Issue 98 March - April 2019
Times
NOW E3.00/£2.75
The magazine for people who don’t act their age
Supreme Sinatra Popular music’s first singing superstar
Lake Como – Italy’s ‘hidden gem’
Homage to Heaney National Library major exhibition
Dental drill How to keep your teeth
Can you Bear Grylls? How to meet your TV favourites
PLUS: Mary O’Rourke – Creative Writing - Competitions – Motoring – Travel – Gardening - Health - Meeting Place and much more...
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March/April 2019
Contents 6 News:
22
32 2
Legacies and you: Some of the charities and support groups you may consider in your will
44
Tantalising trio: Paul Kavanagh pays homage to three of his favourite singers
6
Dental drill: Mairead Robinson on how to care and keep your teeth as the years roll on
12
Mary’s Musings: In her latest observations Mary discusses Women in Industry, and Lady Chatterley’s Lover!
52
Special Senior Times five-day gardening trip: RTE Gardener Peter Dowdall will host a special 5-day gardening trip to the Loire Valley in September
16
Walking: Conor O’Hagan guides you around three looped walks in Counties Carlow, Wexford and Waterford
55
Master of the macabre: In the latest of her literary travels, Lorna Hogg visits some of the places associated with Bram Stoker, creator of Dracula
18
Days out: Some suggestions for days out around the country
60 68
As seen on screen: How you can meet your favourite TV presenters
22
Western Ways: George Keegan on happenings along the Western Seaboard in travel, arts, food and entertainment. Creative writing:
76
Northern Notes:
82
Wine world:
85
Meeting Place:
87
Crossword:
92
Crafts:
96
Major Seamus Heaney exhibition at the National Library: Guess the year: Another teaser from Jerry Perkins
28
30
Lake Como, Italy’s hidden gem: Mairead Robinson visits the venue for the jet set and is captivated by its charm
32
Golf: 36 Back from the dead – Dermot Gilleece on how Jose Maria Olazabel overcame a chronic back condition to triumph in the Masters Cosmetics: 40 Publishing Directors: Brian McCabe, Des Duggan Editorial Director: John Low Editor At Large: Shay Healy Consultant Editor: Jim Collier Advertising: Willie Fallon Design & Production: www.cornerhouse.ie Contributors: Lorna Hogg, Dermot Gilleece, Maretta Dillon, Jim Collier, Peter Power, Matthew Hughes, Mairead Robinson, Eileen Casey, Debbie Orme, Connie McEvoy Published by S& L Promotions Ltd.,
Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: +353 (01) 4969028. Fax: +353 (01) 4068229 Editorial: John@slp.ie Advertising: willie@slp.ie Sign up to our newsletter and be in with a chance to win some great prizes at www.seniortimes.ie Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
News Now GAA, Trinity College and Irish Life team up to promote healthy ageing
ALONE welcomes housing for older people report ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, have welcomed the Government’s policy statement Housing Options for Our Ageing Population. Minister Daly visited ALONE’s head office to view the charity’sassistive technology to support older people to age at home for longer. A collaborative project between the Departments of Housing and Health, the policy statement examines housing options for older people in Ireland.
Prof. Rose Anne Kenny : ‘TILDA is one of the most important research studies in Ireland which helps to better understand why bodies and brains age and how we can best ensure long and prosperous lives’
The GAA, Trinity College Dublin and Irish Life have come together to highlight the secrets to successful ageing through a series of free regional seminars. For example, did you know that people living by the sea are less likely to be depressed? That optimists live longer? That friendship and good social life is as important as low cholesterol for heart disease? That quality of life continues to get better after 50 for almost another 30 years? These nuggets of knowledge, and much more, will be explored by Professor Rose Anne Kenny, a world expert in healthy ageing, as part of this series of public talks entitled ‘How to Age Well: Evidence from TILDA’. Free talks open to the general public, organised by the GAA’s County Health & Wellbeing Committees, will take place in Longford (March 11), Limerick (March 20), Donegal (March 22), and Mayo and Cork later in 2019 (dates to be confirmed). The content will highlight themes in-
cluding the importance of exercise, diet, social connectedness, purpose, and location. Prof. Rose Anne Kenny said: ‘TILDA is one of the most important research studies in Ireland which helps to better understand why bodies and brains age and how we can best ensure long and prosperous lives, for today's adults and for future generations’. David Harney, CEO Irish Life, said: ‘Our commitment at Irish Life is to make every community in Ireland healthier, and that commitment extends across all life-stages. With life expectancy in Ireland at 81 years, we want to ensure that people fully enjoy the years approaching and beyond retirement.’ Additional details of the seminars are available on www.gaa.ie/community and further information will also be made available through local media in the participating counties in coming weeks.
Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said: ‘There is an assumption that the hous:ng needs of older people havealready been met. Yet, the TILDA report shows that 58 per cent of older people have problems with housing conditions. With a rapidly ageing population, we hope thatthis joint statement will bring about policy and housing models which prevent a housing crisis for older people in the years tocome.’ With first hand experience in providing housing forolder people, ALONE has campaigned for a wide range of housing options to caterto the life-cycle and better match the level of care needed for people who wantto remain living independently. According to ALONE’s own housing report, Housing Choices for Older People: Time for Action released last year, building one and two-bedroom homes for older people can increase their housing options and help to mitigate the housing crisis among larger families, saving money in building costs for larger homes.
New body 'to empower women of Ireland' The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, Anne Finucane, Chairman Bank of America Merrill Lynch Europe and Vice Chairman, Bank of America, Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for Community Development, Natural Resources and Digital Development and Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Social Innovation Fund Ireland at the recent official announcement of Mná na hÉireann - Women of Ireland Fund. The fund is a €1.8 million initiative which will be delivered over three years. The new fund, which is the first of its kind in Ireland, has been set up to support charitable and social enterprise organisations that seek to enhance the economic mobility of women, by empowering women to advance their education or progress into new or more sustainable employment. 2 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
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News
Home Instead publishes free Senior Citizen Guidebook 2019 Home Instead Senior Care, Ireland’s largest provider of non-medical home care services, has released the 2019 edition of its ‘Bible for Older People’, The Senior Citizen & Family Carer Guidebook. The popular annual publication aims to ensure Ireland’s older people and those who care for them have access to all the information they need to learn more about ageing in Ireland. The Senior Citizen & Family Carer Guidebook is available free of charge. It’s a comprehensive resource on ageing in Ireland, and the inspiration for this year’s edition is “planning for successful ageing”. This guidebook helps Home Instead to truly honour its mission, which is to enhance the lives of older people and their families. Home Instead is making the guidebook available to the public in libraries, post offices, hospitals and a range of other places in local communities all over Ireland. You can order a free copy by phoning 1890 989 755, and a digital copy is available at HomeInstead.ie/ Guidebook2019
access quality healthcare in hospitals and clinics across Europe. As an EU resident you can now travel to any country in the EU, get treated in a quality accredited hospital and on your return home get reimbursement from the HSE up to the amount the treatment would of cost in Ireland. Trasna is the brainchild of Martin O’Rourke, BUPA Ireland founder, who commented, ‘There are over 700,000 patients on waiting lists in Ireland especially in the area of orthopaedics. Trasna offers a light at the end of the tunnel for thousands of patients, many of whom are suffering needlessly. We have made arrangements with many of the top EU hospital and can guide patients through the full process e.g. preparing to travel, arranging the appointments, through to claiming from the HSE’ Trasna’s service is free to customers and you can simply call the Trasna support centre in Waterford on 051 349710 and a dedicated personal care manager will support and guide you through every step of your medical journey. Alternatively, visit www.trasna.com
Riveria Travel tours to Capri. Naples and Sicily
Trasna promises to tackle waiting lists with EU wide initiative
The Riviera Travel tour to the Sorrento peninsula and the Bay of Naples is regarded one of the most beautiful corners of Europe.
Trasna is a new Irish healthcare service, helping people use their EU entitlement to
The price of this holiday is from €1169 per person and is based on two people sharing a twin
room. The price includes return flights included Checked Bag , seven nights with breakfast and dinner, all local taxes and transfers, all tours as mentioned, entrance to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples museum and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager. Sicily Riviera are also offering a Sicily tour departing on 14 May for €1349 The tour visits the finest this island has to offer, starting in Agrigento, founded by the ancient Greeks, and famous for its remarkable Valley of the Temples – nine of them, some in phenomenal condition and all the more impressive when you consider they are almost 2,500 years old. It never ceases to amaze us – our present day civilisation believes it is so sophisticated and supposedly at the cutting edge of technology, but we wonder how many of our buildings will last as long! Next the tour visits Palermo, the capital of the island, and in a beautiful setting with an atmosphere of both Europe and the Orient. The tour also visits Taormina, one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Select and tasteful, Taormina retains its medieval charm, with its main street a lovely collection of 15th to 19th century townhouses, small and intimate piazzas and twisting alleyways. The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. For more information contact Riviera travel at (01) 9056321 or visit www.rivieratravel.ie
Irish Ferries W B Yeats will operate four times a week from Dublin to France Measuring 195m in length and capable of transporting 300 cars and 165 trucks, W.B. Yeats will afford ‘superior comfort to over 1,800 passengers’. Departing directly from Dublin Port, the sailing will take approximately 18 hours, with guests invited to enjoy free WiFi, a choice of movies in the cinemas, the chance to shop the bestselling brands, or to simply unwinding in the many bars and restaurants on-board. Setting sail at 16.00 on the days of departure, passengers will arrive in Cherbourg at 11.00 local time, 4 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
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Entertainment
Tantalising
trio
The qualities that made Sinatra such an outstanding interpreter of the Great American Songbook have been well documented – his uncanny control of phrasing, his ability to narrate a lyric as if newly minted and interpretative powers that raised the bar far beyond the reach of his contemporaries.
Paul Kavanagh pays homage to three of his favourite singers How is it that certain singers pitch their tent in our musical terrain and take up permanent residence there? In the twenties Al Johnson wrapped his audience in a great bear hug of sound and emotion with a potent mixture of Jewish cantor fervour overlaid with a generous coating of American show-biz sentimentality. In the thirties Bing Crosby beguiled a generation (his radio show attracted fifty million listeners) with a style so tantalisingly artless that it enticed a small army of would-be Crosbys to enter the business. To them it seemed that no great vocal range was needed nor a well-honed vocal technique as long as you could carry a tune. But what the Crosby clones failed to realise was that Crosby’s unique musical DNA was his alone and so the numerous Crosby mimics were always destined to live in the shadow of the master. In my case, having listened to hundreds of singes over the years, three singers in particular secured a permanent tenancy in my musical makeup - Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. Frank Sinatra Sinatra’s performance as a struggling songwriter in the 1954 movie Young at Heart was the beginning of my life-long admiration of the man. Two of the songs from the movie – Just one of those things and the title song were issued as a 78 rpm, and whatever alchemy the slim Hoboken baritone brought to them made me a life-long enthusiast. When the Dublin branch of the Sinatra society was formed more than twenty-years ago I joined with up to fifty fellow Frankophiles to celebrate his musical journey which began with the Harry James band in 1939. The monthly meetings of the Society not only subjected Sinatra’s art to a 6 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Fans of Tony Bennet, Mel Torme and Vic Damone will no doubt disagree but when measured against the series of Sinatra albums recorded in the late fifties the gap between Sinatra and his rivals was unbridgeable.
forensic examination but introduced us to a whole host of singers, many of whom we had never heard of on this side of the Atlantic. Names
Entertainment
Dylan with his 60s soulmate Joan Baez
like Johnny Hartman, Mildred Bailey, June Christy, Blossom Dearie, Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin, Margaret Whiting and many, many more were featured in the monthly programmes presented by the members of the Society. The qualities that made Sinatra such an outstanding interpreter of the Great American Songbook have been well documented – his uncanny control of phrasing, his ability to narrate a lyric as if newly minted and interpretative powers that raised the bar far beyond the reach of his contemporaries. Fans of Tony Bennet, Mel Torme and Vic Damone will no doubt disagree but when measured against the series of Sinatra albums recorded in the late fifties the gap between Sinatra and his rivals was unbridgeable. Three albums for Capitol in the late fifties raised the art of popular singing to unprecedented heights. No longer could he be dismissed as a mere crooner. This was a man who took his work seriously. Whereas Bing’s time in the studio was spent with one eye on the studio clock and the other on his golf tee time, Sinatra was focused solely on every detail of the arrangements. Gordon Jenkins, Nelson Riddle, and Billy May provided the inspirational frameworks for Sinatra multi-faceted talent – a series of albums that established a standard of popular singing that has never been equalled. Bob Dylan In the early sixties I was caught up in the folk revival of the time. Albums from Joan Baez, the Carter family and Doc Watson vied for space with those of the great big bands and small group jazz combos from the thirties and forties, when suddenly out of a clear blue sky a certain Robert Zimmerman later to be known as Bob Dylan took his place in my musical psyche. 8 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
I have always preferred the acoustic Dylan to the later electrified version while acknowledging the massive international following that his later work has inspired.
It happened one evening in 1962 while we watched a BBC TV play set in a large rambling house somewhere in England, populated by a nondescript assortment of hippie types. The camera eventually settled on a figure seated on a staircase holding a guitar with a harmonica attachment. The plaintive voice, shot through with a borrowed validity that emerged from the boyish-looking figure on the stairway as he sang the chorus ‘And the swan on the river went gliding by, and the swan on the river went gliding by’ struck a chord that aroused my interest.
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Entertainment In the thirties Bing Crosby beguiled a generation (his radio show attracted fifty million listeners)
In the twenties Al Johnson wrapped his audience in a great bear hug of sound and emotion with a potent mixture of Jewish cantor fervour overlaid with a generous coating of American show-biz sentimentality
Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau accompanied by the celebrated Austrian pianist Alfred Brendel
The play’s cast list in the Radio Times read simply – Folk singer / Bob Dylan. No Dublin record store had ever heard of Bob Dylan but one obliging store owner consulted a weighty catalogue of record titles and discovered that Dylan had just one recently recorded CBS album to his name. I accepted his offer to order a copy from the U.S. The record eventually arrived and I hotfooted into the city centre shop. Would I like to hear a track? Would I ever. The perils of frequenting the House of the Rising Sun soon filled the acoustic of the small room – a space more used to accommodating show-band covers and Country and Irish touchy ballads. The proprietor was less than impressed. His nose wrinkled and his eyes focused on this odd customer. “‘Do you like that stuff’? he asked incredulously, not sure whether just to humour me or send for the men in the white coats. Friends of mine involved in the Dublin folk scene were similarly unimpressed by this exotic youth from the States until he began to establish his presence as a major figure in contemporary American music. I must have seemed unashamedly smug as I charted my protégées progress from obscurity to the world stage as my contemporaries scrambled to board the Dylan band wagon. I have always preferred the acoustic Dylan to the later electrified version while acknowledging the massive international following that his later work has inspired. For me that swan on the river will always be gliding by to that spare guitar accompaniments. A poet? No way. W B Yeats was a poet. Dietrich Fischer Dieskau The most brilliant Don Giovanni that I have ever seen. Lord Harwood (Impresario) I seriously consider the German baritones’ Don unsurpassable and, everything considered, the greatest performance of any complete operatic role ever recorded. Records and Recording One of the great artistic experiences of my life. Benjamin Britten He is a marvellous combination of intellectual power and wonderful vocal technique and above all he has a tremendous imagination. Gerald Moore 10 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
The supreme Schubert interpreter of our time. Richard Capell (Music Critic) The above are marvellous critical accolades for Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, not a name that rolls easily off the tongue. DFD is much handier. Italian born tenors will always be crowd pleasers par excellence with baritones destined to be the solid support in the world of opera. But there is more to singing than opera. The worlds of oratorio, art song and early music await the dedicated artist and in all these forms DFD excelled to a degree not known before his arrival. In opera DFD’s repertoire bridged the gap between the refined filigree of Mozart to the heavy lifting of the works of Richard Wagner. Benjamin Britten was moved to pen the tribute above having heard DFD’s performance in Britten’s War Requiem. He triumphed in Verdi’s Falstaff, Otello, Macbeth and Rigoletto. His performance as Don Alfonso in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte as the Don in Don Giovanni and Papegeno in the Magic Flute were hugely acclaimed whether on stage or on record. But his lasting legacy must be the vast body of recorded German art song. He sang the works of Schumann, Hugo Wolf, Richard Strauss and Karl Loewe with his sublime interpretative powers but more important still is his recording of all of Schubert’s 600 songs recorded over a period of six decades with the pianists Gerald Moore, Daniel Barenboim and Jorg Demus. Over the span of his career which began in the early fifties DFD recorded the works of a staggering 125 composers from early baroque to the works of contemporary writers. All of this from a man who rushed away having given a recital of his own to fly to another city to catch a performance of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. His biographer Kenneth Whitton put it best when he wrote ‘Over the last thirty years, I have heard all his recordings and seen many of his stage performances. When I play through my many records and compare his performances in Mozart, Verdi and Wagner, and his pioneering work for twentieth century operas with the great voices of the past and present. I am hard put to find his peer overall. Many singers have had as beautiful voices perhaps; many as strong, many as flexible instruments – but none, I am certain, have been able to put the voice to the service of the composer and his librettist as faithfully and as beautifully as this Mastersinger.’ The greatest singer the world has known? As the Carlsberg ad says – probably.
Dental drill
For most of us, one of the most distressing signs of ageing can be dental changes and the loss of our teeth as gums recede, sensitivity increases and colour darkens. As we live longer and fuller lives, dental health becomes all the more important. By and large, dental care doesn’t turn inside out when you reach a certain age, but we have to do more to keep our smile strong and to continue to enjoy eating our favourite foods. There is no doubt that we need to increase our dental hygiene regime, and the trick is to start as early as possible. So no matter what age you are today, this is the best time for you to start – right now! Oral health is so important for general health as well as for confidence. The main issues we face regarding our teeth as we age are: • Darkened teeth: Expect changes to dentin and a lifetime of stain-causing food and drink to finally show your teeth’s age. • Diminished taste: Medications, diseases, and other effects of aging can and will make changes in the way things taste. • Dry mouth: Reduced saliva can be a factor in certain medical conditions including diabetes and cancer treatments. It’s also normal as you age to see a drop in saliva, which can lead to other dental issues. • Root decay: Tooth decay isn’t exactly a new problem, but it gets more difficult to manage as you get older. Especially if you don’t take care of your teeth when you’re young. • Gum disease: Plaque build up can lead to decay and receding gums. Eventually it will lead to loose teeth which means • Tooth loss: If you don’t take care of your teeth, you will lose them – guaranteed. 12 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Oral Health
Mairead Robinson on how to keep and care for your teeth as the years roll by
As you age, it becomes even more important to take good care of your teeth and dental health. One common misconception is that losing your teeth is inevitable. This is not true. If cared for properly, your teeth can last a lifetime. Your mouth changes as you age. The nerves in your teeth can become smaller, making your teeth less sensitive to cavities or other problems. If you don’t get regular dental exams, this in turn can lead to these problems not being diagnosed until it is too late. If you notice the gums starting to recede, which can impact on both aesthetic and functional issues in the mouth, your dentist may suggest changing to a softer tooth brush. If you suffer from dry mouth, it can help to sip tap water regularly or chew sugar-free gum. Caring for our oral and dental health will help us to eat well and by enjoying a healthy diet, our overall health is maintained. Dundrum Dental Surgery (Dublin) advise that tooth loss and the wearing of loose or uncomfortable dentures can be a major reason that older people cannot chew well and thus may not consume optimal nutrients. If you lose teeth, jaw bone levels can also be lost, leading to further problems with chewing and denture use. You may notice saliva production decreasing with age, and this can be decreased further by some drugs. The decrease in saliva causes dry mouth which can effect digestion, chewing and health. The good news is that these changes in the mouth can be minimised and even reversed with modern dental treatments, meaning we can stay confident and eat healthily for many years longer than ever previously possible. Many of us are aware of inflammation and its association with heart disease, and more research is pointing to links between gum disease and heart disease. Hygienist treatments can elimi-
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nate gum disease and prevent problems previously associated with getting older. Modern dental Implant treatments mean that loose ill-fitting dentures can be a thing of the past, even for those people who were previously not suitable for dental implants. As implant treatment in older patients can be more demanding to achieve great results, they recommend these implants be placed by a dedicated implant expert providing implant treatment with years of expertise and achieving excellent results for older patients, in their case Dr Wilson Grigolli. Dundrum Dental Surgery in Dublin can be contacted at 01-2986029 www.dundrumdentalsurgery.ie When it comes to wearing dentures, it is vital that you look after these correctly as you age and secure the best advice and care. Citygate Specialist Dental Clinic – www.citygatedental.ie - is a state of the art dental facility located in Cork and as a referral based practice work closely with general dentists to provide advanced dental care solutions including implants, crowns, dentures and bridges. Regarding dentures they explain : ‘Dentures are removable appliances used as an option to replace missing teeth, to help restore your smile and are made to look similar to your own natural teeth. As we get older some of us will experience tooth loss which is usually attributed to a sustained injury, through gum disease or from tooth decay. Over time dentures can become loose, ill-fitting or as reported by our patients never having fitted comfortably in the first place. These issues can cause patients difficulty when speaking, eating and in turn can result in a loss of confidence. Fortunately, there are now many ways to remedy this problem including implant based dentures or other solutions such as teeth in a day where a fixed set of teeth are placed soon after implant placement’. Contact City Gate Dental in Cork to find out more at 021-4614520 Dr Paul O’Dwyer, Group Clinical Advisor with Dental Care Ireland highlights the specific issues facing older people regarding their dental health. ‘It is normal for gums to recede with age, which can expose roots. However, the root of the tooth is more prone to dental decay, and can be more difficult to keep clean. Dry mouth can also be an issue for some patients, usually as a side effect of taking medications, which in turn can increase the risk of decay. 14 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
As we age, any previous tooth restorations such as crowns, bridges and fillings, can also begin to show signs of wear and tear.’ If you notice the gums starting to recede, which can impact on both aesthetic and functional issues in the mouth, your dentist may suggest changing to a softer tooth brush. If you suffer from dry mouth, it can help to sip tap water regularly or chew sugar-free gum. Finally, as we get older, our risk of general systemic health issues increases, and so it is important for patients to consider their future oral health care. This is particularly true for those who may have a long-term illness or incapacity. By adopting healthy oral habits at home, making smart choices about diet and lifestyle, and seeking regular dental care, you can help your teeth last a lifetime—whether you have your natural teeth, implants or wear dentures. Tips for maintaining and Improving your oral health • Brush twice a day with a toothbrush with soft bristles. You may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush. • Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another flossing tool. • If you wear full or partial dentures, remember to clean them on a daily basis. Take your dentures out of your mouth for at least four hours every day. It’s best to remove them at night. • Drink tap water. Since most contains fluoride, it helps prevent tooth decay no matter how old you are. • Quit smoking. Besides putting you at greater risk for lung and other cancers, smoking increases problems with gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. • Visit your dentist regularly for a complete dental check-up.
