Document by Audrey Ellard Walsh

Evening Echo, Wednesday, October 4,2017

INSIDE

IN THE JAR: Bea’s year worth of waste.

Breastfeeding tips P5

EDUCATING OTHERS: Bea Johnson, who is behind the blog ‘Zero Waste Home’ and who visited Cork in the past week.

INSPIRATION: Bea’s book.

Happiness is in one little jar...

Style in the pink P12

My cancer journey P16

Email: features@eecho.ie Call: 021 4802235 Write to: WOW!, Cork Evening Echo, Linn Dubh, Assumption Road, Blackpool, Cork

HEY say that less is more, and writer Bea Johnson has truly tested that adage to the maximum. The French-born mum of two, now based in sunny California, has inspired millions with her blog Z e r o Wa s t e Ho me , wh er e sh e shares tips and tricks learned over 10 years of downsizing and minimising. On a mission to reduce her environmental footprint since 2006, the so-called ‘priestess of zero waste’ has all but eliminated her family’s rubbish output. Anything she can’t r e u s e , re c y cl e , re p u r p o s e o r compost in a year fits into a small mason jar. By shopping smarter and using only what they need, the family of four have also managed to cut their financial outgoings by 40% and Bea believes everyone can m a ke sm al l ch an ge s th at wi ll affect their pocket and lifestyles for the better. In Cork in the past week, as part of her European tour, Bea shared her top tips for a life “based on being rather than having”. “We found that for zero waste to be sustainable in the long run for our household, all we had to do was to follow five rules in order,” she explains. “Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, rot, so that at the end of the year we were left with very little trash.” Refusing is step number one, because avoiding bringing unwanted items into the house in the first place reduces the amount of rubbish to be thrown out in the end. The family have also rad-

■ Imagine containing your household waste in one jar! AUDREY ELLARD WALSH spoke to a woman doing just that, on her visit to Cork

ically reduced their number of belongings by over 80%. These days their entire wardrobes fits into one carry on case each, and if they need to replace something, they buy it second hand or occasionally buy new from companies which offer unconditional lifetime warranty. “Of course we need a roof over our heads, a few pieces of clothing, a few pieces of furniture, but we actually need little in order to be comfortable,” she explains. “Anything beyond that comfort level is excess. In the past if I went on a vacation I would be buying souvenirs. If my mother in law visited we wo u l d go sh op pi ng . To d a y we’re happy with the number of things we have and we’re no longer adding to it. If we buy something it is only to buy what needs to be replaced and when we buy that replacement we buy it second hand which costs less.” While the Johnsons have become experts in living the simple life, there were some misadventures in the beginning. Looking for a greener alternative to her makeup bag staples, Bea tried using stinging nettle as a lip plumping treatment. Needless to say, that wasn’t something to be repeated. In an effort to reduce the waste

from shampoo products, Bea also opted for baking soda and vinegar to clean her hair. “I ended up with greasy roots and frizzy ends,” she says. “Not really the style I was looking for. I reached rock bottom one night when I went to lay down with my h u s b a n d an d he tu rn ed ov e r , looked at me, rolled his eyes and said; ‘I am so tired of you smelling like viniagrette, Bea. It’s really not sexy you know.’” N o wa d a y s , th ou gh , sh e ha s fo un d so lu ti on s fo r al l of he r toiletry needs. “On my skin at night I either use a lo ti on th at I bu y in bu lk or vegetable oil. On my cheeks to add colour, and on my eyebrows I use chocolate powder which I buy in bulk and it costs me 72c to fill a little jar that lasts me about two years. To wash our hair, our face, and our body and also to shave we use one bar of soap which we buy unpackaged, loose. “It’s one product that has eliminated four other packaged ones.” Around the house, Bea has cut down on the need to buy multiple single-purpose cleaning products by using white vinegar and water to clean surfaces, and natural castile soap to wash floors. It is with smarter food shopping, however,

that she says the biggest savings are to be made. “When you buy something that i s pa ck ag ed , 15 % of th e pr ic e covers the cost of the packaging so w h e n yo u bu y yo ur fo od an d things unpackaged you automatically make financial savings. “I go to the store which sells the most bulk in my town. It’s not a lot but I have learned to make do with what is available to me in that section and I do my shopping by filling cloth bags and jars. There is even an orang e squeezing machine and my kids have rediscovered the taste of real orange juice thanks to that.” Bea says she is not telling anyone how to live their lives, she just wants to share her experience. She says the best advantage of her lifestyle is the joy it brings, through experiences rather than things:. “Thanks to this lifestyle, we’ve been able to afford to do things and find time for activities we would have never thought possible before. We’ve snowboarded between t wo co nt in en ts , wa l ke d in th e swaps in Lithuania, we’ve gone ice climbing. This summer we went snorkeling with humpback whales. “The zero waste lifestyle has translated to absolute happiness.”

