The Limerick Magazine - November 2017 2018 #Issue25

Page 1

Be Green, recycle

issue 25 november 2017

Grab one, it's free

ISSN - 2009-8650

Pandora bell 06 Pandora bell

10 Nicole Dunphy

54 B+

36 Hammy & The Pilgram

62 Savage Town


e

Li

m e r i c k M agaz

Ab

oy the kid

in

e

Th

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

W elco me T O th e l i mer i c k maga zi n e Want to know the story in Limerick City and County? Each month, The Limerick Magazine showcases all that's happening in Limerick covering entertainment, food, health, business, arts and events. Featuring some of Limerick's most talented people, with their lively interviews and thought-provoking opinions. We delve into the freshest fashion, beauty and interior trends to keep those creative juices flowing. So if you are a guest to Limerick and you find us in your hotel bedroom, welcome to our City or if you are a lifelong Limerick head, we hope you enjoy seeing the best of what Limerick has to offer..

Editor in Chief

Editor

Photography

Graphic Designer

Advertising

Michelle Costello

Kayleigh Ziolo

Tarmo Tulit

Paul Geaney

Fusion Media

michelle@fusionmedia.ie

kayleigh@fusionmedia.ie

tarmo@tarmotulit.com

paul@fusionmedia.ie

advertising@fusionmedia.ie

TLM contributors

TLM PHOTOGRAPHERS

This is a free magazine. You are free to give it away (in unmodified form) to whomever you wish. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic

Aisling O’Connor

Tarmo Tulit

or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval

Christine Costello

Deirdre Power

system, without written permission from the publisher.

Jane O’Halloran

Arthur Ellis

Tara Maloney

Ken Coleman

Jason Kenny Sintija Zorge

This magazine is designed to provide information to our readers. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any type of legal or any other kind of

Cover - Tarmo Tulit

professional advice. The content of each article is the sole expression and opinion of its author,

Sandra Honan

and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied

Sarah Talty

by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor

Fernando Sanchez

the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial,

Tommy Collins

or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.

02

Publisher - Fusion Media, Limerick, Ireland

+353 (0) 61 394776

hello@fusionmedia.ie

www.fusionmedia.ie


Cocktail

#1 PEACH BELLINI

Prosecco | Peach Puree | Peach Schnapps | Lemon Juice

Reservations | Gift cards

www.texassteakout.ie


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

T L M c o ntr i buto r s It’s beginning to feel a lot like, that time of the year as preparations start for the festive season. Christmas parties, home cleaning and present planning are at the forefront in our mind. We enjoy this time of the year a lot here at The Limerick Magazine but also know it is a very stressful time of the year which many people dread. So look after yourselves, your family and your neighbours, especially those who are alone in the run up to Christmas. In this edition we feature some of our favourite Limerick business women. Nicole Dunphy from the

Mich elle Costello

delicious confectionery company Pandora Bell take our cover this month and we also feature Leonie Lynch who new company Juspy, is set to launch. Sandra from The Pudding Branding Agency gives advice on planning for 2018 and we here at Fusion Media begin our quest on Social Media Management planning. Famous faces pop up and hidden jems along the way such as B+, Randolf and the Crokers, and Rebecca Egan is back with her opinions on life’s little problems. Enjoy, Michelle Costello Editor in Chief

Kayleigh Ziolo

04

TA R MO T UL I T

pA UL g e a ne y

Fern an d o S an c h ez

Ais lin g O' Con n or

Ta r a Ma l o ne y

S a r a h Ta lt y

Jas on Ken n y

C hr istin e Costello

S i nt i j a Zo r g e

J a ne O 'Ha l l o r a n

S an d ra H on an



THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

C ov e r F e at ur e Pa nd o ra B ell

A family voyage in search of confectionery perfection.

This is not a food story about farms and forks, and

In the pursuit of adventure, Nicole explored the

Fine food shops and delicatessens in Ireland snapped

as a given). The Pandora Bell story stems from a

glistening in a Patiserie in France nougat being sliced

was astounding and fledgling Pandora found her feet

luscious green pastures (we are Irish we take that fascination with beautiful food and European Culture. This is the story of how the early purchase of sweets

in a local corner shop led founder Nicole Dunphy to

work with some of the world’s most prestigious food halls, designers and magazines.

06

sweet tradition of Europe. Rows of Pate’s de Fruit

- the wonder and luxury of Pandora Bell’s sweet food tradition. After training at the prestigious Valrhona

École du Grand Chocolat in France, with further studies at the Italian Culinary Institute, Nicole set up

a decadent confectionery label clearly influenced by the tastes of Europe.

up the first offerings from Pandora Bell. The reaction within the culinary circles of Ireland. Then came the

Bridgestone Guide, “Newcomer of the Year Award”. Here is what they said: "You want to see and taste perfection? Here it is, again. Nicole Dunphy's salted

caramels and nougats and lollipops are of a standard no one in Ireland has ever achieved’.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Followed by an Image Businesswoman of the Year Award and a medal at Blas na hEireann: The Irish

Food Awards. Nicole was then named by Image Magazine as one of Ireland's 100 most Inspiring Women, and, shortlisted for the Entrepreneurial

Award in Bord Bia, Irish Food Board Awards. (AKA – The Oscars!)

Good design is key and Pandora Bell was chosen to

exhibit at the “World's Best Packaging Exhibition” at the Taste Festival Berlin. Speaking of packaging, Pandora Bell was also featured in the ‘Crafter's Guide

to Packaging Handmade Products’ an American book by Viola E. Sutanto.

Not short on glamour; Dolce & Gabbana has used

Pandora’s Candy Canes to decorate their Boutiques in London and Milan for Christmas. And, Vivienne

Westwood also choose Pandora Bell lollipops to launch her fragrance 'Sunny Alice'.

She took these skills and turned them into Pandora

Most recently, Pandora Bell was given an Innovation

felt like it was just a holiday.

five Coveted UK Great Taste Awards.

For the entrepreneur, there was never a question

From humble beginnings, Pandora Bell confectionary

brand. “If it’s not high end, you can’t really compete

The Pandora Bell founder, Nicole Dunphy, credits

all my heart wouldn’t be in it”. In the early days of

as the foundation for Pandora Bell. Her studies gave

Bell started as a local shop. “We are an island, it does

in arts.” Nicole financed the company by working in

cheap, and reasonable to work from, especially in

“I always wanted to run my own business, have my

to scale up and keep the wheels turning”. Keeping the

one day this dream would become a reality. The

for Pandora Bell so far. Pandora Bell now exports to

and master the art of the fine confectionary trade.

away as Australia. The company began exporting as

Italy, chocolate making in France, and barista courses

refrigerating.

of Europe’s sweet culinary trade.

“When we started, it was with a few products; we

Nicole remembers how she returned home with

regards to the early days of Pandora Bell. “I went to

Sometimes the sweet delights would turn out

were very supportive of the young business. The food

Award at the SIAL Exhibition in China and scooped

Bell, joking that otherwise all her travel would have

of whether or not Pandora Bell would be a luxury

is rapidly to become the face of luxury confectionary.

with huge companies” she explained, “and second of

her time in college studying arts history and literature

the business, exporting wasn’t considered as Pandora

background to the character as “she’s a girl interested

add a cost to export from Ireland”. Limerick is “nice,

nightclubs, and in the journalism industry but explains

comparison to London where there is pressure to have

own adventure, my own project”. Nicole knew that

company located in Limerick has worked quite well

Pandora Bell founder endeavoured to educate herself

stores in the UK, Switzerland, Norway, and as far

This included cooking courses, and a gelato course in

the product is easy to work with, as it does not need

at home. Along this journey Nicole picked up the tips

had lollipops, nougats, and caramels”, Nicole says in

her chocolate moulds and started experimenting.

local stores and the main Irish food stores. People

beautifully but others failed, Nicole kept at it saying

revolution in Ireland is only in its infancy.

that “to be able to understand quality is so important”.

From that point of view, it was a good time and the interest in food was there”, she said. Today the company conducts 30% of its business at home, with

70% of the product being exported. Pandora Bell now has “nice prestige clients” such as ISM Germany.

Pandora Bell’s unique selling points are firstly, that the

ingredients are “the best of the field in confectionary

collections”. They also cater to different diets to reach as many people in the market as possible. “We cater to special dietary requirements. We’ve a lot of vegetarian

products, vegan products, and gluten free products”, Nicole explained.

So what is next for Pandora Bell Confectionery? “We are always looking for new partners and new

distributors, we have representatives in different

firms, including firms representing us in the US for the next few months”.

07


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

As Pandora Bell is a luxury product, Nicole admits

that they would have to expand to countries with a standard of disposable income. “There’s plenty of

opportunity out there, it’s a big world and it’s great to be able to access different markets”.

“I think we’re nicely located in Ireland in that we’re so close to all these amazing countries”, she said

with regards to being able to travel to and trade with different markets. “We’re in the right generation and era to be able to do it as well”.

Being an Irish company, Nicole says that Ireland is most known for beef and dairy products as opposed

to luxury confectionary. “Luxury products are usually

associated with France or the UK, so it is good to be known as European”, she says, as Europe is renowned worldwide its food. “To be part of that umbrella gives us a step up” she says.

The next step for Pandora Bell is to develop the

characters story, as once they started working on the products, the Pandora Bell characters got “taken out of the equation”. “The story of Pandora Bell is something we’re trying to bring out now”, explaining

that the company plans to bring out a backstory for her of her adventures, her travel and discovery of wonderful ingredients and decadent lifestyle.

With Christmas fast approaching, the question of how busy and how much will Nicole enjoy the holidays

has to be asked. “What’s good is December quietens down for us, because the shops bought everything and

they want to sell out, the main buying is October and November”, she explained. This allows Pandora Bell to enjoy the holidays and close for 2-weeks during Christmas.

As for advice when starting a business Nicole warns that “it can be frustrating but if it was easy everyone

would do it”. She believes that discipline and making connections with people are highly important. She

acknowledges that things move slower than expected, and that getting the buyers attention, and then getting

them to actually buy the product can take some time.

08

“Obviously there’s going to be challenges. You have

to get out there and keep yourself fresh”, she advised. “It’s exciting as well, every year we are getting better”.

Article by: Aisling O’Connor & Kayleigh Ziolo Photography by: Tarmo Tulit


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

09


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Christ m as Par t y R u l e s

Don't dance on the tables, and don't drunkenly

The silly season is upon us, and of course there are

So how can you have a great time with your

the boss's naughty list.

with all the people you work with and becoming

your advancement depends, and keep the underlings

demand a pay rise. Here are a few tips for staying off

few sillier things you can do than getting together

so intoxicated that you lose your judgement, and potentially your job.

10

colleagues, impress the bosses on whose preference who'd just love to take your place the moment you

slip, nice and downtrodden like they're supposed to be? We have the answers.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

DO relax. The constant peer pressure to do that is one

DO dress up. If there's a theme, own it, and if you

DON'T laugh at your boss. They’ll remember. They

supposed to be a party, not an extended office meeting.

you'll spend the entire party feeling like an idiot and

bearing grudges. Just laugh at them behind their back

of the most pervasive features of Irish society. But it’s In particular, don’t talk only about work stuff.

DON'T drink too much. If you’ve been to a

don't own it, rent it from a costume shop. If you don't, trotting up some unconvincing line you thought of to justify your boring outfit.

Christmas parties before, you have seen what it’s like

DON’T undress. We think this should not need

has to be put in a cab, or you are that person. Cab

indecent exposure, maybe you should stay at home on

to be that one person who writes themselves off and cleaning fees are expensive, and it’ll take a long time to wipe off the stain to your reputation as well.

DO dance. Don't worry about whether you're good or bad – in fact, it doesn't pay to have extremely smooth

moves on the dancefloor. If you think you look a little ridiculous, just pass it off as a comedy move, just enjoy

it and you can always blame the booze, yours or others.

to be spelled out. If you have a recurring issue with Christmas party day.

DO Secret Santa. Remember that secret Santa is only as secret as the person who drew up the list and they have probably had three cocktails too many.

DON’T try to punch someone. See “Don’t drink too much”.

DON'T dirty dance. You remember that old cliche,

DO have a laugh with your boss. This might take

at office Christmas parties. There, you need to dance

even poking a bit of fun at them. They won't mind –

"dance like nobody's watching"? Well, it doesn't apply

like everyone's watching, and potentially making a

video. At best, your drunken antics will make it into your colleagues Snapchat; at worst they'll reappear in your disciplinary hearing.

the form of a nice, normal conversation, or maybe Christmas parties are the one time when they'll wish

they were one of the gang and that people weren't

forced to be nice to them even if they didn't especially

didn’t get to be the boss by not being ruthless or the way you usually do.

DO karaoke. Because it’s the best. DON’T not do karaoke. Not everyone likes it, but in short, those people are wrong.

DO stay out late. Most workplaces don't socialise

much, and it's a rare chance to get to know your colleagues. It always feels much more comfortable working alongside people when we’ve had the chance see them behaving like normal human beings outside of the office.

DON'T be the last one standing when everyone else has had enough. You don't want to be that person who's trying to convince everyone to do just one more

round of tequila shots when all they really want to do is go home and sleep. It makes you look like you don't have a home to go to.

want to.

11


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

TAR M O T UL IT COMME RC I A L P H O TO G RA P H E R Client – The Great National Hotel Group THE MULRANNY PARK HOTEL, Westport, Co. M ayo Dining at Mulranny Park Hotel

We worked with our client at the Mulranny Park

Hotel in Mayo to showcase the best of their dining offerings which including the dining experiences

with the Nephin Restaurant. The critically acclaimed Nephin Restaurant overlooks Clew Bay & offers cuisine and service of exceptional levels. The Nephin Restaurant

Dining in the Nephin Restaurant is an essential part of the experience of staying with Mulranny

Park Hotel. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with spectacular views of Croagh Patrick, the Nephin Restaurant serves world class cuisine in a unique

setting. In such incredible surroundings, you'd expect nothing less than incredible dining. The Menu

The Mulranny’s chef, Chamila Mananwatta, is cooking some seriously lovely food – onion and coriander pakora with curried lentil soup; Gerry Hassett’s oak

smoked salmon with red amaranth; Curraun Blue trout with carrot and lemongrass purée; corn-fed

chicken stuffed with white pudding and chorizo with

crispy poached egg. As with his predecessors, Mr Mananwatta’s food is particularly pretty on the plate – a joy to look at and then a joy to eat.

