery smack in the centre of the city. The worldwide swing toward micro brewery craft beers is changing that again and even in Dublin many want their beer closer still...the brewery round the corner. The micro brewery market share in Ireland is as yet only about 2%, in the USA that market share is now 30%.

My 'round the corner' micro brewery is Hope in Kilbarrack, for me just one DART stop away at Howth Junction station and short 5 minute walk from there to Unit 1 Howth Junction Business Park on Kilbarrack Way. What could be fresher than that. Typically about 50% of

further, in there case most of that 50% will be North Dublin consumers. The remainder will reach further afield in offlicences and supermarket sales around the nation and some are exported, in Europe mostly to France Germany and The Netherlands.

Hope Beer made its debut in 2015 inspired by four friends with a passion for beer. Usually micro brewery startups are by trendy and hippy pony tailed youths. Senior Times readers should note that Hope bucked that trend. This was a 'silver start-up.' All four founders had long finished their studies, had received their MBAs and had already accumulated years of successful working experience and they were all in their fifties.

I found no stats for start-ups in Ireland but it's interesting to note Bank of England research which found 70% of silver start-ups make it past the 5 year mark. By comparison, less than 30% of younger start-ups get to reach the 5 year mark.

The four founders of Hope were: Dublin born Wim de Jongh who grew up in Holland, studied at Trinity College Dublin where he met his wife to be, languages student Jeanne Mahony; Des McSwiggan spent much of his career in the financial sector but before that as a student honed his pint pulling skills in Portmarnock bars; Richie Hamilton has the distinction of being the first person to brew Hope beer in Craft Works at a time when Hope brewery was still being built.

Now seven years on and through some very difficult years, of Covid followed by some very inflationary times, Hope's state-of-the-art micro brewery continues producing award-winning premium craft beers. During Covid when pubs were closed they switched production methods to facilitate home bound consumers, and now facing spiralling costs, they are completely covering the roof of the Kilbarrack brewhouse with solar panels.

Hope produces a core range of five distinct beer styles available all year round but recently added a special seasonal beer for the summer months. Each beer has its own name, each distinct with its own anecdotes and taste adapted to be the perfect accompaniment to food. Hope is a verified member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green Sustainability Programme. Each beer has its own distinct name, story and taste experience.

In Ireland, growing social isolation amongst vulnerable groups mean more people are likely to need our help. You never know when you might need an organization like the Irish Red Cross and the Irish Red Cross will always be there.

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 organizations, 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 Red Cross to use my contribution effectively and efficiently.

I made a will some years ago, not long after my marriage, and renewed it more recently. After leaving a certain amount to family members, I have included bequests to various charities like the Irish Red Cross. It makes sense to me that one of my final acts will be to assist with the work that, sadly, will need to continue for some time.”

Call or email Mackenzie to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will Give her a call on 01 642 4645 or email her at mellwood@redcross.ie.

Please

Always exploring new ideas Hope also brew some limited-edition beers. Last year Shelbourne Football Club got their own canned beer - with a ‘subtly hop-kick’. All Hope beers are brewed, bottled, canned and kegged at Howth Junction on Dublin’s Northside. They typically use 90% Irish ingredients, The water is all from the Fingal County Council area, hops are 90% Irish grown, the small amount of imported are hops that cannot be grown successfully here. All packaging materials are recyclable.

You can book a brewery tour on their website www.hopebeer.ie/ The tour takes about 25 minutes and includes a beer tasting of their core craft beers. It costs €18 per person, requires a minimum of 6 and maximum of 15.

World Coddle Day?

When the Spanish Tourism Board in Dublin kindly invited us to celebrate their annual World Paella Day on September 20, a day coinciding with the rice harvest when the people of Valencia traditionally gather to communally enjoy massive helpings of paella, now a world renowned jewel of Valencian cuisine.

Celebrating in Dublin, it crossed my mind that we might like have a World

Dublin Coddle Day. However, when is the last time you ever saw a Dubliner eat coddle?

I can only remember eating it once and that was served at a reception to launch a book about Dublin, never before or since, maybe coddle was even before my time.

Dublin City Council has a piece on their website that Dublin Coddle was considered to be the food of the working

class poor. It adds that both Jonathan Swift and Sean O'Casey enjoyed coddle, although both of them may have at times experienced hard times it's a bit of a stretch to fit them into working class poor. Then maybe we could have a World Dublin 'One and One' Day, remember when a 'fish and chips' was a 'ray and chips.' Maybe a World Irish Stew Day or a World Crubeen Day. Umm... maybe not.

Jonathan Swift and Sean O'Casey enjoyed coddle

feels good

Shane Ross: I was in hospital when he arrived to visit me with the Mary Lou book. It makes for great reading, bright, gay and full of fun and facts, but he is very clear about his facts and he has done some excellent research heretofore not explained fully.

I am very pleased to be writing again for the this lovely magazine – Senior Times In particular as this features three seasons, November, December and January

Let’s deal with the November issue first. The month is full of anticipation – children saving up and thinking all they hope for will come for the 25th of December. Yes, they already have earmarked in the shops what will be their favourite buy or purchase not just for themselves, but for their Grandma or Grandpa, or for several other relations and friends.

Yes, they are full of ‘the glow to come’. Now, of course every day is glorious when you are that age, full of hope and anticipation, waking up each day with a fresh plot or idea in your mind. Of course, if you are preparing for Christmas I is something else entirely. Money has to be saved, plans for meals for visitors coming, plans for meals for those at home etc.

But what I am painting for December is really a fairy-tale, but a good one. Somehow, books seem to overhang those

Mary’s Musings

When I was laid up in the nursing home, I had a lovely visit from Mary and Martin McAleese. We had a great conversation together, a great exchange of gifts and a lovely book 17 Irish Martyrs. Mary launched it in Rome last week.

years. When I was leader of the Seanad, Shane Ross was the Trinity Senator. He was always great to be in a battle with. I constantly enjoyed our jousts.

I was in hospital when he arrived to visit me with the Mary Lou book. It makes for great reading, bright, gay and full of fun and facts, but he is very clear about his facts and he has done some excellent research heretofore not explained fully.

I am conducting a review of the book for a local paper, so I will disclose more in the next four weeks. This book will be a sell out and I strongly recommend it. I am sure that manty readers of Senior Times have read another best seller which is No 2 on the bestseller list. It’s by the famous author and TV pundit, Tommie Gorman, Never Better – My Life in our Times

It’s a marvellous read for anyone who wants to follow Europe’s growth. Tommie in his job, is the centre of it all, and we get very faithful accounts of all who came and went in Europe. Tommie got struck with a very violent form of cancer. I received a very difficult call in Uppsala and he surmounted so many cases of it, when he would come home after a very bad dose, when asked how he was, he always said, ‘never better’. We are already missing Tommie from our screens, we miss his knowledge, good humour and his full view of the comings and goings in Europe. His book is a delight to read, and would make a wonderful Christmas gift.

And finally all good things come to an end. We have all heard of Valerie Cox, she was years with Pat Kenny and Sean O’Rourke. She was an excellent TV presenter and has written a truly delightful book When I was your age The pages detail memories and wisdom of Ireland’s grandparents. This is a truly delightful read, and will be enjoyed by so many. Well done Valerie Cox.

But not really finally. When I was laid up in the nursing home, I had a lovely visit

Simon Harris, who is the Minister for dealing with further education has made a great job of it and in particular his emphasis on apprenticeships.

Mary is back with her reviews of Shane Ross’s book on Mary Lou McDonald as well as Tommie Gorman’s recent autobiography. She also finds time to criticise Education Minister Norma Foley ‘recalcitrant’ attitude towards the Junior Cert controversy

Mary’s Musings

from Mary and Martin McAleese. We had a great conversation together, a great exchange of gifts and a lovely book 17 Irish Martyrs. Mary launched it in Rome last week.

Junior Certificate

All this talk of books and scholarly works hassled me on to what I call a disgraceful situation now where the results of the Junior Cert are not coming out for another 3 or 4 weeks. Now this is a terrible situation, you may say Junior Cert doesn’t matter, it does matter and there are girls and boys all over Ireland who are wondering and waiting and particularly with the situation that they don’t know what they are going to be doing with themselves and I think it’s very recalcitrant of Norma Foley that no matter what is the outcome – it is now running into Christmas before there will be the Junior Cert results for boys and girls all over Ireland. I hope this never happens again.

While we are talking about the Junior Cert, I have to extend my full praise to Simon Harris, who is the Minister for dealing with further education. He has made a great job of it and in particular his emphasis on apprenticeships. Apprenticeships have been the back number if you like of education, but not so when Simon got hold of it. Now there are apprenticeships for everything under his watch and it is marvellous because you can ‘earn as you learn’ as

they say and finding the right way of doing things has become the norm. I know apprentices who have gone on to be executives of big companies, and why wouldn’t they? They are far more knowledgeable about their subject and about their trade than anyone else.

As well as that Simon Harris ensured that they would be a bonus payment for college students which greatly alleviated those who are beginning their studies.

University of Limerick

I see that recently the University of Limerick had their 50th birthday. I know well about this as my lovely niece Sarah went down with a crowd of girls that are friendly with her. They went down to celebrate the 50th anniversary. There were some lovely photographs of Charlie Haughey and myself, a founder of the college which turned out to be a huge success. I well remember bringing up the idea that we should make Limerick a University. It had been a centre for outstanding education and moving forward to university status. Being on the river Shannon as well as the college of the Shannon here in Athlone shows that the Shannon River has been a unifier, and has been throughout history. The fast flowing natural phenomenal a conveyor of education at all levels in Irish society.

I was always paid great tribute to the University and to the fact that Jack Daly,

matter, it does matter and there are girls and boys all over Ireland who are wondering and waiting and particularly with the situation that they don’t know what they are going to be doing with themselves and I think it’s very recalcitrant of Norma Foley that no matter what is the outcome.

a very strong Clare man, was chair of the body which set up the University of Limerick and I always think of him with great fondness.

So now we have a very strong essay in this edition of Senior Times about November, December and January, and I think it is hugely appropriate that we end in the month of January, when the University of Limerick celebrates its 50th anniversary. There can be no better way of doing so than having young people of Ireland flood down to Limerick and taste the delights, look at the subjects on offer and think the long thoughts of what they want to do when they get the Leaving Certificate. It really is the time for universities and for higher education, when you look around there isn’t a town in Ireland that hasn’t got a cohort of young people who are keen to go forward to the next step where they can learn more.

This has been a very heavy period but there has been much to say and much to think about and ponder. I hope many of you readers will think about some of the books I have mentioned and will go out to their nearest library and put their name down for them or buy them in their bookstore.

So to the readers of Senior Times, I say get enjoyment out of what you taste, see and read and think about it . These books will give you plenty of room for thought.

Saving is the new spending

Lorna Hogg on the movement towards thrift

It’s official - Saving is the new Spending. Thrifting, as it is now known, holds that not only can you keep track of your money, and get better value from it – but that you can also become in tune with the times.

We can all help the environment, by saving water and power, supporting home-made or home grown items - and through general re-purposing, restoring and re-using of items. This outlook is spreading to all areas of our lives - home, holidays, entertaining – and also, our future plans. It’s unsurprising when you think about it - a successful clear-out could result in all sorts of possibilities. You could consider downsizing, making money from your home and surroundings - or even welcoming a relative into part of it.

For many of us, home provides our major asset – and source of expenditure. Most of our money may be spent there, but happily, savings can be painlessly made. Start off with the obvious –switch off your (ideally energy efficient Halogen) lights every time you leave a room for more than a moment. Well, it’s a habit that’s good enough for King Charles, a man not short of cash, and he has apparently instilled the principle into his sons.

Turn your central heating down a degree or two – until you start to notice the difference. Would it be possible to dry clothes outdoors, or on a clothes horse, rather than always tumble dry? Remember also, to unplug all electrical appliances when you go to bed – excepting, of course, the fridge and freezer. When it comes to a good night’s sleep – electric blankets will always remain the choice for some, but the old fashioned hot water bottle and blankets are coming back into fashion for the eco-aware!

In the bathroom, look for new water reducing low flow shower heads, which deliver a powerful flow for less water usage. When it comes to the ‘great debate’

seems that timing matters! A short relaxed soaking in a half filled bath could match a long power shower, especially with an older, traditional head, in energy and water usage. So, compromise might prove to be the key – aim for short regular showers, plus the occasional relaxing soak!

Kitchens provide endless opportunities to both waste and conserve energy. Check that your fridge is working properly and at its most efficient. Keep the door shut, and check door seals. Your fridge works best when you keep it filled – but not overcrowded. Start to invest in glass fridge food containers – they ` hold the cold’ better. Also - no hot food in the fridge! It raises the temperature, and your fridge has to work twice as (expensively) hard to main it. Invest in a hanging thermometer, as well as the fridge’s inbuilt version.

When it comes to cooking, it probably will come as no surprise to many that the slow cooker not only produces delicious meals – but uses the least energy. Before you enter the Electricity versus Gas, or Halogen versus Electricity debates - remember that the correct sized saucepan, and lid, plus just enough water for cooking, can help energy efficiency for your needs.

When it comes to cooking, it probably will come as no surprise to many that the slow cooker not only produces delicious meals – but uses the least energy.

To keep laundry costs down, ensure that you have a full load – i.e. about three quarters full drum. An overloaded machine means the wash quality won’t be as good, but a quarter full load is wasteful. When it comes to drying, we all know that open air is best, but inside the home - why not try air drying, helped by a heated clothes dryer? Tempting though it may be, try avoid radiator clothes drying. It will result in the radiator working (expensively) twice as hard to maintain room temperature – and will stop efficient heat flow around the room. On that particular subject – don’t push your sofa/favourite chair up against the radiator – it’s wasteful for energy. Also, invest in regular boiler services, to ensure that top form economy.

In the living room, television may seem like a cheap and harmless way to relax – but that may be influenced by your choice of machine. Savings experts advise thinking very carefully before you ditch your high definition set, and move to the top of the range, big screen ultra high definition models. These are much more expensive, and can also eat up energy, especially if you add on players. Avoid a simple, often overlooked expensive mistake many of us maketurn off your appliances at night, rather than leaving them on the infamous `Vampire’ standby. Hi Fi systems, TX

`Boxes,’ laptop chargers and printers can eat up power, simply by remaining plugged in. It has been estimated that you can save €20 a year but turning off the red pilot lights on appliances. Doesn’t seem much but if you multiply that by up to a couple of dozen times the saving is not insignificant.

If you’ve recently stayed in a holiday home, you will probably have noticed that they can provide endless useful tips and inspirations on how to furnish a home economically, as well as stylishly. There is a carefully planned place and space for everything, and just enough matched plates and cutlery for those who will be staying there. One tip noted by travellers who constantly replace broken or cracked, china/delft at home - is to switch to plain white china. You can get white china and delft plates, cups etc. at all price ranges in a variety of stores – they will all match perfectly, and can easily be replaced.

Thrifting is, of course, an excellent excuse to evict that unwelcome long stay resident in your home – clutter. If. your attic is filled with outdated and often broken furniture, unwanted family pictures, old record players, music collections, chipped china, old dusty yellowing unnamed or/undated photo albums, old letters and carpet off-cuts – maybe it’s time for some evictions. Thrifting can be a perfect time to re-use, re-create – or even remove. Old wooden or plastic picture frames can be re-sprayed, all ideally in the same colour, to form `groups’ of pictures, or matched pairs. Marble slabs on old washstands can be cut to size, or cleaned, to create table tops, or kitchen top accessories. Old clocks can be repaired, and small rugs can become trendy cushion covers. Old trays and even writing desks, re- fitted with legs, can form bedside or small tables.

Thrifting is also a good time to find out if your children or relatives really want the old furniture, pictures, etc. that you are hoarding for them. You might learn that many would promptly send it on to the nearest jumble auction. If, however, you have antiques, silver, china, that might not meet the exacting standards of top dealers, but still have some value, then check the website for Oakland Antiques, in Belfast. Their stock includes midmarket antiques, copper pans, antique clocks, silver and mahogany furniture. The owner is in close contact with fellow dealers in the Republic, and can recommend names to those living too far away to visit his Belfast, or Ballinderry stores.

One of the often unappreciated advantages of de-cluttering is the opportunity to develop a change of usage within your home space. These days, unused garages are becoming selfcontained flats for family members, or even holiday/student rental. Some are being converted to home offices, storage units - plus extra family rooms. Attics can be converted into home- working accommodation, or for cash strapped young family members. If you are uninterested in cultivating your gardenwhy not rent out the space to keen fruit and vegetable growers?

Ireland has embraced pre-loved, lightly worn clothes - plus those from consignment sales, and there is a wide choice of online and walk-in shops. Keep an eye out for a future Senior Times feature on the topic - plus, of course, inspiration for any items which you might sell!

When you have decided on possessions you want to dispose of – the next question is, of course, how to do so. You might be surprised at just how much can go to recycling these days. From fridges

and freezers, to mobile phones, light bulbs, power tools, through to electronics – check the list below for details.

Travel

Airport queues over the summer have shown just how much travel is a part of our lives, and slowly, we are returning to our trips. If you are looking for value, some of the best fares are to be found in the cruise sector. The smaller and specialist cruise lines, many of which are aimed at the more mature market, have excellent value just now, and are very Covid aware, with excellent onboard precautions. Hence, many seasoned travellers are happy to return to shorter cruises, e.g around the Mediterranean areas.

One of the best value ways to visit new destinations, especially in Europe, has long been popular with established travellers – but less so with occasional holiday makers. Why not take advantage of the fact that you don’t necessarily have to book a return ticket for your break? You can book a one-way ticket, and fly back from another destination! Keen travellers understand this principle, and often fit in two, if not more destinations, by doing some careful research of the surrounding areas. For example - you could fly from Dublin to Copenhagen one way, enjoy a short break there - before taking the train across the splendid Oresund Bridge, to Malmo, in Sweden. The adventurous could take a fast train to Stockholm – and then fly back to Dublin. That’s two – or even three, holidays in one!