Evening Echo, Wednesday, November 9,2016

Bringing peace to your home with Nordic style Cork is set to get a sharp injection of Nordic cool with the opening of Danish brand Sostrene Grene on Patrick Street this month. AUDREY ELLARD WALSH speaks to franchisee Heather Lawlor about her take on Scandinavian living T seems that everywhere you look these days, there is a book or magazine article extolling the virtues of Scandinavian living. From stunning landscapes to effortless style, Nordic cool has certainly grabbed our imaginations. For Heather Lawlor, who was born and raised in Boston, the Scandinavian approach to living, as reflected in interior design, is a message worth spreading. Heather met her husband Niall in Dublin 27 years ago, while visiting on a work-abroad experience, and after spending 12 years in Dallas, the couple moved with their two daughters to Malmo, Sweden, where their third girl was born. They now live in Dublin, and have opened four Søstrene Grene stores in Leinster, with Cork set to be the first in the South-West. It was while living in Sweden that Heather became introduced to “calm, simple and functional” Scandinavian interior design, a style that she believes “brings peace to a home”. “It gives you space in your home, and for me, it gives breathing room, mind space,” she reflects. “When my family had to move home from one place in Sweden to another, we had half our stuff moved one day, and the rest the other. “On the evening of the first day, Niall and I were sitting in the living room where all of our nick-nacks had already been packed up and moved and I felt so peaceful. “I think that was a revelation to me, how freeing it felt to be without so many objects around me!” Heather was also impressed by the wider Swedish approach to living, particularly their approach to family, and devotion to the outdoors. “Generally, I find Scandinavians very family-oriented. There is less pub culture and more home culture. Dinner parties normally include the children as they come along. “They are also very health-conscious. It is not in the extreme kale smoothie kind of way but everyday balance. “In Sweden there is a word that doesn’t translate exactly called ‘lagom’ and it means ‘just enough’. It is not only a word, but a cultural ideal. If you have what you need, others should too, they shouldn’t miss out because you want more. Lagom also dictates their diet, the ‘just enough’ approach.” Scandinavians are also, generally, outdoor folks, Heather states, recalling that Sweden was the first place she learned the phrase: “There is no bad weather, just bad clothes.” Children under the age of ten spend plenty of time outdoors during the school day, in every weather. “Kids keep outdoor gear at school, that includes full-on rain suits. So, there is a winter suit for winter, and in the warmer weather two-piece over rain suits and hats. “I had to laugh when I first came here and read that at school children are let out everyday ‘weather permitting’.” It was also during their time in Sweden that Heather first became acquainted with Danish brand Søstrene Grene or ‘The Sisters Grene’, a family-owned chain of stores stocking interiors, party, and craft goods. “When we lived in Sweden, we would often shop in Copenhagen as they have world famous design there. One of my favorite shops was Søstrene Grene. It was a treasure trove of discovery. You walk through a labyrinth and there is something new and delightful around every corner. The selection of goods is so vast!” On her first visit, Heather recalls buying a teapot with matching mugs and a variety pack of colored tissue paper for arts and crafts for her kids. “Niall bought a number of small canvases where we did footprints of each of the girls. We still have some lovely tea cups from one of our first excursions — and interestingly, they would incorporate well with many of the pieces currently in the shop!” The eclectic brand has been well received in Ireland since the first shop opened last December, with fans of Ikea and Tiger drawing comparisons. “It could be in some ways it may be hard for our customers to get their head around what we sell. I myself find it hard to

