is one word that sends shivers down the spines of everyone interested in conserving our native species, be they birds, insects or wildflowers. The dreaded word is ‘extinction’. Zoe Devlin reports
Publishing Directors: Brian McCabe, Des Duggan
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The National Gallery: the strategic plan will build on the gallery’s existing work and help it evolve to best serve its collections and audiences, in the future.
As part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s dual anniversary year, the Gallery has published a new Strategic Plan 2024-2028. The ambitious new plan, which is the first under the Directorship of Dr Caroline Campbell, includes a range of strategic priorities which will build on the Gallery’s existing work and help it evolve to best serve its collections and audiences, in the future.
To celebrate the anniversary, the Gallery is sharing details of a selection of very special, recent acquisitions for the national collection. These include an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn (16061669), Landscape with Cottages and a Hay Barn (1641), which is the first work on paper to enter the national collection by Rembrandt, one of the greatest printmakers of all time. Hughie O’Donoghue’s monumental Original Sins (2022), which was commissioned under the Decade of Centenaries Programme,
has been acquired as a heritage gift under Section 1003. A vibrant oil on canvas by Dairine Vanston, On Huband Bridge, Dublin (1974), records a Dublin landmark just a few minutes’ walk from Vanston’s home and studio on Mount Street Crescent, but suggests more tropical climes.
The four new strategic priorities for the National Gallery of Ireland are::
■ Developing and caring for our living collections for public benefit. The
A progressive Irish Tech company has developed the first app in Europe to give people with disabilities information on a wide range of accessible amenities across the country.
Regarded as a major breakthrough in the promotion of accessible facilities, Able Active builds on technology designed for participation in sport, with considerable input from potential service users and advocacy groups.
Able Active, a fully integrated and comprehensive app that signposts accessible recreational facilities for people with disabilities is the fruition of a longterm project, developed with support from the European Space Agency following a successful application.
Able Active uniquely captures feedback and gradings on accessibility and inclusivity, based on real users’ experience, by distinct disability categories, ensuring that others with similar needs can trust the rating and have better confidence that their needs will be met.
Speaking at the launch of Able Active, Adrian Geissel CEO said ‘Able Active is the result of 6 years of investment and software development, applying data for the benefit of people with differing types of disabilities and with deep commitment to data privacy and safeguard. This is so important for people who have varying levels of disability, many of which are hidden. Able Active is a fully integrated and highly user-friendly guide which maps tracks, trails and amenities and allows each user to
Gallery’s collection uniquely combines the greatest Irish and international art across seven centuries of human achievement. We interpret, research and expand this invaluable resource, honing the highest standards of scholarship and conservation.
■ A National Gallery for all. We are a leader in sharing our collections, exhibitions and expertise with our growing and changing audiences, on site, online, across the island, and internationally.
■ Excellence in Corporate Services. We are held in regard as a world-class museum committed to improving its facilities and infrastructure, progressing the Master Development Plan and developing sustainable resources to fulfil our potential in a rapidly changing world.
■ Strategic Partnerships. We exist for public purpose. We grow national and international partnerships and income streams across the public and private sectors to advance our mission.
determine if these routes are suitable for their particular needs, supported by the ratings and feedback from other users with similar needs. It allows people plan their days around the various amenities from forests to beaches and gives ‘real time ‘live data on weather and pinpoints where safety equipment is located, crucial to ensure safety for users. It also allows for users to record, replay and repeat their own favourite routes which is very valuable”.
This heart-melting moment of joy, brought to you by a life-time’s cardiac care from our expert cardiology team.
World’s oldest woman honoured
Tomiko Itooka, 116, was recently honoured as the world’s oldest person at a ceremony at her home in Japan. Mrs. Itooka, born in 1908, became the world’s oldest person in August after the death of 117-year-old María Branyas Morera of Spain. She is the first Japanese citizen to become world’s oldest person since April 2022, when Kane Tanaka passed away at age 119.
€250,000 in funding to continue to support the Irish Men’s Sheds Association
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke has announced renewed funding of €250,000, which will continue the Department of Health’s support of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association. This funding acknowledges the contributions of the Irish Men's Sheds to their communities through their civic, recreational, and social activities, and their positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of members.
Irish Men’s Sheds Association now provides benefits to thousands of men across Ireland. Achievements in 2023 included the establishment of an additional 20 new sheds and support for the development of Men’s Sheds in Mountjoy Prison Training Unit, Castlerea Prison, Shelton Abbey Open Prison, and the National Rehabilitation Hospital Dun Laoghaire. The Sheds Information Helpline assisted 4115 men with queries in relation to either running and operating, or joining, a Men’s Shed. Information packs and webinars were also developed and delivered covering a range of topics providing support around the management and running of Men’s Sheds to help ensure shed sustainability and the health and wellbeing benefits for all its users.
Irish Thoracic Society urges public to ‘breathe some clean air’
Ahead of World Lung Day taking place on Wednesday, September 25, the Irish Thoracic Society, Ireland’s national body for health professionals working in respiratory care, is urging the public to think more carefully about the air that we breathe. With latest figures showing an estimated 380,000 people living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), approximately 450,000 people living with doctor-diagnosed asthma, and almost 2,700 people being diagnosed with lung cancer each year, the importance of breathing clean air and maintaining healthy lungs has never been more crucial.
Indeed, people with lung conditions such as COPD and asthma are more in danger from air pollution, which can give rise to worsening symptoms, more hospital visits and a risk of dying. In addition, exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight and pre-term birth, while children living in polluted areas are more likely to suffer from coughs, wheezes and asthma, and to develop low lung function as teenagers.
For more information on World Lung Day and the work of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, visit www.firsnet.org/world-lung-day-2024
The Irish Thoracic Society is a member of the Irish Lung Health Alliance which works to promote healthy lungs. For more information, visit www.lunghealth.ie
‘Most Irish adults expect a drop in living standards when they retire’
More than six in 10 Irish adults fear their pension will not be sufficient to maintain their current lifestyle once their retire –while only half believe they will be in a financial position to live comfortably after they stop working.
These are among the findings of new research into Attitudes Towards Age commissioned by later life lender Spry Finance. Of 1,075 adults questioned in the survey, only 21per cent believe their pension will be enough to sustain their current lifestyle, as opposed to 61per cent who do not. And while 52per cent of respondents are confident they will be able to live comfortably for 20-30 years beyond retirement age, just 14per cent are ‘very confident’.
Currently almost a third of Irish workers do not have pension cover outside the state pension , with the Government’s auto-enrolment pension scheme is due to launch in 2025 to try and defuse the pensions timebomb Ireland is facing. Spry commissioned market research Opinions to shed light on the personal finance issues facing Ireland’s fastgrowing older population.
Spry Finance is the sole provider of lifetime loans in the Irish market. The company currently offers four different types of equity release product and has written more than €150m in loans to more than 2,000 homeowners aged over 60 since launching in 2021.
Spry Finance CEO John Moriarty said the research provides insight into the financial needs of Ireland’s growing older population. He said: ‘This research highlights concerns that we all face in an era of longer lives and longer retirements – from pension planning to financial age discrimination, and issues over leaving an inheritance.
‘It’s concerning that so many people are
expecting a drop in their living standards when they retire, and it is important that we respond to the needs of our growing older population and ensure that they have access to the financial products and services that ensure they can enjoy a comfortable later life.
National roll-out of healthy, agefriendly homes programme
Healthy Age Friendly Homes (HAFH), a first-of-its-kind programme to enable older adults to continue living independently was recently launched.
This joint Health and Local Government programme, recognised globally as a best practice example of coordinated support services, will assist up to 10,500 older adults each year through timely interventions. It is estimated that the programme will result in an annual saving of €41.5 million to the State through the prevention of hospitalisation and early or unnecessary admission to long-term residential care.
The programme’s key partners include the Department of Health; Health Service Executive (HSE); Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Age Friendly Ireland, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
An evaluation conducted by Maynooth University involving over 2,130 participants during the pilot phase revealed significant improvements in self-reported health status, quality of life, social support, and functional ability.
The Healthy Age Friendly Homes - Pilot Evaluation released today, underscores the programme’s success in enhancing the well-being of older adults. In total there were 6,908 supports delivered between May 2021 and December 2023.
Of the participants surveyed, over 3,270 people received home visits; over 1,400 participants live in urban areas; 963 participants indicated housing adaptations were required in their home, with 347 having been assisted in making a housing adaptation grant application and 376 were provided information on housing adaptation grants for consideration and follow-up. The report also found that 74% of programme participants own their home; 51% live alone; 37% live with a significant other; and 11% live in their own home with a family member.
More than 5per cent of research participants now feel they have strong levels of social support, a 9% increase, with almost 4 out of 5 research participants reporting having greater selfbelief in their ability to respond to new or difficult situations.
As an Irish consumer, saving money abroad can offer numerous opportunities, including access to diverse markets with much higher rates, unlocking the potential to earn higher returns. However, it's important to grasp the tax implications of holding assets outside of Ireland.
Monica Pina Alzugaray, a financial expert at Raisin Bank, explains the vital tax considerations, reporting requirements, and potential penalties to consider when saving money abroad.
Your residency status is crucial to determining the tax implications of saving abroad in Ireland. An individual is considered an Irish tax resident if they spend 183 days or more in Ireland in a tax year or 280 days over two consecutive years with at least 30 days spent in Ireland each year. Additionally, an individual may be deemed ordinarily resident if they have been tax residents in Ireland for three consecutive years.
Irish residents are required to pay tax on their worldwide income. This means that all income earned, whether in Ireland or abroad, is taxable in Ireland. This includes interest from foreign savings accounts, dividends from foreign stocks, and gains from the sale of foreign investments.
Income from Foreign Savings and Investments
Interest from Foreign Savings Accounts:
Interest earned on savings accounts held abroad is considered taxable income in Ireland. This interest must be declared on your annual self-assessment tax return. The tax rate will depend on your overall income, with deposit interest generally subject to the Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT), currently at 33%.
Ireland has signed double taxation agreements (DTAs) with numerous countries to avoid taxing the same income twice. These agreements enable you to offset foreign taxes paid against your Irish tax liability. It's crucial to comprehend the particular provisions of the DTA between Ireland and the country where your foreign investments are located, as the terms differ by jurisdiction.
Residents in Ireland are required by the Irish Revenue Commissioners (Revenue) to report any foreign assets and income. This means you need to disclose if you have any foreign bank accounts, investments, or properties. If the total value of your foreign assets exceeds €50,000 at any point during the tax year, you must submit a Foreign Income and Assets Return (FIA). Failing to report your foreign assets can result in substantial penalties and interest charges.
Non-compliance with Irish tax laws regarding foreign income and assets can result in significant penalties. These may include:
Interest on Unpaid Tax: If you fail to pay the correct amount of tax by the due date, interest will accrue on the unpaid amount.
Penalties for Incorrect Returns: Filing an incorrect tax return, whether due to omission or deliberate underreporting, can lead to substantial fines. The level of the penalty will depend on the nature of the error and whether it was due to carelessness or deliberate evasion.
Publication in the Defaulters List: In cases of serious non-compliance, individuals may be named in the Revenue’s quarterly list of tax defaulters, published online and in the media.
While there are tax implications for saving or investing abroad, several strategies can help minimise your tax liability:
• Utilise Tax Reliefs and Allowances: Take full advantage of double taxation reliefs, tax credits, and personal allowances to reduce your overall tax burden.
• Choose Tax-Efficient Investments: Consider investing in jurisdictions with favourable tax treaties with Ireland or those offering low withholding tax rates..
• Plan for Currency Fluctuations: Foreign investments introduce currency risk. Plan for potential fluctuations in exchange
rates, which can affect the value of your assets and the amount of taxable income or gains when converted to euros.
• Seek Professional Advice: Given the complexity of international tax law, consulting with a tax professional who can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation and help you navigate the reporting requirements and potential pitfalls is advisable.
Saving money abroad can give Irish consumers opportunities for diversification and higher returns. However, it also comes with numerous tax implications that must be carefully managed. It is crucial to understand your residency status, types of income, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with Irish tax laws. You can optimise your international investments using double taxation agreements and tax-efficient strategies to minimise tax liability. It's always advisable to seek professional tax advice to meet all your obligations and maximise the benefits of your overseas investments.
About Raisin Bank
Raisin is an online marketplace for savings products across Europe. Irish savers can easily access better savings rates from banks in other parts of Europe. Raisin collaborates with around 400 banks and financial service providers from over 30 countries.
Using Raisin, you can benefit from interest rates up to 3.55% AER and access some of the best rates on fixed-term and easy-access savings accounts from banks across Europe.
Additionally, you can fund and manage multiple savings accounts with your free account, maximising your deposit guarantee coverage and minimising headaches. There are no hidden fees, no fine print, and no hassle.
Grow your savings today – visit www.raisin.ie/st/
To mark the publication of Neil Jordan’s autobiography Amnesia Aubrey Malone offers personal observations of the writer/director who, for a while, abandoned fiction for fame in film.
I have a lot in common with Neil Jordan. We share a connection with the Roscommon town of Elphin (family relatives), with the school of Santa Sabina (marriage connection), with places like Vernon Avenue and Dollymount Beach, both of which are close to where I live.
He was born on the same day, and year, as one of my sisters, February 25, 1950. Coming into the world half way through the century seems appropriate. He’s looked forward as well as back with equal enthusiasm since he took his first breath in life.
He’s just written a fascinating memoir called Amnesiac. From author to film director to memoirist – what’s left for him to do?
It opens as he sits in a car in the grounds of my local hospital, Beaumont, listening to one of my favourite songs, Bob Dylan’s Not Dark Yet. He’s waiting for news of his mother, who’s having her heart checked out…
I used to send Neil short stories I wrote back in the 1970s when he was at the helm of the Irish Writers Co-Op. I hoped he might use some of them in the books the Co-Op was producing then. In my innocence I thought I could match the genius of people like Des Hogan and himself in my humble scribblings. I was having a few stories published in David Marcus’ New Irish Writing page in the Irish Press at the time and had started to get notions about myself.
The writing was a hobby. I was teaching by day, having just graduated from St. Pat’s Training College in Drumcondra. Neil’s father, Michael, had been one of my lecturers there. ‘I teach the teachers’, he liked to say. I met Neil one night at a party and told him I’d been lectured to by his father. ‘Not another teacher!’ he groaned (expletive deleted).
The next time I saw him was at the Listowel Writers Week in 1980. By now I’d got a collection of stories published by Uinsin O Donobháin of Cillenna Press. I was launching it down there. Neil was launching his debut novel The Past, riding high on the success of his recent story collection Night in Tunisia, which had drawn praise from no less a luminary than Sean O’Faoláin.
I imagined he’d go on to produce many more novels of equal brilliance. He would, of course, but not for many years. He now shocked the literary world by taking an amazing U-turn and becoming a film director.
A friend of mine was sitting near him in a restaurant one day at this time. Like me he had the image of Neil as the kind of person one might expect to see dressed in a woollen jumper (with perhaps a hole in the sleeve). Imagine his shock when he saw him in a snazzy suit talking to a Hollywood executive. Figures like ‘five’ and ‘seven’ were being tossed around in the conversation. After a while my friend copped on to the fact that they were talking about five and seven million – of something.
Neil’s odyssey to the big time was smoothed by John Boorman. He was chairman of the Irish Film Board at the time. Boorman was, and is, a perfect gentleman, something I can vouch for, having met him. He’s the kind of man one could always rely on to get a career off the ground. Though born in England, he’s become an adoptive Irishman over the past few decades.
He allowed Neil to make a documentary of a film he was shooting in Ireland at the time called Excalibur. This became Neil’s bargaining chip when he was trying to pony up the money to make his first feature, Angel. The Excalibur documentary meant he could tell the big shots that as well as being adept at the art of blackening pages he knew one end of a camera from the other.
Once he got the green light for Angel, which he also wrote, he was up and running. It was that rare thing, a poetical film about violence. He would go on to mix the two strands in much of his future work, and also to work frequently with the film’s star, Stephen Rea. Rea has done some of his best work with Neil, and vice versa.
He followed Angel with The Company of Wolves, a graphic reimagining of the Little Red Riding Hood story. After that was Mona Lisa, a totally different kind of film from the previous two – more gritty, more grounded. That was the thing about the wunderkind: you never knew quite what to expect from him.
He hit a bump in the road with High Spirits, a ghost story with a tourist theme. Perhaps it was too eccentric. It became his first flop. Neither did his next feature, We’re No Angels, work. This was a remake of a 1955 film with Robert de Niro in the lead. Neither Neil nor De Niro were comfortable with comedy and it showed.
He was on surer footing with The Crying Game, one of his most highly-acclaimed works. He won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for it. It was the film with ‘that’ scene. You know what I mean, don’t you? Think Jaye Davidson not being entirely sure if he was going to be nominated for Best Actor or Best Actress.
Harvey Weinstein produced it. He was one of the most powerful men in Hollywood at the time, having been behind some incredibly successful ‘indie’ films for Miramax Studios. He would, of course, subsequently be disgraced for gross sexual offences against a slew of women and now resides at the American government’s pleasure behind lock and key.
Neil couldn’t have predicted the degree of his sexual rapaciousness but he says in Amnesiac that he never liked him, writing ‘What I basically thought is that he should have been tried for theft long before [the sex charges].’ Weinstein ripped him off financially, as he did other people working on The Crying Game, denying them a profit share they were due.
His next film was Interview with the Vampire, a revisionist horror movie with Hollywood A-listers Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Stephen Woolley made the classic comment, ‘It’s like having Elvis and Frank Sinatra in the same movie.’
Neil went even bigger with Michael Collins in 1996. By now he had people like Julia Roberts running after him looking for parts. Could life get better?
I wrote a book about the making of that film soon afterwards for a Movies Made in Ireland series. I’d already done one on Ryan’s Daughter. They were little gift books that sold in novelty shops, often to returning Yanks.
I was on a restricted budget for them. Irish printers proved too expensive so we went to Budapest instead. The man we dealt with there was able to print the entire books for what the Irish printers were asking for the covers
For permission to use stills from Ryan’s Daughter I wrote a begging letter to Ted Turner (who was then married to Jane Fonda) pleading poverty. I must have caught him on a good day because he let me illustrate the entire book for a nominal $100. Or Maybe Jane put a word in his ear.
In hopes of a similar courtesy with Michael Collins I faxed Neil (remember faxes?) to Ardmore Studios. Alas, he said his hands were tied by Warner Brothers. They were looking for £500 a pop.
In the end I got what I wanted from a photographer in The Star newspaper. He’d been snapping the stars on set. He got shots of Roberts, Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn and Alan Rickman (who played Dev) in a series of ‘candids’. That meant they were his property rather than that of the studios. Onlookers in modern dress were in the background to emphasise the fact that they weren’t images from the actual film. All he asked for in payment from me was three packs of cigarettes from the newsagent across the road. It proved to be a bit cheaper than the ten grand Warners were looking for.
Jordan was now such an established figure he could do practically anything he wanted. He used that muscle to continue his versatile ways with the incredible CV he’s built up from then until now: The Butcher Boy (1997), In Dreams and The End of the Affair (both 1999), The Good Thief (2002), Breakfast on Pluto (2005), The Brave One (2007), Ondine (2009) Byzantium (2012), Greta (2018) and Marlowe (2022).
In between such heady assignments he went back to writing novels. 1994 saw the publication of Sunrise with Sea Monster. It was a work of rich lyricism. Obviously the camera hadn’t dented the literary gift he started out with. He waited a decade before penning his next novel, Shade. Mistaken appeared in 2011. Sinead O’Connor, who’d played Our Lady in The Butcher Boy, said this was her favourite novel of all time.
Since then he’s written The Drowned Detective (2016), Carnivalesque (2017), The Ballad of Lord Edward and Citizen Small (what he called his ‘Covid’ novel) and, most recently, The Well of Saint Nobody.
Amnesiac represents a departure for him even by his chameleon standards. There are lots of stories in it of what went on behind the scenes of many of his most controversial films. For instance he tells us he wasn’t totally happy with Brad Pitt’s performance in Interview with the Vampire. He hummed and hawed about having Tom Cruise co-star opposite him. How many directors can hum and haw about Tom Cruise? Is that not a bit like telling God you’ll get back to him?
The book also contains beguiling stories about Neil’s youth, about his mother – an artist - and his father, with whom he had a fractious (and occasionally violent) relationship. Music bubbles under the surface. Neil fictionalised Michael in Night in Tunisia in this guise. Neil himself did a stint in a band too, back in the day.
We read about his life at school, about the first stirrings of his sexual urges. (‘Bird-watching’ begins with, er, bird-watching). We read about a distressing experience with a paedophile, about him working in theatre with Jim Sheridan in UCD, about being fired from a teaching job (‘I was torn to pieces by a group of bilingual nine year olds’), about his time on the dole, about being at the
Oscar ceremonies when a copy of a novel in a bag he was carrying which was suspected of containing an IRA bomb.
There are also references to a terrible accident involving his daughter. And, in somewhat more frivolous vein, helping a nun on an airplane during turbulence. We even read about Stanley Kubrick ringing his house and him not getting the message properly because his daughter mis-hears the name as Stanley Cooper.
My favourite yarn in the book is one told to him by John McGahern (who taught him for a time when he was at school in Raheny) about Charlie Haughey walking down the street with Albert Reynolds one day and pointing across it to two young girls. ‘I’m going to marry one of them,’ he says. ‘Which one?’ asks Albert. ‘It doesn’t matter,’ Charlie tells him, ‘They’re both the Taoiseach’s daughters!’
Towards the end of the book – hold on to your hat – we get a meeting between Neil and Marlon Brando. Brando summons him to his home in Mulholland Drive to discuss a possible collaboration with him. During the course of their meeting, Brando proceeds to do a trick for him using a silk handkerchief. This doesn’t impress Neil in the least. Brando gives him a gift of the handkerchief to give to his daughter. When he does so, she says she prefers her Daddy doing different kinds of tricks. Sorry, Marlon.
There’s a moment in their conversation where Brando tells Neil he has a great affinity with Ireland, saying there’s a bridge on the way from Dublin Airport that he went under when he was making a film here one year. As he did so, he says he felt more at home there than he’d ever been in America. I know this bridge. It’s in Drumcondra. I go under it quite a lot myself. Since reading the book I’ve been seeing it in a different light.
Such anecdotes resonate in the mind long after leaving Amnesiac down. It’s written in the atmospheric prose Neil uses in his best fiction. But why did he airbrush Beverly d’Angelo out of it? They had a turbulent relationship during the filming of The Miracle
Maybe that’s why.
Auctioneers, estate agents, letting agents, and property management agents must hold a Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) licence.
An auctioneer may auction land, fine arts, antiques or animals at a mart.
When engaging an agent don’t assume that your agent is licensed.
Check the PSRA Register of Licensed Agents at www.psr.ie
No PSRA Licence – No PSRA Consumer Protection
On a recent visit to Kansas City, Missouri, I discovered a museum of a kind I had never seen before – and I am an inveterate museum visitor: a steamboat museum. Immediately, memories flooded back into my mind of Mark Twain’s book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, that great sprawling all-American novel so full of the steamboat traffic of the Mississippi and so much a favourite with readers of my vintage. More precisely, this museum was dedicated to the memory of one steamboat in particular, the Arabia. Conscious of the limited time I had available to see the sights of the city, I was about to pass on, but Huck stood in my way, plucked at my sleeve, and I knew I had to go in. And I was so glad I did. I found myself in an Aladdin’s cave of wonders.
Before we had roads, we had rivers –those great water highways, enablers of invasion and human settlements along their banks, rudimentary outposts that would eventually become our towns and cities. Huck Finn is the main character in the novel mentioned above, but an equally important character is the great Mississippi herself, on which steamboats daily churned their slow passage from St Louis up towards Ohio and back again, laden with goods for the freshly settled frontiers of what was to become the United States of America. Charles Dickens tells us that in 1842 he rode three different Mississippi steamboats down the Ohio River and on to St. Louis and back again. In his American Notes he observed that these vessels were ‘foreign to all the ideas we are accustomed to entertain of boats [in Europe]. I hardly know what to liken them to, or how to describe them.’ Lacking any ‘boat-like gear,’ they looked as if they were built ‘to perform some unknown service, high and dry, upon a mountaintop.’
Many people’s knowledge of steamboats (mine included) would be derived from novels like the one mentioned above, and from the many films and musicals featuring them, like the famous 1951 film of the musical Showboat, starring Ava Gardner, Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, and the songs of the gifted composer Jerome Kern – plus lot and lots of glamour. Other films had a more Wild West slant, featuring the boats as excursion vessels for the well-off, with drinking saloons and gambling casinos in which disputes over cards or the roulette wheel often turned into gunfire. There is a germ of truth in these portrayals but, as this Kansas City Museum informed me, it is a very small germ indeed. ’The chief business of America is business,’ President Calvin Coolidge declared in 1925, but long before that the steamboat Arabia and others like it were putting this slogan into practice by carrying saleable merchandise up and down the rivers, including slaves in chains. Rather than romantic symbols of the Deep South, these were merchant vessels, plying the commercially navigable arteries of North America’s central river system.