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Exclusive 5-Day Escorted Trip Gardens & Chateaux of the Loire Valley with Celebrity Gardener, Peter Dowdall 11 - 15 September 2019 Peter Dowdall is the Gardening Columnist with the Irish Examiner newspaper and has been a regular on Irish TV since 1999. He currently presents the Gardening elements of the Today Show on RTE, has presented several gardening series on RTE and was the gardening presenter on TV3 for five years. “ I’m really looking forward to the trip of the Chateaux Gardens of the Loire. Much thought has gone into this itinerary and we will visit some of the finest gardens in the region, each one offering something that bit different. “
ONLY €1,499pps Return flights included Additional €210 single supplement fee
Trip Details: Day 1: Wednesday, 11 September 2019 - Paris Depart Dublin - Arrive in Paris. Welcome to the City of Lights. Upon arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport your Travel Director and Driver will await you with a group arrival transfer. Spend your day strolling past iconic landmarks in search of hidden treasures, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and an orientation drive through the city. Hotel: Novotel Tour Eiffel or similar Meal(s): Welcome Reception Day 2: Thursday, 12 September 2019 - Tours Depart Paris and venture to the Loire Valley where you’ll visit Chateau of Beauregar, with its unique gallery of portraits and 315 years of history. This jewel of French heritage, with the landscaped park of 40 ha and classified Remarkable Garden, offers an unforgettable trip full of surprises. After enjoying a packed lunch, head to Chaumont-sur-Loire to explore the Chateau de Chaumont and the International Festival of Gardens held here each year. Hotel: Mercure Tours Nord or similar Meal(s): Buffet Breakfast, Packed Lunch Day 3 – Friday, 13 September 2019 - Tours Château de Villandry and Loire Valley Wine Tasting Excursion With a local expert. Head to Château de Villandry, the Jewel of the Loire, to visit the gardens. Ensure you don’t miss the water, ornamental and kitchen gardens. Enjoy an introduction to their wine at Leonardo da Vinci’s residence in Amboise. You’ll taste Chenin Blanc, which is the “royal grape” according to the wine expert in Leonardo’s Caves. Meal(s): Buffet Breakfast Day 4 – Saturday, 14 September 2019 - Nates Tours – Nantes Embark on a beautiful journey to Maulevrier where we visit Parc Oriental, the largest Japanese garden in France. Immerse yourself in the world of roses in the pretty Les Chemins de la rose garden, at Douéla-Fontaine. There are more than 1,350 varieties of the ‘queen of flowers’ planted here. Join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a memorable Farewell Dinner. Hotel: Mercure Nantes Centre or similar Meal(s): Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner Day 5 – Sunday, 15 September 2019 - Nates Depart Nantes. After breakfast a group departure transfer is included to Nantes Airport. Meal(s): Buffet Breakfast
What’s Included: • • • • •
5 luxurious garden visits inside 4 châteaux grounds 4-nights in 4-star accommodation Expertise of a Travel Director and Peter Dowdall Local wine tasting experience Welcome Dinner and select meals
Book now, limited spaces available. Call 1800 98 98 98 and reference trip code CF0101EU01.
Literature
Master of the macabre Bram Stoker, the writer who put the teeth into Gothic fiction’’ was born at 15 Marino Crescent, Clontarf, on 8th November 1847, into the family of senior civil servant, Abraham Stoker. The third of seven children in a comfortably off middle class Protestant family, he took his father’s name, shortening it to Bram. Despite such apparent security, for his first seven years the young Bram was virtually bedridden with a mysterious illness or illnesses. A thoughtful child, he recovered enough to attend a local school, and in 1864, entered Trinity College – followed by the Civil Service in 1866. Described as friendly and good company, he seems to have been something of an exuberant Victorian party animal. He also became an acclaimed athlete, winning several awards and medals, and took leading roles on the two main College Societies, the 'The Phil’ and 'The Hist.’ Bram had developed an interest in theatre, and started to write (unpaid) reviews for the They drew attention, and it was through one assignment that he met the famous London actor Henry Irving. Bram also started to write more widely, and his work would later range from journalism through novels, poetry, and children’s stories, to non fiction, including the Practical Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland. While his brothers followed family example, joining professions and the civil cervice, Bram found another calling. When Irving told him in 1878 that he planned to re-open the London theatre, The Lyceum, he also asked Bram to be business manager. By then Bram had already met and made friends in Dublin society – including Oscar Wilde’s parents, and then Oscar himself. He had also started to court Florence Balcombe, sought after as `one of the three most beautiful women in Dublin.’ She was also courted by Wilde, who was very upset at her choice when she and Bram became engaged. Bram made up their friendship in later years. In 1878, Bram and Florence married at St. Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, and soon left for London, where Bram became business
In the latest of her literary tours, Lorna Hogg visits many of the places associated with Bram Stoker, creator of Dracula manager of the Lyceum Theatre. He would remain there for the next 27 years. The couple’s son, Irving Noel, was born on 30th December, 1879. Helped by his new role and Henry Irving, Bram started to enter society, meeting the acclaimed, from Liszt to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and James Whistler. Now with a home in Chelsea’s Cheyne Walk, he also travelled widely on theatrical tours. In Washington, he was invited to the White House, and met William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, and later, one of his literary idols, Walt Whitman. He also continued writing – today, we would call him a workaholic. Bram’s style was influenced by the detailed note taking and `aide memoire’ habit he had developed in the Irish Civil Service. The style he used in Dracula was epistlory, using letters, telegrams and notes. His time in theatre also heightened his sense of drama, Bram used dialect, as apparent in his Irish novel, published in 1890. Although an
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'Arts’ man, he also kept up to date in terms of scientific discoveries and interests, such as the use of electrical power and mesmerism, as well as physiognomy,the link beteeen physical appearance and personality. He had published a couple of books at this stage of his career, including and A Glimpse of America. In 1890, the year he was called to the English Bar, (he had a Law Degree from Trinity College) Bram started research for Dracula, which took seven years in all. On a rest period after a lengthy tour with the Lyceum, he stayed at Whitby, in Yorkshire. He had always loved the sea, and Whitby would play an important part in the story, as the point where Dracula entered England from his ship, in the shape of a large dog. Some claim that Dracula was based on a fifteenth century Wallachian ruler, Vlad the Impaler. Others believe that the name Vlad Dracul
Literature
In Yorkshire, Whitby’s cliffs and sea views retain qualities which inspired Bram - and visiting tourists.
(the Impaler’s father) was enough inspiration for Bram. Many think that the character was also informed by Henry Irving’s acting style. It is also likely that Dracula was a combination of many Romanian histories and legends, including vampirism. Whatever its origins, in 1897, `The Undead’, as it was originally titled, became Dracula, ’with its first airing at a pre-publication dramatic reading at the Lyceum. Ironically, although this was the work which would make his name, an entire phase was coming to an end in Bram’s life. In 1898, fire destroyed The Lyceum’s scenery. The next year, after an attack of pleurisy, and without consulting Bram, a weakened Irving signed over the Lyceum to a consortium. Bram now had plenty of time to work on Personal Reminiscences of Henry Irving, which was published in 1906. He had continued to publish, including The Mystery of the Sea, and The Jewel of the Seven Stars and Famous Imposters. His own health started to disimprove – he had a minor stroke in in 1907. He continued to write, but in 1910, the year his son married, Bram had a second stroke. Despite this, in 1911 his last novel, The Lair of the White Worm was
published. Bram died in London on 20th April 1912, five days after the sinking of the Titanic. Florence not only tirelessly nursed Bram, she took over the management and protection of his legacy.She sold his literary effects, and released `Dracula’s Guest and other Weird Stories’ in 1914. In 1922, when Prana films released the film `Nosferatu’ which drew heavily on the Dracula story, Florence started copyright infringement proceedings – and won, in 1925. Two years later, she authorised the stage version of `Dracula’. It was 1931, however, before the famous `Dracula’ film starring Bella Lugosi as the Count appeared. Six years later, Florence died in London. There has been speculation about Bram’s personal life in recent years, with some claims that he was a repressed homosexual, given his close relationships with Oscar Wilde, Henry Irving and Walt Whitman. Whatever the reality of the author’s personal life, Dracula has become a lasting global literary icon – and tourism attraction. Dublin celebrates with The Bram Stoker Festival, October 25-28th 2019, plus the attraction `Castle Dracula’.
In Yorkshire, Whitby’s cliffs and sea views retain qualities which inspired Bram - and visiting tourists. You can also visit the remains of Slains New Castle near Peterhead in Aberdeenshire – said to be the inspiration for Castle Dracula. Despite the fact that Bram Stoker never visited Transylvania, his thorough research conveyed its atmosphere so well that visitors still flock there. There is plenty to see, and The Travel Department currently offers a 7 night `Highlights of Romania’ break, from E799. Places visited include Sighisoara, (Vlad’s birthplace) Brasov, the Bruckenthal Museum and Sibiu, and variety of sights – including, of course,` Dracula’s Castle’ in Bran. www.visitwhitby.com www.whitbywalks.com www.bran-castle.com www.romaniatourism.com wwwcastledracula.ie https://www.bramstokerfestival.com www.traveldepartment.ie
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Travel
Quinta do Lago Country Club Prime Location - The perfect symbiosis between Sun, Golf and Sea
Quinta do Lago Country Club (QDLCC) is a luxury resort settled in the most famous and exclusive area of the Algarve, Quinta do Lago. If you are a golf, nature and well-being lover, this is the perfect destination for your holidays. A place with long fine and golden sandy beaches to discover, where you can witness some of the most breath-taking sunsets you can imagine. A land with incredible nature, diversity of species and breath-taking landscapes, the best golf courses in Europe and fine dining restaurants. The resort is located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, where the lake meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can enjoy the tranquillity and the natural beauty of Algarve, with a vast diversity of species and stunning landscapes, having in close proximity the best golf courses in Europe and exclusive beaches. The QDLCC environment is characterized by its perfect symbiosis between Sun, Golf and Sea. A place designed to provide you calmness and well-being.
Quinta do Lago Country Club has 36 luxurious and fully equipped units, from one to three-bedroom apartments, combining high standards of service with the warm Portuguese hospitality which provides comfort and refinement in every detail. These apartments have been designed so that you can enjoy an invigorating holiday with all the comforts of home, enjoying a stunning view of the lake and the ocean from the spacious terraces. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the resort is only a few minutes from the best Golf courses of Europe and Portugal. In the surroundings there are many possibilities for leisure and sporting activities: from bird watching, walking and horseback riding through the Natural Park, long beaches of golden sand to discover, boat trips, water sports, visits to historic villages, etc. The resorts prime location makes it the ideal starting point to explore the Algarve wonders. Fun for the whole family! For the food lovers, there is always something for every taste. Along the beach you can find excellent fish and shellfish restaurants, that
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makes everyone fall in love with Portuguese cuisine. But first, at Quinta do Lago Country Club you can start your day in the best way. We have a brand-new Food & Beverage Service that provides Continental Buffet & À La Carte Breakfast and also a Light Lunch Menu. There is a wide variety of quality products that will give you the energy to enjoy all the activities at your disposal. The exceptional location, the revitalizing scenery, the quality of service and a wide range of experiences such as Quinta do Lago Golf Courses and lakeside water sports centre make QDLCC a unique stay. Your home away from home!
Entertainment
As seen on screen Lorna Hogg on how you can work alongside some of your favourite TV presenters How often have you watched a wildlife, adventure or skill -based television programme and wished you could join in? You might fancy learning to survive in the wild. How about discovering a top TV cook’s tips, walking around the site of a popular nature show, learning gadget know-how, or creating your own pottery designs? Thanks to the many courses, visits and shows now linked with our favourite TV topics and presenters, you can find out for yourself...
You can take part in a Bear Gryll survival course where the TV presenter teaches you a wide range of skills on various courses.
Once a popular BBC Countryfile presenter, Kate Humble now owns a farm. These days it’s possible to stay there, in the beautiful countryside near to the Welsh borders
Humble living
The Bear essentials
Once a popular BBC Countryfile presenter, Kate Humble now owns a farm. These days it’s possible to stay there, in the beautiful countryside near to the Welsh borders. Visitors have three options – The Piggery, a comfortable three bedroomed house, the modern Hayloft, and the romantic shepherd’s hut – the Humble Hideaway. Prices on website. You can relax and enjoy farm life – or take in one of the many rural skills courses on offer, from raising chickens and cider making, to weaving willow and dry stone walling. Courses range from £50 -£150. https://www.humblebynature.com
‘It may hurt a little..’ - but that is clearly no barrier when it comes to interest in Bear Gryll survival courses. The TV presenter who abseils down sheer cliffs and thrives in inhospitable deserts brings out viewers’ inner heroes. Get in touch with your own, and learn a wide range of skills on various courses. Start with the basics on a Survival `Wild Camp’, in North Wales, £159 p.p. Over 18 hours, you’ll sleep out, build a shelter and a fire, forage, learn to lay animal traps and even astro navigation. Courses are run by Bear’s well trained team of instructors. https://www.beargryllssurvivalacademy.com
22 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Your home’s roof could save you money Installing Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of your home can generate clean, green renewable electricity, free and naturally. Find out more at www.electricireland.ie/solar-pv or call 1850 372 333 today.
Smarter Living
Entertainment
You can greet the four legged stars of Game of Thrones off duty -The busy Innuit hunting dogs who play Direwolves Thor and Odin in the series
Bush craftiness If you prefer your survival challenges slightly less extreme, the Ray Mears’s Bushcraft and Woodlore courses might appeal. On a basic 2 day Introduction Course, you can learn from instructors how to build a shelter, and windbreak.You’ll build a fire, and enjoy a campfire supper, discover the woods and learn navigation. Courses from £300. https://www.raymears.com
chance of meeting the busy (sometimes absent) dogs. €65 www.gameofthrones-winterfelltours.com https://www.gameofthronestours.com
On the wild side BBC’s Springwatch and Winterwatch have many Irish fans, and for them, it’s a chance to watch the antics of badgers and foxes, along with daily bird migrations, nesting and and deer ruts. It’s posssible to visit one of the most popular locations used in the series - Lodge Park and the Sherbourne Park Estate in beautiful Dorset. It is owned by the National Trust, and has a series of trails, with leaflets. You can join walks, or selfguide along the rivers and woods, home to raptors, wild birds, otters, voles, ospreys and large numbers of birds. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Down on the farm BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson literally practices what he preaches on the Cotswolds farm he now works and develops, in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside. He was born there, and his successes and challenges are watched weekly by millions. Now you can visit, and it’s an ideal family trip - children can learn about farming, meet sheep, and search for eggs. https://www.cotswoldsfarmpark.co.uk
It’s a dog’s life.. It’s not often that you meet television stars at home, but you can greet the four legged stars of Game of Thrones off duty. The busy Innuit hunting dogs , who play Direwolves Thor and Odin in the series, can be visited as part of along with experiences such as Sea Safari and Archery which are run by Winterfell Tours. £29 - £99. The Dublin based Game of Thrones Tour - Dublin Winterfell Trek is a full day coach tour from Dublin, with (lengthy) trekking to the heart of Winterfell, and a `surprise’ - a good 24 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Colin Baker, Virgin 1 TV’s Gadget Man will bring you up to date, with all the latest gizmos, reviewing them plus showing you how to get the best from your own at Kelly’s Hotel, Rosslare from April 14th – 19th,
Gadget man Be honest – do you really get the most out of your drawerfuls of gadgets? Colin Baker, TV3 AM’s Gadget Man will bring you up to date, with all the latest gizmos, reviewing them plus showing you how to get the best from your own. The Kelly’s Hotel, Rosslare package, April 14th – 19th, covers room and full board, plus the course - €690 pps www.kellyshotel.ie/events
“NO FLY” CRUISING Holidays from Dublin & Cobh
After another successful 2018 Programme we are delighted to announce that “Magellan” is back Home-Porting in Ireland for 2019. Date
From
Destination
Duration
10-July 2019
Dublin
Iceland & Faroes
11 nights
21-July 2019
Dublin
Summer Gardens & River Seine Experience
7 nights
28-July 2019
Dublin
Grand Fjordland Splendour
12 nights
9-August 2019
Dublin
Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar
10 nights
19-August 2019
Dublin
Summertime Fjordland
11 nights
30-August 2019
Dublin
British Isles Discovery
12 nights
11-September 2019
Ringaskiddy
Iceland’s Land of Ice & Fire
12 nights
23-September 2019
Cobh
Baltic Cities & St Petersburg
16 nights
12-October 2019
Dublin
Iceland, Faroes & Land of the Northern Lights
13 nights
25-October 2019
Dublin
River Seine Experience
7 nights
20-December 2019
Cobh
Christmas & New Year Canaries & Madeira (Marco Polo)
16 nights
5-January 2020
Cobh
Grand Africa & Indian Ocean Voyage (Marco Polo)
78 nights
For a brochure call 074-9135960 or contact your local travel agent JMG Travel, Gortahork, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 91 35201 • Email: jmgtravel@eircom.net
www.jmgcruise.com
Licensed & Bonded
Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie Tour Operators25 No. 214
Entertainment Neven Maguire and Rachel Allen both offer cookery courses at their schools
garden at his his MacNean House & Restaurant, are included. Classes are small and informal, involving both hands-on learning, and demonstrations by Neven and his team. The one day course costs around €265 pp.. Join the mailing list, and you’ll get information on the next batch of courses, with details on accomodation etc. http://www.nevenmaguire.com
Chef’s special Cookery and entertaining courses with household names Darina and Rachel Allen, at the beautiful Ballymaloe House unsurprisingly need early booking. In 2019, Rachel has half day Just Cook It classes, in April and also in September, at €195 pp. She has a (new) two and a half day Cooking for Friends and Family course, in July - €735. Rachel joins Darina Allen for a two and a half day Entertaining with Darina and Rachel Allen course in September - €755pp. Darina teams up with Rory O’Connell for a similar course, in April, at €735. www.cookingisfun.ie Neven Maguire is another popular Irish TV chef, and famed for his easy, uncomplicated cookery style . He offers a variety of classes at The Neven Maguire Cookery School, Blacklion, Co. Cavan. Neven takes classes himself, with tips on sourcing produce. Tours of the vegetable
Handmade by design If furniture upscaling or re-purposing is your passion, or if you love a home made touch in decorations, then television Craft Queen Kirstie Allsop is the go-to guru. She has her own show – The Homemade Festival, at Hampton Court, on September 13-15th. Experts provide classes, and there is a wide selection of accessories for gardening, sewing and cookery, as well as contemporary crafts. Entry prices to be announced. http://www.handmadefestival.com
A Unique Experience for all The award winning Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum excitingly captures the unique story of how Foynes was once the centre of the aviation world through a comprehensive range of informative displays & interactive exhibits. Walk in the footsteps of JFK, Bob Hope, Eleanor Roosevelt & many other dignitaries, movie stars & refugees who landed in Foynes during World War II. Visitors have the once in a lifetime opportunity to board the world’s only Boeing 314 Flying Boat and to try their hand at being a pilot on our flight simulators. New Maureen O’Hara Exhibition This exhibition is dedicated to preserving the memory of Ireland’s most famous movie star. It showcases her personal memorabilia including the iconic grey tweed jacket from ‘The Quiet Man’ & her Oscar.
Birthplace of Irish Coffee Learn how to make an Irish Coffee under expert guidance and taste the original recipe. O ‘Regan’s Restaurant offers home baked cuisine in a beautiful 1940’s setting. We're famous for our homemade scones and other delicious treats. Maritime Museum & Control Tower
Location Foynes is nestled along the banks of the Estuary, a recommended Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point.
Explore the history of the River Shannon by visiting the Maritime Museum & savour the panoramic views of the Shannon Estuary from the top of the Control Tower.
Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum Aras Ide, Foynes, Co Limerick T:069-65416 www.flyingboatmuseum.com info@flyingboatmuseum.com
Finance
Do you know someone struggling with home mortgage arrears? Based on recent findings from the Central Bank, there is a high likelihood that you do. A report on Residential Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions Statistics published by the Central Bank states that 64,510 out of 728,075 residential mortgage accounts are in arrears across the country. That equates to almost 1 in 10 people being in mortgage arrears. It could be a colleague, a friend or even a family member. The key message for those in arrears is that “it’s never too late to seek advice”. No matter how bad the situation appears, a positive outcome can be achieved. Abhaile, the State-funded scheme was set up to help mortgage holders in arrears find the best solutions and keep them, wherever possible, in their own homes. Abhaile provides vouchers to access expert financial and legal advisers free of charge, and a dedicated Abhaile adviser will work with borrowers in mortgage arrears and their lender to find the best solution for each unique situation. Someone you know could be silently suffering due to issues with their arrears. The longer they stay silent and ignore the problem, their physical and mental health may continue to suffer. It is vital they are made aware of the services available. Do you know somebody in mortgage arrears? If so, please let them know about Abhaile, the free mortgage arrears support scheme. To learn more about the service, visit www.mabs.ie/ abhaile or find us on Facebook, Abhaile Mortgage Arrears. To speak with an Abhaile adviser or to arrange an appointment in your local MABS office, call the MABS dedicated Helpline on 0761 07 2000 between 9 am to 8 pm Monday – Friday.
90%
of people who engaged with Abhaile, stayed in their family home. (DMA & PIP Average)
Are you unhappy with the service from
a government department l a local authority l the HSE a nursing home l an education body?
If so the Ombudsman may be able to help OUR SERVICE IS IMPARTIAL, INDEPENDENT & FREE
The Ombudsman can investigate complaints about providers of public services. You must have tried to resolve your complaint with the body before contacting the Ombudsman. If you are unhappy with its response then you can complain to the Ombudsman: Online: www.ombudsman.ie By E mail: Info@ombudsman.ie In writing/In person: 18 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2 Call us if you need any assistance at 01 639 5600. The Ombudsman cannot take complaints about consumer matters, financial products, private pensions, An Garda Síochána.
Copyright Bobbie Harvey
Events
Copyright Marc O’Sullivan
Delve into the life and works of Seamus Heaney at the National Library’s major exhibition
Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again is an immersive exhibition celebrating the life and works of one of Ireland’s best-loved poets. Drawing on the incredible archive donated to the National Library of Ireland in 2011, the exhibition allows visitors to follow Heaney’s journey as a poet via diary entries, poems on the back of envelopes and handwritten drafts. From his 1940s childhood on the family farm in Derry to accepting the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995, the exhibition showcases Heaney’s remarkable talent while honouring his enduring legacy. Highlights of the exhibition include draft versions of now cherished poems. One such poem, Clearances 3, which opens with the famous line ‘When all the others were away at Mass,’ topped a 2015 RTÉ poll of reader favourites from the last 100 years. The poem recalls a quiet moment between the poet and
his mother as they prepared dinner, and highlights Heaney’s ability to transform seemingly ordinary moments into ‘everyday miracles.’ In an earlier version, however, the poem opens with a reference to Heaney’s paternal aunt, who lived with the family, and begins ‘When the other woman was away at Mass’. This process of drafting and re-drafting can be seen throughout the exhibition, where scribbles in the margins of notebooks and scratched out words serve to illuminate Heaney’s writing process and the coming together of craft and graft. For Heaney, the ‘place of writing’ was as important as the writing itself, and so it is fitting that the poet’s desk occupies a prominent place in the exhibition. Comprised of a simple piece of wood laid across two filing cabinets,
28 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
it is perhaps not what one would imagine when picturing the desk of a Nobel Laureate, yet the poet himself remarked on his liking of the ‘makeshift nature’ of his workspace, and admitted to a certain superstition about ‘setting up a too well-designed writing place and then finding that the writing had absconded.’ Few poets captured the ear, heart and imagination of the world like Seamus Heaney. With this exhibition, the National Library of Ireland invites you to explore the genesis of his poetry – to ‘Listen Now Again.’ Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again is free to visit and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm (last admission: 3.30pm), at the Bank of Ireland Cultural and Heritage Centre, Westmoreland Street, Dublin 2. Contact (01)6706153 or email heaneyexhibition@nli.ie for more details.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT NIGHT OUT? Restaurant Meal & Racing from as little as €20.95 pp
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Jim Daly TD, Minister of State, Aine Brady, CEO Third Age and Damian Leneghan, Programme Manager SeniorLine
SeniorLine is a national confidential listening service for older people delivered by trained older volunteers. Open every day of the year 10am-10pm. We listen. We help. We Support.
Freefone 1800 80 45 91 • www.thirdageireland.ie/seniorline
Looking back in time
?