DRAWN TO CORK: Heather and Niall Lawlor of Sostrene Grene, who have bought land in Clonakilty and hope to spend a lot more time here. describe the shop in a short sentence.” Heather muses. “There is nothing like us really. I heard one customer on the phone saying, ‘It’s like Tiger’s cooler, older sister’. We get compared with Ikea quite often or like Tiger, and yes, some products do overlap with each, but we are solidly on our own with our variety of product offerings.” With so much temptation in store, Heather admits that despite their appreciation of the clean ‘Scandi-look’ they are still a ‘stuff’ household. She has learned a few tricks, however, to help keep clutter at bay. “Niall and I both like our things, so keeping the nick-nacks to a minimum is very difficult especially when we are in our shops all the time! First, you can contain a lot of clutter in our beautiful boxes. It creates storage in plain sight. I love the boxes shaped like books for holding papers. “Another challenge I have is that three children create mounds of artwork I cannot part with. Each creation, framed on a wall makes a lovely statement in a hallway, and keeps the clutter off a fridge.” Heather makes one concession though, for candles, which she gained a serious appreciation for in Sweden. “As it was explained to me, candlelight is a natural light and help lifts the mood. I don’t know if that works scientifically, but I was never without four or five bags of tealights each week!” A Cork shop has been in the plans since the beginning, but finding the right location took some time. The new shop will bring life to a long vacant unit on Patrick Street, the former Mothercare, and looks set to create ten new jobs. Heather also hopes it will bring more footfall generally to the city centre. “When we opened our first shop in Dun Laoghaire, we opened on a street that wasn’t getting a lot of traffic. There has been a marked improvement in traffic and people coming into the town. “It has brought a lot of people into the town who wouldn’t have normally shopped there.” Heather is also looking forward to getting better acquainted with the city when the doors open. “The city is very different to Dublin, which is fascinating to me in such a small country. It is a lovely sized city with a great blend of old and new and fabulous restaurants and shops. “I think I would say Cork and I are still early on in the relationship, but Niall and I have bought land in Clonakilty, and plan to spend a lot more time down here.” The grand opening of Søstrene Grene Cork is scheduled for November 18 at 74 Patrick Street. See Facebook for more.

SWEDISH WAY OF LIVING: Heather Lawlor was impressed by the Scandinavian way of living, which is family orientated and also health conscious.

Create some ‘hygge’ at home with these tips:

GET THE SCANDI-LOOK: Some of the items from Sostrene Grene.

THE Søstrene Grene brand is infused with “hygge”, the popular Danish concept roughly translated to “living cosily”. Here are some of Heather’s top tips for bringing hygge into your home. ■ Candles, candles, and more candles. It is instant Hygge! If you have small children, and are reluctant to have so many candles around, you can also use fairy lights. They don’t have to be strung up: you can put them in a glass vase or bowl! ■ The smell of baking also contributes to that cozy at home feeling, we have lovely things for baking. These things are easy and many people are already doing it but rather than one person in the kitchen, try to get together as a family and bake something. You are not just making food, but memories. Even better, invite some friends around to help eat your creation!

■ Hygge is a sense of wellbeing, of comfort. Try to reduce the things that cause stress (stash the clutter). For me, my kids’ artwork makes me feel surrounded by love, e ve n w h e n t h e y a r e n o t around me. I use matching frames to keep the look as calm and ordered as possible. ■ Also, I am an almost obsessive collector of sea-pottery, like sea glass but bits of old pottery. I now have it in lovely glass storage jars - which you can use for collections of any kind! Making order of chaos bring a huge sense of wellbeing to me! ■ Creating something can also be very comforting and satisfying. Type Søstrene Grene into YouTube and there are myriads of projects for people of all ages and abilities! ■ Getting the family around the table together always instills a feeling of comfort for me. When I’m in the shop, I

pick a few different packs of pretty napkins. When it comes to setting the table, whoever’s turn it is gets to choose the napkins for the night. It brings a little fun to mealtime. ■ Family fun is also important. Family game night is a great way to reconnect. Even a simple pack of cards can provide entertainment for the whole family for an hour or so. Put on the kettle, and shuffle the cards! ■ Hygge does not have to be confined to indoors, my most h y g g e m o m e n t wa s w h e n Niall and I were invited to friends’ house for dinner and we stood outside on their terrace under a patio heater sipping mulled wine while the snow fell around us. It doesn’t get much cosier than that! While we might not have the weather for that here, take the family on a wooded or seaside walk with a few flasks of hot chocolate for afterwards.