12


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

About Tarmo Tulit

Tarmo Tulit is a commercial photographer based in Limerick City, with main focus in editorial portraiture

and commercial photography. He specializes in creative photography in the area of conceptual

editorial and advertorial. Characteristics of his style lie within the lighting, working with and bringing out

the interesting element in his subjects’ character while

using colour, texture and tone as the means of visual expression.

Putting It All Together

Have you a project you would like to talk to us about? We would love to hear from you, please get in touch! Email:

info@tarmotulit.com

tarmotulit.com

Website:

www.

13


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

ar t ist pr of ile De cl an Sh a lv ey I nt erv ie w IN

LIMERICK

CITY,

JIMMY

“HARDY”

SAVAGE IS A GANGSTER ON THE RISE, FACING TROUBLE FROM ALL SIDES.

With the local cops, rival gangs, his best mate, and

his mammy all out to stick a knife in him, will the

bollocks live long enough to get to the top? More

importantly, will he pay me back that fiver I gave him last week? From the savage minds of Declan Shalvey (All-Star Batman, INJECTION), Philip Barrett, and Jordie Bellaire (Vision, THEY’RE NOT LIKE US) comes an original Irish graphic crime novel that’ll

leave you gaspin’…for a pint! Christine Costello chat’s with creator Declan Shalvey about Savage Town and life as an artist.

Have you always wanted to be an artist? Can you think back to your earliest memory of creating art?

Always, at least as long as I can remember. I can

remember lying on the floor drawing in a colouring

book while my mum tried to help me. I also remember copying Duck Tales comics and trying to figure out how to draw them.

As an artist, do you have any particular work method? Do you treat it like a 9-5 job, or do you wait for inspiration?

Ah, you have to treat it like a job. Sitting around waiting for inspiration is a luxury you can't afford

when there's a deadline hanging over your head. Of

course, now and then, the muse isn't quite there, so you do your best to work out a flexible schedule so that if you're not exactly able to get the creative juices

flowing, then there's plenty of administrative work to do. Mundane tasks are good, it gives the creative parts of your brain time to regroup.

14

Working in comics is very time consuming though,

Do you find Ireland to be a good base for those

Do you prefer traditional or digital art?

Yes and no. No, in that not many knew what graphic

Traditional, for sure. There's something about the

understand what I was interested in and wanted to

it's not necessarily 9-5, it’s more like 9-5AM.

tactile nature of drawing on paper, fleshing out the

drawing, refining it, etc. It's what I enjoy most about

drawing; having to work within the limitations and doing my best to come up with solutions to illustrative challenges.

What were some of your favourite comics/graphic novels growing up?

The classics; Asterix, Spider-Man, X-Men, then I moved onto more seminal works like Batman: Year One, The Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil: The Man Without Fear, Preacher, etc.

wishing to work in the graphic novel industry?

novels were, so it made it difficult for anyone to do. Over time though, I started to build a network

of other friends who were interested in them and

some who also wanted to make them and that grew and grew over the years. Comics and graphic novels are a lot more popular now and more understood in

pop culture. With myself and other artists becoming successful in the industry, there's a lot more interest

and people like myself and other creators in the country have offered a lot of support, to encourage younger up-and-comers.

Why choose Limerick for the setting of your latest graphic novel?


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

I lived in Limerick for many years, I came to study in the art college and stayed around for a while. I

remember my time there quite fondly and felt it was

under-represented in fiction. After a ten-year career

in American comics I wanted to make something that was reflective of where I'm from. I'm also a big fan of crime comics and considering Limerick's past with its

previous gangland problem it seemed like Limerick would be a great place to set this story. With Savage Town, I get to do both!

Were there any artists you idolised growing up, or still idolise to this day?

Oh for sure! Guys like Jim Lee, Andy Kubert, Frank Miller. I'm lucky to say I've met a few, like Goran

Parlov and JP Leon. They say 'never meet your heroes'

but I'm happy to say that meeting my heroes has been the best.

If you were to choose any adaptation of Savage Town to be made, what would it be and why?

I'd love to see it as a TV series, personally. I feel there's a lot more story to tell, I'd love to do more in the graphic novels, then it would be cool to see the story develop in film. Also, I'd love it if it could be made in

Limerick, it would be a way to hire Limerick actors and generate income for local businesses.

Was it strange branching out from the fictional world of superheroes and zombies to something so real?

For the past couple of years I've been working on a

graphic novel series that is set in a real world setting. It has fantastical, sci-fi elements, but it has been

hugely educational and inspiring to work outside the

mainstream superhero system. I love all that stuff, but it's refreshing to be able to work outside of that system. Savage Town is the next step for me, trying to do something from the ground up, and telling something totally grounded.

What would be your advice to budding young comic book artists?

I would say always try and remember the kind of

creator you want to be. Start small, short stories, and

slowly build your body of work while you hone your craft. Build relationships with other creators, you

always have more to learn and other creators have lots

Why do you do what you do? It's all I've ever wanted to do and I've been fortunate to have developed the skills to do so.

Savage Town is available in Steamboat Records. Article by: Christine Costello

to teach you.

What other projects are you currently or hope to start soon?

I'm currently working on the series I mentioned

earlier, called INJECTION, with writer Warren Ellis, providing covers for Marvel's current PUNISHER series and IDW's STAR TREK: DISCOVERY

mini-series, and writing a DEADPOOL VS OLD

MAN LOGAN mini-series. There's other stuff too, but nothing I can talk about yet.

15


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Music Int e rv ie w Conversation, Stories and Tales with Randolf and the Crokers “Sometimes you just need four chords and the truth.” -

During the production process of Randolf and the

“When we were sending out the last EP to press

vocalist, Clare O’Brien.

Croker estate. They reminisce about climbing fences

and sending them off and I decided, I’m gonna send

Randolf and the Crokers’ motto according to lead female

Single-Screw. Those were the two words first uttered on our taped interview by Keith Kelly following an

amusing dispute between who had the most offensive initials; KK (Keith Kelly) or SS (Shane Storan). The

argument comes to an abrupt halt as Clare O’Brien

(Lead Female Vocalist) places a bird-shaped milk jug atop of a novelty Ché Guevara placemat, followed by

a pot of fresh-boiled tea. In the corner of the room, their orange tabby, Scout lay curled up on the sofa, paying little heed of the crowd and the chatter.

This month TLM sat down in conversation with

Limerick folk-band, Randolf and the Crokers; a band born and bred in the heart of Limerick. The influence of the city lies in every aspect of their music, right

down to their name. “Shane lives out in Murroe,” Keith begins when asked about the band-name’s origin, “All the pre-band meetings were held in a

pub near Shane’s house called Crokers. As time went

on we began to research and find out stuff about the name of the pub. He [Croker] was a member of an old Limerick family who came here and built a lot of the buildings around Barrington’s hospital.” Shane

Crokers’ first EP, the band took a field trip to the to get inside, along with the characters they met on

the way. The cover of the band’s first EP, Conversation

Amongst the Ruins, is in fact a picture taken from that

day of the Croker house. As for Randolf, Keith adds, “Randolf comes from Shane’s nickname, mistakenly, when I was supposed to call him Gandalf but called

him Randolf instead. There may have been alcohol involved.”

Their second and newest EP, entitled Tales of Little

to listen to our stuff.” They all praise Higgins’ passion for culture and support of the arts, labelling him as a

‘culturehead’. A few months ago, Keith received a call from the Áras saying they had listened to the EP and

would like to invite the band to play at their garden party.

man himself before their performance. “I usually get

lanes,” Keith explains, “We’re all very proud of being from here and it goes back to Angela’s Ashes with

the lanes. Everyone we know came from lanes, we were brought up in lanes and our families came from

lanes.” Clare adds a quick note on the alliteration of the EP title and its importance. When she’s not in the

Crokers were given the opportunity to meet with the kind of nervy around important or famous people,” Clare says, “but it was the complete opposite with him [Michael D. Higgins]. He made you feel at ease

and very warm. It was like meeting your aunt or uncle from up the country that you hadn’t seen in a while.”

recording studio, Clare O’Brien is teaching English

Randolf and the Crokers, along with The Strypes,

that the first EP shares its title with a work from her

for the afternoon. While the other acts played in

in St. Anne’s secondary school. She also mentions favourite poet, Sylvia Plath.

at Michael D. Higgins’ garden party in Áras an

of the people”.

Limerick and we’re from Limerick and would he like

into Limerick somehow, Limerick is known for its

most famous features. “I always like to tie the name

the rogue of the family and a rogue to his duties and

lads.” Clare labels him as “a bit of a rock ’n’ roll, man

handwritten letter basically saying, he’s from around

As part of their visit to the Áras, Randolf and the

In June 2017, Randolf and the Crokers’ strong

spent a lot of time drinking down in the pub with the

one to the President for the craic. So, I wrote up a

Lanes, takes its name from one of Limerick City’s

continues the history lesson, “They were aristocrats in

the area and Croker Barrington was the heir. He was

and radio stations, I was signing all the envelopes up

Limerick ties aided them in securing a performance

Uachtaráin. Like many, my first question was how?

The other members of the band direct me to Keith for the answer:

Beoga and Duke Special were the main music acts the marquee later, Randolf and the Crokers had the

privilege of entertaining the guests during the day, playing on the main lawn. “There was a really lovely moment when the president actually walked out of

the Áras and walked down along the garden and didn’t really have to do anything, but he stopped right beside us,” Clare recalls, “His dog parked himself

beside Keith and gazed lovingly up at Keith while

he played harmonica. In doing so, just for a moment, he [Michael D. Higgins] was giving us our little moment. Not that it’s about that, but I thought it was

just a really generous thing to do. He really listened and enjoyed the music.”

16


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

This isn’t the first time Randolf and the Crokers have

“When you look back now, it’s really insane that we

Clare later notes that had she the time on her hands,

gig was an opening slot for none other than Dublin

loved. Personally, I’m obsessed with Jeff Buckley and

every day until she died.

brushed shoulders with the famous. Their very first

folk artist Mark Geary. Geary is renowned for his

time spent playing alongside Jeff Buckley in the Sin É Irish café in New York.

opened for Mark Geary, who we all respected and

this whole connection with him and that whole era in

she would happily listen to Buckley’s album Grace

New York. Mark was just so nice and was like, yeah, you can play.”

17


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Throughout the interview, the band had nothing but high praise for Geary’s character and the help he gave

them starting out: “He couldn’t have made it any

We bring it [Music] to him and he always gives a decent input and opinion.”

easier for us being that green and on our first night.

“We’re not only more comfortable doing it, but more

on that night.” Shane adds. “He’d a pot of tea with

sound hasn’t changed as such, but we’re evolving and

To this day we haven’t met anyone as nice as he was him and he was in a very natural and non-patronising way giving us wisdom. Just keep writing, really enjoy

it and don’t get too jaded by the whole business side of it.” Clare concludes.

Not only did Geary offer them a support slot, but before they took to the stage, he even put forward

the idea of an on-stage collaboration with Keith: “He asked me what I do in the band and I said I

play harmonica. That’s great, [Geary replied] I’ve a harmonica song. I’ll set a place for you and you

comfortable taking risks too,” Clare states. “Our

That’s not just a challenge to our band, but it’s to

every band who are trying to write and record original

music. We feel their pain and they’ll feel ours.” At this moment, Keith throws in a joking request for free money to any reader who’s feeling generous.

trying different things. We’re comfortable feeding on

To close, we asked Randolf and the Crokers one final

vocals and working on our harmonies.” The blend of

funding were the main reasons, the band also had a

influences and showing off, or working around our influences is certainly visible in the second EP, with

tracks like ‘Home’ featuring a lot of blues influences from Shane’s collection, while the vocal arrangements are reminiscent of Clare’s adoration for Stevie Nicks

and Fleetwood Mac. The band’s growing confidence

and constant development becomes a running theme of the conversation

question; why EPs and not albums? While time and

few creative reasons for their decision to postpone the album for another while: “Music is going that way at the moment. Everything is digested much more

quickly, you’re onto the next thing all the time. I still

love an album and I see huge value in making albums, but it just wasn’t the right fit for us right now,” Clare elaborates.

can play on that.” Having only been playing the

As for lyrical influences, the list goes on: “We come

“The first EP and second EP feel a part of the same

Geary dragged him out on stage anyway during the

up listening to my Mother’s favourites like Leonard

and a fourth EP as part of the batch, but it’s just the

instrument a week, Keith protested. Despite this, set. “To this day, it’s been one of my favourite gigs, to be honest.” Keith adds.

While on the topic of the early days, we ask the band

did they notice much difference in their music now,

from a base of storytellers like Neil Young. I grew Cohen, Joni Mitchell and those kind of people, while

Shane has a real appreciation for John Lennon and that kind of thing. Those are the roots of the tree before we all branch off into our own things.”

versus their debut EP three years ago. Clare replies:

Along with the highlights of their musical career, we

we were green and trying to figure out the songs and

starting out: “When you’re just playing original music

“In the first record we were kind of feeling our way, what we wanted. We really weren’t that sure on what

the sound would be at the end. This time, I think, influences are far clearer to hear. They’re, hopefully, not clashing, they blend together. You can hear a lot more of the blues and old school, rhythmic stuff.”

Clare goes on to note that the familiarity of the situation certainly helped: “The first time around I was so petrified by the whole process. I was nervous about recording, singing and by how it would be

received. That probably took away and retracted some of the joy of it for me.”

For Shane, it was the familiar faces in the process, most notably, Mike O’Dowd: “Working with Mike

O’Dowd in Lakeland Studios - which is miles from any lake - really helped us along the way. He’s the fifth Beatle or seventh Croker, as regards to bringing us together. He really gets things going.

