Carlow People 15-03-2022

carlowpeople highest, most frequent readership in carlow

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November 19, 2019 March 15, 2022

we stand with ukraine

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March 15, 2022

carlowpeople highest, most frequent readership in carlow

.ie .ie t: 059 914 1877

November 19, 2019

we stand with ukraine

New seven-turbine wind farm planned Plans for a new seven-turbine wind farm has been annouunced for County Carlow.

EDF Renewables Ireland plans to develop a c.50MW wind farm to the northwest of Old Leighlin.

The proposed Seskin Wind Farm will be located in the townlands of Seskinrea and Ridge, and could power more than 36,000 homes.

The project team is currently gathering wind data and mapping the environmental constraints on site which will be used to create a preliminary

wind turbine layout. Detailed environmental studies will also be carried out at the site, including ecology, noise, landscape and visual assessments.

The results of these studies, together with feedback gathered in consultation with local communities, will be used to determine the final wind farm layout and number of turbines.

EDF Renewables Ireland intends to submit a planning application and an Environmental Impact Assessment Report in support

of the project, which could consist of up to seven turbines, to Carlow County Council in late 2022 or early 2023.

Subject to planning permission, the wind farm could be constructed and operational by 2026.

Wind farms have become increasingly controversial due to their impact on scenery and the effect on locals’ lives despite the need to reduce the country’s carbon emmissions.

In January, Clare County Council refused prmision to Slieveacurry wind farm, after

receiving over 100 objections from the public including Green Party, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin TDs and Sinn Féin TDs and senators.

Last month however, an Bord Pleanála gave the green light to a controversial €30m seve n-turbine windfarm project on a large site in the townlands of Curraglass and Derreendonee just over 3km south of Gougane Barra - that had been refused planning permission by Cork County Council.

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Tina Segner, co-founder at Tumble Circus street theatre, at the the launch of this year’s Business to Arts Awards. Pic: Jason Clarke

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Forecourts accused of fuel hikes

Forecourts in the county have been accused of jacking up fuel prices as oil prices soar due to the war in Ukraine.

The cost of a tank of petrol was set to reduce by €12 and diesel by €9 after the Government reduced the excise duty on petrol by 20c per litre and 15c per litre of diesel but it has now admitted prices will continue to soar despite their intervention.

Farmers have said that a cut of 2c per litre on green diesel which will stay until the end of August is not enough.

Circle K Ireland has “categorically” denied that a recent increase in its prices of diesel and petrol was related to the Government announcing decreases to excise duty on fuel.

The price fuel at Circle K Ireland stations was reported to have risen, with multiple people taking to social media to post pictures of increased prices on forecourts, ahead of the Government cuts.

Meanwhile, home heating oil prices have almost doubling from around €400 for 500 litres to close to €800 in just a matter of months and are e xpected to rise further.

March 15, 2022

Entrepreneurs Liadh and Orlaith do the business

Melissa Doule , Cllr. Fintan Phelan, Liadh Nolan and Niamh Hennessey Cathaoirleach Cllr Fintan Phelan has acknowledged the achievements of two Carlow female students for their entrepreneurial talent as part of International Womens Day and Local Enterprise Week 2022.

The Students were selected for acknowledgement

by Rosie Dunne, Student Enterprise Co-ordinator with the Local Enterprise Office in Carlow County.

The Cathaoirleach firstly

visited Orlaith Ni Fhallúin TY student at Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach who setup her business Órlaith’s Cakes to provide homemade cakes and treats personalised for any occasion.

The Cathaoirleach then visited Liadh Nolan, 2nd year student at St. Leo’s College, with her mini company Sew What which provides services to the wider public.

“Its important for everyone that we have role models,” he

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said. “It is particularly important that we have female entrepreneur role models in local communities to ensure we have a diverse enterprise environment into the future.

“I’d like to congratulate Liadh & Órlaith for their enterprise endeavours and also acknowledge the support of the their teachers Oisín Mac Cinneide & Ann Marie Winters for their support of these students in their enterpreneurial journeys.”

Plans for wind farm in county Continued from previous page

EDF Renewables is currently in discussions with Coillte about the inclusion of sections of Coillte property in C arlow in addition to other third party lands.

Anyone with Coillte related queries about the proposal is asked to please contact lsinfo@ coillte.ie EDF Renewables Ireland says it is committed to keeping local people informed about its projects and a number of public consultation events will take place as the Seskin Wind Farm progresses.