Guess the year The latest teaser from Gerry Perkins
There were a couple of notable cultural firsts in the US. The first K-Mart discount store opened; as did the first Taco Bell fast food outlet; while Bob Dylan released his debut album. The year also saw the birth of the US' special forces unit, the Navy SEALs. In SPORT Tipperary won the All-Ireland hurling championship, with Kerry winning the Sam Maguire. In soccer, Shelbourne were crowned League of Ireland champions. In England, Ipswich Town were champions, with Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City lifting the FA Cup and League Cup, respectively. Benfica won the European Cup and Brazil won their second World Cup. In WORLD news an assassination attempt was made on French president Charles de Gaulle, the US embargo on Cuba began, Algeria gained independence from France, and film icon Marilyn Monroe died of a drug overdose. Artist Andy Warhol unveiled his iconic Campbell's Soup can exhibit in Los Angeles. Stena Line was founded in Gothenburg, Sweden by Sten A. Olsson. Western Samoa gained independence from New Zealand. The Sunday Times became the first newspaper to issue a colour supplement. Israel hangs Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. NASA's unmanned 'Ranger 4' probe carshes into the Moon. Future US president and enemy of liberal America Richard Nixon loses the California governor's race and famously announces his "last press conference", at which he declares: "You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore". Another future Nixon foe, David Frost, co-launches seminal British satirical television show 'That Was The Week That Was'. Britain and France sign an agreement to co-develop the Concorde supersonic aircraft. 30 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
In MUSIC The Rolling Stones made their live debut in London, The Beatles were turned down by Decca Records, France won the Eurovision Song Contest and Acker Bilk became the first UK musician to have a US number one single with his signature tune Stranger on the Shore. The world of FILM was dominated, this year, by the likes of To Kill a Mockingbird and Lawrence of Arabia, but West Side Story won the Oscar for best picture. The year also saw Paul Newman play The Hustler and also marked the birth of James Bond on the big screen, with Sean Connery playing the agent in Dr No. IRELAND welcomed US president Dwight D. Eisenhower on a four-day visit, while the IRA called off its border campaign in the North. It was a significant year for Irish music with both The Chieftains and The Dubliners - the latter in O'Donoghue's Pub on Dublin's Merrion Row - forming. Arguably the most significant home event of this year was Gay Byrne hosting the first ever Late Late Show. Answer on page 89
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Travel
Mairead, right, and friends, enjoy an al fresco dinner
Lake Como – Italy’s hidden gem Mairead Robinson visits the destination of choice for the jet set, and is captivated by its natural unspoilt beauty. There are two ways to experience a new destination. The first is to visit as a tourist, either independently or in a group, and the second is to stay as a guest with a friend who is resident there. The latter is without doubt the way to go and offers a far superior experience. With local insight you get to visit the best restaurants and attractions in a relaxed fashion, and get preferential treatment as a valued regular customer. And so like Megan and Harry when they stayed with George and Amal Clooney for a chilled break after their wedding, we also stayed in a beautiful villa with a dear friend and spent days and nights savouring the beauty of Lake Como. This is a part of Italy that has been celebrated since Roman times for its breathtaking beauty of sky, water and mountains. Lake Como itself is a long lean strip of water surrounded by high tree and shrub covered mountains. Royalty, aristocrats and celebrities have come here through the centuries to enjoy the restorative peace of the panoramic views, lush gardens and laid-back charm. The shores of the lake are lined with beguiling villages and caught-intime residences in shades of mustard and pink. The ferries can take you on a leisurely ninety minute cruise up and across the lake stopping at many of these pretty villages, one of the most scenic and certainly worth visiting is Bellagio where we enjoyed a sunset meander through its historic streets and a wonderful lake-side meal before taking the hydrofoil back. Home for us was the village of Cernobbio where we braved the steep roads
George Clooney's wonderful villa
by walking from the centre to our friend’s villa in the mountains. She however would always drive the short distance, like most residents who are used to weaving their way through the tiny streets. The town of Como itself is of course well worth visiting, and while it contains more tourists than Cernobbio, it is also home to the wonderful fifteenth century Cathedral. It is one of the biggest religious building in Lombardy, and like the Carthusian monastery of Pavia, both were built in the same period. Entry is free, and it is a masterpiece of harmonic mixture of all the historical periods in which it was built - Gothic,
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Renaissance and Baroque. The altars, paintings, stained glass, statues and sculptures throughout this mighty building are stunning and a top must-see in Como. Our host drove us around to see some wonderful villas – including that owned by the aforementioned George Clooney. She told us that while there was some excitement when he moved to Como, and also when his friend Brad Pitt thought he might have his wedding to Jennifer Anniston here, these days the locals do not take any notice, and he is just another low-key resident who owns two villas connect-
Travel The village of Cernobbio, one of the most popular and picturesque on the lake
ed by a private bridge. It was here, in Laglio, at the Villa Oleandra that George filmed part of his movie Oceans Twelve with Brad Pitt. But nowadays he is just another super wealthy laid-back local, who like most of his neighbours, values his privacy. In fact, when I told our host that Harry and Megan had been there some months previously, she had not even heard about it at all! They are very cool customers, these Como residents and with millionaires from India – Como is very popular with the Bollywood set - and indeed from all over the world enjoying luxury homes there, it does provide a boost for the exclusive hotels and restaurants in the region. One such restaurant she brought us to is on the island of Comacina, and we had to take a small taxi-boat across to the island restaurant – L’Oste della Locanda – following a forty minute drive north from Cernobbio. Once again steeped in history, the little island was originally populated by Greeks who arrived after the Romans, and following the advent of Christianity, the temples that the first inhabitants had built to worship their gods were consecrated as churches. The island went through centuries of plunder and change, and is now home to a very unique restaurant. The tables are all set out overlooking the lake and the food is brought to the table – as is the wine – without a menu or choice offered! You need to bring a hearty appetite and not be in a hurry as this is a gastronomic gem, and with entertaining waiters, and a dozen or so courses, it makes for a great evening. Food is always at the centre of any holiday, and certainly the restaurants we visited all offered excellent dishes and fantastic wines. I was delighted to see that really they were not expensive at all b y Irish standards for the quality offered. As Switzerland is less than five kilometres away, it came as no surprise to discover many Swiss folk at neighbouring tables as anybody who has visited Switzerland will know how expensive food is there. Indeed our host told us that people regularly drive over from Switzerland to fill their cars with food and wine from Lake Como! Another of my favourite restaurants was Harry’s Bar on Piazza Risorgimento located right on the waterfront which is the perfect people-watching spot in Cernobbio. In fact you can watch the ferries come and go while people walk
their dogs – seems every second resident has a dog – while the water glistens on the lake as it competes with the cloudless sky for the clearest and brightest shade of blue. The little streets of Cernobbio are peppered with small designer boutiques offering shoes and handbags at prices that would buy you an all-inclusive week in a five star hotel in the Caribbean. That is if they even bother to display the prices at all! But it is the chic bars where you can have an aperitif on a flower festooned patio, and the family pizzerias up in the mountains with stunning views that really make for a wonderful stay. And these are certainly affordable, as is visiting all the villages and hamlets scattered around the lake by ferry, and taking a drive up into the mountains to see some of the most exclusive villas in the world. Most evenings we ate dinner and drank wine on the patio while the moon shimmered on the lake and lights from other villas shone like stars. It is undoubtedly a very beautiful place to live and wonderful to visit. If you would like to stay in one of the most authentic luxury villas with panoramic views, you should check out Villa Alba – www.villaalbacomo.ie. Bring the whole family, this lovely house accommodates eight people and has three levels incorporating it s
The little streets of Cernobbio are peppered with small designer boutiques offering shoes and handbags at prices that would buy you an all-inclusive week in a five star hotel in the Caribbean.
own gym, sauna, and pool and is one of the most beautiful villas we visited. If you don’t have a friend to invite you over, think about renting your own villa where you can live like a local in one of the world’s most treasured destinations. FURTHER INFORMATION The nearest airport to Lake Como is Milan. Both Aer Lingus and Rynair operate services from Ireland. You can get a train from Milan to Lake Como which takes about an hour. However most Irish tour operators have packages to Lake Como. For further information on Lake Como, contact: Italian National Tourist Board 1, Princes Street, London W1B 2AY Tel. +44 20 7399 3555 Fax +44 20 7399 3560 www.enit.it
Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 33
Just Walkin’ in the Rain
Conor O’Hagan comes over all misty-eyed about getting wet
You won’t melt, my mother used to tell me. Which was irritating, because of course mothers just are, and because even as parental truisms go, it was meaningless and not the point.
“Today, €50 will buy you a jacket that I couldn’t have had for a king’s ransom in 1977. And I would have written you a cheque, believe me.”
won’t get wet from the outside unless you want to, no matter what the weather. Spend another €50 and you won’t get wet from the inside, either.
What my mother really meant, of course, was that if I wanted to see my eighth birthday, I needed to get out of the house right now, and a minor consideration like torrential, freezing rain shouldn’t override my instinct for survival, even if I had lost my school raincoat the year before.
Now that we all have hot presses and central heating, and pneumonia is no longer the big killer it once was according to our mothers when they weren’t trying to get rid of us, the elements rarely need come between us and our activity of choice. And we rarely get to shake like a dog as we come through the front door.
It’s always hard to filter out the distortions of nostalgia, but in my memory at least, I used to get soaked to the skin at least once a week back in the days when I wasn’t in control of my own movements or clothing. And no, we didn’t spend our summers basking in perpetual sunshine, either, so there was no trade-off.
Last week I went for a walk in the rain. Which, given that it’s March, even in this climate-changed era, is the same thing as saying last week I went for a walk. I knew it was going to rain as soon as I stepped out of the car, but being a born rebel, I eschewed the Gore-Tex and got wet. Not biblically wet, or even sodden - but way past damp, just for the hell of it.
Fast-forward fifty-something years, and I can’t remember the last time I got wet from the outside. These days, moisture is something you generate, and which your clothing does or doesn’t allow to escape. There’s some kind of moral fable in there somewhere - about the enemy within being the worst you’ll face.
Life isn’t a movie, so I can’t honestly say it was any kind of a thrill or liberation to get soaked in the woods, but I did feel re-connected, in a weird way, with a former life. Middle-aged men do lots of unlikely things voluntarily, many of them involving lycra. You can scoff, but walking in the rain is an experience you might want to re-acquaint yourself with.
In my late teens I became a motorcycle courier in London, which was very dangerous, but worse, very wet. It would have been even more dangerous and even wetter if I hadn’t been broken down most of the time. The single biggest challenge I - and all motorcyclists - faced was staying dry. There simply wasn’t any clothing that did that without effectively immobilising you - whatever the proponents of waxed cotton may say. Honestly, you would have wept for me, stony-hearted though you surely are.
One of walking’s most appealing aspects is the extent to which it connects you with the world. You run through places, but walk in them. And sometimes, just for a change, and admittedly in a controlled, managed, probably artificial way, it’s interesting (I’m trying to avoid giving the false impression that I enjoyed getting wet - I didn’t) to get a little closer to the elements, and to be very happy indeed to out of them again.
Today, €50 will buy you a jacket that I couldn’t have had for a king’s ransom in 1977. And I would have written you a cheque, believe me. You 34 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Later, it’s all good. Like the time you went camping in a rubbish tent. In a field. On a slope. It was ghastly and miserable. But at least once a year you have a good laugh about it, which is more than you can say for the time you went to Spain.
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Golf Back from the dead
Dermot Gilleece recalls how Jose-Maria Olazabal overcame a severe back problem to win, among many other titles, two Masters at Augusta. Augusta National’s celebrated rite of spring has delivered many memorable happenings over the years, as competitors battled for the coveted green jacket that accompanies a US Masters triumph. From my experience of having attended the event on 24 occasions, a special place is reserved for the champion of 20 years ago, simply because of the tremendous courage his victory effort entailed. As Jose-Maria Olazabal walked up the 18th fairway towards a second US Masters title, playing partner Greg Norman could hardly credit how natural the whole thing seemed. The Australian found himself thinking: ‘It's as easy as that; he's won the tournament.’ Given his own horrendous disappointments in pursuit of a title he coveted more than any other, Norman’s bemusement was perhaps understandable. He seemed to have expected something remarkable, a really dramatic effort worthy of landing such a big prize. In that moment, the Shark failed to recognise that the mark of greatness is to make things look easy. With all that’s been written about last season’s comeback of Tiger Woods after serious back surgery, it’s easy to overlook similar achievements by other practitioners of his craft. In the case of Olazabal, the destination was immeasurably more pleasurable than the journey. Indeed it would be hard to imagine a more physically demanding route to ‘major’ success, since Ben Hogan's US Open triumph of 1950, little more than a year after an almost fatal car accident. I remember a phone call I made to the Spaniard’s genial manager, Sergio Gomez, back in December 1996, when he gave me the momentous 36 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, discovered that Olazabal’s problems had to do with several misplaced vertebrae pinching the nerves of his lower back, rather than with an earlier diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Commented the two-time Masters winner: ‘Without him, I wouldn't be standing here,’
news that Olazabal had returned to the driving range the previous day. ‘It's amazing the progress Jose-Maria has made,’ he enthused. Gomez went on: ‘If someone didn't know about his illness, they wouldn't notice anything strange about the way he is now walking. ‘Sure, there were other times when things looked bright, but this time is different. I am so heartened that if things keep going the way they are, I think he should be playing competitively again in early March.’ At one stage during the summer of 1996, the pain in Olazabal’s feet became so intense that he was reduced to crawling on his hands and knees just to go to the bathroom. That was before Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, a Munich-based specialist in locomotion discovered that his problems had to do with severalmisplaced vertebrae pinching the nerves of his lower back, rather than with an earlier diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Golf
Among Olazabal’s formidable tools were a wonderful iron game and a solid, productive putting stroke.
‘Without him, I wouldn't be standing here,’ he said, before departing Augusta for his home in San Sebastian, where he celebrated his second Masters win with his family. ‘I think I won the tournament because of him.’ Along the way, the illness extracted a heavy price. He played in only seven events on the European Tour during the whole of 1995, when he had to withdraw from the Ryder Cup team which triumphed at Oak Hill. (Mind you, in this context there was rich compensation for him in 2012, when he captained the European side to an amazing victory, since referred to as the so-called Miracle of Medinah.) And he made no tournament appearance of any description during the whole of 1996.
As Jose-Maria Olazabal walked up the 18th fairway towards a second US Masters title, playing partner Greg Norman could hardly credit how natural the whole thing seemed. The Australian found himself t hinking: ‘It's as easy as that; he's won the tournament.’
When he returned to be tied 12th behind Woods in the 1997 Masters, the comeback was under way and a great talent was about to be restored to the tournament scene. It was a talent which, at Muirfield Village in 1987, had formed an irrepressible Ryder Cup partnership with compatriot Seve Ballesteros, which would become the fearsome Spanish Armada. It was Ballesteros who left a note on his locker at Augusta on the final day in 1994, assuring him he could win ‘because you are the greatest player in the world.’ Olazabal later regretted having mislaid that note, but there were other good wishes before the 1999 triumph, including a message from Darren Clarke and advice from Gary Player at the champions' dinner the previous Tuesday night. Meanwhile, the sort of ease that Norman spoke of, masked the high levels of tension which had taken hold early on the final day at Augusta. ‘I got to the club about 12.30 and putted until 1.15, maybe 1.20,’ said Olazabal. ‘After that, I went to hit a few chips until 2.0, which was an hour before my tee-off time. ‘I then went upstairs to eat something but obviously my stomach didn't want that. I couldn't eat. I couldn't swallow, not ever water. So I just went to hit a few balls before I teed off.’ On first playing in the Masters as an amateur in 1985, he shot rounds of 81 and 76 to miss the cut, and he also missed the cut on returning as a professional the following year. When Ballesteros became his mentor, however, the gifted young man from Fuenterrabia was made to realise that he had the necessary tools for Augusta success. Granted, they badly needed sharpening, but one day they would deliver a rich dividend. Those tools were a wonderful iron game and a solid, productive putting stroke. Like his mentor, Olazabal had the touch of a genius around the greens, but even he had to learn the very special, short-iron skills that are demanded around Augusta. Like in 1991, when he took a seven at the short sixth during the second round. After pushing his tee shot to the bottom of the mound guarding the right side of the green, he tried to finesse a gentle chip close to a treacherous pin placement and saw the ball come back to him twice. Even after that quadruple-bogey, he went on to claim second place only a stroke behind the winner, Ian Woosnam. And as he was consoled by another leading challenger, Tom Watson, Olazabal learned that Augusta had the capacity to inflict much pain before bestowing hard-earned favours. 38 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Yet for Norman, there would only be the pain of near-misses. When he and Olazabal hugged each other on the final green in ‘99, the Spaniard whispered: ‘Keep hanging in there. You'll get it.’ And later behind the scorer’s hut, he added: ‘You deserve this jacket and hopefully you will get it.’ But it never happened. No player had a greater capacity for generating drama on a golf course. In the heat of battle on Sunday, however, Norman clearly lacked the clear-thinking and tactical awareness of a potential winner, as we saw in his collapse against Nick Faldo in 1996 and to a lesser extent in Olazabal’s company three years later. It’s fascinating to note that during the final round of the ’99 Masters, Olazabal drove the ball an average of 253 yards compared with 268 from Norman. And he had 27 putts, compared with 28 from the Shark. Which indicates that the essential difference between the two was the quality of their iron play. Yet Norman remained the crowd's favourite, to the extent that even the most spectacular shots from the Spaniard raised hardly a ripple of applause. Which eventually got to caddie, Brendan McCartain, on the treacherous, short 16th, where his man hit a stunning six iron to three feet. ‘It was quiet, wasn't it?’ said McCartain afterwards. ‘He hits it to only three feet but it still wasn't close enough for the gallery.’ Typically, Olazabal was unconcerned, knowing that he was about to achieve a more fulfilling triumph than even the most knowledgeable spectator could ever have imagined.
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Cosmetics and Beauty
Beauty is only skin deep Establish an effective skin care routine for 2019 and see the benefits. Mairead Robinson suggests some tips and tricks.
Whatever your age, the most important element of any beauty regime is caring for your skin. While we may come across some individual products that suit us, it is important to never lose sight of the bigger picture – the step-by-step regime that will ensure that your skin stays in optimum condition. So whatever your skin type, these are six key steps to follow:1.Cleanse. Healthy skin starts with clean skin. You should wash/cleanse you face twice daily to get rid of all dirt, sweat, make-up etc. 2.Exfoliate. Once a week use a gentle exfoliating product if you have mature skin , but this step in your regime ensures that you unplug pores and keep your skin clear and smooth. 3. Masque. not just for the beauty salon. Once a week treat yourself to a hydrating masque to improve elasticity and firming of the skin.
4. Moisturise.Moisturise your skin morning and night to rehydrate your skin and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Use a richer moisturiser by night, and apply a serum beforehand for extra effectiveness. 5.Eye Care. The delicate skin around the eyes requires special attention. Invest in a good eye cream, apply with your ring finger, and dap it gently around the eye socket. Do not rub in. Helps to prevent puffiness and dark circles as well as fine lines. 6. Protection. It is very important to protect the skin against sun damage, so always sue an SPF to hydrate and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If your foundation does not contain SPF of at least 30, then invest in a specific product. There is no doubt that as we age, our skin changes and reflects the passing years and
40 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
the life we have lived. Certainly heavy smokers and those who spent a lot of time in the sun will have a more ‘weathered’ skin than those who didn’t. However while it is impossible to turn back time, without resorting to drastic plastic surgery, it is possible to nurture and care for the skin you have right now. Hydration is the key, and while applying moisturiser morning and night is important at any age, the addition of a good serum is important for mature skin. This will help to prevent free radical damage and reduce inflammation while also boosting the collagen content. A new super-serum from Eminence is specifically designed for mature skin and contains Citrus and Kale and the important vitamins C and E for maximum skin protection. Apply 3 / 4 drops to cleansed skin each morning followed by your moisturiser. Test results have shown that regular use will result in firmer, brighter and younger looking skin.
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Cosmetics and Beauty
Now if you want to fast track your skin care regime, there is an excellent new product from IT Cosmetics aptly called ‘Miracle Water’ which is a 3-in-1 tonic that brightens the skin, is an anti-ageing treatment and also a skin softening cleanser. Tests have shown improved skin hydration and brighter clearer skin with pores appearing minimized with regular use. Apply morning and evening on a cotton pad, sweep across your face and do not rinse off. You can pat the remaining product on your skin until fully absorbed. For those with sensitive skin, Avene have a full range of products for your beauty regime. Whatever your age, sensitive skin needs specific products otherwise you can suffer from potential skin break out with adverse reactions. My daughter is a big Avene fan for this very reason, and uses their Thermal Water whenever her skin needs calming after an allergic reaction. Their Cleansing Foam is soap free and a great cleansing product, as is their gentle milk cleanser, they also have a soothing mask, a gentle exfoliating gel and an excellent plumping serum for mature sensitive skin. Their
day and night creams and eye cream range, PhysioLift, is designed to target the signs of ageing, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. They also have an exceptional range of sun protection products with an SPF of 50, in both tinted and water resistant creams. Essential to pack these if you plan on heading to the sun for a break this spring. Avene’s extensive product range ensures that you can follow a full skin care regime designed for mature skin without upsetting the delicate balance of sensitive skin. And finally for the ethical shopper, a new range of skin care that I came across is Dr. Bonner’s whose products are all certified Fairtrade, Vegan and made with organic oils. Available in health stores and pharmacies nationwide, they range includes soaps, body lotions, face and hair cleansers etc. They include pure-Castile soap, which is concentrated and one small squirt can go a long way. Interestingly Castile soap has many uses besides the face and body, and can be used to wash the dog and get rid of bugs on your houseplants! It also comes in their ‘Baby’ range, which includes unscented products suitable for babies and very
42 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
sensitive skin. My favourite product is the 4-in-1 Baby Unscented Organic Sugar Soap, suitable for hands, face, hair and body – and of course for baby too! With organic sugar helping to put moisture back into the skin, the result is super-soft, smooth and hydrated skin. Finally remember to care for your lips after the cold chaffing winter wind. You want to choose a lipstick that is moisturising and hydrating along with adding colour and fullness to your lips. Isadora have just launched an excellent new moisturising and creamy lipstick with a super comfortable feel and long lasting wear. It is infused with a mix of deeply hydrating ingredients to keep the lips soft, smooth and moisturised. The creamy, lightweight formula provides a luminous finish with visually fuller lips. It comes in sixteen shades, so you will find one to match your skintone. These days it is all about positive body image and positive ageing. So love your skin, nurture it and don’t worry about the natural signs of ageing. Remember those laughter lines reflect years of happiness!
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Leaving A Legacy
Have you considered when making your will to leave a legacy gift to a cause you care about? Everyone should have a will Only three in ten Irish adults have made a will, yet making a will is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. As a legal document, it ensures that proper arrangements are made for family and friends, and that your assets will distributed in the way you wish after you die, subject to certain rights and conditions. With so many benefits associated with this important process, the decision to make a will should be straightforward. If your wishes are not expressed in a will, then the law (called Succession Law) determines how your estate is distributed according to strict legal rules. It can also mean that your estate might not be divided in accordance with your wishes. Why make a will? There are a number of important reasons why a person should make a will but the most important reason is that you decide what happens to your estate when you are gone. Your will should be prepared by a solicitor who will advise you of the tax and legal implications of your decisions and who will use your outlined instructions to draft your will. Before making an appointment with your solicitor, it is helpful to take note of the following: · · · ·
Your assets, their value and their location. Your nearest relatives. Your executor(s) – this is the person(s) that will administer the estate in accordance with the directions set out in the will. This person should be someone that you trust and who is responsible. The proposed division of your estate – which refers to all of the money, property, assets, interests and things of value controlled by a person while alive.
Your solicitor can then take you through any legal restrictions (if applicable), special circumstances, inheritance tax and types of will. It is usually a much more straightforward and cost effective process 44 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
than you might think and your solicitor will discuss what is necessary for drawing up this important personal document when you make your appointment. Once family and friends have been looked after and all other important personal decisions have been made, deciding to leave a legacy gift to a charity is a wonderful way to support a favourite cause in the future. Large or small, every legacy is a generous gift of hope and trust for the future.