From their first introduction in the early 19th century, steamboats, with their enormous paddle wheels powered by huge wood-burning boilers, transformed the movement of people and goods along the great river highways, a transport formerly limited to flatboats and keelboats borne by the current. By 1849, all of 572 steamboats were in operation, although they were so subject to the risks and hazards of the waterways that, out of that number, only a very few were more than five years old. The river gods seem not to have taken kindly to these newfangles ploughing their waters and many a floating tree stump (known to fearful mariners as a ‘snag’) was thrust across
the bow of many a steamboat to gore an enormous hole, thereby consigning the boat to the riverbed. Other dangers a steamboat captain had to keep in mind were hidden sandbars, collisions, fires, and boiler explosions. The last-named was quite common and often fatal to the crew. An early casualty of these dangers was The Missouri Packet, which was the first steamboat to sink into the Missouri River in 1820, the victim of a snag. Many others followed her fate, including the Arabia, which is the subject of the Kansas Steamboat Museum.
The Packet Arabia (to give the steamboat her proper title) had come into service in 1853. Her paddle wheels were 28 feet (8.5 m) across, and her steam boilers consumed approximately thirty cords of wood per day (one cord measures about 600-800 logs). She averaged 5 miles (8.0 km) per hour going upstream and continued to ply the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri rivers for the next three years until Sept 5, 1856 when she hit a large sycamore snag which holed her below the water line.
She sank quickly, but fortunately all persons on board managed to get off safely. Thereafter, she continued to sink into the muddy riverbed until, by next morning, she had almost entirely disappeared, leaving only the tops of her funnels and the pilot house still visible above the mud. These also shortly disappeared. It was well known that there was an extensive cargo on board and there was even a rumour that she was carrying a large consignment of whiskey. This latter gave rise to many attempts at salvage over the succeeding years, all of which were unsuccessful. The mud that had enveloped her proved too much of an obstacle and so, the Arabia was to remain in the embrace of the riverbed at the bottom of the Missouri until the first really serious effort to raise her was made in 1988.
In that year a group of self-proclaimed treasure hunters came together to form River Salvage Incorporated. It included, among others, the brothers David, Greg, and Bob Hawley, who owned a refrigeration repair business; restaurateur
Jerry Mackey, and David Luttrell from the construction industry. Hard-nosed, self-made businessmen, in the best American tradition, their express aim was the recovery of Arabia’s cargo and, as finders, to sell it off at a profit – also in the best American tradition.
Before the dig, they had to deal with the fact that the wreck was no longer at the bottom of the Missouri. During the previous 132 years the river, seemingly conscious that efforts would be made to undo her dastardly work, had shifted her path, and left the Arabia to languish beneath an adjacent cornfield. Negotiations with the land owner to excavate the land proved successful, but the consortium had to agree to have the work done by the spring seeding time of the following February 1989. Arabia or not, farmers are hard-nosed too, so a difficult task was not made any easier by a tight schedule. Work began in earnest at the beginning of November 1987. The projected financial outlay was initially estimated at $50,000 but by the time the project was finished it had cost nearly one million dollars.
These treasure hunters shared a wide variety of expertise and ingenuity, which was underpinned by a boundless enthusiasm to get the job done. By employing the most cutting edge and sophisticated salvage methods available at the time, the mud was cleared and the Arabia was exposed on November 26, 1988. That was the easy part. The work to salvage its cargo then commenced and four days later that cargo began to appear. And what a cargo it was!
I am not very partial to exclamation marks but I will defend the one above. On December 5, a wooden crate filled with elegant porcelain ware was unearthed. The mud had been such an effective preserver that the yellow packing straw was still visible. As the rest of the freight began to emerge, its astounding variety became apparent. Fine crockery, ranging from everyday household plate to sets of delicate china. Every kind of cutlery and cooking utensils imaginable. Builders’ tools, axe heads, spades, shovels, carpenters’ tools. Ladies’ and gents’ apparel for indoor and outdoor wear. All types of furniture. Barrels, buckets, ladders, ropes. Guns and ammunition. Over 4000 pairs of boots and shoes. Hundreds of hats of various styles, and jars of (astonishingly still edible) preserved apples. River Salvage Inc. had discovered a veritable cornucopia of items ranging from those as small as penknives to those as large as sewing machines; an enormous and varied quantity of goods heading for the General Stores of the new towns upriver – all the wherewithal necessary for the great expansion into an America territory rapidly leaving behind its rudimentary ‘log cabin’ reputation and anxious to acquire all the hallmarks of sophisticated 19th century culture.
Many pieces of the boat itself, including the boilers, one engine, and the anchor, were salvaged as well, and are on display. The huge jagged tree stump, with which the boat collided, is also here, looking like a ferocious animal that would wreak havoc all over again if it managed to escape from its glass cage.
In short, Arabia proved to be a time capsule of 1850s America. As with the dry desert air that protected the tomb treasures of Tutankhamun; and as with the waters of the bogs of Denmark’s Jutland that preserved the bodies of the Iron Age men and women which Seamus Heaney told us about, it was the mud of the Missouri riverbed that kindly preserved the Arabia’s cargo, a cargo made wonderful – as with King Tut and the bog people – by a passage of time that made their time stand still and allows us to step out of our busy present and into their silent, but eloquent, past.
The work of preservation started immediately after salvage, and is still ongoing (2024). It will probably take another 10 years or more because restoration is a lengthy and difficult process. Extensive and careful drying and cleaning procedures are required and even a small nail can take over an hour of work. Other items like shoes and boots may take up to three months of treatment. Interest in Arabia’s cargo, which claims to be the largest single collection of pre-American Civil War artifacts in the world, is world-wide and
many sources, among them the Mary Rose Trust in England and the Canadian Conservation Institute.
The result of the many months of hard work so far is the vast number of objects currently on display in the Museum. Such is the pristine condition of the exhibits after their treatment that I had to remind myself time and again that these items were not the imagined reproductions or simulations often seen elsewhere in museums, but are the actual day-to-day objects of that time in all their glorious reality. And although there are thousands of artifacts on display in their huge glass cabinets, according to the museum there are still (as at 2024) another 60 tons of cargo yet to be treated. Part of the museum is given over to an explanation of this work and in the small theatre, audiovisuals recount the history of the Arabia's sinking and excavation, and the processes of its cargo’s restoration.
As mentioned, the original intention of the salvage consortium was to sell the recovered cargo of the Arabia which, with its historical associations and genuine quality, once dried and cleaned, would have realised a handsome profit.
However, having realised the importance of the objects to the historical record of their country, the partners opted instead to fund a museum to house and display the objects, thereby adding to the knowledge of the birth of their nation, and proving that business is not entirely always the preoccupation of American businessmen. Hard-nosed they might be, but not always hard-hearted. They concluded that the Arabia’s cargo was not really their property but the property of the American people, a treasure trove that gives a unique insight into those stirring times of expansion in pre-civil war America.
Dave Hawley now remains the sole owner of the museum which is located in the historic City Market area of Kansas City. However, it may be that Arabia’s voyage from that cornfield may not yet be over. The museum’s lease expires in 2026 and will not be renewed. There are plans to move it to St. Charles County, in the eastern part of the state, but wherever it finally ends up, and if you happen to be anywhere near it, make sure you visit. It will be an unforgettable experience.
Lorna Hogg traces the early London life of Charles Dickens who rose from factory skivvy to become the hugely successful Victorian writer
leave school to start work – but the endgame was inevitable. His father entered the dreaded Marshalsea Prison, where debtors were one group of inmates. One wall of the building still exists, on the southern boundary of the park alongside St. George’s Church garden, near Borough Market/Angel Place.
His characters have entered folklore – as well as our everyday lives. Scrooge has become our nickname for misers. We reassure ourselves - and others, by quoting Mr. Micawber’s motto - that ‘something will turn up’. We joke about `sawbones’ – surgeons, or `butterfingers,’ when we drop something. We describe surroundings as `creepy.’ We even use Dickens’s name as an adjective - ` Dickensian’ conjures up images, ranging from slums to Christmas celebrations. Author, journalist, editor, illustrator, speaker and social critic Charles Dickens gave his name to an age – and like any good novelist, his own life contained quite a few surprises and inspirations.
He was born in February 1812, and will forever be associated with the city which was then the largest in the world. The Industrial Revolution had changed production methods – and trade. Migration to London by impoverished country dwellers and despairing immigrants increased. London’s population soared as new businesses were constantly created. As a baby, the future for the youthful Charles looked promising. His grandfather was Head Butler to an established M.P. and his grandmother was a settled servant in the same house. His father John had a clerkship in the Naval Pay Office, and enjoyed entertaining. However, the family moved regularly – homes included London’s Cleveland St. and Fitzrovia, with spells at Sheerness and Chatham. Some might say that John Dickens, who persisted in his belief that `something will turn up’ - may have enjoyed life too much.
In Victorian times, his £40 of unpaid debts spelt potential ruin for the family. In 1827, they moved swiftly from life in modest homes and garrets - to a slum. Twelve year old Charles had to
A very unusual prison to our current understanding, it had been upgraded in the early 1800s and had a variety of offenders. In Dickensian times, prisons were run privately. Most of the inmates jailed for insolvency had debts of under £50 - and their presence at Marshalsea at least kept their creditors at bay. Essentially, inmates had to stay there until their debts were paid. However, if you could afford the prison fees, you slept there, but could go out during the day, usually to earn money to pay down the debt. Families could visit, eat, and spend time with prisoners. There was even a (very) basic café on the premises. But Marshalsea remained a prison. If you could not afford the fees, you would remain jailed in the small, cramped, overcrowded and unhealthy cells, with death from disease and summer heat stroke rampant.
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family member paid off the debt, and his father was released. However, astonishingly, the young Charles continued to work for a couple of years at the shoe blacking factory – his mother decided on it. He could not overlook her insistence, and the effects of that decision on his future relationships with women were considerable. Yet the boy’s resilience was remarkable. Having taught himself shorthand, he did some work for the legal profession, which was sited cheek by jowl to the East End. He also started writing as a journalist, becoming a regular newspaper correspondent. Free time was spent in walking miles around the London which would provide his inspiration – and success.
Dickens knew the notorious Pear Tree court – the area which inspired his character the Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist. He knew the opium dens, detailed in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. He came to know Newgate – the infamous jail, at which public executions were watched until the 1850s. The slums in Saffron Hill, and the prisons and workhouses were familiar to him. So were their polar opposites - the Old Bailey, the Bank of England, Temple Bar (the ancient entry to the City of London), Cornhill and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
These days, we think of the East End as a centre of urban cool – helped of course, by the fact that it is just a few tube/rail stops from the City of London. It is now a world financial trade centre, and gentrification has brought in expensive converted loft and old warehouse apartments and Bohemian houseboats. Areas such as Shoreditch and Spitalfields – once dens of crime, are now sought after places to live and visit. Popular restaurants, a wide range of historical pubs, plus good transport services ensure that the area is a sought after destination.
indescribable in its horror. Possibly the worst area was Jacob’s Island, which featured as the home of the infamous Bill Sykes in Oliver Twist. Dubbed the ` Capital of Cholera’ and the `Venice of Drains’ by contemporary observers, the smell was overpowering. It was created by lack of proper drainage, plus rotten vegetation and dead fish – and the water here ran red with blood from slaughter houses.
Gas lights provided eerie backdrops, as early morning street traders collected their wares – there were no hygienic supermarket chains then. Costers – street sellers, shouted their wares. Pies, fish, fruit, vegetables, flowers all - came daily from the markets. Trade centered around the Pool of London, and the Thames, dubbed the `river of death’, flowed under the then new Westminster Bridge – into the Great Stink.
In Dickensian times however, the East End was a different kind of trade centre – complete with squalor and filth. Crime was
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The East End was then not an area in which to loiter – and it partially inspired the introduction of a new police force, the Peelers, or Bobbies. Part of the Metropolitan Police Force, the first modern police force in England, they were nicknamed after then Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel, who introduced the force in 1829. As well as poverty, illness and death, crime was rife. The area was noted for its prisons – the notorious Fleet, and Newgate Jails were sited here.
To this day, we associate Dickens with London life in the East End. Hence, readers are often surprised to learn that in terms of literary backdrops, the Palace of Westminster – or Houses of Parliament, plus the City, were the most frequently mentioned sites in his writings. Edwin Drood and Great Expectations had backdrops of St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Strand, the Bank of England, Covent Garden and The Old Bailey – plus New Gate prison, feature prominently. Hardly surprising, as the City of London, with its Courts and Fleet Street were, of course cheek by jowl with the East End. This made it possible for the young and ambitious Dickens to develop a career as an author and journalist.
He introduced a new style of authorship. Instalment publication, which retained reader interest, existed. However he was unusual in that he continued to write the story during the publication of instalments. His style was melodramatic, with plenty of comedy and irony, plus satire – he was the man who dubbed London the ` Magic Lantern’. He also staged `readings’, an early form of publicity tours. `Ye Old Cheshire Cheese ‘in Fleet Street was one spot he used, with, of course, suitably dramatic stagecraft.
He visited Dublin in 1858, staying in a hotel on Nassau Street, and an audience of 3000 heard his reading of Dombey and Son. Belfast came next, and then Cork, where he stayed at the long established Imperial Hotel, and gave a very successful reading at what was then Cork Opera House. Limerick was also successfully included. He was so impressed with Ireland that he returned on further publicity tours in 1867 and 1869.
Dickens worked hard, and enjoyed the advantages of his success – moving financially upwards with his family, eventually to his comfortable home in Gad’s Hill. Yet his personal life was less happy, and led to gossip and speculation to this day. However, his literary success and name were assured – and Dickens is also remembered for his support of social advances and improvements. As well as providing entertainment, his books, articles and campaigning also highlighted the need for solutions to social issues. These, some possibly influenced by his childhood experiences, included workers’ rights, poverty and exploitation, plus women’s status, especially in the areas of divorce, cruelty and injustice.
Dickensian London
Dickensian pubs
Ye Old Cheshire Cheese : The George, Southwark: The Grapes, Limehouse - all are the real Dickensian deal, and visited by the author.
Dickens home as Gad’s Hill is now a school, but also has visiting days. www.gadshillplace.co.uk
The Dickens Museum is at 48, Doughty Street London https://dickensmuseum.com
There are some excellent Dickensian tours available –London Walks offers 'Shakespeare and Dickens’ Old City of London’ and tours of Inns of Court.
London Walking Tours also has good guided walks www.london-walkingtours.co.uk
Charles Dickens London Walking Tour www.viator.com
Having trouble walking? Memory failing you?
Recover your zest for life
Undergo a full medical assessment and surgery within a month.
Struggling with incontinence and an acute need to urinate?
Almost four percent of all people over the age of 65 suffer from Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Although the condition is quite common, many cases go untreated.
The earlier you receive treatment, the better the outcome
In most places, the waiting lists for shunt surgery are long. However, alternatives solutions are just a short flight away. In Denmark, Private Hospital Mølholm can offer NPH assessment and treatment with a guaranteed maximum waiting time of just four weeks. Both the assessment and the procedure can be carried out during a single visit to the clinic with one overnight stay. The operation takes about 45 minutes.
Private Hospital Mølholm is located 30 minutes away from Billund Airport. There are direct flights from Dublin to Billund almost daily. We can help organise flights and accommodation.
Feel free to contact our contact person for Ireland and the UK, Mr. Morten Bonde Pedersen at mpe@molholm.dk or mobile +45 29 48 40 86
in Ireland. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose
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 stillbirth during pregnancy
COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Flu and COVID-19 are and the COVID-19 vaccine.
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GPs and Pharmacies to those within the recommended groups. If you are a health care worker, you may be able to get the free
More information is available from your GP, Public Health Nurse or Pharmacist.
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If you are one of the many elderly people who suffers from NPH, help can be found in Denmark. Medical studies show that so-called shunt surgery can make a considerable difference.
Almost four percent of people over the age of 65 suffer from NPH (Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus). But far from everyone receives a diagnosis. As a result, many elderly people unnecessarily struggle with walking difficulties, forgetfulness and loss of bladder control. Many mistake the symptoms for dementia or general ageing and believe that nothing can be done. The earlier treatment is given, the better the outcome.
For this reason, it is important to get a diagnosis as quickly as possible so that treatment can be offered, according to a cranial surgery specialist in Denmark with experience of so-called shunt operations. “The earlier treatment is given, the better the outcome will be,” says Specialist Christian Bonde Pedersen.
Far from everyone gets the right diagnosis in time as the waiting lists to see a neurologist are often very long. However, if treatment is given on time, the prospects are very good. “Four out of five patients who get the right treatment experience improvement. This applies to their memory, walking ability and bladder control,” says Christian Bonde Pedersen.
The specialist’s advice is therefore to contact your GP if you suspect you might be suffering from NPH. At Private Hospital Mølholm in Denmark, patients can receive an assessment and undergo a shunt operation after a waiting time of no more than four weeks. Mølholm has a large team of experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons with prior experience treating patients with NPH. The procedure itself takes 45 minutes.
To find out more go to www.molholm.dk/en/specialties/craniosurgical-clinic-neurosurgery/
Morten Blaabjerg & Christian Bonde Pedersen. Two from the team of four specialists in cranio-surgery.
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There is one word that sends shivers down the spines of everyone interested in conserving our native species, be they birds, insects, wildflowers. The dreaded word is ‘extinction’. Zoe Devlin reports
Once upon a time, in an era when the magical music of grasshoppers was a backdrop to long hot summers, there were meadows across Ireland with small pools of bright pink in among the corn. Those splashes of pink were the flowers of corncockle. They were very beautiful wildflowers but their appearance came to be greatly feared by farmers because the seeds could reap disaster when ingested by livestock, causing death in the animals. Not only that but if, inadvertently, those seeds were harvested with the tillage crop, they could adulterate the entire yield. And so they had to be eradicated. Initially, farm labourers would do their best to remove the plants from the fields and pick out the seeds from the harvested crop but as more sophisticated methods – herbicides – came on board, those pink flowers became a thing of the past. Sadly, corncockle is now officially 'extinct in the wild' here and its seeds are only found in packets of non-native wildflowers. That was the sorry end to one wildflower species in Ireland.
In 2016, the Red Data List of Vascular Plants¹ was published by the National Parks & Wildlife Service and from it one could see that there are many species of wildflowers that are heading in the same direction. The gorgeous pink meadow saffron, now recorded in only five sites in Ireland is in the ‘Endangered’ section and the shy purple-flowered pyramidal bugle is only a wee bit better, in the ‘Vulnerable’ category. There are plenty of other wildflowers whose future has a nasty shadow hanging over them but the scariest of all is a little silver-leaved species whose numbers have fallen to less than one dozen plants in the wild. Just think of it – only twelve plants left to pass on their genes to future generations of the species, if any! A horrendous thought.
These twelve plants grow in a windswept and wild coastal spot in County Wexford, and nobody needs a crystal ball to see
that they are heading, very quickly, towards extinction in the wild. They are the plants of the distinctive and unmistakeable cottonweed. These rare plants are quite unusual, with stems and leaves covered with woolly, downy white hairs. Then there are the flowerheads, quite small – about the size of a pea – and they are like fluffy yellow buttons in little bundles at the top of the silver stems. The plants flower in late summer and only reach about 30cm high, growing on sandy ground close to the sea. When I first saw them in 2008, there were probably two to three dozen. I had been accompanied by someone on a far higher pay grade that myself who told me that about thirty years earlier there were swathes of cottonweed growing in the same area but, bit by bit, they had diminished in numbers. Since 1964, when cottonweed had been recorded growing in County Wicklow as well, it is now found only in County Wexford.
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The good news is that in 2018 the Irish population of the species was surveyed and the remaining numbers were confirmed as only twelve. This was followed by the establishment of a programme to bring it back from extinction in the wild in Ireland. The good folk from the National Botanic Gardens, under licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, began to gather seeds from those plants. Tiny seedlings poked their heads up through the soil in the glasshouses of Glasnevin and when these were more robust, cuttings were taken, both measures looking most promising. Then, not far from the original site in Wexford, a large patch of ground was cleared of marram grass and some of the young Glasnevin seedlings were carefully
In UCD Horticultural laboratory, scientists have taken the propagation of this species a step further by developing a protocol using agar-based growing media and nutrients together with micro cuttings from different parts of the plants. First results show the potential for a large-scale production method for conserving not only the County Wexford cottonweed but other rare plant species, especially when material and numbers of plants are critically reduced in the wild. It would act as insurance against unknown threats that may occur in the future and the success of this study opens doors to new possibilities for conservation, restoration and management of other critically endangered species.
Over the last few decades, not only our wildflowers but other elements of biodiversity have been in serious decline, perhaps the drop in the numbers of our birds being the most alarming of all. The corn bunting, once a resident of lowland agricultural areas, has not bred in Ireland for around thirty years, principally due to changes in farming practices that caused a loss of the sites where it could access its main foodstuff – cereals. Regrettably, other
In his 18th century poem, ‘The Yellow Bittern’, Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Gunna wrote
It's not for the common birds that I'd mourn,
The blackbird, the corn-crake, or the crane,
But for the bittern that's shy and apart
Where he drinks in the marsh from the lone bog-drain.
The bittern was quite common until the mid-19 century, but can only be seen in Ireland now if you visit the Natural History Museum. It was a large, secretive bird, not easy to see with its plumage of brown which blended in with the marshy places it inhabited, hunting for fish among the reedbeds. Now it is an extremely rare winter visitor to our shores.
The corn bunting, once a resident of lowland agricultural areas, has not bred in Ireland for around thirty years. The bittern
In the mid-19th century, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote
The tide rises, the tide falls, The twilight darkens, the curlew calls; Along the sea-sands damp and brown
The traveller hastens toward the town, And the tide rises, the tide falls.
That evocative, mystical ‘curlew call’ has become far less common in the intervening years and recent figures show that the number of these incredibly beautiful birds has dropped alarmingly, with a fall of 98% from those recorded four decades ago.
For those unfamiliar with this bird, let me describe it. The curlew is the largest wading bird in Ireland, a very distinctive creature with long legs, quite a bulky body and a long, sickle-shaped bill. It has light brown plumage decorated with darkish streaks and is best seen in its favourite habitats – open ground close to damp areas of vegetation, floodplains, bogland and other wet areas. I have also watched curlews feeding in coastal estuaries and saltmarshes, probing the sand with their long beaks, seeking juicy invertebrates. But it is its haunting, liquid, bubbling call that I would miss most should this creature become extinct in the wild;
The good news is that a Curlew Conservation Programme² was established in 2017, involving teams of advisors who, along with nest protection officers and local communities found ways to improve the quality of the birds’ badly needed habitats. The programme put landowners and birds at its centre, ensuring that the fall in the population of the birds would be halted. The main focus was on the most important breeding areas in Counties Kerry, Mayo, Leitrim, Monaghan, Donegal, Galway, Laois and Kildare.
The programme was very well received with teams liaising closely with landowners in the search for and protection of breeding curlews. In a procedure called ‘headstarting’, eggs were collected from the nests of wild birds and incubated artificially. Chicks were hatched and reared in pens until they were ready to be released into the wild. This bought a bit of time and lessened the likelihood of the species’ demise, with more of these chicks reaching the fledging stage than had they been reared in the wild. That superb programme is now drawing to an end but there is reason for optimism. During the period of operation, the number of chicks considered necessary to maintain a stable population was reached and even exceeded. One can only hope that this iconic bird will continue to give its cry to many generations to come. I would love my grandson to be able to listen to its unmistakeable music for as long as I have.
About fifty years ago, I spent a fortnight in a tent close to a beach in County Galway called Rossadillisk. We were very lucky to have the sun shine on us for most of the holiday but there was one major cause of frustration. Every night and often during the day, we would hear a repeating, rasping sound, as if two sticks were rubbing against each other. My other half, being an avid birdwatcher, informed me and the children that it was the call of a male corncrake. Our frustration was that in all the time we spent looking for a glimpse of this little bird, we didn’t manage to spot it once. It had found its perfect habitat – a grassy meadow where nettles, irises, hogweed and other tall plants grew in abundance, all high enough to help it keep out of the sight of mortal eyes. Birdwatch Ireland defines the corncrake as ‘a shy, secretive bird of hay meadows’. Only slightly larger than blackbirds, these creatures make an epic journey from subSaharan Africa every spring to produce two broods of chicks here before they all fly home in September.