If you are intrigued, but rather nervous about the idea, then why not have a practice run in England? Fly from Dublin to Manchester, and after a short city break, take the beautiful Hope Valley train line – to see the unspoiled Peak District, and stunning High Peaks. This

Looking for value? some of the best fares are to be found in the cruise sector

Make do and mend is the mantra of the thrift movement

part of England also has superb stately homes – such as Chatsworth, Kedleston, and the delightful Haddon Hall. The Industrial Revolution started in the Derwent Valley – original old mills can be seen at Belper. With a choice of caves to visit, a cable car ride at Abraham’s Heights, Buxton Spa town and Bakewell (home of the famed Bakewell Tart), plus museums of cars and trams – there is plenty to see, via the Hope Valley Railway Line and various Derbyshire bus routes, en route to Derby, the home of the railway, and finally, Birmingham, for a flight back to Dublin. Check thegreentraveller.co.uk for carless travel. Whilst sometimes initially requiring more financial outlay, planning and pre-booking, these multi destination trips can work out cheaper than several separate trips. As well, with careful planning and research, you can take in destinations you’ve always wanted to see – and several unforgettable ones you had previously never even heard of. By now, you may well be thinking that this all saving and cutting back sounds very worthy, and inspirational – but

also perhaps a touch dismal. With so much sensible scrimping and saving, and searching for value - where is the fun, the light-heartedness, the joy in life? Well, the Danes have practised a similar lifestyle for generations – they call it Hygge (pronounced Hoo-gah.) They have managed to inspire international interest – and even made it a cool lifestyle.

Hygge is essentially all about living well without spending large amounts of money. Of course, the Danes don’t necessarily see it that way – they prefer to see it as learning – or re-learning, to enjoy simple pleasures. Admittedly, Hygge has now become internationally associated with candlelit gatherings of family or friends, warm sweaters and woolly socks! However, all that associated comfort food and slow cooked stews, are part of slowing the pace of life down and creating a cosy atmosphere. Hygge lovers enjoy and use what they have – and yes, there are some old fashioned values. Mending, making repairing, planning ahead and avoiding

waste – in food, clothes and entertaining. Homes are cosy and stylish, rather than trendy. Eating is an important factor, but they also believe in socialising – which interestingly, does not automatically mean spending money. It can be as simple as home made pizza nights with friends or neighbours. It can encompass parties, book reviews, informal gatherings with pals, board games, shared TV viewings of old films – all part the Good Life for the 2020s!

More information stopfoodwaste.ie

Citizensinformation.ie/environment/waste mywaste.ie

repak.ie/recycling moneyguideireland.com Greenchoices.org

Energysavingtrust.org.uk Greenglobaltravel.com Recycleit.ie. Recyclenow.com WEE.ie

oaklandantiques.co.uk

The Little Book of Hygge www.visitpeakdistrict.com

Personalised Private Matchmaking Service For the over 60’s

We provide a personal hands-on approach      to help you find your Life Partner. Let us introduce you to someone special. Nationwide service

www.twoscompany.ie

Luxury, comfort and excellent food in West Cork

Situated on the waterfront in picturesque Glengarriff village, Eccles Hotel & Spa, the only 4 star hotel in Glengarriff, commands panoramic views of Bantry Bay on West Cork’s Wild Atlantic Way. Glengarriff Harbour, with its boats to the famous gardens on Garnish Island, and the village centre with quaint craft shops, cafes and pubs are just a two-minute stroll away.

Guests can make the most of their time at Eccles Hotel and the scenic surroundings of West Cork by sea kayaking in Glengarriff Bay, going for a hike up to Mount Gabriel or take a boat tour and discover what’s beneath the surface of Bantry Bay.

In 2020 Eccles Hotel & Spa in Glengarriff was awarded the achievement of a four-star status rating, an appraisal recognising the hotel’s superior facilities and accommodation offering. The award is testament to a comprehensive refurbishment and restoration of the mid-18th Century property.

Thanks to Chef Eddie Attwell’s culinary prowess, the hotel has also fast

established a reputation for its excellent food, with most of the produce on Eddie’s menus picked fresh daily from the hotel garden and polytunnels he has planted, foraged locally or supplied by the best of West Cork’s artisan food and drink suppliers.

Prior to joining the Eccles team, among other career highlights, Eddie spent time in the 2 star Michelin restaurant L’Enclume in Cumbria and has appeared twice on BBC’s Great British Menu.

Since 1745, the property has been home to a hostelry and accommodation on the site of the current Eccles Hotel. The hotel has hosted many well-known names including sister to Duchess of Cambridge, Pippa Middleton, and many famous guests have crossed its threshold over the years including Maureen O’ Hara, and writers Maeve Binchy, WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Enid Blyton and William Makepeace Thackeray, who following a stay in 1843 asked ‘What sends tourists to the Rhine and Saxon Switzerland? Within 5 miles of the pretty Inn of Glengarriff there is a country of the magnificence of which no pen can give any idea.’

The celebrated English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray, who following a stay in 1843 wrote: ‘What sends tourists to the Rhine and Saxon Switzerland? Within 5 miles of the pretty Inn of Glengarriff there is a country of the magnificence of which no pen can give any idea.’

Eccles Hotel & Spa is the perfect place for a break away this season. Relax in a charming setting that’s beyond compare. Explore all the amazing things to do in the surrounding area. Taste a menu that celebrates the finest local artisan producers and enjoy the warmest of West Cork welcomes.

One of the luxurious appointed bedrooms

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

CHY 12673

Sona Irish Vitamins launch ‘Golden Ticket’ campaign to support sick children and their families through Children’s Health Foundation

On October 1st, Sona Irish Vitamins launched a search to find their Golden Ticket!

Whoever finds the ticket, which is hidden in the packaging in one of Sona’s children’s vitamins range, will win an amazing €1,000! On top of that, when the ticket is found, Sona will donate an incredible €30,000 to Children’s Health Foundation to support sick children and their families who attend Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly.

Children’s Health Foundation is the charity supporting the life-saving work of Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres. Since 2018, Sona has donated over €52,000 to Children’s Health Foundation. The funds donated by Sona will be used to help sick children across Ireland – children like Rosie. One-week-old Rosie had suddenly begun to cry. She was in obvious distress. Rosie’s parents, Susie and JP knew she was in trouble. It was a bank holiday Monday, their GP wasn’t available, so they took Rosie straight to the Paediatric Unit in the A&E in Mullingar.

The diagnosis was a serious one – Strep B Bacterial Meningitis. Rosie was immediately sent to Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street by ambulance, with her parents following behind in their car, completely in shock. By the time they arrived in ICU, Rosie had already been seen and her treatment started. That night Susie and JP slept in two reclining chairs in the family room. Susie will never forget the experience. “I use the word ‘slept’ but we didn’t. We

were very worried obviously, but the staff were incredible and doing their best to reassure us. I knew she was in good hands. The one-on-one care around the clock that Rosie got was just fabulous, it meant that me and my husband could leave her cot-side temporarily and know we weren’t leaving her on her own.”

Susie recalls the stressful moment when Rosie had to go for her MRI scan. She had to be sedated. Susie waited outside, her heart in turmoil. Once the scan was completed, Susie got to hold little Rosie again. It was good news. The MRI was all clear. You can imagine what a huge relief it was for her family. Behind every sick child’s story, a lesser-known story – the story of how generosity, like that of Sona’s, directly connects with little patients like Rosie. It is the story of the vital equipment and upgraded facilities that your donation makes possible. Crucial improvements that make every patient’s and family’s journey less stressful, more comfortable and more positive.

And thankfully, Susie tells us that Rosie is doing great. “Rosie started 1st class this year and thankfully all is going well with her. She has been a very healthy girl since she recovered from her meningitis as a new-born. She never stops talking and is a great character, cracks me up!” For more information on how to find Sona’s Golden Ticket, visit https://www. childrenshealth.ie/sona-golden-ticket/

Commenting on the launch of the Golden Ticket campaign, Ohan Yergainharsian, Managing Director of Sona Irish Vitamins said: “SONA, as an Irish company, are proud to support the Children’s Health Foundation who work tirelessly in helping sick children and their families across Ireland. We are also delighted with the enthusiastic support we have received from community pharmacies to help make our Golden Ticket campaign a success.”

Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Foundation said: “We are quite simply blown away by the incredible support that Sona have shown sick children and their families in Children’s Health Ireland since 2018. Their commitment to helping sick children is steadfast, and we’re excited to launch the Golden Ticket campaign with them today. Best of luck to everyone looking for the Golden Ticket!”

Feeling comfortable in one another’s company

decisive factor in whether two people feel comfortable with each other is ultimately banal everyday things.

The diet, the preferred evening routine, the sleeping habits. At 60 plus, people know that shared values, hobbies and holiday destinations are important. Obviously physical attraction is important too but ultimately feeling comfortable in one another’s company, being able to laugh together, appreciating the same things is the key to success. What most people who come to me still have in common: They've already had the love of their life so they believe in good relationships. Now they are 60 or 70 and say to themselves: My next years are too good to spend alone.

However, I know from my own experience that the head sometimes wants more than the heart in this phase and therefore I ask questions like: "Is your wife's coat still hanging on the coat rack because you can't bring yourself to put it away yet? Or,

to move on, to start a new chapter in their life.

A new love in the second half of life is different from the first, Jennifer says. Less ambitious, without big plans, as if people had understood that happiness always lies in the present anyway.

Some people want intimacy and others just companionship. Do I set up a woman who has no desire for physicality anymore with a man who still wants to?

It’s obviously best if both parties are on the same page, so to speak. These kinds of matches can change over time, they may start out as purely platonic and develop over time into something much more significant.

The black dot

For the most part, it’s up to us how much joie de vivre and enjoyment we have in our everyday lives: A professor came to class and handed out a test sheet.

To everyone's surprise, there were no questions on the sheet – just a black dot • in the middle.

He then asked the students to write down what they saw on the paper. He collected the sheets and looked at the answers. The students had described the black dot •: its position on the sheet, its location in space, its size in relation to the page, etc.

Then he smiled and explained: "I wanted to give you a task to think about. None of you wrote anything about the white part of the sheet. Everyone focused on the black dot • - and the same thing happens in our lives. We have been given a white paper to use and create on, but we focus on the dark spots".

If you focus your attention primarily on the bright, white paper- only then will you become aware of the possibilities in your life.

Life is full of possibilities- share the joyful moments and the light in your life with others, and maybe even a significant other !

Jennifer Haskins of Dating Agency

Gifts for Good Gifts

Give a little Good this Christmas

Help provide a vulnerable child with the essentials this Christmas

If you have been looking for a meaningful Christmas gift for someone in your life, a Barnardos ‘Gift for Good’ is the perfect option. Choose from a range of options from warm and cosy pyjamas, to the gift of a nutritious meal, and you’ll be giving the gift of hope to a child and family this festive season.

For each card you buy, Barnardos will send you a beautiful greeting card to send to your intended recipient, complete with space to write a special message for that person.

Golf

The ‘invincible’ Great White Shark

When interviewing him in the buildup to his dramatic collapse in the 1996 Masters at Augusta National, Greg Norman’s first wife, Laura, made a fascinating observation about her husband. ‘Greg loves being good at things,’ she said. ‘Sometimes I think he believes he's invincible.’

It’s a notion which is proving to be quite helpful in Norman’s current role as chief executive of LIV, the Saudi Arabian backed rebel golf tour. And given that the Australian never appeared to be over-burdened by humility, he is bound to view his ongoing international prominence as a bonus, more than 12 years since he quit serious competitive golf.

Fans around these parts will retain memories of his appearances in various stagings of the Irish Open, dating back to his debut at Portmarnock in 1977, when he was tied third behind American, Hubert Green. Then there was the remarkable challenge he staged against Padraig Harrington in the 2008 Open Championship, before sharing third place once more, as the Dubliner retained the title at Royal Birkdale.I have found Norman to be a fascinating sportsman, who I had the privilege of actually playing golf with at Doonbeg,

the links he designed in west Clare, in 2002. He was a golf-writer’s dream, not only for his spectacular play but for a readiness to be interviewed. In fact I can never recall being rejected by him. You may not always have received the length of time you desired, but a response was invariably forthcoming.

Long, straight driving made his game a natural fit for the Masters, a tournament he coveted above all others. And this from a player who achieved 88 professional wins during a career in which he also reigned as world number-one, for 331 weeks. Against this background, it will come as no surprise to learn that Norman is a perfectionist, who carries all the baggage this affliction entails. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and at one time, possessed the impetuosity of the road-hog, driving cars at breakneck speeds and generally trying to fit 30 hours' activity into every day.

Yet there is also a disarming, boyish warmth about him. For instance, at the peak of his playing powers, early in the 1990s, he was followed for 20 miles by a Florida police car, doing 120 mph in his Ferrari Testarossa while weaving in an out of traffic and emergency lanes. When finally pulled in by the tenacious

his fans, he readily acknowledged that the Great White Shark image was a media creation which he could profitably perpetuate. Which did much to explain the lucrative contracts which came his way over the years.

highway patrolman, Norman turned on one of his broadest smiles for the cop while brashly suggesting: ‘Wanna drive it?’ He didn't get a ticket.

His shock defeat by Nick Faldo in the ’96 Masters was his 52nd runner-up finish on tour. And he duly turned up for the post-round press conference, just as he had done for all the others, notwithstanding the painfully insensitive questions he knew awaited him. Even this, his most crushing set-back was borne with a patient shrug.

While clearly respecting his fans, he readily acknowledged that the Great White Shark image was a media creation which he could profitably perpetuate. Which did much to explain the lucrative contracts which came his way over the years. And I can recall the stunned reaction, even from Jack Nicklaus, no less, when it was revealed that he had received $45 million for his share of Cobra Golf. His one-time manager, Frank Williams, observed: ‘The reason Greg is so wealthy is that he has a sharp, business mind. The only thing he puts his name on that he doesn't own part of, is Chevrolet.’

His close friends are few, which most observers put down to envy. Others have

Dermot Gilleece traces the always fascinating playing and business career of Greg Norman

larger Horn of Africa region has been gripped by a severe dry spell over the last four years with four consecutive failed rainy seasons. Coupled with the ongoing conflict, depleted water sources, and destroyed crops, there are almost one million Somalis displaced nationwide. Across Somalia, hungry families are making desperate journeys to urban centres, seeking food and shelter.

How is UNICEF helping?

How is UNICEF helping?

Due to climatic changes, South West Somalia, including the larger Horn of Africa region has been gripped by a severe dry spell over the last four years with four consecutive failed rainy seasons. Coupled with the ongoing conflict, depleted water sources, and destroyed crops, there are almost one million Somalis displaced nationwide. Across Somalia, hungry families are making desperate journeys to urban centres, seeking food and shelter. Their journey is long and arduous and for some it’s already too late .

According to the UN, more than 7 million people in Somalia estimates that half a million children are expected to suffer

Children in Somalia

According to the UN, more than 7 million people in Somalia are estimates that half a million children are expected to suffer from

Their journey is long and arduous and for some it’s already too late .

Due to climatic change, Somalia, including the larger Horn of Africa region has been gripped by a severe dry spell over the last two years with four consecutive failed rainy seasons. Coupled with the ongoing conflict, depleted water sources, and destroyed crops, there are almost one million Somalis displaced nationwide. Across Somalia, hungry families are making desperate journeys to urban centres, seeking food and shelter.

It was already too late for 10 year old Salut. His mother Fatuma set out from her village with her five children. Having walked for three days over the desolate countryside, withering under yet another failed rainy season that has devastated crops and decimated livestock, Fatuma finally reached the outskirts of the city of Baidoay in the South West state of Somalia

UNICEF is on the ground working with its partner and are stocking therapeutic foods and medicines to prevent malnutrition and increasing emergency trucking of clean drinking water, conducting nutrition evaluations of children in the camps, and rolling out programmes to provide children within the camps a space to

UNICEF is on the ground working with its partner and are stocking therapeutic foods and medicines to prevent malnutrition and increasing emergency trucking of clean drinking water, conducting nutrition evaluations of children in the camps, and rolling out programmes to provide children within the camps a space to

It was already too late for 10 year old Salut. His mother Fatuma set out from her village with her five children. Having walked for three days over the desolate countryside, withering under yet another failed rainy season that has devastated crops and decimated reached the outskirts of the city of Baidoay in the South West state of Somalia

Their journey is long and arduous and for some it’s already too late.

It was already too late for 10-year-old Salut. His mother Fatuma set out from her village with her five children. Having walked for three days over the desolate countryside, withering under yet another failed rainy season that has devastated crops and decimated livestock, Fatuma finally reached the outskirts of the city of Baidoa in the South-West state of Somalia.

Fatuma with her children outside her tent at the Hagarka Camp, in South West state of Somalia.

Two-year-old Sabirin tastes ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) at a UNICEF-supported health clinic. UNICEF procures 80% of this lifesaving food to treat severe acute malnutrition in children and 90% of children treated with RUTF recover.

UNICEF procures 80% of this life saving food and here two year food (RUTF) at a UNICEF supported Health Centre 90% cent of malnutrition with RUTF recover Photo UN0719418

UNICEF procures 80% of this life saving food and here two year food (RUTF) at a UNICEF supported Health Centre 90% cent of malnutrition with RUTF recover. Photo UN0719418

evaluations of children in the camps, and rolling out ‘Education in Emergencies’ programmes to provide children within the

Fatuma with her remaining children outside her make-shift tent having walked for three days to reach the Hagarka Camp.

There, they were provided with a space at the Hagarka Camp, one of more than 400 camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, the following day, her little boy Salut died from complications due to severe acute malnutrition, a condition caused by the lack of food whereby the body becomes so weak and emaciated, that any common illness can prove fatal.

There, the family were provided with a space at the Hagarka Camp, one of more than 400 camps in Baidoa for internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, the following day, her little boy Salut died from complications due to severe acute malnutrition, a condition caused by the lack of food whereby the body becomes so weak and emaciated, that a common illness can prove fatal.