These will be either online or in a local venue, depending on Covid-19 guidelines.

“Projects like Seskin Wind Farm are crucial to tackling the climate crisis and decarbonising our energy supply, and will contribute to helping Ireland meet its target of delivering 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of this decade,” Kevin Daly of EDF Renewables Ireland, said.

“Maintain good relationships with the local community is always a priority for EDF.”

It’s back!

Darkness into Light returns on May 7

The people of Carlow are being called on to run, jog or walk into the dawn on May 7 for this year’s Darkness Into Light.

As the world continues to reopen after the pandemic, Darkness Into Light will return with its organised walks in over 17 countries across five continents, beginning in darkness at sunrise and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.

Registration is now open for this year’s annual fundraiser with walks taking place in Carlow Town.

Pieta and Electric Ireland are calling on as many people as possible around the country to join in the global movement to end suicide.

The walk not only raises vital funds for Pieta and awareness for mental health, it brings people together in a spirit of solidarity and hope.

To register now and avail of the discounted early bird rates, visit www.darknessintolight.ie The unique event, which is symbolic of the journey from despair to hope, will begin in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk a 5km route into the light of dawn.

Funds raised from Darkness

Into Light help keep Pieta’s counselling services free of charge and freely accessible to those in suicidal crisis, people who engage in self-harm, and to those bereaved by suicide.

In 2021 alone, the 24/7 Pieta Helpline received almost 100,000 calls and texts and close to 2,000 crisis calls and texts each week.

Darkness Into Light has grown from a single walk in the Phoenix Park, Dublin with just 400 walkers into a global movement dedicated to raising awareness around suicide and self-harm.

A number of well-known faces from the worlds of sport, music and entertainment have come together to launch the 2022 event, including broadcaster Grainne Seoige, musician Tolu Makay and former Dublin GAA player Philly McMahon.

Speaking at the launch, Darkness Into Light ambassador, Grainne Seoige said, “This is the first year in a long time that I have been home in Ireland for Darkness Into Light, so I am honoured to be able to support and take part in person, especially as the popular walks return and people can come together again.”

More than 14% of our shops are empty

The number of empty shops and business premises throughout County Carlow has increased.

The commercial vacancy rate in Wicklow increased to 14.2% in the year to Q4 2021 according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Rates Report.

This report examined the commercial vacancy rates among a sample of 80 towns located across the state.

Of the towns in Carlow

surveyed, Muine Bheag had the highest commercial vacancy rate (20.3%), while Tullow had the lowest (14.7%).

Nationally, the commercial vacancy rate was 13.9% in Q4 2021, the highest level of commercial vacancy recorded

by GeoDirectory since the report began in 2013.

The report, prepared by EY, found that commercial vacancies increased in 15 out of 26 counties.

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March 15, 2022

opinion&comment

We too are at war and we must learn to live with the pain

I

N 2001, a junior minister, Joe Jacob, talked himself out of his job with advice on how Ireland should handle a nuclear emergency.

We should, he said, take iodine tablets and consult a leaflet, neither of which had been issued; we should stop drinking water from the well and should bring in the cattle from the fields.

His bizarre suggestions came to mind when I heard Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue (pictured) propose that every farmer should grow a cereal crop to guard against food shortages caused by the war in Ukraine.

Like Joe Jacob, with his plan for wells and cattle, Mr McConalogue seemed to be thinking of an Ireland that hasn’t existed for many a year.

The idea of getting every farmer to plant some cereal was attempted here by a British gov-

Michael Wolsey

ernment during World War I. It was revived, with limited success, by our own government during World War II. Ireland was a very different place then, with a lot of small mixed farms.

Some ploughs were still pulled by horses and some scything done by hand.

I cannot see how the scheme could be adapted to modern farming or what practical use could be made of small batches of cereals grown here, there and everywhere.

But, however impractical the idea, I am glad that Mr McConalogue and his Cabinet colleagues are at least giving thought to the difficulties the country may face in coming months.

Ireland was not under any

threat of nuclear conflict when Joe Jacob revealed his survival plan to a bewildered radio audience.

The Wicklow TD’s concern was for a possible leak from a power plant on the west coast of England.

Today we have a Russian president hinting darkly at the possibility of nuclear war, while inflicting a brutal invasion on the brave people of Ukraine.

They are holding the line for democracy and fighting for our freedoms as well as their own.