The corncrake’s Latin name ‘Crex crex’ must surely derive from the call of the bird that was sadly heard less and less since the 1900’s, largely due to intensification of farming practices. However, in the last few years, help has arrived in the form of Corncrake LIFE³, a project that works with farmers and landowners to improve habitat for the birds in the Special Protection Area network and surrounding farmland, mainly in the west and north-west of Ireland. Two measures have been designed to benefit them, one to provide them with suitable tall vegetation throughout their breeding season and the second is to delay mowing of hay or silage crops and also the adoption of conservation-friendly mowing techniques to reduce the loss of chicks to mowing. It gladdens the heart of all involved to report that there has been a 35% increase in the birds since 2018.
The Corncrake, there has been a 35% increase in the birds since 2018.
¹ www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications
² www.npws.ie/farmers-and-landowners/schemes/curlewconservation-programme
³ www.corncrakelife.ie
Bridge by Michael O’Loughlin
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.
The Opening Bid of 1NT and 2NT
by Michael O’Loughlin
Bid no trumps with courage when you have the appropriate hand. Having done so, you have described your hand and can let partner choose the final contract. Because often you are unlikely to make even one further bid, you can go to the kitchen and put on the kettle, returning at the end of the auction, should you be required to declare/defend.
Bid notrumps with courage when you have the appropriate hand. Having done so, you have described your hand and can let partner choose the final contract. Because are unlikely to make even one further bid, you can go to the kitchen and put on the kettle, returning at the end of the auction, should you be required to declare/defend.
Open 1NT with each of these hands:
Open 1NT with each of these hands: (1) (2) (3)
K Q 7
J 10
All three are balanced (no void, no singleton and not more than one doubleton) with 12 – 14 points.
You would open 2NT to show a balanced 20 - 22 point hand. If partner jumped to 4♠ you would pass. Yes – whether your Spades were ♠32 or ♠AKQJ. Partner knows what you have; you do not know what partner has. Partner is wearing the captain’s hat; you are in the kitchen.
(1) As usual when partner bids notrumps, you know the final contract and can just bid it (Transfers not being played in this example).
All three are balanced (no void, no singleton and not more than one doubleton) with 12 – 14 points.
You do not need stoppers in all suits and can have a five-card suit, even a five-card major suit. This latter point is somewhat contentious (getting less so) but that is the modern game.
Put simply, opening 1NT is the easy life. Opening one-of-a-suit requires you to make a rebid in reply to partner’s change of suit; far better to open 1NT and get the hand off your chest in one go (and then disappear to the kitchen to boil the kettle).
(2) Not invited – partner is in charge. After opening 2NT, you went to boil the kettle.
You would open 2NT to show a balanced 20 - 22 point hand. If partner jumped to 4♠ you would pass. Yes – whether your Spades were ♠32 or ♠AKQJ. Partner knows what you have; you do not know what partner has. Partner is wearing the captain’s hat; you are in the kitchen.
You do not need stoppers in all suits and can have a fivecard suit, even a five-card major suit. This latter point is somewhat contentious (getting less so) but that is the modern game.
Put simply, opening 1NT is the easy life. Opening one -of-asuit requires you to make a rebid in reply to partner’s change of suit; far better to open 1NT and get the hand off your chest in one go (and then disappear to the kitchen to boil the kettle).
West makes the natural top of a sequence lead of the ♠Q. If you cover with the ♠K, East will win with the ♠A and return a Spade to partner’s ♠10. West will then lead a Club and declarer will lose two Club tricks in the fullness of time for one down. On the lead of the ♠Q, East is marked with the ♠A as West would not lead away from an Ace against a suit contract. Declarer must duck the ♠Q lead. Best for West to now switch to a Club. Declared goes up the ♣A, draws trumps, plays uAK and ruffs the u9, eliminating the Diamond suit. Declarer now leads to the ♠K, throwing East in. East is now endplayed and must either lead into dummy’s ♣Q or give a ruff and discard. 10 tricks and game made.
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ays in which to win tricks in bridge
Ways in which to win tricks in bridge
BY LENGTH
LENGTH
BY LENGTH
By Length
Here it is necessary for South to lose 2 tricks in order to end up winning 3 tricks.
Length means that you have four cards or more in a par5cular suit. You are said to have a “Long Suit” when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players at the table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs.
BY LENGTH
Length means that you have four cards or more in a par5cular suit. You are said to have a “Long Suit” when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players at the table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs.
Length means that you have four cards or more in a par5cular suit. You are said to have a “Long Suit” when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players at the table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs.
The lessons to be learned are:
Length means that you have four cards or more in a par5cular suit. You are said to have a “Long Suit” when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players the table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs.
If they both follow to the second round then one of them has only 1 card left in that suit. This is the best way to COUNT.
Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have left in that suit become winner(s).
Length means that you have four cards or more in a particular suit. You are said to have a “Long Suit” when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players at the table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs.
If they both follow to the second round then one of them has only 1 card left in that suit. This is the best way to COUNT.
Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have left in that suit become winner(s).
NORTH ¨543
Length means that you have four cards or more in a par5cular suit. You are said to have a “Long Suit” when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players the table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs.
NORTH ¨543
Length means that you have four cards or more in a par5cular suit. You are said to have a “Long when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs. away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have that suit become winner(s).
Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have left in that suit become winner(s).
Length means that you have four cards or more in a par5cular suit. You are said to have a “Long Suit” when you hold 4+ cards in that suit. If you have 4 cards in a suit and the other three players at the table have only 3 cards in that suit then your holding is longer than theirs. Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have left in that suit become winner(s).
NORTH ¨543
NORTH ¨543
If they both follow to the second round then one of them has only 1 card left in that suit. This is the best way to COUNT.
Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have in that suit become winner(s).
If they both follow to the second round then one of them has only 1 card left in that suit. This is the best way to COUNT.
Small cards (deuces, threes, fours, etc.) become winners when nobody else has any cards left in that suit.
Small cards (deuces, threes, fours, etc.) become winners when nobody else has any cards left in that suit.
Observe how the missing cards are divided: if you and your partner have 8, then your opponents have the missing 5. If they both follow to the first round then they have 3 left. If they both follow to the second round then one of them has only 1 card left in that suit.
Small cards (deuces, threes, fours, etc.) become winners when nobody else has any cards left in that suit.
This is the best way to COUNT.
Small cards (deuces, threes, fours, etc.) become winners when nobody else has any cards left in that suit.
Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have in that suit become winner(s).
Often you have to give some to get some in return.
Take away all the opponents’ cards in a particular suit – then whatever card or cards you have left in that suit become winner(s).
¨J97
NORTH ¨543
NORTH ¨543
¨AKQ2
WEST ¨J97
NORTH ¨543
Often you have to give some to get some in return.
Often you have to give some to get some in return.
¨1086
Small cards (deuces, threes, fours, etc.) become winners when nobody else has any cards left in that suit.
Often you have to give some to get some in return.
¨1086
¨AKQ2
SOUTH
¨AKQ2
SOUTH
¨AKQ2
SOUTH
¨AKQ2
SOUTH
¨AKQ2
North
North §AK432
Often you have to give some to get some in return.
¨1086
South plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, ¨ 2, is a winner.
West §Q97 §J108 East
§AK432
North §AK432
§65
North
West §Q97 §J108 East
South plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, ¨ 2, is a winner.
South plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, ¨ 2, is a winner.
SOUTH
SOUTH
South
§65 South
West §Q97 §J108 East §65 South
West
Another example:
¨AKQ2 SOUTH
South plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, ¨ 2, is a winner.
Another example:
Another example:
South plays the uAKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, u2, is a winner.
plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, ¨ 2, is a winner.
South plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, ¨ 2, is a winner.
North §AQ432
Q97 §J108 East §65 South
What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win? Four! You cannot win all five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with 3 cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners. Now, for a complete deal:
South plays the ¨AKQ and everybody follows suit: that’s 12 cards in the Diamond suit gone. Therefore, the only remaining Diamond, ¨ 2, is a winner.
Another example:
Another example:
Another example:
Another example:
North §AQ432 West §J97
North §AQ432
Another example: North §AQ432
North §AQ432 West §J97
West §J97
North §AQ432
What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win? Four! You cannot win all five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with 3 cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners.
What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win?
What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win? Four! You cannot win all five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with 3 cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners. Now, for a complete deal:
Now, for a complete deal:
West §J97 §1086 East
1086 East
§1086 East
What are the maximum number of tricks North/South can win? Four! You cannot win five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners. Now, for a complete deal:
Four! You cannot win all five – so deliberately lose the first trick. Now, because East and West both started with 3 cards each in the Club suit, all remaining 4 Clubs in the North hand are winners. Now, for a complete deal:
J97
North §AQ432 West §J97
West §J97 §1086 East
K65
§K65 South
§K65
South
South
§K65
1086 East §K65 South
ª87 ©Q1086 ¨J108 §K1073
ª87 ©Q1086 ¨J108 §K1073
1086 East §K65
ª87 ©Q1086 ¨J108 §K1073
South plays the § K, § A, § Q and draws the opponents’ § s. Therefore, the only remaining § , the two small § in the North hand are winners.
South
South
ª432 ªAK5
South plays the § K, § A, § Q and draws the opponents’ § s. Therefore, the only remaining § , the two small § in the North hand are winners.
South plays the ♣K, ♣A, ♣Q and draws the opponents’ ♣s. Therefore, the only remaining ♣, the two small ♣ in the North hand are winners.
South plays the § K, § A, § Q and draws the opponents’ § s. Therefore, the only remaining § , the two small § in the North hand are winners.
1086 East §K65 South
ª87 ©Q1086
©J32 ©AK4
¨J108 §K1073
South plays the § K, § A, § Q and draws the opponents’ § s. Therefore, the only remaining § , the two small § in the North hand are winners.
ª432 ªAK5 ©J32 ©AK4
¨AK432 ¨765 §J2 §A654
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples:
ª432 ªAK5 ©J32 ©AK4 ¨AK432 ¨765 §J2 §A654
South plays the § K, § A, § Q and draws the opponents’ § s. Therefore, the only remaining § , two small § in the North hand are winners.
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples:
South plays the § K, § A, § Q and draws the opponents’ § s. Therefore, the only remaining § , the two small § in the North hand are winners.
North
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples:
South plays the § K, § A, § Q and draws the opponents’ § s. Therefore, the only remaining § , the two small § in the North hand are winners.
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples: North ©654
North
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples: North
©654
¨AK432 ¨765 §J2 §A654
ª432 ªAK5 ©J32 ©AK4
ªQJ1096
AK432
765
©654
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples: North
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples:
J2
West ©J987 ©10 East
North
Sometimes the opponents’ cards don’t break/divide as kindly as in the above examples: North
West ©J987 ©10 East
West ©J987 ©10 East
©AKQ32 South
©975 ¨Q9
§Q98
West ©J987 ©10 East
©AKQ32 South
©AKQ32 South
©AKQ32 South
This time, when South plays the ♥AKQ West still has the winning ♥J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself.
ªQJ1096 ©975 ¨Q9 §Q98
ªQJ1096 ©975 ¨Q9 §Q98
This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning © J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return.
North
East is required to win 9 tricks. South leads the ªQ. East has 7 tricks on top: ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A. Therefore, he needs to generate 2 more tricks; the only place those 2 extra trick can come from is the Diamond suit. East deliberately gives up a Diamond trick to the
East is required to win 9 tricks. South leads the ªQ. East has 7 tricks on top: ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A. Therefore, he needs to generate 2 more tricks; the only place those 2 extra trick can come from is the Diamond suit. East deliberately gives up a Diamond trick to the
This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning © J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return.
This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning © J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return.
Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return.
ªAK432
North ªAK432
North ªAK432
North
ªAK432
West ªQ108 ªJ9 East
West ªQ108 ªJ9 East
ª765 South
ª765 South
West ªQ108 ªJ9 East ª765 South
East is required to win 9 tricks. South leads the ♠Q. East has 7 tricks on top: ♠AK, ♥AK, uAK and ♣A. Therefore, he needs to generate 2 more tricks; the only place those 2 extra trick can come from is the Diamond suit. East deliberately gives up a Diamond trick to the opponents and, after regaining the lead, wins 4 Diamond tricks to bring his total number of tricks to 9.
This time, when South plays the ©AKQ West still has the winning © J left. South could give West his winner, thus setting up another winner for himself. Sometimes it is necessary to allow the opponents to win trick(s) in order to get trick(s) back in return.
West ªQ108 ªJ9 East ª765 South
This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favorably the opponents cards are divided. North has to lose at least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control, and you can find out how the suit is behaving (i.e. dividing). Therefore, initially a low spade should be played from both the North and the South hands. After that, North expects to win the remaining 4 spades in the North hand provided the suit breaks in the usual fashion: 3/2 initially.
West ¨Q10 ¨KJ9 East
¨876
The lessons to be learned are: ©654
East is required to win 9 tricks. South leads the ªQ. East has 7 tricks on top: ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A. Therefore, he needs to generate 2 more tricks; the only place those 2 extra trick can come from is the Diamond suit. East deliberately gives up a Diamond trick to the opponents and, after regaining the lead, wins 4 Diamond tricks to bring his total tricks to 9.
What mistake could East make?
A654 ªQJ1096 ©975 ¨Q9 §Q98
opponents and, after regaining the lead, wins 4 Diamond tricks to bring his total tricks to 9.
opponents and, after regaining the lead, wins 4 Diamond tricks to bring his total tricks to 9.
What mistake could East make?
What mistake could East make?
opponents and, after regaining the lead, wins 4 Diamond tricks to bring his total tricks to 9. What mistake could East make?
East is required to win 9 tricks. South leads the ªQ. East has 7 tricks on top: ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A. Therefore, he needs to generate 2 more tricks; the only place those 2 extra trick can come from is the Diamond suit. East deliberately gives up a Diamond trick to the
opponents and, after regaining the lead, wins 4 Diamond tricks to bring his total tricks to 9.
What mistake could East make?
What mistake could East make?
1. If East were to firstly play out his winning ♠AK, ♥AK, uAK and ♣A he would be setting up winners in those suits for his opponents. Instead, he must set up/establish winners for himself in the Diamond suit while still retaining controls in the other 3 suits. 2. If East does not give up a Diamond trick initially but rather plays out the uA – uK –u2, then, the u4 and u3 in the West (Dummy) are winners but there is no way to get to them.
1. If East were to firstly play out his winning ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A he would up winners in those suits for his opponents. Instead, he must set up/establish himself in the Diamond suit while s5ll retaining controls in the other 3 suits.
1. If East were to firstly play out his winning ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A he would up winners in those suits for his opponents. Instead, he must set up/establish winners himself in the Diamond suit while s5ll retaining controls in the other 3 suits.
1. If East were to firstly play out his winning ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A he would up winners those for his opponents. Instead, he must set up/establish winners himself in the Diamond suit while s5ll controls in the other 3 suits.
1. If East were to firstly play out his winning ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A he would up winners in those suits for his opponents. Instead, he must set up/establish winners himself in the Diamond suit while s5ll retaining controls in the other 3 suits.
2. If East does not give up a Diamond trick ini5ally but rather plays out the ¨ then, the ¨4 and ¨3 in the West (Dummy) are winners but there is no way to get
2. If East does not give up a Diamond trick ini5ally but rather plays out the ¨ then, the ¨4 and ¨3 in the West (Dummy) are winners but there is no way to
1. If East were to firstly play out his winning ªAK, ©AK, ¨AK and §A he would up winners in those suits for his opponents. Instead, he must set up/establish himself in the Diamond suit while s5ll retaining controls in the other 3 suits.
2. If East does not give up a Diamond trick ini5ally but rather plays out the ¨A then, the ¨4 and ¨3 in the West (Dummy) are winners but there is no way to get
2. If East does not give up a Diamond trick ini5ally but rather plays out the ¨A then, the ¨4 and ¨3 in the West (Dummy) are winners but there is no way to get
Practice Deals
Practice Deals
Practice Deals
Practice Deals
2. If East does not give up a Diamond trick ini5ally but rather plays out the then, the ¨4 and ¨3 in the West (Dummy) are winners but there is no way
If you wish to deal out these cards at home:
If you wish to deal out these cards at home:
If you to deal out these cards at home:
If you wish to deal out these cards at home:
Practice Deals
Practice Deals
If you wish to deal out these cards at home:
If you wish to deal out these cards at home:
1 North 1 East 1 South (to make 1 West (leads ªK)
This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favorably the opponents cards are divided. North has to lose at least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control, and you can find out how the suit is behaving (i.e. dividing). Therefore, initially a low spade should be played from both the North and the South hands. After that, North expects to win the remaining 4 spades in the North hand provided the suit breaks in the usual fashion: 3/2 initially North ¨876
1 North 1 East 1 South (to make 1 West (leads ªK)
1 North 1 East 1 South (to make 1 West (leads ªK)
1 North 1 East 1 South (to make 1 West (leads ªK)
This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favorably the opponents cards are divided. North has to lose at least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control, and you can find out how the suit is behaving (i.e. dividing). Therefore, initially a low spade should be played from both the North and the South hands. After that, North expects to win the remaining 4 spades in the North hand provided the suit breaks in the usual fashion: 3/2 initially North ¨876
This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favorably the opponents cards are divided. North has to lose at least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control, and you can find out how the suit is behaving (i.e. dividing). Therefore, initially a low spade should be played from both the North and the South hands. After that, North expects to win the remaining 4 spades in the North hand provided the suit breaks in the usual fashion: 3/2 initially North
This time North cannot win all 5 tricks no matter how favorably the opponents cards are divided. North has to lose at least 1 trick. A good tip is, if you have to lose a trick, lose it early. By doing so you are more in control, and you can find out how the suit is behaving (i.e. dividing). Therefore, initially a low spade should be played from both the North and the South hands. After that, North expects to win the remaining 4 spades in the North hand provided the suit breaks in the usual fashion: 3/2 initially North
¨876
ª973 ª842 9 tricks) ªA65 ªKQJ10
ª973 ª842 9 tricks) ªA65 ªKQJ10
©A63
©A63 ¨AKQ32
ª973 ª842 9 tricks) ªA65 ªKQJ10 ©A63 ¨AKQ32 ©QJ9 ¨J987 ©K72 ¨654 ©10854 ¨10
ª973 ª842 9 tricks) ªA65 ªKQJ10
1 North 1 East 1 South (to make 1 West (leads ªK) ª973 ª842 9 tricks) ªA65 ª
©QJ9 ¨J987 ©K72 ¨654 ©10854 ¨10
§42 §Q108 §AK93 §J765
West ¨Q10 ¨KJ9 East
West ¨Q10
¨KJ9 East
West ¨Q10 ¨KJ9 East
¨A5432 South
¨A5432 South
¨A5432 South
¨A5432 South
Here it is necessary for South to lose 2 tricks in order to end up winning 3 tricks. The lessons to be learned are:
Here it is necessary for South to lose 2
Here it is necessary for South to lose 2 tricks in order to
Here it is necessary for South to lose 2 tricks in order to end up winning 3 tricks.
tricks.
¨AKQ32 ©QJ9 ¨J987 ©K72 ¨654 ©10854 ¨10 §42 §Q108 §AK93 §J765
©A63 ¨AKQ32 ©QJ9 ¨J987 ©K72 ¨654 ©10854 ¨10 §42 §Q108 §AK93 §J765
§42 §Q108 §AK93 §J765
2. North (to make 2 East (leads ©Q) 2 South 2 West 9 tricks)
2. North (to make 2 East (leads ©Q) 2 South 2 West 9 tricks)
2. North (to make East (leads ©Q) 2 South 2 West 9 tricks)
2. North (to make 2 East (leads ©Q) 2 South 2 West 9 tricks)
ªAK4 ªQ73 ª1065 ªJ982
©K62
ªAK4 ªQ73 ª1065 ªJ982
©K62 ¨A543 ©QJ1098 ¨J9 ©A74 ¨876 ©53 ¨KQ102
ªAK4 ªQ73 ª1065 ªJ982 ©K62 ¨A543 ©QJ1098
¨A543
ªAK4 ªQ73 ª1065 ªJ982 ©K62 ¨A543 ©QJ1098 ¨J9 ©A74 ¨876 ©53 ¨KQ102
¨J9 ©A74 ¨876 ©53 ¨KQ102
©QJ1098 ¨J9 ©A74 ¨876 ©53 ¨KQ102
§974 §1083 §AKQ2 §J65
§974 §1083 §AKQ2 §J65
§974 §1083 §AKQ2 §J65
§974 §1083 §AKQ2 §J65
Bridge breaks for beginnersd
Bridge breaks for beginnersd
Bridge breaks for beginnersd
Bridge breaks for beginnersd
personality in the 1950s and 1960s and was widely known as "Mr. Bridge".
was impressed by Goren's knowledge of the game and hired Goren to help him write his bridge articles and columns –an important training ground for Goren whose own newspaper columns were later to be syndicated world-wide.
Ely Culbertson ruled the bridge publishing world in the1930s. Culbertson recommended evaluating a bridge hand in terms of “quick tricks”. Two and a half quick tricks were the minimum requirement for an opening bid. Goren felt that the defects in the Culbertson System were its fractions: people had a natural aversion to fractions. Goren popularised Milton Work’s whole-number 4–3–2–1 point count system for evaluating hands which quickly superseded the Culbertson
Henry Goren (March 4, 1901 – April 3, 1991) was an American bridge player and writer who significantly developed and popularised the game. He was the leading American bridge personality in the 1950s and 1960s and was widely known as "Mr. Bridge".
Goren was born in what is now Khotyn, Ukraine, then part of the Russian Empire. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca Goron. His father emigrated to Philadelphia in 1903. He earned a law degree at McGill University in Montreal in 1923. While he was attending McGill,
After Milton Work died in 1934, Goren began his own bridge writing career and published the first of his many books on playing bridge, Winning Bridge Made Easy, in 1936. Drawing on his experience with Work's system, Goren quickly became popular as an instructor and lecturer.
was born in what is now Khotyn, Ukraine, then part of the Empire. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca Goron. His emigrated to Philadelphia in 1903. He earned a law degree McGill University in Montreal in 1923. While he was attending his gaucherie and lack of skill at bridge were soon painfully exposed. A female friend laughed at his ineptness at the game of
Goren's books have sold millions of
after which he focused on writing and teaching bridge. Simplicity was his hallmark. He was tolerant of kibitzers and would even banter with them between hands. When one commented that his bid had not strictly followed the teachings of his book, he quipped, “Madam, you couldn’t have read the book all the way through.”
An indication of his phenomenal memory was that he once won a bet by recalling all of the hands he had just played in a three-day tournament. He had the expert’s passion for postmortems, and this once led to a curious incident. On the plane flying back from a bridge championship Goren and his partner were going over, trick by trick, the hundreds of hands they had played. A nearby passenger was astounded by their recall. Goren asked him what his passion was. The passenger replied horse racing. When asked what horse was placed third in the Epsom Derby twenty years previously the passenger was able to give the name of the horse. This illustrates that a good memory is always sharpened by those things that interest one most.
https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates
His bridge lectures were spiced with analogies and anecdotes. He saw himself as 80% entertainer and 20% teacher. Goren never married. Why has always been a conundrum. His view, when asked, was that he was “too wrapped up in the job of establishing myself…I suppose I’m too closely wedded to
His health and mental abilities declined in later years, and he was rarely seen outside of his home – indeed his newspaper columns were soon written by someone else. He died in 1991, aged ninety, of a heart attack.
Tales from the by John Clay; The by Rex Mackey.
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A 2023 Bank of Ireland survey revealed that people are worried about the state of their pensions. The impact of Inflation and a global recession are amongst the top concerns for savers. This followed a 2022 survey which found that 35% of respondents expect to find retirement financially difficult or very difficult, whilst 41% said they were either "somewhat or completely unprepared".
These findings collectively tell us that those saving or already accessing their pensions are feeling uncertain. The feeling of uncertainty is one that has been growing since the 2008 banking crisis, followed by quantitative easing, a global pandemic and now escalating wars with Russia and in the Middle East.
As central banks continue to combat rising prices, those saving for pensions face uncertainty about the financial future and the impact of inflation on their savings.
This uncertainty places individuals with self-directed pensions in a difficult position. Pensions are meant for the long-term future, so it's crucial to ensure they are well-diversified and prepared for any uncertainties.
Finding effective diversifiers is challenging in an environment where assets like bonds, equity, and property are increasingly correlated. However, gold stands out in this regard. It rarely moves in tandem with equities and other risk assets, and this inverse relationship strengthens when these assets decline. This becomes more evident over the long term.
Gold has consistently proven its ability to protect portfolio value and guard against financial system risks. During five of the last seven recessions, gold has performed exceptionally well. In the last twenty years it has returned, on average 8% per year. It is little surprise that gold has gained in both price and popularity in the years following the 2008 financial crisis.
Data from the World Gold Council indicates that gold has historically enhanced risk-adjusted returns and consistently delivered positive returns. This means that when considering the level of risk taken, gold has enhanced overall portfolio performance. We view it as an investment with dual benefits— it provides returns and adds stability and balance to a portfolio, it acts as an insurance.