Fatuma with her children outside her tent at the Hagarka Camp, in South West There, they were provided with a space at the Hagarka Camp, one of more than 400 camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). However, the following day, her little boy Salut died from complications due to severe acute malnutrition, a condition caused by the lack of food whereby the body becomes so weak and emaciated, that any common illness can prove fatal.

Fatuma and her children are just one of millions of of climate induced disaster and decades of conflict, now

Fatuma and her children are just one of millions of families in Somalia at the mercy of this cruel mix of climate-induced disaster and decades of conflict now heading towards famine.

Fatuma and her children are just one of millions of families in Somalia at the mercy of this cruel mix of climate induced disaster and decades of conflict, now heading towards famine.

How is UNICEF helping?

© UNICEF/Somalia, 2022/Yusuf

According to the UN, more than 7 million people in Somalia are critically food insecure and UNICEF estimates that half a million children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition by July of next year.

1

UNICEF is on the ground working with its partners and are stocking health and nutrition centres with therapeutic foods and medicines to prevent malnutrition and to treat common illnesses. It is increasing emergency trucking of clean drinking water, conducting immunisation campaigns and nutrition

1

© UNICEF/Somalia, 2022/Yusuf

© UNICEF/Somalia, 2022/Yusuf

A health worker instructs Khadijo Mohamed Aden and her children

A health worker instructs Khadijo and her children on nutrition at the UNICEF-supported health clinic on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia.

A health worker instructs Khadijo Mohamed Aden and her children

Weydow Health Centre on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia.

UNICEF is also working to prevent and respond to cases of gender-based violence and to protect children from abuse and harm, through the establishment of a 24/7 hotline telephone. This includes a referral and treatment centre for victims.

Weydow Health Centre on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia.

More needs to be done and more resources are needed to prevent a catastrophe. If you would like to learn more about UNICEF’s work on the ground in Somalia and how you can help go to - unicef.ie/horn-of-africa

pg. 2

pg. 2

© UNICEF/ Somalia, 2022/Giri

© UNICEF/Somalia, 2022/Yusuf

suggested bitterly that there's no room for anybody else at a table where Norman and his ego are already seated. He found this attitude odd, especially for America. ‘America was built by people who started as shoeshine boys and ended up owning the shoe factory,’ he said. ‘I don't understand begrudgery.’

Norman was at one stage at the centre of a major rumpus involving appearance fees paid to him by Murphy’s Brewery for an appearance in the 1995 Irish Open at Mount Juliet. Their advance payment to the Shark was estimated at $350,000 and in the wake of an impressive if unavailing challenge in Dubai in early March 1997, the Shark kicked up his own desert storm. Citing three tournaments, including that particular Irish Open, the focus of his anger was Ken Schofield, executive director of the European Tour.

The most intriguing aspect of the attack was that it came totally without prompting. It arose during a meeting I had with him in Dubai, where I pointed to the record crowds he had attracted to Mount Juliet two years previously. ‘I love going to Ireland,’ he said. ‘You say the attendance figures were up in 1995. That's the first time I've ever heard that, and it makes me feel good, though I don't know whether it had to do with me or the way Murphy's marketed the event. ‘But I'll tell you what: out of that year, 1995, the thing that disappointed me the most --and here I am being forthright again --was the way Ken Schofield treated me about the appearance money issue. Singling me out about the Dubai Desert Classic, the Irish Open and the Swiss Open.’

The upshot of the whole affair was that at the end of the 1995 season,

Schofield wrote letters to this effect to the organisers of those three events. Based on figures bandied about in Dubai, the Irish Open payment to Norman was talked of as $350,000 for his Mount Juliet appearance.

either side of the Atlantic, it is interesting to note that where Schofield came into golf administration from banking, Finchem was a practising lawyer. And a particularly shrewd one at that.

Those of us of a certain age will recall how, despite the financial backing of Fox News Network, Finchem brilliantly out-manoeuvred Norman when the Shark attempted to launch a world tour in the 1990s. With delicious timing, the American delivered the coup de grace during the week of the 1997 Tour Championship in Houston where, as spokesman for the world's five major tours, he announced the creation of three $4m World Golf Championship events for 1999 and a fourth a year later. Clearly stunned by this, Norman could only respond: ‘Hopefully, the arrows can now come out of my back. Let them have it and let them see what they can do.’ All of which prompts the thought that as a preamble to this latest move, Norman had set his heart on settling old scores.

Those letters of censure hurt the Shark. ‘These people here in Dubai wanted me to come back last year,’ he said. ‘But I couldn't come back. And to make matters worse, the whole matter was made into a public spectacle. I'm not a person to make things public, when it should have been kept on a one-on-one basis [between Norman and Schofield].’ It so happened that around that time, he was also at loggerheads with Tim Fincham, commissioner of the PGA Tour, over tournament matters in the US. Looking back at those events on

From a purely business perspective, one could question why, at 67 and with more money than he could ever hope to spend, Norman wouldn’t simply climb aboard his yacht, Aussie Rules, and sail off peacefully into the sunset. The answer may lie in what he perceives as the temerity of tour officials in attempting to get the better of him.

While there’s nothing he can do to repair the hurt Faldo inflicted on him at Augusta National 26 years ago, he can rectify much of what he perceived as the actions of mindless tour officials. And as he sees it, time is not on his side. ‘I don't know what it is,’ he said. ‘I guess there's this hidden thing in me that wants to get everything done before I die.’

Donald Trump with Greg Norman for whom he designed the Doonbeg links course in Co Clare

Ken Schofield, then executive director of the European Tour, was involved with Greg Norman in a major rumpus over appearance money relating to the Irish Open in 1995.

Providing for Inheritance in a Tax Efficient Manner

continue to be paid by the remaining person.

€521,208 in 2008 to €335,000 in 2022.

The threshold is €32,500 where the beneficiary is a grandchild,sibling or niece/nephew of the person who left them the assets.For other people,including couples who live together but are not married to one another or civil partners,the threshold amount is just €16,250. Anything over that is taxed at 33%. For example, a €500,000 inheritance by a child would be liable to €54,450 inheritance tax if the full threshold of €335,000 was available to them (€500,000 - €335,000 = €165,000 X 33%)

Solution

One of the most tax efficient ways of providing for CAT is to take out a Whole of Life policy which is written under Section 72 of the CAT Consolidation Act 2003.

As the name suggests,it provides life cover for the rest of your life. So as long as you keep paying your premiums, it will pay out a lump sum to your personal representatives whenever you die - guaranteed . So you can have peace of mind knowing that you have helped to take care of your family financially after you have gone.

By choosing Whole of Life you know that your cover amount and regular premium payments will stay exactly the same throughout your life. This was not always the case in the past when premiums were reviewed every 5 years and tended to increase significantly.

The proceeds from a Section 72 policy are tax free when used to pay CAT. Whole of Life is available to residents of the Republic of Ireland between the ages of 18 and 74, with cover starting from €10,000 .

Who is covered under this type of policy ?

To use your policy for inheritance tax purposes for relief under Section 72, you have a choice of single life cover or joint life

The premium payable is less expensive when the policy is on a joint life last death basis and can be particularly useful where the health of one of the parties may not be great.

A Whole of Life policy is different to a Term policy where with a term policy you take out cover for a fixed period of time and if you survive the period the policy just lapses with no payout. It would be similar to insuring your car for a year.

How much cover do you need ?

The amount of life cover you need will depend on your personal circumstances.When considering your cover amount,it's important to think about who you want to inherit and their relationship to you to determine their liability.

How much do you pay ?

You pay a fixed premium amount every month or year by direct debit.When you start your policy, this payment amount depends on factors such as:

- the amount of cover you choose

- if you add your spouse or partner to the policy

- your age - whether or not you smoke

- your health,occupation and pastimes

- whether you choose to add additional features like indexation or Life Changes Option to the policy

Example

Husband & Wife - both aged 65 (non smokers) Estimated Inheritance €1,000,000

2 Children - €500,000 each Inheritance Tax Liability €108,900

Monthly Cost to insure this risk €260

If last surviving spouse lives 25 years total cost is €78,000 Payout is €108,900

Regarding affordability it is key in any financial plan. If it's the case the premiums leave one stretched then you can reduce

on with and payout

on with and payout

stretched then you can reduce the sum assured to a more affordable level of premium that is manageable therefore you find yourself striking the balance of having cover in place at an affordable level so it is feasible to service the policy.

Regarding affordability it is key in any financial plan and if it's the case the premiums leave one stretched then you can reduce the sum assured to a more affordable level of premium that is manageable therefore you find yourself striking the balance of having cover in place at an affordable level so it is feasible to service the policy.

the sum assured to a more affordable level of premium that is manageable, therefore, you find yourself striking the balance of having cover in place at an affordable level so it is feasible to service the policy.

Why specifically a Sec.72 Whole of Life Policy

the future.Your premiums could become unaffordable,or tax thresholds could increase and inheritance tax may no longer be a concern.

Why specifically a Sec.72 Whole of Life Policy

Section 72 Life Insurance is set up to help pay any inheritance tax bill your loved ones would face after you die.It is a very tax efficient solution and, with the right amount of cover in place,it can mean that your beneficiaries will not have to sell part of their inheritance (usually the family home) or have to borrow money to pay their inheritance tax liabilities.This policy provides a lump sum whenever you die which your loved ones use to pay any tax bill that arises when they inherit.The money itself is free from any Inheritance Tax liability as long as it is used for that purpose.

Why specifically a Sec.72 Whole of Life Policy

Section 72 Life Insurance is set up to help pay any inheritance tax bill your loved ones would face after you die.It is a very tax efficient solution and, with the right amount of cover in place,it can mean that your beneficiaries will not have to sell part of their inheritance (usually the family home) or have to borrow money to pay their inheritance tax liabilities. This policy provides a lump sum whenever you die which your loved ones use to pay any tax bill that arises when they inherit.The money itself is free from any Inheritance Tax liability as long as it is used for that purpose.

Whole of Life is designed to pay out whenever you die.But if you stop paying premiums before you die then your policy ends and you get nothing back. With this option,if you want to stop your premium payments in the future and still get something back, you can - provided you've had your policy,and paid premiums, for at least 15 years. The option costs an extra 10% on your premium and it must be included when you first take out the policy. It cannot be added at a later date.

Your choices

Example

Section 72 Life Insurance is set up to help pay any inheritance tax bill your loved ones would face after you die.It is a very tax efficient solution and, with the right amount of cover in place,it can mean that your beneficiaries will not have to sell part of their inheritance (usually the family home) or have to borrow money to pay their inheritance tax liabilities.This policy provides a lump sum whenever you die which your loved ones use to pay any tax bill that arises when they inherit.The money itself is free from any Inheritance Tax liability as long as it is used for that purpose.

Example

The table below shows the normal tax advantage of a Sec72 Life Insurance policy compared to ordinary life cover.

Example

If you stop paying premiums at any time after you have had the policy for at least 15 years,you can choose between two options. You can have a lower amount paid out when you die or you can take an immediate cashback amount and end the policy.

The table below shows the normal tax advantage of a Sec72 Life Insurance policy compared to ordinary life cover.

Type of Cover Maximum CAT Money Policy Amount owed on inheritance Remaining Ordinary Policy € 200,000 €66,000 (33% of €200k if no threshold available) € 134,000 Sec72 Policy 200,000 €0 € 200,000

The table below shows the normal tax advantage of a Sec72 Life Insurance policy compared to ordinary life cover.

Type of Cover Maximum CAT Money Policy Amount owed on inheritance Remaining Ordinary Policy € 200,000 €66,000 (33% of €200k if no threshold available) € 134,000 Sec72 Policy € 200,000 €0 € 200,000

Your assets very quickly add up and with the current value of housing being what it is the family home for many could wipe out thresholds and very quickly your tax bill is mounting. The average listed price of a house in Ireland in the third quarter of the year was €311,514,with this rising to €427,000 in Dublin, according to the latest Daft.ie report,this means in conjunction with any savings, pensions or death policies you already hold we could already be in substantial tax liability territory without really realising it.

If you had ordinary life cover of €200,000,when you died the money would become part of your estate (the assets you leave behind after you die) because the policy was not specifically set up for inheritance tax purposes. Therefore it could be liable to inheritance tax. If there was no threshold amount available to your beneficiaries,they would have to pay 33% inheritance tax on the money paid out. In this example that would be €66,000. With a Sec72 Life Insurance policy, your beneficiaries will not normally have to pay inheritance tax on the money paid out, where it is used exclusively to pay inheritance tax. So you can think of it this way, you are just transferring a taxable asset into a tax free asset, provided of course you continue paying the premiums and can afford the premiums. Needless to say you should ensure that you have enough money going forward as you get older.

Life Changes Option

There is one specific life insurance office that offer an extremely inovative policy whereby they offer an exit strategy built into the plan should, over the years, an individual's circumstance changes e.g. should the estate decrease to a level where the inheritance tax liability no longer exists. With a more traditional policy should you wish to exit the contract early there is no return. From year 15 onwards you have the choice of discontinuing the policy if you so wished. This unique option is all about giving you choice and control. Circumstances can change over time and what suits you now, may change in

After 15 years, the longer you continue to pay premiums before stopping, the higher the claim amount or cashback amount will be. If you wish to know specifics that pertains to you please email me your date of birth,smoker/non smoker and level of cover.

Other ways of reducing Inheritance Tax

- Drawing up a will (very important regardless) or altering an existing one in such a way as to gain maximum advantage of class thresholds and reliefs.

- Ensuring small gift exemption of €3,000 per annum per disponer is used up annually.

- Ensuring compliance with the conditions of various reliefs

The main purpose of a Sec72 policy is to protect your hard won gains. If one spends a lifetime in building up what you have through investments,savings and planning without a Sec72 plan you run the risk of depleting your estate and allowing a transfer to the Revenue Commissioners. For those who hold ARF's and have children over the age of 21 inheritance tax thresholds do not apply so straight away this pot is subject to income tax of 30% and the Sec72 policy can be used to cover that bill as well. Sec72 policies can also be used for gift tax. In summary, a Sec72 policy is probably the most tax efficient way of transferring assets to ultimate beneficiaries.

To receive a specific quote with no obligations please email peter@heuston.ie

Reduce Your Inheritance Tax Liability

Insure against the risk of an inheritance tax liability through a Life Cover plan. Proceeds of the policy are tax free if used to discharge Inheritance Tax. Rather than letting tax legislation decide how your estate will be distributed you can pass on your assets in the way you wish - and plan for tax consequences.

Peter Heuston FCA, QFA, FLIA, AITI is a Qualified Financial Adviser and managing Director of Heuston Financial Planning Ltd t/a Retirement ireland, specialising in the area of Retirement/Inheritance tax planning.

HeustonFinancial Planning Ltd. t/a Retirement ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Win a three night stay for two in the Knock House Hotel – the perfect location for a relaxing break

Knock House Hotel is a 3 Star 68 bedroomed Hotel located adjacent to Ireland's International Eucharistic & Marian Shrine, in the tranquil village of Knock, Co. Mayo. This hotel nestles in 100 acres of picturesque grounds and is within walking distance of Knock Shrine & Basilica. It's the perfect location for a relaxing break. Here you will experience a uniquely friendly, comfortable and stylish Hotel with superb welcoming staff and excellent cuisine. The hotel has 6 wheelchairaccessible rooms and is noted for its excellent facilities for those with mobility needs. The Hotel is just 20 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock and 10 minutes from Claremorris Train Station. The Hotel provides a pick-up & drop-off service from Knock bus stops, and to and from Claremorris train station on a pre-booked basis.

Knock House Hotel Knock, Co. Mayo F12 R6Y5 Tel: 00353 (0)94 9388088 info@knockhousehotel.ie www.knockhousehotel.ie

Plant a seed and grow your legacy. Leave a gift in your Will to the ISPCA.

Leaving a gift in your Will to the ISPCA is a wonderful way to celebrate your love of animals and the unconditional love and companionship they give to you. By doing so, you will be helping to rescue many more animals so that they can take that first step to a happy new life.

Throughout each year, ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspectors respond to calls to our National Animal Cruelty Helpline, bringing abused and neglected animals to our Rescue Centres to recover.

Your kindness and generosity in leaving a legacy gift will ensure that the ISPCA can continue to fund and grow these services and will have a lasting impact on thousands of animals for generations to come.

ISPCA Free Online Will Writing

By making a Will, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that those you care about will be looked after and that your wishes for your loved ones, friends and family will be respected. The ISPCA’s Free Online Will Writing service can be used to make a Will for the first time or to amend an existing one. It’s available at no cost to you and with no obligation to donate.

To obtain your code for the ISPCA’s Free Online Will Writing service or to find out more information on how your legacy can help please visit www.ispca.ie/Legacies or call 087 0512603

Western Ways

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

Strokestown House National Famine Museum re-opens

work was allowed again a €5ml redevelopment programme got under way.

The major development included a state of the art multimedia exhibitions complete with touch screen facilities and specialised display areas within the museum itself, a brand new visitor centre with large café and shop, a new large space specifically for hosting cultural events, plus important preservation work to the Palladian Mansion. The new museum was developed by the Irish Heritage Trust in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and owners of the property, Westward Holdings.

Last month the official opening of the Museum took place attended by Catherine Martin TD Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport & Media and other dignitaries, including Jim Callery Director of Westward Holdings which purchased the house forty three years ago.

In her speech Minister Martin pointed out that this museum is a valuable and sustainable resource which will act as a

impact it had on Ireland. ‘Museums play an important role in delivering brilliant experiences, giving overseas visitors to Ireland a unique opportunity to experience the very best of our culture, people and places,’ she said, adding ‘the Government is proud to support innovation in tourism and I commend Fáilte Ireland for its vision and investment in this significant project’.