18

also delved into the struggles of any musician or band

it’s hard to get people to take a chance on you. When it’s a Friday night they just want a cover band and that’s understandable. It’s always fun to dance around and listen to songs you know, I totally get it.” Clare

continues, “Every band you’ll ever talk to will probably tell you about that gig where they’re competing with

the soccer match at the back of the pub, or people

album. Maybe further down the line we’ll do a third

way we put it out. This is just chapter two of the same

book.” With that worthy finishing line from Keith, the interview concludes.

Tales of Little Lanes will be launched in Dolan’s Warehouse on November 3rd. Limerick punk-rock

act Anna’s Anchor will support Randolf and the

Crokers on the night and a video for the EP’s lead single ‘Home’ will be released on YouTube before the tour kicks off.

If you could have written any song in the world, what song would it be?

aren’t buying it, aren’t interested or when it is just not

CLARE: Landslide - Stevie Nicks

hard, but as my Mother would say, they’re character

SHANE: God - John Lennon/Chelsea Hotel -

happening. You’ll always have those nights and they’re building. You have to go through them and bulk up.”

Finding an audience and a stage is one thing, but the real struggle for every aspiring musician is the

financial struggle. “The financial challenge is very,

very real,” Shane states, “That’s why bands like us, regardless of if they’re good, bad or indifferent, don’t

get the chance because they just don’t have the funds.

KEITH: This house is not for sale - Ryan Adams Leonard Cohen

Article by: Christine Costello Photography by:


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

19


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Fa shion Int e rv ie w K at e O’D o hert y Budding fashion designer and LSAD student Kate O’Doherty has made headlines in the Irish fashion

industry already. She told TLM about why she decided to study fashion, what she hopes to do after she graduates, and what it was like being shortlisted

for the Young Designer of the Year awards earlier this year.

When it came to deciding to study art and fashion in college, Kate explained that art was a lifelong passion

for her. She says that she “fell in love with art from a very young age and was inspired and guided by my

secondary school art teacher to continue studying art”.

Kate’s flair for art runs in her family. She tells about how her dad is a talented upholster. However, she says that it wasn’t until she was actually in college that

she decided to pursue fashion. Her decision to study

fashion “was influenced by my interest in working with my hands and transforming art into real threedimensional pieces”.

“Fashion designers face huge pressure in today’s

industry, the same can be said for fashion students particularly in regards to the rigorous work ethic and

creative thinking” she said in regards to her studies. “The course was surprisingly very hands on and I learned how to design and make clothes which is

something I previously knew nothing about”, she continued. Kate explained that her approach to

design evolved alongside her technical abilities while studying fashion in LSAD. This allowed her to “push the boundaries of my drafting and technical skills

which in turn opened up doorways for my design and where I could bring it.”

After her time in college she “would like to think

of myself now as a fully capable seamstress”. The

designer seems to have perfected the craft of taking ideas and making them into real life garments. “This

area of study was very useful for what I wanted to do with my own designs”, she continued.

After college Kate hopes to stay in Ireland within the fashion industry. “I am a dedicated fashion designer

and excited about what I have to offer the fashion industry” she concluded.

Kate’s talent was commended in September when she was a nominee for the Young Designer of the Year 2017 at the Dublin Fashion Festival.

The piece Kate submit to the Young Designer of

the Year was from her final collection titled “A

Collective Consciousness”. The graduate collection is in response to “the natural landscape and our

role within it in modern society”, according to the designer. “The concept behind the collection is to

explore the connection between the human body

and our detachment from the natural environment.

20

I aim to capture the tension between humans need to ultimately control and our basic human instinct to

connect with our natural environment”, she explained. She described how she created a sense of connectedness with nature by using fluid lines merged

with contrasting forms. “My theme worked with the tension and fusion between manmade fibres and synthetic fibres”, she said. The designer said that this

opened up a lot of options as to what she could work with. “The fabrics I chose to work with helped with

creating the atmosphere I wanted to achieve. This led

to the fusing of transparent PVC’s with 100% cottons, wadding silk satins, quilting silk velvets and pairing them with Tyvek”, she continued.

The designer used obscured shapes and moulded

forms to challenge traditional notions of what it

means to be human when putting together the design.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

In the collection Kate seeks to explore the conflicting relationships between humans and the natural landscape, through the use of both

manmade and natural fabrics. She also aimed to “incorporate the fusion of both body and nature to

become one, through the use of innovative fabrics and creative drafting”. The concept Kate was trying to portray is clear in her Young Designer of the

Year piece as we see pure white contrasted with sheer yellow, as well as more varying textures from

feather-like features to a more manmade yellow material.

Although the designer didn’t’ win, she was very

humbled to have been a part of the fashion festival. “ Being one of the twelve finalists was an amazing opportunity for my future plans in the fashion industry”, she said. However, earlier this year Kate

won Student Designer of the Year at the Fashion Innovation Awards.

“To get the opportunity to grace the catwalk with one of my pieces at the Dublin Fashion Festival again was a great experience and opportunity”, she continued. Despite the title of Young Designer of

the year 2017 going to another student, the loss isn’t going to dampen Kate’s success so far, as she

was awarded the Student Designer of the Year earlier in 2017.

Kate is graduating from Limerick School of Art and Design this coming November with an honours Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design. Article by: Aisling O’Connor Photography by:

21


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

M en’s Fa sh i o n Autumn/Winter Trends I wish I was more excited by the sound of autumn’s fashion trends for men, reading the next line might

want to make you turn the page or hibernate until Spring. Trends this Autumn include Corduroy, camel coloured everything, Moss green, Bright orange, Rollnecks and last but by no means least silk shirts. We

wish we had more positive news in the fashion scene

but we don’t - so we aim to help by giving you tips on how to wear these trends. Moss Green

While olive is common for streetwear (think bombers, cargo trousers and military shirts) moss green has a smarter appeal, especially when paired with black. Corduroy

Try working one or two textured items into your

outfit and go for a subtle colour palette such as navy or green.

Camel Winter Whites

The last time winter whites were a ‘thing’, East 17 messed everything up, and few have dared to thread

the same sartorial path since. Designers this season, however, have forgotten this epic fail and are ready to give the palest shades another try.

Think cream, off-white, stone and, white (obviously), and you’re on the right track. Sure, this may not be a

trend to try while tucking into a plate of Bolognese, but if menswear’s most stylish can overlook dubious practicality, then so can we. Cashmere crew and roll

necks, soft moleskin or corduroy trousers and brushed or boiled overcoats. Winter whites will ideally give freshness and add life to otherwise dark outfits.

22


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Coloured Tailoring

In keeping with AW17’s tendency to swerve anything

remotely boring, colour is cropping up in the very last place you’d expect: on tailoring. Of course, we’re not

suggesting you dress like a walking post box for your

next job interview (leave that to Jared Leto). Instead, simply open your eyes to the world of tailoring beyond grey, navy and black.

Consider taupe, powder blue, teal and camel. It’s the

easiest way to stand out in a sea of samey suits and can

make transitioning to the after-hours markedly easier. Printed Silk Shirts

On paper, it all sounds a bit Hugh Hefner in his

PJs, but with the right styling tricks the printed silk shirt will become your best friend once party season hits. The more seasoned print enthusiast shouldn’t be

afraid to go maximalist. If you’re more of an eclectic dresser, mix a patterned silk shirt with other patterns – tie the look together with similar base colours and vary the print size of each piece.

23


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Wo m en’s Fa sh i o n Tis the season to go shopping…

We gotta admit it, this Winter - Penny’s is knocking

it out of the park with their Women’s Collection, it’s full of sparkles and sequins - perfect for Christmas Parties.

Some of the key items include a gold wrap dress

(€25), tulle dress with silver polka dots (€17), black star guna (€18) and plisse jumpsuit (€25).

The gold bow heels (€19) and pink thigh-high boots (€28) are also expected to go down a treat.

24


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Tulle Dress €17, Pink Boots €28, Bodysuit €10 and Earrings €6

Jaquard Blazer €30, Jaquard Trousers

€18, Bralette €13, Pearl Shoe €18, Earrings €4

Star Dress €18, Gold Belt €4, Red Gold bow heels (€19)

Plisse jumpsuit (€25)

Faux Fur Chain Pouch €8, Earring €4, Tights €4

25


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

B e aut y T r e nd s Beauty Trends for Autumn

Perfectly Imperfect Lips

Tired of smudging your lipstick and having to constantly reapply it? Not a problem this season

Bleached Brows

Please don’t… that is all we have to say on that matter.

- several of the autumn/winter 2017 shows saw

Groomed Minimalism

effect. The "just-shifted the face off ya" lips as we call

looking beauty with a focus on glowing skin has been

imperfect-looking lips being created for just that them.

Cool-Girl Hair

Gently tousled, “cool-girl hair” is rarely far from

the catwalks, or “Made in Chelsea”… With that in mind… How cool is cool girl hair? Over-Liner

Vogue calls it “Over-Liner”, we call it way too much liner… but what’s in Vogue goes, when it comes to

beauty trends. Bold, black eyeliner made its mark on

A trend we can get behind! A minimal, natural-

trending for more seasons than we can count, but

for autumn/winter 2017 the look has evolved into something more sophisticated and nuanced. Whilst

in previous seasons we've heard words like "raw" and "bare", this season was all about those finishing touches that make for a flawless, subtly groomed

appearance. Look to Lanvin, Isabel Marant and Max Mara for prime examples of the supermodel-esque

glow, curled lashes and impeccably groomed brows that define the look.

the autumn/winter catwalks at all four fashion weeks,

Straight And Sleek

McGrath topped the smudgy black eyes with a flash

climate. If you can get your hair straight and sleek,

but Milan was where it really took hold. At Prada, Pat of blue and at Versace it was applied in great swoops

from the inner corners of the eyes to the temples. Think Sixties liners and go nuts!

26

Hair, the frizzy wonderful nuisance of the Irish please call us and give us advice!

Rose-Tinted Beauty

No, this is not looking at yourself in the mirror after

a bottle of rose and saying look at me I’m pissed but I’m bloody beautiful. This trend right here is a wash of the prettiest pink rose-like flush to cheeks, eyes

and lips. Sheer coverage, soft shades and delicate

application makes for an ethereal beauty which feels

utterly modern, yet completely wearable at once. Pink to make the boys wink? To think pink has never felt more apt.

Article by: Michelle Costello


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

27


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

t r av e l A European City for a Snowy Winter Break

Food, Wine and Fairytales in Tallin

Estonia’s capital is a fairytale town, small enough to

not feel overwhelming on a two or three-day break. Tallinn never fails to amaze visitors with its historical

charm. At its heart is the Medieval Old Town, an

area of cobblestone streets, gabled houses, churches and squares that developed here from the 13th to the 16th centuries when Tallinn boomed as a key Hanseatic commercial hub. Old Town has long been

the main draw for newcomers – in fact it's so unique that UNESCO added it to its World Heritage List

in 1997. Other regions of the city reflect different ages, from the romantic, Tsarist-era Kadriorg Park

to the unforgettable, early 20th-century wooden house district of Kalamaja. A modern shopping and business district in the city centre completes the

tableau, making Tallinn an amazing blend of old and new.

Historical meeting point

Ever since the days of Viking traders Tallinn has been

a meeting point for various cultures and nations, so visitors coming from any direction are bound to find

something familiar, and something exotic, when they

explore the city. Estonia's various rulers – Danish, Livonian, German, Swedish and Russian – have each left their mark on Tallinn's landscape, and

their influence can be found reflected in the city's

architecture, art and even its restaurant cuisine. The food is fantastic – reindeer or fish with fruit and

sweet, sharp sauces. Breakfasts are cured meat and fish with dark tasty bread. Coffee shops with huge comfy

sofas welcome you in for a warming hot chocolate and brandy after a gentle morning walking through the beautiful old town. It’s an extraordinary city.

28


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

City of culture

Estonia loves to showcase its rich culture, especially the traditional mass singing events that define the

soul of the nation. Chief among these is the Estonian

Song and Dance Celebration, held every five years, which involves as many as 37,000 performers and

attracts over 200,000 spectators. There are also a number of major annual events to see including

Tallinn Music Week, the Jazzkaar International Jazz Festival, Old Town Days, Medieval Days, Tallinn

Maritime Days, Birgitta Festival, Tallinn Marathon, Black Nights Film Festival and the Simple Session skateboard and BMX competition. E-city

Tallinn is widely recognised as one of the world’s most technology-oriented cities, offering a range of cutting-edge solutions from e-residency to mobile

parking. Free Wi-Fi is available just about everywhere, including hotel rooms, conference centres, restaurants, cafés and even public squares and parks. The city also hosts a dynamic business community, of which tech

plays a major part. Tallinn, for example, is home to the world development headquarters of Skype.

If you decide a longer stay is in order in this beautiful

country a visit to Tartu should be on your list. This leafy town of students, intellectuals and creatives

brings back sweet, youthful memories to many who

have once toured the city on a bicycle during their student days.

A home to one of Northern Europe’s oldest

universities, Tartu has a wealth of museums and an upbeat nightlife. Upon your arrival in Tartu, you

are soon welcomed by a statue of kissing students standing in a large Classicist town square nearby

museums, cafes and a large park formed around a hill. Tartu is very compact, with most sights, restaurants

and nightlife nestled across a couple of parallel streets. Being the second largest town in Estonia and a hot

bed for creative and scientific culture, there is always something on from theatre performances to concerts and festivals.

29


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

For fun and family activities, Perno is the place for

you, especially for families ski-ing and snowboarding, it is ideal for beginners. You can rent a log cabin, with a sauna as a tradition in Estonia, a dive into the snow after sauna‌ Naked!

Article by: Michelle Costello Photography by:

30


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

31


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

hom e HEADING

32


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

33


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Ga r d e n an d C r af t Very Berry November

The latest of all of autumn’s ornamental garden glories

are the berries – now exposed in their stark beauty by the bare stems naked of leaves, eager birds will find

their fuel amongst the hedgerow plants. We are all familiar with the red berries of the holly plant but there are many other hues to play with when planting

for a winter interest garden. Most berried plants tend

to be deciduous, losing their leaves in winter, and are larger shrubs or trees, so will need plenty of space and light to do well, plus a good amount of moisture

in the summer to ensure plump glossy fruits. Most

garden or ornamental berries are not edible, to us, but

do provide a valuable source of food and sustenance for wildlife, as well as adding interest to the garden and to flower arrangements.