But, have no doubt about it, Ireland and the rest of the free world has also gone to war, a very modern sort of economic war.

We are not suffering like the Ukranians are suffering and we

must pray that we do not face the terrors of nuclear combat.

But we have embarked on a contest of wills, pitting Western economic strength against Russian military might. It’s war and wars will always be painful.

The Government can ease some of the pain but there are limits to what it can do.

We will have to accept higher prices for fuel and food and we will have to forgo some luxuries we have got used to.

These problems will not disappear soon and the Government cannot shield us indefinitely by such measures as reducing tax on petrol or subsidising electricity.

If there is money to spare, it would be better directed towards poorer families, by improving social welfare payments and reducing the cost of home heating, education and basic health services.

But is there money to spare?

We came through a very

costly Covid crisis because the economy was in good shape to begin with and because the EU was prepared to underwrite our borrowing.

We are now borrowed to the hilt and the economic position is far from rosy.

In the past two years we have come to believe that the Government has a financial solution to every problem.

Can’t work? They’ll pay you to stay at home. Your house was built with faulty material? The taxpayers will buy you a new one. And if your home needs insulation, the taxpayers will cover that cost too.

To use a favourite phrase of the moment, it is not sustainable. Not now when we are at war.

As George Orwell observed, “The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it”. If we are going to win this one, then at least some of us - most of us - must bear some pain.

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March 15, 2022

Make it count: Census Locals urged takes place on April 3 to spruce up The next census will take place on Sunday April 3.

Central Statistics Office (CSO) has said that this year’s census will generate a detailed picture of social and living conditions in the country.

A team of 5,100 enumerators has commenced the process of delivering more than two forms to every household in the country.

These forms must be completed on census night and will be collected by an enumerator before May 6.

Everyone present in the country on April 3 must be included on a census form.

“The census, by counting every single person present in Ireland, provides a uniquely comprehensive account of our population,” An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said at the launch of Census 2022.

“It is far more than a simple counting exercise, the census asks a variety of questions that give us the information that is vital for the planning of public services.

“There is not a single decision taken, on the provision of

their areas

Mya and Zara Akinsowon, both aged 8, Leah Quish (9) at the launch of Round at the launch of Census House in Up for Ronald McDonald 2022. Pic: Jason Clarke.

Crumlin Hospital.

Pic: Andres Poveda

public services from health to education and housing, that is not shaped in some way by census data.”

Pádraig Dalton, Director General of the CSO called for continued public support, “We have always enjoyed

tremendous support for the census from people right across the country.

“We look forward to this continuing once again in 2022.”

Census forms are available in Irish and English while guides

are also available in another 22 languages to assist those for whom Irish or English is not a first language.

A range of additional accessibility supports and ‘how to’ guides are available on census.ie.

Registrations are now open for National Spring Clean 2022, which is calling all communities in Waterford to register for Ireland’s largest and longest antilitter campaign and make a tangible impact on our environment.

National Spring Clean is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Mars Wrigley Ireland.

The National Spring Clean traditionally takes part in the month of April every year to spruce up the country ahead of summer.

And for the past 23 years, 85,000 clean-ups have been organised with volunteers dedicating a total of 12 million hours to remove around 42,000 tonnes of litter across the country.

National Spring Clean 2021 was the biggest and the longest campaign so far, taking place between March and August.

The National Spring Clean programme is inviting people to visit the website at www. nationalspringclean.org.

“An Taisce’s National Spring Clean is a real testament to the work of volunteers all over the country,” Environment Minister, Eamon Ryan TD, said.

“These volunteers continue to organise local clean-ups every year.

“The past two years have proven difficult because of the necessary Covid restrictions, but this year represents a real opportunity for people to get together and help clean up our countryside.

“I would urge people to get involved and I would like to acknowledge the key role played by An Taisce in overseeing the campaign.”

Trócaire makes PUP its Lenten appeal reduced to €208 Gaelic football star, Noelle Healy launches the Trocaire appeal

TROCAIRE is appealing to the people of Dublin to support its 2022 Lenten appeal, which is supporting the millions in Zimbabwe suffering from the devastating impact of Covid-19 and climate change.

The iconic Trócaire Box — which has been a firm Lent feature in Ireland for almost 50 years — has been rolled out to homes, schools and churches all over Dublin over the last couple of weeks. In total, 700,000 boxes will be distributed nationwide.

This year’s appeal highlights how thousands of families in Zimbabwe are struggling

with the triple challenges of Covid-19, climate change and a devastated economy.