Life

Evening Echo, Monday, September 25, 2017

HEY say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. In my case, however, it was with a bend and a stretch. Little did I know as I tentatively stepped into my first yoga class on a cold winter’s morning two years ago, that I was setting off on a path that would take me more than 8,000km across the globe. Like most Nineties kids who started school while the Riverdance phenomenon gripped the nation, I danced competitively throughout my childhood and well into my teens. During college and into the beginning of my working life, however, physical activity took a back seat until I found myself out of shape and stiff as a board. Desperately seeking a solution, I discovered Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre, now based in Penrose Wharf and at the Westpoint Retail Park in Ballincollig. Founded by Yogacharya Lalit Kumar, the popular school offers classes for beginners right up to trainee teachers and combines a dedication to honouring the traditional foundations of the practice with an emphasis on inclusivity through community events. Their highly successful Yoga in the Park summer series, which has recently wrapped up for another year, has raised close to €40,000 to date for Cork Simon Community. I dipped a toe with a free introductory class and despite the shocking realisation that I could scarcely touch my knees any more, let alone said toe, I was immediately hooked. Classes swiftly became a focal point of my week as the mindful act of focusing my ‘monkey mind’ on breath and movement for 70 minutes at a time offered a reprieve from a hectic work schedule. The physical benefits were just as welcome, ranging from vastly increased flexibility and strength to a profoundly healthier attitude towards body image. Freshly reacquainted with my toes, and never one to do things by halves, once I learned that Himalaya Yoga host annual retreats each spring at their sister school in Goa I packed my mat and found myself in India faster than I could say Namaste. The ten day retreat offers beginners and seasoned practitioners alike the chance to forge an even deeper connection with the yoga practice at its source. Nestled in the scenic rural village of Mandrem Beach, the purpose built yoga centre boasts luxurious modern villas, sumptuous vegetarian food, and on-site ayurvedic consultations and massage. The daily schedule includes early morning chanting, two yoga classes and excursions to local sites such as markets, Old Goan temples and a tropical spice plantation. Visitors can take on as much, or as little as they please, from rising at dawn for meditation to eating delicious Goan cuisine at beachside restaurants as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea. Whether packing your itinerary or not, there is also ample time to fit in a dip in the pool, a walk along the beach or trip to a local village to pick up affordable spices, fashions and jewellery. While the magical allure of Goa’s palm lined beaches and blues skies immediately won me over on arrival, it was the opportunity to experience some of India’s sights and sounds without the stress of navigating solo travel that initially attracted me to the trip. As it turns out, it was with that idea in mind that Lalit established the retreat nine years ago. “People who have not been to India before may have lots of ideas and fears,” he admits. “We came up with this idea so that when people come they can see how great India is. Goa is a beautiful place and once you come here you see the beautiful nature and that the local community is very welcoming. When a trip is well organised, people feel more relaxed, and we hope that if they have a good experience and a fantastic adventure.” An adventure it was, beginning with a taxi ride through India’s famously chaotic rush hour traffic. India slaps you in the face with colour, sounds and smells right from the off and while the sight of cows meandering down shopping streets couldn’t have felt more foreign at first, the trip also felt very much like coming home. The family-run centre welcomed each person with open arms, with no query too small or too bothersome and we benefited from local knowledge, taking in some of the best restaurants in the region and avoiding the biggest tourist traps. There were also literal reminders of home, as over half of our intrepid group had travelled from Cork, giving dinner table conversations a particularly familiar lilt. Over the ten days, our counterparts who were drawn from across Europe and the Middle East, were left with no doubt that Lee-side is experiencing a yoga revolution. “I feel privileged because the people of Cork have given us so much love and support,” Lalit says. “Himalaya Yoga Valley has become like a

Yoga took me 8,000km to Goa

Having found herself out of shape and stiff as a board, AUDREY ELLARD WALSH took up yoga classes with the school behind the hugely successful Yoga in the Park series, in aid of Cork’s homeless. She spoke to one of the founders of the school and recalls a retreat to Goa.