Steps to Making a Will 1. Make An Appointment Avail of expert advice and support. Take the first step to discuss your wishes and decisions for the future 2. Look After Loved Ones First Why a will is important. A will provides for loved ones, assigns guardians, protects your assets and helps reduce inheritance tax 3. Consider A Legacy To Charity Your gift may be big or small and is tax free. If you have a cause close to your heart, please consider leaving a gift to that charity in your will
for every child, a dream Do you dream of a world where every child has clean water, nutritious food, healthcare, an education and a safe environment to grow up in? You can make your dream come true. Did you know you can leave the gift of a better future to a child in your Will? It is really easy and inexpensive to do and you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference that will last a lifetime. Please consider this very special way of ensuring your love for children lives on. For more information, please call Justin on 01 878 3000 or go to www.unicef.ie Thank you. Credit: UNICEF/ Bangladesh 2017/ Bindra
Leaving A Legacy “How beautiful the last days of somebody’s life can be”
After tearfully saying farewell to her beloved 12-year-old nephew, Luke, Fiona Mulchrone found her calling. Having sat by little Luke’s bedside as he died, Fiona became inspired to become a Nurse for Night Care, as her family availed of night nursing in his final days. “I’ll always remember how grateful we were that we had the night service available to us,” Fiona recalls. “It was then that I decided I wanted to work in night nursing. I wanted to help other families.” As part of the IHF’s Nurses for Night Care service, Fiona works at night in the homes of people dying from non-cancer illnesses; making patients as comfortable as possible and providing much needed support and rest for family. “The Nurse for Night Care has an influence over the whole ambiance and atmosphere. You’re trying to make the last couple of days as memorable and as easy for everybody as you can. It’s a privilege to be there with somebody who is dying, and it’s lovely to be with their family at this time. They’re so thankful. They’re looking at you like you’re their angel. You’re their rock really.” Fiona provides crucial emotional support to the person who is dying as well as their family. She believes that when somebody is able to die in their own home, it can bring about many positive emotions and memories too. “The last couple of days you hear so many stories, good laughs, and you see so much love. The power of love is overwhelming. It’s incredible how beautiful the last few days of somebody’s life can be.” Nurses for Night Care is just one of the services that benefits from generosity of the kind people who remember us in their wills.b“Every gift in will, large or small, matters to us and is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.” - Sharon Foley, CEO, The Irish Hospice Foundation
Why I’m Remembering UNICEF Ireland in My Will As a child, Marian Killeen was always aware that there were people less fortunate than her. This keen awareness was instilled by her parents who worked closely with those in need. Marian’s mother served as a nurse in England after World War ll and always reminded her daughter about the many people in need across the world. Her father was a special branch detective involved in the registration of non-nationals and taught his daughter about the many refugees fleeing war and persecution throughout the world. At school, Marian’s teachers actively encouraged her passion for charitable giving. Together with her school friends, she engaged with, and supported, many charitable causes throughout her school years. However, it was after she had her own children, that Marian become more involved with children’s charities and UNICEF in particular. Seeing media coverage of wars and natural disasters across the world, Marian was particularly struck by how children were affected by these events. 46 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
“It’s not fair on anyone, but children are innocent. They don’t understand what’s happening, yet they get the brunt of it and they don’t have the mechanisms to cope with these situations”. Having been an active supporter of UNICEF for decades, Marian knew that she wanted to leave a donation to the charity in her will. After discussing her decision with family, Marian knew she was doing the right thing. “My family and friends were all very supportive of my decision. They know that there are very vulnerable people throughout the world and that we should do all we can to help them. They fully agree with my decision to leave a donation. “People don’t realise that you can leave a couple of hundred euros and that it all makes a difference. As the saying goes, every little helps”. If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will to UNICEF Ireland, please contact Sarah Moyles on 01 -8783000.
Improving the quality of life for older people Age Action will be 27 years old this year and in our short history we have achieved a lot, improving the quality of life for older people by influencing policy makers and improving services that help people in their daily lives. However, we have so much more to do, especially as by 2041 over 65’s will account for 22% of the population. This increase in life expectancy is to be celebrated but as it increases so too does the need for our advocacy work and programmes. To meet this demand, we need your support now to allow us to plan our work into the future. This is why donations and fundraising support are always very much appreciated, as are stock donations to our Charity Stores in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Monaghan. Legacies are another simple and cost-effective way to make a lasting gift to Age Action that allow us to plan and invest in programmes and advocacy initiatives to make Ireland a better place for all older people in the future. Any support you can give would help make a real difference for future generations! To find out more please call Caroline O’Connell at 01 475 6989 or email headoffundraising@ageaction.ie
Make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of cancer patients More people are getting cancer in Ireland and worldwide today. It is expected that the number of cancer cases in Ireland alone will double by 2040. Thankfully though, as a result of support towards research advancements, cancer is no longer a death sentence – 6/10 patients will survive the disease for at least 5 yrs. This is up from 4/10 just 20 years ago.
Leave a Lasting Gift to Future Generations
Leave a Lasting Gift to Future Generations
When you make a will it is only natural to make sure you take care of your family and loved ones. But through your will you can also choose to support a cause that may be close to your heart. Age Action is a charity that puts older people first, providing vital services and information to ensure that Ireland can be one of the best countries in which to grow old. Should you choose to leave a legacy to Age Action you would be helping us to continue to work on behalf of older people. Why not When you make a will it is only natural to make sure you take care of your family leave something special to the many thousands of older people in and loved ones. But through your will you can also choose to support a cause that Ireland andolder leavepeople a lasting may be close to your heart. Age Action is a charity that puts first,gift to future generations.
providing vital services and information to ensure that Ireland can be one of the best countries in which to grow old.
Should you choose to leave a legacy to Age Action you would be helping us to continue to work on behalf of older people. Why not leave something special to the many thousands of older people in Ireland and leave a To find out how you can make a lasting lasting gift to future generations. difference contact our head of fundraising by phone on 01 475 To find out how you can make a lasting difference contact our head of 6989 or by email: fundraising by phone on 01 475 6989 or by email: headoffundraising@ageaction.ie headoffundraising@ageaction.ie
I hope that, one day, my grandchildren will ask,
“What WAS cancer?�
You can help make cancer a thing of the past by leaving a gift to the Irish Cancer Society in your Will.
Contact Aoife McDarby at 01-2316629, email amcdarby@irishcancer.ie or speak to your solicitor. www.cancer.ie/legacy
Irish Cancer Society
e that, one day, my grandchildren will ask,
“What WAS cancer?”
Leaving A Legacy
ognition of the organisation's pioneering humanitarian work on several continents." A gift in your Will can help us continue this work and have an enormous impact on the lives of those in desperate need of care. In bringing assistance to those in greatest need, MSF staff, including many from Ireland, run hospitals and clinics, perform surgery, battle epidemics, carry out vaccination campaigns, operate feeding centres and offer mental health care services. MSF constructs wells, dispenses drinking water and provides shelter materials. To find out how you can support MSF’s work by leaving a gift in your Will, and to receive your free legacy leaflet, please visit www.msf.ie/legacy, email colm.dolan@dublin. msf.org or phone Colm on 01-2815184.
make g of aving rish y in
Consider us and people living with Dementia
“It is our aim to improve survival rates even further and support patients living well with cancer, and living for longer, with continued advancements in research” .Cancer research can span from cancer prevention to laboratory research, from clinical trials to quality-of-life research for survivors. While research is extremely important for cancer patients cDarby at 01-2316629, amcdarby@irishcancer.ie being treatedemail in Ireland today, much of our cancer research will benefit solicitor. the next generation of cancer patients. This wouldn’t happen without the egacy support of the Irish public, and much of this support comes in the form of legacy gifts.
Irish Cancer Society
Many people leave a legacy gift to the Irish Cancer Society as their way of improving cancer treatment and care for generations to come. Irish Cancer Society research ensures that patients diagnosed with cancer in Ireland will have access to the most cutting edge treatments and the best possible care. “Research is everything. It has made a difference to me and hundreds like me; I wouldn’t have survived five years without research into new and better treatments. Even if we don’t have a cure in my lifetime, there is hope that in the future people won’t have to go through this”. Stephanie Powell, Breast Cancer Survivor. When it comes to deciding on a Will, many people, after they have provided for their friends and family, also choose to leave a gift to a cause close to their hearts. A gift to the Irish Cancer Society, while costing nothing now, will make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of cancer patients in the future.
Saint Joseph's is the only care home in Ireland that solely cares for people living with dementia. 11 people are diagnosed with dementia every day and there are 55,000 people living with dementia today but in only twenty years’ time this number will have tripled.
For more information please contact Aoife McDarby at 01-2316629 and we can share in ways that you can support. We can’t thank you enough for taking the time and consideration.
People don't come here to die, they come here to live. Please take a ‘moment’ to consider Saint Joseph’s Shankill as a benefactor in your will. And YOU can be a part of thousands of ‘moments’ in the future to ensure that people living with dementia enjoy the quality of life they deserve.
This is your legacy
At Saint Joseph’s we cannot change the devastating effects dementia has on people and their families. But we have changed the way we care for people. We look beyond the illness and focus on peoples’ feelings. Our staff bring ‘moments’ of joy and happiness, these happy moments string together to make minutes, hours and days of ‘moments’ that ultimately create happy homes for the very special people in our care. People in our care are loved and cherished, and we are privileged to work in their home ensuring that they know they truly matter to us. The lodges they live in are homely, warm and welcoming; lodges where people and their families now call home.
St Martin Apostolate – Modern Missionary Efforts in Ireland and Abroad. St Martin is our Patron a Saint who continues as an inspiration, not only because of his humility but also for his care of the poor and suffering. We strive to live and work by his example and are empowered to do so thanks to our loyal supporters. We regularly update our supporters on the activities of the Apostolate and the Dominican Order in our popular monthly Saint Martin Magazine; including how we support other worthy charities.
A measles vaccination campaign that can give children immunity for a lifetime. A hospital where sick and injured people can receive treatment for years to come. A new generation of nurses, doctors and midwives trained to care for the most vulnerable. Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency life-saving assistance in more than 70 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters or exclusion from healthcare. MSF was awarded the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize "in rec48 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
The Apostolate is very proud to be helping with so many deserving causes and to keep the spirit of St Martin alive in ways which make a real difference to the lives of those no less human, just less fortunate. Leaving a gift in your will, no matter how big or small will have a profound impact on what we can achieve in your name. In an effect, you will be a missionary of the Apostolate. Your support will ensure that we can continue with our Missions after your pilgrimage on earth has ended. Let your legacy live on through our important works and our focused Mission. For more information on how you might become involved visit www. stmartin.ie or call us on +353 (0)1 8745465 or email info@stmartin.ie for details.
When you write a will, you can look after your family and loved ones even after you’re gone. And if you also include The Irish Hospice Foundation, you can reach out to another family you’ve never met too. Help us realise our vision that no-one will face death or bereavement without the care and support they need.
: Contact Anna Sadlier at 01 679 3188 or anna.sadlier@hospicefoundation.ie www.hospicefoundation.ie
Legacy Ad - landscape.indd 1
05/12/2016 18:01:09
The tent that becomes a temporary hospital
The doctor who gives courage to patients
A gift in your will can heal and save lives. To request your free brochure with more information please return this coupon, visit msf.ie/legacy, or phone Colm on 01-2815184. ✔ Yes, please send me a
Photo: Omar Havana, Nepal, 2015
legacy brochure
The crutches that help the injured to walk
Name: Address: Town: County:
THIS IS YOUR LEGACY…
Send to: Colm Dolan, MSF, 9 Upper Baggot Street, Freepost F4763, Dublin 4 Irish Registered Charity 18196
MSF082 legacy ad.indd 1
26/02/2019 10:17
Welfare lies at the heart of our work
The Irish Blue Cross Animal Welfare Charity was founded in 1945 by a group of like-minded people determined to prevent the live exportation of Irish horses to the continent for slaughter. It wasn’t long before the group realised that the plight of Dublin’s sick dogs and cats desperately needed to be addressed. The solution came when the first Irish Blue Cross mobile clinic hit Dublin’s streets in 1953, prioritising it’s presence in areas where there was highest demand for charitable veterinary services. In 2009, the Charity’s small animal clinic was established with state of the art facilities at its base in Inchicore, Dublin 8. The opening of that clinic, complemented by the mobile clinics, has made an immeasurable difference to so many communities across Dublin and without the support of the Charity, many families would struggle with providing necessary care and assistance for their pets. Since the Charity’s foundation 72 years ago, well over half a million family pets have been treated and demand for affordable veterinary care continues to grow every year with the Charity seeing a caseload of approx. 27,000 cases every year.
events each year including the very popular Bark in the Park sponsored dog walks, flag days, collections and appeals. Pets need our help. So we need yours too. All donations towards The Irish Blue Cross’ on-going work are always welcome. To find out how you can support, call 01-4163032 or email geoff.kane@bluecross.ie
To the small animals in need, I leave...
Today, the mobile clinic services have expanded to ten locations across Dublin each week day evening, locations such as Cabra, Tallaght, Blanchardstown, Crumlin, Ballyfermot, Ballybrack, Smithfield, Walkinstown, Finglas and Donnycarney. Where pets require more comprehensive clinical examinations and treatments, they are referred to the ever busy Inchicore clinic. A practical and caring approach is at the heart of The Irish Blue Cross clinical work and the Charity’s veterinary team provides information and support to their clients, encouraging responsible pet ownership. There is a particular focus on preventative health measures such as regular health-checks, vaccinations and microchipping, a legal requirement for all dogs since April 2016. Through The Irish Blue Cross, pet owners can ensure that their treasured pets are microchipped for as little as €10. Should the animal stray from home, once found they can be easily scanned by any veterinary practice or rescue centre and the lost animal can be happily reunited to it’s family. The Irish Blue Cross also enforces a neutering policy which is not only important for reducing the number of healthy dogs and cats destroyed in Ireland each year - it also provides many health benefits for pets. The Charity offers low cost neutering, with generously reduced costs ranging from €30 to €130, depending on the size of the animal. The Irish Blue Cross rely heavily on donations from the public and the goodwill of supporters to continue it’s work. With the loyal support of many volunteers, they host an action-packed calendar of fundraising 50 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Remembering a charity in your will is a kind and generous gesture that costs you nothing in your lifetime. But your kindness will make a difference forever. Legacy gifts, whether large or small, make it possible for us to sustain our charitable work for decades to come. Create your legacy and make your love for pets live on. For more information on how you can make a lasting difference, contact us today.
15A Goldenbridge Industrial Estate, Inchicore, Dublin 8. Tel: +353 1 4163032 geoff.kane@bluecross.ie
www.bluecross.ie
News
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, ASI, works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers. ASI provides a wide range of services including our Dementia Advisers, who work in local communities across 12 counties in Ireland. Dementia Advisers provide a highly responsive and individualised information, signposting and emotional support service to people who are concerned about their cognitive health and/or have a diagnosis of dementia. This service is also for families and friends of people with dementia, at all stages of their journey, from diagnosis through to end-of-life. This is a free and confidential service.
Our Mobile Information Service travels throughout Ireland and visits towns, villages and cities to raise awareness about dementia and to provide vital information to people who are affected by Alzheimer's and dementia. Experienced staff, volunteers and Dementia Advisers are available provide information and support about memory loss, how a diagnosis is made, managing day to day life with dementia, as well as information about supports and services available in the local area. If you would like to know more information about either of these services or would like to arrange a booking for the Mobile Information Service to visit your area call 1800 341 341 or email us at helpline@alzheimer.ie or visit Alzheimer.ie
Saint Martin Apostolate T: (01) 874 5465 E: info@stmartin.ie W: www.stmartin.ie Charity No: CHY7209
St. Martins Subscription Senior Times Offer Annual Price €15, £12 UK & NI - €22 ROW Use Code ST19 online or by phone
By leaving a gift to St. Martin Apostolate we will achieve so much & your legacy will live on!
Your support will ensure that your legacy lives on through our important works and our focused Mission. Leaving a gift in your will, no matter how big or small will have a profound impact on what we can achieve in your name. St. Martin Apostolate, 42 Parnell Square West Dublin 1
A Legacy with a difference Thank you for supporting Saint Joseph’s Shankill; Ireland’s only home solely dedicated to caring for people with dementia. We make moments matter every day for the people in our care, people like Mary. Your help in the future means that we can continue our award winning care.
So leave your legacy for the future for people living with dementia. To find out more contact Siobhan at 01 282 3000 siobhan.grant@sjog.ie www.saintjosephsshankill.ie
Saint Joseph’s Shankill Dedicated to Dementia Care
A Dementia Care Matters, Butterfly Home and winner of the 2018 NHI Excellence in Dementia Care award.
CHY 18282
Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 51
Mary’s Musings
In her latest observations Mary O’Rourke discusses Women in Leadership, Theresa May’s travails and travels, John Broderick’s bequest to Athlone..and Lady Chatterleys Lover!
I am compiling this in the midst of lovely spring-like weather. This morning on Radio I heard the weather man actually saying ‘This week the weather will be much more spring-like,’ and I thought to myself, how good is that!
I am compiling this in the midst of lovely spring-like weather. This morning on Radio I heard the weather man actually saying ‘This week the weather will be much more spring-like,’ and I thought to myself, how good is that! Of course, we have had some nasty snow and severe frost, but in between we have had episodes of spring-like weather and hopefully more to come besides. Apart from all that, the evenings are brighter. It is now almost 6pm when darkness comes into the sky, and it is particularly noticeable in the morning because when you get up it is already bright. So I say this is all wonderful. It gives everyone great hope to see the seasons change and daylight become longer. Now, I know I might have to eat my words if we get late March/April wintery conditions, but somehow I think no, we’ve turned the corner. Since we last spoke together through the
pages of this wonderful magazine, I am sure all the readers have been doing different things in their lives and good luck to them in those endeavours. For me, I have been busy at various political/non-political events, doing a lot of talking, which I like doing, and in general doing some writing as well. Recently I was part of a very fine event in University College Dublin in the O’Reilly Hall there. It was the UCD Women in Leadership Conference sponsored by Arthur Cox Solicitors in Dublin, and it was a call-out to women working in various agencies, firms, etc, throughout Ire land to come for a day of good talk, discussion, questions and answers, and also including lunch and constant tea and coffee. There were various panels, and ex-Minister Nora Owen and myself were on the panel dealing with resilience and coping with adversity, both personal and political.I like Nora, and I think she likes me. She is down to earth and straightforward, and somebody along my own lines. We had a
52 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
very lively panel which was chaired by Martina Fitzgerald, the former political correspondent on RTÉ, who has written a recent book on the 19 women who have succeeded to the Cabinet table. The book is called Madam Politician. We had a very lively session under the directorship of Martina, and we both gave what I think were revealing and truthful answers to all the questions. There were several questions from the floor, and the whole event was very participatory. When I was told afterwards that there were 680 women present, I thought to myself: Gee, how much woman power that is! As the readers will know, there is a very big movement on now to get 30 per cent females on the boards of all companies, whether state, semi-state, public, non-public, small, medium, or large. And do you know, it makes sense; if there is such a percentage in the boardroom, generally speaking the decisions that will come out of that boardroom will be reflective of the
Mary’s Musings
At the Women in Leadership event I was on the panel with Nora Owen, who I like; the session was chaired by by ex-RTE political correspondent Martina Fitzgerald.
population at large. The movement is nearing its 30 per cent, and the event in the O’Reilly Hall was part of that endeavour.
I was on the The Today Show with Maura and Daithi invited me on to review the book Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence. I remember years and years ago when I was a young married woman, that book was banned in Ireland and I distinctly remember getting a copy from a friend and it was wrapped in brown paper so that it could be read in secrecy, so to speak. How utterly silly was that!
By the time you get to read this column I will have been to Cork and back to The Today Show with Maura and Daithí. They have invited me on to review the book Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence. I remember years and years ago when I was a young married woman, that book was banned in Ireland and I distinctly remember getting a copy from a friend and it was wrapped in brown paper so that it could be read in secrecy, so to speak. How utterly silly was that! D.H. Lawrence was a great writer, a prolific writer, and while the book is most explicit it is also much more than that. It is written about the times in England, the 1920s after World War I, and the break-up of the classes, with many
sobering thoughts on that as well as, of course, many heady thoughts on love and the culmination of love in perfect physical intimacy. Be all that as it may, I enjoyed reading it again, and of course I was reading it now with the benefit of experience and all that life throws at one. None of us will know the final outcome of Brexit until March 29 this year. I wrote about Theresa May in the last edition of Senior Times, and while I retain my admiration of her work I fail to see what the effect will be, for good or ill, of the constant travelling she is doing. London to Brussels, Brussels back to London. London to Belfast, Belfast back to London. And then London to Dublin, Dublin back to London. She is like a vacillating spinning-top, and must have a belief that constant frantic movement will have the effect not alone of putting forward the idea that she is doing something, but also of belief in what the constant travelling will do. Yet
each place she goes to, she goes with nothing to offer and she comes back with nothing on offer. Leo Varadkar, in giving her a very warm welcome to Farmleigh recently, was clear to say this was not a negotiating visit, it was a discussion visit. I was glad she was in Farmleigh, because as well as being a lovely building it was also home to the Guinness family and the four children they raised there. I remember so well being in government when Bertie Ahern as Taoiseach put forward the idea that Farmleigh should be purchased for the nation to be a destination for visiting political leaders and prime ministers. It has served the nation well and is indeed a wonderful destination. We’ll see if the constant travelling by Theresa May will have a final outcome which will go some way to help us all over the Brexit date. As we all know, it is a hugely important issue here
Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 53
Mary’s Musings
London to Brussels, Brussels back to London. London to Belfast, Belfast back to London. And then London to Dublin, Dublin back to London, Theresa May is like a vacillating spinning-top, and must have a belief that constant frantic movement will have the effect not alone of putting forward the idea that she is doing something, but also of belief in what the constant travelling will do. Yet each place she goes to, she goes with nothing to offer and she comes back with nothing on offer.
in Ireland. So many jobs, so many livelihoods, so many hopes and dreams rest on the outcome of Brexit. So many people’s lives are caught up in it that it is utterly unthinkable that we will go back to a hard border and the days of long ago.
Don Juaneen, The Waking of Willie Ryan, An Apology for Roses, The Trial of Fr Dillingham, The Flood, The Irish Magdalen. He wrote many more, and he also wrote books of short stories. It would be worth anyone’s time to take out one of those books and read it.
Since we last conversed through these pages, I have been very enthused by workshops which have been offered here by the writer-in-residence in the Athlone Civic Centre/ Town Hall. Let me go back a little and explain. Some years ago, when the Athlone-born author John Broderick died in Brighton in England, he left in his will a considerable sum of money which he asked the Arts Council to ensure was to be used by, as it then was, Athlone Town Council – now Athlone Municipal Authority – for the benefit of Athlone people. The local authority and the Arts Council and interested people got together and devised a scheme whereby for three years there would be an artist-in-residence in the Athlone Civic Centre. To begin with it would be a visiting author/poet, and she is Anne-Marie Ní Churreáin. To that end, she has organised a series of workshops which have been very well attended. During the course of these workshops we have all investigated the various works of John Broderick, his style of writing, why some of these books were banned, and how it is so important that many of his books which are out of print should be re-printed and re-released again. John Broderick was a marvellous writer, clear
He was a truly brilliant writer and I have no doubt that he is due for a second renaissance. We are all very proud of him here in Athlone, of course. When he retired from writing he went to live in Brighton in England and his faithful housekeeper went with him. When he died back in the 80s he was brought home to be buried here in Athlone.
John Broderick was a marvellous writer, clear and distinct. If any of the readers of this column have a chance, they should investigate their local library as to the availability of some of the following books: The Pilgrimage, The Fugitive, Don Juaneen, The Waking of Willie Ryan, An Apology for Roses, The Trial of Fr Dillingham, The Flood, The Irish Magdalen. He wrote many more, and he also wrote books of short stories.
and distinct. If any of the readers of this column have a chance, they should investigate their local library as to the availability of some of the following books: The Pilgrimage, The Fugitive,
54 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
When Anne-Marie’s time as writer-in-residence is finished she will be succeeded by a musician, and that will give way in the third year, I think, to a creative person either in the sculpture or composing arena. We are so very lucky here in Athlone to have been the recipients of the bountiful bequest of John Broderick, who no matter what his fame was, never forgot his hometown. So much more to talk about, so much more to discuss, but again time has run out on me. I hope to talk with you all again in the next edition of Senior Times. Until then, slán tamall. Mary O’Rourke
Fit The
Edited by Conor O’Hagan
indoor & outdoor activities supplement
Walking
Three Looped Walks for Spring in the South East
Conor O’Hagan suggests three walks in Carlow, Wexford and Waterford
Clogrennan Wood Loop Co Carlow Distance: 4km / 1hr-1hr30mins Grade: Easy Terrain: Forestry roadways, woodland tracks Trailhead: Clogrennan Woods, Co Carlow Clogrennane Wood near Carlow Town offers a gentle sloping 4km walk on forest roads with magnificent views of Carlow Town and the River Barrow on a clear day. The area is an old wood with forestry cover present since the 1800s. The predominant tree species in Clogrennane are beech, spruce, larch and oak with vegetation consistent with that of an old woodland – bluebells, ferns, wild garlic and herb rocket. Clogrennan is a townland straddling the border of Counties Laois and Carlow in the South Midlands area of Ireland. The area offers a combina
Clogrennan
tion of natural amenity, river amenity, and historical man-made structures linked with the historical use of the river Barrow as an industrial and transport corridor. Local heritage includes old homes, lime works, mills, river/canal locks and bridges, and monuments. Clogrennan Hill is a part of an area of upland but it’s not substantial enough to appear on Ordnance Survey maps – it claims 921st spot on the list of highest summits in Ireland! Starting from the car park, follow the purple arrow along the forestry roadway for 500m to reach a Y-junction. This is the point from which the loop proper begins - you will be returning to this point from the left on the return section. For now – proceed straight. Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 55
Walking
Askamore
Continue to follow the forestry roadway for 200m to cross a stream at a concrete bridge and another 300m takes you to a woodland track on your left where you turn left. Follow the track as it zig-zags uphill. At the top of the climb, the loop joins a sandy forestry track and turns left. Over the next 500m the terrain changes from a sandy track path to forestry roadway - and fine views of Carlow Town and the River Barrow open up on your left. Cross a stream at a concrete ‘ford’ at a sharp left bend and continue for another 300m to regain the junction from where you started the loop at B above. This time turn right and enjoy the last 500m back to the trailhead.