Moreover, the liquidity of gold is an important consideration. Liquidity refers to the ease with which an asset can be bought or sold without significantly affecting its price. Gold can easily meet liquidity needs during market turmoil, offering reassurance to investors. Over $180 billion worth of gold is traded daily, far surpassing many other assets. The size and depth of the gold market can accommodate investors of all sizes, including central banks and institutional investors, unlike many other financial assets favoured by pension providers. This means that should you wish to sell some of the gold in your pension, you don’t have to sit around waiting for a buyer.
Irish pension holders might find that allocating a portion of their pension to
gold offers a level of security and stability that is difficult to achieve with other investments.
Holding gold, as well as silver, as part of your pension in Ireland is straightforward. We collaborate with several pension providers to help clients add investment-grade bullion to their self-directed pensions. For 20 years, we have assisted people in protecting their futures from inflation, recession, and other uncertainties.
Our team is delighted to be at the next 50 Plus event in Cork and look forward to speaking to all of you about your gold investment needs. As well as pensions we also offer gold savings accounts and bullion for delivery. Please pop by to say hello and ask any questions you may have about gold and silver investment.
We'll also be holding a coin demonstration at 11.30am and 2.30pm which you can sign up for on the day.
GoldCore Limited Ireland:
Level 1, The Chase Carmanhall Road Sandyford, Dublin D18 Y3X2
Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international humanitarian organisation providing medical care in more than 70 countries. From our paediatric nurses to our logisticians, we are experts at working in fast-moving and highlyinsecure environments, like Ukraine, Yemen and Gaza.
1 in 6 MSF projects is funded by
Gifts left to us in wills play a vital role in making sure we have the funds we need to deliver emergency medical care to wherever in the world it is needed.
By leaving a gift in your will to MSF, you can ensure that our financial independence – which enables us to provide medical aid where and when it is needed most –will continue.
A young child is carried into the MSF clinic in Rafah. In Gaza, MSF surgeons, doctors and nurses provide emergency surgeries, wound treatment, medical and maternity care in overcrowded hospitals, health facilities and clinics. We have sent hundreds of tonnes of medical supplies into Gaza, but so much more is needed. In the West Bank we provide medical care and mental health support in hospitals and through mobile clinics in response to an increase in violence and movement restrictions. Please support our work. Image: MSF
George Keegan on what’s happening in travel, the arts, food and entertainment along the Western Seaboard
One of the most important historic buildings in the city of Cork is the Crawford Art Gallery at Emmett Place which incorporates parts dating back to the early 18th century. Over the years there have been three separate building phases – the original building erected in 1724 (as Cork’s Custom House), then a substantial extension to house studios and galleries in 1884 and during 2000 a further expansion of gallery space with new exhibition wing for contemporary art, designed by Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat. Six years later a new company was established by then Minister of Arts, Sport and Tourism to manage the gallery and it was designated as a National Cultural Institution. Today the famous Gallery is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its historic Customs House wing. It is the only National Cultural Institution entirely outside of Dublin and is home to over 3,500 works of art from the National Collection.
Here also you can view the famous Canova Casts which were gifted to the city two centuries ago. These casts are faithful reproductions of renowned works from the Vatican Collection of the early 1880s which were created under the watchful eye of Italian sculptor Antonio Canova (1757-1822). Works by wellknown 20th century Irish artists such as Seán Keating, Harry Clarke, Norah McGuinness, Mainie Jellett and Jack B. Yeats are on display as part of the Historic Collection and in the modern section you will discover paintings by contemporary artists Ellis O’Connell, Gerard Byrne, Dorothy Cross, Maud Cotter and Hughie O’Donoghue.
Shortly the commencement of a multi-million re-development programme is set to start, promising another new era for the
a new top floor where visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye
Crawford. This is a Government 2040 project in partnership with Department of Tourism, Culture, Art, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media as well as the OPW. It will combine conservation works to the historic buildings complete with a modern five story extension doubling the gallery’s space, as well as providing a new top floor where visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye view of many city landmarks. Other important developments include state-of-the-art storage space for precious artworks, improved accessibility including lifts over several floors, an entrance restored to the original Customs House entrance on Emmet Place and a new café facing on to Half Moon Street.
During this renovation work expected to take two and a half years some of the Gallery’s collection will be sent out on loan to other galleries and museums around Ireland such as Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, Doneraile House in North Cork, The National Museum of Ireland and the Hugh lane Gallery.
Mary McCarthy Director of the gallery points out that they did look at the feasibility of doing the work on a wing by wing basis while remaining partially open, because they are aware of the impact the closure will have on the cultural life on both city and county. “Case studies we looked at in other galleries and museums that took this approach showed us that they tend to be very prolonged projects and tend to cost more and add significant risks to the overall development”, she added.
Note: The gallery will remain open to the public until Sunday 22nd September.
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New climate festival for Galway Galway City Council is to launch a new climate festival from 12th- 15th September. It will be called ‘Climate InspirationsCommunities in Action’ and is being described as an innovative, creative and collaborative festival with the aim of changing the narrative around climate action to one of positivity.
Talks and panel discussions will take place at the city’s An Taibhdhearc Theatre in Middle Street and invited speakers include former President Mary Robinson, Philip Boucher Hayes (RTE journalist), Ella McSweeney (Irish food journalist) and Joe Brolly (GAA Analyst). The theatre will also host singer/ songwriter John Spillane for a bilingual concert and the street will become pedestrianised during the festival to accommodate plenty of fun, art, live music, theatre and games for all the family. Other events scheduled are a family cycle ride through Galway and a second hand market.
Speaking about this new festival the Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Peter Keane says it is a very positive step forward. “The elected members adopted the Galway City Climate Action Plan in February and this is exactly the type of positive action required. I welcome this new festival and hope that it will be used as a springboard for further community engagement in the years ahead”. The festival is supported by Milestone Inventive, the Creative Production company.
The 50 Plus Show returns to Cork The 50 Plus Show which was first launched back in 1999 to coincide with the International Year of Older Persons is coming to Cork City on 10 and 11 September and will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa at Little Island.It will feature over 60
stands. Among the speakers will be Sinead Ryan the consumer rights and property expert. Admission to the show is free if you register in advance.
For more information telephone (01) 4969028 or email infor@slp.ie
Useful websites www.crawfordartgallery.ie www.galwayclimatefestival.ie www.seniortimes.ie/50-plus-expo www.discoverireland.ie
• 1 in 2 people were in hospital for less than two days after surgery
• 78% back to work, exercise and household tasks within two months
One in two people who have undergone a hip or knee replacement were discharged from hospital within 48 hours, with 92% of all people surveyed spending less than five days in hospital overall, according to new research. 55% of respondents were back to normal activities such as returning to work, exercise and undertaking household tasks within one month, with 78% reaching this milestone within two months.
The findings challenge traditional perceptions of lengthy recovery periods from joint replacement surgery.
The research, carried out by Blackrock Health, reveals a significant disconnect between pre-operative concerns for hip and knee replacement surgery. One third of people who were considering surgery were worried about recovering from joint replacement surgery and putting off the procedure with a significant
negative impact on their quality of life. When asked what advice they would give to others, the top advice from 43% was ‘the sooner you do it the better’, with a further 22% recommending ‘go for it, get it done’.
The research questioned people’s fears before surgery and whether their fear was justified post-surgery. Prior to surgery 56% of people cited concerns about the recovery period such as having to change their routine, recovery at home, the wait before returning to normal activity or post-surgical pain.
However, in many cases these fears were unfounded with 42% of people surprised at how quickly they started to see progress and 25% of people felt they were
able to maintain their independence with little support. 37% of respondents said that their pain was better than expected with 51% reporting it was easy to manage with medication.
Commenting on the research, Mr Niall McGoldrick, , Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Blackrock Health said: “Hip and knee replacements are no longer procedures to be feared, but rather opportunities to embrace a future free from pain and limitations.”
“The ultimate measure of success for any joint replacement procedure is how effectively it restores a patient's quality of life. The data clearly shows that these procedures are incredibly effective in achieving that goal. With 55% back to normal activities within a month and 78% within two months, it's clear that hip and knee replacements are giving people back their lives."
To find out more about the orthopaedic services at Blackrock Health, visit: https://www.blackrockhealth.com/ treatments-procedures/orthopaedicsurgery
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*Bridge (cards) every Tuesday night
Table Quiz every Thursday night
Aqua Aerobics every Monday & Wednesday morning
*Bantry House, private tours
Ocean Restaurant serving the best produce of West Cork
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The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI has reported that 16 Enforcement Orders were served on food businesses during the month of July for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020. The Enforcement Orders were issued by Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Three Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
• Boba Bar (restaurant/café), 139 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
• Hartigans (public house), 100 Leeson Street Lower, Dublin 2
• Duud (retailer), Unit 2 Pinewood House, Huntstown Road, Huntstown, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Nine Closure Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
• The Garden @ The Shannon Bar, Termonbarry, Roscommon
• Fayrouz Restaurant, 117 Cork Street, Dublin 8
• Riverhouse Café, 1 Castle Street, Cahir, Tipperary
• *Eurasia Supermarket, Unit 1, Fonthill Retail Park, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
• Evergreen Retail Limited (retailer), Unit 1, Fonthill Retail Park, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
• Humeera Traders Limited (retailer), Unit 1, Fonthill Retail Park, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
• *Spice Village Indian Street Food (retailer), Unit 1, Fonthill Retail Park, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
• *Eurasia Supermarket (Closed area: First floor food storage hall & attached kitchen area only), Unit 1, Fonthill Retail Park, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
• *Spice Village Indian Street Food (Closed area - First floor food storage hall & attached kitchen area only) (retailer), Unit 1, Fonthill Retail Park, Fonthill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22
Three Prohibition Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:
• Baltic Market (retailer), 2 Dominic Street, Drogheda, Louth
• Goa Indian Spice Kitchen Ltd (takeaway), Unit 103, St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, Cork
• Select Asia (retailer), Unit 103, St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, Cork
One Prohibition Order was served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:
• Quality Foods (butcher shop), 59-61 Dublin Street, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
Some of the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in July include: evidence of ongoing cockroach activity, which led to the serving of six Closure Orders on food businesses at one location; live cockroaches found in equipment and on traps in the kitchen area; multiple holes and gaps in the walls along with rodent droppings; a rodent carcass in a snap trap; failure to implement adequate pest control measures; failure to implement an appropriate food safety culture; food with either expired, missing or altered use-by dates; food not thawed safely; food items stored at unsafe temperatures; inadequate regular and thorough cleaning throughout the premises;
equipment like meat slicers congealed with fat and stale food debris; continuous failure to maintain consistent cleaning standards; filthy cleaning equipment and cleaning cloths.
Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI, emphasised that compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations should be of the highest priority for all food businesses.
Filthy premises, unsafe food storage and inadequate pest control measures are once again the primary reasons for this month’s Enforcement Orders. These violations demonstrate a total disregard for food safety requirements and highlight the ongoing failure of some food businesses to maintain basic, consistent cleaning practices, and this failure poses a significant risk to public health. Food businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of the food they produce, distribute or sell by maintaining proper storage temperatures, ensuring staff are properly trained, having stringent hygiene practices and ensuring their food businesses are fully pest proofed. Achieving a strong food safety culture requires continuous and consistent training for all team members;.
Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAI’s website at www.fsai.ie
Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will remain listed in the enforcement reports on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month from the date the Order was lifted.
The most powerful gift you can give to the ones you love is a promise.
Today, you can make that same promise to those in your community who are a ected by suicide and self-harm. By choosing to leave a gift in your will to Pieta, you are telling them that you will always be there to help.
Pieta is the largest provider of suicide prevention and counselling services in Ireland. 80% of the funding for all of Pieta’s lifesaving services comes from donations and the inspiring Gifts in Wills left by kind and caring people like you.
Once you have cared for your family, leaving a Gift in your Will to Pieta will ensure that, in the future, when someone in crisis reaches out to Pieta for help, you will be there to give them the Hope they need to guide them back to safety.
More and more people are choosing to make Gifts in Wills to ensure that heart-felt intentions to help those in need, carry on long into the future. After your loved ones have been taken care of, it’s one of the easiest and most important things you can do to keep changing lives, even after you’ve gone.
If you wish to find out more about making a life-saving Gift in Will to Pieta you can call Eimear at (01) 233 3767 or email Eimear.felle@pieta.ie for a confidential, no-obligation chat. Or Search online for Pieta Wills.
The long lunch was a regular way of doing business during my working life in Dublin, sealing a deal, keeping a client happy, or something a little more furtive and none of your business. Pubs for the run of the mill and restaurants for the more important. There were so many memorable places. Dobbins Wine Bistro on Stephens Lane, between the Upper and Lower Mount Streets; run by the late John O'Byrne, who personally welcomed all his customers on entry; his signature welcoming grin and nearly always a small piece of white paper marking a shaving nick. There was Shanahan’s on the Green, The Saddle Room and The Horseshoe in the Shelbourne, Patrick Guilbauds. And some no longer with us, Nicos in Dame Street, The Lord Edward, The Mirabeau in
Sandycove, always with Seán Kinsella's Rolls-Royce in front and of course The Unicorn where we spent long enjoyable afternoons into evenings with clients, workmates and friends - 'la dolce vita' Dublin style.
The original Unicorn restaurant was established on Merrion Court off Merrion Row in a row of former stables in 1938. It matured under various owners and management, first with Renato Sidoli and his wife Nina, they retired and passed it on to their son Tranquillo (known as 'Nino') and Nina's sister, Domenica Fulgoni, so well known as ‘Miss Dom’small in stature but large in her organising
powers and then there was Jeff Stokes, his wife fashion designer Pia Bang with chefs Glorgio Casari and his wife Noreen.
The clientele were famous too. You might bump into Harold Pinter, Brian Friel, Seamus Heaney, Tony Blair, Charles Haughey's spin-doctor PJ Mara, Edna O’Brien, Sinéad Cusack and Jeremy Irons, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson, Lionel Richie, Gay Byrne and Kathleen Watkins, Ralph Fiennes, Eamon Dunphy, et alia. There is a story that Bono, waiting for the former US president Bill Clinton to arrive, had a packet of Tayto and a pint of Guinness - although that might have been in O'Donoghues Bar, just around the corner.
Dublin Dossier
The Unicorn sadly closed in 2013 and was set to be knocked down along with some surrounding buildings to allow property owner Aviva Insurance company to build flats. Its fate seem nailed when Dublin City Council approved the plans and An Bord Pleanala gave permission to proceed with the demolition.
There followed years of persistent objections and appeals against the council’s decision, including the former environment editor of The Irish Times,
Frank McDonald, who described The Unicorn as ‘legendary, part of the landscape and cultural memory of Dublin’. The years of protest worked, The Unicorn will return in late September or October and back where it always was in its much loved and remembered terrace, Merrion Court.
Led by restaurateur and chef Kristan
Burness, back having spent a short stint running the renowned restaurant nearly 10 years ago, Kristan has now begun work to create his ideal version of the Unicorn. The much loved terrace, where lunches were long, will bring Merrion Court back to life with convivial al fresco dining!
‘It’s been a dream of mine, to finish what I started here a decade ago’ said Kristan, ‘so when I was approached I couldn’t resist’. Kristan will take on the role of Head Chef, with a menu featuring his signature wild ,ushroom and truffle risotto, and Unicorn favourites, grilled veal cutlets, salsa verde and parmesan mash, an extensive wine list and choice of cocktails.
Tucked next to the Unicorn, the piano bar, In Vino Veritas is reopening. The two story townhouse is a hidden gem, and will serve tapas, wines and cocktails, against a background of lounge music, Live piano at weekends.
When the Pope stayed three months in Ranelagh..
Jorge Mario Bergoglio visited Dublin twice, first as a 43 year old Jesuit priest from Argentina in 1980, a time of deep recession, the time when the then Taoiseach Charles Haughey went on television (probably wearing a very expensive shirt from Charvet Paris) to warned us all we were living ‘way beyond our means.’
During this visit he stayed three months in leafy Ranelagh at The Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy on Sandford Road, a Jesuit-run faculty linked to the Congregation for Catholic Education in Rome, while also been a ‘recognised college’ of the National University of Ireland, an arrangement that would end in later years. An old ledger there has an entry dated January 21, 1980 showed that a money strapped Jorge had to borrow £14 to buy language tapes.
The Milltown Institute closed at the end of July 2015.
Bergoglio's second visit in 2018 he didn't have to pay a penny. He arrived as Pope Francis. It's remarkable to note that there have been 266 popes and only two came to visit Ireland and both in my lifetime and we footed the bill for both. On the Pope Francis visit a Government official said ‘This is bigger than the Queen, bigger than Obama,’ The security costs for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and US president Barack Obama was €36 million. The Pope Francis visit cost a million euro an hour, the visit lasted 32 hours. The Irish Catholic Church, through its parishioners and donors paid about €20 million and the Irish taxpayer funded the rest.
After doing her Leaving Cert Edna moved to Dublin, where she worked as a trainee pharmacist in a chemist shop on the Cabra Road and lived within walking distance to the Phoenix Park at 58 North Circular Road. Studying at night at the Pharmaceutical College and in 1950 she was fully licensed as a pharmacist - but it was never to be her real calling. Writing was her passion. Her sister worked in CIE and somehow arranged for Edna to write a regular column in a CIE magazine. She contributed pieces for the Irish Press and using the pseudonym 'Sabiola' wrote articles for the woman’s page.
The first book O'Brien ever bought was Introducing James Joyce by T.S. Eliot. And it was Joyce's Portrait of the Artist that fired her wish to write for the rest of her life.
In 1952, just 18, she met the already an established writer Ernest Gébler. Twenty years her senior and divorced, her family strongly disapproved of the relationship and so they moved to England and married in 1954. They returned to Ireland with their two sons, Carlo and Sasha, now called Marcus to Lake Park House overlooking Lough Dan in Co.Wicklow and later in Dublin. Gébler and O’Brien separated in 1964 and divorced in 1968. It then took Edna three more years to get custody of her children.
The recent death of Edna O'Brien in London brought back a piece in Dublin Dossier in 2020 when remembering as a young man enjoying regular retreats across to London times of religious fundamentalism was rife, books, newspapers and magazines were banned while priests brothers and nuns abused children, locked up women in Magdalene laundries. It was where where you could buy Edna O'Brien and John McGahern books. I wrote 'I love London in much the same way Edna O’Brien loved Dublin - for her it was a place of escape for country
girls during the oppressive 60s and 70s. Dublin at that time also felt repressed, less so than rural Ireland. London was our escape. Like so many who could love Ireland but not live there. Glad to say Ireland has changed for the better now.
The late Irish Times literary correspondent, Eileen Battersby summed up Edna O'Brien, succinctly as a natural writer, unwittingly ahead her time, ‘too honest, too angry, too raw and uncomfortable on occasion in its excess, extremes and lyric melodrama’.
On her relations with Ireland she told Rachel Cooke in The Guardian: ‘Someone said to me in Dublin: masses are down, confessions are down, but funerals are up! I rebelled against the coercive and stifling religion into which I was born and bred. It was very frightening, and all-pervasive, I'm glad it has gone’. She died in London and following a Roman Catholic service back home in Miltown Malbay, Co.Clare, she was buried on Lough Derg's Inis Cealtra. The new Ireland was quite evident as the funeral mass celebrant Fr.O'Meara described her as ‘a remarkable and extraordinary woman, a speaker of truth. Edna held up a mirror for us in a very narrow time in Ireland’ adding: ‘We didn’t thank her for it, we undermined her, we isolated her and rejected her message and she must have deeply felt that.’ The priest referred to the fact that her debut novel 'Country Girls' was banned and even burned in East Clare in 1960.’ When you stand out at any moment’ Fr. O'Meara continued, ‘at any time you find yourself isolated quite quickly. And we did that. And that is to our shame as a society and as a church.
Dublin City University's (DCU) Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative is a pioneering model for inclusivity and lifelong learning. Launched in 2012, DCU's AFU is dedicated to promoting the concept of universities as lifelong learning institutions that cater to the needs of older people. This initiative aligns with DCU's broader mission to transform lives and societies by engaging with the community, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and making higher education accessible and relevant for people of all ages.
The AFU initiative at DCU was influenced by the WHO's Age-Friendly Cities Programme and emerged from recognising demographic shifts and the growing importance of lifelong learning and supporting age inclusivity in higher education. As populations age, there is a need for higher educational institutions to adapt and provide opportunities for older people to continue their intellectual, social, and personal development. The primary objectives of the AFU initiative include:
Promoting Lifelong and Intergenerational Learning: DCU aims to offer educational programs accessible to older people, ensuring that learning continues throughout life. AFU promotes interactions between younger and older students, creating a dynamic learning environment that benefits all ages.
Research and Innovation: The university encourages research on ageing and related fields, fostering innovation that can improve the quality of life for older people.
Community Engagement: DCU seeks to engage with the broader community, offering resources and programs that address the needs and interests of older people.
A key aspect of the AFU initiative is the promotion of intergenerational learning. DCU creates opportunities for younger and older students to learn from each other, fostering mutual respect and understanding. This approach enriches the educational experience for all participants and helps break down age-related stereotypes. Intergenerational projects at DCU include collaborative research, joint coursework, and community service activities. These initiatives enhance learning outcomes and build stronger, more inclusive communities.
DCU's AFU offers a range of programs and activities designed to meet the diverse needs of older learners. These include formal degree programs, lectures, short creative courses, workshops, and seminars on various topics. A vast range of modules is offered from the undergraduate and masters programmes, which can be taken without the need to sit exams or submit assignments. The university also provides opportunities for older people to participate in research projects and contribute their knowledge and experience to the academic community. One notable program is the "Love of Lifelong Learning" series, which includes lectures, discussion groups, and cultural activities tailored to the interests of older people. This series enhances knowledge and promotes social interaction, new friendships and community building among participants.
DCU's commitment to social inclusion and research on ageing is a cornerstone of the AFU initiative. The university supports various research projects exploring various aspects of ageing, from health and well-being to social inclusion and technology. This research not only contributes to academic knowledge but also informs the development of policies and practices that can improve the lives of older people. DCU's AFU unit is crucial in this research effort, focusing on older people's educational needs and experiences. Additionally, the university collaborates with national and international partners to advance ageing and lifelong learning research.
DCU's AFU initiative has gained international recognition and is a model for other universities worldwide. In 2012, DCU led the establishment of the Age-Friendly University Global Network, which now includes over 136 universities committed to the Ten Principles of an Age-Friendly University developed by DCU. This network promotes the exchange of best practices, collaborative research, and the development of age-friendly policies and programs. DCU has influenced the global conversation on ageing and higher education through its leadership in the AFU movement. The university's efforts have highlighted the importance of creating educational environments that are inclusive, supportive, and responsive to the needs of older people.
DCU's Age-Friendly University initiative exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to education that embraces lifelong learning and inclusivity. By providing opportunities for older people to engage in meaningful educational experiences, DCU enhances individual lives, strengthens communities, and fosters intergenerational understanding. As populations continue to age, the AFU model offers a valuable blueprint for universities worldwide, demonstrating the vital role that higher education can play in promoting age diversity in higher education, lifelong learning and social inclusion.
For more information on DCU's AFU, visit www.dcu.ie/agefriendly
Email: afuinfo@dcu.ie
Call: Grainne Reddy - 0874952547 or 01 700 5454.
A warm welcome awaits you at Dublin City University -Ireland's first Age-Friendly University.
Did you know you can choose from a broad range of modules offered under the AFU programme without the need to take exams or assignments?
In addition, the Lifelong Learning Programme offers a selection of customised modules such as Photography, Life Writing, English, History, Botanical Art, Choir and more...
There are also opportunities to engage in contributing to research, social, cultural and wellness programmes, attend guest lectures and engage in intergenerational exchange.
If you would like to hear more about how to get involved in DCU's AgeFriendly programmes come along to the "Taste of DCU" on Wednesday, September 4th from 8.30 - 1 pm where you can experience being a student for the day, take a tour of the campus and hear more about the work of the AFU.
For more information visit: dcu.ie/agefriendly/news
E: afuinfo@dcu.ie
T: 00 353 1 700 5454
Age-Friendly University Global network
Colette Sheridan reports on research at UCC focusing on correct diet and exercise and the role microbes play in our overall health, helping with digestion, protecting against harmful germs and even influencing our mood and immune system.
Living a long healthy life with physical and mental wellbeing is the ultimate aspiration of mankind. But what are the chances of ageing in such a positive way?
It’s an area that concentrates the finest minds in science. Since its foundation twenty years ago, APC Microbiome Ireland at University College Cork (UCC) has had a significant impact on the world of microbiome research. The microbiome refers to the collection of all the tiny living organisms – including bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes – that live in and on our bodies. They live in places like our gut, skin and mouth. These microbes play a crucial role in our overall health, helping with digestion, protecting against harmful germs and even influencing our mood and immune system.