Some species, such as Gaultheria procumbens or

winterberry, a plump pink berry with a white flesh, have medicinal properties – this berry is where the

active ingredients for deep heat cream comes from, you’ll instantly recognise the smell if you crush one of the berries. It’s a dwarf evergreen plant with a red

tinge to the leaves, and is extremely pretty in window boxes, mixed pots or even a hanging basket for the winter season.

For interesting colour, not a lot beats Callicarpa – A

non-descript green plant up until early November, whereupon it drops it’s leaves and reveals bunches

of small, bright purple berries. It has a delicate stem

structure, so is best grown against a fence or a wall, and it can thrive in medium light, so east or north facing positions can be favourable.

Symphoricarpus, or Snowberry has white, plump

berries, and also grows in low light conditions – it can be a tall plant if left to it’s own devices, but has fairly

fragile stems so benefits from a prune every other

spring to keep it in order. During the summer it has rounded small green leaves, its flowers are fairly non-

descript and short lived though – its beauty is in its berry stage.

The Viburnum genus is a wide one, with both evergreen and deciduous species with winter interest

– Evergreen viburnums, Viburnum tinus and davidii, produce clusters of brilliant blue berries. Viburnum

tinus is a tall, dark, green leaved, evergreen shrub, which is easy to grow and produces clusters of white flowers in late summer, which become the berries. The

short, dwarf compact form of davidii has much longer leaves, and only gets to 1m or so in height, making it a perfect tough and forgiving plant for the front of

a border, or smaller front garden where visibility is a factor.

34


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

I find it excellent to use as a cut stem at this time

Bringing life to your apartment window boxes or

In the season of garden planning it’s good to think

as it instantly gives you that fruitful autumnal feel.

the lower light levels that makes growing things

Winter might be the hardest to imagine, but this

plant, coming into bloom in late January, and is one

shades will add a welcome pop of colour and I

wide or so, and explodes in small pink blossoms in the

a contrast – these species are grown for their larger

of the year in flower bouquets and arrangements

hanging baskets during the winter can be tricky, it’s

Viburnum bodnantense is a late winter flowering

challenging – I find ornamental peppers in bright

of the deciduous species. It has a compact shape, 3m

combine them with a neutral silvery Calocephalus for

depth of winter.

prettier fruits, and are not edible. Celosia cristata is

Holly or Ilex plants produce the familiar red berries

alien like flower – it can be grown indoors on a

in fairly near proximity for berry production, and let

known as ‘brains’ in the flower world.

slow growing and needs fertile soil and consistent

blooms, and can be dried and sprayed for using in

another cool weather bedding plant with an almost

of Christmas. You do need a male and a female plant

windowsill, or in a cool porch, and it is affectionately

the plant mature before cutting too many stems – it’s

produced continually as long as you deadhead fading

moisture to grow well. It’s excellent grown as a

Christmas flower arrangements.

variegated species brighten dark areas. The strong-

For a softer look, heathers in their natural colours of

best in places with damp, cloudy winters and acidic

combined in pots or baskets, and in the spring, they

natural, impenetrable fence or border plant, and the

Flowers are

stemmed bushes can be tricky to grow but do grow

pink, white and dark red with a few pots of ivy can be

soils, so perform very well in Ireland’s climate.

can be planted out in the garden to become larger

of your landscape in all four seasons, winter included. time of year it’s the easiest to experience. We look for

evergreen ground covers or junipers, with their little blue berries. We’re interested in dimension, how some

seedpods on long stalks collect snow or how a crab apple tree looks, its bark intriguingly coloured with a

light dusting. But mostly we look for berries, hanging

like ornaments, from shrubs and climbers and trees. That’s where we find colour in winter. Shouldn’t

gardens be a source of beauty in inspiration, even when the growing season is far passed? Article by: Tara Moloney

Photography by: White Dove Nurseries

plants, making way for the summer plants.

35


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F ood & d r in k Chocolate Dipped Cupcakes

There are some things, once tasted you can’t do

FOR THE FROSTING:

FOR THE CHOCOLATE COATING:

Imagine a soft, marshmallow chocolatey treat on your

60ml water

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

without. These cupcakes are one of those things. favourite cupcake base. A just for you cupcake that is all messy and gooey and oh-so-moreish. Below you’ll

find all you need to top your choice of cupcake with the best frosting you can imagine. Be it chocolate, red

350g caster sugar

3 large egg whites

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

velvet or plain ol’ vanilla, your cupcakes will get a lease

1.In a large heatproof bowl combine the caster sugar,

coat it in lashings of yummy chocolate. This recipe

electric mixer, mix until it becomes foamy. This should

of new life when you adorn it with the frosting and will make enough to frost and coat 12 cupcakes. If

you need to make new friends, treat someone at work

or just impress your family with your baking prowess. This is the recipe for you. It’s pure indulgence at its best!

the water, egg whites, and cream of tartar. Using an

1.Put the chocolate and oil in a heat-proof bowl set over a medium saucepan of simmering water and stir the mix until melted and smooth. Transfer to a small

bowl, with a top wide enough to dip the top of your

cupcake into and let cool about for about 15 minutes.

take about 1 minute on high speed. Set the bowl over

2.Take the cupcakes out of the freezer and holding

on high speed until the frosting forms stiff peaks.

into the chocolate to coat the frosting. Keep holding

a pot of simmering water, keep it on a low heat. Beat

This should take about 10 minutes (hang in there, it’s worth it!). Remove the bowl from heat; stir in vanilla

and beat for an extra 2 minutes more until frosting thickens.

2.Transfer your frosting to a large piping bag, disposable is the best. Using a plain, round pastry tip

each cupcake by its paper bottom, dip the cupcake

it upside down for a few moments allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Pop it back onto the baking

sheet. Let cupcakes stand at room temperature 15 minutes. And then place back into the fridge.

3.Serve cold from the fridge, the cupcakes should hold for about 3 days in the fridge.

(or just snip a good size hole in the bottom of your

Article by: Hazel Ryan Sheehan - www.procrastibake.

a spiral of frosting about 2-inch-high, in a 99 cone

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

piping bag) pipe a ring on each of your cupcakes. Pipe

shape. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes. Transfer

cupcakes to a baking sheet, and pop in the freezer while preparing the chocolate coating.

36

340g of dark chocolate (regular bourneville is fine!)

ie


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

37


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F ood & d r in k In Season

Winter is really starting to dig in this month. The

GETTING BACK TO YOUR ROOTS

Swedes mash velvety smooth with cream and nutmeg

warming food to fill and sustain us. The last of the

field crops. This time of year is ripe for picking

this time of year. You can also add mashed swede

days are shorter and appetites are calling for some green tomatoes of autumn have been used to make chutney for the festive table, and most polytunnels

are gradually being emptied and prepared for next year’s growing season. So as the prolific summer and

autumn harvest dwindles, what can we expect to find in seasonal eating this month?

38

One thing Ireland does very well indeed is traditional carrots, swedes and parsnips. Beautiful and colourful

root veggies that come into their own in the winter

kitchen. Use carrots and parsnips for smooth soups, brilliant mash or for roasting as an accompaniment to meat or fish.

and make a great partner for roast lamb or beef to mashed potato for the topping for a warming shepherd’s or cottage pie.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

SQUASH HOLDS COURT

And who doesn’t love a comforting a bowl of leek and

GAME ON

which are still around this month. From your typical

green tops of the leeks can be also added to the soup

Venison is coming on stream for winter, and we will

Halloween brought us a multitude of colourful squash, orange pumpkin to Butternut, Acorn and Crown

Prince Squash, these veggies make divine winter food.

potato soup? One of the classics of Ireland. The fresh for more colour and more intense flavour.

They puree into gorgeous soups, roast like a dream,

For winter crunch, it does not come much better than

and vegetables or, meat based filling and baked in the

better. It’s said to be at its best after the first frost,

and the smaller ones can be filled with a savoury rice oven.

Which means you can eat the filling, then eat the container! Squash make good additions to vegetable or meat curries, and traditional stews as well.

Irish celery. As the weeks get colder, the celery gets which will be along shortly no doubt! A light nip of

frost makes celery stalks more crisp and flavourful. Slice finely and marry celery raw with grated apple, onion and mayo in a crunchy slaw, or knock up a Waldorf Salad, with sultanas added.

GREEN AND CRUNCHY

Use trimmed celery sticks as scoops for homemade

and casseroles. These are one of the main veggies with

vegetable crudites. Cut into fine matchsticks and add

Leeks are in season now, perfect for winter’s stews onions and carrots, to form the basis of flavour for

long slow cooked meat dishes. Particularly good with pork in a pot roast, perhaps with chunks of autumn’s Irish apples added at the end of cooking time.

In meat terms, it is all about game this month. soon be seeing game birds like pheasant hitting the shops as Christmas approaches. Venison is great for

slow cooking in a stew, even better when marinated beforehand in winter flavours like juniper, thyme, sage and red wine.

Tender venison steaks can be pan fried just like fillet

steaks, leaving them pink in the centre if you like your meat medium cooked. And if you fancy a more gutsy flavour to your Irish fry up, look out for plump

venison sausages, which are quite the surprise in the flavour stakes!

dips and soft cheeses, or as part of a platter of

FROM THE OCEAN

to stir fries. Braise celery hearts whole in stock then

This month, look for large flatfish like turbot, brill,

cover with cheese sauce and extra grated cheese, and bake till browned and bubbling. And don’t forget you

can also use the leaves, which are packed with flavour. They make a great addition to a winter casserole or stew.

Cold waters produce superb quality fish and shellfish. sole and plaice, as well as oily fish like herring which

are economical and very nutritious. Mussels and

oysters are also in season now and extremely good this time of year.

Article by: Good Food Ireland www.goodfoodireland. ie

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

39


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F ood & d r in k Cocktails & Mocktails Dry November doesn’t mean you have to be miserable. Have a go at our Winter Mocktail for some pre festive fun!

Frost Bite Mocktail

This Frost Bite mocktail would definitely be a “Frozen” feature this Christmas and for all those Elsa

fans, this will be a firm treat! Made from fruit juices, fresh basil and 7up, this refreshingly sweet drink is great for families who like to have fun in the kitchen Frost Bite Mocktail Recipe Ingredients: ice

1 oz lime juice

1 oz pineapple juice

2 oz white grape juice fresh mint leaves fresh blueberries 3 oz 7up

Directions:

•Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, lime juice and pineapple juice. Mix.

•Add white grape juice, mint and blueberries. Using

the back of a spoon, crush a couple of the blueberries. •Shake all ingredients well and strain into a large glass filled with ice.

•Top with 7up and garnish a few fresh blueberries (optional).

Cook's Notes:

To make it a cocktail (martini), substitute the lime juice for 1 oz of coconut vodka and the blueberries in the second step with 1 oz of blue curacao. Article by: Michelle Costello

40


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

41


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Star t up Spot lig h t Juspy

Prior to creating Juspy and graduating from the

It was specially formulated for the new mother who

“Over the years I have taught mothers in postnatal

Leonie Lynch graduated with a BA in Fine Art in her

relationship with her body. Understanding new

comes up in conversation is coffee, cereal and toast

University of Limerick with a PhD in Branding. late teens. She painted, exhibited, and sold original art during this time, while being a DJ in local clubs

and working on radio. When she was 29 she became a Pilates instructor and ran her own Pilates business

is tired, stressed and trying to re-establish a good

mothers are often too busy to think about their own nutrition, this product is a mix of ingredients with gives women a healthy boost throughout their day.

since 2011. 3 years into her doctorate she had her

With a particular focus on muscle recovery it is high

postnatal exercise specialist. Needless to say, she is a

high in fibre. Readymade, it is ideal for women who

first baby, Beau, which led her to becoming a pre and busy lady.

This has all led to the creation of Juspy. Juspy is a

lifestyle brand which is just about to launch their first product Juspy Momme, a readymade drink with the postnatal mother in mind.

with chocolate on the side. In today’s fast paced world

where new mothers have to take on multiple roles and responsibilities, their own health usually takes a back seat”, she said.

in protein. Considering gut health Juspy Momme is

“Women are put under a lot of pressure having to take

are looking for convenient solutions to improve their

care of their families and in most case managing a

nutritional intake on the go. Juspy creator, Leonie

Lynch, says that the idea for her product came from

an infant baby formula she gave her daughter once she

had stopped breastfeeding. She explained that on the

packaging it said that everything a baby needs to stay

healthy was in the formula, and realised that mothers need formulas like this as much as their babies do.

42

exercise and recovery, the common diet staple that

care of a new-born, managing their household, taking job”, she continued. As all postnatal women suffer

some form of tissue trauma, such as pelvic floor damage, C-section scars, prolapse and/or diastasis

recti mothers need to recover, which takes time. However, mothers are too busy to concern themselves

with their own nutritional needs, Leonie explains, and clinical malnutrition is a common ailment in the postnatal period.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

“A lot of women crash diet at a time when they

The recipe has since been signed off and trialed, at

replenishing and hydrating their bodies particularly

website. “Then we are ready to rock”, Leonie said.

should be filling their bodies with nutritious food; if they are breastfeeding”, she said. “All women have hormone changes during pregnancy. These can play

havoc with women’s health in the postnatal period. Foods can help or hinder the rebalancing of the body.

the moment Juspy is designing their packaging and

“We recently competed against a large number of companies to be one of the 8 lucky businesses on this year’s Food Works Ireland”.

Lack of knowledge about what to eat is a problem for

Leonie is hesitant to call herself an entrepreneur,

seeks to help new mothers meet their nutritional

entrepreneurship goes I am not that comfortable with

most women”, she continued. Leonie’s Juspy Momme needs and help their recovery.