On a tour of this fine Museum, you will learn about a tragic past brought to life again through large numbers of priceless original documents relating to the Great Famine which were hidden for more than a century. In fact, thousands of documents were discovered when the house was purchased by the Westward Group in 1979. The Group subsequently invested both expertise and money to ensure the property was safeguarded for future generations.

In 1994 the Irish National Famine Museum was established on the estate and many of the important documents were put on public display for the first time, giving a dramatic insight into

the lives of tenants, labourers and the landlords throughout the famine period. During 2015 funding was provided by Fáilte Ireland which was matched by property owners Westward Holdings. The Irish Heritage Trust then took over responsibility for day to day operations at the estate.

The precious documents continue to play a large role in the museum’s depiction of those dreadful years. As you pass through the various rooms the famine story unfolds, giving a vivid picture of the parallel lives of rich and poor on the estate from the beginning through to forced emigration. With the help of audio, audio visual and touch screen facilities visitors can listen to the ‘voices of the famine’ as actors read from letters and documents of the period written by people whose lives were so affected.

The 2nd of November was the 175th anniversary of the assassination of the Strokestown landlord of the time Major

The Georgian Palladian house has been preserved containing original furnishings and fabrics. It was the family home of the Pakenham Mahon family for over 300 years and was constructed on the site of a 16th century castle belonging to Gaelic Chieftains.

To commemorate the enforced march some 30 bronze sculptures of children’s shoes have been placed along the route.

Part of the extensive gardens at Strokestown House

Trust gives dogs a second chance – with a

in my Will I can do the same.”

Valerie.

Let your love of dogs live forever.

When you join Valerie and Rowley and include a gift to Dogs Trust Ireland in your Will, your love of puppies and dogs can live forever. Through this very special gift, you can help create an Ireland where all dogs have a happy, healthy life in their forever home.

TO FIND OUT

your

or call us on 01

Valerie’s dog, Rowley.

Western Ways

time, giving a dramatic insight into the lives of tenants, labourers and the landlords throughout the famine period. During 2015 funding was provided by Fáilte Ireland which was matched by property owners Westward Holdings. The Irish Heritage Trust then took over responsibility for day to day operations at the estate.

The precious documents continue to play a large role in the museum’s depiction of those dreadful years. As you pass through the various rooms the famine story unfolds, giving a vivid picture of the parallel lives of rich and poor on the estate from the beginning through to forced emigration. With the help of audio, audio visual and touch screen facilities visitors can listen to the ‘voices of the famine’ as actors read from letters and documents of the period written by people whose lives were so affected.

The 2nd of November was the 175th anniversary of the assassination of the Strokestown landlord of the time Major Denis Mahon, who became the first landlord to be murdered during the Great Hunger. To mark this date a series of free performances and talks took place with the purpose of celebrating the women of Strokestown and the wider community who endured and lived on from the Irish Famine and the decades which followed.

Visitors to the museum can choose to take a self-guided tour with or without audio assistance or book one of the three times daily guided tours. A visit to the house however must be taken with a guide. The museum has recently acquired a new logo of a potato flower - a symbol of renewal and hope both commemorating the famine and symbolising new life. The Irish Heritage Trust also looks after the day to day operations at Fota House Arboretum and Gardens in County Cork and the Johnston Estate and Gardens in County Wexford.

Georgian Palladian House

The Georgian Palladian house has been preserved containing original furnishings and fabrics. It was the family home of the Pakenham Mahon family for over 300 years and was constructed on the site of a 16th century castle belonging to Gaelic Chieftains. The house visit must be with a guide but the great advantage is

there are just a couple of roped off areas meaning visitors can closely examine the many precious items on display. Highlights include untouched original features and furniture plus artifacts from dining sets to children’s toys. There is also the original kitchen in the basement to explore.

The upstairs section of the house is temporarily closed for further works but is expected to open again to the public shortly.

Victorian darkroom

Another new attraction is the Victorian darkroom launched during Heritage Week 2022 focusing on the photographic pursuits of Henry Pakenham Mahon in the 1890’s. He was a keen amateur photographer who created a purpose built dark room in the Gentlemen’s Study of the house. This exhibition was funded by the Heritage Council under the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2022.

Garden and woodlands walk

Take a stroll through the six acres of walled gardens containing exotic and rare plants, ferns, Victorian rose garden and the country’s longest herbaceous borders. There is also a collection of vintage garden tools and equipment. See slippers once put on donkeys so they didn’t mark the ground with their hoofs while grass cutting took place. On the mature woodland walk are many trees planted by the family some 300 years ago.

The bright and spacious brand new Woodland café just beside the retails shop is ideal for a coffee, snack or delicious meal prepared by Head chef Kevin McLoughlin. The shop sells specialised books, replicas of historical documents including the famous Clonahee Petition of August 1846, gifts and craft items. Note: the café, shop, visitor centre and museum are all wheelchair accessible.

Anyone with the slightest interest in past history and the Great Famine in particular should visit this excellent museum, which is a great credit to all those involved. Speaking to Senior Times John O’Driscoll General Manager of the Museum /Strokestown Park said ‘We are proud that the state -of- the -art National Famine Museum and our new café and retail area in the visitor centre result in a

world class experience here in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The National Famine Museum/Strokestown Park now truly is one of this country’s must-see attractions.’

The historic Famine Way

From Strokestown House there is also the National Famine way stretching right to the EPIC Museum in Dublin. While the journey brings you through some beautiful countryside it is a stark reminder of the suffering so many people had to endure during those years. This way- marked trail which opened two years ago follows the route taken by almost 1500 Strokestown tenants who had failed to pay their rent and were marched to Dublin in 1847 to board emigrant ships. They included women and small children.

To commemorate the enforced march some 30 bronze sculptures of children’s shoes have been placed along the route. Walkers can purchase an official National Famine Way pack and passport allowing them to record their progress with stage stamps. The pack also contains a personalised ticket, naming one of the family groups who walked the trail 175 years ago. The route finishes at EPIC (the Irish Emigration Museum) where a completion certificate is issued. This museum is located close to the Jeanie Johnston Famine ship moored on the river Liffey offering the chance to see first hand conditions emigrants endured on the long Atlantic crossings via Liverpool.

The Famine Way follows the route of the Royal Canal

Afghanistan: Nine months of conflict, crisis and hope in Herat

When Mamman Mustapha joined the Médecins Sans Frontières

Without Borders (MSF) team in Afghanistan, it was for a short assignment ‘relatively quiet' part of the country. Nine months later he had witnessed escalating conflict, a change in government and a growing humanitarian

I first arrived in Herat, western Afghanistan, on 31 December 2020. My assignment was be short just three months initially. I was there to work as the project coordinator, responsible coordinating our medical operations, negotiations with authorities, and security management the team.

Mamman Mustapha

When Mamman Mustapha joined the Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) team in Afghanistan, it was for a short assignment in a ‘relatively quiet' part of the country. Nine months later he had witnessed an escalating conflict, a change in government and a growing humanitarian crisis.

MSF has been working in Herat since 2018. We run a 74-bed therapeutic feeding centre for malnourished children in the regional hospital. On the outskirts of a camp for internally displaced people, we run a offers general medical consultations, including for non communicable diseases, ante and post natal care, childhood vaccinations and malnutrition screening and treatment. [We were] providing life saving assistance to the sick and wounded even during the height of the conflict. It still makes me incredibly that we were able to do this.

I first arrived in Herat, western Afghanistan, on 31 December 2020. My assignment was meant to be short – just three months initially. I was there to work as the project coordinator, responsible for coordinating our medical operations, negotiations with authorities, and security management of the team.

MSF has been working in Herat since 2018. We run a 74-bed therapeutic feeding centre for malnourished children in the regional hospital. On the outskirts of a camp for internally displaced people, we run a clinic that offers general medical consultations, including for noncommunicable diseases, ante and postnatal care, childhood vaccinations and malnutrition screening and treatment. [We were] providing life-saving assistance to the sick and wounded even during the height of the conflict. It still makes me incredibly happy that we were able to do this.

When Mamman Mustapha joined the Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) team in Afghanistan, it was for a short assignment ‘relatively quiet' part of the country. Nine months later he had witnessed escalating conflict, a change in government and a growing humanitarian crisis.

In those early months of 2021, the armed conflict was ongoing in Afghanistan, but Herat was relatively compared to other provinces. However, from 1 May, almost everything began to change. By July, the had reached several major cities. Negotiation was my daily job, and we regularly explained to all the the conflict that we are here to provide emergency medical services. We treat patients irrespective religion, gender or political affiliation, based on their medical needs alone. Throughout the fighting, were able to keep coming to work and our doors stayed open, providing lifesaving assistance to the wounded even during the height of the conflict. It still makes me incredibly happy that we were able

By mid-August, the fighting was over and Afghanistan had a new government. The safety and security of my team, patients and caretakers remained my number one priority. And even though the fighting had ended, there were still huge challenges. Airports and banks were closed throughout August and September and many other medical organisations were scaling down their work as funding was suspended by the EU, World Bank and others. The assets of the Afghan Central Bank were frozen by the US Federal Reserve.

In those early months of 2021, the armed conflict was ongoing in Afghanistan, but Herat was relatively safe compared to other provinces. However, from 1 May, almost everything began to change. By July, the conflict had reached several major cities. Negotiation was my daily job, and we regularly explained to all the parties in the conflict that we are here to provide emergency medical services. We treat patients irrespective of their religion, gender or political affiliation, based on their medical needs alone. Throughout the fighting, our staff were able to keep coming to work and our doors stayed open, providing lifesaving assistance to the sick and wounded even during the height of the conflict. It still makes me incredibly happy that we were able to do this.

other medical organisations were scaling down their work as funding was and others. The assets of the Afghan Central Bank were frozen by the US

other medical organisations were scaling down their work as funding was suspended and others. The assets of the Afghan Central Bank were frozen by the US Federal

I first arrived in Herat, western Afghanistan, on 31 December 2020. My assignment was meant be short just three months initially. I was there to work as the project coordinator, responsible coordinating our medical operations, negotiations with authorities, and security management the team.

As a result, the healthcare system almost collapsed. For a time in the hospital weren’t paid their salaries and many left their jobs. Staff in Herat Regional again, but in some health facilities across the country there are not enough equipment. As an organisation funded directly by private donations, we challenges. So, we were able to keep working, though under increased needs in Herat are enormous, especially in the context of the current economic

By mid-August, the fighting was over and Afghanistan had a new government. The safety and security team, patients and caretakers remained my number one priority. And even though the fighting had there were still huge challenges. Airports and banks were closed throughout August and September

As a result, the healthcare system almost collapsed. For a time in the hospital where we work, non-MSF staff weren’t paid their salaries and many left their jobs. Staff in Herat Regional Hospital are now receiving salaries again, but in some health facilities across the country there are not enough medical supplies or functional equipment.

I finished my assignment in Afghanistan in October 2021, saying goodbye to my Afghan colleagues whose dedication and zeal had encouraged me throughout my time there, as well as putting smiles on our patients’ faces. The work was challenging, incredibly intense and demanding, but seeing the results kept me positive. And the work is continuing. In December, the team started paediatric services in Herat Regional Hospital, improving access to medical care for the sickest children in the district.

As a result, the healthcare system almost collapsed. For a time in the hospital weren’t paid their salaries and many left their jobs. Staff in Herat Regional Hospital again, but in some health facilities across the country there are not enough medical equipment. As an organisation funded directly by private donations, we didn’t challenges. So, we were able to keep working, though under increased pressure. needs in Herat are enormous, especially in the context of the current economic

There is no armed conflict in Herat, but people are still dying as many cannot September to November, the number of malnourished children arriving higher than in the same months the previous year.

MSF has been working in Herat since 2018. We run a 74 bed therapeutic feeding centre for malnourished children in the regional hospital. On the outskirts of a camp for internally displaced people, we run a clinic offers general medical consultations, including for non communicable diseases, ante and post natal care, childhood vaccinations and malnutrition screening and treatment. [We were] providing life saving assistance to the sick and wounded even during the height of the conflict. It still makes me incredibly happy that we were able to do this.

There is no armed conflict in Herat, but people are still dying as many cannot September to November, the number of malnourished children arriving at our higher than in the same months the previous year.

I finished my assignment in Afghanistan in October 2021, saying goodbye dedication and zeal had encouraged me throughout my time there, as faces. The work was challenging, incredibly intense and demanding, but And the work is continuing. In December, the team started paediatric services improving access to medical care for the sickest children in the district.

I finished my assignment in Afghanistan in October 2021, saying goodbye to my dedication and zeal had encouraged me throughout my time there, as well as faces. The work was challenging, incredibly intense and demanding, but seeing And the work is continuing. In December, the team started paediatric services improving access to medical care for the sickest children in the district.

As an organisation funded directly by private donations, we didn’t face the same funding challenges. So, we were able to keep working, though under increased pressure. The medical and non-medical needs in Herat are enormous, especially in the context of the current economic crisis.

There is no armed conflict in Herat, but people are still dying as many cannot afford to buy food. From September to November, the number of malnourished children arriving at our feeding centre was significantly higher than in the same months the previous year.

Herat is a fulfilling place to come and work and it is a place that most people would like. However, the humanitarian situation is complex and needs to be addressed without delay . The challenges we face will evolve and the security of our teams and patients remain a concern. What is clear to me is that we are needed there, that our team is motivated and dedicated, and that we are doing our best as much as we can.

Herat is a fulfilling place to come and work and it is a place that most people humanitarian situation is complex and needs to be addressed without delay and the security of our teams and patients remain a concern. What is clear that our team is motivated and dedicated, and that we are doing our best

Herat is a fulfilling place to come and work and it is a place that most people humanitarian situation is complex and needs to be addressed without delay . and the security of our teams and patients remain a concern. What is clear to that our team is motivated and dedicated, and that we are doing our best as

In those early months of 2021, the armed conflict was ongoing in Afghanistan, but Herat was relatively compared to other provinces. However, from 1 May, almost everything began to change. By July, the had reached several major cities. Negotiation was my daily job, and we regularly explained to all the the conflict that we are here to provide emergency medical services We treat patients irrespective of religion, gender or political affiliation, based on their medical needs alone. Throughout the fighting, our were able to keep coming to work and our doors stayed open, providing lifesaving assistance to the sick wounded even during the height of the conflict It still makes me incredibly happy that we were able to

MSF project coordinator, Afghanistan

Mamman Mustapha

By mid August, the fighting was over and Afghanistan had a new government. The safety and security team, patients and caretakers remained my number one priority. And even though the fighting had ended, there were still huge challenges. Airports and banks were closed throughout August and September and

MSF project coordinator, Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Nine months of conflict, crisis and hope in Herat

Woman talking with an MSF staff outside the MSF’s Kahdestan Clinic outpatient clinic, Herat

Mamman Mustapha

Mamman Mustapha MSF project coordinator, Afghanistan

Woman talking with an MSF staff outside the MSF’s Kahdestan Clinic outpatient clinic, Herat

a

Leave the legacy of a brighter future for people living with disability

Help us support children and adults to live their lives with no limits

If the time is right to make or update your Will, maybe you’d consider including a gift to help support children and adults living with disability?

By leaving a bequest to Enable Ireland, your kindness will make a truly life-changing impact on future generations who are born with, or acquire a disability.

Maybe you recognise our name from our shops, but did you know that we support 13,000 people in 43 locations around Ireland? Every day, we support people with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities to fulfil their goals in life. But we need public support to help fund our vital life-changing services. Over the 70 years we’ve been around, huge advances have been made, but our ethos has remained the same - to ensure everyone has the opportunity to be included in society and to be as independent as possible.

A

in your Will

of

no limits.

Wine World

Christmas is a welcome time for celebration, a break from the dark days of winter. And while we enjoy getting together with friends and family, it can often be the case of over-doing it, and left feeling the pain afterwards.

So this year, why not stock up on some de-alcoholised wines, along with your usual shopping? First of all it is good to have something to offer the drivers and those not drinking who visit your house, rather than a cup of tea or a fruit juice.

Also most of these wines are easy on the pocket , and finally they taste just as good as the real thing.

You might have noticed in your local off-licence or supermarket a growing section of non-alcohol wines, this is usually placed just beside the entrance to the alcoholic section. It is definitely worth checking them out and picking up a few to have over the festive period.

Santa Rita 120 is a very popular wine

range here in Ireland, and their Sauvignon Blanc is rated as being among the best in the wine producing world. Last April I included their low-alcohol Sauvignon Blanc at a tasting in Dublin, and people were pleasantly surprised at how much they liked it. Now I am recom mending the de-alcoholised Sauvignon Blanc which comes from the Central Valley, made with grapes that are hand picked and only after fermentation is the wine de-alcoholised and blended. The result is a fresh mineral wine that is

Festive tipples that won’t break the bank will go easy on your physical and financial health.

balanced with a fruity sweetness. It has a cellaring potential of eighteen months, pairs well with fish and salads and is a perfect accompaniment with canapés and nibbles. Best of all, it is now available in Tesco for just €5

Moving to Argentina, specifically the Mendoza region, which is famous for its Malbec, we have a stunning Rosé from Dona Paula. Rosé is not just a summer wine, it is great for celebrations and also for snacks and nibbles at a gathering. It adds a cheer to the party and always goes down well. This Rosé has a pale pink colour and flavours of berries with a soft and balanced finish. It comes with an alcohol level of 11.5% so once again is a good lunch time option. It is available now in SuperValu, Tesco and Dunnes reduced from €15 to just €10. A real Christmas bargain.

Moving on to red wines, once again it is South America that scores highly for both quality and value. Dona Paula shines again with a stunning 100% high

altitude estate Malbec that comes in at 14.5% alcohol. It has an intense violet colour and in the nose there are aromas of black fruit, violets and pears. It has great structure and concentration and is a bargain at €15.99 It is currently available at Tesco, SuperValu and selected Dunnes Stores.