The Trócaire Box features a family — widow Thandekile and her two children — based in Matobo district in southern Zimbabwe, who face massive daily challenges in their lives.

Trócaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, today thanked the people of Dublin for their continued support, in particular over the last two very challenging years.

She said the needs of people are more acute than ever given the growing impact of climate change.

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been reduced to €208 a week in the next step in the winding down of the scheme.

People who previously earned less than €151.50 per week will receive a payment of €150.

The PUP was first introduced in March 2020 and at one stage it was paid at a flat rate of €350 a week.

It was then restructured and linked to previous earnings.

The scheme was closed for new applications on January 22 and remaining PUP recipients, if eligible, will start transitioning to standard jobseekers’ payments from April 5.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced the winding down of the scheme in January.

At the time she said that the PUP had been a vital support for workers and their families.

At the end of February, 53,706 people were in receipt of the payment ,” she said.

This week, that number will fall below 50,000, compared to over 605,000 at the peak in May 2020.”

March 15, 2022

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is ending Following the reopening of workplaces this payment is coming to an end.

If you are currently on this payment you will have received information on how the change affects you and what welfare supports are available.

To find out more visit gov.ie/pupchanges

Brought to you by the Department of Social Protection

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March 15, 2022

Woman convicted and fined for neglecting dog a Carlow woman was convicted of failing to safeguard the health and welfare of a dog and failing to provide it with sufficient food and water, contrary to the Animal Health

and Welfare Act (AHWA) 2013.

Judge Catherine Carthy fined Christine Byrne a total of €550 and ordered that she pay €140 in ISPCA costs.

ISPCA Animal Welfare Inspector Fiona Conlon visited a property at Shroughan Close in Tullow in October 2020 and discovered a 14-year-old Yorkshire terrier dog, named

Grief can be unpredictable.

When someone dies, the grief that follows can be difficult and feel overwhelming. Some feelings of grief come and go while others can persist.

Everyone’s experience is different. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Talking about your loss with the people around you can help. Reach out to someone you trust.

We’re here too if you need extra help or support. · Visit hse.ie/grief or bereaved.ie · Call our Bereavement Support Line on freephone 1800 80 70 77 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm). · Or speak to your GP.

Scooby, in a kennel at the rear of the garden.

Scooby was found to be filthy and his coat was severely matted. The kennel area was found to be extremely dirty, covered with faecal matter and with rotting apples strewn around.

Drinking water found in a bucket was green and his bedding in the kennel was soaking wet and heavy to lift up.

The defendant told Inspector Conlon that the dog was not in great condition but was not a nice dog.

The woman said that she had Scooby from when he was a pup but was unable to bring him to a groomer, as she was under a lot of pressure.

The defendant surrendered Scooby to the care of the ISPCA and he was taken to a veterinary practitioner for an urgent examination.

The dog was found to be

underweight with a low body score of two. The extremely badly matted fur was causing him undue discomfort and stress so he was immediately sedated and shaved.

ISPCA Inspector Fiona Conlon said: “The dog’s owner failed to maintain basic standards to safeguard Scooby’s health and welfare.

When Scooby arrived at the ISPCA, he received the care and attention he desperately needed, gaining weight over time and was successfully rehomed.”

Sadly Scooby has since passed away due to old age, but it is satisfying to know that he lived out his last year in happiness and comfort.”

The ISPCA encourages members of the public to report any animal welfare concerns to the ISPCA National Animal Cruelty Helpline online here or by calling us on 0818 515 515 or emailing helpline@ispca.ie.

Fraudster Carey’s BMW seized

Convicted fraudster Catriona Carey was hiding out in Courtown, Co Wexford following a RTÉ Investigates documentary claimed she had swindled hundreds of thousands of euro from hard-pressed home owners.

Those making official complaints against her included borrowers from Carlow.

Members of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) recently seized a white BMW outside the property, before the former Irish hockey international was then seen leaving the property with several suit cases shortly after.

Gardaí also took documentation when they visited the property and Carey is believed to have co-operated with officers during the seizure, according to reports in the Irish Independent.

Carey was found guilty of fraud in February 2020 after changing a cheque she received from a hair salon owner, who had used her as his accountant.

The former camogie star was

convicted of altering the cheque for €6,948 and making it out to herself rather than Revenue before cashing it in a bank in Kilkenny. Earlier this month, her family home in Kilkenny was raided by the GNECB who seized a number of documents and files.