MAGICAL ALLURE: Audrey Ellard Walsh striking a Warrior Pose on Mandrem Beach in Goa, at sunset. family, like a community, and that was my motivation and my aim. “We started our Yoga in the Park programme for Cork Simon Community, so that people could actually see that yoga is about community. When we started those classes there were 20 people, now there are 200 people participating weekly.” Lalit hopes that more people embrace yoga as a holistic way to help deal with the stresses of the modern world. Everybody can benefit from the physical and mental aspects of practising yoga,” he believes. “A lot of people have challenges with stress and anxiety and we have designed our classes for everybody’s needs beginning with classes for children right up to older ages. “The whole idea is that yoga belongs to the community. That is my motivation and my aim, to set up a Cork community of yoga and to make it a lifestyle.” Booking is now open for next year’s retreat which runs from February 24 to March 5. The package, priced at €795 excluding return flights, includes airport transfers, nine nights shared accommodation, two meals a day and all classes and workshops. For full details, see www.yogagoaindia.com.

TRIP OF A LIFETIME: Audrey Ellard Walsh (second from the right, back row), along with her retreat group in Goa, many of whom travelled from Cork, with teacher Lalit Kumar, from the Himalaya Yoga Valley Centre.

I feel privileged because the people of Cork have “ given us so much love and support.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

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Micheál ramps up war of words MICHEÁL Martin came out fighting today and insisted he had the full support of his party after the shock departure yesterday of Senator Averil Power. As the savage war of words between him and Senator Power deepened overnight, this morning the party leader vehemently denied her claims he didn’t canvas for the marriage equality referendum. He also said she was questioning his integrity when she claimed she was to be the sole Fianna Fáil candidate in Dublin Bay North at the next general election. “What she said is absolutely untrue and I take issue with her questioning my integrity,” he told the Evening Echo this morning. Senator Power had accused the party leader of refusing to drop “a single leaflet” in his Cork constituency as well as being a leader without any followers yesterday. However, Deputy Martin said he specifically canvassed last Monday on Trinity Bridge and spent the previous Saturday canvassing all over the city and attended a ‘Yes Equality’

Fianna Fail’s leader Micheal Martin with Senator Averil Power in happier times. ■ Audrey Ellard Walsh & Ronan Bagnall meeting. When asked if he had the support of his party he said ‘absolutely no question.’ “Bottom line I’m the leader. We are determined and focussed on the general election.” ■ Continued on page two.

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Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Serving Cork for 120 years

Edition No: 36492

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+Feis photos

in our souvenir supplement today

Bus strike in court

Water bonuses row ■ Audrey Ellard Walsh IRISH Water staf f have been unfairly “dragged into politics” through criticism of their performance related bonuses, Minister Simon Coveney has said. Staff at the utility company were paid bonuses averaging just under €5,000 in March, despite the fact that no bills have been issued or payments collected from domestic water users for almost a year. The company defended the bonuses, saying they formed part of pay restoration recommendations made by the Workplace Relations Commission in 2015 Speaking at the official opening of a new wastewater treatment plant at Shanbally yesterday, Minister Coveney took issue with what he deemed to be efforts to create public outrage on the back of people who are working for the company. ■ Continued on Page 2.

SMARTGLASSES COULD HELP ME SEE ■ Cork outrage as dispute may go on over Easter Maria Rolston ■

A TEENAGER who is legally blind has launched an online fund-raising campaign to purchase special glasses in time for her Junior Cert. Shannon O’Donoghue Murphy, aged 15, has a condition that makes her eyes shake or move all the time and go in and out of focus. It can give her headaches and affects her school work at North Presentation Secondary School in Farranree. She wants to raise €7,000 for special glasses called NuEyes that will relieve her condition. ■ See Pages 22 and 23.

THE Labour Court was sitting this afternoon in an effort to resolve the ongoing dispute between unions and management at Bus Éireann.

Shannon O’Donoghue Murphy, 15, was born with two congenital eye conditions. Picture: Dan Linehan

Wo r k s t o p p a g e s c o n t i n u e today following a breakdown in talks overnight. Parties have failed to reach an agreement on redundancy packages and an overhaul of working conditions, though the NBRU have stated their willingness to support measures which could see Bus Éireann save €18m. Speaking to the Evening

■ Audrey Ellard Walsh

Echo this morning, NBRU General President, John Moloney, admitted that he had not expected the strike to continue this long. “Our objective was to stop the company introducing unagreed measures.” “We were up in the WRC with the intention to solving this. We felt a reduction in headcount is something that we could deliver on but in that case, there had to be some kind of financial package. “The company are not offering a reasonable rate on that.” Mr Moloney could not say if the strike would go over Easter. ■ Continued on Page 2.