If you like to compare Malbecs, Santa Rita 120 have a very good Reserva Especial with an intense purple-red colour. It has rich aromas such as cherries, plums and blueberries, along with violets, dried plums, and walnuts. It is a well-balanced wine that culminates in a smooth lingering finish. It is a good 13.5% alcohol and is currently available in Tesco, SuperValu and Spar down from €13.50 to just €9

While the 120 wine range is very popular here in Ireland, not everybody is familiar with the back-story to these wines. According to legend, 120 patriots, exhausted after a long, hard battle during the fight for Chile's independence,

reached the lands belonging to Santa Rita. On that fateful night in 1814, these forces of liberty found refuge in the estate cellars. Today, within these same cellars, the award-winning 120 wines are crafted to honour their heroic character.

And finally to another great red that really has a place at the table this Christ mas. Medalla Real Reserva Syrah 2019 is an ideal wine to go with your turkey. With its intense ruby colour, aromas of red fruits like plums. It has great balance and a fruity finish. Alcohol is at 13.9% and it is an excellent wine for food. It is available for €15 at Tesco.

If you would like an opportunity to taste some of these wines, I will be hosting a wine tasting at the Senior Times Live Show in Cork on 25th and 26th of No vember. But do get your name in early, as places will be limited.

Meanwhile, have a safe and happy festive season. Cheers!

Faith in the future: new miracle innovations could save thousands of lives from climate disaster

In some parts of the Horn of Africa, there hasn’t been a single drop of rain in three years. Dead cows lie decaying by the road, overcome by dehydration. Across Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, the dust-filled plains are so bare of vegetation that they don’t attract any animals. The villages are just as quiet. The hustle and bustle of families cooking or working has fallen silent. Children who haven’t eaten for days do nothing but sit still in their huts, too tired and sick to move.

It’s the same dire, drought-rav aged situation across all the coun tries in the Horn of Africa. Right now, 16 million people are acutely food insecure. It’s estimated one person dies of hunger every 48 seconds. And as climate change causes more extreme weath er patterns, experts predict that droughts like these will become even more frequent, and last even longer, with devastating effects for future generations.

Living in hunger

Ahmed, a farmer in Somalia, and his children, live on the frontline of the climate crisis. He inherited his land from his father who was a farmer before him. But with each year that has gone by since he was a boy, he has seen less and less rain falling on the family farm. The soil has become so dry that he can no longer grow the nutritious corn and sorghum that once helped him put food on the table.

Seeing his crops wither before his eyes, Ahmed did everything he could to save them, but without water, it wasn’t enough. He had nothing to eat and nothing to sell at the market. The pain of hunger began to take hold of his children. Even if his family were to survive the current crisis, he could only wonder how his children would ever live through the more formi dable droughts of the future.

to supporters who left a gift in their Will to the charity, Concern has the resources to build climate-smart agricultural programmes that can support Ahmed and families like his. They provide the tools and training that, even in the driest conditions, help farmers grow nourishing food.

Communities face the threat of mass starvation as the climate crisis worsens.

Miracle innovation

It was in this desperate situation that Concern Worldwide, Ireland’s largest international aid charity, and their generous community of supporters, were able to provide a lifeline for Ahmed. For 54 years, the charity has been helping people from the world’s poorest communi ties to build lives free from hunger.

In Ahmed’s case, escaping hunger meant achieving something that seemed impossible to him – find ing a way to turn his dusty fields green again despite the onslaught of the current drought. But thanks

Life-saving innovation

For decades, Concern Worldwide has been bringing life-saving solutions to people facing the climate crisis. The miraculous results have been nothing short of life-changing for thousands of families.

Together, Concern and its support ers were able to provide Ahmed with a wide range of drought-re sistant seeds, and training on how to grow them. The results have been nothing short of mi raculous – today, his once-barren land is sprouting thousands of fruit-bearing trees. With the in come he’s earning from selling the

While the threat of mass starvation looms, Concern Worldwide is call ing for more people to help them protect vulnerable families like Ahmed’s from the hunger caused by drought and climate change. When people leave a gift in their Will to Concern, they’re giving hope to children, families and communi ties facing future challenges of the climate crisis, by supporting this life-saving agricultural programme.

Leaving a legacy of hope for future generations

Siobhán O’Connor, from Concern, advises people who want to leave a gift in their Will to the charity. “The gifts that our generous supporters

“ I am proud to know that, even when I am gone, my support will continue to save lives.”

Colm, who’s leaving a gift in his Will to Concern Worldwide, Co. Galway

produce, he can afford to feed his children again. And when they’re old enough, they will learn these life-changing skills from Ahmed, which they can pass on to their own children, ensuring future gen erations live a life free from hunger.

The future threat of climate change

leave in their Wills have the power to change so much,” Siobhán told us. She continued, “That single act of kindness goes far beyond helping one family protect them selves from hunger – it lives on through the years, from generation to generation, helping the families and children of the future survive even the deadliest drought.”

CROP VARIETY & DIVERSIFICATION

Drought-resistant seeds increase the chance of a successful crop, even in dry conditions, to protect families from hunger.

IRRIGATION

When an area receives no rainfall, innovative water pumping systems can bring vital, enriching moisture to barren soil.

POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT

When crops are harvested, more secure storage techniques can protect them from being spoiled by insects and fungi later.

Although the future looks brighter for Ahmed and his children, many families are still not safe from climate change. The World Bank predicts that the coming changes in weather patterns could force more than 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030. And by 2050, it may internally displace 143 million people from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and Latin America.

More and more compassionate people across Ireland are now moving to support Concern’s vision to build a hunger-free world. Siobhán explains, “Our community is united by a simple belief that no one should ever have to suffer the pain of hunger. If you share in this belief, I would encourage you to consider joining us today. No gift is too small or big, every donation will help build a world free from hunger.”

BEFORE AFTER

“With the seeds Concern provided, I was able to harvest a lot more and help my family, it changed everything.” Ahmed, Somalia

Self-Publishing Frequently Asked Questions

I have been writing all my life but don’t know where to start

If you have a story that you want to share, the best place to start is a phone call. No matter where you are in your storytelling journey, an independent publisher can help you to take the next steps in creating your book.

Can I sell my book in shops?

Once your book has been made, you are in total control.

Your independent publisher will assign an ISBN to your book, and you can then approach book shops that you feel may be interested in selling your book

What are the stages of printing a book?

First, contact an independent publishing consultant and gather your materials (text and images etc…) Then edit your book for grammar and spelling- professional editors can help you with this process. Decide on your book size, cover style, artwork etc. Work with a graphic designer to lay out your cover and book correctly. Final edits are then made. Your book is then ready to be reviewed and signed-off before being sent to print. This process may take a long time, so make sure to discuss the project timeline with your consultant.

What kind of covers can I use for my book?

A great advantage to self-publishing your book is that you have control over all aspects of it, including the look and feel of the physical book. You can choose to go with a hardcover or a softcover, or to print a few of each.

How do I include photos or illustrations in my book?

A designer will take your photos and include them throughout the book wherever you want them. These images can be supplied as jpg or pdf files.

Can you help me with grammar and punctuation

No need to worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation, as there are plenty of resources to help you with that- Editors will help you to dot your I’s and cross your T’s.

What size book is best for me

This will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of book it is. Our dedicated self-publishing consultant will be able to help you assess your book and discuss sizing options with you.

How many pages do I need to make a book?

Can I print a small one?

Depending on the type of paper your choose to use, there is a minimum of approximately 80 pages to print a hardcover book. There is no minimum page count for softcover books.

How do you design a book cover

A book cover can be made up however you wish. This may include an image, or a number of images. Alternatively, designers can create a cover based on your specific requirements.

If you have a story sitting in your desk drawer, that you feel could be shared with the world, call Lettertec today on 021 488 3370. Our team of experts will help you to bring your story to life, wherever you are in that storytelling journey.

To find out more about selfpublishing your story visit selfpublishbooks.ie, or call 021 488 3370

Courtesy of Lettertec

Creative Writing

The spectacular library of magical things

Meeting Caroline Busher for the first time, I’m immediately struck by her distinctive style. An Irish Times bestselling children’s author, Caroline describes her ‘look’ with a response which can only come from genuine passion. ‘I adore vintage clothes. Wearing a vintage dress is like wrapping myself in a piece of history.’ An apt analogy for a woman who grew up in a Victorian house in the North West of England. It also explains her interest in heritage (she’s an expert in the field) and its many interesting, life enhancing facets.

Curiosity about the past ‘awakens a time gone before and people who lived then and the things they owned.’ A tremendous introduction to a writer’s took kit i.e. characterisation, landscape, physical detail and plot development, among others. She likes rummaging around old book shops and vintage shops at the weekend. Those of us with similar interest understand this pleasure very well (I also love exploring these kinds of emporiums). ‘There’s nothing better than discovering a forgotten treasure in a vintage market.’ She even has a vintage

typewriter, an ancient spyglass and a pair of Victorian spectacles.

So where did it all begin? ‘As a child I would jot down stories on sweet wrappers and scraps of paper.” And no doubt there were many trips to the local library? She nods her head in agreement, remembering many happy hours spent in that environment (now as then). As Caroline got older, the family moved to Ireland and she continued to write.

Ireland, as we all know, being the island of Saints and Scholars, has more than

Eileen Casey talks to best-selling children’s author Caroline Busher

Caroline Busher : ‘every phase of life is special. As we age we gain life experience. The wisdom that comes with this is a wonderful gift and one we can share with others.’

its fair share of world famous writers; Booker Prize winners, Nobel Prize winners, the list goes on. A writer needs affirmation to continue, a writer doesn’t work in a vacuum. Which is why this very engaging young woman began writing in earnest in 2013 by entering a short story competition on writing.ie (a reputable writer’s network). Reaching the shortlist was proof of her abilities.

“Over the coming years after that, I received various awards and bursaries and then, in 2014 I decided to take the next step and apply for the MA in Creative Writing in UCD.’ From that year-long course emerged her first novel The Ghosts of Magnificent Children sent it to my agent in America and I was delighted to sign a book deal with Poolbeg Press.’ It’s a success story which every writer dreams about. In popular culture it’s often referred to as having the ‘x-factor’. Caroline’s entry to the world of publishing houses, agents, launches etc. was swift. Further proof she was following her destiny.

I wondered why this particular genre is the one Caroline is most drawn to, it’s certainly one of the most difficult. ‘I decided to write books for young readers as I believe that reading has the power to change lives.’ There’s no doubting that fact, which is why Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is so popular all over the globe. And so necessary. She agrees; ‘Reading teaches children how to structure sentences and how to use language effectively.’

I ask her the same question I’ve asked many writers previously, regarding advice to a beginning writer. She wholeheartedly concurs with the general consensus which is ‘to keep writing and keep reading. Join a writing group, attend literary festivals and enter competitions.’ And of course, the tenet I abide by myself; ‘Never give up’. Given her distinctive style, I wonder the writing ‘space’ she uses. After all, Dylan Thomas had a boathouse, Roald Dahl his garden shed. ‘I write my books in an eighteenth century shepherd’s hut in my garden.’ Naturally, an author whose novel The Legend of Valentine Sorrow was shortlisted for Teen Book of the Year, 2022 at the Irish Book Awards, writes every single day.

Her new novel The Spectacular Library of Magical Things is due out

in November, 2022. ‘It’s a retelling of the Banshee’s story, the most profound female figure in Irish Folklore.’ Caroline has an abiding interest in myths and legends, using elements from existing tales in exciting new and original storylines. Her current novel is set in 1798 (a significant year historically).

‘The main character is Síofra, a young Banshee who lives on an enchanted island. She guides the souls of the dead to the afterlife and guards The Spectacular Library of Magical Things.’ Caroline believes that there is truth in ancient folktales and power in a Banshee’s tears. ‘Once this power is unleashed, it cannot be contained. Secrets are revealed, fears are faced and as the battle of Vinegar Hill unfolds, two extraordinary friends, embark upon the adventure of a lifetime.’

Sounds exhilarating, a storyline appealing to adult readership also. I’m so intrigued I just cannot leave the narrative just yet so I ask for more. Caroline generously obliges. ‘One star filled night, Ciara, a girl born with a swan’s wing, is shipwrecked on the island. Cara needs Síofra’s help to solve the mystery of the Booley Girls – a group of girls who vanished on the mountainside and are trapped in the mists of time.’ And that is all for now. It’s a read not to be missed, filled with magical happenings, great characters and an enduring belief in female (girl) power.

re-writing. Caroline is adament that ‘the difference between a first draft and a fourth draft of a novel is remarkable.’ One thing she knows for certain however, is that no matter what stage a writer is at, whether beginning or established, the writing journey begins with the blank page. This begs the question as to her own reading choices. ‘Fairy tales excite and intrigue me. They stir my senses. The visual imagery in fairy tales are stunning, the dark undercurrent that infiltrates the seemingly simple narrative make them timeless.’ Naturally, fairy tales and folklore were part of the material studied while she completed her MA.

Caroline Busher is a young, vibrant woman but she still has a philosophy for growing older, considering it a privilege ‘and that every phase of life is special. As we age we gain life experience. The wisdom that comes with this is a wonderful gift and one we can share with others.’ Caroline’s favourite place is where she lives, in the south east of Ireland. ‘I strongly believe that it is the most magical place on earth.’ As her house is nestled beneath the Black Stairs Mountains, visitors must be wary because ‘The mountains resemble sleeping giants and legend has it that the giants might wake up someday.’ One thing’s certain. Should they wake up, they’ll be welcomed wholeheartedly by this exciting novelist.

Illustrated poetry project

Recently, I had the good fortune to team up again with Visual Artist Emma Barone. Previously, we collaborated on publications, From Bone to Blossom and Reading Hieroglyphs in Unexpected Places. Both publications featured poetry and visual art. Reading Hieroglyphs in Unexpected Places was described by The Irish Independent as ‘a magical book about shoes through magical poetry and visual art’. From Bone to Blossom (AlTenTs, Rua Red Art Gallery, Tallaght) is a combination of b/w pen and ink drawings of trees and tree poetry. This publication (with a foreword by Grace Wells) formed the basis for an academic essay in The Nordic Irish Studies Journal. Working with Emma proves the advantages of artistic collaboration. Her visual art is stunning and she is also experimental and innovative.

Our latest work ‘Palimpsest’ came about when I fell under the thrall of this word. The dictionary meaning is; ‘a manuscript or piece of writing material on which later writing has been superimposed on effaced earlier writing.’ I wanted to apply this meaning to buildings. After all, a building could be a manuscript too. Its surface is often effaced, new narratives ‘painted’ over older ones. I invited Emma to collaborate and this resulted in 11 art pieces, each one featuring a shop front in the Georgian town of Birr, County Offaly. Emma used the technique of photo montage while I wrote the accompanying poems. It was very enriching to re-visit earlier memories I had of growing up in that town. I was able to breathe life into places

William Tiernan poetry collection

Often, I have the good fortune to receive manuscripts to endorse or review. A recent such publication The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life (The Manuscript Publisher) arrived on my desk. This poetry collection, by William Tiernan (his third to date), is very nicely presented. The Manuscript Publisher, an Irish company, offers a range of professional services to writers: editorial, publishing, print management, e-publishing, sales and marketing. It supplies everything a writer needs to go from blank page to published work.

Tiernan is a poet and author who lives in rural Galway, close to the Roscommon border. His writings reflect his personal experiences and convictions as well as strong ties to the community in which he lives. He also has a reputable track record, being the national winner in the poetry category at the Hanna Greally International Literary Awards (SiarScéal Festival, County

One of the images from Reading Hieroglyphs in Unexpected Places, a collaboration between myself and visual artist Emma Barons

alive in my memory but alas, no longer existing in the town. But the ‘spaces’ they once occupied are still there of course. For example, the ‘chipper’ where I sat with my sisters and listened to the juke box, that’s now a beauty salon. The drapery shop where I worked for one whole summer is now a tattoo parlour. Unpeeling the layers of all these ‘lives’ was an emotional yet highly creative task.

Roscommon). Among his themes are; the war in Ukraine, pandemics. Battles of the body and bullying of the mind. Tiernan’s observations go straight to the human heart, breaking down the distance between what is right and what is wrong, conveying it all in his unique inimitable lyrical style. The Manuscript Publisher website is www. TheManuscriptPublisher.com.

Booker prize winner

Finally, congratulations to 2022 Booker Prize winner, Shehan Karunatilaka, whose The Seven Moons of Maali took the award from a hotly contested shortlist. Only his second novel, it’s a magical realist murder mystery set in 1990 during the Sri Lankan civil war. Written in ‘you’ perspective, the storyline follows Maali, who wakes up dead in an underworld and only has seven days (seven moons) to find out who murdered him. Magic realism is not for every reader (Allende and Garcia Marquez are writers in this vein) but it’s a fantastical odyssey in reading terms and a personal favourite. Our own Claire Keegan’s Small Things

Like These flew the flag for Ireland. Her novella was the shortest book (116) pages to enter into such a literary hall of fame.

Claire Keegan was my first ever writing tutor in Tallaght (Virginia House), over 30 years ago. She was magnificent then as she is now. No doubt she will continue her illustrious career. An Cailín Ciúin (based on Keegan’s Foster novella) is already touted as an Oscar winner. Ireland is indeed an island, if not of saints, then certainly of scholars.

The Joys of a Second Rattle at Life by William Tiernan is published under the imprint of The Manuscript Publisher and available to buy online (RRP €12.95 plus P&P). ISBN: 978-1-911442-41-7

Caroline Busher’s The Spectacular Library of Magical Things is published by Poolbeg and available in all good book shops.

The Seven Moons of Maali (Almeida) will be on sale absolutely everywhere. I can’t wait to read it.

Claire Keegan’s Small Things Like These (Faber & Faber) is available in all good bookshops.

By Debbie Orme

Employment event for over-50s just the job

Anyone over the age of 50 is only too aware of how much ‘ageism’ there can be when it comes to applying for jobs, so it was great to hear about a recent innovative event that was held across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The event brought together local employers, who gathered together to explore opportunities to recruit people over the age of 50 to their business.