RTÉ Investigates claimed almost €400,000 from clients of her company, Careysfort Asset Estates, was paid into the company account and, as of last month, just €488.10 remained.

The biggest spend using funds from the company account came on July 21, 2020, for the purchase of a BMW at a cost of €55,226.

RTÉ Investigates claimed in the programme that Ms Carey offered help to families struggling with mortgage arrears and then took their money.

Ms Carey owns Careysfort Asset Estates – not to be confused with any other firm of a similar name – which claimed to purchase distressed mortgages cheaply from banks.

Schools added to DEIS

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor has welcomed a major expansion of the DEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme that will see the programme extended to an additional 310 schools, with an additional €32 million investment.

Deputy Murnane O’Connor commented, “I am delighted to see this - largest-ever single investment in the DEIS programme and the addition of 310 new schools - with 13 in Carlow included.”

“The DEIS programme is an internationally recognised, proven programme that provides targeted resources to schools with the highest levels of concentrated educational disadvantage to supports their students to have an equal opportunity to achieve their potential in education.

Currently 884 schools and over 180,000 students benefit from the DEIS programme. As a result of this announcement from September 2022, this will increase to 1,194 schools.

Covid hits emergency departments

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said that Covid-19 is still having a big impact on emergency departments.

He said that in emergency departments, two care pathways are needed - for Covid and non-Covid patients and a lot of space is taken up which would otherwise help.

Mr Donnelly said that he was very conscious of the level of overcrowding in some emergency departments.

He said he had visited the Galway hospital emergency department in the last few days and what was happening there was not acceptable for patients or staff.

He also said that around the country there were patients in acute hospital beds that have been discharged, and efforts were under way to find places for them to go.

A record number of people attended hospital emergency departments in the last week, according to the Health Service Executive’s Chief Clinical Officer.

Dr Colm Henry said that over 28,000 people attended EDs and while the numbers admitted were lower it is still “troubling”.

March 15, 2022

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March 15, 2022

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March 15, 2022

WILDLIFE

ninenottomiss

Coming into land

book of the week

with Justin Ivory

tv show of the week

HOROSCOPES

film of the week

March is the month that sees the start of our feathered summer migrants arriving back in Ireland. The four species listed below are typically the first ones to return. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming days and weeks for the arrival of these annual visitors.

Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe Oenanthe)

Emerald Exiles: How the Irish Made Their Mark on World Football

by Barry Landy

Barney Curley: The Man Who Beat the Bookies RTE1, 10.15pm, Thursday March 10th

the batman Cinemas nationwide

With their distinctive white rump and inverted black ‘T’ tail markings, the name wheatear is appropriately old English/ Norse meaning ‘white arse’.

They are typically the first of our summer migrants to arrive, or pass through in numbers.

FOR the past two years, Bruce Wayne (Robert THE story of the racehorse owner and punter Pattinson) has been fighting crime in Gotham, WHEN football players leave Ireland behind but with the city so riven with corruption at all Barney Curley — from his tough origins as a in the hopes of carving out a future in the Catholic in Fermanagh, through his audacious levels, the battle seems pointless and neverprofessional game, they often end up plying betting coups and his final charitable decision. ending. When a masked serial killer (Paul Dano) their trade in the UK –competing for a chance begins targeting city officials for execution in the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, The programme is the brainchild of former and with riddles addressed to ‘the Batman’, it Newsnight producer and racehorse owner or the numerous leagues below them.

James Bray, who has been determined to tell points the way to a wider conspiracy involving For decades, this has been the most attractive the tale since first writing to Curley more than decades-long lies and deceit involving the and obvious career path for Irish players. But Wayne family, Gotham, and the criminal five years ago. The documentary includes a what of those players who ventured further re-creation of the famous race, which is said to underworld. Also starring two of our very afield in search of glory, adventure, or simply own, Colin Farrell and the unstoppable barry have earned Curley the equivalent of £2m in their next touch of the ball? This book charts Keoghan. today’s money in an audacious plot. the careers of legends like Liam Brady, Robbie Keane, Anne O’Brien and Stephanie Roche.

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)

stream of the week

Wheatear (Photo by Justin Ivory)

Sand Martin (Photo by Ken Billington at Wikicommons) The sand martin is the smallest of our breeding hirundines (family of birds that includes swallow, house and sand martin). They are typically a third smaller than their larger cousins swallow and house martin. Coming from sub-Saharan Africa they are also the first of this family to arrive back to our shores in early March (sometimes late February).

Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)

Chiffchaff (Photo by Ken Billington at Wikicommons) Chiffchaff is typically the first of our warbler species to return in spring, arriving from their wintering grounds in the Mediterranean basin.

Very similar in looks to the much more numerous willow warbler, the chiffchaff can be easily told apart when it sings its distinctive two-note song ‘chiff-chaff chiff-chaff chiffchaff’.

Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) Sandwich Tern (Photo

by MPF at Wikicommons)

We get 5 tern species visiting our shores to breed each summer. The largest and earliest to arrive is the sandwich tern. About the size of a black-headed gull, it has a large black bill with a yellowtip and a black crown with a shaggy crest.

RECIPE of the week

album of the week

AriesFollow your heart. Wait for better conditions to advance a personal project. Notice a way around a barrier. Make repairs and upgrades.

TaurusRest and wait for developments before making your move.

Consider potential barriers and plan alternative routes.

GeminiDon’t get frustrated by a team challenge. An obstacle blocks progress. Proceed with caution. Avoid extra expense or hassle.

CancerReaffirm commitments and connections. Weigh the pros and cons of a strategic decision. Build bridges for rising influence.

LeoConsider potential problems with the itinerary. Monitor traffic and conditions. Adjust your route as you go. Adapt to breaking news.

nightride Netflix

Sausage & butter bean stew www.bbc.co.uk/recipes/

things are great Band of Horses

Leaving behind his criminal exploits and opening a mechanic shop in Belfast with his best friend, a drug dealer (Moe Dunford) makes one final deal to get himself clear and set himself up. However, when a local mobster (Stephen Rea) gets involved after the deal goes sour, it’s a race against time to stay alive and keep himself free. It’s a compelling, sharply-made thriller that uses its limitations to its advantage as much as possible and brings together a committed performance

by Moe Dunford with some great night-time cinematography.

WITH the chilly winter days still making their presence felt, this is a classic worth serving up mid-week to keep the gang all happy,. Use butter beans to soak up the flavour of spicy sausages in this comforting stew. It’s ideal for winter (early spring) evenings and it takes less than an hour to cook - trust us! When choosing suasages, remember to look for a decent percentage of pork and try and get the chunky, fat guys rather than the breakfaststyle sausages.

ON their sixth album, Seattle’s alt.country outfit,revisit the desert-gaze majesty of early albums such as 2006 debut Everything All The Time following the departure of guitarist Tyler Ramsey and bassist Bill Reynolds in 2017, This time, unlike the last, they certainly sound like they’re enjoying themselves. From opening track “Warning Signs” right through to the closing “Coalinga”, the band run through what feels like a ‘Greatest Hits’ set, covering all of their strengths and finding very few of their weaknesses along the way.

album of the week

wine of the week

tutor of the week

VirgoDon’t let an unexpected expense throw you off your stride. Keep your momentum. Recharge patiently.

LibraYou and your partner can navigate an obstacle. Check internal gauges. Work through changes together.

Abandon a worn-out perspective.

ScorpioYour health and physical energy benefit from deep rest, regular routines and good food. Mitigate the effects of a disruption.

SagittariusA romantic challenge takes a new twist. Stay graceful under pressure. Maintain a mystery. Stifle rebellious tendencies. Keep your cool despite rising heat.

CapricornHome could get chaotic. Make repairs or improvements to handle a blockage. Planning pays off.

who by fire First Aid Kit

wines online www.boujee-booze.com

Alyssa Hanbidge www.wiseowlearning.com

THE existential question here is, does the world need another Leonard Cohen tribute.?

No, not unless it is sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg who are the ones paying tribute.

The Swedish band roll out Cohen’s themes of sex, death, despair and spirituality over four live performances, structuring the shows like church services. The concerts cover almost the full span of Cohen’s career, from the wellbeloved folk songs of the late 1960s and early 1970s to the gloom-laden growl of 2016’s ‘You Want it Darker’.

WINE online? Why not? it wasn’t just for the lockdown, you know. Boujee Booze is the newest entrant created by friends Michael O’Donoghue and Simon O’Connor their site offers a subscription service and a bit more than just wine with recipes, pairing suggestions, hampers and more on the way, including beer. Wines are sourced from smaller family-owned vineyards and there is a noticeable emphasis on natural and organic wines but with many classic regions also covered — mainly France and Italy.