As Professor John F Cryan of the department of anatomy and neuroscience at UCC and principal investigator at APC Microbiome Ireland, says: “Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through
diet, lifestyle and mindful practices can have profound effects on how you age, potentially leading to a healthier, longer life with better physical and mental wellbeing.”
It’s important to eat a diverse and balanced diet, says Professor Cryan. Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts provide the fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. (The Mediterranean diet, including olive oil, is recommended.) Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha which contain live probiotics to help populate your gut with healthy bacteria. You should limit your intake of processed foods and sugars. These foods as well as artificial sweeteners and high-sugar diets can negatively impact the gut microbiome by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria.
Consume prebiotics which are nondigestible fibres that feed probiotics, supporting their growth. Prebiotics
are found in foods like garlic, onions, bananas and asparagus.
Regular exercise can positively influence the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome which is beneficial for overall health and longevity.
You should aim for 7-9 hours sleep each night to support gut health.
Stress needs to be managed as chronic stress can negatively affect the gut microbiome, leading to imbalance.
Practices like meditation, deep breathing and yoga can help.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics as overuse of them can wipe out not only harmful bacteria but also the beneficial ones in your gut.
What Professor Cryan describes as an “exciting area of research with significant potential” is harnessing the microbiome to reverse age-related brain deterioration.
In today's financial landscape, government bonds are becoming an attractive alternative to bank deposits. Savvy investors looking for a strong return on low risk investments, or those nearing retirement who want to preserve their savings can make use of the fixed return and favourable tax treatment government bonds has to offer.
With interest rates on bank deposits remaining historically low, many investors are seeking more lucrative yet secure investment options This is where government bonds, especially Irish Government bonds, come into play
I r ish Government bonds offer a stable investment with attractive tax benefits, making them an excellent choice for people looking to maximise their returns in a secure product, and without having to enter into a volatile fund Unlike bank deposits, which often yield minimal interest, these bonds provide a reliable stream of income while preserving capital Additionally, the favourable tax treatment on Irish Government bonds can enhance overall returns, making them a more efficient investment vehicle
For example, at the time of writing a 12 month Irish Government Bond is offering a return of 3.09%. The Best 12 month fixed term deposit option in the Irish market is 3.6% with a non Irish bank, or 3 00% with an Irish bank However unlike the deposit options the 3 09% is not subject to any dirt tax This means that the advertised return is the return you receive.
Investing in government bonds can be a strategic move for those with a lump sum on deposit, aiming to secure their financial future. With the backing of the government, these bonds offer peace of mind that comes with low-risk investment, a critical factor for those who prioritise financial stability.
If you ' re considering alternatives to your bank deposits, Irish Government bonds might be the solution you ' ve been searching for To learn more about how you can benefit from investing in government bonds, contact Ulysses Financial today. Our team of financial experts is here to guide you through the process and help you make informed investment decisions tailored to your needs.
While it’s still an emerging field, several strategies are being explored to translate this knowledge into practical interventions for humans. It’s hoped that by combining microbiome data with genetic, lifestyle and clinical information, this can help create highly personalised treatment plans aimed at reversing or slowing brain ageing.”
Asked what are the implications for dementia if the ageing brain can be reversed or slowed down, Professor Cryan says they would be profound and potentially life-changing. “Dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, is one of the most significant challenges associated with ageing and it currently lacks a cure. Reversing or slowing brain ageing would have monumental implications for dementia, potentially transforming it from a devastating and inevitable condition into a more manageable or even preventable one. This would not only extend the cognitive health span of individuals but also have far-reaching positive effects on families, healthcare systems and society as a whole. However, these advances would need to be carefully managed to address ethical concerns, ensure equitable access and fully understand the long-term effects.”
It’s important to eat a diverse and balanced diet, says Professor John F Cryan. Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts provide the fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. (The Mediterranean diet, including olive oil, is recommended.)
Dr Sarah Nicholas: ‘If you go from not moving at all to walking for thirty minutes a day, there will be positive effects after a few weeks. Exercise is important’.
At the moment, Professor Cryan and his team’s focus is on “deciphering the mechanisms of how the microbiome is talking to the brain and how these signals change across the lifespan. We are interested in the role of inflammation and how the blood brain barrier is disturbed in ageing. We are focused on human studies and whether dietary interventions can positively affect cognitive function. In this regard, together with scientists at the University of California, a $9.5m collaboration with ourselves in APC Microbiome and the University of Ulster has been announced to investigate the potential beneficial effects of a polyphenol-enriched diet on brain and cognition in ageing through the microbiome.” (Polyphenols are compounds found in foods like berries and dark chocolate that can be metabolised by gut bacteria into bioactive molecules which support cognitive function.)
Also, Professor Cryan is interested in mood and mental disorders that occur in ageing. He and his colleagues have recently collaborated with Chilean
scientists to show that depression in ageing is associated with a decline in microbes that produce key molecules that support brain and immune health.
Dr Sarah Nicolas, from APC Microbiome Ireland, points to The Lancet which, every few years publishes a report on the recommendations around dementia prevention. “The Lancet discussed one of the main risk factors for dementia and cognitive decline. It is physical inactivity.” In a recently published review paper to which Dr Nicolas contributed, the emphasis is on middle age (from 45-65 years). “It’s a very important window.
During that time, people will go through a lot of lifestyle changes. They become more sedentary; there are metabolic changes whereby people gain weight more easily and there are hormonal changes in women. We work with rodents in that time window (12-15 months) to see if exercise can help delay the onset of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. One of our ideas is to see if doing exercise can support health through ageing. The main
hypothesis is that we can use exercise to modify the gut microbiota to support the brain.”
To date, there are no effective treatments for age-related cognitive impairment which means preventative strategies are urgently required. A summary of the review paper on Ageing, Cognitive Decline and Effects of Physical Exercise states: “Physical exercise is gaining traction as a non-pharmacological approach to promote brain health. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), a unique form of brain plasticity which is necessary for certain cognitive functions, declines with age and is enhanced in response to exercise.”
Because of ethical and technical limitations in human studies, “preclinical research in rodents is crucial for a better understanding of exercise-induced brain and behaviour changes.”
Dr Nicolas refers to a study on moderate/ vigorous exercise involving people with an average age of sixty years, who were suffering from depression. They took
part in a twelve weeks-long study during which they exercised three times a week.
The main result was that 3x1 hour of moderate walking (3km/hour) or 3x25 minutes of vigorous walking (6km/ hour) over the twelve weeks reduced the severity of anxiety, improved quality of life and cardio-respiratory fitness.
“If you go from not moving at all to walking for thirty minutes a day, there will be positive effects after a few weeks. Exercise is important. As The Lancet article says, it’s more about being against inactivity. Being sedentary is not good.”
Dr Nicolas says that the hippocampus, a region of the brain important for memory formation and learning is impaired in Alzheimer’s Disease. “There are some MRI studies that found people suffering from Alzheimers have a decrease in size in their hippocampus, suggesting that there are neurons that are dying. Exercise is a powerful intervention that enhances neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain. It’s clearly of use in rats and mice. "
"The issue of working with human studies is that you can’t look at the brain of the
participants. You can’t look at the human brain and count the neurons.”
What is important in the context of cognitive decline and dementia is trying to identify biomarkers that can predict conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia, says Dr Nicolas. “It’s really important to identify ways to prevent the start of those disorders. It’s very hard to reverse what is already in the brain.”
In Professor Cryan’s paper, ‘Gut bacteria rewind ageing brain in mice,’ he writes that in 1895, the Russian Nobel prizewinning scientist, Elie Metchnikoff, was fascinated by the role that intestinal bacteria play in health and disease. He suggested that people from parts of eastern Europe lived longer because they ate a lot of fermented foods containing lactic acid bacteria.
“Although popular at the time,” writes Professor Cryan, “this theory linking gut microbes to healthy ageing was largely ignored by scientists until relatively recently. We now recognise the importance that the trillions of bacteria, known as the gut microbiome, have in regulating health and disease.”
Professor Cryan has shown that by taking the microbiome from young mice and
transplanting them into old mice, many of the effects of ageing on learning and memory and immune impairments can be reversed. “Using a maze, we showed that this faecal microbiota transplant from young to old mice led to the old mice finding a hidden platform faster.”
Professor Crynan writes: “We are not advocating faecal transplants for people who want to rejuvenate their brain. Instead, these studies point towards a future where there will be a focus on microbiota-targeted dietary or bacteriabased treatments that will promote optimum gut health and immunity in order to keep the brain young and healthy.” The elixir of youth may be more than just a fantasy.
Eileen
It’s been an eventful year to date. Olympic medal success for Team Ireland although each and every Olympian is deserving of praise. 2024 proves bitter sweet also, for many reasons but the loss of Edna O’Brien surely ranks among them. I wrote about her in some detail previously in Senior Times, recounting her reading at a festival in Cork. Greeted by loud applause wherever she went, this world famous novelist, playwright, short story writer and journalist, exuded joie de vivre. A positive presence, tall, elegant, very beautiful, she sometimes gave a cheeky little curtsey in response to the applause. Writing in The Sunday Times, Aoife Barry described her as ‘The great author who skewered Irish society both in her novels and in her clashes with the nation’s stifling censorship board.’
Edna O’Brien is now at rest, alongside so many others who also bore the brunt of The Censorship of Publications Board, established by Minister for Justice Kevin O’Higgins in 1929. This board had the power to ban any publication it deemed ‘obscene or moral filth.’ Among the Irish writers whose books were also banned include Kate O’Brien’s Mary Lavelle/The Land of Spices, Brian Merriman’s The Midnight Court, Brendan Behan’s Borstal Boy, John McGahern’s The Dark, John Broderick, The Pilgrimage. The list is long.
2024 marks the centenary of John Broderick, born in Athlone in 1924. Broderick, an only child, began his secondary education at the Marist Brothers’ School, then sent at the age of 12 to Saint Joseph’s Boarding College, Garbally, Ballinasloe. He never completed the Leaving Certificate and was expected to take over the family bakery business. However, Broderick was destined for a more colourful life and lived in Paris for a time where he came under the influence of Gore Vidal, Truman Capote and James Baldwin. More importantly, the young man who wanted to become a writer more than anything else, was mentored and befriended by Julien Green, a French academician and highly respected novelist and diarist. Such was their friendship that Green visited Athlone a number of times, where Broderick lived for most of his life before moving to Bath, England in 1981.
Broderick’s talents were not appreciated in his own country. His first novel, The Pilgrimage (1961) followed the fate of O’Brien’s The Country Girls. Reissued by Lilliput Press in 2004, promotional material, describing The Pilgrimage as a ‘depiction of sexual needs in 1950s Ireland, perhaps explains why it came under the baleful glare of The Censorship Board. Retitled The Chameleons in 1965,
it sold over 100,000 copies in America. This reissue by Lilliput press in 2004 helped enormously to place Broderick in the limelight again – this time, for the right reasons. Fast forward to 2024 and the worthy recipient of The John Broderick Residency,* novelist Eithne Shortall. Devised between the Arts Council (An Chomhairle Ealaíonn) and the Westmeath Arts Office, the residency aims to provide support to a selected writer while increasing awareness of Broderick’s work, and have won a number of awards, including The UK’s Big Book Awards. Although she writes a column with The Business Post newspaper, her books are her focus. She has also worked as a broadcaster, most notably making a documentary for BBC about Mills & Boon authors in Northern Ireland. It’s not difficult to imagine Shortall’s illustrious route to fame. This is a writer who “doesn’t remember ever not loving books.” She also wrote stories and poems all throughout her childhood but travelled a different path at university, studying journalism. However, she soon returned to writing novels after graduating, while living abroad in Paris. Like most writers, she has her own view of the persistent need to write, claiming it’s “the wider comfort that novels in particular offer – the escape from everything else. Escape and solace”. Taking a sabbatical from The Sunday Times she
wrote her first novel in 2015, Love in Row 27. Broderick himself trod the journalism path. As early as 1956, The Irish Times accepted a travel article from him. In the same year, the paper published the first of his book reviews. He continued to review widely and to write general articles for The Irish Times and Hibernia magazine, among others, until just before his death.
Mother of two children, Shortall says that “writing a novel is like childbirth. Every time I finish one, I forget how difficult the early labour was.” Not a bad analogy really, writing a hefty structure like the novel undoubtedly requires dedication and discipline. “Courage’ is a word she whispers to herself frequently, “You have to accept that you will likely fail in some capacity but you do it anyway.” Possessing a deep belief in community, it’s her one unifying theme, she champions it in her books. They all begin differently, “but it is generally a vignette; an image of a character in a setting or multiple characters,” that effectively starts the process. An emotion she wishes to evoke is ‘hope’. “I write to comfort myself too. If the real world disappoints me or seems scary, I go to the page – a place I can control.” Her ideal writing day is one where she has five hours of uninterrupted writing time. “This is surprisingly rare. There always seems to be another commitment interrupting things.” She has no precocious rituals around the act of writing and “can write wherever I need to.” As for writing space, she likes being shut away in the box room upstairs. Monday to Friday is the working schedule but she also takes blocks of time off to work on other projects and spend quality time with her children. Above
all, she realises the necessity of keeping the story “ticking over” in her mind no matter what restraints or restrictions occur. She wisely knows that she can’t afford to wait for the muse to show up –“if I did, she’d appear just before childcare pick-up time.”
The John Broderick Residency and other such awards are hugely important to a writer. As well as supporting the work of an established writer like Shortall, the residency also requires the writer possess the ability to mentor emerging writers, young people and those interested in developing their writing skills. Broderick himself was always generous in helping young writers hone their craft. Before his death (1989), he bequeathed his estate to The Arts Council to be used for the enhancement of the arts in Athlone. As regards advice to writers starting out today, Shortall’s response is simple yet effective although “oft repeated, and it is just to write. And if you can’t write, then read. It’s the second-best thing.” Does she have any prompts or triggers if inspiration needs a nudge in the right direction? “Try writing for just half an hour, using a newspaper headline as a prompt; you’ll be amazed how much you can get done.” Is there a particular time of day? “Write early; before the realities of life and the never ending “to do” list gets in on you. Write early, write often!”
Receiving the 2024 John Broderick Residency, especially in his centenary year, gives her much to celebrate.
Among its many pleasures is “getting to know his writing and investigating the wider circumstances that led to him being so forgotten in his home country – although not in his home town.”
Broderick’s novels can be hard to access these days. Lilliput Press however, have republished The Waking of Willie Ryan, arguably her favourite. How would she describe Broderick’s novels? “They are fun, well written page-turners.”
It’s a disappointment that, due to his debut (The Pilgrimage) being banned here, he never got the recognition or sales at home that he’s enjoyed abroad. “Broderick’s novels are fascinating, readable. His work is not at all like Joyce’s – which, when I talk to people, seems to be a perception.”
John Broderick, inset, was destined for a more colourful life and lived in Paris for a time where he came under the influence of Gore Vidal, Truman Capote and James Baldwin.
Shortall is in the privileged position of being a full time author (she left her journalist job at The Sunday Times two years ago) “but I really do miss the interactions with other people. Their casual, everyday interactions are so crucial for creativity as well as general mental well-being.” This residency affords her reason to be out in the world. For the duration of the year long residency, Shortall will be based at Athlone’s beautiful library. She plans to showcase her mentoring skills (teaching an evening course for those interested in attempting to write their own novel – and going into schools to speak to students, among other things). But also, importantly, she will be focusing on her own writing.
The eldest in a family of three, Shortall’s two children (3 and nearly 5) are at that challenging age. They require time and energy and this exuberant young mother knows that this period of their lives will soon pass. Naturally, she wishes to make the most of it. Luckily, her parents live a few minutes away, “which is great for my children who get to have their grandparents as a constant and casual part of their lives.” Reading is still a favourite pastime. Newspapers, magazines but mainly novels. “Lately, I’ve been swimming, it’s as good for the head
as the body. I meet friends regularly, go for dinner or a walk or to the cinema.” Cycling is also a favourite activity. She doesn’t regard it as a hobby but does it every day, concluding simply that she “loves it.”
Asked about her philosophy on life, her response is immediate. “There are a million ways to live. This makes me more accepting and less judgemental of the decisions other people make and also pushes me to think outside the box and try new things. It is a very freeing philosophy.” Above all, she likes to conduct her life “with the aim of being able to sleep soundly at night.” Certain landscapes offer holistic balm also, including Ards Forest Park in Donegal, Louisburgh in Mayo and the Phoenix Park in Dublin. She has fond memories of Springmount, the farm where her granny and uncle lived. Although her grandmother sadly passed away late last year, it is still a very special place to her.
I put to her the John McGahern quote I’m particularly fond of, i.e. “a woman combing her hair or a man eating an egg are every bit as important elements for literature as big events.” Although she hadn’t heard it before she would agree with the quote. “However, the modern
Eithne Shortall: ‘Write early, write often!’
publishing industry might not. In what would be classified as commercial fiction, pace and action are very much favoured these days.” Whatever the classification, one thing is certain. Eithne Shortall’s novels are character driven, detailed and much acclaimed. She writes real people and allows them to tell their own story; “they become 3D and they no longer just do whatever I want them to.” Clearly she is a writer the word ‘authentic’ can be ascribed to. Her future as a novelist appears bright, John Broderick’s legacy in her capable hands, will undoubtedly flourish.
*In conjunction with the centenary, Broderick’s acclaimed novel, The Waking of Willie Ryan, will be republished by Lilliput Press. This new edition will be available in both print and audiobook formats, narrated by actor Naoise Dunbar.
The paperback will also be available via the libraries network and can also be purchased through Lilliput Press (https:// www.lilliputpress.ie/product/thewaking-of-willie-ryan) and bookstores across the country.
Eithne Shortall’s award winning novels are available from all good bookshops.
Now my love live forever of dogs will
“What I love about dogs is that their love is unconditional. So I want my love to live forever, with a gift in my Will.
Now my love live forever of dogs will
“What I love about dogs is that their love is unconditional. So I want my love to live forever, with a gift in my Will.
“What I love about dogs is that their love is unconditional. So I want my love to live forever, with a gift in my Will.
“When we were making our Wills, it was an easy decision to leave a gift to Dogs Trust. Now it feels really good, to know that when I’m gone I can still help dogs.”
Will you leave a gift in your Will today? Now my love live forever of dogs will
Ruth, Dogs Trust Ireland Supporter
“When we were making our Wills, it was an easy decision to leave a gift to Dogs Trust. Now it feels really good, to know that when I’m gone I can still help dogs.”
“When we were making our Wills, it was an easy decision to leave a gift to Dogs Trust. Now it feels really good, to know that when I’m gone I can still help dogs.”
Ruth, Dogs Trust Ireland Supporter
Ruth, Dogs Trust Ireland Supporter
Gifts in Wills help Dogs Trust be there for abandoned and surrendered dogs, through this dog crisis, and long into the future.
Gifts in Wills help Dogs Trust be there for abandoned and surrendered dogs, through this dog crisis, and long into the future.
Will you leave a gift in your Will today?
To find out more and request your FREE guide to leaving a gift in your Will visit DogsTrust.ie/Legacy or scan the QR code.
Will you leave a gift in your Will today?
To find out more and request your FREE guide to leaving a gift in your Will visit DogsTrust.ie/Legacy or scan the QR code.
Gifts in Wills help Dogs Trust be there for abandoned and surrendered dogs, through this dog crisis, and long into the future. To find out more and request your FREE guide to leaving a gift in your Will visit DogsTrust.ie/Legacy or scan the QR code.
Mairead Robinson suggests taking the heavy lifting out of your wine purchase, and instead opting for home delivery.
It all really started during the dreadful Covid pandemic, but one good thing that has come from that awful time is the growth of home-delivery options for your groceries and the wide choice of wine deliveries now available. Why is having your wine delivered to your door such a good idea? Well of course not having to carry heavy bags or boxes of a few bottles from the shop to your car and then from the car into your house is the obvious one. But what about those who do not drive and instead go shopping for the items they want on a daily basis? And for those who get a lift with a neighbour – you might not want to ask them to do the heavy carrying either.
All of the major supermarkets do home delivery now, unless you live very remotely. And one of the benefits of being over 60 or 65, is that they do not have a delivery charge which indeed could cover the cost of another bottle! So while nobody wants to be indoors all day every day, there are great benefits to having your wine, along with your groceries, delivered to your door.
But what has grown in the past few years, is the number of wine companies who are offering a wine delivery service, along with special offers and recommendations. This can be really interesting as it offers you a chance to try out new wines and even discover some which will become favourites. Also it is well known that wine companies stock many great wines that are not available in the mainstream supermarkets. And for a serious wine lover, this is the clincher!
There are now so many companies offering a wine delivery service, and you can check them out on-line. Don’t worry if you are not sure about any detail, just phone them up if you are
unsure about any aspect of your order and they will be able to clarify any details. Here are some of the most popular companies, and many of them I have featured in articles and podcasts previously as I have found the range of their wines to be particularly interesting.
obrienswine.ie / winesoftheworld.ie / winesdirect.ie / thenudewineco.ie / wineonline.ie / winespiritly.com / the winecentre.ie
It is certainly worth checking out these websites, as you might find that you are particularly interested in some of the offers and deals they have. And remember, their offers and packages are regularly changing and all of these companies are constantly bringing in new and different wines and offering selections that you would not find in your local supermarket.
Starting with O’Briens Wine, they have thirty four stores nationwide, so you might well be familiar with their off-licences and the interesting wines and unique deals that they regularly offer. You can always drop into one of their stores and check out the great range of wines and chat to the helpful staff there. It is definitely well worth checking out their user-friendly website to see what you can buy on-line and have delivered to your door. They offer free delivery in Ireland, and if you join their club, you will be notified of new wines and special offers that are always updating.
The Nude Wine Company is focused on organic and bioorganic wines and are passionate about wine generally, sourcing most of their wines from Europe thus avoiding the long haul
International Literacy Day (ILD) takes place on 8th September every year. It is a day to “remind policy-makers, practitioners, and the public of the critical importance of literacy for creating a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society”. (Source: www.unesco.org/en/days/ literacy)
Learn about literacy through a new eLearning course
This year, the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Programme Office launched a new eLearning course called ‘Let’s Talk About Literacy’. It is supported by SOLAS. This one-hour course is for anyone who deals with the public, including staff and volunteers.
The course will help people to:
1. understand literacy, numeracy and digital literacy needs in Irish society; 2. become literacy aware; and 3. respond sensitively to literacy needs and use a literacy friendly approach.
Understand literacy needs
Our world is changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Literacy is everywhere in our lives and allows us to engage effectively with others, access public services, understand and act on new information, and use technology. We all need literacy skills to communicate, and to help us make informed choices about our lives. It is essential in developing an equal society for all.
Our understanding of ‘literacy’ has evolved over time across the world. Literacy involves listening and speaking, reading, writing, numeracy and using everyday technology to communicate, access services, and make informed choices. (Source: Adult Literacy for Life Strategy (2001))
Literacy needs in Ireland
In Ireland, one in six adults have unmet literacy needs. Many more have unmet numeracy and digital literacy needs. This means they find it difficult to:
• read and understand instructions on medicines,
• work out a household budget,
• help kids with homework, or
• search the web for information.
there is a stigma attached to having unmet literacy needs. We have to challenge the misconception that an inability to read, write or digitally communicate is a failure of the person. It is a failure of society and the State.
Support literacy in your community
1. Talk about literacy
Talk about literacy with your friends, family or community over a cup of tea. Some people feel embarrassed and hide their literacy needs from friends or family. By talking about and sharing information about literacy, you can reduce stigma and embarrassment. This may even encourage someone to think about returning to learning.
2. Raise awareness of local literacy services
Currently there are 40,000 adults attending literacy courses in Ireland. The courses are provided by the adult literacy services in the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Classes are free, offering a very different experience to school. Tutors work at a pace that suits learners and their interests, and there are no exams.
You can improve your reading, writing, maths or digital skills in a free and friendly space. Find your local literacy service information at adultliteracyfor life.ie/find-your-local-service/ or
Contact the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) to learn with a tutor over the phone or online. See more at: https://www.learnwithnala.ie/
4. Do the new eLearning course
You can learn more about adult literacy and how to become ‘literacy aware’ by doing the new one-hour online course: Let’s talk about literacy
Get started here: https://www.adultliteracyforlife.ie/
5. Keep informed
Learn more about literacy and positive learner stories by signing up to the ALL Newsletter at the bottom of this webpage: https://www.adultliteracyforlife.ie/getinvolved/
Literacy changes lives.
So let’s talk about literacy.
journey that contributes to climate change. A few exceptions are made, including New Zealand, where the wine is just too good to ignore. Their website is very easy to negotiate, and you can shop by colour, variety, country, region or vintage. Sign up for membership and each month receive a selection of great wines to enjoy.