The event was part of a series organised by the Labour Market Partnership in collaboration with Age Friendly Causeway to celebrate Positive Ageing Month in October and was part funded by the Department for Communities through their Labour Market Partnership Programme.

‘Age should not be a barrier to employment opportunities,’ said Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey. ‘Our over-50s have a wealth of knowledge and life experiences which they can bring to any organisation.

‘In marking Active Ageing Month, I am delighted that my Department’s Labour Market Partnership Initiative is focusing on our older workers who are a substantial asset to our community. ‘We know that when people find engaging work, it helps with self-esteem and they live fuller lives. Local employers will also benefit widely from the contribution that older workers can make.’

Attendees heard from a range of speakers, including local businesses, on the advantages of employing those aged 50+. ‘Demographically, our population is getting older and the impact of this will be an older customer base as well as older employees,’ added Causeway Coast and Glens Labour Market Partnership Manager, Marc McGerty. ‘This provides an opportunity for local businesses.

Dearbháile Hutchinson, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Labour Market Partnership Officer; Vera Boyd, Kevin Doherty and Sylvia Sampson from Platinum Care; the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace; Liam Hinphey, Age Friendly Coordinator; Kelly Croskery from Platinum Care; Annette Deighan, Causeway Chamber of Commerce; Marc McGerty, Labour Market Partnership Manager and Chloe Stewart, Labour Market Partnership Administration Officer

Northern Notes

Irish Blue Cross,

to

pets who us.

Each year we get thousands of visits to our clinics from families who would not otherwise be able to afford veterinary care. We never turn them away, because our mission is to help everyone who needs our services.

Thousands

why we need you. Help us our essential veterinary services operational. And save the lives of pets. give the very best care to thousands of pets each year. Given cost-of-living crisis, more and families will need our low-cost healthcare. Pets are close to your And ours. Please help support vital work.

Some of our services: We promote responsible pet ownership through neutering, microchipping, and vaccination programs. We also provide free talks to schools and youth groups on request.

At The Irish Blue Cross, our resources are stretched to the very limit. We have never seen such a demand for our vital work. We are trying to keep offering our services for all the sick pets who need us.

keeps us going is you. support means the world to us the pets we help. are amazing. They offer companionship, encourage exercise, promote responsibility and help with health issues. A lot of them are very cute. The Irish Blue Cross is for the pets that are there for you. 1945 we have been offering low veterinary support to the people need it most. Today we operate network of ten mobile veterinary across Dublin, as well as our Pet Hospital in Inchicore.

TYSON

Our horse ambulance service is on standby at race meetings and big equestrian events in Ireland.

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

We give the very best care to thousands of pets each year. Given the cost-of-living crisis, more and more families will need our low-cost pet healthcare. Pets are close to your heart. And ours. Please help support our vital work.

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

Pets are amazing. They offer companionship, encourage exercise, promote responsibility and help with mental health issues. A lot of them are also very cute. The Irish Blue Cross is here for the pets that are there for you. Since 1945 we have been offering low cost veterinary support to the people who need it most. Today we operate a network of ten mobile veterinary clinics across Dublin, as well as our Pet Hospital in Inchicore.

Each year we get thousands of visits to our clinics from families who would not otherwise be able to afford veterinary care. We never turn them away, because our mission is to help everyone who needs our services.

Some of our services: We promote responsible pet ownership through neutering, microchipping, and vaccination programs. We also provide free talks to schools and youth groups on request.

Our horse ambulance service is on standby at race meetings and big equestrian events in Ireland.

Tyson’s Tale

Tyson had a large piece of thick rubber lodged in his intestine, causing a total blockage.

TYSON

Tyson’s Tale

Tyson had a large piece of thick rubber lodged in his intestine, causing a total blockage.

This was a life-threatening emergency. Tyson was brought to our pet hospital at Inchicore, where our veterinary team gave him an X-ray and a scan. They identified that Tyson needed urgent surgery, and thanks to our vets’ expertise and care, the operation was a success.

This was a life-threatening emergency. Tyson was brought to our pet hospital at Inchicore, where our veterinary team gave him an X-ray and a scan. They identified that Tyson needed urgent surgery, and thanks to our vets’ expertise and care, the operation was a success.

Tyson’s life was saved.

Our vets and nurses gave Tyson all the aftercare he needed –including the occasional belly rub, making his tail wag with happiness!

Tyson’s life was saved.

Our vets and nurses gave Tyson all the aftercare he needed –including the occasional belly rub, making his tail wag with happiness!

“The Irish Blue Cross is a fantastic resource, they have been so good to Tyson, with his multiple surgeries and endless visits. We can always count on The Irish Blue Cross and we know Tyson is in great hands with them. We appreciate all the staff so much, from the vets to the drivers of the mobile clinics.”

– Tyson’s owner.

“The Irish Blue Cross is a fantastic resource, they have been so good to Tyson, with his multiple surgeries and endless visits. We can always count on The Irish Blue Cross and we know Tyson is in great hands with them. We appreciate all the staff so much, from the vets to the drivers of the mobile clinics.”

– Tyson’s owner.

Thankfully, we at The Irish Blue Cross were there for Tyson and his owner when they needed us.

Thankfully, we at The Irish Blue Cross were there for Tyson and his owner when they needed

‘Staff aged over 50 have excellent life skills which transfer directly into the workplace, and they can offer greater expertise, knowledge, and abilities which they have built up from years of experience. As well as this, they are typically more reliable, flexible, and committed with studies demonstrating lower levels of short-term absenteeism.’

One of the employers, who took part in the event, was Sylvia Sampson from Platinum Care.

‘At Platinum Care,’ she said, ‘we have found that employing people who are 50 plus has really helped us to retain a very capable, reliable, and caring workforce which adds value to the business and increases the quality of the services that we provide.’

For more information on the Age Friendly Programme and Positive Ageing Month visit https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/agefriendly/positive-ageing-month

Strabane cleans up

the Tyrone category for Best Customer Service and Caroline Clarke from the business won Best Restaurant Manager.Tusk, Castle Street, won the Best World Cuisine and The Farmers Home, Railway Street, picked up an award for Pub of the Year.

Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID, said he was delighted that Strabane's hospitality sector is getting the recognition it deserves.

‘We have some excellent places to eat in Strabane,’ he said, ‘and it is brilliant to see them getting the recognition they deserve. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing cuisine and incredible talent we have on our doorstep, not to mention the passionate and marvellous staff who go above and beyond when it comes to customer service.’

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Sandra Duffy, said this was a fantastic achievement for the Strabane restaurants. ‘Well done to the three local businesses who had great success at the recent Irish Restaurant Awards in Cavan,’ she said. ‘It's been a tough few years for businesses following the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly for bars and restaurants, so it is lovely to share some good news and celebrate these brilliant businesses who are obviously going from strength to strength. Congratulations to everyone involved.’

‘It is always a real honour to be recognised by the prestigious Restaurant Association of Ireland,’ added Kevin Clarke, Owner of Oysters Restaurant. ‘Our aim at Oysters, first and foremost, is to offer our clientele a memorable dining experience which is only possible through the diligent efforts of the team that support us. And finally, a huge thank you to the customers who nominate us for these awards. Their validation of what we do is always our driving force.’

Tusk was also keen to acknowledge the hard work of their team and the support of their customers. ‘The support from our customers has been phenomenal,’ said manager, Dara Guram, ‘and this, in turn, has had a positive impact on our team who strive to make the restaurant the best it can possibly be. This award wouldn't be possible without them.’

‘It's a fantastic achievement for Strabane,’ said John McGowan, Owner of The Farmers Home. ‘To walk away with four awards between us is testament to the quality offered here locally. The Farmers Home has a quality team who give their all to the pub and it's great to see them getting the recognition for their efforts.’

Marc McGerty, Labour Market Partnership Manager, speaking at the event for employers held during Positive Ageing Month.

Join the Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland to unlock a year of iconic art, and unlimited visits to paid exhibitions. Membership of the Gallery is a great way to support the Arts.

Exhibitions – Get free unlimited entry

Our current exhibition Turner: The Sun is God which runs until 6 February is organised in cooperation with Tate and proudly supported by Grant Thornton, Turner Exhibitions Partner. The Gallery would like to thank the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media for their ongoing support.

A wealth of benefits for Friends

In 2023 a dynamic programme of events and activities for Friends will run alongside our exhibitions. This will include exclusive access to digital content, an exciting events programme including talks and tours at the Gallery and beyond, and access to ‘Friends Fortnight’, a two-week celebration of Friends which takes place during the month of February.

Members will gain new insights with access to exclusive lectures, tours and events (including some virtual via ZOOM), sharing knowledge and behind-the-scenes stories about Gallery exhibitions and projects. You will also receive access to an archive of videos, art history talks and lecture series on YouTube, and a weekly

e-newsletter sharing new events and Gallery news exclusively for Friends. Friends get discounts on education courses and events and a 10% discount in the Gallery shop and café, plus a copy of each issue of The Gallery magazine.

Supporting the National Collection

Not only does Membership offer lots of great benefits, but every purchase supports the Gallery’s work. Thanks to the generous support of Friends, a 16th century work by Venetian artist Palma il Vecchio (pictured) that has been in the Gallery stores for many years is currently undergoing treatment by our Head of Conservation Simone Mancini. Friends were also recently able to support the purchase of a new microscope to aid the conservation and care of the Collection. Friends have previously supported acquisitions, exhibitions and displays, and recently the publication accompanying the recent exhibition Jack B Yeats: Painting and Memory.

What our Friends say

“I have really enjoyed visits to, and lectures provided by, the Gallery in this last year. You provide a lot of value to your Friends and Patrons” - Mary

“It was very enjoyable to visit behind-thescenes, and view artworks that are rarely seen. The event was very well organised with excellent communication.”

– Diana

“Visits to the Print Room and interaction with Curators is always interesting and informative. I don’t think you can improve on that. Venue and catering were excellent.”

– Eamonn

A message from the Friends Team

We are very grateful for the support of our Friends. Membership of Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland offers the chance to be even closer to the Gallery. We are delighted to be offering both online and onsite events to inspire art lovers from all over the country to join our community. Friends will be able to explore a year of unmissable exhibitions for free, experience exclusive talks and events and enjoy special discounts whilst supporting the National Gallery of Ireland’s work. Your Art. Your Gallery. Join us.

Sinéad Morrin – Friends Manager

Give the gift of art

All types of memberships are available as a gift for the art lover in your life.

Give friends and family endless enjoyment, and a year of inspirational art with a Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland gift Membership. Every purchase supports the National Gallery and the lucky recipient will enjoy a range of fantastic benefits available to Friends throughout the year.

For more information please visit www. nationalgallery.ie/friends, or call the Friends desk on +353 (01) 661 9877

Art Discover and rediscover the National Collection with a Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland membership.

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), 'Landscape with the Rest on the Flight into Egypt', 1647. Photo © National Gallery of Ireland.

Image © National Gallery of Ireland.

Image © National Gallery of Ireland.

At Brídhaven, now a Virtue Integrated Elderly Care residence, we focus on supporting our residents to engage with what is meaningful to them.

Our home provides long term care, convalescent, respite and emergency respite care.

We help our residents to maximise their potential and to live their lives to the full. Household life is normal yet full of new experiences.

We have an exciting calendar of activities and events to stimulate and bring joy to the lives of our residents.

Our residents are central to everything we do

We would love the opportunity to show you our home and facilities. You can find further details at www.bridhaven.ie or please call us on (022) 22 205 to arrange a visit.

T: (022) 22 205

E: info@bridhaven.ie

Spa Glen, Mallow, Co Cork, Ireland, P51 WK80

Happy Carers Make Happy Customers

Founded by in 2018, InisCare (an Approved Provider of Home Support Services to the HSE) was founded from a simple belief, that happy carers make happy customers. The concept for InisCare began through the combination of three beliefs:

• Everyone is entitled to live independently at home;

• People live happier and healthier lives at home, in their own community; and

• All members of the care team must properly supported and valued to best support our customers.

Trust, Happiness, Energy, Empowerment and Quality represent our core values, which underpin everything we do. Our nurse-led Senior Management team supports a highly qualified and experienced team that oversees the delivery of home care services throughout North and South Dublin.

Today we are proud that InisCare is now one of the largest and most renowned homecare providers in Dublin. Having our employees and our customers at the core of everything we do, we can empower our customers to continue living happily at home.

Our Vision

For every person to have the choice to continue living in their own home, in their own community, among their family and friends

Mission

To be relied upon to provide the health care, personal care and day-to-day support that people need to continue living happily at home.

Culture

Our culture is Supportive, Open, Professional, Reliable and friendly Our Services

Our care team covers all areas such as Personal care, Palliative, Respite, Dementia, Disability Care and Domestic services

Our Locations

We have 5 offices across Dublin: Glasnevin, Santry, Swords, Dundrum, and Dun Laoghaire.

Each office is supported by a Branch manager, Co-ordinators, Supervisors , Team leads, Rapid responders and the Care Team.

Quality and Clinical Governance

The essence of quality in our business is driven by our commitment to Clinical

Our Commitment to Quality

InisCare holds monthly Clinical Governance meetings between our Managing Director and our Quality Assurance team, to make sure we are always improving how we deliver our services. During these meetings we review a range of quality metrics which include:

• Operational metrics.

• Staffing compliance.

• Service delivery.

• Customer Feedback.

We agree communication plans regarding any policy changes or learnings from the review of internal logs.

Exceptional Customers Feedback

We do a customer/client survey every year, below are the results of our 2022 survey.

• Staff are Friendly and Approachable 96%

• The care team are always present with me 94%

• I am very happy with the service 94%

• The support from InisCare has improved my quality of life 92%

• I am happy with current care team 92%

I have been with InisCare for 4 years and would be lost without them, Caoimhe comes to me regularly and I really enjoy her company and how she supports me. We get on very well and she will support me with anything I need.

Caiomhe is a Health Care Worker in InisCare for 2 years. I would recommend InisCare  to anyone looking for Homecare.

enjoy the visits/company from my carers.  I receive visits twice daily from the carers. I would say I have a very good rapport with all staff, especially Leanne who is my main carer and I see on a regular basis. Having the carers call daily has been a great addition to my life and Leanne, my Health Care Assistant, brightens up my day.

Tell me about yourself?

I'm an 83-year-old single gentleman originally from "the rebel county" Co. Cork. I grew up on a farm and I moved to Dublin in 1968 and worked as a civil servant until I retired. I still attend AGM's and keep in contact with some of my old workmates. I'm a big sports fan and I go to GAA and football matches every week. When I was younger one of my big passions was travel. One of my proudest achievements is how well travelled I am, I have been to 116 countries in my lifetime, I loved to travel and view arts. I have also been to a few celebrity funerals including Michael Jackson's and Ronald Reagan's.

Was it difficult for you to accept homecare?

I wouldn't say it was difficult as such but there definitely was an adjustment period. Having lived a very solitary life since I stopped travelling it was very different for me. I am very appreciative of all the help and support I receive from Paula, and she always puts a smile on my face. It's nice knowing I can still live independently and enjoy having some free time to myself on the weekends.

How has having a carer changed your life? I'm still a very independent man but the companionship has been an amazing support for me. Having travelled so much in my younger years, I was always accustomed to having company, but being more stationary now that's not so much the case so the visits from Paula are a nice way to break up my day.  A really big change that having a carer in my life has brought is I

Steven Brady

"I have been working with InisCare for several years as a Health Care Assistant. Starting a new job is always nerve-wracking. The office team has always made me feel like an important part of the company."

"I decided to apply for the role of Health Care Supervisor. When I found out I got the role I was over the moon. The hardest part was leaving my clients and moving into a more senior position. The training and support I received from the office made me a confident supervisor. With my disability I never thought I would be in line for a promotion, InisCare has been an amazing support to me and has pushed me to continue with my education."

Being a Health Care Worker in my community was always my dream job. Now that I am a supervisor I can train, mentor, and support our Health Care Assistants.  I feel that my experience can help Health care workers to achieve their goals in their

In your lifetime is there anything you would have liked to have done differently?

I am very happy with how I lived my life as a whole. If I could go back and change one thing it would have been to visit every state in the USA. I visited around half the states and would have liked to visit the rest. I was a big fan of the southern states.

Mark Murnane

I am 36 years old and I am working for InisCare almost two years now, before that I was working for a different care company for seven years. When I got the opportunity to work for InisCare,  I didn't think twice about applying for an InisCare Health Care Assistant position. I knew my career opportunity with InisCare would grow and sincerely I can say in two years now I have been promoted to a supervisor position for new office based (Dun Laoghaire area).

In the last two years I  have learned so much and have received a fantastic training program from InisCare. I have to say I don’t regret leaving my previous job. I’m fully profoundly deaf. I was told many times I will never reach a management position, but InisCare proved them wrong. In just a couple of years the InisCare team helped me build my confidence and helped me with training for a management position. Thank you

InisCare is a fast growing care company in Dublin. We are not just providing the best care service for our clients, but we are making sure that our team are well trained to deliver our high standard of service. InisCare has a fantastic training program in place and great opportunities for everybody in our team. Our nurse led senior management team makes sure that the company’s standards are followed and improved when necessary. We are here to help, support and care for you. If there is anything that InisCare can support you with we invite you to visit our website www.iniscare.ie or contact your local office below.

Contact us on: Dundrum 01 6169747 - Santry 01 9026920 - Swords 01 9026950 - Glasnevin 01 834 3840.

Belfast City Council is seeking an artist to design statues of Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney. McCracken was an abolitionist, social reformer and activist who fought for the rights of women and championed Belfast’s poor, while Carney was a suffragist, trade unionist and Irish independence activist.

The appointed artist will be required to design and produce permanent, life-size or larger figurative sculptures

Wonderful winter woolly initiative

Calling all budding sculptors!

which will be installed in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. ‘Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney are key figures in Belfast’s history,’ said Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Christina Black, ‘so it is fitting that they will be permanently remembered through statues alongside other notable figures from the city’s past in the front lawn areas of City Hall.