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Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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I’d say she thought I was having a right gawk at her bits: Page 25

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10-year trolley highs CLAIM STARBUCKS CAFÉ WILL TAKE AWAY CITY’S APPEAL ■ Alan Healy ALLOWING a Starbucks cafe to operate on Princes Street is an insult to the integrity of the English Market. That’s the view of independent coffee shop owner Richard Jacob, who has lodged an objection to the multinational company’s planning application for retention permission for its store. He said he was not objecting to more competition but added: “We only have one chance to prevent our city from replicating every other world city streetscape.” Eighteen months after it opened its doors, Starbucks finally lodged a planning application for the Princes Street outlet, saying its stores are an “essential component of a vibrant retail centre”. However, Mr Jacob, who operates Idaho Cafe on Caroline Street, said: “If we want our City to maintain and embrace its heritage, we must make decisions, not for short term gain, but for the future of its inhabitants and visitors.” ■ Continued on Page 2.

■ 716 wait without beds during August ■ Audrey Ellard Walsh

OVERCROWDING has increased dramatically in Cork hospitals with the latest survey revealing 10-year highs for the number of patients on trolleys during August.

A planning application has been submitted for Starbucks Coffee on Princes Street.

Picture: Eddie O’Hare

BUTTIMER HITS BACK AT MARTIN ON CLUB FUNDING CLAIM: P3

Figures released today by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s (INMO) have revealed large increases in the number of patients stuck on trolleys, at both Cork University Hospital (CUH) and the Mercy University Hospital (MUH) In total, 473 patients spent time on trolleys in Cork University Hospital last month, up 74 from the same time last year, while the figures have more than doubled at the Mercy University Hospital, from 98 patients recorded on trolleys last August, up to 243 this year. The CUH numbers are exceeded nationally only by University Hospital Limerick, where 610 trolleys were counted. These figures were published ahead of the latest meeting of the Emergency Department Taskforce, which takes place this afternoon. The latest monthly figures are also released at a time when a number of hospitals continue to report an inability to recruit and retain nursing staff. ■ See Page 2 for more.

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Friday, September 9, 2016

Serving Cork for 120 years

I N SI D E

I’m sick as a dog, boy, the girls are all over me now! Page 27

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Camogie sides aim for double glory: See Cork Sports World inside

€158k cost I’m running Evening Echo Mini-Marathon to urge women to get checked of ‘failed’ city merger

Smear tests can save your life - Tracey

■ David Linnane T H E s h e l ve d p l a n t o merge Cork City Council and Cork County Council cost the taxpayer close to €160,000. Figures r e ve a l e d through the Freedom of Information Act showed that Cork City Council spent €67,267.42, Cork County Council spent €43,045, and the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government — now the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and L o c a l G o ve r n m e n t — spent €47,499.01 in support of the Cork Local Government Review Group, a total of €157,811.43. While the five members of the group were not paid for their services, €5,102.13 was paid out in travel costs. Other costs included secretarial duties, hire of facilities, advertising, and analytical support. Both Cork mayors criticised the process that led to the report, saying that it failed, due to bad planning by the government of the day. ■ See Page 2 for more.

THE vice-chair of the GAA’s Cork County Board has spoken out about her battle with cervical cancer, urging other women to keep up to date with CervicalCheck cancer smears.

Tracey Kennedy is urging us to get regular cancer checks. Picture: Jim Coughlan

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Tracey Kennedy will be running in the Evening Echo Mini-Marathon in aid of Cork cancer charity, Breakthrough Cancer Research, a cause close to her heart given the loss of her father to lung cancer in 2010 and her own brush with the illness just one year ago. A teacher at Pobalscoil Na Tríonóide in Youghal, Tracey was diagnosed with cervical cancer following a routine smear test, and says that she was lucky to catch it early. “I was always pretty good at going for my