Wines of The World have a great selection of red wines, white wines, rose and bubbles. These include some really interesting celebrity endorsed wines. They also carry over 200 premium spirits from all over the world. Their €75 monthly subscription gives you six great value wines delivered to your door and the mix is tailored to your taste. You also receive a free gift with your first order!
Wines Direct feature excellent artisan wines and also offer free nationwide delivery. You can choose online from over 350 exclusive artisan wines which are independently and directly sourced from 13 countries. You can opt for specialist mixed cases or choose your own selection and enjoy tasting some pretty exclusive wines that won’t be found in your local supermarket.
Wine on Line:- was founded in 1999 and is one of the oldest and proudest of Ireland’s wine websites. The team is made up of dedicated wine specialists who are known for bringing the best wines, gifts and spirits from the across the world. They deliver nationwide to your door, or can deliver a gift directly to your chosen address for a special occasion. Besides checking out their website, if you have any queries you can give them a call on 01-5820840
Wine Spiritly carry a wide range of wines as well as the rarest of spirits including:- Whiskey, Liqueurs, Gin and Tequila. They guarantee a fast delivery and are well worth checking out if you are looking for a special drop of something for fabulous gift. They also offer free delivery in Ireland.
The Wine Centre are based in Kilkenny and offer a click and collect service as well as nationwide delivery. They carry a premium range of award winning brands and independent distilleries. They first opened their doors in 1965, so have decades of experience in customer service and premium product knowledge. They stock wines, beers and spirits.
These are just some of the great wine companies offering excellent deals and choices, membership and delivery in Ireland today. There is something really exciting about having a delivery of great wines to your door, so if you have not had the
A recent TILDA study showed that loneliness in later life is associated with an increased risk of individuals wishing for their own death, but protective effects may include attending religious services and secular social activities.
New research from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), at Trinity College Dublin highlights the growing problem of death ideation and the increasing rates of both loneliness and suicidal thoughts among older individuals. The study published on the 28th August in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Public Health explores the critical issue of social disconnection and its link to a ‘wish to die’ among older adults.
The ‘Wish to Die’ (WTD) involves thoughts of or wishes for one’s own death or that one would be better off dead. It is a commonly used indicator to capture death ideation which is an important clinical marker for future suicidal behaviour.
Social disconnection and deaths by suicide among older adults are both important public health concerns, particularly in the context of ageing populations. The association between death ideation and behaviours, and social disconnection is
well established and both functional and structural social relationships have been identified as predictive of suiciderelated thoughts and behaviours.
Dr Mark Ward, Senior Research Fellow at TILDA and lead author of the paper, commented,
"Both loneliness and suicide among older adults have been increasing and are now viewed as critical public health concerns. Adding to a growing body of evidence, this study from TILDA clearly shows that loneliness in later life is associated with an increased risk of individuals wishing for their own death. This wish for death is often a precursor to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
On the other hand, prosocial behaviours, including attending religious services and other communal activities, protect against these negative thoughts about one's own life. Uniquely, we also show that attending religious services regularly can protect against death ideation among older adults in Ireland. Our findings again highlight the importance of promoting social activities and networks to safeguard against loneliness and related psychological distress."
Rich Ward of UpWARDs Lifts is the only time served qualified stairlift engineer trained within a UK regulated industry in Ireland and offers a 3 year warranty with annual servicing included.
Part of the reason he’s been in business so long is that he offers a genuine 24/7 call out. So if it fails at any time and he cannot fix it over the phone then he will call out, weekends & bank holidays included, (no extra charges / clauses)
UpWARDS Lifts are the leading installer of curved and straight stairlifts in Munster, so all makes and models can be installed so you get the right stairlift for your needs, including new and reconditioned stairlifts to suit any budget.
Richard takes a very straightforward and easy approach to stairlift installation:
• Contact us and we will visit your property to carry out a free no obligation survey
• We will assess your staircase and advise you of your options
• After you have chosen the stairlift you need, we will arrange a date for installation
• Your stairlift will be installed on the day agreed*. All packaging will be taken away and we hoover up!
Straight stairlifts will run on a straight flight of stairs (as the name suggests). This type of lift is generally cheaper to purchase as they are less complicated to install, giving you the freedom of your house again.
If you need help, we can recommend an appropriate lift for your property, whether you are looking for reconditioned stairlifts, or a brand new model. The versatile nature of straight stairlifts allows users to easily move their lifts to another location should the need arise.
Installing, servicing and repairing stairlifts for 30 years
upWARDs Lifts is delighted to associate with, and partner with, Platinum Stairlifts, providing premium quality straight stairlifts in Cork and Munster. All Platinum Stairlifts are hand built and tested in Yorkshire, UK, ready to ship directly to you. One of the main benefits of a Platinum Straight Stairlift is that the rail runs off the stair noses. This gives a clean look and gives you the ability to access your stairs easily when vacuuming.
You may think that a stairlift will not fit your stairs. However, a curved stairlift can be fitted on a variety of staircase types, ranging from fan, stairs with a landing in between, and those with a turn.
Each of our curved stairlifts in Cork and Munster are custom made to fit your staircase. We design every lift to match the requirements of your property and also offer a comprehensive repair and maintenance service.
Our curved stairlifts only vary in price due to the number of bends that are required and the length of your stairs. We will instantly tell you the cost, there is no hidden formula or wide ranging prices. We also work closely with our chosen partner, Platinum Stairlifts, to bring you a premium stairlift at a competitive price
So contact Rich Ward at upWARDs Lifts today for your FREE, no-obligation survey and expert consultation on curved stairlift services.
upWARDs Lifts - Specialist in Stairlifts
t: 083 4753 253 021 453 3610
Address; upWARDs Lifts, Cork, T45 RT29, Ireland
www.upwardslifts.ie www.stairliftcork.ie
At Barnardos, we firmly believe that every child deserves a happy, healthy, and fulfilling childhood. Unfortunately, not every child is born into a world where this is a reality.
Many of us carry memories of difficult childhoods—times when opportunities were scarce, and happiness felt out of reach. But together, with your help, we have the power to change that for vulnerable children. Through our new campaign, “Pass It On”, we invite you to be a part of a movement that ensures a brighter future for generations to come.
"Pass It On" is about more than just passing on financial support. It's about passing on hope, joy, and the promise of a better tomorrow. Because as we say here at Barnardos, childhood lasts a lifetime.
Whether you had a childhood full of love and support or one marked by challenges, you have the opportunity to make a difference. By leaving a gift in your Will to Barnardos, you can help ensure that future children will have the chance to experience the happiness and opportunities that every child deserves.
For more information, contact Ciara McGowan, Legacies Manager, at Barnardos Ireland on 01 453 0355 or donorcare@barnardos.ie Pass It On: Because Childhood Lasts a Lifetime all starts with a gift Barnardos in your Will. happy childhood… pass it on.
Creating a Will is one of the most significant things you can do to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honoured. It provides clarity and direction at a time when your family and friends will need it most. But beyond that, your Will is a reflection of your values and the legacy you wish to leave behind. It's an opportunity to consider the causes that matter most to you and to continue supporting them even after you're gone.
Consider Including Barnardos in Your Will
By including Barnardos as a beneficiary in your Will, you can help us continue our vital work. Your legacy could provide essential services, educational programs, and emotional support to children who need it most. Your gift, no matter the size, will have a lasting impact, helping to break the cycle of disadvantage and creating a world where every child has the chance to thrive.
recommend speaking with a legal advisor to ensure your Will reflects your wishes accurately. If you decide to include Barnardos, you can specify a fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or even a specific item of value. Every gift, no matter how small, makes such a significant difference and we will be so grateful to you, as will the children and families who will benefit.
It all starts with a gift to Barnardos in your Will. A happy childhood… pass it on.
We invite you to join us in this important campaign. By passing on the gift of a better childhood, you are helping to create a future where every child has the chance to reach their full potential. Together, we can build a legacy of hope, happiness, and opportunity—one that will resonate for generations.
Thank you for considering this meaningful way to make a difference. Your support today can transform tomorrow.
Uncover the story of Avondale House, where Irish forestry began and where one of Ireland’s greatest statesmen, Charles Stewart Parnell, was born. Enjoy forest park trails or take a leisurely stroll through the walled gardens. Explore the Coillte Pavilion and learn about the essential role forests play in all our futures, or just take some time out in the Seed Café. There’s something for everyone at Avondale, and we can’t wait to see you.
The first of its kind in Ireland, the fully accessible Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower takes everyone to the very heart of the forest at Avondale, and beyond. Weave your way along the walkway exploring our trees, from top to bottom.
visitors on a unique of the trees to a panoramic 360-degree 90m spiral slide
Rise up through our magnificent viewing tower to emerge high above the forest floor and enjoy panoramic views of Wicklow, before you whizz your way back to earth on the gigantic spiral slide, or take a more leisurely journey, down the gently sloping boardwalk.
Ireland’s
Ireland’s exciting
Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow A67 P303
Set in a 500-acre forest is Ireland’s only treetop walk. It leads visitors on a unique 1.4km journey through the forest and high above the canopy of the trees to a spectacular viewing tower 38m above the forest floor to panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, complete with a gigantic 90m spiral slide (optional). Allow 1.5 hours.
Set in a 500-acre forest is Ireland’s only treetop walk. It leads visitors on a unique 1.4km journey through the forest and high above the canopy of the trees to a spectacular viewing tower 38m above the forest floor to panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, complete with a gigantic 90m spiral slide (optional). Allow 1.5 hours
Ireland’s exciting new visitor destination located in Avondale Forest Park, Wicklow
Ireland’s exciting new visitor destination located in Avondale Forest Park, Wicklow
destination located in Avondale
Viewing Tower slide optional at €2 per person Incredible
Explore the Treetop Walk this autumn, a unique experience above the canopy of the trees culminating at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower with panoramic 360-degree views of beautiful County Wicklow.
Explore the Treetop Walk, a unique experience above the canopy of the trees culminating at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower with panoramic 360-degree views of beautiful County Wicklow.
Explore the Treetop Walk, a unique experience above the canopy of the trees culminating at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower with panoramic 360-degree views of beautiful County Wicklow.
destination located in Avondale Forest Park,
Explore the Treetop Walk this autumn, a unique experience above the canopy of the trees culminating at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower with panoramic 360-degree views of beautiful County Wicklow.
Go Visit!
Beyond the Trees
Beyond the Trees
■ Accessible to all generations, wheelchair and buggy friendly
■ Accessible to all generations, wheelchair and buggy friendly
Accessible to all generations, wheelchair and buggy friendly
‘At home with Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic
Explore the Treetop Walk this autumn, a unique experience above the canopy of the trees culminating at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower with panoramic 360-degree views
■ Ideal for families, active retired, school tours and walking groups.
■ Ideal for families, active retired, school tours and walking groups.
‘At home with the Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic
Avondale
Avondale
Ideal for families, active retired, school tours and walking groups.
■ Group rates available
■ Group rates available
Group rates available
‘At home with Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic Avondale House will be launched early next year.
‘At home with the Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic Avondale House will be launched early next year.
Go Visit! Beyond the Trees Avondale
Explore the Treetop Walk this autumn, a unique experience above the canopy of the trees culminating at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower with panoramic 360-degree views of beautiful County Wicklow.
experience spectacular 360-degree views the historic
Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. A67 P303
AVONDALE HOUSE GUIDED TOURS
Set in a 500-acre forest is Ireland’s only treetop walk. It leads visitors on a unique 1.4km journey through the forest and high above the canopy of the trees to a spectacular viewing tower 38m above the forest floor to panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape, complete with a gigantic 90m spiral slide (optional). Allow 1.5 hours. Check out…
Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. A67 P303
Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. A67 P303
Tel: 0404-46111
Tel: 0404-46111
■ Ample car and coach parking onsite
AVONDALE HOUSE
■ Accessible to all generations, wheelchair and buggy friendly
Ample car and coach parking onsite
■ Accessible to all generations, wheelchair and buggy friendly
■ Ample car and coach parking onsite Viewing Tower slide optional at €2 per person
Accessible to all generations, wheelchair and buggy friendly Ideal for families, active retired, school tours and walking groups. Group rates available Ample car and coach parking onsite Viewing Tower slide optional at €2 per person
■ Ideal for families, active retired, school tours
■ Viewing Tower slide optional at €2 per person
GUIDED TOURS
‘At home with the Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic
www.beyondthetreesavondale.com
www.beyondthetreesavondale.com
‘At home with the Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic Avondale House will be launched early next year.
Explore the Treetop Walk, enjoy panoramic 360-degree views at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower.
Open: Daily, see website for times and advance bookings
Admission: Rates Apply
Open: Daily, see website for times and advance bookings
Open: Daily, see website for times and advance bookings
Admission: Rates Apply
Admission: Rates Apply
‘At home with the Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic Avondale House will be available from the Autumn.
Information: Fully accessible to all ages, buggy & wheelchair friendly. Café. Sensory Garden. State-of-the art wood themed playground. Seed Store and Treetop Treasures gift shops. Forest Trails. Picnic areas. EV charging stations. The Coillte Pavilion: free exhibition on forestry in Ireland.
■ Accessible to all generations, wheelchair and buggy friendly
Information: Fully accessible to all ages, buggy & wheelchair friendly. Café. Sensory Garden. State-of-theart wood themed playground Seed Store and Treetop Treasures gift shops. Forest Trails. Picnic areas. EV charging stations The Coillte Pavilion: free exhibition on forestry in Ireland. Parking: 450 parking spaces on-site.
■ Accessible to all generations
■ Group rates available
Viewing
■ Ideal for families, active retired, school tours and walking groups.
■ Ample car and coach parking onsite
■ Accessible to all generations experience spectacular 360-degree views the historic year.
■ Ideal for families, active retired and walking groups
■ Viewing Tower slide optional at €2 per person
■ Group rates available
Explore the Treetop Walk, enjoy panoramic 360-degree views at the spectacular 38m high Viewing Tower.
Information: Fully accessible to all ages, buggy & wheelchair friendly. Café. Sensory Garden. State-of-theart wood themed playground Seed Store and Treetop Treasures gift shops Forest Trails. Picnic areas. EV charging stations The Coillte Pavilion: free exhibition on forestry in Ireland. Parking: 450 parking spaces on-site.
■ Group rates available
Group
■ Ample coach parking
■ Ideal for families, active retired, school tours and walking groups.
Parking: 450 parking spaces on-site.
‘At Home with the Parnell’s’, features fun and interesting, 45-minute guided tours of the historic 18th century Avondale House that celebrates the heritage of Charles Stewart Parnell (one of Irelands greatest politicians) and the formidable women in his family.
■ Accessible to all generations
Book in advance beyondthetreesavondale.com
‘At Home with the Parnell’s’, features fun and interesting 30 or 60 minute guided tours of the historic 18th century Avondale House that celebrates the heritage of Charles Stewart Parnell (one of Irelands greatest politicians) and the formidable women in his family.
■ Ample car and coach parking onsite
‘At home with the Parnells’, a guided tour of the historic Avondale House will be available from the Autumn.
‘At Home with the Parnell’s’, features fun and interesting, 45-minute guided tours of the historic 18th century Avondale House that celebrates the heritage of Charles Stewart Parnell (one of Irelands greatest politicians) and the formidable women in his family.
Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow A67 P303
■ Ideal for families, active retired and walking groups
■ Viewing Tower slide optional at €2 per person
Email: enquiry@beyondthetreesavondale.com Tel: 0404-46111
www.beyondthetreesavondale.com
■ Viewing Tower slide optional at €2 per person
Seed Café | Coillte Pavilion | Walled Garden | Forest Trails | Picnic Area | Water
Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, housed in the original terminal building in Foynes, recalls that nostalgic era when Foynes became the centre of the aviation world from 1937-45.
On 9th July 1939, Pan Am’s luxury flying boat the ‘Yankee Clipper’ landed at Foynes to become the first commercial passenger flight on a direct route from USA to Europe.
Take a trip though time with our historical articles below, which detail everything from the first passenger flights, through the War Years right up to the post-war era and beyond.
Travel back to the 1930s and ’40s, when Foynes played a pivotal role in establishing commercial transatlantic passenger flights. Learn the history of Flying Boats and the diverse range of people who arrived and departed from Foynes through our comprehensive collection of historical and interactive exhibits and memorabilia. We’ve brought these stories to life for our visitors since 1989, right here in the original Foynes Airport Terminal Building.
Dermot Gilleece reflects on the highs and very lows of tournament golfers
Royal St George’s, a links Jack Niklaus disliked intensely. I happened to be present late on the opening day when he played some seriously strange shots for a man of his status. But he picked himself up and hit a final round of 66 to take the 1981 British Open
It is acknowledged that there are generally three reasons why a committed exponent of tournament golf may lose at the highest level. He can play well, but not quite well enough; totally out of character, he can succumb to the pressure of the occasion or, at the climactic stage, a leading rival happens to benefit from an improbable stroke of good fortune.
When reflecting on Rory McIlroy’s early departure from the Open Championship at Royal Troon after rounds of 78 and 75 last July, I was forced to conclude that none of these reasons applied. Indeed McIlroy was forthright enough on the friday evening to inform us: ‘I think once I made the eight [triple-bogey] on the fourth hole [par-five, second round] that was it. Twenty-two holes into the event and I’m thinking about where I’m going on vacation next week.’
This explanation was entirely in keeping with his comments earlier in the week regarding his crushing disappointment in the recent US Open at Pinehurst where he lost by a stroke to Bryson de Chambeau. Critical to that particular disappointment was missing par putts of 2ft 11ins and 3ft 9ins on the 16th and 18th greens of his final round.
On the eve of the Open at Troon, McIlroy said: ‘One thing I’ve done in the past three years is I’ve been willing to have my heart broken because I’ve put myself out there.’ His choice of language was somewhat dramatic in my view, especially the notion of putting himself out there and ‘being willing to get hurt.’ He added: ‘It’s all about putting yourself in the arena.’
Essentially, McIlroy was expressing nothing more than a fundamental of competitive golf. The fact that he did it so publicly, however, could have been interpreted as a plea for understanding and sympathy. Hard-nosed competitors could interpret this as an admission of weakness, rather than the expected determination to make good on such slip-ups, next time out.
In my view, Jack Nicklaus has been the finest competitor the game has seen. Yes, better than Tiger Woods because of his unique talent in managing his golf-ball around 18 holes. And he projected a formidable, physical presence. As Jerry Pate, the 1976 US Open champion observed: ‘Those steely blue eyes cut right through you.’
Interestingly, when discussing the fact that Nicklaus was runnerup on no fewer than 19 occasions in Major championship (he won
18), he maintains that he actually squandered only one chance of victory. That was in the 1963 Open at Royal Lytham where he finished with three bogeys to miss out on a play-off with Bob Charles and Phil Rodgers by a shot. Charles won that particular title by a crushing eight strokes, with play-off rounds of 69,71.
Meanwhile, after his last Open victory at St Andrews in 1978, the Bear still managed to provide his public with further memorable moments. Like the 1981 Championship at Royal St George’s, a links he disliked intensely. I happened to be present late on the opening day when he played some seriously strange shots for a man of his status.
Afterwards, he agreed to speak to a select group of scribes in the locker-room, on the grounds that in a general press-conference he might wrongly attribute blame for his poor play to news about his son, Steven, who had been involved in a motor incident in the US. The universal respect for the Bear was probably best exemplified by a piece from Ian Wooldridge the following morning in The Daily Mail: ‘The only equivalent plunge from genius I could think of,’ wrote Wooldridge, ‘was Ernest Hemingway’s tragic loss of ability to write. Hemingway got up one morning and shot himself. Nicklaus got up the next morning and shot 66.’
More agony..another shot goes astray for Rory McElroy at the recent 2024 British Open.
Some years later, I had the good fortune to interview the celebrated American sports commentator, Jack Whitaker, when we both happened to be in Auckland, New Zealand, covering the 1998 World Cup of Golf.
Whitaker recalled: ‘I was fortunate enough to cover Nicklaus in his hey-day. ABC hired him as an analyst and we worked the Major championships together. I remember the 1982 US Open (at Pebble Beach) when I did an interview with him on the edge of the bay while Tom Watson was walking to his ball on 17.
‘Jack had had five birdies on the front nine and having finished his round, he was now tied with Watson. And when Watson hit it in the heavy rough at 17, it looked as if Nicklaus was certain of at least a tie. I know that was the way Nicklaus was thinking.
‘From the tower, we watched as Watson sank that famous chip on 17 and Jack just sagged beside me. Finally he said 'That's the second time the sonofabitch has done that to me.' Which, of course, was a reference to the 1977 British Open at Turnberry. It was quite a moment and I was amazed at the way he carried it off.
‘There was no way of knowing how much it hurt him. Shortly afterwards he was congratulating Tom and being his usual, charming self. It must have hurt him desperately to see the record fifth US Open being torn from his grasp but you would never have known.
‘I think most golfers do that very well _ the good ones certainly. It's part of the game. To be a good golfer, the first thing you've got to learn is patience and not to get mad at yourself like I do. Cover your emotions. I think it's remarkable and I wish we all had their level of self-control.’ Indeed.
When McIlroy talks about the heartbreak that the game of golf can inflict on its devotees, he has little concept of what can happen in more modest surroundings. Like, for instance, the experience I witnessed in a Christmas society outing at Deer Park some years ago.
Predictably, the top prize was a splendid hamper which appeared to have found a suitable winner when a certain member came in with 44 Stableford points to lead the field by some distance. Excited beyond words and conscious of what a difference his prize was going to make to his wife’s seasonal fare as opposed to the threatened, cash-strapped Christmas for their family, he headed home in the early afternoon to change for the society’s Christmas dinner, later that day.
On his return to Deer Park a few hours later, however, crushing news awaited him. Beyond everyone’s imaginings was a stunning
45 points from a financially comfortable, late finisher. I cannot recall a more upsetting outcome to a golf event in which I happened to be involved.
Heartbreak, of course, is relative. What is clear, however, is that our hamper friend was more grievously hurt than the leading challengers behind Xander Schauffele at Royal Troon, with the possible exception of English journeyman, Dan Brown.
Even McIlroy didn’t go away empty-handed on Friday evening. As a non-qualifier for the weekend, he received pin money of €11,340 for his trouble, quite a lift from the £225 on offer for non-qualifiers at the same venue back in 1982. That particularly staging at Troon, incidentally, delivered a reward of £11,000 to Des Smyth for a share of fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh places behind Watson. This time, Shane Lowry received €561,054 for sixth place on his own.
With very little digging, you will find that golf’s statistics are replete with coincidences. Like 2014, the year of McIlroy’s successes, being the last occasion that a player captured the Open and the PGA Championship in the same season, which Schauffele has done. And 1982, when Watson inflicted that cruel hurt on Nicklaus at Pebble Beach, is the last occasion Americans happened to win all four Majors in the same year.
Hubert Green, winner of the 1977 Irish Open at Portmarnock, once observed: ‘How could anyone working eight-to-five, generate sympathy for anybody who could win $50,000 in a week?’
The credibility gap will become wider by the year, unless we older folk foster a grip on cold reality.
Jack Niklaus: In my view, Jack Nicklaus has been the finest competitor the game has seen. Yes, better than Tiger Woods because of his unique talent in managing his golf-ball around 18 holes. And he projected a formidable, physical presence. As Jerry Pate, the 1976 US Open champion observed: ‘ Those steely blue eyes cut right through you.’
Volunteering can bring a sense of purpose and fulfilment, particularly in later life. This was evident in our recent conversation with John Dooley, a 65-year-old retired Garda from Galway, who has found a new lease on life through his work with the organisation ALONE.
John's journey into volunteering and the impact it has had on both him and those he helps offers valuable insights into the benefits of staying active and engaged in the community.
John Dooley has called Donegal home since 1978, having moved there shortly after joining the Garda Síochána. He always admired the work of volunteers and recognised their significant contribution to society. This admiration turned into action when John retired and started looking for ways to give back. He initially got involved with the local Care of the Aged committee, utilising his bookkeeping skills as the treasurer. It was through a newsletter from this committee that John learned about ALONE, an organisation that supports older people to age at home. Inspired by their mission, he decided to volunteer and soon found himself matched with a 91-year-old man named Peter, who lives alone.
John's involvement with ALONE has had a profoundly positive impact on his daily life and overall well-being. He describes his experience as overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the new connections and friendships he has formed. "It's not a big ask, one hour per week of your time," John notes, yet the rewards are immense. His role involves providing companionship and support to Peter, who is very articulate, lovely man. This weekly interaction has introduced John to various service providers and support workers, broadening his social circle and keeping him engaged in the community.
For John, volunteering is not just about helping others; it also offers personal benefits. Staying active and connected with the community is crucial.