‘The decision to commission these statues is part of a process which began in 2012 to help reflect the history, heritage and diversity of the city and its people.

The procurement of the artist is a twostage process, with initial expressions of interest due by 11 November 2022.

The final designs and locations of both statues will require planning permission before they are installed. It is anticipated that they will be in place by 2024.

Artists interested in finding out more should visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ cityhallstatues

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has once again partnered with South West Age Partnership for the ‘Winter Woolly’ rally!

The competition is aimed at encouraging residents to get knitting with a prize for the most cheerful winter woolly. Items can include, knee blankets, hats, scarves or gloves and entries can be knit or crocheted. When the competition has closed, each adult ‘Winter Woolly’ item that has been entered will be gift wrapped and donated to an older person living within the community.

Anyone who can’t knit or crochet shouldn’t despair! They can still help to improve and brighten an older person’s winter, by sending in a hat, scarf or pair of gloves to the address below. Donations can be left to SWAP Office, Omagh; or Fermanagh

and Omagh District Council Connect Centres at 16 High Street, Omagh or County Buildings, 16 East Bridge Street, Enniskillen.

The closing date for submission of completed entries is Friday 18 November 2022. Winners will be announced on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day on Friday 2 December 2022 with a prize of oil stamps. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will not be responsible for the cost of the materials used and entries cannot be returned.

For more information contact Health Improvement Team at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on 0300 303 1777

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, helps launch this year’s Winter Woolly rally!

Belfast City Hall in which grounds the sculptures will be installed

Meeting Place

GETTING TO KNOW YOU! Young at heart, 60s, outgoing, North Co Dublin lady WLTM young at heart gent for happiness and to brighten up retirement years. Many and varied interests including cinema, all types of music, chats over coffee/tea/drink, afternoon drives and strolls in the country, travel home and away.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A1

DUBLIN WIDOWER, 72, 6ft 1in, NS, SD, GSOH WLTM a lady for friendship/ companionship. Interests include travel, theatre, music. I am from a bygone are of conversation in a nice restaurant with a glass of wine.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A2

TALL SINGLE PROFESSIONAL LADY WLTM tall, single NS professional Irish Gentleman with a car aged 68-75 for socialising and maybe a relationship. Many interests including ballroom dancing, concert going, theatre, travelling, eating out, current affairs, GAA, swimming. Must be of generous nature.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B1

DUBLIN GENT 60 BUT 30 AT HEART, single, excellent health, medium build, presentable. Aversions to baking, walking up hills, camping, history, ballroom dancing and brussels sprouts. Likes tranquillity, enjoying life and adventure. WLTM lady whose glass is always half full and if so a bunch of flowers is on its way.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B2

NORTH CO DUBLIN LADY, 70s, NS WLTM a well-spoken, funny and good-hu moured gentleman. My interests include books, films, and going places. We can be great friends and companions. I am good company and love interesting chats which would possibly lead to a loyal relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B3

KILDARE MAN MID 70s, slim, fit and good appearance WLTM a lady 65 to mid-70s to share C&W music and dancing, travel home and abroad, eating out etc. to share the good times together.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B4

EARLY 80s SOUTH CO DUBLIN WOM AN, very fit, slim, NS, SD and considered to look in my 60s. WLTM professional gentle man approx. same age for companionship, preferably Dublin area. Must be slim. My interests include dining out, good conversa tion, theatre and reading. GSOH.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B5

DUBLIN FEMALE CROSS DRESSER WLTM others for chats and possible meet ups. Have contacts for clothes and discre

tion assured.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B6

HOUSE EXCHANGE? SOUTHEAST

RETIRED FEMALE, NS. Own home enjoys a change of scene. Would like to explore a reciprocal exchange arrangement with corresponding homeowners. En suite room in Kilkenny city for equivalent in Dublin South with easy access to transport night and weekend. Cork and Galway cities also of interest or popular coastal areas in other parts of the country.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B7

SOUTH DUBLIN FEMALE 60 WLTM others for dancing, socialising. Can travel anywhere by public transport If you would be kind enough to accommodate. Respect able, genuine, friendly.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B 8

SOUTHWEST GENTLEMAN EARLY 70s. GSOH and a zest for life. Interests include C&W dancing, walking, reading, cinema, golf, all kinds of sport and foreign holi days. WLTM nice lady with some similar interests.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B9

CO DUBLIN LADY, EARLY 60s wished to meet a kind gentleman. I enjoy walking by the sea and watercolour painting. I also like going out to the theatre. I look forward to meeting that special someone. A gentleman who enjoys making the most of every day!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B10

CO DUBLIN LADY EARLY 60s wishes to meet a kind gentleman. I enjoy walking by the sea and watercolour painting. I also like going out to the theatre. I look forward to meeting that special someone. A gentleman who enjoys making the most of every day!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B11

RETIRED PROFESSIONAL DUBLIN LADY, 70. Hobbies include walking, read ing, meditation, travel, eating out, music, dancing, cinema, theatre. WLTM profes sional gent for friendship/relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B12

SINCERE, KIND CO MEATH WIDOW, caring and loving, lonely, good listener GGSOH. Interests include theatre, reading music, dancing WLTM a personable kind gent for friendship and companionship, preferably a widower. Age range 80ish.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B13

QUALIFIED MASSAGE THERAPIST, 60, Dublin Based would like to meet mature ladies and couples for massage. I have my own place in Dublin 12 and I can accom modate 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 B14

KILKENNY LADY, 72, KIND AND ATTRACTIVE WLTM ladies and gents for socialising. Interests include walking, eating out and travel.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B15

CO DUBLIN LADY early 60s wishes to meet a kind gentleman. I enjoy walking by the sea and watercolour painting. I also like going out to the theatre. I look forward to meeting that special someone. A gentleman who enjoys making the most of every day!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B16

DUBLIN LADY WLTM OTHER LADIES 60s to 70s from Dublin and surrounding areas. Interests include music of all types, coffee chats, visits etc.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B17

TRAVEL BUDDIES Reinvigorating. Connect with likeminded people by joining established group, covering all regions, which facilitates meetups for breaks, walking trips, shows, events etc. Individual and group partners-in-travel arrangements at home and abroad are enabled. Include Mobile number and e. Mail please in reply.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER 01

QUALIFIED Massage Therapist 60 (Dublin Based) would like to meet mature Ladies and couples for Massage. I have my own place in Dublin 12. (3 miles from Dublin City Centre) I 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 O2

RETIRED LADY NURSE WLTM genuine, sincere, romantic gent aged 60s to 70s from Dublin and surrounds. Interested include reading, walking, piano music, nature and animals.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O3

WELSH-BORN PROFESSIONAL MALE. 69, divorced, into arts, now living in Wex ford rural retreat. Seeking similar fit and intelligent lady who enjoys love, laughter, the sound of woodpeckers as much as jazz.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O4

LEINSTER WIDOW GOOD NATURED, full of the joys of life. Retired from a profes sion. Lots of interests. WLTM a personable, refined, educated gent for chats. Preferably a widower 80-85.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O5

COUNTY DUBLIN GENT, MID 60s, NS, SD, slim, fit and good appearance, GSOH, Interests include walking, reading, concerts, music, travel, eating out, current affairs. WLTM lady 60-70 with a GSOH.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O6

SOUTHEAST RETIRED FEMALE, NS, own home with an additional apartment (sleeps two). Enjoys a change of scene. Would like to explore a reciprocal exchange arrange Kilkenny City/Dun Laoghair-Rath down with corresponding homeowner (or apartment) for occasional night or week end. Cork or Galway cities also of interest or coastal areas close by.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O7

DOWN TO EARTH DUBLIN MALE, 69, SEPERATED. Young at heart, slim build, fairly fit, NS, SD. Neat appearance and dresses well with a GSOH. Likes the great outdoors, country walks and hikes. Likes travelling abroad and weekends away. Likes concerts, dining out, classical music and history. WLTM a nice feminine lady with similar tastes and outlook.

REPLYTO BOX NUMBER O8

KILKENNY LADY EARLY 70s, young at heart. Interests include walking, sport, eat ing out and travel. Kind, attractive. WLTM gent with similar interests.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O9

MUNSTER WIDOWER EARLY 60s. Retiring soon. Tall, dark, slim. Interests include current affairs, sport and gardening. WLT, a nice lady with similar interests to share the good times together.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O10

SINGLE WATERFORD LADY, 64. Retired, GSOH. Interests include country music concerts, classical music, history, reading, arts and crafts, TV and radio. Seeks pen friends and soulmates currently living in the Southeast.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O11

DUBLIN LADY 70s GSOH, NS, SD WLTM kind, sincere gent for friendship to share and enjoy the simple pleasurers of retirement. Ideally this man will be inde pendent, healthy, generous of spirit with general interests to include walking, talking, cooking together, going on pourings, drives in the country, cosy evenings in winter.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER O12

TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT

If you are interested in meeting someone of the opposite or same sex, send your advertise ment, 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 22nd December 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).

Come and see what Christmas is really about from 24th November through to 8th January at The Moving Crib!

Sixty-Six years after it first opened at 42 Parnell Square in our Capital City, The Moving Crib is still going strong. Doors will be open from 24th November this year so gather the family together, pay a visit and be reminded of the real meaning of Christmas, and why this is the time that glad tidings of hope and joy are made real again to lift the spirits of one and all.

A multi-generational event that captivates adults and children alike, you wind your way down to the basement of this stunning Georgian building, to be greeted with a montage of many historical / fun stories, including Noah’s Ark, The Wise Men and many more, its scenes, competitions, and a little touch of magic are all sure to guarantee a great day out for all!

Sunday, 4th December is especially guaranteed to be an extra fun-filled day at The Moving Crib. Enjoy a day of festive celebrations with a visit to the Crib and while you're there meet the brilliantly

talented artist Will Nathans who illustrated St Martin Apostolate’s popular new children's story book A Kaboodle of Treasured Tales between 12 noon1.30pm all while enjoying the wonderful musical offerings of the amazing Bray Gospel Choir who will be performing on the day and getting everyone into the festive spirit from 12 noon - 4pm! As

always, entry is FREE, and booking is not necessary.

For more information visit www.stmartin.ie/crib or contact: St. Martin Apostolate, 42 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1.

T: 01 8745465 E: info@stmartin.ie W: www.stmartin.ie

Bridge

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.

Calling all Novices Intermediates!

by Michael O’Loughlin

The Rule of Ten

The Rule of Ten: Ten is the average number of points in a bridge hand : forty points in the full pack, divide by four as there are four players and the result is ten points. When you initially pick up your hand, identify it as above average, average or below average.

For example, facing a 1NT opener (12 14) a non exceptional 10 point hand is not good enough to try for game because your side cannot possibly hold the 25 points usually required for 3NT or 4♠/4♥ (game). However, whenever partner opener’s one of a suit and then rebids 1NT we know she has 15/16 so with our ten we can jump to 3NT, knowing our side has at least the required 25 points.

Exercise: You hold the following three 10 point responding hands:

https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates

(1) (2) (3)

What would you respond after your partner has opened 1NT (12 14)?

If you wish to receive three emails which include lessons, videos & quizzes,

With (1) respond 2♠: This is a Weak Takeout you have 0 10 points and 5+ cards in the Spade suit. This is a Sign off bid, i.e., opener must Pass.

With (2) Pass. Showing 0 10 points lacking the strength for game. Partner has a maximum of 14 points; our 10 points does not reach 25 points in total. We don’t have a 5+ card suit: so Pass.

With (3) 2♠. Weak Takeout.

Next, what would you bid with those same three hands after this bidding sequence: Partner opens 1♥ you respond 1♠ partner rebids 1NT (15 16 Balanced) You

If you wish to receive emails which include lessons, videos

4+ cards in the Heart suit you would have raised partner on the first round – so when you raise partner on the second round, you are showing 3-card support. Now if partner originally started with 5 cards in the Heart suit she will go on to 4 rational for exploring for a major suit fit is that it usually plays better than a No Trump contract. For the same reason, if opener does not have 5 cards in the Heart but does have 3 cards in the Spade suit she will now give delayed support to your Spade suit by bidding 3♠. With neither 5 cards in Hearts nor 3 cards in Spades opener will settle for 3NT realising no 8-card major suit fit exists.

Note: The modern recommendation is to open 1NT with ALL balanced hands including those with a 5-card major as it describes your hand so precisely. It also removes the obligation of having to find a rebid after opening One of a Suit with 12-14 points.

bridge.

bridge.

hands afterwards to learn from the post

• Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the hands afterwards to learn from the post mortem.

• Connect with everyone at the hands afterwards to learn from

If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email michaelolough@yahoo.com

If you wish to try RealBridge for free, michaelolough@yahoo.com

If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com

https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates

Bridge is a trick-taking game. This means you are trying to win as many tricks as possible. A trick is made up of four cards, one card from each of the four players, played clockwise round the table.

Trick-taking games are card games with a distinct and common play structure: Each round of play is divided into units called tricks, during which each player selects one card from his or her hand. Trick-taking card games are played worldwide and have existed for centuries.

One theory is that they are popular because of the play complexity that emerges from a relatively simple structure.

Essential building-block: The Trick

The concept of a trick: During each trick, each player puts one card from his or her hand into play — there is no option of playing multiple cards, or of abstaining from the trick. Once each player has played a card face up to the trick, the cards are then turned face down and removed from play.

For each trick, one player will have the lead, the right and obligation to play the first card of the trick. The others play in order according to their physical position, clockwise around the table. Playing last to a trick is usually the most advantageous position because the last player can react to the other players' choices. However, leading can be advantageous as well since it determines the suit - Spades, Hearts, Diamonds or Clubs - which other players must play.

Trick Structure

Most trick-taking games feature systems of requirements regarding what cards players are allowed to play. For example, a common feature is the concept of following suit, which requires players to play a card of the suit led, if able to do so.

In Bridge a player must:

■ Follow suit, if able.

■ Otherwise, play any card.

Not following suit when able to do so is known as a revoke in Bridge and as a renege in other card games, and is considered quite a serious offense and is usually punishable by the forfeiture of one or more tricks.

There are 4 suits in a pack of cards: Spades, Hearts, Diamonds & Clubs.

When playing Bridge about half the time there is not a Trump Suit and about half the time one of the four suits is Trumps.

Whenever there is a Trump Suit it takes precedence over the other three nontrump suits. In this lesson we will only concern ourselves with situations in which there is not a Trump Suit because it is a simpler situation; in future lessons we will go on to consider situations in which there is a Trump Suit and what that means.

When there is not a Trump Suit it is called playing the hand in No Trumps. This means that each suit is of equal value when it comes to the playing of the cards. Therefore, when one player leads a Diamond, for example, then the person who plays the highest Diamond wins that trick. The 4 suits are made up of: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2. The Ace is the highest card in each suit, then the King and so on down the line to the 2 which is the lowest card in each suit.

4 players sit at a square table. Using the points of the compass, the 4 players are designated as North, South, East & West. Bridge is a Partnership Game. North & South sit opposite and facing each other and are Partners. Similarly, their opponents, East & West sit opposite and facing each other and are Partners.

To be continued in the next issue.

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. Also a Bridge Continuation Course in Dromhall Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry from the 11th – 14th of December 2022.

No prior knowledge of Bridge required or expected.

New: Bridge Breaks commencing in Knock House Hotel in October 2022. Please contact the hotels for details or email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com

Wellness

-an essential element of beauty

‘Wellness’ is one of those new words that have entered into our vocabulary in recent years. We have spoken previously of being well, feeling well and wishing others well, but the concept of “wellness” is a new one.

And yet it encompasses the very essence of our modern lives. Wellness is defined as the act of practicing healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, we are thriving.

Wellness can include sea-swimming, meditation, yoga and Tai Chi, massage, reflexology and many other contemporary and traditional therapies. It can also of course include social activity and friendship and indeed the simple act of walking. Anything that contributes to our mental and spiritual health and basically makes us feel happier, can indeed be a essential part of wellness.

With all the upset in the world right now, and indeed the restrictive lockdowns of the previous couple of years, the idea of wellness has never been more pertinent to our lives than today. This is the time to treat ourselves, to pamper ourselves and to indulge in activities that make us feel calm, content, healthy and indeed happy.

A visit to a good spa works for many of us, and taking a couple of days for a spa break or retreat either on your own or with a close friend or family member is certainly my idea of a perfect treat. And so I set off to Creacon Wellness Retreat near New Ross in County Wexford for a two night break with my

daughter. As we live either ends of the country, this was the perfect meeting place. Creacon is pretty unique in that it offers luxury accommodation, contemporary food from their Food is Medicine programme, an extensive range of classes, activities and events, and themed retreats to suit a whole range of interests. From juice cleanses, to energy therapies, body treatments and counselling, their approach is to help you to relax, rejuvenate and renew.

And we certainly did that by enjoying yoga, guided meditation, Tai Chi class, massage and time spent enjoying walking in the beautiful gardens. Creacon is very popular with the locals, as non residents can sign up for many of the classes and the Well Bean Café & Restaurant offers a delicious menu for lunches and for takeaways. I was delighted to see that while enjoying the luxury accommodation, fabulous food and great classes and therapies, they also have a lovely little bar well stocked with excellent organic wines!

Find out more about organising a break either just for yourself, or with a friend or family member – I noticed a few other mother/daughter residents besides ourselves - you can check out

Mairead Robinson experiences how you can find your ‘inner self’.

The rooftop Terrace at the Montenotte Hotel, Cork

Outside class at Creacon Wellness Retreat

And as so many of our hotels now have spa, leisure and beauty facilities, you can actually book a wellness retreat in a luxury hotel if you choose the right one to suit you. For some people it is the swimming pool and gym, for others it is pampering beauty rooms, but for a real wellness break, it is one that offers specific wellness therapies. And so we headed down to the beautifully refurbished Montenotte Hotel in Cork

city. We stayed overnight and tasted stylish food and accommodation, enjoyed the beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the city and had exceptional treatments at their Bellevue Spa

Along with a full range of facials and massage, Spa Manager Jenifer is a keen practitioner of Reiki, an external energy therapy that can have a very positive cleansing and uplifting effect if you are open to it. As Jennifer explained:‘Usui Reiki here at Bellevue allows you to truly connect with your inner being. Reiki places the client in the deepest state of relaxation and instantly calms the whole body which brings a sense of peace and quietens the mind.