■ Audrey Ellard Walsh CervicalCheck smear. I may not have gone every three years on the button, but I wouldn’t let it go to four. “An abnormality was picked up during a routine test and it was found to be cancer. It was at a very early stage and I felt no symptoms. “I feel very lucky that we have a national screening programme because if it hadn’t been found until I had symptoms it could have been a lot more serious.” Tracey underwent a hysterectomy last September and, almost 12 months later, says that she feels fitter than ever. “It was major surgery and it takes a long time to recover.” ■ Continued on Page 2.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2015

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Waste of money

Why Michael Pattwell thinks Gay Marriage Referendum is a complete waste of money: Page 21

Plans for city growth WE’VE €500,000 REASONS TO CHEER HAPPY TUESDAY Jump to 235,000 residents

CORK City Council has unveiled its proposal for a new city region, expanding its boundary to include Ballincollig, Carrigaline, Blarney, Carrigtwohill and Cork Airport. Celebrating their €500,000 win at Lotto HQ are Tim O’Regan, spokesperson for the group, with Lee O’Riordan; John Duff; Donncha Collins; Keith Hegarty; Rob English; Damien Budden; Chris Sutton; Adrian Keane; Michael Wallace; Alex Casey and Hugh Keating. Picture: MacInnes WEDDINGS, home improvements and home deposits is how 20 lucky Janssen workers plan to spend their lotto winnings. The syndicate of Janssen Bio’s Maintenance Department workers, based in Ringaskiddy, collected their €500,000 EuroMillions winnings yesterday from Lotto headquarters, each taking home €25,000 from last week’s draw. Aged between 31 and 47, 16 of the group - who have done the lotto weekly since

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■ Audrey Ellard Walsh 2007 - are married with young families and two are engaged to be married, with one wedding planned for next year. The group collectively have 28 children, with a few babies on the way. “We couldn’t be happier about the win,” said Tim O’Regan on behalf of the group. “We’ve played EuroMillions every week but only began to play for the Tuesday draw

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as well as the Friday draw just two months ago. “And wasn’t Tuesday our lucky day! Around the same time, a new person joined the group – Hugh Keating– some of the team are referring to him as our lucky charm! Before Hugh joined the most we’d each won in the year would be about €40. Now we’ve won €25,000 each!” said Tim. They bought their €96 Quick Pick MultiDraw ticket in SuperValu Carrigaline.

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■ Alan Healy g aline. However, the city council’s proposal is in direct conflict with the proposal from Cork County Council, which is proposing a single amalgamated super council covering the entire county with a population of 500,000. The committee which is examining the issue will make a recommendation to Minister Alan Kelly in September. ■ Continued on page 2.

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In an updated submission to the boundary committee deciding the matter, the City C o u n c i l s a i d i t s p ro p o s a l would see the population of the city increase from 119,000 to 235,000. It would also increase the number of elected city councillors from 31 to 36. Instead of the current six city wards there would be five districts - Ballincollig/Blarney, City Centre, Glanmire/ Carrigtwohill, Bishopstown/ Waterfall, and Douglas/Carri-

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TD’s personal experience of suicide PAGE 15

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Edition No: 36443

100 new jobs, but worries too TAOISEACH Enda Kenny announced 100 new jobs for Cork today but will face tough questioning about how Brexit and the ‘Trump factor’ could damage future employment here.

The announcement of 100 new jobs by San Francisco company NGINX came against the backdrop of increasing uncertainty surrounding the jobs market. It was revealed yesterday that pharma giant Eli Lilly was postponing a proposed €200m investment in upgrading its Kinsale facility — a decision that has sparked concern among business and political leaders that US companies were now

Fears as Eli Lilly postpones expansion

■ Audrey Ellard Walsh & Alan Healy reacting to Donald Trump’s ‘America First’ policy. Cork east TD Seán Sherlock said the decision by Eli Lilly was deeply worrying, given the company had already made some progress on the expansion plan. Mr Sherlock said: “If the Trump administration is determined to pursue a protectionist line and the UK is following the same policy, then we must secure new investment. We cannot depend solely on the European market to sustain employment

on the scale that the pharmaceutical clusters provide here.” Mr Kenny was primarily in Cork to address fears about the impact of Brexit on local companies. He is attending a Brexit function at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs this evening. Mr Kenny was also expected to face questions on Cork’s stalled events centre — a project that could lift the local economy. He turned the sod of the development one year ago but there has been little sign of progress ever since. ■ See Page 3.