Askamore Loop Co Wexford Ascent: 280m/160m Distance: 6km Grade: Moderate Terrain: Minor roadways, forestry tracks Trailhead: Parish Church, Askamore, Co Wexford Estimated Time: 1hr 30 mins – 2hrs Directions: From Gorey: Follow the R725 in the direction of Carnew for 6.5 km. Left into Craanford (L-1021), right onto L-1013 after 1.7 km, left on to L-1015 after 3.3 km. Trailhead in Askamore church carpark after 3.2 km. From Ferns: Take Carnew road R745 (turn at Doyle’s Pub) and follow for 10 km. Turn right at Byrne’s machinery breakers. Follow L-1015 for 1.6 km to Askamore. This is one of four walks, all beginning from the trailhead in the car park in quiet Askamore village. Individually waymarked, the walks all begin by following a minor road which brings you uphill through scenery reminiscent of an Austrian valley, with trees sweeping below you, and wonderful views to the Wicklow Hills and beyond. Entering the wooded section of the walk to the left will eventually reveal 56 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
the Co. Wexford coast, allowing breathtaking views north to the seabased windmills on the Arklow sandbanks, east to Kilmuckridge and south to Enniscorthy, New Ross and Wexford in the distance. Bring your binoculars to watch the ferries leaving Rosslare. From the trailhead cross the road and follow the green (and blue and purple) arrows onto the sandy lane between the church and Doran’s pub. The blue and purple arrows are for longer loops. Continue along the sandy lane for more than 1km to a junction with a forestry road on your left. The loop proper begins here - you will return to this point from the opposite direction later - for now, turn left. Continue to follow the green (and blue and purple) arrows along the forestry road for 3km - and enjoy some fine views of the surrounding countryside - before rejoining the sandy lane at what is known locally as the ‘hairpin’. The blue and purple loops veer left here - but you veer right. After 300m you pass a crossroads of forestry roads where the blue and purple loops rejoin from your left - another 200m takes you to the junction at B above from where you began the loop. This time proceed straight ahead and enjoy the 1km back to the trailhead.
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Walking
Greenane
Greenane Loop, Colligan Woods Co Waterford Ascent: 100m / 140m Distance: 8km Time: 2hrs - 2hr30mins Grade: Moderate Terrain: Forestry roads and woodland tracks Trailhead: Colligan Woods, Dungarvan, Co Waterford Colligan Wood is situated in a scenic valley through which the River Colligan flows and enters the sea at Dungarvan Bay. The fertile soil (from old red sandstone) supports mixed woodland of conifers and broadleaves – including Norway spruce, Western hemlock, Japanese larch, Sitka spruce, oak, ash, beech, maple, and birch. The steep wooded glens on each side of the river still carry remnants of old woodland oaks. Some trees have been labelled for identification. Fox, red squirrel, badger, otter, stoat, rabbits, hares and fallow deer are often spotted in the forest and the Colligan river is a salmon spawning river with sea trout also to be seen. The proximity of the wood to the town of Dungarvan makes it an extremely popular amenity for walking. This loop follows purple arrows on forest road with a short section of path and of tarred road, first alongside the Colligan River before climbing gradually uphill into the forest, leveling off and then descending, looping back to near the start. The second part takes the riverbank northwards as far as Colligan Bridge winding back to the trailhead through the woods across the river. The views are expansive and include the surrounding woodland and farmland with Dungarvan Harbour and Helvick Head in the distance.
58 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Starting from the mapboard at the trailhead, follow the purple (and green) arrow as the loop starts away from the wooden bridge over Colligan River. The green arrows are for the shorter Inchadrisla Loop. Travel along the left bank of the river for 500m before swinging left and uphill through Inchadrisla Wood. Stay on the forestry roadway for almost 2km as it climbs gradually to reach a 3-way junction where both loops swing left. The loop levels off as it follows the forestry road for 2km to descend and reach a 3-way junction at the picnic area from close to where you started. The Inchadrisla Loop turns left here - but you swing right and begin the second section of the loop. The loop now travels along the right bank of the Colligan River for more than 1km to exit at a surfaced road where it turns left and crosses Colligan Bridge. After only 50m reach a T-junction where you turn right. After only 200m on the road watch a marker which directs you left (be careful crossing the road) and through wooden rails to re-enter forestry. The loop now ascends a woodland track for 400m to rejoin a forestry roadway. Enjoy the last 1km of the loop as it sweeps around Greenane Hill before descending to the carpark.
Days Out
Discover Oakfield Park – The Secret Jewel in the Heart of Donegal
If you’re planning a trip to Donegal in 2019, then Oakfield Park is a wonderful place to escape with family and friends. Located in Raphoe, this beautiful landscape of parkland, woodlands, lakes and formal gardens is set around a restored 18th century deanery.
Garden lovers have long been drawn to Donegal and its beautiful landscapes and there’s none more spectacular than Oakfield Park. Since opening to the public in 2006, the park has won several national awards for the restoration of its gardens and buildings.
The grounds include a host of sites for families, couples and friends to explore, including walled gardens, ponds, lakes, a lakeside Nymphaeum, a hedge maze, heritage trees and sculptures. Children can make a wish at Oakfield Park’s Faerie tree, while navigating their way through extensive walks and trails – perfect for those special grandparent and grandchildren moments.
After a day rambling around the parklands, visitors can refuel in Buffers Garden Restaurant, which is open daily and serves a delicious selection of home baked goodies, light bites and meals – all created with produce from the park’s gardens.
Oakfield Park’s crowning glory is a 4.5km narrow gauge railway with a diesel and steam train operating passenger trips daily. This is a magical way to explore the park’s gardens as the train passes through flower meadows, beautiful woodlands, willow tunnels, oak circles, boardwalks, heritage trees, a wooden causeway and sparkling streams and lakes.
Raphoe, Co. Donegal
Oakfield Park is open from April to September and special family events to look out for during the summer season include the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Steam Sundays, and Garden Tours. Whether you’re on a group tour, a gardening excursion or a Wild Atlantic Way adventure, Oakfield Park is the perfect place to spend a magical day in Donegal. Visit www.oakfieldpark.com or call 074 91 73068.
Trains Gardens Tea-Rooms
+353 (0)74 9173068 | www.oakfieldpark.com | gardens@oakfieldpark.com Open April - September 2019
Open Wednesday to Sunday: 12noon - 6pm (April, May & September) & Open Daily: 11am to 6pm (June, July & August)
Days Out
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is one of Ireland’s best loved and most iconic tourist attractions. Home to the Benedictine order of nuns since 1920 Kylemore Abbey is the perfect destination for a day out in beautiful Connemara. Built as a Castle home in the Baronial style in 1868, for Mitchell Henry and his beautiful wife Margaret and their large family, Kylemore looks like an illustration from a book of Fairy Tales. Sadly, Margaret died tragically just a few years after the couple and their family had set up home at Kylemore. The 9th Duke of Manchester and his wife, Helena, took up residence here 1903 to 1913. This glamorous
and much written about couple add another intriguing layer to the Kylemore story. The next chapter in Kylemore’s story came when the nuns set up Kylemore Abbey School in 1922 and girls from all over the world were educated there until 2010. Today visitors can discover wonderful historic buildings, explore our beautiful woodland and lake shore estate, wander through our magnificent Victorian Walled Garden and experience the grandeur of the Connemara countryside. Dine in Mitchells, our self-catering restaurant which produces a wide variety of dishes from bistro
style sandwiches to warming stews, healthy salads and delicious soups. Home baking is our speciality and you will find it hard to beat our apple pies, fruit crumbles and traditional scones. The Tea House by the Walled Garden is the perfect stopping off point for a good coffee or teas made with fresh garden herbs. Our Craft and Design Shop features products handmade by the Benedictine nuns including chocolates, beauty creams soaps and candles as well as a great selection of Irish gifts and crafts. Plan you r visit to Kylemore today by visiting www.kylemoreabbey.com.
+353 (0) 95 52001 info@kylemoreabbey.com
Visit beautiful Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara, home to the Benedictine community since 1920. History, nature, exploration, relaxation, shopping and dining combine to create the perfect day out at any time of year.
www.kylemoreabbey.com /KylemoreAbbeyandGarden /Kylemoretoday @Kylemoreabbey
Come visit Woodstock Gardens this summer
Group Trip Organisers
• Beautiful, recently restored Victorian gardens • Located overlooking the River Nore in picturesque Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny • Walk through our arboretum which is home to a collection of rare and exotic trees • Visit the walled garden where fruits and vegetables are once again grown in abundance • Take time out for tea in a beautiful conservatory overlooking the flower gardens • Open all year round, daylight hours • Facilities:- Tea Rooms, Car Parking, Toilets, Children’s Playground, Mobility buggy available for less able bodied persons, please phone ahead if you wish to avail of this service (free of charge) • Guided tours available by appointment • Admission fee - €4 per car includes admission for all car occupants to the gardens • Buses and coaches strictly by prior booking. • Price available upon request.
Mid Ulster’s
Great Days Out Fair Thursday 28 March, 10am - 1pm
Corick House Hotel & Spa, Clogher, Co.Tyrone
• • •
Contact: John Delaney - Head gardener at Woodstock on 087 8549785 or Claire Goodwin in Kilkenny County Council Parks Department on 056 7794373 or email woodstock@kilkennycoco.ie Kilkenny County Council, Parks Section, John Street, Kilkenny. T + 353 56 7794373 F + 353 56 7794069
Day trip itineraries Local history tours What’s on your doorstep
Call 048 8676 9949 (Allison O’Keefe)
*Max. of 2 people per group/organisation
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Days Out Gateway to Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites
A mindset shaped by years of life’s experiences, especially one that accepts the reality of a God who holds our days and our years in kind hands, can be in danger of being undermined in subtle ways by an increasingly material worldview. Hearts that cherish hope that life is filled with profound meaning despite the worst that may come our way can find themselves troubled in the midst of a society that has lost its confidence about eternal certainties. Even our behaviour, how we spend our time from day to day and from hour to hour, may begin to drift from what is really life-giving for us. Lough Derg continues to hold its place among the experiences that offer people support and accompaniment for faithful, purposeful living in changing and challenging times. Whether you may already have been part of the Lough Derg pilgrim family in times past, or whether you would be a newcomer, we would look forward to making you welcome on Station Island.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is your gateway to Ireland’s most iconic heritage sites. From Cork to Donegal and from Dublin to Galway, OPW is your partner to discover the very best of Ireland’s heritage attractions.
The Sanctuary of St Patrick, Lough Derg, Co Donegal opens on Saturday 4th May 2019 for the new pilgrimage & retreat season. Tel: 071 9861518
Ailwee Cave & Bird of Prey Centre
From castles to battlefields, from formal gardens to wild landscapes and from Christian round towers to Neolithic burial chambers, there is something there for everyone. The OPW manages some of the most iconic heritage sites in Ireland , including Dublin Castle, Kilmainham Gaol , Newgrange, the Rock of Cashel and Clonmacnoise , to name but a few. In addition, why not pay a visit to some of our lesser - known sites like, Ormond Castle, Ardfert Cathedral, Roscrea Heritage, IInacullin (Garnish Island) and many, many more. Our heritage card, allows you to explore all of these magnificent sites for a period of one year, from the date of first use, at a very affordable price. For the young at heart, our senior card (for those aged sixty or over) allows you to explore Ireland’s heritage, culture and history, at our many visitor sites dotted across the country. Full details: www.heritageireland.ie
Time to invest in things that last
From a ‘hole in the ground’ to ‘soaring with Eagles’ time spent at Aillwee Cave & Bird of Prey Centre is exceedingly enjoyed by all. For three generations Aillwee Cave and Bird of Prey Centre has welcomed visitors to The Burren in County Clare. Our family gives your family a chance to explore its weirdly shaped underworld, and enjoy unexpected freedom with majestic Birds of Prey. Stroll along our Hazel, Ash and Holly Woodland Walk or trek our Aillwee Burren Hillside while taking in panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Lough Derg continues to hold an attraction for people who can find some time to invest in things that last. Today’s culture can be challenging for people who put store on the deeper and lasting things that lie below the surface of daily life. 62 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Hear and feel the beat of a falcon’s wing as it swoops. Smell the earthy dampness of a long dried up river bed decorated with twinkling crystalline formations. Indulge in the tasty rewards of smoky cheese or sweet fudge. This Summer, experience what a visitor called ‘a fantastic forever-remembered day’ and enjoy all of what Aillwee Cave and Bird Of Prey Centre has to offer.
PASSIONATE ABOUT GREAT VISITOR EXPERIENCES
VISIT
EXPLORE
Contact us for suggested itineraries and rates for your day out: Fota House, Arboretum and Gardens, Co. Cork T: +353 21 4815543 or email: info@fotahouse.com
DISCOVER
www.fotahouse.com
Days Out Award winners of ‘Family Venue of the Year’2017 – Irish Hospitality Awards. Voted one of the ‘Top Ten Visitor Attractions in Ireland’- Independent.ie Open daily from 10am. For more details check out our website, www.aillweecave.ie
Take a trip back in time
nied by the shuffling feet of inmates and the jingle of the warders’ keys. The cells are furnished with amazingly life-like wax figures and Graffiti on the cell walls reveals the innermost feelings of some inmates. The audio-visual show will help you learn about the social history and contrasting lifestyles of 19th century Cork. This exhibition fascinates visitors of all ages and nationalities and the tour is available in up to 13 languages. For more information visit www. corkcitygaol.com
Belvedere House, Gardens & Park, Mullingar
Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage much of it still in evidence today. Part of this heritage, Cork City Gaol, is a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. Take a trip back in time and wander through the wings of the Gaol, accompa-
Located within Ireland’s Ancient East with many layers of life and history in the big house, Belvedere House Gardens & Park demonstrates beauty, intrigue and passion that makes for an enchanting Visitor Experience and an excellent day out with a difference.
SPRING ON LOUGH DERG Spring is a time of year where possibility unfolds. It is a time of renewal, a time for growth. This MAY there are a number of events inviting you to experience renewal in this little unspoilt corner of creation, no matter where you are on your journey with God.
ONE DAY RETREATS The popular One Day Retreats – now in their 28th year, continue to facilitate a wide range of people who would want to come on pilgrimage to Lough Derg.
MAY: Sat 4th, Sun 5th, Mon 6th, Sat 11th, Sun 12th, Tues 14th, Sun 19th, Tues 21st, Sat 25th, Sun 26th, Mon 27th. A flexible programme of reflection and prayer, concluding with Mass in St Patrick’s Basilica. Retreat programme 10.30am – 4.30pm The day retreat is open to adults and not suited to children. (Fasting or walking barefooted is not required)
Boat times: Available from 9.15am and return from 4.30pm. Advance booking is essential | Admission €45
To find out more information on any of the above events please contact us on T. 071 9861518 E. info@loughderg.org
www.loughderg.org 64 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
SPECIAL DAYS Each season also offers some alternative events: ❚ QUIET DAY - Monday 13th May One-to-One time with God, at your own pace, in the Lough Derg setting. Listen to your God speaking “in the still, small voice”, in the sounds and sights of nature, in memory and imagination, in Word and in silence. Spiritual direction available. Admission €35 ❚ A DAY OF FRIENDSHIP & PRAYER - Wednesday 15th May An opportunity for members from various Christian churches to share prayer and fellowship. Guest speaker Fr Peter McVerry SJ, widely respected as a tireless advocate for social justice. Admission €25 ❚ PARISH MINISTRY DAY - Saturday 18th May A new event on Lough Derg to offer spiritual refreshment for those who give service to others in their parishes: readers, safeguarding personnel, parish pastoral and finance people, baptism and liturgy teams and so many others. Admission €45 Booking essential for Special Days. Welcome refreshments and light lunch served. Contact Lough Derg for full details - info@loughderg.org
PURCHASE A HERITAGE CARD & PURCHASE A HERITAGE CARD & EXPLORE IRELAND’S IRELAND’S WONDERFULHERITAGE HERITAGE EXPLORE Free Free admission admission more totomore
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Heritage Cards can be purchased: at participating heritage sites, by phone: 01- 647 6592 / Lo Call 1850- 600 601 by fax: 094- 937 3395
Full Fulldetails: details:www.heritageireland.ie www.heritageireland.ie
Days Out The magnificent 160 acre Lakeside Estate of Belvedere House, Gardens & Park boasts a fully restored Georgian Villa, built in 1740 by the famous Architect Richard Castles for Robert Rochfort, later Lord Belvedere (“The Wicked Earl”). The estate has a fascinating Victorian Walled Garden, with one of Ireland's finest collections of rare and special plants. The naturalistic designed 18th century parkland, punctuated with Romantic Follies includes the largest in Ireland; “The Jealous Wall”. Within the welcoming Visitor Services Centre is a Licensed Restaurant and Gift Shop and there are also 4 outdoor children’s play areas & many picnic areas on the estate. Whether you are part of a gardening group, historical society, active retirement association, family gathering or group of friends, a visit to Belvedere is a must. Tel: 044-9349060 Fax 044-9349002 Email: info@belvedere-house.ie Web: www.belvedere-house.ie Facebook: www.facebook.com/Belvedere-House-Gardens-Park
Plan your next day out in Mid Ulster Why not attend Mid Ulster District Council’s FREE Great Day’s Out fair for inspiration on planning your group’s next trip? The fair will take the hard work out of organising your days away, helping you to discover great new trip ideas and plan your itinerary, with Mid Ulster tourism attractions and activities showcased in one location to help you plan your Great Days Out. From heritage, history and archaeology, to grand manor houses or something more adventurous in the Great Outdoors,
this event promises to provide everything you will need to plan your next day out in Mid Ulster. For further information or to book your space call 048 8676 9949 or email Allison.OKeefe@midulstercouncil.org.
WHERE HISTORY & CULTURE LIVE ON Rediscover Russborough – rich with paintings collected by the Earls of Milltown and donated to the
COME VISIT US! Tel: + 353 (0)45 865239 Email: friedaoconnell@russborough.ie www.russborough.ie Sat Nav GPS: Lat 53.135517 | Long 6.572386
* Free Coach Park * €3 Car Park Location: 20 km from Dublin off the N81 and 4.5 km from Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Belvedere House, Gardens & Park Contact: Belvedere House Gardens & Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Tel: 044-9338960 info@belvedere-house.ie www.belvedere-house.ie www.facebook.com/Belvedere-House-Gardens-Park
Location: 5km south of Mullingar on N52 1hour from Dublin, M4/N4 Exit 15 Sat Nav: Latitude/Longitude 53.4761, - 7.3552
A Fascinating Estate to Visit This magnificent 160 acre Lakeside estate boasts a fully restored Georgian Villa built in 1740 by the famous Architect Richard Castles for Robert Rochfort – later Lord Belvedere. The estate has a fascinating Victorian Walled Garden, with one of Ireland's finest collections of rare and special plants. The naturalistic designed 18th century parkland, punctuated with Romantic Follies includes the largest in Ireland; “The Jealous Wall”. Within the welcoming Visitor Services Centre is a Licensed Restaurant and Gift Shop and there are also 4 outdoor children’s play areas & many picnic areas on the estate. Whether you are part of a gardening group, historical society, school tour, active retirement association, family gathering or group of friends, a visit to Belvedere is a superb day out with a difference.
Opening Times 7days a week all year round from 9.30am Seasonal closing times apply Admission Rates Adult €8. Student/Senior €6. Child €4. Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) €23. Each additional child €3. CaToCa Fine Food and Giftware Great food, great service, great location. Catering for all your special occasions and corporate events. www.catocafinefood.com Parking Free car parking available on site
Western Ways George Keegan on happenings along the Western Seaboard in travel , arts, food and entertainment
Foynes, Co Limerick, village of the flying boats
The museum was officially opened by Maureen O’Hara in July 1989 and has become one of the most successful visitor attractions in the country.
Foynes in Co.Limerick along the Wild Atlantic Way has been an important port and village for well over 160 years. Today it is still busy handling bulk container ships. However its main claim to fame began during the 1930s and into the 1940s when it became a base for air travel between the USA and Ireland and the only European Terminal for transatlantic flights. At that time aircraft were transporting both a large number of people and freight causing major headaches due to quantity of fuel required. There were few airports capable of having large planes land so flying boats became the preferred option. In 1937 the first of these aircraft landed at Foynes from Southampton in England and later that year another plane took off from Foynes bound for Newfoundland. This led in later years to the introduction of the famous Yankee Clipper aircraft. Twelve of these unique planes were built by Boeing for Pan American World Airways. All were constructed with luxury in mind for carrying the ultra rich from politicians to film stars and business people. Seats could be converted into overnight accommodation and there were lounge and dining areas plus top chefs working in the galley.The flight time between USA and Ireland was over 25 hours. In the years during World War 2 many well known personalities passed through the airport. Names such as Ernest Hemingway, John F Kennedy, Bob Hope and Humphrey Bogart among others were recorded. The final commercial flight from Foynes was in October 1945. Foynes is an attractive village situated along the River Shannon 37km from Limerick city. Visitor numbers are increasing every year as tourists 68 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
from around the world stop off to enjoy the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum set up to celebrate the history of the Terminal, the aircraft and River Shannon. The flying boat era It was in 1935 the Montreal Agreement was enacted by the governments of the USA, Canada, UK and the then Irish Free State that all transatlantic flights would land at an airport in Ireland when travelling East or West and Foynes was selected to became that terminal. The building used between 1937 and 1945 as the country’s first headquarters for aviation was the former Monteagle Arms hotel built in the 1860s on land which had been leased from the estate of the same name, becoming the first public bar and hotel in the village. Today this building houses the Flying Boat & Maritime Museum. The museum The museum was officially opened by Maureen O’Hara in July 1989 and has become one of the most successful visitor attractions in the country. Barry O’Kelly Operations and Records Manager of the museum points out that over 52,000 visitors come into the village which just 20 years ago had hardly any tourism at all. ‘When Hollywood movie star Maureen O’Hara stepped off a flying boat in Foynes with her husband Capt. Charles Blair in 1976. It was the beginning of a relationship that would last nearly forty years. An exhibition in the museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of Ireland’s most famous actress showcasing many of her prized possessions and memorabilia. These include the
Western Ways
Visitors can board a replica of the world’s only full size Boeing 314 Flying Boat, and test their pilot skills by flying the new Boeing 314 flight simulators.