We live in a world full of distractions with a mindset of thoughts stuck in the past or planning the future, so that we struggle to be present. The key to life is living in the present moment with a calm, peaceful mindset. That sounds so simple but is one of the most difficult tasks to achieve’.

Reiki will reconnect you inward to allow you to be fully present. The Therapist will be guided to scan the body for any

energy blockages to bring the body back into alignment and so to increase vitality , balance, and grace. People have so much power within, and Reiki can help uncover your true potential”. Certainly after just one session, I could feel how powerful this therapy was. I also had a very therapeutic massage with Marta, whose professional touch sorted out my knotted shoulders!

There is no doubt that people are turning more and more to alternative therapies and ancient Eastern practises that help us to relax and bring about a sense of calm. It is no surprise that “wellness” and selfcare has become so popular with all age groups. Active Retired groups all lover the country are putting on classes in Yoga and Tai Chi, and people are loving them.

So if you are one of the many who have come to realise the benefits, it might be time to take it one step further, and book a proper wellness break. Take off for a few days and allow yourself to be pampered. Learn to breath slowly and deeply, discover new ways to calm your mind and relax. It could be a perfect new year resolution for 2023. Because you know that you are worth it!

The garden at the Montenotte Hotel

With Christmas just around the corner, preparations are well under way for the festive season. Christmas can be a time of great joy, fun and time to spend with friends and family, but Christmas can also bring with it many stresses and with the rising cost of living, Drinkaware the national independent charity wants to share some tips and advice on how to protect your mental health and wellbeing, during the festive season.

Christmas is a time to spend with our loved ones, and one way in which many of us do this is over a drink, whether it is with dinner, watching TV or in our local pub. Drinking alcohol is part of many social occasions and celebrations in Ireland with Christmas being no different. As the national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse in Ireland, Drinkaware wants to share insights, tips and advice with seniors on how you can enjoy the winter months and be drink aware in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Drinkaware’s annual Barometer survey indicated that weekly+ drinking for 65+ age cohort is at 63% versus the national average of 52%. However, people aged 65 and older are less likely to engage in binge drinking (drinking 6 or more standard drinks in one sitting) which is incredibly positive since we know that binge drinking is linked to lower mental and physical health.

Often information about alcohol use is aimed at younger people, but we all need to be aware of how much we drink and the potential impact it can have on our health and wellbeing. Drinking daily,

even in small quantities is not advised – the HSE low-risk weekly alcohol guidelines advise no more than 11 standard drinks for women and no more than 17 standard drinks for men, spread out over the week with a minimum of two alcohol free days a week. But that raises the question ‘what is a standard drink?’ In Ireland examples of a standard drink would be half a pint of beer, 100ml glass of wine or a 35ml pub measure of spirits.

Alcohol is often used as a coping strategy for people when they feel worried or stressed, or to enhance a person’s mood. Over half of Irish adults reported drinking alcohol to help them cope with stresses and worries in 2022. Drinking alcohol to improve your mood or to help cope with stress is an unhealthy coping strategy and can prevent a person from developing healthy coping skills.

There are many factors that can influence wellbeing, including alcohol use. Others include exercise, diet, a sense of belonging, relationships, and finances. Alcohol can have a negative impact on each of these areas of life and as a result, affect overall wellbeing. As we head into the winter months, with the increasing cost of living, we know that this will be a stressful time for many people. Instead of turning to alcohol when stressed or to try and improve your mood why not try some of these suggestions:

• Limit or cut out alcohol: If you find yourself reaching for a glass of wine or bottle of beer to reduce stress, stop and re-evaluate. It may be helpful to take alcohol off your shopping list and try

• Keep an active routine: We all need fresh air and exercise every day. Here in Ireland, we are lucky to have stunning landscapes and green spaces on our doorstep so there are lots of ways to get active, even in the winter months, just make sure to wrap up warm and have a good pair of walking shoes! Maintaining a regular routine of walking or cycling can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. If you struggle to get out, why not ask a family member or friend to join you. You can even sign up for walking groups, which is a wonderful way to socialise with others while keeping the mind and body fit and healthy. Exploring your local area is a great place to start, and it can be an excuse to meet with friends or family.

• Talk to friends and or family: Talking about your problems or how you are feeling with someone you trust is one of the best things you can do. A problem shared is a problem halved. Keeping in touch can have a positive impact on our mood and ability to deal with problems. This is also a good way to reconnect with people you have lost touch with over the years or haven’t spoken to in a while. Make a list and plan to call, text or write to one every week.

When having a drink in the home it’s easy to think that you’re staying within the low-risk weekly guidelines, but all measures are not the same and it can be easy to pour a drink thinking you are having one when it could actually be two or even three in one serving. Having a measure cup to hand can help keep track of the drinks being poured and Drinkaware has free measure cups that can be ordered on our website: https:// drinkaware.ie/order-resources/ or by email info@drinkaware.ie

For more information visit: www. drinkaware.ie or contact info@ drinkaware.ie

Help is at hand for reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills

With Christmas just around the corner, there is a good chance that many of us will be receiving new technology, such as our first smartphone or tablet and may be feeling a bit daunted by it.

For others, there may be a feeling of annual dread at having to write out the Christmas cards again and worrying about our spelling or our budget for Christmas gifts.  These can be very real concerns for many of us, as figures outlined in a new Government strategy show. The Adulty Literacy for Life strategy highlights that 1 in 5 of us struggle with everyday text, 1 in 4 have difficulties with everyday maths and 1 in 2 don’t have the basic digital skills.  What’s more, for older people, often the problem is more hidden, causing problems in the workplace in trying to keep up with the latest technology.

Speaking about the implementation of the Strategy,  Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, the State, explains that we need a whole new approach to encourage people to seek help.  “One of the key things our research found was that people were really worried about what others would think of them if they sought help. There was perceived to be a real stigma about having problems with digital skills, numeracy, reading

or writing. We are changing this view. It is society’s failure that so many have difficulties with literacy, numeracy or digital skills. The individual is not to blame here. The Adult Literacy for Life Strategy recognises this and aims to help individuals, families and communities to get the help they need at a time, place and pace that suits them.”

The report noted that many people may have had bad experiences at school or the last time they were in formal education. Andrew added: “Thankfully, supports and services for adults who need help with their reading writing or digital skills have developed so much over the years. They are really welcoming and supportive environments.”

The Strategy outlines how a lack of literacy, numeracy and digital skills can impact negatively across an individual’s daily life. Those affected can have difficulty in day-to-day tasks such as helping grandchildren with homework, reading the instructions for prescriptions, or calculating household budgets.  The COVID pandemic has also shown just how important it is for older people to have some digital skills, with technology such as video calls providing a lifeline for many to stay in touch with family during periods of lockdown.

Older people without these skills were at greater risk of becoming isolated during the pandemic.

If you, or someone you know, would like to improve on their reading, writing or digital skills then help is at hand.   The network of 16 Education and Training Boards across the country all offer adult literacy services, with help available in many ways and in many different locations.  A new Website has been launched where all the contact details for your local services are available in one place and there is a telephone helpline, operated by NALA, the National Adult Literacy Agency, where you can talk in confidence with an advisor about your next steps.

If you or someone you know would like help with reading, writing, or using technology, get in touch in one of the following ways:

By Phone (NALA) : Freephone: 1800 20 20 65. Phone lines are open 9.30am –5pm Monday to Friday.

By Text: ‘LEARN’ to 50050 and we will call you back.

By calling or visiting your local Education and Training Board with details at www.AdultLiteracyforLife.ie

Four copies of Alice Taylor’s latest book to be won!

Senior Times, in association with the publishers Brandon, are offering four copies of Alice Taylor’s latest book The Nana is this issue’s crossword competition. The Nana has a special place in the Irish family and the Irish heart.  She is the precious link between the generations.  Alice Taylor’s memory goes back to her own Nanas, both born in the 1860s.  Now Alice herself is a Nana and with her quintessential empathy and warmth she explores the old and the new, the ‘then’ and ‘now, the Nana of yesterday and today.

Name: Address: Phone:

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 22nd December 2022

Crossword

Crossword

ACROSS

1 County on the Wild Atlantic Way (5)

4 Precipitation or downpour (4)

6 Long-haired wild ox (3)

8 Precipitation falling as white ice crystals (4)

11 Feline imitator? (7)

17 I, Martin, like this cocktail (7)

18 Domed hut built of blocks or snow (5)

19 Not western but quite earnest! (7)

20 Not tight or closely constrained (5)

21 Form of quartz found near a gate? (5)

22 Absence of heat .. devoid of warmth (4)

23 Cutting instrument (5)

24 Female fox (5)

25 Leave out (4)

Number 120 by Zoë Devlin

DOWN

1

Navigational instrument for finding direction (7)

2 Letters not transported by surface post (3-4)

3 One expelled from home or country (5)

4 Water-resistant outer garment (8)

5 Pendent spear of frozen water (6)

7 Fruit of an oak tree (5)

9 Structure where birds lay eggs (4)

10 Beside the wet Seine, this is the absolute tiniest (8)

11 Film festival city on the French riviera (6)

12 Inner surface of the hand (4)

13 Tipperary’s county town (7)

14 Larceny or stealing (5)

15 Large northern deer with enormous antlers (3)

16 Young cow (6)

29 Dried seedless grapes used in cake-making (8)

31 Layer of superior wood glued to inferior wood (6)

33 Unable to be found (4)

34 Cavity or space, not solid (6)

38 Chess piece or senior member of clergy (6)

40 Shop where hairdressers work (5)

41 Told an untruth (4)

42 Landmass such as Carrauntoohill (8)

47 Precious metal (4)

48 Not ever (5)

49 Soft cloth hat beloved of Frenchmen (5)

50 Singer ___ Bush or actress ___ Winslet (4)

51 Thought or notion (4)

55 Short sibling found in the Sistine Chapel? (3)

57 One who pursues an interest as a hobby (7)

58 Meeting of spiritualists (6)

59 Wolfgang Amadeus ___, Austrian composer (6)

60 Lacking freshness (5)

62 Skilful, proficient or well able (5)

64 Look over carefully or inspect (6)

65 Unsparing in discipline (6)

66 Booming noise - goes with lightning (7)

68 Be obliged to repay (3)

70 Joke or gag (4)

71 Sharp toe of a bird (4)

72 Yeltsin, Karloff or Becker? (5)

73 Remove dirt (5)

75 Necessitate or require (4)

81 Without seasoning (8)

82 Open jar used to hold flowers (4)

83 Long structures supporting flowers (5)

84 Wrote ‘The Plough and the Stars’ (1’5)

88 Dublin’s Mater hospital is on this street (6)

90 Symbol of peace (4)

91 Capital city is Stockholm (6)

92 Never mob this month! (8)

97 Precipitation of ice pellets (4)

98 Brendan ___, wrote ‘The Quare Fellow’ (5)

99 Molten rock in the earth’s crust (5)

101 World’s longest river (4)

102 Alloy of copper and zinc (5)

106 Cognisant or mindful (5)

107 Copy or ape (7)

108 Precipitation that’s partially melted snow (5)

109 Greed or covetousness (7)

110 Territorial jurisdiction of 38 Across (7)

111 Galway Bay group of islands (4)

112 Residue remaining after something is burned (3)

113 Co Wicklow town or sound of a donkey? (4)

114 French impressionist, painted ballet dancers (5)

26

Somewhere further down (5)

27 Senior or older (5)

28 Expert who’s able to appreciate fine things (11)

30 Cry used to hail a ship (4)

32 Extra Terrestrial (1.1.)

35 Air moving with force (4)

36 Actresses ___ Seymour or Fonda (4)

37 Marked by simplicity or humble (6)

38 Wet ground such as the ___ of Allen (3)

39 Spicy Mexican sauce (5)

41 Vegetable with long slender white bulb (4)

43 Sphere, domain or walk of life (5)

44 Mock or scoff (4)

45 Deciduous tree with small triangular nuts (5)

46 Ceremonial procession with people marching (6)

52 One who abstains from alcohol (11)

Gentleman’s gentleman (5)

54 Tennis player, Federer or 007 actor, Moore (5)

56 Period of time (4)

Slightly open (4)

Watercourse or small river (6)

Commence (5)

63

Large open vessels with handle and spout (5)

Something remaining hidden (6)

66 Male monarch of Russia prior to 1917 (4)

Frock or one-piece woman’s garment (5)

69 Italian city found in a promenade? (4)

74 Essayist Charles ___ or young sheep? (4)

Free from liquid or moisture (3)

77 Patron saint for hopeless cases, St ___ (4)

78 Charges paid to Revenue (5)

79 Freshwater mammal with webbed feet (5)

80 Unit of area of 4,840 square yards (4)

85 Was there no salami for Da Vinci’s sitter? (4,4)

86 ’Tis I ! (2)

87 Female name or fragrant herb? (8)

89 U.S. windy city (7)

91 ‘___ but not stirred!’ (6)

93 Water travel for pleasure (7)

94 Streaky or back, they’re tasty slices! (7)

95 Italian city built on 118 islands (6)

96 Coldest season of the year (6)

97 Stash away or amass (5)

100 Prophet who received the Ten Commandments (5)

102 Facial hair on man’s face (5)

103 Give over or surrender control (4)

104 She sang ‘All Kinds of Everything’ (4)

105 Fasten by stitching (3)

Be FraudSMART this Christmas

Christmas 2022 looks set to be a busy one during which we look forward to in celebrating and meeting up properly again following the pandemic, however it will also be one during which the cost-of-living crisis will be very much on people’s minds and felt in people’s pockets.

Fraudsters are always looking for the next opportunity they can to try scam innocent victims of their hard earned cash, so this festive season we urge you to be FraudSMART.

The FraudSMART awareness initiative is urging consumers to be on high alert in the coming weeks and months to fake text messages, emails or calls pretending to come from trusted organisations such as your bank, utility company, tv service or mobile phone provider.

When shopping for Black Friday deals and the preChristmas rush already well underway, FraudSMART, is warning all consumers to be extra vigilant for text messages which ask you to validate or update bank account details and to be careful when you are confirming shopping online and avoid giving security details or clicking on links. Text message scams are extremely sophisticated, they may even come from the same number and alongside other legitimate text messages sent previously from your bank. They are designed to confuse and distract people, especially at a busy time like Christmas. However, it is often a simple or easy measure that people can take to protect themselves against fraud and it’s important people know these to avoid being vulnerable to fraudsters! We hope that with a few simple Top Festive FraudSMART Tips this Christmas it assist consumers protect themselves from falling victim to scams- saving themselves any additional expenses this festive season.

Top Tips to be FraudSMART this Christmas

• Do not respond to text messages with personal information.

• Do not click on links in text messages.

• A bank will never text/email/phone looking for personal or security information.

• Never use contact details from a text message, always independently verify contact details elsewhere such as on a website phone directory (is that a thing anymore?).

• Never give away security details such as PINs or passwords to anyone.

• Use secure websites preferably ones who you have used before.

• Use sites where a padlock symbol is shown beside the website address when paying online.

• Do not under any circumstances use public Wi-Fi when making payments – switch to 3G/4G on your phone if necessary

• Independently visit the website of the online sales company as opposed to clicking on social media or pop-up adverts

• Be cautious about claiming outrageous offers – if it sounds too good to be true it probably is

Consumers can a wealth of other advice on how to avoid fraud by visiting www.FraudSMART.ie

BRAHMS:

Available

BRAND

Danish Chamber Orchestra

BRAND NEW RELEASE FRIDAY 26 AUGUST

Crafts Put on the style with this quilted waistcoat

Many years ago I made this quilted waistcoat which was intended to be my little black number to be worn on special occasions, I am pleased to report that it has served me well and still looks as good as new in spite of being a stand-by for nearly fifty years. It was made and assembled according to instructions given by Mc Calls pattern no 5763 (size 12 for size 10) in order to allow for shrinkage due to quilting process. As the festive season is fast approaching it might be nice to have something similar in the wardrobe just in case of an emergency-it comes with a matching evening bag by the way.

Work time: about 30 hours, expertiseintermediate/skilled, cost about £10 when I made it. Requirements: 1 yard of black satin, 1 ½ yards of black lining, 1 yard of wadding and 1yard of muslin or fine cotton for backing. 3 skeins of black 6 strand embroidery cotton. Also a spool of no40 black machine sewing thread, a fine quilting needle, a fine beading needle and a sharp for working buttonholes, 6 black buttons and 2 by 8 grams packs of Trimits gold seed beads.

The motif is one of Grandma Kavanagh’s-Acorns, Oak leaves and Oak apples, the circles behind/ around the Acorns at the waistcoat bottom edge are supposed to be oak apples, my childhood comment was those are fierce big Oak apples Grandma and her reply was we need big ones in Wexford because bigger creatures are hatched in them than in Carlow.

I was instructed to draw her design including trellis/diamond freehand onto butter paper and keep it safe until I was able to make good use of it someday; stitches used in quilting are Chain stitch and Backstitch.

Enjoy a happy and cosy Festive Season one and all.

you saw it in Senior Times

Connie McEvoy comes up with a winner for the festive season

Rewrite a child’s future

Founded in 1946 after World

to

worked relentlessly

reaching the

the

In terms of vaccines alone, UNICEF delivers over 2 billion vaccines doses each year, reaching 45% of the world’s children under ve.

But who will be there for children in the

Through a GoodWill Legacy Gift in support of UNICEF's work, you will be changing the lives of many children, giving them an opportunity for a

future. for every child,

future

To

auline

Our

Registered