Leonie says that after she had the idea she began

flying to London to pitch it to a friend of her husbands, Damien Kennedy of Whey Hey Ice-

saying she sees herself as more of a “doer”. “As far as the word to be honest because I do not see myself as

one yet. You can call me an entrepreneur when I make my first million”, she explained. On what success looks like for her, Leonie already considers herself

successful and she has her husband and two little

girls. However, from a business perspective, success

Leonie says that she can’t always go to start-up events

be a global brand”, she said.

advisors. “The New Frontiers Programme was brilliant

business accelerator programme in Limerick. Once

So far Leonie says that the feedback to the product

foodies within the group who were also successful in

development. In September 2016, 6 months pregnant,

using continual feedback from new mothers. I have

“They help me so much because they have been there

one with Joe public and the other with my target

journey than me”, she continued. She also said that

outing was at the Moorepark Open Day in July where

constant guides and helped her figure out the best

Cream, where she was given advice on the start-up

process. As she was still doing her PhD, she explains that the start was slow. “I just kept going, teasing out the idea through the LEAP Programme, a

I graduated, I really threw myself into business I got a place on the Enterprise Ireland Entrepreneur

Development Programme - New Frontiers”, she said. “Over the following 6 months, the idea was tested, the product development began and things started

moving forward”, she continued. In April 2017 Leonie pitched successfully for the Competitive

Start Fund investment from Enterprise Ireland. She called this a “god send for the next stage - to get the

product ready for market”. She then brought the

product development down to Teagasc, Moorepark to complete the recipe development of the first product.

means Juspy going global. “In 5 years I want Juspy to

but found support among her peers and business because I became really good friends with two other

has been amazing. “The product was developed

getting on the Food Works Programme”, she said.

conducted two significant pieces of market research,

and done that and are much further along the sales

market – mothers”, she explained. Juspy’s first public

her business advisors from the programme have been

she was able to do taste tests with 535 people. More

course of action.

the RDS, where Juspy spent the weekend with new

Her ambition is for Juspy to change the world in its

product and plans for the future. 97% of the feedback

and stronger in challenging life stages.

hundreds of emails from mothers wanting to know

Article by: Aisling O’Conner

recently, they were at the Pregnancy and Baby Fair in

mothers and mothers-to-be talking about the brand, from over 1000 tastings was positive and left with when the product would be released.

own little way – helping women to be a little healthier

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

43


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Busin e ss P r of ile Tom Walsh, Hear It Hear It founder Tom Walsh is a good example of

Tell us a bit about your background and how you

In your experience of the events industry in Ireland,

great from the small side-line he had started.

I grew up in Knocklong, Co.Limerick as part of a

Sometimes people coming into the business don't

someone who saw an opportunity to build something Beginning as a mobile DJ in his local area, he saw the need for sound equipment hire for all kinds of events

and took it upon himself to provide the full service to events of all sizes across the country, which he has been

doing ever since. He states that he never turns down

an event and has provided equipment for festivals, meetings and events around the country. Hear It even

got started?

business family - we had a bakery and shop. I can't bake but I am good with people and technical things

which led me towards sales. In 1980 I started out on the mobile DJ scene. It started out as a hobby as I didn't drink (and still don't) so I was looking for something to fill the evenings.

provided the sound equipment used during an event

How did you grow your business into Hear It as it

homecoming visit to his ancestral town of Ennis, Co.

I grew it as I went along. I basically started by

at Dromoland Castle honouring Mohammed Ali’s

Clare. We grabbed Tom for a quick Q&A on his three decades in the business.

is today?

answering a question: 'can you do....?’, responded with yes, then worked out how to do it. There was

no college course in this line when I started. I then added the facilities that are required and we now

supply sound, lighting, projectors and screens, TVs,

realise you have to work hard constantly and build a

reputation with your clients and suppliers. In other words the hard graft does really pay off.

What has been your favourite moment(s) with Hear It?

The best moments for me are plenty. I have made

some great friends and met plenty of great characters, both big names and locals. One of the biggest gigs was the sound rig for the big screen on O'Connell

St. Limerick for the Heineken Cup Finals in 2006 &

2008 with Futureama Productions (Fran O'Donnell). I also did the sound, lighting and visuals for Tony Hawk's wedding at Adare Manor.

drapes and staging.

What are your future plans and aims for the

What are the challenges you have faced?

Simply to keep up the service I am known for with a

With the financial climate and the resulting ups and

downs it is good to have survived. Another on-going challenge is technology, it keeps changing and it seems to be doing so more rapidly so I have to too.

What's it like to work as a family business? How do you switch off from work and enjoy downtime?

Working in a family business always has its challenges, but because Anne and I work well as a team it was fun juggling things over the years it helped with trying

not to miss the lads (Eilis, Domhnall and Eadaoin, who all work in the service industry) growing up, but it's great they are on hand to help out, even if it's carrying stage or equipment at 2 or 3am. Switching off doesn't really happen as you are almost always on

call, if not for the events today and tomorrow then taking bookings and giving quotes for future events.

44

what do you need to survive?

business?

variety of equipment for a variety of events.

You have also provided services to Dónal Walsh

Live Life Foundation, Cliona’s Foundation, Milford Hospice, Cancer Research, Limerick LGBT Pride

and many more charities and community events. How important is it to you to support such events?

With all the charities around it’s important that I can sometimes help out. Of course I have to live too, but

it is rewarding to do what we can, where we can, when we can.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

45


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

B uild in g B r an d s It’s beginning to look a lot like it’s time for 2018 Over recent months we have looked at how you can

Brand Objectives

Is your identity and brand message being implemented

from your identity to your website to your brand

your achieved the goals you set at the beginning of

collateral directed to your target audience? Is your

effectively live your brand across all of its touch points culture. The key to this has been brand strategy. But coming to this stage of the year your main aim might

be just to get to the end of year in one piece and to

look to new beginnings for your brand in the New Year but now is the ideal time to carry out a brand audit to review your brand to make the most of future

opportunities in 2018. A brand audit helps determine

how healthy your brand is, what is working and what is not and helps identify if your current brand strategy

Start by reviewing your objectives for 2017. Have the year? How are you progressing with your medium

and long term objectives? If you haven’t achieved

Competitor Analysis & Brand Positioning

brand objectives to be revised? Analyse your KPIs

Carry out a competitor's analysis, review their brand

developments within the brand which require your

(Key Performance Indicators), have you been able to meet them all? What are your objectives and KPIs for 2018?

Values and Traits.

months and ensure you that your brand is on track

examine if they are evident from the way your brand

to achieve these objectives. Follow these key points below and you will have a clear indication as to what

you need to do with your brand to get on track for 2018.

What kind of year has 2017 been for your competitors? positioning. Review your brand’s positioning. Ask

yourself is this the right position for your brand going

forward into the New Year? Does it align with your target audience?

Taking the values and traits your brand lives by,

Brand Guidelines

carries out business and engages with others. Are they

across your brand, review your brand guidelines. If

truly aligned with your brand? Is your tone of voice

evident across your brand from your social media to website to your marketing collateral to the way your team communicate?

Your Brand Identity

Having reviewed your objectives, values and traitsreview your brand identity. Do you believe that it continues to truly reflect your brand? One key way

of determining the health of your brand is to review

your marketing collateral and the various channels you use to communicate your brand message. Review

your social media platforms, websites, packaging, stationery and internal documents.

46

brand consistent online and offline?

those objectives, ask yourself why? Has there been

has driven business growth. It is essential to examine your brand, review your objectives for the next 12

in a consistent fashion across the brand? Is your

If at this point you have identified inconsistencies you don’t have brand guidelines add this to your ‘To

do’ list for 2018. Your brand guidelines provide you with detailed information on the do’s and don’ts of

implementing your brand identity from how to use

your logo, to your tone of voice and brand messaging. If your brand guidelines aren’t being implemented ask

why. Ensure that your brand guidelines are available to all of your team members. If new staff have joined the team or if recruitment is taking place in 2018

ensure these brand guidelines are available to all and are part of induction training.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Your people

Finally your people are your brand.

Do they

understand your brand? Get them on board for the

brand audit as they can provide additional insights. Are they living the brand in how they carry out their job on a daily basis? This should be evident in

how they communicate with other team members and customers? Are they communicating your key messages and delivering the brand experience you want to offer? What next?

Having completed the brand audit you will have a clear indication of the strategic direction you need

to take in 2018. Document strengths and weakness

of your brand. Note in particular any inconsistencies. Revise and update your brand strategy if required and

set KPI’s for 2018. Reissue your brand guidelines to all team members to ensure they familiarise themselves

again with the brand. Finally schedule some brand training for all of your team with the objective of achieving consistency across the brand.

What next? If the brand audit is too big a task to take on, bring in the experts – we are here to help. Armed with these new insights stay tuned to see what’s next for your brand!

Article by: Sandra Honan, The Pudding

47


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

f usion m e d ia so ci a l m ed i a Social Media Planning Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today- ROBERT MCKEE

As a publisher it has always been our aim at Fusion Media to tell stories. So often companies share their

frustrations with us about having to go to multiple

sources to get something written, photographed, planned, and being frustrated at having to buy images in order to keep their channels interesting. There are

From developing a social media presence to cultivating

Social media marketers should have a strong

strategies, a social media manager always has their

posts, plus understanding how social media impacts a

quality content to creating integrated marketing finger on the pulse of the community and the latest

social trends and sites—and do it all in real time. We strive towards one end goal: connecting and engaging consumers to drive deeper relationships and increased conversions.

few places that provide all those solutions as part of one

How Social Media Experts Work

roof - no more going to a design company then trying

will lead to better results. Today consumers are

service. With Fusion Media, everything is under one to hunt down a quality copywriter, pay a marketing

team, finding that costs spiral and having only enough

left in the budget to buy some stock images that don’t

accurately reflect the unique characteristics of your brand. With all the elements together you save time and money, and have the peace of mind of one team

Understanding how social media fits into the equation increasingly multi-platform. They come to a brand’s

website, download an app, visit the store, “like” the company on Facebook; often doing all of these things

in a single purchase cycle. A skilled social media marketer can meet these objectives:

working to the same set of deadlines.

•Setting initial benchmarks for followers and

No matter what your industry, chances are you’ve

•Prepare quality content for blogs and social platforms.

heard the term “social media marketer” and that is part of what we do at Fusion Media. The most in-demand

service for us is Social Media Management. Social media marketing has fast become the cornerstone of many brands’ customer-facing strategies It is key to your business, yet business owners face a number

of challenges when it comes to social media - from finding the time to source content, to messages becoming mixed due to a lack of experience leading to damaged business reputations.

48

increased traffic.

•Create promotions and contests to increase engagement.

•Engage with experts and influencers to increase brand reach.

•Use analytics software to measure campaign success.

background in creating engaging social content and brand’s overarching marketing strategy. Social media

is often a consumer’s first experience with a business, so a strong social presence is essential to creating

successful marketing strategies. Attributes that make

a social media professional successful are creativity, passion, and a commitment to delivering engaging, high-quality experiences for potential customers. Successful marketers are always looking to push the

envelope and to hone their skills in the space. And because the industry is evolving so quickly, we truly never stop learning or evolving our skills, it’s in our DNA.

Article by: Michelle Costello


CONTENT CREATION

A MORE PERSONALISED TOUCH Social Media Management P: 061-394776 E: hello@fusionmedia.ie W: www.fusionmedia.ie


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

opin ion Housemate Horrors and Happy Honors

There ARE Rules… They’re Known as MANNERS

Many would blame me for achieving only a middle

The Thief

Dear Reader,

affluent qualification, but before jumping to that

may all even have ‘borrowed’ at some point. The rules

What type of housemate are you? … It matters.

Warmest Regards,

The rest of the house-sharing world.

class qualification, and not aiming towards a more

conclusion, please consider background, ability and interest, and God forbid, that a young one would

choose a career that they believe they can engage in and enjoy.

As a twenty- something- year old, I still share

On the housemate front, don’t be afraid if you’re a

sometimes it is not. I guess I still share because I’m

stories, I won’t reveal names. If I lived with you anyway,

accommodation. Sometimes this is wonderful; too busy eating Avocado and Eggs Benedict Toast to

be able to save and afford my own roof and four walls; that’s what some believe. I, on the other hand, one of

the people experiencing life as a young Irish person

would personally blame it on how us ‘millennials’ have been dealt a rough hand, been given the short end of

the stick shall we say. Now, I’m playing my cards as

former housemate of mine, as while I may reveal

We have all lived with The Thief at some point. We here, as the title suggests, link back to simple, basic manners. If your housemate has offered the use of whatever, grand, use it- but be sure to reciprocate. The person on the giving end will soon get tired if they

are not receiving too. This goes for food and kitchen ware, TV time, washing detergents, clothes etc. It’s a bit embarrassing that I even have to write this.

you know where we stand. I’m honest, sometimes to

Just be a nice human. Don’t assume someone’s

admit, I’m far from perfect- I’m merely human, so I

at all with you using whatever, but just be sound and

a fault. Also, as you read this, let me be the first to just strive to be.

Here are the housemate profiles I’ve been blessed to

kindness- don’t abuse it. They may have no problem ‘okay’ it first. It’s the little basic manners that mean a lot.

learn from and love (and sometimes even hate):

If ever there was a niggling quality to a housemate it

possible... Please, let this dreamer dream!

The Nut-Job

will come and get you.

My father sometimes takes liberty in reminding me

being, quite simply, bonkers. This is the type of person

The Thermometer

slumber as they dance on tables that they may or may

Thermometer lacks basic manners and understanding

best I can and working hard on proving anything is

that by the time he was twenty-two or so he owned a house, one he built himself. He understands how life

in the ‘80s was different than it is now in the ‘10s and

it pains him on my behalf as it does me. Nonetheless, the opportunity for that milestone has passed me right

by because when I was twenty-two I was neck deep in student debt, no gift of land from family (small

time farmers, callow land… I’m sure some of you can appreciate the struggle!); and to top it all off, I had

another year left in college to get my lovely middle class qualification with my working class wage after busting my barney for six years between under-and post-graduate courses.

50

In an affectionate way, the nut-job is known as so for that may drag you out ‘for one’ and drink you into a not break from dancing so crazily upon! They’re the wonderful type that inhale the challenges of day-to-

day life and exhale a magical energy and reckless joy for life and are full of random surprises and quirks. A loose cannon and a free spirit, the nut-job generally

is so consumed by their own agenda that they don’t upset you too much, once you learn to say ‘no’.