"Thank God I'm in good health," he says, acknowledging the importance of physical and mental activity. The interactions and tasks associated with volunteering help him stay active and provide a sense of purpose.
Despite the challenges that can arise, John reports a largely smooth experience, attributing this to the support from ALONE's Volunteer Support Officers, like Helena, who regularly checks in to ensure everything is going well. This support system is crucial for volunteers, providing guidance and assistance whenever needed.
John strongly encourages others, especially those over 50, to consider volunteering. He believes it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the community while also benefiting personally. "You get a sense of purpose," he says, "
and a feel-good factor that’s hard to find elsewhere."
Reflecting on his journey, John has learned that he enjoys meeting new people and making a positive impact. While volunteering might not reveal anything new about oneself, it does reaffirm certain qualities and strengths, such as the commitment to help others. For John, volunteering is one of the best things he does each week, providing a fulfilling and enriching experience that he wouldn't trade for anything.
In conclusion, John's story is a testament to the power of volunteering, particularly in later life. It not only enriches the lives of those who receive help but also provides immense personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose for the volunteers themselves. As John well puts it, "Volunteering is great. It’s about boundaries, respect, and making a difference.”
If you are interested in Volunteering with, ALONE contact us at alone.ie/ volunteers
Whether it's through Visitation, Telephone Support and Befriending, or our National Support and Referral Line, there's a place for you. Become part of the passionate ALONE volunteer community today and feel the joy of making someone feel amazing.
All volunteers undergo initial training, have access to additional training, and receive ongoing support to deliver their role.
As Budget 2025 is unveiled we take a look at how our finances today compare to those early in the last century around the foundation of the State.
The high cost of living is in the spotlight as we hear what’s financially in store for us next year in Budget 2025. Minimal tax breaks are on the cards though sizeable pension increases are expected with cuts too in inheritance tax also flagged early on.
But whether or not these measures improve our lot, we still live very well indeed compared to our predecessors over a century ago.
Let’s see how tough they really had it compared to how we live today:
State finances
There’s an old story that the Guinness brewery helped to bail out the Irish state in 1922/23 as civil war tore the country asunder.
Whether true or not, there was no denying that ‘pints of porter’ played an
enormous role in funding our fledgling Irish state. In fact, you could say it was alcohol-dependent.
The current Government has a similar problem with being over-reliant on corporation tax – which is heading for
€27bn, or a quarter of our income. That’s a far cry from the situation in 1922/23 with no US multinationals around and Irish firms struggling to merely survive. Back then, the corporate tax ‘take’ was tiny at just €17m in today’s money.
Instead, our founding fathers were far more reliant on an even more dubious form of income – alcohol.
Ireland’s first set of accounts for the year 2022/23 shows the whole country was run for just £31m a year. Even in today’s money, that’s not much more than 2% of what we spend today.
Over half of that spending was funded by €16m in excise duties on alcohol –mainly beer.
As Flann O’Brien wrote, “a pint of plain” was indeed “yer only man” – especially if you were Ernest Blythe, who was finance minister in 1923!
Taxes on sugar and property attracted huge controversy when introduced here.
budget – as were special duties on tea, matches, playing cards and, for some reason, ‘chicory’.
The Irish State may have had a serious alcohol issue, but it was frugal to a fault and meticulous in its accounting practices.
For example, the Exchequer contribution from the post office is written down as 1,147,497 pounds, two shillings, ten pence and one half penny!
This followed an example set by Michael Collins whose financial exploits are perhaps one of the most under-rated aspects of his wartime heroics. A bookkeeper by profession, he knew how to keep a tight rein on the purse strings and was finance minister in the First Dail, a role he retained despite also being head of the army during the civil war. During the war of independence, he kept the national finances afloat by raising £1m from a loan note for a country that didn’t even exist yet.
Despite being the most wanted man in Ireland, he cycled his bike all over Dublin to collect this money in person, meticulously writing out receipts by hand for each sum. I don’t imagine even Green Transport Minister Eamon Ryan would do that today!
All eyes are on how much of a pension increase we’ll be awarded for 2025.
An increase of €12 was floated with some politicos clamouring for a €20 hike, so it’s likely to be somewhere in between. Yet, it will amount to a fortune compared
to what our ancestors got, if they were lucky enough to get anything at all. In the early 1900s, dole payments did not exist – and pensions were a pittance. Britain and Ireland only introduced an Old Age Pension in 1908, which is why it still has that slightly depressing moniker today when most people don’t feel old age has quite set in yet at 66.
Back then, it paid the princely sum of between 10p and 25p – but only if you were deemed to be ‘of good character!’
The cost of living is a hot political potato after rampant food inflation cost us dearly in recent years. And much of Budget 2025 will attempt to address the issue.But our predecessors had it much, much worse than us in this regard. In 1922, 87% of spending was on food, clothing, rent and fuel & light, one CSO study shows.A century later the ratio was only around a quarter as our finances vastly improved providing discretionary income for luxuries and leisure.
In today’s money, back then working people had to live on incomes less than half of what we would get on the dole or in our pensions. Yet their grocery bills were more expensive, though not for everything. A pound of beef was cheaper at €4.48 in today’s money, compared to twice as much now for even the cheapest cuts. Milk cost €1.49 a quart, which is just under a litre, compared to just over a euro today.
Surprisingly, fresh milk was in short supply - in a country where cows are certainly not. “Fresh milk was hard to transport and store as there was very little access to refrigeration 100 years ago,” the CSO explains.
Flour and oatmeal weren’t far off today’s prices at €1.49 per and €1.68 respectively per kilo. However, tea was pricey.
In 1914, “best tea” cost the equivalent of €19.42 per pound, while a pound of “cheap tea” would set you back €11.94, the CSO shows.The equivalent today would be buying Barrys Tea at €16.36 a kilo in Aldi - versus the discount supermarket’s own brand product for €4.90 a pound. So while ‘best tea’ is only a fraction cheaper today – cheap tea is less than half the price it was in 1914. Butter cost around €9 a pound, while eggs were €6 - many times what they cost today.
So, whatever is in store for us financially in 2025, spare a thought for the poor shoppers of yesteryear!
Veteran personal finance journalist Bill Tyson writes for the Irish Mail On Sunday and has three national media awards under his belt. Formerly Personal Finance Editor of the Irish Independent and reporter on RTE’s The Consumer Show, Bill will have lots to say about how to make the most of your money in our new SeniorTimes podcast series in the coming months.
George Keegan spent a couple of days checking out this lovely region and enjoying some special attractions.
A lovely region of Northern Ireland, the Fermanagh Lakelands comprising Upper and Lower Lough Erne is suitable for many outdoor activities including water sports, fishing, boat tours (in summer) and also the bustling historic island town of Enniskillen. It is indeed a perfect destination either to create a holiday or to make a short visit with family and friends. Not long ago I spent a couple of days touring the area and was really impressed with all that is on offer to visitors.
Firstly, it’s interesting to take note of the number of famous names associated with County Fermanagh. Among them are Oscar Wilde who was educated at the Portora Royal School in Enniskillen as was Samuel Beckett. For several years an International Festival took place celebrating Beckett, named ‘Happy Days’. While none was scheduled for this year it is hoped to revive the festival with a different format. Other well known names include the actor, director and singer Adrian Dunbar and world famous abstract painter William Scott.
Main attractions
Marble Arch Caves: Located in the foothills of the 665 metre high Cuilcagh mountain. This is one of just five show caves open to the public on the island of Ireland. It is regarded as the most active due to a short underground boat trip and has been designated as a UNESCO cave. The complex has a Visitor Centre, restaurant
and several exhibition areas. Last year a brand new experience was introduced especially for those with a disability or who prefer not to go underground. Using cutting edge virtual technology it is now possible to sit comfortably in a special room and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic experience with 8K footage, surround sound and graphics and be transported to the real world cave system while also offering a full understanding of a cave system spanning over 340 million years.
The Glen and Boardwalk Trail: Following your cave tour take time to explore the really beautiful landscape surrounding the caves including a nature reserve.
Crom Estate: Located in Newtownbutler close to the shores of Upper Lough Erne is 2000 acres of parkland, woodland and wetlands, home to a wide variety of plants and animals, ranging from rare moths to elusive pine martins. There are also the remains of a 17thC castle on the estate. The trails and park area have recently been re-developed with some new trails, braille and sign language features, a more accessible entry path, and natural play areas for young people to enjoy.
Other options for an enjoyable holiday would taking in a round of golf at Enniskillen Golf Club, or going on the Erne water taxi (with tour of Devenish Island which has one of the country’s most important monastic sites).
allow more time to fully examine the extensive range of exhibits on the inside and outside of the impressive building. Built originally during the 15th century to protect the Erne River from invaders, it was re-built in 1612. Further additions took place over the years including the large turrets known as ‘The Watergate’.
Attached today are two museums Fermanagh County Museum and the Enniskillen Museum, also Fermanagh Genealogy Centre which provides free advice on researching your family’s history. On arrival at the castle purchase a ticket in the new Visitor Centre then go upstairs to view a seven minute video presentation giving full details on where to go and what to see during a tour. In total there are six different areas to explore at your leisure. These include the Barrack Coach House, Curved Range, Castle Keep, Watergate, a Heritage Centre and before finishing a walk around the Castle Garden. The café is good too for a snack or coffee.
Close by is the Reminiscence Trail taking you along the river and perfect for a stroll. Plenty of spots to sit and relax with some interesting information boards depicting poetry and local history notes.
The Railway Museum and Barber Shop: This is without doubt another must see attraction situated at 5 Darling Street. The owners, the Johnston family, established a barber shop in the 1980’s and some sixteen years later decided to create a unique museum on the same premises re-creating what railway travel was like both in Fermanagh and some border counties until lines were closed during the late 1950’s. Always interested in everything to do with railways the family have collected a vast array of uniforms, tickets, photographs, signalling equipment, railway station signs, timetables and even tableware. On request the owner will show you a large model railway layout on the second floor.
Belleek Pottery: Not far from Enniskillen is this well known pottery which is considered one of Northern Irelands oldest attractions. It was founded in 1857. Visitors can set off on a guided tour to watch the sixteen steps taken to create a piece. See crafts people in their working environment and marvel at the
Parking is free.
the loughs.
For accommodation I can recommend staying in one of the new Studio apartments on the grounds of Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel which were opened in July 2023. Each apartment has en- suite bedroom, an open plan fully equipped kitchen and lounge area opening on to a balcony containing patio furniture and views of Lough Erne. Another plus is that these apartments are adjacent to the hotel’s Health Club & Spa so there is no need to use the hotel’s main entrance to reach it. The Kalm Spa offers all -day packages which allows access to the Hydrotherapy area (with pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and outdoor tub). A robe and slippers are provided and a light lunch served in the Lakeside Grill.
Useful websites www.fermanaghlakelands.com www.marblearchcaves.co.uk www.enniskillencastle.co.uk www.belleekpottery.ie www.headhuntersmuseum.com www.cromestate.com www.killyhevlin.com/lodges/lakeview-studios.
“We felt like our boy was done”
Millions of children have been displaced due to poverty and conflict in Yemen over the past nine years. With the collapsing of basic services like water and sanitation, children under five are particularly at risk of malnutrition, cholera and death from common infections.
One such family impacted is that of Nabil, and he tells us about the daily struggle to access safe water for his family.
“The war affected the community and the country as a whole. Because we are poor, it affected us the most. We struggled a lot fetching water in long queues from water trucks, where I would queue in line with my wife and children to get 20 litres and sometimes 30, but not more”, explains Nabil.
“Once, we stayed three days without a drop of water”, adds his wife Salma.
Nabil and Salma had moved with their three children to the city of Dhamar, from their home in Taiz when fierce fighting broke out. The city of Dhamar lies approximately 120 km south of the famous UNESCO old city of Sana’a. “The water tasted strange. It didn’t affect us grown-ups, but my child was affected as he was young”, says Nabil, father of threeand-a-half-year-old Mohammed.
Nabil and his wife Salma were distraught and feared for their little boy’s life. They were certain he would die having contracted cholera from contaminated water.
“We felt like our boy was done. We couldn’t let him sleep at the hospital because we couldn’t afford the inpatient
department. So, we got him intravenous fluid, syringes and medication, and we treated him at home as the doctor explained to us at the hospital.”
However, when the new solar-powered UNICEF-supported water supply was installed last year, they now have safe running water in their apartment and they are relieved to know that the water no longer poses a constant threat to their children's lives.
Children like Mohammed, displaced through war and hunger are more than twenty times more likely to die from unsafe water and disease than from the conflict itself.
This is just one of over 150 solar-powered water projects which UNICEF has supported, reaching 2.5 million Yemenis with clean, regular water supplies and sanitation and is reducing their reliance on fossil fuel consumption by 63 per cent in urban areas and 80 – 100 per cent in
“When he got better, we were relieved as we saw our son well, and everything got better. Our lives improved significantly. Now, with this solar energy project, we live life conveniently. This water project provided clean water. It improved our lives, and our children are okay,”
Nabil and Salma now have hope for a better and healthier future for their three children.
UNICEF has been on the ground working in Yemen since the conflict began and central to its’ work in Yemen is the sustainable supply of safely managed water resources. In Dhamar, working alongside the local governates and municipals, the UNICEF-supported water project has secured clean water for 137,000 of its citizens.
You can rewrite a child's future with your legacy gift
Your Will not only ensures that you take care of your loved ones, but it also gives you an amazing opportunity to leave behind possibly the most important gift you will ever give in your lifetime. You can give a gift that will truly change the lives of future generations of children.
Please consider including a gift in your Will and help rewrite a child’s future like Mohammed.
Learn more at unicef.ie/legacy
for every child, a future.
a
with a legacy gift in your Will
Complete the form below to receive a free, no-obligation legacy information pack which includes a Will Planner.
FREEPOST (no stamp required) to:
Pauline Murphy, Legacy Gifts Manager, UNICEF Ireland, 33 Lower Ormond Quay, FREEPOST F407, Dublin 1, D01 R283
If you are meeting your solicitor to include a gift to UNICEF in your Will, the details you will need are as follows:
UNICEF Ireland: Registered Charity Number: 20008727 Revenue Number: CHY NO. 5616
Registered Offices: 33 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1
Please would you contact me as I am interested in leaving a gift in my Will to UNICEF Ireland in support of their charitable work with children.
Name:
Address:
County:
Eircode: My Phone Number: My Email:
I would like to receive updates on how my support has helped children and information on other ways to help: Phone Email If you prefer not to be contacted by post in the future, please contact us at info@unicef.ie Visit unicef.ie/about/privacy-policy for information about UNICEF’s data management practices.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us to speak in confidence.
This Christmas, experience the warmth and festive spirit at Knock House Hotel, where Mayo's serene beauty sets the stage for a truly memorable holiday. Our hotel offers a tranquil retreat, perfect for celebrating the season in comfort and style.
To make your holiday even more special, we’re offering an exclusive early booking bonus: book and pay your Christmas Holiday deposit before October 31st, and enjoy an extra night on the 22nd of December free of charge! This limited-time offer is your chance to extend your stay and fully immerse yourself in the Christmas festivities. With availability limited, we encourage you to book early to secure your place.
Throughout your stay, you’ll be treated to the signature hospitality that Knock House Hotel is known for. Our Christmas package includes delicious meals prepared by our expert chefs, festive entertainment, and the soothing melodies of our resident pianist, who will be playing your favourite Christmas classics.
Whether you're enjoying our wonderful daily entertainment and activities, heading off on the tour on St Stephens day, accepting a gift from Santa himself, attending Christmas Eve Mass at the nearby Knock Shrine, enjoying a winter walk through our scenic grounds, or relaxing in your comfortable, well-appointed room, every moment of your stay will be filled with fun, peace and joy.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity – book your Christmas holiday at Knock House Hotel today and take advantage of our early booking bonus. With an extra night on us (22nd Dec), you’ll have even more time to relax, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Call now to secure your reservation and experience the magic of Christmas at Knock House Hotel.
Book now, call 094 93 88088. www.knockhousehotel.ie
By Des MacHale
Have you engaged the services of a lawyer recently and paid the fees? They don’t come cheap, do they?, and maybe that is one of the reasons why so much good-humoured commentary, quotations, jokes and stories have been directed towards the legal profession from time immemorial. First of all, a few relevant quotations from the famous and maybe not so famous.
A lawyer is a learned gentleman who rescues your estate from your enemies and keeps it for himself.
Henry Brougham
Only lawyers and mental defectives are automatically exempt from jury duty.
George Bernard Shaw
The only difference between doctors and lawyers is that lawyers merely rob you, whereas doctors rob you and kill you too.
Anton Chekov
A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats.
Benjamin Franklin
A lawyer will do anything to win a case. Sometimes, he will even tell the truth.
Patrick Murray
As one solicitor wrote to another, ‘Sir, I regret to inform you that there is a danger of agreement breaking out between our respective clients’.
Reginald Hine
The Scottish verdict ‘not proven’ means ‘guilty, but don’t do it again’. Winifred Duke
The right to pay fees to lawyers is a fundamental and ancient human right, and is at the kernel of what we know as democracy.
Flann O’Brien
Advice from a top lawyer: You can deter burglars by wearing an old policeman’s uniform and standing outside your house all day and night.
Dan Leno
You may leave the court with no other stain on your character other than the fact that you have been acquitted by a Limerick jury.
Maurice Healy
The firm of Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborne sounds like a trunk falling downstairs.
Fred Allen
They were as scarce as lawyers in heaven.
Mark Twain
In America, they lock up juries and let the defendants out on bail.
Herbert Prochnow
I was ruined only twice—once when I lost a legal case, and the second time when I won one.
Samuel Johnson
And there are whole books of jokes and funny stories about lawyers, solicitors, attorneys and judges. It is said by the way that there are only three genuine lawyer jokes—all the rest are true stories. Here is a selection of them:
This guy was passing a cemetery when he saw a gravestone with the inscription; Here lies a lawyer and an honest man.
‘Times must be getting hard’, he said to himself, ‘if they are burying people two to a grave’.
A woman was sitting beside a very eminent lawyer at dinner and was making conversation with him.‘Is it true’, she asked him, ‘that you charge a thousand euro to answer three questions?’
‘Yes, madam, it is true’, he replied.
‘Isn’t that rather expensive? ‘ she continued.
‘Yes, madam, quite expensive; now what is your third question?’
Lord Birkenhead, formerly F. E. Smith, was conducting the defence at a murder trial, when the ancient and learned judge, who was having difficulty following the proceedings, asked him to give a concise summary of the case. Smith did so in his usual masterly way.
‘I’m afraid Mr. Smith,’ said the judge, ‘I am none the wiser’.
‘I agree, milud,’ quipped Smith, ‘but much better informed’.
What do you call a lawyer with an IQ of 50? Your honour!
A clergyman, a doctor and a lawyer were marooned on a desert island with no food or water. Nearby was another island with lots of food and water, but they had no boat and the surrounding waters were filled with sharks. Eventually, the trio were so overcome with hunger and thirst that they decided to take the risk and swim individually to the other island.
‘The sharks will never injure a man of God’, said the clergyman but he had gotten only halfway to the other island when he had to return minus an arm.
‘The sharks will never injure a healer who has saved so many lives’, said the doctor but he had swum only a few yards when he had to return minus a leg.
The lawyer jumped into the water, swam freely to the other island, ate and drank his fill, and swam back unscathed.
‘How come the sharks never touched you?’ his two companions asked in amazement.
‘Professional courtesy’, smiled the lawyer.
It is estimated that 90% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
A large concrete boulder fell from the roof of heaven and dropped down to hell, killing several young devils. Satan decided to sue but Saint Peter settled out of court because he couldn’t find a lawyer to defend the case.
Genuine extract from a book of legal proceedings:
A doctor was giving evidence about an autopsy he had performed in a murder case.
Lawyer: Did you take the temperature before you performed the autopsy?
Doctor: No.
Lawyer: Did you check for breathing?
Doctor: No.
Lawyer: Did you check for blood pressure?
Doctor: No.
Lawyer: So it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
Doctor: No.
Lawyer: How can you be so sure, doctor?
Doctor: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
Lawyer: But could the patient still have been alive nevertheless?
Doctor: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practising law somewhere.
How many lawyers does it take to change a light bulb?
At least fifteen—a senior counsel, two junior counsel, three barristers, four solicitors and five clerks to send the bills.
A bad lawyer can drag out a case for a year. A good lawyer can drag a case out for several years.
What is the definition of a tragedy?
A busload of lawyers falling over a cliff with one empty seat.
This guy rushes into a bar and shouts, ‘All lawyers are idiots’.
A big twenty stone customer stands up and says, ‘I resent that’.
‘Sorry sir, I didn’t know you were a lawyer’, said the guy.‘I’m not, I’m an idiot’.
Three hundred lawyers chartered a plane to fly to a conference in the Middle East, but they were hijacked by terrorists. Unless their demands were met, the hijackers threatened to release a lawyer every hour.
Teacher: Give me an example of tautology.
Pupil: A criminal lawyer.
How does a lawyer sleep?
First he lies on one side then he lies on the other.
What is the definition of really cold weather?
When you see a lawyer with his hands in his own pockets.
The teacher was asking all the girls and boys in the class what jobs their fathers had.
Mary: My dad is a postman who delivers the mail every day.
John: My dad is a shoemaker who mends shoes.
Richard: My dad is a musician who plays the piano in a brothel. The shocked teacher rang Richard’s mother and told her what he had said.
‘Well’, she said, ‘actually he’s a lawyer, but you can’t tell a nine year old child that’.
Being a lawyer is actually a dangerous profession. Some of them get injured if an ambulance stops suddenly.
It has been said that a good lawyer knows the law, but a great lawyer knows the judge.
A judge calls two opposing lawyers into his chamber and says, ‘I regret to say that I have been sent two bribes in relation to this trial, 15,000 euro by the defence and 10,000 euro by the prosecution. I intend to return 5000 to the defence and treat this case entirely on its merits’.
A rich man died and believed that he would need money in the great hereafter so he willed that his three sons, a clergyman , a doctor and a lawyer, would each place €1000 in his coffin to be buried with him. The clergyman and the doctor duly placed €1000 in the coffin, but the lawyer took out that €2000 and placed a cheque for €3000 in there instead.
This guy died and went to hell for his sins. To his amazement, he saw his crooked lawyer down there kissing a beautiful and voluptuous woman, so he complained to Satan.
‘Everything is in order’, smiled Satan, ‘that’s her punishment for her sins’.
This lawyer aged only fifty died and arrived at the gates of heaven. ‘This is unfair’, he complained to Saint Peter, ‘fifty is much too young an age to die’.
‘We counted the hours you billed clients for,’ said Saint Peter, 'and we estimate you are over eighty five years of age’.
Treat yourself to a Winter Sun break at Sunset Beach Club!
As Autumn is upon us and the days get shorter, now is the perfect time to plan and look forward to a Winter sunshine break.
The emblematic 4* Hotel Sunset Beach Club forms part of the Irish hotel group FBD Hotels and Resorts, and enjoys an unbeatable location on the seafront of Benalmádena Costa. Popular for its friendly ambience and outstanding facilities, Sunset Beach Club combines the services of a resort hotel with the convenience of apartment-style accommodation (all rooms have a kitchenette and lounge area).
The Panorama Bar on the 6th floor of the hotel provides breathtaking views out to sea, and the daily Happy Hour is a guest-favourite and the ideal place to meet other guests and make new friends!
With regular flights from Dublin all year round, you can literally have breakfast in Ireland and a late lunch on a sunny terrace in Spain!
There are several ways to get to Sunset Beach Club from the airport. The easiest way is by taxi, which takes 20 minutes and costs approximately 35€. Ubers and private transfers can also be booked in advance. A longer, but cheaper, way would be to take the train directly from the airport to Arroyo de la Miel and then a bus or taxi from there.
You can choose from a selection of one and two bedroomed apartments or open-plan suites and can book Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast or Half-Board.
For best value meals, book Bed & Breakfast or Half Board with your room for your whole stay. The Buffet Dinner includes a selection of favourite dishes plus a different international theme corner each night.
If you prefer to only join some meals, then you can also pay for breakfast or dinner each time directly in the Oasis Restaurant.
For à la carte meals, dinner is available in a section of the Oasis Restaurant, and lunch al fresco in La Terraza.
YOUR STAY CAN BE AS ACTIVE OR RELAXED AS YOU LIKE
Start your day with a gentle yoga class by the sea, or head out to visit a nearby bustling street market. If you’d like to explore more of this wonderful part of Spain, the friendly staff at the hotel’s Leisure Desk can help you plan your days, providing maps, timetables, local knowledge and a booking service for guided excursions. There are many places to visit for half day or full day excursions. Málaga city boasts shopping boulevards, covered market, countless museums and historical buildings, or if you feel like going a bit further afield, why not take a day trip to Seville, the capital of Andalusia.