Wise Owl Learning is a Wexford based business set up by entrepreneur Alyssa Hanbidge, offering tutoring services to children and adults with learning difficulties.

Alyssa’s company was established the business in 2020 and due to the requirements of the pandemic, Wise Owl Learning has become an essential service for all those who have enrolled since. The specialist tutor works with students across a range of needs, from dyslexia to dyscalculia and more.

AquariusDon’t make assumptions.

Do the homework and reassess the situation.

Take time to clarify misunderstandings or crossed wires.

PiscesStay in communication to navigate a financial challenge. Profitable efforts benefit from clarification.

Stick to simple measures.

Don’t overextend. Stay in action.

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March 15, 2022

opinion&comment

Gorbachev looking on in horror

O

ur children could be forgiven for thinking they are living through history; pandemics and brutal wars are things they associate with being in the past, not the present.

It’s hard to know what to say to them by way of reassurance.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started last month, I have found myself wondering what Mikhail Gorbachev makes of all this.

Still alive and now in his nineties, the eighth and final leader of the Soviet Union (and General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991) must be saddened by recent events.

No public figure in my lifetime had done more than Gorbachev to help me believe that lasting peace in Europe would endure.

So, not a French leader, or a German one, or a British one, but a Russian one was the person I respected and admired the most.

Unfortunately I feel the

Brian Quigley

opposite of admiration for the present incumbent in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin.

More than anything else, Gorbachev was a passionate advocate of denuclearisation.

Horrified by the Chernobyl disaster (which happened on his watch in 1986), he sought to row back on the nuclear sabrerattling his predecessors had engaged in with the US.

People arrive from Ukraine to Romania after fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine The world breathed a sigh of relief. How horrified he must be then to see Putin actively try to blow up the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant last week.

Gorbachev moved Russia away from the prevailing Marxist-Leninist doctrine

towards social democracy.

He refused to intervene militarily in Eastern Bloc countries that were moving away from communism.

Russia was entering the modern world, but somehow has been shepherded back to the

past by Putin.

I know several people who are very knowledgeable about modern-day Russia (let me qualify that to say that refers to Russia before the recent Unkraine invasion).

While never expressing open

admiration for Putin, they seem to always push the idea that the modern world can’t be strong without a strong Russia, and that Putin’s antics (before the recent invasion) are designed to remind the rest of the world that he is there, that Russia is powerful, and that Russia must be taken seriously.

I think that all went south when he crossed the border into Ukraine.

No more excusing or apologising for a brutal dictator.

The only lasting resolution I see to the Ukraine situation and getting the world back on track - is change in Moscow and the removal of Putin.

A diplomatic solution now would inevitably be something that would present Putin with gains on where he was before he invaded, and so he could claim victory and bide his time before invading someone else, perhaps Georgia (who, like Ukraine, are not in NATO).

The rest of the world must be strong and keep the pressure on Russia with sanctions until Putin’s removal is both sought and made actual by his own people.

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March 15, 2022

COVID-19 vaccine booster for 12 to 15 year olds All children aged 12 to 15 are being offered a COVID-19 vaccine booster.

Why is this age group being offered a booster dose?

The protection that your child has from their initial COVID-19 vaccines may weaken over time. Their booster dose should give them better protection and reduce their chances of getting seriously ill.

It is especially important for children with high risk health conditions, or if a family member is more at risk. COVID-19 usually causes mild illness or no symptoms in children this age, but it can cause more severe illness.

How long to wait before getting a booster Most children can get their booster six months after their last COVID-19 vaccine. If they had COVID-19 since their last vaccine, they will need to wait six months after diagnosis before they get their booster.

Appointments and consent You can book an appointment at a HSE vaccination centre on a day and time that suits you at hse.ie/book You can also attend a HSE walk-in vaccine clinic without an appointment. Find clinic times and locations near you at hse.ie A parent or legal guardian must attend the appointment to give consent. If this isn’t possible, you can call our team in HSELive on 1800 700 700.

If you have questions about your child’s COVID-19 vaccine, we have answers you can trust on hse.ie

#ForUsAll

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March 15, 2022

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March 15, 2022

We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by

Freemans Jrn 14/03/1864

Irish Ind 16/03/1938

Evening Her 10/03/1938

Irish Ind 02/03/1938

Freemans Jrn , 18/03/1829

Irish Press 14/03/1969

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carlowpeople.ie March 15, 2022