Word from the wise; if you are the nut-job, just

remind yourself, not everyone is able for your antics as frequently as you are. Take it easy on the tamer ones!

I’ve enjoyed living with my Nut-Jobs. Thanks for the love, the journey and the life you bring to the world!

is The Thief. Stop being unreasonable people! Karma

Sharing qualities of The Thief in that The that controlling the heat/ cool levels can be costly to both your wallet and your health. There is always a

middle ground. If you’re old enough to live out of your parent’s house, you should be adult enough to

realise you live with other people who have different

means and needs to you. Some of us are hot blooded creatures, some are cold. It is simply unfair and uncalled-for if you think you can keep the heat on 24/7 or the A.C. blasting all night. I’ve lived in both

situations and it’s simply infuriating to the less brazen one, or the one without the controls.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Again, talk about it, ask your housemates, use a hot water bottle, wear shorts. Be fair. Nobody wants to get a chill or feel claustrophobic because of the heat.

Scroungers. Scroungers. Scroungers everywhere!

Actually, I’ve been lucky enough to have avoided tight

people a lot. I could probably learn from them, as I am

like the women in the ad fighting over who pays. “Sure I’ll get it this time” I’d hear my voice say before my mind processed the lack of means and consequences

of paying that bill in full or of tossing in the extra ‘few bob’ to ‘be fair’.

The Tight Meanie can very often be the most lovely person otherwise but when they repeatedly rely on

you to spot them, or they leave the pub before their round or the ‘next’ time is always their time to pay

for the take-away or cinema, or the bins or whatever. The frustration you feel towards The Tight Meanie can drive an awful rift between you both so grow

a backbone yourself and say it in a nice way, and if you are The Tight Meanie, cop on to heck! There’s no need for that. Especially when your housemate is most likely well aware of your ability to pay for things they’re too mean to dish out for. The Threatening One

Perhaps the most dangerous of all, and boy am I

happy I escaped the wrath of my Threatening One, or in my case The Threatening Two- two different

places, two different years. In my experience, physical

size was used against me. Standing just shy of 6ft, not many can tower over me, but when I lived with

a 6’ 7” psychopath, I certainly felt small. The squinty eyes, the vindictive hiss when talking, the use of

physical space, the broadening of shoulders to square up to me… it’s all very unnecessary in all and any

circumstance. Particularly if it is over a dirty spaghetti

HOU S E MA TE S

The Tight Meanie

LEARN

SOMETHING NEW

TODAY

pot you expected a female housemate to clean, or an email that wasn’t opened because, guess what, there is more to the world than you and needless emails.

51


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Notably, both these individuals, were ignorant to the

The Cooking Buddy

The Mammy knows that life is all about balance, and

are completely answerable to men. I’m sad to say,

had a really good one, and it was glorious. Taking

S/he always has an open ear. Appreciate The Mammy;

fact that we no longer live in the 1500’s where women some people still live in the dark ages and have yet to open their eyes to basic respect for others.

This is not to say that you may never have come across a female Threatening One, but if you are a Threatening

One… check yourself. We live in the 21st century. Each person is an individual, with their own mind and heart. Be respectful. You are not their puppeteer. The Legend

Of course we all love living with legends. The Legend

helps share responsibility. The Legend is chill about your stuff staying in the sink until morning or if you

accidentally break a bowl. The Legend is only the best craic on a night out and happy enough for it to go

I love when I find cooking buddy housemates. I once charge two days a week each, having a cooking buddy

gives much more than food; which even alone would be the best bonus in a housemate you could get! The Cooking Buddy provides opportunity for friendship

to really blossom under the guise of a meal. Those

even get jealous that the housemate is outshining you in legend rays, but you love them so much you can’t

be bothered to dwell on it for more than a fleeting second. The Legend has got your back.

Everyone should be The Legend. Use manners, be

fun, give space (emotional and physical), be decent. Some may even say, you must be from Bray. I beg to differ, I believe we can all be legends.

crazy world on a regular routine basis, you turn into counsellors for each other and can set a standard for delicious grub and a tidy kitchen.

If you find a Cooking Buddy, it’s all winner winner chicken dinner… No pun intended!

I think this is me. I’m the one who knows when to to get a pint of water for the less wiley and the more wild. Some of you may call The Mammy the dry-

shite though! The Mammy organises all the bills and contracts, makes sure there is always washing-up liquid beside the sink and washing tablets beside the fabric conditioner for the washing machine.

The Mammy always has too much food in and makes extra for you and stores even more ready-made dinners

in the freezer for a rainy day. S/he can magically whip

up something out of nothing should there be no food in, for some strange reason. The Mammy generally fusses over the cleaning- even remembering to throw the tea towels, hand towels and couch throw into the wash at the weekend.

52

mind.

roost and fluff my own feathered pillows, but until

stop drinking (most of the time), and knows when

keeping receipts for the bills. Sometimes you may

her know gently if she is being a thorn in the side

means you actually spend time with someone in this

and in mass! Having a cooking buddy housemate

and narrow and appreciates when you do it in return to be fair when it comes to expenses and is great at

he means well and appreciates the appreciation. Let

Maybe when I’m a forty-something I might be able

The Mammy

for them. They know how to use manners and how

like our own Mammies, even if s/he is a head ache, s/

who eat together grow together- they grow in heart

either way- a tame one or a wild one. The Legend is realistic about life and keeps you on the straight

that if your feeling down today, you’ll be up tomorrow.

to afford an over-priced mortgage to rule my own then, I may keep my chin up and my head clear along

with crossed fingers that I will meet as many more Legends, Cooking Buddies, Mammies and Nut-Jobs

as possible. As I cross those fingers, I’ll strive to be the housemate characters just listed… because there is certainly enough Thermometers, Bitches, Threatening

Ones, Tight Meanies, Thieves and Creeps out there already!

Article by: Rebecca Egan


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

53


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Lim e r ic k P e ople Ab r oa d B+ When art students begin their venture into art college, they tend to have a very clear idea of what they want

to do or at least what area they would like to work in. Generally, you wouldn’t expect someone with a degree

in Fine Art from NCAD to become one of the most

well-known hip-hop photographers in history but that’s exactly what happened to Brian Cross, better known as “B+”, from Limerick. Within a few years of

graduating and moving to Los Angeles, Brian Cross

already had a project called ‘Its Not about a Salary: Rap Race and Resistance in Los Angeles’ released by

an international publishing house and shot an album cover for none other than rapper, Eazy E.

Since then, Cross has shot approximately one hundred more album covers for the likes of

Cappadonna, Jurrassic 5, Q-Tip, RZA and Damian Marley and has also directed music videos for artists

around the world such as DJ Shadow in the US, Nitro

Microphone Underground in Japan and Control Machete in Mexico putting him at the forefront of

music photography. So how did Limerick-native Brian Cross go from studying painting in Dublin to becoming a world-renowned photographer?

“Well, I grew up in Limerick. I went to Clements [Secondary School]. While I was there I played a lot

of rugby, but I decided to do something a little bit different with my life so I applied to the National

College of Art and Design to study Industrial Design, originally. Partially because no one in my family had

gone to college and so, you know, even the notion

of me going to art school was nearly too far out. I

dropped out of Industrial Design after about a year to transfer over to Fine Art, which really was a wild card.”

54


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

In his early life, it seemed for a while that becoming

Everyone has their own career defining moments no

“I was never a great photographer to be honest with

promotion, winning an award in your field or getting

a photographer was never really an option for Cross, you but [photography] really interested me, or at

least the notion of image making did.” After a few years of being an art-graduate working in a used-

car dealership, he finally decided to apply to postgraduate courses, one of them being photography at

the California Institute of the Arts. That’s when there

seemed to be a sign that he was destined to live his life as a photographer in the US.

“I applied and was accepted and that was around the same time I got a letter from the American Embassy

and I thought it was something to do with the fact

that I had applied to grad school and I was thinking, “God man these people are really on top of it” but it was me getting offered a Donnelly Visa that my M,om had applied for when I was sixteen. I think everyone in Ireland applied for it, you know those ads

matter what industry they’re in, whether it’s getting a published for the first time. Brian Cross has had more career defining moments than will fit in my word count but according to Cross, it all started with

working with Eazy E. “I remember getting a bootleg cassette with the first NWA record on one side and

the first Eazy-E record on the other side and to think that in a space of a few years I’d be photographing those guys and getting paid to do it. It was bananas.”

Of course that’s not his only career highlight, as he explains, “There’s been a few holy shit moments. The

first photoshoot I ever got paid for, properly, was shooting House of Pain. I remember getting $400

“I’d say creatively, for me, the big thing was realizing

me a week to earn that with my job at the camera

doing something that I was happy about myself and

and thinking “wow that’s... crazy”. It would’ve taken store and that was cool. I thought if I could do that once a week I’d be alright.”

in the paper on a Sunday that say, “send a stamped,

“There were also a couple of moments where I realised

DC with a cheque for sixty bucks” and it would be like

wasn’t in doing publicity stills whether it be like head

addressed envelope to this address in [Washington]

a lottery. I guess it went through the first few rounds and she applied when I was sixteen so I say that

would’ve been maybe eight years in the difference. It was pretty crazy, like some kind of a sign.”

Although his interest in hip hop began in Ireland, California Institute of Arts seemed to be the place

where his interest in photographing hip hop artists really began. “While I was at CalArts a professor of

mine challenged me to make work around hip hop or to photograph that community out in LA. I was kind of hesitant about doing it because at that time I hadn’t even photographed people. A lot of the

work I did at the end of NCAD was a photo series of the canal bank basically. That’s what I was basing my work around that time because that’s what I was

doing traditionally what commercial photographers do, which is to do what you think people want.”

“As cliché as it sounds; to pull off something yourself,

shots, video stills for video shoots, whatever I did at

important to just protect your sanity. It really is a

that time. That was the easy stuff, the real work came from doing the more conceptual stuff like figuring

out what an album cover should look like, getting an

artist interested in your idea and making it happen. It gave me creative freedom too. I remember the DJ

Shadow record, and how spectacular it was working

even if you’re not making as much as you were, is

balancing act, to find that balance and just work on it. I’m not saying that as some kind of a boast, but that

really is a measure of success to me. I can live, and do what I want and you earn that. I’m very lucky to have earned that.”

on a record with someone who was a friend first and

After his first book was nominated for Rolling Stone

what it should look like, and then watching it blow

Best Music Books of the Year and photographing

then actually helping them figure out the vision for

up. Feeling engaged with the success of the record as

well, being able to walk into a room of people and say “yeah, I fucking did that photo” and everyone knew what it was and see everyone’s reactions, that was really something else.”

For many people, especially those who work in the

a year after that I had shot my first album cover, which

that you can do something that you love every day

was for Eazy-E.”

finding a way to have an audience for that rather than

that if I was going to live off of this that the real money

comfortable doing. I just went for it, and within a year I had a book out and a contract with Verso and maybe

somewhere around ’96 that it was much better to be

arts, one of the biggest career highlights is realising and be happy with the outcome of what you’ve

created. Brian Cross can definitely agree with that.

Book of The Year and was featured in the NME Critics almost every major hip hop artist all in the early years of his career, he continues to receive popular

acclaim for his recent work as well. Having recently shot Kendrick Lamar’s Complex cover, B+ shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. He currently

still resides in LA as co-founder of the production company ‘Mochilla’ with fellow music photographer Eric Coleman which has seen them work with brands like Adidas and Vans.

Whether it’s his solo photography or his continued work as part of Mochilla, Brian “B+” Cross is destined to receive continued success for the rest of his career. Article by: Sophie Butler

55


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Min d Your M in d Mental Health: Holidays

The holidays and Christmas are referred to as “the

Plan your finances

Take care of your body

holidays are a crisis period and met with dread. Be it

times of the year. Between the colder and darker

Celebrations, and other sweet treats. This time of

most wonderful time of the year”, but for many, the

the wetter and gloomier weather having an adverse

effect on mood, strained relationships with relatives one is expecting to visit, financial struggles to due

pressure to buy gifts and other stresses, it’s easy to feel worse when everyone else appears to be full of joy. Whether you love or hate them, the holidays are hectic and can take their toll.

For those who suffer from Seasonal Affective

The holidays are one of, it not the most, expensive weather costing more in heating and electricity, going

out, and Christmas presents, it can be tough to make ends meet. There’s pressure to buy everyone you love

presents that not only come from the heart, but also have a decent price tag. The stress of money can even

ruin the holidays as presents are only bought due to a feeling of responsibility, and not because you want to show your love.

Disorder (SAD), the winter months can trigger a

A good tip is to start putting away a little amount

the summer months trigger an onset of depression,

a list of how many presents you need to buy and an

relapse into depressive episodes. Although for some, but for most, autumn and winter are difficult times. SAD can be treated by light therapy, psychotherapy, and medication.

However, suffering from SAD isn’t the only turbulence

people can run into over the holidays. Just because you might not suffer from a mood disorder, doesn’t

mean that the holidays are a breeze. We have some tips for beating the winter blues.

year sees most people eat themselves into a food coma with all the confectionary around as well as

Christmas parties and other events where large meals are involved. Furthermore, with the shorter days and

cold, we’re less likely to want to exercise or go out for a walk. However, what we eat and the amount of

physical activity we do has a massive impact on our mood and how we feel. Neglecting physical activity and diet can increase the winter blues.

of money every week leading up to Christmas. Make

While motivation can be hard to find, and you’re

estimate of what they’ll cost, so you know how much

pack some extra veggies and nutritious wholefoods

to save. For example, if you worked out that you’ll

be spending around €100 on gifts, you can make a

plan to save €10 a week over the course of 10 weeks, or €20 over 5 weeks. It all depends on what you can

afford to put away and what works for you. However,

if you really cannot afford to splurge out on the gifts, thoughtful homemade gifts are just as good and all the more personal. Personalised collages, baked goods, or

arts & crafts are mean much more than store bought gift sets and most people will understand that times

are hard. Your loved ones will appreciate the thought and won’t want you stressing yourself over presents.