STAY A LITTLE LONGER THIS WINTER!
Take advantage of our great value Winter rates and discover the Costa del Sol at your leisure! If you stay for 21 nights or more, a 10% discount will apply to Self Catering and Bed & Breakfast bookings.
For more information about Sunset Beach Club Hotel, or to book your Winter Sun Holiday, visit sunsetbeachclub.com.
We hope to see you soon!
· 4* Hotel with Apartments & Suites
· Benalmádena Seafront Location
· 20 minutes Málaga Airport
· Apartments with Kitchenette and Terrace
· Free Activities & Entertainment
Senior Timers, in association with the publishers, O’Brien Press is offering three copies of Alice Taylor’s latest book A Place Called Home as prizes in this issue’s crossword competition. For over sixty years, Alice Taylor has lived in the village of Innishannon. But her childhood was spent on a farm in north Cork, near the Kerry border, and her memories of that homeplace are vivid. Here, she recalls the people and places from those days with her trademark warmth and wit.
Name:
Address:
Three copies of Alice Taylor’s latest book to be won Send your entry to Senior Times Crossword Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6.
Phone:
Email:
first three entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is 25th October 2024
ACROSS
1 Tullamore can be found in this county (6)
4 There’s many a storm in this household item (6)
8 Dance from Brazil (5)
11 Thieves (7)
16 Gilbert & Sullivan’s make do hit perhaps? (3,6)
17 Child’s disease marked by red spots & rash (7)
18 Young man employed to do jobs in a business (6-3)
19 Liquor distilled from fermented molasses (3)
20 Farm animal found in a china shop? (4)
21 Public conveyance - like the LUAS (4)
22 Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness (6)
23 It takes two to do this Latin-American dance (5)
24 Seaport on south coast, formerly Queenstown (4)
28 Founder member of The Chieftains, ___ Drew (6)
29 Unlawful premeditated killings (7)
30 Female chest (5)
31 Brand of Irish whiskey or betting chain ___ Power (5)
36 Irish filmmaker & playwright, Jim ___ (8)
37 Daily publication on folded sheets (9)
39 Without a worry .. no troubles (8)
43 Female horse (4)
45 Monetary unit - one-twelfth of a shilling (5)
46 Type of light beer - quite regal! (5)
47 Business where food is served to patrons (10)
53 Long strip of pasta in Chinese & Italian cuisine(6)
54 Take away or withdraw (6)
55 She lived in Wonderland (5)
56 Male ruler or Beethoven piano concerto no. 5 (7)
58 Salad vegetable such as cos or butterhead (7)
59 Woolly mammal or docile follower (5)
61 Small fleshy dark-red fruit with single stone (6)
62 Male bees or unmanned aerial vehicles (6)
65 Resembling a snake in form (10)
67 French impressionist, Edgar ___ (5)
68 Chaplain in a military service (5)
69 Nothing, nil, naught (4)
73 One who perceives or sees things (8)
76 Month preceding 1 Down (9)
77 Dusk or time following sunset (8)
81 Small cake spread with jam & cream (5)
82 Citizen with a legal right to elect (5)
83 Bird with a pouch for fish and a pencil? (7)
85 Boxer Katie ___ or ___ Swift? (6)
91 Irish poet & writer, ___ Dorgan (4)
92 Greek island in Ionian Sea (5)
93 Acute insufficiency of food (6)
94 Long narrative poem telling of hero’s deeds (4)
95 Words of something written or way of messaging (4)
98 Roughly one half of the population (3)
100 Playwright such as O’Casey or Beckett (9)
5
6
7
8
9
Middle month of autumn (7)
Can a self-employed person have a free clean? (9)
Wild animal’s den (4)
Extra large! (8)
Hijack or take by force (10)
One of a 1950’s singing group or large dish? (7)
Dignified and sombre, like lemons? (6)
Thin fog (4) 10
Green oily salad fruits with large stone (8) 11
Place of safety (6) 12
Posterior part of the body (4) 13
Decorate with needlework (9) 14
Edge tool for cutting grass (6) 15
Hirsute (5)
25 Shy .. cautious (5)
26
27
32
33
34
Card game in which players bet (5)
Depression in the land, usually with a river (4)
Large black bird or Wexford Nature Reserve (5)
Photographic equipment (6)
Post-Impressionist painter, Toulouse ___ (7)
35 Legendary English jockey ___ Piggott (6)
36 Irish charity for the homeless (5)
38
Not in the least bit fresh! (5)
40 Hairy coat of a mammal (3)
41
42
44
48
49
Non-stop - never-ending (9)
Practice session or dry run (9)
Red skin potato - so retro! (7)
Referee or arbitrator (6)
Can a ranger put things into a proper order? (7)
50 Italian fascist dictator, AKA __ ___ (2,4)
51
52
57
Denoting a quantity of 12 (5)
Fabric woven with flax fibres (5)
Fab Four from Liverpool (7)
58 Largest city & capital of Portugal (6)
60 Enough - a full supply (6)
61 Beguile - capture - enchant (5)
63 Beamish or Guinness? (5)
64
66
Edible crustacean of ___ cocktail fame (5)
U.S. writer & poet, Edgar Allan ___ (3)
70 Native American tent (5)
71 It comes after termination of one’s working life (10)
72
74
75
Novel by Charles Dickens, ‘___ House’ (5)
Can this office assistant own a racy steer? (9)
Circular band of precious metal, found in spring? (4)
78 Inhabitant of the City of the Tribes (9)
79
Pieces of coloured paper thrown at weddings (8)
80 Is there nice lava in this Spanish city? (8)
84
86
87
101 Greed or covetousness (7)
102 Is there an alien core in this Co Derry university town? (9)
103 Can my Pa oil this Dublin theatre? (7)
104 Thurles-born fashion designer, ___ Gilbert (5)
105 Minor actors in crowd scenes (6)
106 Its parents are a cob and a pen (6)
Large imposing building (7)
Withdrawal of military troops (7)
Workplace for artists (6)
88 Did this diva go naked on horseback through Coventry? (6)
89
90
96
97
99
Ceremonial procession such as at Easter (6)
Male goat (5)
Insect with a formidable sting (4)
Beckon or signal with the hands (4)
U.S.writer, Zane ___ or neutral colour (4)
Mairead Robinson recommends using toner to refresh and hydrate your skin.
Most of us have developed a skincare regime that will include cleansing and moisturising twice daily, morning and evening. It is important to use different products for the morning – including an SPF – and to ensure that you use a deeply moisturising product for the evening. In between these two steps, a good serum should be applied, and these often include hyaluronic acid, and vitamins B and C. It is a question of trial and error to find the products and systems that best suit your skin, but generally using an ultra-stable Vitamin C and proVitamin D complex will help to restore the moisturiser barrier for more radiant and resilient skin. With our skin care regime, the object is to ultimately improve and restore elasticity and radiance and to plump up the skin which has lost elasticity over the years.
The most important aspect of our skin care is not so much the products we use, but in fact how we use them. There is no point in spending a lot of money on great products, if we are not applying them correctly. It is vital when applying hydrating products to our skin that we have prepared the skin correctly so that the product can be absorbed and improve the texture and appearance of our skin. So along with a good serum, this is where toner comes into its own.
What a toner does is that it removes any last trace of dirt, grime, make-up and impurities that might be stuck in your pores after you cleanse you face. When it is added to your daily skincare routine and used regularly, it can have major positive impact on the appearance and tightness of your pores. This is vital for aging skin. Toner also restores your skin’s pH level and smooths the skin by refining rough patches and also improves skin tone.
Generally you apply your toner by soaking a cotton ball with it and sweeping it across your skin after cleansing every morning and before you go to bed at night. When used regularly it will keep your skin hydrated, clearing out and tightening pores and washing away excess oils. This will prepare your skin for
Always remember that thorough cleansing of the skin is vital before applying any toning, serum or moisturising products. Therefore your beauty regime must always begin with cleansing, and double cleansing – once with an oil based product and once
“Naxos
is part of
– Gramophone
FOLK TALES, VOL. 2
2ND VOLUME NOW AVAILABLE Gerald Peregrine, Antony Ingham
There are a great variety of toners on the market these days which differ in how they interact with your skin. There is also a vast price range which means that whatever your budget, you should be able to find something that suits your pocket as well as your skin type. Starting with popular skin care brand Nivea, their derma Skin Care Toner is great for blemish prone skin and comes with Salicylic acid and Niacinamide. It rebalances the skin and hydrates it without clogging pores. You can see a visible skin improvement in just seven days. In addition this toner is clinically tested, alcohol free and has a vegan formula with no animal derived ingredients. And the great news is that it comes with a price tag of just €6.99 for 200ml.
Another excellent toner from Nivea is their Refreshing Toner enriched with Vitamin E and Hydramine, which is known to effectively bind moisture in the skin. Especially developed for normal and combination skin, it tones, removes last residues, moisturises and refines the skin. The result means skin is gently tones and refreshed, looking healthy and beautiful.
Now a really beautiful multi-active toner comes from luxury skin care specialists, Dermalogica. Their light facial toner hydrates and refreshes the skin. It is an ultra-light toner with moisture-binding humectants which help condition and refresh the skin and prep it for proper moisture absorption. It contains soothing Arnica, Balm Mint and Lavender to refresh the skin, making this ideal for skin hydration after cleansing and throughout the day. Dermalogica Multi Active Toner comes with a RRP of €49.00 And while vitamin C is such an important part of your skin care, their Dermalogica’s Biolumen-C Night Restore treatment is a wonderful addition to your pre-sleep skin care regime.
Another beautiful brand toner comes from French beauty experts Guinot, with their Hydra Fraicheur. It is suitable for
all skin types and is priced at €31.00 As a gel milk make-up remover that thoroughly removes make up and rids the skin of impurities, it leaves the skin moisturised and refreshed.
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GENTLEMAN EARLY 70’s in Clare/ Galway area. GSOH. NS. Interests include social dancing, hiking, sport, cinema and travel. Separated for many years. WLTM genuine lady with similar interests and a ‘can do’ attitude. Age range 65-75. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER L1
RETIRED? ENJOY TRAVEL? And would like to meet new female travelling companions, particularly from Mid-West general area? Let's meet, connect in a small group and share travel ideas and plans. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER L2
PROFESSIONAL, FIT AND ATTRACTIVE LADY (widow 65yrs), Dublin- based, Enjoys travel, sailing, dining out etc GSOH. WLTM single sincere gentleman for friendship.REPLY TO BOX NUMBER L3
SOUTH EAST LADY 64 WLTM sincere, kind, good humoured gentleman around same age group. Interests include music, cinema, walking, dancing and holidays at home and abroad. Own car. NS SD GSOH. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER L4
SOUTH DUBLIN BASED PROFESSIONAL man, 72, NS, SD GSOH, fairly tall, medium build, good appearance. Interests include various types of music, ballroom dancing, walking, theatre, cinema, current affairs, reading, gardening, eating out travel at home and abroad. Outgoing, kind and loving personality. Happy to exchange recent photos. WLTM lady 65-75 to share some of those interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER L5
NORTH EAST BASED gent, early 70s. NS SD WLTM lady of similar age from anywhere in Ireland for friendship to share days and evenings out. Interests include theatre, cinema, music and concerts. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER L6
DUBLIN LADY 70s WLTM gent in his early 70s to share times together. I am a keen gardener, love walking and am a keen armchair rugby fan! Love travel here and abroad. Maybe be really adventurous and go to Vietnam, a beautiful country and people. I have three grown up children who have all flown the nest. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER L7
NORTH LEINSTER DIVORCED LADY, early 60’s WLTM a guy who looks after his appearance and health. My interests are golf, hiking, travel, all the arts and current affairs. I love to eat out and share food with another. NS , SD with a GSOH and a zest for life . Live in the now, tomorrow is just a promise. So get in touch, he who hesitates is lost. Cliches yes but both very true! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X1
NB: When replying to advertisements give only your phone number and/or your email address. Do not give your postal address!
IS IT POSSIBLE THERE EXISTS an educated lady who would like to meet a southside Dublin gent, 70s, so that they can be happy together and help one and other. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X2
SINCERE 70s WIDOW WLTM sincere man from Cavan, Meath or Monaghan. NS interested all types of music and current affairs REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X3
LONGFORD GENT 70s NS SD GSOH and of good appearance. Interests include C&W music, traditional music, theatre, eating out and travel. WLTM a lady 65-70 from the north midlands.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X4
FIT ATTRACTIVE DUBLIN LADY,73, originally from Kerry. Interested in healthy lifestyle, keeping fit, long country walks. Love music, concerts, cinema etc. seeking a companion with whom I can share some of my interests hoping it may lead to longterm committed relationship.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X5
ARE YOU SINGLE LIVING ALONE and in your 60s? We are two single people (male and female) with the idea of living independently in our own apartment in a large house, possibly in Dublin 6. If this idea has appeal to you or you would like to know more and have interests in the arts we would love to hear from you.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X6
SEPERATED MUNSTER MALE, 50s, considered attractive WLTM lady for relationship from Cork, Kerry, Munster area. ALA. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X7
PROFESSIONAL MIDLANDS LADY 5ft 8in, 64, with many interests. Widely travelled. Would like to hear from tall gents 6072 for relationship/travel/holidays, outings. ALA. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X8
NORTH LEINSER DIVORCED LADY early 60’s WLTM a guy who looks after his appearance and health. My interests are golf, hiking, travel, all the arts and current affairs. I love to eat out and share food with another. NS , SD with a GSOH and a zest for life . Live in the now, tomorrow is just a promise. So get in touch, he who hesitates is lost. Cliches yes but both very true!
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X10
LIVING IN DUBLIN?
Interests music dancing reading walking cinema theatre travel eating out? Would like to meet gent for friendship and hopefully relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X11
TAKE A CHANCE ON ME.
Gentleman early 70’s. GSOH. Good conversationalist. Good craic, NS. Interests include dancing, walking, all kinds of Sport, cinema and holidays (especially to the sun). Separated for many years. WLTM lady with similar interests and a zest for life
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER X12
DUBLIN WIDOW 69, NS, SD, GSOH WLTM a gentleman from Dublin or surrounding areas. Interests include the arts, current affairs, dining out, travel abroad and home. Would love to hear from you if you share some of these interests.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C1
LEINSTER MAN, 70s kind, sincere, GSOH. Many interest including travel, gardening, outdoors, cinema, computers, reading sports. WLTM lady of similar age and interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C2
SOUTH DUBLIN RETIRED
PROFESSIONAL GENT, 72, NS, SD, GSOH, fairly tall, GOOD APPEARANCE. Separated for many year. Own house and car. Interests include music, dancing, reading, current affairs, good conversation, sports, cinema, theatre gardening, eating out, travel home and abroad. Kind, outgoing and pleasant personality. WLTM lady 65-75 to share some of these interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M1
GENUINE, SINCERE LADY, retired nurse WLTM genuine sincere, romantic gent who would share some of my interests which include piano, muusic, countryside, theatre, easting out, travel etc.. Age 60-70. Dublin and surrounding areas.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M2
CORK GENTLEMAN WLTM nice lady for friendship. I love travelling to the sun also walking . I go social dancing and like eating out .NS SD. . Would love to hear from you. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M3
YOUNG AT HEART GENTLEMAN mid 70s WLTM genuine lady to share some quality time with. I have GSOH. I'm romantic at heart. I enjoy weekends away, and travel. I live in South East REPLY TO BOX NUMBER M4.
KIND SOUTH DUBLIN WIDOW. 72. Great interest in music, painting, theatre, walking, gardening and psychology. I love travelling at home and abroad - I’ve visited Vietnam, India and Sri Lanka in the last few years. NS. SD. GSOH. Retired. WLTM a similar male with whom I can share my interests. If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F1
DUBLIN MALE LATE 70s, tall, slim, active. MS. SD, GSOH. Like the simple things in life, the craic and a joke. Interests include painting and music (nothing too heavy!). WLTM an open-minded lady for personal relationship.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F2
RETIRED TIPPERARY PROFESSIONAL
LADY, single, never married, young-looking late 60s. ND, NS. Considered attractive and talented. Slim and active and of a cool and calm disposition. Interests include music, drama, dancing, walking, golf, travel, concerts. WLTM an honest, sincere and caring gentleman of similar age to share life with.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F3
SOUTH DUBLIN GENT 70s WLTM a soul sister for companionship. Interests include reading, music and weekends away. If you don’t speculate you can’t accumulate!
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F4
DONEGAL GENT NS. SD mid-70s. Interests include travelling, weekends away, reading, walking etc. WLTM a lady of average height, good sense of humour 60s to mid-70s with similar interests.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F5
NEW YEAR AND NEW ADVENTURES and a wish for shared laughter, developing friendship and companionship while enjoying mutual interests and our beautiful nature both at home and abroad. WLTM an interesting caring gent with a GSOH who is in his mid 70s and has a zest for life. Preferably a NS. I live in Munster, am sincere and considerate having broad based and varied interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F6
SOUTHSIDE CO DUBLIN GENT widower, early 70s, very fit and healthy. Retired professional widower. Good natured. Many interests including cinema, theatre, walking, reading, eating out, travelling (especially long distance) but also in Ireland. Interested in all types of music, history, keeping fit, sports, good conversation. WLTM a pleasant lady over 60 with GSOH.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F7
SLIM SINGLE DUBLIN GENT 70s WLTM a similar female to spend some time together. Interests include walking, days trips, healthy eating. I don’t have a wooden heart. Why wait?
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T1
FEMALE 60s interested in reading and good conversation with the right person and for romantic outings. WLTM a genuine, caring, stylish gent 60s-70s from anywhere in Ireland.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T2
CO. DUBLIN LADY, divorced, outgoing, GSOH. Enjoys walking (preferably by the
sea), music, gym, sport, dancing, creative travelling, entertainment. Love hugs, shopping and eating out. WLTM gentleman mid-40 to late sixties with similar interests for a laugh over a glass of wine.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T3
CO. LOUTH GENT EARLY SEVENTIES, divorced many years. NS, ND WLTM a lady of similar age and interests which are theatre, musicals, travel, classical music etc. If you would like a fun and friendly relationship please contact me.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T4
MIDLANDS MAN 66, slim, no ties, usual interests. Would like to hear from a fit lady, preferably under 60 from anywhere in Ireland for a phone chat initially who is open to taking things further if we connect. A reasonably recent photo would be appreciated when replying.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T5
NORTH CO. DUBLIN LADY WLTM other ladies 60s-70s for socializing in Dublin and surrounding areas. Interests include all types of music, eating out etc.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T6
DUBLIN BASED RETIRED
PROFESSIONAL GENT 71, NS, fairly tall, medium built, good appearance, kind, loving, friendly GSOH. Interests include music, social dancing, walking, eating out, travel home and abroad, current affairs, reading. Own home and car. WLTM like-minded lady 65-75 living in Dublin area. Photo would be appreciated and reciprocated.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T7
FIT, HEALTHY, ATTRACTIVE LADY
72. Dublin-based but grew up in Kerry. NS. SD, Interests include back-to-nature, especially walks in the country, all types of music, live concerts, cinema. I’m seeking a companion with whom I can share some of my interests, hoping it leads to a long-term committed relationship.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T9
SOUTH EAST MAN 60s WLTM similar man for friendship. Interests include sports, music, gardening, current affairs and walking. NS.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T10
JOVIAL WIDOWER 80s. Own home/ car. Action-packed and keeping on the move. WLTM lady with similar traits. NS, SD GSOH. So join me for wining-dining, shows, drives, chats, cards. Interests include all types of music, gardening etc.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T11
THE WEDNESDAY CLUB is a select social club located on Dublin ‘s southside for widows/widowers and otherwise single people over 55 to enjoy social and cultural activities together. Our activities include
dining out, visits to the theatre, museums, gardens, golf, bridge, poker nights, talks, occassional trips and so much more. For further information email wednesdayclub01@gmail.com Or:
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W1
RETIRED PROFESSIONAL, WIDOW, kind, caring & loving new ventures, WLTM a good natured happy interesting gent , a NS, mid 70's to share and enjoy interests especially travel home and away. Other interests include current affairs, social interaction, oil painting, reading, theatre & gardens.
REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Y1
TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT
If you are interested in meeting someone of the opposite or same sex, send your advertisement, with four stamps (which is the average reply rate) enclosed in the envelope, to:
Meeting Place, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6 Or email: john@slp.ie
NOTE: When submitting advertisements ensure you include your surname as well as your christian name.
Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live, noting your interests. The advertisement should not be more than 60 words. If you are replying to the advertisement via Senior Time’s email, ensure you include your postal address for those not on the Net. (Only Senior Times will have these details).
Deadline for receipt of advertisements for the next issue is October 20th 2024.
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).
A walk on her local strand during Covid reminded Connie MeEvoy of the process locally produced flax made on its journey to becoming Belfast linen
given permission on May 11th 2020 to go on short walks, so delighted at the prospect of freedom and getting some exercise at last I set out on a walk to the strand through our fields as it’s not safe walking on roads nearby now. It was necessary to walk down Tubbertoby lane, through the farmyard and haggard before reaching the ‘river field’ the first on my journey. It was wonderful to see colourful growth and hear birds singing in the hedges on the way. A small river flows between the haggard and the ‘river field’ so I must cross a bridge in order to continue on my way, the river is now flowing at the far side of the hedgerow to my left as it too is winding it’s way to the strand to flow into the Irish sea.
came here before me and right away I was projected into reflective mode. Many times my late husband and I had listened to our elders talking of these brides and events of their days here and how it was trying to rear large families and make a living especially during the war years. We heard about a plane crash on the strand one night when everyone was terrified. As our land goes down to the sea, next day a family member ventured down there in an effort to investigate, then picked up a piece of the wreckage and took it home to hang it in the rafters as a souvenir where it stayed for years.
and gave us his blessing to build our bungalow there even though it was then a precious field used as a calving pen and pasture after a meadow was mown annually. At this stage we were supplying liquid milk in large two handled milk cans to Premier Dairies in Dublin on a daily basis (no large milk tanks on farm yards in those days).
Long ago it served its purpose when flax crops were grown on this McEvoy farm by our predecessors and were harvested and ready to be washed. It was then lifted and taken in horse carts to the field called the Bleach where it was spread out to dry and whiten before being bought and transported by merchants to Belfast to be woven into linen. The Bleach was a level two acre field that was considered to be totally fit for purpose. A small garden separated it from the old family residence but it needed to be accessed from the lane. Listening to the birds singing and
Rose Maguire was the first bride to settle here followed by Eliza Maxwell, Mary A Drew and Mary Taaffe all of them were Louth ladies. Connie Kelly who was the first stranger to come here as a bride in 1963 was from Clonegal in Co Carlow and was welcomed then with open arms as new blood would be coming to the clan. I still have many of the friends that I made when I came here but sadly a few have gone to their eternal reward during the past few difficult weeks, I am sad that I was unable to attend wakes and funerals. When my late husband and I announced our engagement in
In order to facilitate the postman ‘The Bleach’ was a suggested title for our house but eventually it was agreed that Cluain-na-Ngall meaning ‘meadow of the stranger’ would be more appropriate! So Clonegal is still middleways down Tubbertoby lane and I’m still adhering to social distance rules.
Years ago probably mid 1970’s as I directed handcraft classes all over Ireland some students in Letterkenny gave me one yard of Belfast linen as a parting gift. I am very pleased to include photos of some of the projects that I worked utilising that Belfast linen including a cutwork tray cloth and two samplers when I directed other courses at An Grianan and elsewhere including Howth where it was greatly appreciated altogether –Happy Memories still!.
You have the power to cross oceans with your support. When you donate to the Irish Red Cross, you make a real and lasting impact on the lives of others, both here in Ireland and around the world. Whether you’re interested in our national services, or you want to help fund the extreme humanitarian need that we see daily overseas, your gift will make a difference.
As we get older, we often think about our legacy and what we can do to make a lasting impact on the world around us. Leaving a gift in your Will to the Irish Red Cross is a powerful way to support the national services that they provide in Ireland and the humanitarian aid that they deliver abroad.
Making a Will is an important step for all of us, regardless of our age or circumstances. The Irish Red Cross has partnered with LawOnline to ensure that your wishes can be clearly and legally documented, without cost and from the comfort of your own home. This service is free and it’s an excellent way to ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. It is not necessary to leave the Irish Red Cross a gift in your Will if you wish to use the service, although we would love it if you do.
The Irish Red Cross has been providing invaluable support to communities in Ireland and around the world since 1939. With over 80 branches across the country, the organization has a proud history of responding to crises and emergencies, as well as providing vital social and community services.
To find out more about how you can support the Irish Red Cross, or leave a legacy to outlast your lifetime, please visit our website at www.redcross.ie or contact the team directly by calling 01 642 4649, or emailing mellwood@redcross.ie, to reach Mackenzie Ellwood, a member of our fundraising team.
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