Honorary Oscar she received in 2014. The museum also contains a cinema room screening a rolling film on her life encompassing her love of music, film and fashion’, Barry adds. There are exhibits and interactive displays for all the family to enjoy. Visitors can board a replica of the world’s only full size Boeing 314 Flying Boat, test their pilot skills by flying the new Boeing 314 flight simulators and enjoy a 3D holographic show re-enacting the night in 1943 when Irish coffee was invented. See the radio/weather room with original equipment and climb the control tower for panoramic views. The Maritime section tells the history of the river Shannon and the lives of those living there down the centuries. In 2017 the museum received the prestigious Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland ‘Best Museum Award’ and was again awarded a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor in 2018. Opening hours mid March –mid November, from 9.30am to 5pm. Birthplace of Irish Coffee To cater for an increasing number of International passengers arriving in Foynes a restaurant opened with Chef Joe Sheridan from Co.Tyrone in charge of the kitchen. One night Joe noticed people arriving cold and tired and he came up with the idea of serving up a hot coffee complete with some Irish whiskey and whipped cream on top. It became an immediate success, and was thereafter added to the restaurant menu - and of course the rest is history. The name of the restaurant was O’Regans which opened in 1943 operated by Co.Clare man Dr.Brendan O’Regan who had been appointed Catering Controller at the Flying Boat terminal having previously managed the St.Stephen Green Club in Dublin. On arrival he re-decorated the restaurant to create a strong Irish character and impress those arriving in Ireland for the first time. Later in life Dr.O’Regan established duty free shop at Shannon airport, set up the Hotel & Catering College in Shannon and was responsible for the restoration of Bunratty Castle and its medieval banquets. Today visitors can still enjoy freshly prepared lunches or have afternoon tea in the 1940s style setting of O’Regans restaurant. Other attractions close to Foynes Boyce’s Gardens: situated in Mountrenchard these prize winning gardens have been developed by the family. They have been specially designed to give colour all year round. There are rockeries, herbaceous 70 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
An exhibition in the museum is dedicated to preserving the memory of Maureen O’Hara, Ireland’s most famous actress showcasing many of her prized possessions and memorabilia. These include the Honorary Oscar she received in 2014.
borders, sunken garden, area with a fountain, rose garden, vegetable garden, glasshouse and conservatory and even a meditation area. Open daily May to October 10am – 6pm. Admission €5. Group rates available. Coillte Woodland: just 1km from Foynes with over 17 acres of mixed woodland along the banks of the Shannon. It is a small part of the Monteagle Estate. Some areas of the original 6,500 acre estate still exist in the form of carriage paths, stone walls and the lady’s Gate at the eastern end of the property. There is a picnic spot close to the parking area with specially designed table suitable for wheel chair users. At Poultallin Point its worth keeping an eye out for dolphins and otters. Knockpatrick Gardens: a privately owned farmhouse garden originally started in the 1920s and set into a hillside with many areas to explore including a wet area containing primulas, hostas and bamboos and a dry scree bed suitable for rock plants. The gardens also contain pools with water features and a variety of mature trees and shrubs. Open April-October from 9am to 6pm. Adults E6 and family E12. Note: Foynes is also quite close to the picturesque heritage town of Adare. Useful websites: www.flyingboatmuseum.com www.limerick.ie/discover/explore/areas.limerick/foynes.ie www.heritageisland.com/attractions/foynes-flying-boatmaritime-museum www.discoverireland.ie/arts-culture-heritage/knockpatrick-gardens www.discoverireland.ie/arts-culture-heritage/boyce-s-gardens www.coillte.ie/site/foynes www.wildatlanticway.com
Motoring
Renault’s revised crossover will ‘Captur’ your heart. Breda Corrigan tests the smallest ‘crossover’ SUV in the French maker’s range Stylish Looks; All models within the range enjoy the same stylish looks and the revisions bring the Captur right up-to-date in terms of kerb-appeal. Rivals to the new Renault Captur include the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, Citroen C4 Cactus, Dacia Duster, Fiat 500L, Mazda CX-3 and Ford EcoSport.
The wonderful Renault Captur is the smallest crossover/SUV in the French manufacturer’s range is one of its most popular cars. In fact, the Captur is the best-selling car in its class here in Ireland. This is a huge honour for Renault, as competition within the Compact SUV/ Small Crossover class is fierce. In order to keep the car at the top of the sales charts, Renault have recently updated the Captur by adding more standard specification to suit buyer’s demands, along with a lightly tweaked nose and more premium-like materials inside.
Based on Renault’s brilliant Clio platform, the new Captur benefits from a jacked-up suspension set-up and a raised driving position for added practicality and vision. As you would expect, the Captur offers more space than the Clio supermini and is an ideal compromise for families who find the Clio too small but aren’t ready to take the plunge into the next class of SUV. Thanks to a substantial array of customisation options, buyers can specify the new Captur to their own individual taste for total exclusivity. Engines and specifications The new Renault Captur is (as before) offered only with a five-door body-style, while four specification levels are available – Expression, Dynamique Nav, Signature X Nav and, the range-topping, Signature S Nav. Engine options include a 90bhp 3-cylinder, 0.9-litre petrol, badged Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 71
Motoring
Boot space in the new Captur is easy to access and a ‘false floor’ provides a safe hiding place for valuables or delicate items of shopping. The controls are generous and include: auto wipers, cruise control with speed limiter, FM/AM/DAB tuner, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free capability, USB and AUX ports, smartphone cradle, Hill Start Assist, hands-free keycard with push button start and stop function and air-conditioning, along with a host of other comfort, safety and security features
My ‘Signature X’ test included standard features such as 17inch Emotion alloy wheels with black inserts
‘Energy TCe 90’ and two 1.5-litre turbo-diesel’s offering 90bhp or 110bhp. The diesel engines are badged ‘Energy dCi 90’ or ‘Energy dCi 110’, with the lower-powered diesel engine available with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Test car My test car was a new Renault Captur Signature X Nav dCi 110 (sixspeed manual) and was finished in striking Desert Orange metallic paint with a contrasting Pearl Black roof. Standard specification across the range includes 16inch alloys with black inserts, ABS, EBD (Emergency Brake Assist), auto headlights, auto wipers, cruise control with speed limiter, FM/AM/DAB tuner, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free capability, USB and AUX ports, smartphone cradle, Hill Start Assist, hands-free keycard with push button start and stop function and air-conditioning, along with a host of other comfort, safety and security features. My ‘Signature X’ test car also included standard features such as 17inch Emotion alloy wheels with black inserts, automatic climate control with quick demist function and an air quality regulator, two-tone paint, front & rear parking sensors, ‘Grip Xtend’ advanced traction control system which includes mud and snow tyres, Renault’s R-LINK Multimedia system including a 7”inch touchscreen, TomTom LIVE Satellite Navigation system, reverse parking camera, auto folding door mirrors, leather steering wheel, full LED headlamps and dark-tint rear windows. The new Captur drives with the same poise and precision as the Clio upon which it is based, and feels as safe and confident on back roads as it does on motorways. Thanks to the Captur’s extra suspension travel, road imperfections are handled with ease and the cabin is a calm place to spend time in as a result. The new Captur’s interior feels well constructed and logically laid-out, while head and legroom are more than adequate for this type of vehicle. 72 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Excellent fuel economy The new Captur also excels in terms of fuel economy, with my test car capable of consuming as little as 3.9-litres of diesel for every 100km driven on a combined driving cycle. This figure rises slightly – to 4.4l/100km – with Renault’s automatic gearbox fitted. With the petrol-engine Captur capable of fuel consumption as low as 5.1l/100km, buyers can be guaranteed that low running costs come as part of the package with Renault’s new Captur in petrol or diesel guise. Annual road tax ranges between €180 and €200 depending on the engine chosen. Boot space in the new Captur is easy to access and a ‘false floor’ provides a safe hiding place for valuables or delicate items of shopping. With the false floor in place, the Captur benefits from 377-litres of space, 455-litres with the false floor removed and an impressive 1,235-litres with the rear seats folded. Pricing and verdict Overall, the new Renault Captur offers a classy and rugged crossover look with a smart and functional interior design. With prices starting from as little as €20,290 (ex-works), Renault’s new Captur is excellent value for money too. My ‘Signature X Nav’ test car specification is available from just €25,490 (ex-works). All new Renault cars and commercial vehicles come with a comprehensive 5-year/200,000km warranty for ultimate peace-of-mind motoring. The facts: Revised exterior and interior styling Petrol or diesel engines Manual or automatic Priced from €20,290 (ex-works)
Health
Climate change may cause widespread selenium deficiency
A Swiss team of scientists warn that changes in the climate and soil may lead to a decrease in the soil content of selenium, a micronutrient that is essential to human health. This is bound to affect Europe in particular, they say. Read about the report here and find out how organic selenium yeast can help you stay healthy.. An estimated one billion humans worldwide get too little selenium, a micronutrient that is essential to human health. Things may get worse, Swiss scientists warn, basing their assumption on climate-change models that reveal how shifts in climate and soil could reduce selenium levels in crops in the future.
Analyzed soil samples
The team of scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology conducted a thorough analysis of soil samples taken from 1994 to 2016, looking at how the selenium content in the top soil changed over time. By holding selenium levels in soil up against 26 environmental variables, the scientists were able to see how the selenium content would change until the end of the century.
Europe most affected
They assessed that selenium deficiency could be on the increase as climate changes lowered the selenium content in soil. About 66% of croplands would lose selenium, they report, guessing that agricultural areas of Europe and parts of the United States would be affected the most. This would add to the current situation where one in seven humans worldwide does not get enough of this vital nutrient.
Adding selenium to fertilizers
The big question is how we ensure that people around the world get enough selenium to maintain proper health. In Finland, the government introduced mandatory selenium-enrichment of fertilizers in the mid-80s as a way of increasing the selenium content in crops. That strategy actually improved the Finnish population’s selenium status. There are disadvantages of this method, however. Not all of the selenium that is added to the fertilizers gets absorbed by the plants, and since seleni-
um is scarce – science believes the global selenium reserves will be exhausted in less than 40 years from now – we may be better off with a strategy that makes better use of this limited resource.
Supplements may be better
A better approach could be to ingest tablets with organic selenium yeast, which is the selenium source that the body absorbs and utilizes the best. Pharma Nord’s organic selenium yeast (SelenoPrecise) can document that 88.7% of its selenium content gets absorbed, and 74% is retained in the body, which shows that it has good bioavailability.
Helped elderly stay healthy
A few years ago, Swedish scientists came out with a study showing that elderly people who took SelenoPrecise daily together with a supplement called Bio-Quinone Q10 were able to maintain their health more easily than those who were given a matching placebo. The study (KiSel-10) got published in the International Journal of Cardiology in 2013.
The selenium-dependent enzymes
Humans have 25-30 different selenium-dependent enzymes called selenoproteins, which cannot function properly without selenium. These selenoproteins are responsible for body functions such as: •
Immune defense
•
Thyroid function (metabolism)
•
Protection of cells
•
Reproduction (fertility)
We need a certain amount of selenium every day to saturate these selenoproteins and keep them in normal working order. There is an ongoing discussion about the exact amount needed to stay healthy, but most experts agree that it is somewhere around 70-100 micrograms per day, possibly slightly more. For more information – visit www.pharmarnord.com Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 73
Poetry Corner
Three poems by Dawn Staudt
Making Memories
How to Survive a Mid Life Crisis
Feel the moment don’t let it slip away! Treasure the love in each minute, each day. Notice the small things; keep them in your heart. Each little deed plays such a special part. For you see, each small act of thoughtfulness Builds in your heart a special tenderness. Each smile, each kiss each way they show they care Builds strength and love to hold when they’re not there. Tuck away the memories bright and clear... Each hour, each day and hold them so dear. Special times and very special places... Most of all, treasure the loving faces!
By Myra Litton
The Skellig Islands Triangle rocks rising from the sea, brother islands Off Ireland’s Bearra Peninsula, are moss covered haven To the many and varied birds that circle and nest on The barren craggy rocks called the Skellig Islands.
Each scent, each sight, each hug, and each warm night Can be there in your memory closed tight To open when you’re very old and grey. Hold each moment! Don’t let it slip away!
Long ago monks built their monastery here with Carved steps on the steep cliffs rising to the jagged peak, Where their spirits were at one with the souls of The eagles that soared high over the Skellig Islands.
The ones we love most won’t always be near. One day Time will take them away, I fear. But when they’re gone, you can recall each day Those precious gifts that didn’t slip away.
Centuries later, though more than a century ago now, Two lighthouses were crafted from the stone, along with Dwellings and sheds where families and goats were reared – But the cow fell off Skellig Island.
The Winter Artist Silently, so silently Sifting softly through the night, God prepared a gift for me To behold at morning's light. Silently this gift sat there With the stillness of a sketch. Simply done in black and white 'Twas a snow scene God had etched. Each and every tree branch, Whether bare or puffy pine, Was nearly all covered in white With the rest but a dark fine line. 'Twas as if He wanted me To notice His creation; Each and every detail Dusted in white decoration!
Triangle rocks rising from the sea look so wild and savage to me, Even from afar where I stand atop the mountain That overlooks the peninsula point where they are perched; They are the terrible beauty of God’s handiwork – Known as the Skellig Islands. Dawn Staudt was born New England but now lives in Drogheda. Dawn is secretary of Drogheda Writing Group and was one of 35 poets in the group’s Poetry Trail for the Fleadh Cheoil 2018 that decorated the centre of Drogheda last summer. She has had poems published in various newsletters and anthologies and published her first book in 2016, Songs of the Spirit and is currently working on her second.
God stopped the breeze in the trees To hold it all so, so still. 'Twas a wonder to behold "The White Winter" from God's quill. 74 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
If you would like to submit one or more poems (no more than three) for publication, email them with a short biography to: john@slp.ie Regrettably we cannot accept hand-written or type-written submissions
It’s a threat for some as big as Isis That is how to survive a mid-life crisis You once had an artillery of dreams Five year plans But they didn’t pan out Now, has-been and also ran You no longer tick off milestones with delight No, your body contains large amounts of cellulite Hair gone grey, you’ve lost youthful essence Heading towards Seniordom, light miles from adolescence A twenty three year old graduate can do everything you can do On a lower pay gradation Twenty five years older than they at graduation You tint your hair and have a non-surgical facelift In an attempt to airbrush the years But it doesn’t seem to make much difference And the invoice nearly moves you to tears A discreet tattoo may give you back your va-va-voom you think But at the swimming pool you get recoils of horror instead of a smile and a wink You try to keep up with the latest musical trends pretending you’re having a blast When secretly you listen to Easy Listening and James Last You take up with the local ‘bad boy’ and bit of rough to obtain some street cred But you can’t keep up with his boudoir manoeuvres And have to wear a face full of make up in bed You’re like Maggie May in that Rod Stewart classic And the ordeal of trying too hard is turning you into the ‘mad woman in the attic’ How to survive a mid-life crisis is a tough conundrum Sometimes it’s better to admit defeat, renounce the hair dye Settle for a life more hum-drum Forsake the open-top car, be true to yourself Show the world the way you are Myra Litton lives in London and is doing a range of creative writing courses online and has been published in Camden Lumen anthologies which has showcased famous and lesser known poets alike since 2014, the latest anthology out this summer.
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Creative Writing Eileen Casey
Pioneering project to revive Headford Lace Eileen Casey reports on the Headford Lace Project, a new anthology from the Tullamore Writers Group and the highly acclaimed Home to Cavendish published by
The Yeats embroidery Room in the 1880s. Lily Yeats worked with various embroidery groups, notably May Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. HLP is resonant of an embroidery initiative in Sligo, the annual Lily Lolly Craftfest, named after W B Yeats’ sisters, Lily and Elizabeth (‘Lolly’) Yeats.
From over 150 applicants to the Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture –Small Town, Big Ideas – Headford Lace Project (HLP) has been chosen to receive an award. And no wonder. The project began with a voluntary community-led initiative passionate to share the story of local lace-making thereby promoting such heritage as widely as possible. This vibrant community group continues to have clear aims: to research, revive and reimagine the story of Headford Lace. As with all good ideas, HLP evolved from an earlier pilot project called The Nesting Lark, a community event which brought local artists and community groups together to cheer up the town and rejuvenate Main Street. Visual artist Selma Makela collaborated with Headford Girls National School to install bird boxes along the street. Each one contained some element of the history and heritage of Headford. Naturally, lace was included in one of those bird boxes as the lace is part of the legacy from cottages on New Street, the row of houses known as Lacemakers’ Cottages.
As with all good stories, they may have small beginnings but leave a large impact. Bobbin lace is the type of lace that was worked in Headford. It’s created by hand with thread wound on bobbins made from wood or bone. The pattern or pricking is laid out on a pillow or cushion and held down with pins around which thread is woven.
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A small piece of bobbin lace made in Headford c1904 had been given to Headford crochet teacher Sandra Joyce by community member Mary McDonagh. That small piece of lace history had come from Headford Castle, the original home of the St George family. That small piece of bobbin gave a glimpse of a local craft that was introduced into the town of
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Creative Writing
Headford by Mrs St George, the local landlord’s wife, in the mid 1800s but which was now virtually lost due to neglect and the passing of time. When Mrs St George introduced lace making in the eighteenth century, she wanted to develop a new industry which might alleviate poverty. In 1845, the author of the illustrated Record and Descriptive Catalogue of the Dublin International Exhibition of 1865 stopped by Headford to observe the flourishing industry. He made the observation: ‘It was then like a hive of bees in summer, full of joy and activity and the hum and noise of industry. At some of the cottage doors were groups of neatly-dressed young girls, seated on low stools, their lace pillows on their laps; and while their fingers moved rapidly through the maze of bobbins, their voices filled the air further on, might be seen a couple of elderly women whose hands had not yet forgotten their cunning; working out intricate, if not graceful patterns.’ However, the Headford bobbin lace industry crumbled during the Great Famine of 1845 – 1852. In the 1911 census, evidence of lace still being made exists. Women such as Mary Burke in New Street and Ann Hogan and Ellen Keane on the Bog Road were listed as lacemakers. The making of lace may not have been as prolific as when Mrs St George first established the craft yet thanks to the efforts of women such as Burke, Hogan and Keane, it passed down the decades. Today, innovation is at work to keep focus on the making of this lace. One such focus is the Headford Lace Garden, a collaborative engagement with Headford Environment Group. The HLP has commissioned a park bench, the design of which is inspired by the lace. The bench is currently in production at Kilkee Forge and is funded by Galway County Council Facilities Scheme. A recent addition concerns the making of bonnets with Headford lace, bonnets which will
reflect the social history of women in the town from the 1700s right up to 1918. This social history is often ignored. The bonnets are being made for each one of the 32 woman who was either transported or given assisted transportation from Ireland in the 1800s to Tasmania and Australia. This attention to each individual woman creates a poignant record of that woman having existed, having lived and breathed and who travelled to Australia from Mountbellew Workhouse, Co. Galway on the ship Palestine. The Bonnet Project is closely aligned with ‘Roses from the Heart’ project, set up in 2018 by Dr Christina Henri, an artist affiliated to the University of Tasmania. Irish Roses – Bride Ship Lasses and the Roses from the Heart projects commemorate women given assisted transportation or were transported to Western Australia under Earl Grey’s Assisted Migration Scheme. Their passage was paid and they received some clothing. This option was considered cheaper than feeding them. These women became domestic servants and also, there was the likelihood of marriage as the ratio of men to women in Australia was 2:1. These orphan girls were transported to the far side of the world thereby escaping some of the worst poverty and deprivation in the aftermath of the Great Famine. The journey on the Palestine ship took five months. The process for researching these girls and what became of them began when a genealogist was contacted by someone trying to find their ancestors from The Palestine Girls. The records on the Irish side weren’t as good as the ones in Australia but nevertheless, the group who eventually formed to piece together this history, were able to bring descendants over to Mountbellow and retrace those poignant steps to the New World. An interesting observation made by one of the researchers is that her gut feeling is that the young women wanted to go, they wanted to leave behind
78 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
poverty and starvation, in the hopes of a better life. It is thanks to the efforts of HLP’s committee of ten that the story of the lace continues to grow and prosper, taking on new and interesting directions. Chaired by Ester Kiely, the committee meet once a month to come up with innovative ideas to promote Headford Lace and to engage with the local community. The committee organise lace teaching weekends which feature beginner bobbin lace classes, taught by Jackie Magnin, a bobbin lacemaker based in Cork. Guided walks through Headford culminate in the Lacemakers Cottages on New Street. The classes are so popular there is now a growing waiting list. Other lace featured events include a Vintage Lace Tea Party at the local town hall. The committee have also been involved at the Headford St Patrick’s Day Parade among other more localised events. HLP is resonant of an embroidery initiative in Sligo, the annual Lily Lolly Craftfest, named after W B Yeats’ sisters, Lily and Elizabeth (‘Lolly’) Yeats. Lily Yeats (1866-1949) was a famous designer and embroiderer who worked in England and Ireland. The competition is open to students from Home Economic courses in colleges throughout Ireland and is organised by St Angela’s College, Sligo. In the 1880’s Lily Yeats worked with various groups, notably May Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Her sister, ‘Lolly’ was a famous book designer and illustrator. The sisters achievements are best remembered by their involvement with the Dun Emer Guild which pioneered Arts and Crafts at the turn of the century. HLP can only grow and flourish. Already, international links with other lacemakers in Slovenia and the US have been established. The committee’s tireless work for the promotion of HLP ensures that there is always extensive coverage in Tuam Herald, Connacht Tribune, Galway Independent among others. HLP feature in the Journal of the Old Tuam Society.
Creative Writing
World Poetry Day event in Tallaght Finally, it will be my pleasure to introduce Platform One Writers at an event to celebrate World Poetry Day on 21st March, 2019. The event will take place in Tallaght Library between 6.30 pm and 8.00 pm. The library is right beside the Luas terminus and easily accessed by bus also. The evening aims to feature response poems to the work of Patrick Kavanagh and will include a musical interlude. All are welcome to attend what promises to be a lively showcasing of some of the finest writers working in South Dublin today.
Home to Cavendish published by Poolbeg Books Poolbeg Press have announced the publication of Home to Cavendish by debut novelist Antoinette Tyrrell. Set against the back-drop of an Anglo-Irish house in County Cork, the novel charts the stories of two of the house’s female inhabitants and how they shape their legacy through the upheaval of the Irish Civil War right through to the excess and corruption of the Celtic Tiger Years. Strong female characters are popular in literature. Who could ever forget Scarlet O’Hara (Gone with the Wind) or Madame Defarge (A Tale of Two Cities) and more recently, Daenerys Targaryen in ‘Game of Thrones’. Home to Cavendish has two female leads, Lady Edith Cavendish in 1922 and Elenore Stack in 2002. These two women are the bridge across which two tumultuous periods in Ireland’s history are delivered to the reader. The novel charts how the actions of a privileged few impacted the lives of the generations that followed. As with Tara in Gone with the Wind, at the heart of Tyrrell’s novel is Cavendish Hall, the stately home which links the lives and histories of Edith and Elenore. Home to Cavendish was launched in Midland Books, Tullamore, on 7th February last. Already, it’s proving popular with readers of historical fiction and clearly, is a novel that will stand the test of time. On the inspiration for the book, Antoinette Tyrrell says, ‘Ireland’s big houses have always held a fascination for me. These tiny, island states, had at one point in our history, the power to employ or not, feed or starve, house or evict entire communities.’ Ultimately, it’s the human stories behind such a façade which engage readers, stories of ‘Lords, ladies, housemaids, butlers, stable-boys and gillies; secret doors, leading to hidden passage-ways where dark deeds play out unnoticed.’
Wordsmiths Tullamore Creative Writers Group publish debut anthology
Staying with Midland events, it’s good to feature a vibrant writing group from the ‘home’ county. A Tullamore Creative Writers’ Group, ‘Wordsmiths’, have just published their debut anthology entitled Whisperings. This group are organised and structured, how a good writing group should operate. Their aims are clear: to encourage each other, give positive feedback, organise events to promote the group’s advancement through literature and finally, to individually and collectively strive towards publication of their work. Whisperings comes courtesy of thirteen writers in a compilation of memoir, stories and poetry. The publication is self-financed and makes for a handsome addition to libraries of those who enjoy rich and varied anthologies. Dermot Bolger, well known novelist, had an article in The Irish Times some years ago where he said that these anthologies were always worthwhile purely because one never knows who will go on to stand the test of time. Whisperings can be purchased directly from ‘Wordsmiths’ via secretary Lorraine Dormer, lorr@eircom.net (087 625 7475/0579361149).
80 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
FOUR COPIES OF HOME TO CAVENDISH TO BE WON!