56

If you walk into any shop you’ll see stacks of Roses,

surrounded by temptation, winter is a good time to into your diet. Enjoying homemade vegetable soups and other warm comforting – but healthy – foods are

a guaranteed pick-me-up. There’s nothing wrong with

treating yourself to some mulled wine and chocolate, but have everything in moderation.

It’s also important to go easy on the drink. Having

a drink every now and then won’t hurt, but getting black out drunk attempting to complete 12 Pubs isn’t a good idea.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

There are also countless numbers of at-home exercise

Planning shorter visits can minimise the damage if

without having to brace the cold. You don’t even have

called out. Avoid putting yourself in a situation that

tutorials online to follow so you can stay active to invest in gym membership to keep fit! Plan visits

people don’t seem to change or take well to being

you know to be detrimental to your wellbeing if possible.

There’s a lot of pressure to reconnect with family

If splitting the holidays with a partner, make a plan

For some, reunited with old friends and family is a

New Years with the other, but also take some time for

members you only see once a year over the holidays. highlight of the winter, but not everyone is lucky enough to have healthy relationships with these

to spend Christmas with one side of the family, and yourselves too in between.

people. Furthermore, there can be so many people to

Don’t leave it till the last minute

commitments.

minute. The holidays and retail make for a messy and

see and so little time to do so due to work and other

When it comes to spending time with family members who may not be supportive, its best to brace

yourself for the situation and take criticism with a

pinch of salt. For some, it extends past disagreements

Try not to leave the Christmas shopping until the last stressful time. Between stores being packed, and the popular gift items selling out quickly, it’s best to pick

to the likes of “you’re still single?”, “You wouldn’t want

gathering try to get the approximate number of guests

career choices don’t make for pleasant conversations, especially when one party is drunk. Instead of rising

to these comments with frustration or arguing,

If you’ve taken too much on trying to be the perfect

host for the holidays, fear you won’t be able to afford

Christmas, or just feel blue, it’s a good idea to open up. Sharing how you feel will ease the burden and people

will offer to help take the weight off your shoulders in any way they can.

However, if it’s not something than can be remedied over a cup of coffee with a loved one, there is help

available by seeing a counsellor, getting in contact with an organisation, or visiting your GP. Article by: By Aisling O’Connor

save a lot of stress and hassle.

Don’t leave plans until the last minute as well, if you’re

to be eating that”, or being critiqued for college or

Lastly, let people know how you feel.

things up early to beat the rush. This is guaranteed to

to facing homophobic, racist, or sexist remarks. Family members can mean well, but having to listen

Talk

going to be the host for a Christmas party or a family in good time as well as knowledge on any dietary

requirements. Being organized will cut the stress and allow you to enjoy the festivities.

staying composed and making it clear that you do not appreciate being spoken to like that may make them change their behaviour.

57


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Min d Your M in d Dealing with stresses of the Winter Gloom

Life is not about waiting for the Storm to pass, but rather learning to Dance in the Rain

For the most of us we recognise that winter brings

While it is quite common for us all to feel the effects

Limerick doesn’t escape it either, and most of the time

sinister and can manifest itself into SAD (Seasonal

with it damp, gloomy and cold weather. Unfortunately in this country we are faced with these conditions, I

suppose it is all we can expect at the best of times, considering we live on a sponge…..lol. With Storm Ophelia causing mass destruction lately did not

help things in any shape or form. Sadly, the days are now shorter and it almost seems like you get up for work and it is Dark and you come from work and

it is Dark. So, it is no wonder that people’s moods are affected. But what are you doing to manage this?

58

of winter, for others it can become a little more

Affective disorder) or Winter Depression, which is a more serious condition. Winter depression has most

scientists who study it, baffled. Brain chemicals, ions

in the air, Light and genetics seem to be contributing factors but one thing is certain, most researchers will

agree that those who suffer from seasonal affective

disorder are particularly sensitive to light, or rather the lack of it.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

So, what does researchers say?

Exercise

Diet is King

now been proposed, that It may stem from too

activity, now more than ever is crucial. Attending

day, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, will help

There has been new research into this and it has much melatonin. When the brain's pineal gland

starts pumping out melatonin, we get sleepy. During winter, animals secrete melatonin for longer periods than they do at other times of the year. Research now

shows that us humans do, too -- but only those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Common symptoms include:

•Depressed mood, low self-esteem

•Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

•Appetite and weight changes

•Feeling angry, irritable, stressed, or anxious •Unexplained aches and pains •Changes in sleeping pattern

If you are not already involved in some form of clubs, gyms, pools or anything that gets you out and about and moving is a massive factor in fighting off

•Food is mood but be careful. We do make an

you feel better about yourself, your lifestyle, and the

subconsciously. We tend to look for all the wrong

workout regimen can go a long way towards making time of year. Even getting up and getting outside for a

quick walk in the daylight can make a huge difference. Staying active and getting exercise releases dopamine, one of the neurotransmitters that regulates mood, and

whether it's the winter blues that have you down or you're just suffering from general malaise, it can be

a big help. Of course, this gets you out of the house, which leads to socialising and meeting friends, and generally real positive people. Environment

•Use of drugs or alcohol for comfort

lifting the mood. Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of banter

•Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair Time to start Making those Changes

Time Management & Planning – Although this is

not a cure it certainly will help you to structure your day more and is a fantastic way of staying busy and

can be a brilliant distraction. The last thing you want to be doing is stuck in front of the box, wrapped in a blanket and feeling highly unmotivated.

you keep your energy up and minimize mood swings.

any negativity. Being physically active and starting a

•Difficulty concentrating

•Fatigue and lack of energy; reduced sex drive

Eating small, well-balanced meals throughout the

Having family and friends over is a brilliant way of

and us Irish love to chat and hear the latest gossip. Try and get them to go to the gym with you or get out for

walks when possible to take advantage of daylight. It is so important to remember that our circadian cycle is

affected in winter and when the clocks change and it

can have an affect on us too. It would make you think

of how those in the likes of Fairbanks Alaska, who

association with our foods either consciously or

things when feeling bad or down this in turn can make you crave sugary foods and simple carbohydrates, such as pasta and white bread, complex carbohydrates are a better choice. Foods such as oatmeal, whole grain bread, brown rice, and bananas can boost your feel-

good serotonin levels without the subsequent sugar crash.

•Look for foods rich in certain Omega-3. Fat gets a bad wrap most of the time, but Omega 3 is something

that is seriously left out of our diets, where can they be found? In any oily fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds to

mention just a few. These will certainly help along with

other nutritional benefits like the protection of cells, optimal functioning of the neurons and decreased cell death while improving nerve transmission can

also improve your mood and may even boost the effectiveness of antidepressant medication. Article by: Jason Kenny

only have 4hrs between night and day are not gone completely off their rockers? But when studied only

8-9% of the population get ever so slightly affected

by it. How do they cope? Simply by staying active and just getting on with their day-to-day chores and Activities.

59


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Par e nt in g Babywearing My favourite wrap is the JPMBB. These slings can be purchased from a reputable Irish babywearing site such as koalacubs.ie. I find this Irish website excellent

and have purchased all my carriers and accessories here.

Numerous Benefits

Wearing a baby is a carrier has been shown to -relieve reflux and colic type symptoms -reduce crying

-keep baby calm and stabilise heart rate and breathing

In addition, babywearing allows the parent to remain

hands-free for other activities such as attending to other children, shopping, preparing meals etc. Also once you are confident with your sling it is quite

easy to master breastfeeding the baby in the carrier. I have spent many a Saturday morning pushing the

trolley around Dunnes while simultaneously nursing Babywearing involves carrying your baby or toddler

Baby carriers can be expensive so it is helpful to

benefits to both the mother and baby are numerous.

Alternatively you can book a private appointment

the baba in the sling and entertaining the toddler.

compare a few different types before you splurge.

Multitasking at its finest!

with a babywearing consultant who can go through

Toddler Wearing

more detail.

carriers can support up to 45lbs in weight or up to

as possible. Here are some of my tips and advice

Select your Baby Carrier

versions of the Tula and Connecta carriers which

babywearing world.

carriers it is important you purchase your sling from

lugging around cumbersome buggies. This is hugely

street shops do not sell ergonomic carriers which

have limited space at home or in your car.

always be in a carrier that allows the infant to remain

If you are still in doubt try to come along to one of

position. Dangling legs are a big no no. This dangling

interested in the babywearing community.

on your body in a wrap, sling or baby carrier. The

After the birth of my second child I had no choice but to embrace the world of babywearing. The endless

demands alongside the juggling of both a toddler

and a newborn required me to be hands free as much for anyone interested in navigating through the

Go to a Sling Meet

Going to a sling meet prior to the arrival of your baby

will enable you to try numerous types of ergonomic slings. The Limerick babywearing community meet

every month at the Elevate Community Church on the South Circular Road. Here you can rent and try

out slings, meet up with other babywearing parents and get a feel for which type of sling will best suit your needs. It is well worth attending one of these get-togethers and try before you buy.

60

everything babywearing related with new parents in

Babywearing is not just for infants. Certain baby the age of two years. Additionally, there are toddler

When you have tried out a number of different

can support older toddlers. This reduces the need for

a reputable babywearing source. Many of the high

beneficial when out and about, on holidays, or if you

correctly support the baby and parent. Babies should inward facing. Legs should always be in an ‘M’ seated

the sling meets where you can chat with other parents

type of position is uncomfortable for both the baby

Happy Babywearing!

include the Tula and Connecta.

Article by Jane O’ Halloran

and parent. Some of my favourite buckle carriers


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

61


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

L it e r at ur e B o o k Rev i ews Books to read this month We have a pretty interesting mix of books for you this November. There’s

everything from books from Netflix writers to short stories to novels about living on the moon…

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Artemis by Andy Weir

If you’re into classic movies at all there’s no doubt you’ve seen the 1974 movie

Jazz Bashara is a criminal who has just seen a way to pull off the biggest heist

adapted into a movie once again, hitting cinemas 22nd November. With an

city on the moon and she’s just of a conspiracy for control of Artemis itself.

Now is the time to re-read Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. adaptation. It’s a brilliant clever thriller so there’s no surprise that it’s being award winning cast such as Johnny Depp and Judi Dench it’s sure to be a good one.

The bestselling author of The Martian returns with this futuristic thrilling tale.

her city has ever seen. The only catch, she lives in Artemis, the first and only Published 14th November.

Frankie by Shivaun Plozza

Bonfire by Krysten Ritter

she witnessed, her cheating ex-boyfriend and her aunt. When a kid shows up

Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and Breaking Bad to writing. Bonfire is a

Frankie Vega is one angry teen, she’s angry at the cop investigating the burglary claiming to be her half-brother but then goes missing she goes looking for him, even if it opens doors to a past she doesn’t remember. Published 7th November.

62

Actress Krysten Ritter has gone from starring in the likes of Netflix’s Don’t

psychological suspense novel about an environmental lawyer who returns home to tackle a new case and is forced to confront her past in the wake of small-town corruption. Published 9th November.


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Little Broken Things by Nicole Baart

No Saints in Kansas by Amy Brashear

disappears, leaving Quinn only with her name Lucy and instructions to keep her

murders that inspired it. Published 14th November.

Quinn’s estranged older sister Nora shows up with a little girl and then

hidden. A suspenseful novel about an affluent suburban family and the lengths

A gripping reimagining of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood and the brutal

people go to protect the ones you love. Coming to bookshops November 21.

Let it Snow by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson

The Dreams of Bethany Mellmoth by William Boyd

Read this sweet short story collection before it gets made into a movie, to be

A new short story collection from the author of Sweet Caress and Any Human

coming into December, Let it Snow is about interweaving romances that take

throughout his life. A couple chart the journey of their five year relationship

released 22nd November. A great way to get yourself into the Christmas spirit place on Christmas Eve in a small town during a snow storm.

Heart. A man recounts his personal history through the things he has stolen backwards, from awkward reunion to first encounter. At the heart of the book, a

24-year old young woman, Bethany Mellmoth, embarks on a year-long journey of self-discovery. Published 2nd November.

A Hundred Small Lessons by Ashley Hay

Heather, the Totalityby Matthew Weiner

A romantic novel about two mothers from different generations and how their

Coming to bookshops 7th November, the debut novel from the creator of Mad

her Brisbane home after a fall, Lucy Kiss, her husband and new baby move in.

collision course between a privileged family and a dangerous young man.

lives converge one summer. When 62 year old Elsie Gormley is forced to leave In her nearby nursing home, Elsie revisits memories of her life. Her memories of

marriage, motherhood, love and death are tangled up with her old house, whose rooms seem to breathe Elsie's secrets into Lucy. Published 28th November.

Men is a modern morality tale set in contemporary New York centring around a

Article by: Sarah Talty

63


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Poet ry fro m Sta nz a s When I

and I watch back

the corner

and the

we in my shower

not

the faucet

I do

fear

not

to be done.

There is a spider in my shower. Last week, it watched me wash blood from underneath my fingernails, where red collected when I cupped my cheek. The ring, on the forth finger of a cupped fist, had ripped the skin. Rose water disappeared down the drain. My nails were clean

We have a strange relationship we are familiar. When I leave, it resumes its place. Fashions its careful web again The only thing

for me

hums

interact.

I’ll ever

and waits

mechanism

do just above

is you.

up into

the water but

There is a spider

it inches

turn on

It watches me

it’s

bruises remained.

not

There is a

some

spider

-thing

fear

to

it. I wish

in my

shower

eschew

I could.

know

Ilyana Bio

Stanzas bio

Ilyana Kuhling is an Irish-Canadian poet based

Stanzas is an event for emerging-writers to come,

word. This year she won the British Psychological

the mic. We currently hold our main event on the 3rd

in Limerick, and a lover of all things spoken

Society’s 2017 poetry competition and her poem

Multitudes was published in the August 2017 issue of The Psychologist. Ilyana’s poetry has also been published in Silver Apples, Artis Natura and

meet like-minded people, and express themselves on Friday of every month. Our November Stanzas will

be held on November 17th from 18:00 – 20:00, in the Hook & Ladder Café, Sarsfield Street.