Senior Times, in association with Poolbeg Press, is offering four copies of Home to Cavendish as prizes. To enter simply answer this question: where was Home to Cavendish launched? Send your entries to Home To Cavendish Competition, Senior Times, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Or email to: john@slp.ie The first four correct entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is 20th April 2019. Home to Cavendish is available in all good bookshops at €15.99 ISBN: 9781781997727. Author interviews or further information about this novel can be obtained via contact with Poolbeg Press on 01-8063825 or email: caroline@poolbeg.com
transport for all
Mobility Scooter Permit To travel on Dublin Bus with your mobility scooter you must have a permit. This is because some mobility scooters are too big to fit on Dublin Bus buses. To find out if your scooter is the correct size, contact our travel assistant, who will check your scooter to see if it will fit on to the bus. They will also give you some helpful tips on bus travel. To contact the travel assistant email travelassist@dublinbus.ie Phone 01 7033204
Northern
By Debbie Orme
Notes
Ruth The Flying Swan Doctor More and more people, it would seem, are having mid-life career changes. Often fed up with the humdrum nature of their work, many people are eschewing middle age to take their lives down a new path. Fortunately, well-known and multi-award-winning pharmacist, Dr Ruth Miller-Anderson has a career that she loves, but is also choosing middle age as the time to follow another of her great loves in life and become a life coach. In addition to her work at the top of the pharmacy profession in Northern Ireland, Ruth has established herself as The Swan Doctor – and with good reason! ‘I think that, in today’s world, there are so many people out there who are trying to glide through life looking graceful and totally in control,’ Ruth told Northern Notes, ‘but underneath they’re paddling like mad!’ Ruth knows exactly what she is talking about, having found herself in that position some years ago. ‘I’m known for always being immaculately dressed with my make-up in place,’ she continues, ‘but a few years ago my appearance became my ‘mask’. For more than 20 years, my career path had taken me through multiple settings and directions. ‘I’d initially worked in community pharmacy, but my interest in research led to me doing a PhD at Queen’s University Belfast, where I subsequently became a lecturer. Unfortunately, at that point, things went a little awry – to put it mildly! ‘Within a short period of time, I went through a difficult divorce, faced financial ruin and literally didn’t know how I was going to get through another day. I was in the wrong place and at the wrong time. Fortunately, I got through this horrendous period with the help and support of family and friends and a life coach, who introduced to skills that I could use to sort myself out and also to an outlook on life that I had never encountered before. The tools that she provided me with got me through difficult times and I emerged from this period a much stronger person.’ This period of her life coincided with a change in career direction, which included working with GP practices, and a move into self-employment and business. In 2010, she diversified once again into hospital pharmacy in 2010 and became an associate of the Ulster University. Determined to get through this challenging time for the sake of her daughter, and to stay strong and focused, Ruth turned to life coaching so that she could help others, who found themselves in the same situation as she had been. ‘My interest and passion for personal development had led to me starting to blog about my career and life experiences and in order to 82 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Ruth Millar-Anderson
separate my blogging from my pharmacy careers, I created my ‘alter ego’: The Swan Doctor. ‘The emotional response to my story on my blog was well received and I was amazed at the number of people, who contacted me as a result of reading it, and who said ‘I could really identify with you’. My story seemed to give them hope that they could create fulfilment and success in their own lives and so my second career was born! Now, in addition to working in the Department of Health in Northern Ireland, leading on a new policy for the integration of pharmacy services, I’m able to help others to become graceful and contented professional ‘swans’.’ Now happily married for a second time and enjoying life in Mid-Ulster with her husband, Alan, and daughter Sophie, Ruth admits to being the happiest she has been in years. ‘I’ve learned a lot through having to cope with many of the challenges life has thrown onto my path and my aim now is, via blogging and coaching, to also help others find that inner peace. Life is a never-ending journey and it won’t always be a smooth one, but, as Sophia Bush said, ‘You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously’, and I firmly believe that.’ theswandoctor.com
Northern Notes
Toome woman marks 30th anniversary of Kegworth It’s hard to believe that it’s been 30 years since the British Midland flight crashed outside Kegworth. In the space of a few minutes, the lives of many of those on board were either lost or irreparably changed forever. But it wasn’t just the lives of those on board that fateful flight that were so overwhelmingly altered. Twenty-year-old Toomebridge woman, Yvonne McCoy, may have been at home that night, but her life was never to be the same again. Yvonne’s 16-year-old brother, Stephen, was critically injured in the crash, and, since then, Yvonne has dedicated her life to nursing him full-time. ‘When Kegworth happened,’ says Yvonne, ‘I was working as a nursing auxiliary in an old people’s home, but, once Stephen was eventually allowed home, I gave up my job to care for him.’ Stephen’s injuries were horrific. As a result of the crash, he is now paralysed down one side of his body, and Yvonne spends twelve hours each day washing and dressing him, preparing his meals, ensuring that he gets the correct medication at the right time, and overseeing his physiotherapy in a purpose-built exercise time. At the moment, Stephen is cared for during the night by his parents Rose and Idris, but the fact that her parents are now in their late 70s means that Yvonne accepts that she will, at some point in the near future, have to move back into their family home to provide Stephen with round-the-clock care. Nevertheless, despite the sacrifices that Yvonne has made for the last 30 years in terms of her career etc, this bubbly 50-year-old doesn’t regret a moment of it.
Stephen and Yvonne McCoy
A typical day for Yvonne now involves her arriving at the family home around 10am to get Stephen up and dressed for half past ten. She’ll then stay with him until she puts him to bed at 9.30pm every day of the week. ‘I’m lucky in that Stephen is great company,’ she says. ‘He has been through so much but he still manages to brighten up a room with his smile and his antics,’ she laughs. The fact that she finishes at half nine every night means that Yvonne still manages to enjoy a good social life, joining friends on nights out for a meal or a trip to the cinema. ‘We all know that Stephen faces a long road ahead,’ she says. ‘Stephen was on the TV recently in a documentary about him trying to walk again using a robotic exoskeleton. We have had such a great response since the programme went out and we’ve all been blown away – particularly Stephen – by the amount of letters from people, who have wished him well. One woman even came to our door with a box of chocolates for him and a bouquet of flowers for me! That was so lovely!’
‘What I’ve done is what anyone would have done in a similar situation,’ she says cheerily. ‘The simple fact is that, as long as there’s a breath in our bodies, we’ll look after Stephen. We’re just so glad to still have him with us.’ It’s clear to see that there’s a special bond between Stephen and Yvonne. ‘You have to remember,’ she continues, ‘that Stephen didn’t ask to be in this position. We just have to make life the best that we can for him.’ Senior Times l March April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 83
Northern Notes
Poignant service marks 66th anniversary of sea tragedy
Councillor Millar and other dignitaries lay their wreaths.
A commemoration service has been held in Larne to mark the 66th anniversary of the MV Princess Victoria ferry disaster. Among those in attendance at the poignant memorial on Thursday 31 January were the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Lindsay Millar and other councillors and special guests. Family members of those, who lost their lives in the tragedy, also laid wreaths at the memorial. More than 130 people perished when the vessel sank between Larne and Stranraer in January 1953. Despite the valiant efforts of her crew, lifeboat men and other seafarers, the Princess Victoria foundered off the coast of Northern Ireland, within sight of the Copeland Islands near the entrance to Belfast Lough. Some 177 people were on board including 49 members of crew, with the disaster claiming the lives of 134 people. All women and children on board were lost in this tragedy. ‘This is the 66th anniversary of this devastating tragedy which had a huge impact on Larne,’ said Councillor Millar, ‘with 27 of the victims being from the town. Over six decades has passed but the pain and loss is still felt by so many people from the area who lost loved ones in the disaster.’
The author of Death In The North Channel: The Loss Of The Princess Victoria, Stephen Cameron, described the 1953 disaster as a “generation’s Titanic”.
Calling all small visitor attractions A competition to find Northern Ireland’s Best Small Visitor Attraction is now open to applications. Operators across the province are encouraged to take part - with £30,000 of free marketing support and brand visibility at George Best Belfast City Airport on offer to the winner! The competition is open to visitor attractions and experiences with an annual footfall of less than 100,000. The prize will include £20,000 of branding on site at Belfast City Airport, which welcomes approximately 2.6m passengers each year, and £10,000 of online support through the airport’s digital channels. To take part in the competition, attractions should submit their entries via email to Naomi@lighthouseni.com by Friday 1 March 2019, with the relevant Council then selecting a shortlist of three attractions to progress to the next stage of the competition. The chosen attractions will feature on the airport’s Facebook page, with the most popular from each council progressing to the final which will see a judging panel visit, experience and score each of the attractions.
From left, Katy Best, Belfast City Airport’s Commercial Director; John McGrillen, Tourism NI’s Chief Executive; and Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Lord Mayor of Belfast City Council.
‘We are thrilled to have partnered with Belfast City Airport for what I’m sure will be a very successful initiative,’ said Tourism NI’s Chief Executive, John McGrillen. ‘This is a superb opportunity for the smaller attractions in Northern Ireland that most likely don’t have extensive mar
keting budgets. Our focus is on encouraging visitors to extend their stay in the region, and this competition should raise awareness of the huge choice of attractions and experiences visitors have when they arrive in Northern Ireland.’
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Wine World
Wine from Italy will impress if you choose carefully Mairead Robinson picks out an Italian gem.
Prosecco has been growing in favour with consumers for many years now, since the socalled ‘boom’ in fact, and it is showing no signs of loosing that popularity. While sweet cheap Prosecco is pretty awful, and indeed very bad for your teeth, dry Spumante can be excellent and I always recommend a good bottle or two to have for celebratory occasions. Stock up when you see special offers in your local supermarket or off-licence. But this month it is not sparkling we are looking at, but at what else Italy is producing, besides cheap Chianti, which we seem to have too much of on our supermarket shelves.
Interestingly, in contrast to France where large tracts of land are unsuitable for wine-growing, vines thrive throughout Italy, from the Alpine north all the way to the hot little island of Pantelleria, close to the shores of Tunisia. Many wine connoisseurs hold that Italy’s greatest red wines rival the quality of the best Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhone reds. However in my experience we rarely get to taste these here, even if you can find them, on the average Irish person’s wine budget, and it is only on a visit to Italy that we have the opportunity to taste some great wines that don’t actually cost the earth. Italy’s white wines however are generally
deemed less memorable, although I enjoyed some beautiful Italian Chardonnay on a recent trip to Como. But Italy does have a greater profusion of grape varieties than any other European nation, and there is great diversity between wines grown in the North of the country which is mostly mountainous, Central Italy where the great Tuscan reds hail from, and the rich dark deep red wines that come from Southern Italy. But it is to the north of Italy that we are going this time, to check out those excellent Bordeaux blends that really impress the wine
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Wine World connoisseur. Tenuta San Leonardo is an estate of historical significance, located in the Lagarina Valley in Trentino. More than 1000 years ago, it was a monastery but for over 3 centuries now San Leonardo has served as the residence of the Marquis Guerrieri Gonzaga family, its proud custodians. Today, the San Leonardo estate is a garden of vineyards and roses, protected by the massive barrier of the Alps, which blunt the force of the cold northern winds, while the valley floor benefits from, and in turn releases, warmth from nearby Lake Garda. The Tenuta remains an ancient world, in which winemaking practices, still uncompromisingly artisanal, yield wines that are true gems of Italy’s wine tradition, marked by freshness, harmony and an innate elegance. The perimeter of today’s estate, which extends to 300 hectares, coincides with that of the original property. Its owners , the Marquis Guerrieri Gonzaga, have managed it since the 18th century, looking back on centuries of uninterrupted wine-growing, a tradition that is still reflected in every corner of this village-like estate enclosed by ancient walls. At the end of 2018, San Leonardo were certified by the BWA – Biodiversity World Association. The two wines I recommend that are available here in Ireland are the Terre di San Leonardo 2014 which is a beautifully smooth red made with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 10% Carmenere. The white is an aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, Vette 2017.
Win a bottle of Graham Norton gin
Graham Norton has done it again! After the success of his red and white wines, he came up with some stunning Prosecco last year, and now he has just launched his own gin! Graham Norton Premium Gin of West Cork is a real hit amongst us lovers of craft gin – it is infused with Fuchsia Petals, gooseberries and rosehip together with twelve botanicals to give a distinctive taste as distinctive as the man himself! ‘Great gin is a starting point. Add the right mixers, a favourite glass and a friend or two and you’ve a recipe for something very special indeed’. Graham Norton Gin is available exclusively in Super Valu. We have a bottle to give away, so if you would like to taste this latest addition to Graham Norton’s wine and spirit collection, just email me the answer to this question:What town in Ireland does Graham Norton come from? Answers to mairead.seniorbeauty@gmail.com Deadline for receipt of entries is 25th April 2019. The first correct entry drawn is the winner 86 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
Meeting Place UK MALE MID-60s, Irish descent and a regular visitor to Ireland. Semi-retired professional, single, never married, no children. Presentable, romantic, affectionate, positive outlook, GSOH, NS. Interests include travel, the great outdoors, current affairs and sport. WLTM lady for romance, travel and shared adventures. Any area, age or status – all replies answered. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E1 NORTH CO DUBLIN LADY, 65, widow, considered attractive, blonde, 5ft 5in, medium build. WLTM nice gentleman of similar age and situation for friendship/relationship. Interests include reading, music, cinema, dining out occasionally and love walking. Caring with a positive attitude and GSOH. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E2 HAPPY DUBLIN MAN 60s, never married, country origins. Respectful, joyful, caring. Interests include watercolour painting, walking. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E3 RETIRED CO MEATH PROFESSIONAL LADY, 80, widow, GSOH, seeks a warm and friendly educated gent for friendship and companionship, preferably from midlands. Age range 75-80. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E4 SOUTH DUBLIN GENT, MID 60s, retired public servant, height 180cm, medium build, good appearance. GSOH. NS, SD, healthy lifestyle. Interests include ballroom dancing, music (play instruments), current affairs, travel at home and abroad, eating out, cinema, concerts, bridge, reading, gardening, walking sport. WLTM cheerful lady nid-50s to late 60s to share some interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E5 YOUNG-LOOKING DUBLIN MAN, 65, 5ft 9in, NS, SD. Slim, likes to keep fit. Enjoy reading, walking, dining out and current affairs. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E6 LITHUANIAN WOMAN, 57, LIVING IN CAVAN, 5ft 6in, NS, ND, WLTM sincere gent aged 60 or more, willing to move if necessary. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E7 DUBLIN GENT, YOUNG 65, never married, 5ft 6in, medium build, NS, retired, kind and caring, good company, very approachable. Interests include outdoors, walking, reading, yoga, music, countryside, travel. WLTM lady 55-65 for friendship, possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E8 NORTHSIDE DUBLIN WOMAN, 60s, with some hearing difficulties WLTM a genuine single/widowed gentleman late 60s, early 70s. NS, SD. Recently retired from civil service. Country origins from farming background, no ties, loves country life, reading, art, traditional and classical music. Would like to share life with someone who values the simple pleasures
common interests who is similarly seeking friendship, companionship and perhaps a lasting relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C4
and joys of everyday life; Midlands/Dublin preferable. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E9 RETIRED DUBLIN WIDOWER, 60s, NS, SD, GSOH. Interests include swimming, theatre, travel, current affairs, (living the days instead of counting the years). WLTM lady late 50s-early 60s with similar interests for friendship and let’s see how it goes. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E10 PETITE SOUTH DUBLIN BRUNETTE, 50ish, with soft brown eyes, WLTM affectionate gentleman for friendship who knows how to treat a lady. Must be interested in ballroom/jive/salsa, theatre, cinema, walking and travel, REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E11 UK CATHOLIC LADY LIVING IN CORK, married with family. Interests include dressmaking, crafts, reading (especially religious titles). WLTM other ladies for coffee and friendship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E12 CHEERFUL MAN, 60s, LIVING IN DUBLIN but country origins, never married. Joyful, retired, positive, sincere, healthy, respectful. Regular walker, landscape painter, seeks romantic permanent relationship with interesting lady. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E13 DUBLIN FEMALE 65, 5ft 3in, slim, relaxed outlook, young at heart, would love to feel happier. Interests include social dancing, history, genealogy. WLTM a genuine man to enjoy the usual things such as eating out, cinema, theatre. Looking for someone easy to talk to, have fun and bring a little anticipation and spark into life. REPLY TO BOX NUMBDER E14 NORTH DUBLIN MALE, 80, looks years younger, widower, NS, SD, no ties, medium height, WLTM lady for friendship/relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C1
SLIM, LAOIS-BASED FEMALE, 52, SELF-EMPLOYED, well-travelled, seeks respectable gent, 50-60, for companionship. I’m 5ft 7in, attractive, single with no children. My Interests include walking, swimming, weekends away, yoga, meditation and social dancing. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C5 NORTH MIDLANDS GENTLEMAN, LATE 60s, NS, SD, kind, caring and considerate with GSOH, likes country music, dancing, gardening, eating out and weekends away. WLTM a mature, romantic lady who values the simple things in life, aged 55-65 for lasting relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C6 NORTHSIDE DUBLIN FEMALE looking to meet males or females for trips away at home and Europe. Age range 65-75 REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C7 DO YOU LIKE TO SOCIALISE? If so let’s stay vibrant with an enthusiastic group of friends by creating a singles group for Limerick and surrounding counties. Activities could include theatre, eating out, days away, walking trips etc. Your contact and input welcome. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C8 TRAVEL COMPANIONS. Would you like to join a newly formed broadly based geographically SOLO group interested in travel? (At home and abroad). Would include theatre trips, walking/hiking holidays etc. Your input would be welcome. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C9 ARE YOU THAT ‘SPECIAL LADY’? You replied to my advert B1 in the last issue of Senior Times but you did not leave your contact details. Look forward to hearing from you! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C10
DUBLIN LADY, 65, RETIRED, WLTM respectful gentleman with similar interests which include cinema, history, reading and travel. Interested in friendship and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C2 ROMANTIC CO DUBLIN MALE, LATE 70s, WLTM nice lady 50s-60s with romance in mind. Interest include cinema, theatre, current affairs and coffees for a chat. Young at heart and good sense of humour. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C3
SOUTHSIDE DUBLIN GENT, 65, NS, SD, caring, romantic, sincere. Interests include reading, writing, travel, eating out and cinema. WLTM lady of similar age and interests for friendship and possible relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C11 RETIRED DOCTOR, WIDOWER, 60s, NORTHSIDE DUBLIN. Interests include travelling, walking, golf, cinema and eating out. WLTM lady with similar interests. REPLY TO BOXC NUMBER C12
SOUTH CO DUBLIN LADY, MID 50s, NS, SD, happy, easy going, GSOH. Interests include nature, animals, dogs, theatre, outings, concerts, afternoon tea, dining out. I lead a very busy life but there is room to share quality room with a decent, kind, intelligent gentleman 55-60 with
MIDLANDS LADY 60s EDUCATED, honest and considerate, loves life, chats, laughs, current affairs, music and travel. WLTM a tall gent, preferably 50s to 60s for good times and relationship. Its now or never! So if you are that
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special person I would like to hear from you! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C13 DUBLIN BUSINESSMAN, SEMI-RETIRED, LATE 60s. NS, tall, medium build, kind, considerate, good manner, good appearance, many interests. Would like to invite into my life a special, kind, interesting, romantic, affectionate, mature woman who like me is fed up with airports and would be available for trips and short breaks exploring places of interest in Ireland. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B1 YOUNG LOOKING DUBLIN WOMAN, 60, looking for a kind and honest 60-65 man to enjoy the simple things of life with. Interests include dining out, cinema and walking. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B2 DUBLIN MAN, YOUNG 72, likes the simple things in life, a joke and the craic. Seeks a similar broadminded woman to spend time with and see how it goes. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B3 KERRY LADY, 50, TALL, SLIM, well-travelled and sincere, no children. Interests include walking, reading, theatre, concerts, museums, history, pets, gardening, Sunday drives and lazy coffee mornings. NS, SD, GSOH. WLTM kind hearted, warm, sincere gentleman to share and enjoy life with. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B4 SEPARATED CO LOUTH LADY, 61, WLTM men or women for social friendship, cinema, meals out, concerts etc. Age group 58-65. NS. Interested in those from Louth, Monaghan and Dublin. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B5 CO DUBLIN KIWI/IRISH LADY, late 50s. NS, GSOH, positive outlook, kind, trustworthy. Enjoys walking, travelling, rugby. WLTM a gentleman for friendship, possible serious long term relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B6 NORTH DUBLIN MALE, 80, looks years younger. Widower, no ties, NS, medium height. WLTM lady for friendship/relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B7 MEATH WOMAN, 50s, recently divorced, good looking, glamorous, vivacious, works in Dublin, no ties, travel a lot. WLTM educated, genuine, attractive male, 50s, for chat, friendship, possible travel companion. Loves outdoors, fine wine, weekends at home and away. Online not for me. Independent males only! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B8 RETIRED MIDLANDS GENTLEMAN WLTM interesting lady for friendship and travel. Likes travel, fishing, gardening, current affairs, politics and sports. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B9 LATIN CO CLARE LADY, 65, WLTM my other half. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B10
MATURE, CHEERFUL, UNASSUMING compassionate, personable, warm lady, retired professional. WLTM educated, refined gent. 75 plus, for friendship and companionship, preferably from Midlands. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B12 WEXFORD MAN, LATE 60s. Interests include reading, walking, cooking, current affairs and gardening. WLTM lady for friendship/relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B13 ATTRACTIVE RETIRED CO LIMERICK WOMAN, 60s, WLTM cheerful, friendly, commonsense male companion to share leisurely walking, holidays, laughter etc. NS. Based on Kerry border. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B14 NORTHSIDE DUBLIN MAN, romantic, discreet, broadminded WLTM lady 50s to 60s. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B16 TALL, SLIM, ATTRACTIVE CORK FEMALE, friendly Leo, 50s, WLTM Mr. Motivator, someone who wants to start to live and enjoy life again. Interests include eating out, social drinks, music, concerts, theatre, travel, walking and much more. Must be loving and kind. GSOH essential, with positive outlook and a nice smile. Can’t wait! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A1 DUBLIN MALE, 69, loves a non-hurried pace of life, WLTM a loving, caring female to share and enjoy retirement years. Looking for my soul mate and soul mates don’t have to live together. Ideally age range 65-75. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A2 ATTRACTIVE, TALL, MEATH LADY, 62, educated, kind and caring. Interests include walking, theatre, eating out, current affairs, music and travel. WLTM a loving, caring, genuine gent to share interests and good times together. Preferable age range 50s to 60s. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A4 WEST MEATH BASED ENGLISHMAN, 79, WEST widower, NS, SD. Interests include driving, reading, pets, sport, all types of music. Keen sense of humour, WLTM a lady of similar age and interests for friendship and companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A5 ACTIVE, RETIRED CO LIMERICK WOMAN, CHEERFUL and chatty seeks friendly male companion to share days out, holidays and enjoy life. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A6 SOUTH DUBLIN PROFESSIONAL GENT, late 60s, NS, 5ft 11in, medium build, kind, considerate, private, good appearance, good manners and respectful, easy going. Interests include the arts, cinema, music, reading. Would like to invite into my life a special, kind, thoughtful, funny and true, romantic, affectionate mature woman who is available for trips and short breaks to explore places of interest in our beautiful country. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A7
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RETIRED TIPPERARY PROFESSIONAL LADY seeks Mr Right. Attractive, healthy, slim young 60s nurse, no family. NS ND RC. Outgoing, sincere, calm, caring. GSOH. Interests include music, drama, walking, concerts. WLTM educated, kind, caring gent, early to late sixties for companionship, friendship with a view to marriage. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R1 DUBLIN GENT 65, sincere, caring honest, great company, GSOH. Interests include reading, writing, eating out, cinema, walking and sports. WLTM with good sense of humour with similar interests for long term relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER R2 SINCERE, CARING, TRUSTWORTHY, VIVACIOUS lady from North East, retired professional, young in outlook, nice disposition. Interests include reading, theatre, walking, current affairs, seeks a warm, friendly gent for chats and friendship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H1 SOUTHSIDE DUBLIN MAN, 60, seeks pen friends of either ex. Interests include sport, reading, cycling, wildlife, music. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H2 SOUTH COUNTY DUBLIN WOMAN, 60s seeks male and female companions who like to travel by rail in Ireland, on short visits abroad and explore various cultural attractions in our cities. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H3 NORTH COUNTY DUBLIN GENT in his 80s but thinks and acts younger, well educated and travelled. NS, SD. Lives alone in a large house. WLTM a lady that would fit into that background, Age, nationality and creed irrelevant but GSOH would be helpful. Initially for meals, chats and some travel, but who knows. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H4 YOUNG LOOKING SOUTH SIDE DUBLIN LADY, tall and elegant, late fifties, former model and Rose of Dublin. Interests include nature and animals, theatre, concerts, eating out. WLTM a kind gent 55-60 common interests who is similarly seeking companionship and perhaps a lasting relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H5 GALWAY GENT, 55, WLTM lady aged from 50-75 for companionship and perhaps relationship. Interests include sport, keep fit, music and reading. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H6 SEMI RETIRED, PROFESSIONAL CORK LADY 60s, single, vivacious, sincere, thoughtful, good appearance and spiritual. Enjoys good conversion, sport, music, drama, history, exploring new cultures, the arts. WLTM educated, refined gent, single or widowed to share this wonderful life. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H7 TALL, FIT DUBLIN MALE, 69, no ties, NS, SD, GSOH. Would love to meet that special lady for friendship, relationship long term. ALA. Interests include walking driving, cinema, theatre, dining out, and music. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H8
SOUTH EAST LADY, 60, enjoys classical concerts, reading, writing, crafting, crosswords. Would enjoy the friendship of a gent who is caring, genuine and financially secure. Let’s see how it goes. NS, SD, GSOH. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H9
Meeting Place Travel Buddies get-together in Galway
ATHLETIC, YOUNG BLACK GUY FROM GHANA, late thirties, living in England. NS, SD, GSOH. WLTM mature, hard-working, open minded lady for friendship and perhaps more. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H10 CLARE MAN, SINGLE, EARLY 60s, semi-retired, genuine, kind and caring. Loves traditional and country and western music. SD, NS. WLTM single or widowed lady late 50s with same interests to share life in a loving relationship. Ideally from the Clare/Galway/Limerick area. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H11 CHEERFUL LEINSTER MALE MID 50s, no ties, romantic and effervescent with a playful and fun frame of mind. A gent who enjoys life and is open to new ideas. Enjoy many sports, concerts, current affairs and much more. WLTM a broadminded lady, 50s to 60s, with similar or other interests. Let’s see how it goes. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H12 CO MEATH ACTIVE, WIDOW, RETIRED TEACHER, 79, friendly amicable, GSOH seeks a gent, 70s/80s preferably from Leinster for friendship and companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H13 HAPPY GO LUCKY VEGETARIAN DUBLIN GENT, interested in the holistic side of life, NS. Seeks lady for great adventures. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H14 MID 60s DUBLIN LADY WLTM man with a positive outlook for friendship/relationship. Interests include travel, cinema, cooking, dining out. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H15 KILDARE LADY, 64, SLIM AND ATTRACTIVE WLTM kind man to share retirement years. Must be caring and enjoy life. I enjoy good movies, good banter and travel. GSOH. Life is better shared so lets bring a new journey to cross items off the bucket list! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H16 SINGLE WOMAN NEVER MARRIED, 60s, lives near Dublin. WLTM genuine man for dining and possible travel. I’m tall, told I’m attractive. NS REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H17
Some Members of the 'Travel Buddies' group, which was formed a result of an advertisement in Meeting Place, who enjoyed a recent get together in the Park House Hotel. Galway. Planned is a Spring week end in Ireland and an overseas trip at a later date. New members, male or female are welcomed. If you are interested in joining reply to: Box Number H21 ATTENTION BOX A2! Did you submit the following advertisement, if so you did not include your postal address to forward replies and we have several replies DUBLIN MALE, 69, loves a non-hurried pace of life, WLTM a loving, caring female to share and enjoy retirement years. Looking for my soul mate and soul mates don’t have to live together. Ideally age range 65-75. Send your postal address to Senior times or email john@slp.ie
ACTIVE SOUTH DUBLIN WIDOWER, LATE 70s, refined, smart appearance, well-mannered, thoughtful, easy going. WLTM a lady of similar status for companionship, travel, car trips, dancing, soirees, nice wine, bridge and fun. I am 5ft 10in, medium build with a happy outlook on life. Get in touch please. REPLY T0 BOX NUMBER H18 GENUINE GALWAY LADY LATE 50s, unmarried, amicable, considerate. Interests include choral singing, walking, personal development. WLTM kind, decent man of similar age for chats, laughs, romance. It could be you! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER H19 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, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. Or email: john@slp.ie
IMPORTANT Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live, noting your interests. The advertisement should not be more than 60 words. If you are replying to the advertisement via Senior Time’s email, ensure you include your postal address for those not on the Net. (Only Senior Times will have these details). Deadline for receipt of advertisements for the next issue is 25th April . TO REPLY TO AN ADVERTISEMENT Each reply to an advertisement should be enclosed in a plain, stamped envelope, with the box number marked in pencil so that it can be erased before being forwarded to the advertiser. Send these envelopes in a covering envelope to the address , above, so that we can forward them to the advertiser. There is no limit to the amount of advertisements to which you can reply, provided each one is contained in a plain, stamped envelope. Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live. For those submitting their advertisements by email ensure that you also supply Senior Times with your postal address so that we can post replies from those who have replied by post. (Only Senior Times will have your postal address).
Competition results from last issue GUESS THE YEAR Page 30 1962
Crossword - Three copies of Doctor on a Diet by Dr Paula Gilvarry, published by Gill Books:
Break for one or two people at The Rose Hotel, Tralee Karen Cullen, Enniscorthy
John Clune, Drogeheda Mary Doherty, Bundoran Anne Gillick, Dublin 5 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 89
Culture
Maretta Dillon previews what’s on in the arts around the country in the next few months
Celine Byrne sings the lead in the perennial Puccini tear-jerker Madam Butterfly
Butterfly lands again in Dublin and Cork Some interesting stuff coming up in the world of theatre in the next few months. Sonya Kelly, creator of The Wheelchair on my Face, brings a light-hearted gaze at perceptions and possessions in Furniture. Told through the lives of six individuals, this fresh comedy looks at how the things we own shape our worldview and even ourselves. As she wryly notes, 'Furniture is not sentimental. You can love it, but it won't remember who you are'. See druid.ie Writer Eugene O’Brien – he of Eden and Pure Mule fame – has a new play, Michael and Me, the clue is in title. In the summer of 2006, Scut Kelly, a part time bouncer in a midland town, is at his lowest ebb. At the same time, his all-time hero, pop icon Michael Jackson, is hidden away in the Irish midlands to get away from all the controversy and make music. What happens when they meet is the stuff of drama. At projectartscentre.ie
Light A Penny Candle, adapted by Shay Linehan and directed by Peter Sheridan is based on Maeve Binchy’s first book of the same name. Aisling and Elizabeth must survive DeValera’s Ireland, their raging hormones, and the struggle for independence in a world at war. Through it all, they discover that there is no right and wrong in this world, there is only what is right for those you love. If you though Maeve was simple and sweet, think again. There are some adult themes under discussion here. More from gaietytheatre.com St Patrick’s Festival Dublin promises five great days from March 14. This year’s parade celebrates our great tradition of storytelling. In addition to the main event is an exhibition by Irish photographer Eamon Doyle at the RHA, a cultural exchange between poets in Ireland, Scotland and young writers from Ballymun and an immersive theatrical experience, This Land that weaves Ireland’s oldest mythological tales
90 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
with those of the new people who make the journey to our shores today. All the details from stpatricksfestival.ie Actor Ralph Fiennes third directorial outing is The White Crow, which depicts the young life of Russian ballet icon Rudolph Nureyev through the long years of training to his sudden and scandalous defection to the West in 1961. Nureyev continues to fascinate and with a script from David Hare, this is highly anticipated. Irish National Opera’s production of perennial favourite, Madam Butterfly, is on from the end of March in Dublin and Cork. Celine Byrne is the young Japanese woman who takes up with a dashing Naval Lieutenant, but it is too good to be true. Expect tears and some incredibly beautiful music from Puccini. See irishnationalopera.ie for more detail. Plenty to be going on with...
Culture
Actor Ralph Fiennes third directorial outing is The White Crow, which depicts the young life of Russian ballet icon Rudolph Nureyev through the long years of training to his sudden and scandalous defection to the West in 1961
FURNITURE Theatre A light-hearted new play about perceptions and possessions: how the things we own shape our worldview. March / nationwide tour Information and booking: druid.ie ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL Festival Five great days full of loads of events and activities to celebrate our national saint. Mar 14-18 / Dublin Information: stpatricksfestival.ie THE WHITE CROW Film Director Ralph Fiennes focuses on dancer Rudolph Nureyev’s childhood, training + life-changing visit to Paris. March 22 island wide. MADAM BUTTERFLY Opera An emotional and devoted young Asian wife faces the truth about the US Navy Lieutenant that she married. March 24, 26, 28, 30 Bord Gáis Energy Theatre / April 4 and 5, Cork Opera House Information + booking: irishnationalopera.ie
Events around the Country March/April 2019 Kate Gilmore in Light a Penny Candle
MICHAEL AND ME Theatre Writer Eugene O’Brien’s (Eden) new play set in 2006 when Scut Kelly and Michael Jackson are in Ireland. From March 28/ Project Arts Centre, Dublin. Information and booking: projectartscentre.ie MOUNTAINS TO SEA: DLR BOOK FESTIVAL Literature Guests at this poetry, fiction + non-fiction event are Maeve Higgins, Margaret Drabble, Michael Holroyd. March 28-31 / various venues, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Information + booking: mountainstosea.ie RAPHAELA GROMES & JULIAN RIEM Music An exceptional young cellist partners with award-winning pianist Julian Riem in a varied programme. April 3- 11 / various venues nationwide Information + booking: musicnetwork.ie
MUSICTOWN Music Over two weeks of concerts, masterclasses, collaborations and workshops in the capital. April 5- 21 / various venues Dublin Information + booking: musictown.ie BEFORE Theatre Set in Clery’s of Dublin, on the very day this iconic department store shuts - for good. From April 11 / various venues nationwide Information and booking: fishamble.com LIGHT A PENNY CANDLE Theatre Maeve Binchy’s first novel is now adapted for the stage with the world premiere in Dublin. April 24 – May 4 / Gaiety Theatre, later Everyman Cork /after nationwide tour Information + booking: Gaiety Theatre 08 18 719 388 / ticketmaster.ie Finally, if you would like your event to feature in our list of What’s On please email: events.country@gmail.com
Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 91
Win 3 pairs of FREE tickets to visit the Epic Museum EPIC is an entertaining, accessible and educational day of family fun for kids, adults and grandparents alike. The museum is highly interactive, with easy-to-use technology and filled with stories of Irish people who travelled the world highlighting their achievements in music, literature, sport, politics, fashion and science. Epic is located in the historic CHQ building which includes a fantastic choice of cafÊs, restaurants and shops Luas: Red line, George’s Dock stop DART: 5 minute walk from Connolly and Tara Street Station Dublin Bus: Multiple routes stopping both outside CHQ and in surrounding areas Dublin Bikes: Station no. 8, right outside the door Parking: IFSC ParkRite (3 min walk) discounted parking for up to 3 hours available For Group bookings call (0)1 906 0861 www.epicchq.com
Senior Times, in association with Epic are offering three randomly selected correct crosswords a chance to win two free tickets to visit in 2019 Name: ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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Send your entry to: Crossword Competition Senior Times magazine, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane Dublin 6 Alternatively : Take a picture of the completed crossword and email the image to dcronin@epicchq.com The selected Winners names will appear in the next issue of Senior Times due out in the summer.
Crossword Crossword Number 98 by Zoë Devlin
ACROSS
DOWN
1 3 7 10 15 16 17 18 22 24 25 29 30 31 32 36 37 38 40 41 45 46 48 51 55 56 57 58 62 63 65 66 70 71 72 73 77 78 79 80 82 86 87 89 90 94 95 96 101 102 103 105 106 107 108 109
1 2 4 5 6 8 9 11 12 13 14 19 20 21 23 26 27 28 33 34 35 39 42 43 44 47 49 50 52 53 54 59 60 61 64 65 67 68 69 74 75 76 79 81 83 84 85 88 91 92 93 97 98 99 100 104
Crockery container for food (4) Turlough O’Carolan or Mary O’Hara? (7) Shout for this cardinal compass point (5) Second largest ocean (8) Irish actor, the late ___ O’Shea (4) English author of ‘War of the Worlds’ (1,1,5) You can ___ favour with this Indian dish! (5) Musical composition for voices & orchestra (8) Scientist such as Darwin or Attenborough (10) Large entrance or reception area (5) Bullfighter (7) Second smallest continent (6) Empty space between things (3) Ireland’s position in WW2 (7) Musical composition of 3 or 4 movements (6) Place for sleep (3) First pope (5) Colour of sky or feeling down? (4) Alert - conscious - cognisant (5) Sure-footed animal smaller than horse (3) Translucent mineral used as gemstone (4) Joke or speak humorously (4) Put out - as in a fire (10) Bitter quarrel between two families (4) Raise from a lower position to higher (7) Foreign - non-citizen (5) Colour of tomatoes or strawberries (3) Rod used by conductor to lead orchestra (5) Greek poet or one of the Simpsons? (5) Subdivision of a play or opera (3) Direction where compass needle points (5) Refrain from voting or eating (7) Family group (4) Can a children’s minder try tabbies? (4-6) James Joyce’s muse ___ Barnacle (4) The wise men of Bethlehem (4) Explosive (1.1.1) Greek author of fables (5) Lacking hair on scalp (4) Book of maps found at last? (5) Small European viper (3) ___ Islands off Wexford’s coast (6) Double-reed musical instrument (7) ‘___ a deer, a female deer’ (3) Region centred on the north pole (6) Aircraft seat designed to propel pilot out in emergency (7) Irish thoroughbred, winner of Cheltenham Gold Cup (5) Cold continent at the 7 Across pole (10) Pedalled vehicle with three wheels (8) Herb found in a basilica? (5) Always the best policy! (7) Appendage such as arm, leg, wing, flipper (4) Hour of the last possible moment (8) One who protests or mutinies (5) Hug or clasp a person in your arms (7) Monster or demon such as Shrek (4)
Game played with small rectangular blocks (8) Alone .. lacking companionship (8) Frank McCourt wrote about her ashes (6) US writer and poet, Edgar Allan ___ (3) Fabric made from fine threads of insect larvae (4) Deluxe, luxurious - there’s no let up! (7) Limited period of time (4) Edgar Rice Burroughs fictional strong man (6) Physicist or stargazer .. with a morose rant? (10) Donegal Island for British conservative? (4) Small cut of meat (4) Oracle or person who divines the future (7) Jack Dempsey or Barry McGuigan? (5) Barrier constructed to contain flow of water (3) 1953 film starring an ashen Alan Ladd? (5) Body of water such as in Glendalough (4) Nightclub with floorshow and bare cat! (7) Sundance Kid’s sidekick, Butch ___ (7) Inherited or genetic (10) Little white and yellow flower of the lawn (5) 32 county sporting & cultural organisation (1.1.1.) Relating to the moon (5) Sweet golden liquid produced by bees (5) Cud-chewing animal of desert regions (5) Official responsible for fair play in sports (7) Strong durable timber (4) Colour from exposure to the sun (3) Guarantee financial support, for a nude writer? (10) Craftsman working in stone (5) Troops trained to fight on horseback (7) Area where the land meets the sea (5) Protruding part of lower jaw (4) ‘Lakeland county’ in Ulster (5) South Asian republic, capital New Delhi (5) Act of testing or court proceeding (5) Trap for fish or insects (3) State of elated bliss (7) In a hurried manner .. speedily (7) He was the 3 Across of 4 movie brothers (5) Irish writer who liked barnacles?? (5,5) Inquire or make a request for something (3) Rich sot who buries his head in the sand! (7) Dracula’s creator, ___ Stoker (4) From this fruit grow little oak trees (5) Small toy replica of a person (5) Attempting or endeavouring to reach a goal (8) Board game with words (8) Small fish, usually canned (7) Create by carving stone or wood (6) Place seeds in the soil (3) Sea in northern 29 Across (6) Infection of the eyelid (4) Edit this periodic rise and fall of the sea (4) Disappear gradually (4) Singer ___ Wilkinson or author ___ Tóibín (4) Sense organ for hearing and equilibrium (3) Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 93
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sid ular the spectac Exploring scape volcanic land
The other
Crafts
Connie Mc Evoy remembers her mother’s industry and enterprise
How our hens provided Eggstra income During the months of June and July 2018 the weather was so hot that I was unable to go outside most afternoons to potter around as usual, even the weeds obliged by dying off so I wasn’t very upset that they wouldn’t be there to greet me when I eventually ventured out in cooler weather. Having opted to spend my time in the sitting room which is the coolest room in the house, I realised that I got myself so comfortable that I would soon fall asleep mostly for an hour’s duration and this was affecting my ability to drift off to sleep at night. After a few afternoons struggling thus I remembered that I had a loan of 10 of my mother’s diaries and started a most interesting perusal right away, this did the trick! I certainly never fell asleep in the afternoon again and was able to drift off to sleep composing this article. Egg money was a most valuable asset in most farming women’s opinion as it afforded them a certain degree of independence when decisions as to how it was to be spent were be made, of course entitlement to egg money was valid only after all outlay bills were settled in full. Some male farmers of my acquaintance marvelled at the purchased goods from said egg money as they firmly believed that every hen that was ever reared died in debt. Never the less after saving a little for two years at a time Mam managed to treat herself to either a new winter coat or a new costume for autumn/ spring wear, she made her own beautiful summer outfits as well as our coats and frocks, pinafores and aprons. When Mam Brigid Kavanagh/Kelly came to Kilcarry after her honeymoon in 1941 my father was already managing a fully stocked farm that he had bought some years earlier and that included poultry, so she carried on from then on and I was introduced to feeding hens and turkey poults in 1942 aged about 3 months. Just like most farming ladies during those years she would set three or four clutches of eggs every year in order to maintain a supply of eggs for the house and have some to sell also when plentiful, but during the winter months chicks that were hatched in February/ March usually started moulting and went of “ the lay” in December for a while ‘till the new feathers grew and “the red head” appeared again as well as eggs in nest boxes. Unfortunately this meant that because she had no eggs to sell when the price was high and consequently had no extra money to spend at Christmas, so she decided to set another three or four clutches in July in order to have pullets starting to lay in December/January. In fact it was necessary to try preserving eggs when plentiful during September and October in crocks or enamel buckets of Waterglass in order to maintain a supply in December. Eggs thus preserved didn’t taste nice but could be used when baking Christmas cakes and puddings etc, so Mam only tried that experiment once. On the 1st of January 1949 Mam’s entry in her diary records that she collected 21 pullet eggs, 2nd of January- very cold, 18 pullet eggs but things improved as she was collecting 30 eggs daily after a few days. On
Friday January 28th an entry reads-fine day Miss Corcoran came to ring pullets, this was to distinguish them from the older hens when it came to the annual cull. I presume this lady was a poultry instructress as an entry on February 12th written in ink (must have been important as other entries are all pencilled) reads got supply permit, and on Saturday19th of February she supplied eight and a half dozen eggs @ 3 shillings per dozen to a local grocery shop, and soon afterwards was in a position to supply to another local shop in addition to her regular neighbour customers, at last this enterprising lady was in business! and fully entitled to run a poultry station into the bargain. On February 22nd the entry in the diary read for the 1st time-got 120 day old Rhode Island Red chicks from Kehoes of Carlow at a cost of 7 pounds & 10 shillings, apparently she intended to move away from putting clutches of eggs under broody/ setting hens, testing them for fertility 8 or 9 days later using a flash lamp in darkness and waiting for chicks for three weeks. Her day olds were dispatched on the bus in well ventilated cardboard boxes, passengers were usually relieved when boxes of chicks were at last collected at the bus stop and the squeaking stopped. As soon as the chicks arrived each one was gently taken out of the box and given a drink before being placed in the nice warm “HOOVER” the only substitute in those days for a hatching hen that could only manage to cover a clutch of 12 chicks so Mam was really splashing out as she had to invest in the Hoover as well as the feeders, drinkers and paraffin oil for heating in 1949 after being granted that all important permit. By the end of that week Feb 22nd she had sold milk, eggs, butter, rhubarb + 2 settings of eggs to neighbours. There was great excitement on our farm that week as people came to watch the antics and see the comfort that the huge broody hen was in a position to offer the baby Rhode Island Red chicks- 120 of them all the same colour instead of an assortment of black & white, mottled yellow and white hues that would have been the norm in those days. The best was yet to come as due to the fact that chicks reared under this enormous hen were not let outside for about 8 weeks, the scourge of “THE PIP” was eradicated totally. Clutches that were hatched the natural way usually followed the free range method of scuttling around the yard and haggard under the watchful eye of mother hen from day one so some of them were sure to get the pip. There was a certain skill in selecting the right length of a horse tail hair and twisting it just right before pushing it down the affected chick’s throat while keeping it’s beak open wide, before twisting the twisted hair often enough to collect all the worms that were causing it to choke without choking it oneself . Before these pure bred chicks arrived a collection of breeds was evident in most small holding poultry flocks. I can remember well seeing Wyandotte, Light Sussex and Barred Rock hens running free range for years, in order to avoid “in breeding” a new young cock was bought in Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 95
Travel
Travel support from Dept. of Foreign Affairs
annually from as far away as possible from Kilcarry. Having obtained a permit meant a lot of extra work as all eggs sold for hatching needed to be measured, weighed, stamped and documented and my brother & I dreaded the annual visit of two poultry instructress in white coats in order to do the now compulsory tuberculosis test. There was nothing pleasant about having to corner and catch frightened hens under roosts/perches while slithering on the poo that was deposited in their panic at seeing these ladies in white coats. However we did enjoy being allowed to paint and decorate our own eggs for Easter Sunday even though we were sent hunting for chocolate marshmallow half eggs wrapped in pretty shiny paper as we called it that were hidden in the orchard for us to find. Over the years probably mid Fifties Mam changed to a Leghorn flock, a much lighter breed that were supposed to lay a lot more eggs and wouldn’t be as inclined to start clucking/ hatching as the heavier more dual purpose Rhode Island Reds.These creatures tormented us all as they were just as likely to lay up a tree or out in the fields as in nesting boxes so it took longer to locate and collect eggs, and annoyed menfolk by flying onto mangers and feeding troughs scattering cattle rations and messing fodder. Eventually she changed to Golden Comet hybrid birds and stayed with that breed for the rest of her farming life and this was my favourite breed also together with Cornish Rock broilers until I retired from farming together with my late husband some years ago. My mother in law also earned egg money for the duration of her farming life in Tubbertoby and delivered a large order on a weekly basis to the Daughters of Charity who had an orphanage on Fair St, Drogheda, she also reared broilers and turkeys in her day, I have always admired the efficient way in which these two ladies managed their business while rearing large families in rather difficult times happy in the knowledge that the hard earned egg money would somehow see them through the festive season of Christmas. I have included a photo of Mam feeding hens, chicks and turkeys during the summer of 1942 (that’s me sitting on her knee) and a photo of my Mother in law Mary Taaffe MC Evoy tending her coloured broiler chicks that were gifted to her from the Spring show circa 1961/62 note the infrared lamp no hatching hen or hoover needed-now that was real progress and that is how my day old chicks were reared. In conclusion I have included a photo of a painting that I have worked in oils depicting Golden Comet hens and a cock as that was the last breed of poultry that we three reared for egg money, we loved our hens and treated them as friends always. 96 Senior Times l March - April 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie
More Irish people are travelling abroad than ever before. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through its Passport and Consular Services, provides support to Irish people travelling to every corner of the globe. Here’s our top tips to make your travel experience as stress-free as possible. Look before you book! It’s a simple piece of advice but worth repeating again and again. You won’t be able to travel on an expired passport so check the validity on your current passport and apply in good time for a replacement. Save time, Renew Online Our Online Passport Renewal Service launched in 2017. To date, over 250,000 passport applications have been processed online. The online service is available to Irish citizens anywhere in the world, 24/7. There is no need to visit the post office, pharmacy, or Garda station, photos can be taken at home, and we don’t require online renewal applications to be witnessed. Passports are processed in an average time of 2 weeks, excluding postage. Have you thought about getting a Passport Card? Travelling in Europe? The Irish Passport Card is a convenient travel document that fits in your wallet. It is accepted for travel within the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The Passport Card provides you with an additional travel document which means you will still be able to travel if your Passport is lost or stolen. Be TravelWise Our award-winning TravelWise app gives you instant access to the latest travel advice and information. Download the app or check out or up-to-date online travel advice for 200 countries at https://www.dfa. ie/travel/travel-advice/. Be prepared All Irish citizens planning to travel abroad should take out comprehensive travel insurance in case of illness or accident abroad. We also recommend that Irish citizens register their travel plans with the Citizens Registration Service provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. If you do, the local Irish embassy will be able to contact you to provide you with the latest information and advice in the event of an unforeseen crisis. For details on all services offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, visit www.dfa.ie
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For further details or to request a brochure, please call: 01 905 6321 To book online or to watch videos from a selection of our tours, visit: rivieratravel.ie Holiday organised by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, Chase House, City Junction Business Park, Malahide Road, Northern Cross, Dublin D17 (ATOL number 3430) Prices correct at time of print.