Dodging the Rain, and she was featured in the

We now also hold a sister-event, SLAMZAS, a

Lagan Online and Poetry NI. Her favourite poets

bi-monthly, on the 1st Friday, in The Stormy Teacup.

Poetry Day Ireland 2017 Mix-Tape, curated by include Sylvia Plath and Elizabeth Bishop, and

she firmly believes that a good cup of tea can solve almost anything.

competition dedicated to slam poetry, which is held SLAMZAS will be on November 3rd, from 19:00 – 21:00.

For more, see facebook.com/stanzasLCK or stanzas. ie

64

and I



THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

E v e n t g uid e Exhibition/History

Wed 22nd :

Fri 10th:

Wed 1st:

-Phil Coulter: Pure Gold @ Lime Tree Theatre 8pm

-Barbarians V Tonga @ Thomond Park 7:30pm

-Twelve At The Hunt Café; Cliona Croke

Thurs 23rd:

Lectures/launches

-Curators Choice For The Month Of November: Mary Mccarthy

-ABBA Forever @ University Concert Hall 8pm

Fri 3rd:

@ The Hunt Museum

Thurs 30th :

-Living A Wild Life With Colin Stafford –Johnson @ Lime Tree

Sat 4th:

-Nathan carter @University Concert Hall 8pm

Theatre 8pm

-Pop-Up Limerick Museum @ Kilmallock Pastoral Centre 11am

Sun 5th:

Mon 20th:

Film

-Insula Sacra – The Life Of Limericks Sylvester O’Halloran By

-See Change Photography Exhibition @ The Hunt Museim

Mon 13th :

Jack Hogan @ The Hunt Museum 3pm

Wed 29th

-Film Screening: Cinema Paradiso @ University Concert Hall

Mon 6th :

- Irish Contemporary Ceramics Collection @ The Hunt Museim

7:30pm

-Conversation Programme For People Living With Dementia @

-Artist Conversation With Mary Mccarthy @ The Hunt Museum

Mon 27th:

The Hunt Museum 2:30pm

11am

-Film Screening: A Night At The Opera @ University Concert

Wed 8th:

Hall 7:30pm

-Soulscapes with John Lonergan @ Friars Gate Theatre 8pm

Music

Comedy/theatre

Thurs 9th:

Wed 1st:

Thurs 2nd:

-Deranging Colonial Memory – Gerry Kearns @ The Hunt

Album Launch with Mary Barry @ Dolans Warehouse 8pm

- 7:30pm Alison Spittle: Worrier Princess @ Kasabah Social Club

Museum 1pm

Fri 3rd :

7:30pm

Tues 14th:

-Trad N’ Fold Festival @ The Still House 6pm

-Ruby Wax | Frazzled @ Lime Tree Theatre 8pm

-Monica Lea-Wilson From Charleville To Caravaggio And

-Randolf & The Crokers @ Upstairs At Dolans 8pm

Fri 3rd:

Beyond @ The Hunt Museum 1pm

-Brave Giant @ Kasbah Social Club 8pm

-Promise And Promiscuity @ Friars Gatetheatre 8pm

Mon 20th:

-Metallitia @ Dolans Warehouse 9pm

-Mad Craic Comedy Show With Al Lubel @ Pharmacia 9pm

-Tony Connolly: Brexit & Ireland @ Lime Tree Theatre 8pm

Sat 4th:

Wed 8th :

Family/kids

-Cassandra Wilson @ Dolans Warehouse 8pm

-Suite Espanola @ Lit Millennium Theatre 8pm

Sat 4th:

-The Seattle Grunge Experience Kasbah Social Club 8pm

Fri 10th:

Family Circus Saturdays @ Irish Aerial Creation Centre (IACC)

-Matthew E White With Special Guest Bedouine @ Upstairs At

-Mary and Me @ Friars Gate Theatre 8pm

11am

Dolans 9pm

Mon 13th:

Sat 4th:

Sun 5th:

-Ger Carey Live @ Friars Gate Theatre 11am

-Storytime With Rosin @ The Granary 11:30am

-Sunday Night Dancing With Jummy Buckley & His Band @

Fri 17th:

-Drop In Arts & Crafts @ The Hunt Museum 12pm

Fitzgerald Woodladnds House Hotel 8:30pm

-Boom? @ Lime Tree Theatre 8pm

Sun 5th:

Wed 8th:

Sat 25th:

-Kids Arts & Crafts Club @ The Hunt Museum 2:30pm

-Lunchtime Concert- Academos (Irish World Academy Strings)

-The Good Father @ Lime Tree Theatre 8pm

Fri 10th:

@ St Marys Cathedral 1:15pm

-Evelyn Grand Cork Pops Orchestra Concerts for Schools @

Sat 11th:

Sports

University Concert Hall 10:15am

-Voices Of Limerick @ University Concert Hall 8pm

Fri 3rd & sat 4th:

Sun 19th:

Sun 12th:

-Friday & Saturday Night Greyhound Racing

-The Countess’ Salon @ No1 Pery Square Hotel 8pm

Greyhound Stadium 6:30pm

Thurs 16th:

Sat 4th:

-Complete Beethoven Cycle: Programme 3 @ Limerick City

-Free Open Day @ Rathbane Golf Course

@ Limerick

-Light Up Limerick for Christmas @ 6pm

Gallery Of Art 6pm -Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill @ Lime Tree Theatre 8pm

66

F o l l o w u s o n l i n e f o r m o r e e v e n t l i s t i n g s w w w .t h e l i m e r i c k m a g a z i n e . c o m


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

TV November 2017

The Punisher

Alias Grace

Sick Note

television portfolio and follows veteran Frank Castle

Atwood adaptation, "The Handmaid's Tale", we will

Note follows the story of an unhappy, habitual liar

The Punisher is the latest addition to the Marvel

as he becomes a vigilante avenging the murder of

his family. While The Punisher has existed in the Marvel Universe since the 1970s, we've glimpsed Jon Bernthal ("The Walking Dead") as Castle in season two of Daredevil, with fans reacting positively to

Bernthal in the role. As well as angry vengeance, we can expect The Punisher to tackle some controversial issues, perhaps veterans or gun ownership. It's yet another Marvel show that has fans excited so expect it to drop this month on Netflix.

Fresh from the critical success of another Margaret be treated to this mini-series on 3 November on

Netflix. A Victorian murder mystery set in Canada, this is based on the true story of Irish immigrant

Grace Marks who was convicted of the murder of her master and mistress. However, as Grace tells her story to Dr. Simon Jordan, he tries to discern if Grace

is insane or innocent. Directed by Mary Harron ("American Psycho"), this is guaranteed to become a show that has us all debating at the water cooler.

Premiering on Sky1 on 8 November, comedy Sick

as he is diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. In the

leading role is Rupert Grint ("Harry Potter" series), with Nick Frost ("Shaun of the Dead") co-starring, and Grint's character Daniel begins to be treated with

the attention and respect that he had never received before. Sky are obviously excited about this show as

they have already commissioned a second season, which will also see Lindsay Lohan joining the cast. The world always needs dark, edgy comedies and it looks like this one won't disappoint.

Vikings

Scandal

Babylon Berlin

it is fitting that season five will begin with Sigurd's

that it doesn't look like the show will end on a

dramas appearing on our screens comes this German

Last season saw Ivar killing his brother Sigurd, so funeral as Ivar begins to assert his leadership over the

Great Heathen Army. And while we have all been

puzzling over why Ivar decided to murder Sigurd in

the first place, rest assured that all will be revealed. Meanwhile, Heahmund (played by Jonathan Rhys

Meyers) will prove to be a menacing threat to the Vikings, while Bjorn heads to the Mediterranean Sea and Lagertha continues her reign as Queen of Kattegat. Season five will air on the History Channel and Amazon Prime this month.

The final, seventh, season has arrived and I'm afraid

particularly happy note. Picking up one hundred days into Mellie's first term as president, we will see

Dean Norris ("Breaking Bad") joining the cast but it remains to be seen if he will be a friend or a foe to Mellie's presidency. Olivia is doing all that she can

to maintain her current level of power but this may not always be done morally. As the old adage goes "absolute power corrupts absolutely", but it does make for some damn good TV. Tune in this month on Sky Atlantic.

Joining the growing numbers of impressive European crime story based on a series of novels by Volker Kutscher. Set in 1920s, we follow the story of police

inspector Gereon Rath as he investigates a porn ring run by the city's gangs. As the economy begins to

fail and right-wing extremists gain prominence, the

backdrop to this story provides a wealth of drama and

gravity to the story. With a massive budget and lush

cabaret-style sets, this is certainly a very promising, gripping show. Airing on Sky Atlantic, this is a can'tmiss show.

Article by: Sarah Lafferty

67


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Limer ic k M usic R e le a s e s

Quiet Giant - Emma Langford

Cruiser - Cruiser

Randolf and the Crokers - Tales of Little Lanes

with her long-awaited debut album. Since the success

Limerick artists with local rock band, Cruiser also

the Crokers graced our ears with their debut EP,

be Cruiser’s first attempt at a full-length LP. ‘Parma’

the Limerick folk band return with the second

with Devine’s rousing vocals breathing a burst of life

the enchanting, ‘Village by the Sea’, an homage new

the album, Cruiser maintain a professional balance

melodies and stunning visuals. From there, the

to the reflective in ‘Things We Learnt’. One of the

influences in ‘Make Believe’ to fast-paced vigor of

thrilling mash of infectious riffs and addictive hooks,

balladic roots and ventures into the realms of female

As a whole, Cruiser is a strong debut with plenty of

The EP finale, ‘So Long to Summer’ returns once

Limerick singer-songwriter Emma Langford returns

of her 2016 EP, Emma Langford has received nationwide acclaim from critics and artists alike. The

folk singer’s latest release expands on the foundations of her EP as Langford further explores the album’s

core-themes of relationships and the wonders of the human experience. Through a myriad of bewitching

harmonies and enthralling, storytelling lyrics, Quiet

Giant is born. Everything surrounding the album;

from local artist, Jacob Stack’s stunning artwork, to the very local music video for ‘Closed Book’, is a proud emblem and embodiment of Limerick’s often-

overlooked cultural value. The album’s versatility is yet another admirable quality, with a song for just about everyone in the audience; from the jazzy and upbeat

Last month was the month of debut albums for

It’s been almost three years since Randolf and

releasing their eponymous debut. This album will

Conversation Amongst the Ruins. This November,

opens the album; a feverous, percussion-soaked track

chapter, Tales of Little Lanes. The EP opens with

into the album from the very first minute. Throughout

beginnings and nostalgia, wrapped up in ambient

of genres; from the energy-fuelled tracks like ‘Spine’

EP is one U-Turn after another; the heavy blues

many peaks of the album comes from Carthagenia; a

‘Home’ in which lead singer, Clare O’Brien, sheds her

merging to create one of Cruiser’s defining tracks.

powerhouses like Stevie Nicks and Florence Welch.

promise.

again to the aforementioned essence of blues in this

gritty, surreal narrative. Once again, Randolf and the

‘6 Foot 4’, to the raw emotion of ‘Bear This Child’,

Crokers have gone above and beyond to prove that

succeeds in showcasing every avenue of her artistic

absolutely no filler.

natural flow. Unique tracks with no disruptive outliers.

P.S. Hang on until the end of the credits.

and the stellar title track, ‘Quiet Giant’. Langford ability without stemming too far from the album’s

the best things come in small packages. All killer and

Article by: Christine Costello

68


THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO LIM

ERICK

N? T’S O WHkA ’s Event Highlights

November

2017

Limeric Thu 2nd

Thu 2nd - Sun 5th

LIGHT MOVES: FESTIVAL OF SCREENDANCE 2017

RUBY WAX FRAZZLED Lime Tree Theatre Fri 10th

BARBARIANS V TONGA Thomond Park

Throughout November

Fri 10th

SOULSCAPES 2017 JAKE BUGG Friars Gate Theatre

Limerick City

Sun 19th

Tue 28th

LIGHT UP LIMERICK

KATHERINE HUNKA & FINGHIN COLLINS

Limerick City

Dolan’s Warehouse Thu 30th Nov & Fri 1st Dec

NATHAN CARTER

All Saints Church

University Concert Hall

Follow us on

FOR FULL EVENT LISTINGS VISIT THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO LIMERICK


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

C l osin g t im e 10 M i n u t es Wi t h . . . Lauren Lavelle Name: Miss Lavelle

Are you superstitious, or do you have rituals for

Occupation: Singer/Burlesque Performer, host of

Am I superstitious? No, life just is, it’s going to go

Cabaret show “Cabaret & Cabernet” in Chez Le Cabaret

Fun fact about you: I have stripped on Her Majesty’s

ship Belfast in London and I have sung for the Dalai Lama.

What motivates you in the morning? Survival.

good luck?

how it wants to go no matter how much you plan. Preparation/practice pays off but also you can’t be

afraid to give spontaneity and “winging it” a chance.

Try not to see it as unprofessional or ill prepared, it’s a risk that takes guts and can provide the chance for a lesson to be learnt and a platform for natural creativity.

How would you sum up your life in 6 words? Champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget.

What do you never leave the house without (aside

Describe your ideal weekend in Limerick:

Crippling anxiety!

Friday night where we tip our top hats to the roaring

from keys, purse, phone)?

Any hidden or lesser known talents?

I’m great at impersonating people and doing funny accents/voices.

What is your favourite word?

Why, it would be hosting Cabaret and Cabernet on

‘20s and party prohibition style with a variety show of magic, singing, comedy, burlesque and more. I like

to take it easy then for the rest of the weekend by playing chess, drinking herbal tea, listening to great music and cuddling with puppies.

Succulent.

Favourite place to grab a bite?

Favourite quote?

tasty crepes. Also, it’s a dog friendly cafe so I chill

“Easy come, easy go…”

70

Chez Le Fab! They do an unreal steak sandwich and there to meet all the sweetie dogs of Limerick!

Favourite people?

Humble people and Drag Queens. Happiness is...

Meaningful friendships. Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

71


THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

72


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.