Xanax and prescription drugs for sale on streets Beyoncé, who is expecting twins, with the awards for best music video for ‘Formation’ and best urban contemporary album for ‘Lemonade’ at the Grammy Awards. See P12/13 for Grammys and Baftas. Picture: AP

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PRESCRIPTION drugs are now widely for sale on the black market on the streets of C o r k c i t y , e x p e r t s h a ve warned. Drugs that are meant to be used in the treatment of anxiety, depression and panic disorder are now a major source of addiction.

■ Ann Murphy On the streets, 10mg of a Xanax drug fetches around €2. While some dealers of the drug manage to acquire it by going to a number of doctors and obtaining multiple prescriptions for benzodiaze-

pines, others are turning to virtual drug supermarkets online for their stock. Hollyhill GP Dr Nick Flynn has warned that people can become addicted to benzodiazepines within six to eight weeks. Dr Flynn, who operates a surgery in Hollyhill, said he

knows of several cases where young people have died from mixing prescription drugs and alcohol. He warned that people can become desperately addicted to prescription drugs and pain killers. ■ Continued on Page 2.

Saturday, April 1, 2017

Serving Cork for 120 years

Temperatures up, but sow with care

Olive Ryan’s gardening column: Page 23

Edition No: 36484

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■ Mum of lucky transplant girl calls for donors

Con O’Riordan Obituary Page 15

THE MOTHER of a young girl who underwent a lifesaving liver and double-kidney transplant has called on more people to carry organ donor cards. Kim Murphy, from Mallow, described organ donation as “the last selfless act” any person could do. Speaking as Organ Donation Awareness Week begins, the mother urged people to discuss their wishes with their families, should the worst happen. “Our daughter, Lexi, was born with polycistic kidney disease,” she said. “We always knew that a transplant was on the cards, we just didn’t know when it would be.” For her first four years, Lexi was relatively well. But, in the summer of 2014, her condition deteriorated. “She got much worse, spending about a week in hospital every month, with infections. In September, 2015, the doctors decided

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Lexi Murphy, age 7, who received a liver and double-kidney transplant last November, with her parents, Kim and Declan, at the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week. It runs from April 1-8. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography ■ Audrey Ellard Walsh to take out one of her kidneys to get her ready for the process of transplantation,” said Kim. “In December that year, we travelled to Birmingham to begin assessments. She was put on the list, but suspended 13 times, be-

cause she was so sick that she wouldn’t have been well enough to travel.” Desperate for a solution, Lexi’s dad, Declan, underwent testing to see if he could donate a piece of his liver. ■ Continued on Page 4.

Page 28

News

Evening Echo, Saturday, January 21, 2017

Deaths Healy (Capwell Avenue): On January 20, 2017, peacefully, in the tender care of the staff at Farranlea Community Nursing Unit, CORNELIUS (CURRY) (late of Dunlops), beloved husband of Bridget, loving brother of Rita and the late Mary. Sadly missed by his wife, sister, brother-in-law Denis, sister-in-law Susie, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. Reposing at Sullivan’s Funeral Home, Turners Cross. Removal today (Saturday) at 7pm to Christ King Church, Turners Cross. Requiem Mass Monday at 11.30am. Funeral afterwards to St. Oliver’s Cemetery.

O’Donoghue (Riverview Estate, Ballyvolane, Cork): On January 20, 2017, peacefully, in the presence of her family, at CareChoice, Montenotte, KATHLEEN (KITTY, nee O’Connor), beloved wife of the late Michael, much loved mother of Colette (O’Sullivan), Michelle (Cleary) and Jacinta and dear sister of Netta, Veronica and the late Alec. Sadly missed by her loving daughters, sons-in-law Tony and Paul, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, sisters-in-law, brother-inlaw, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Lying in repose at the Coburg Street Funeral Home, of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd. Removal at 4.45pm on this (Saturday) evening to St Oliver’s Church, Ballyvolane. Requiem Mass at 11am on Monday. Funeral afterwards to St Joseph’s Cemetery, Tory Top Road. May she rest in peace.

O’Mahony (Cork): On January 20, 2017, peacefully, at the Bon Secours Hospital, in the presence of her loving family, KATHLEEN (nee Carey), Capwell Rd., Turner’s Cross, dearly loved and adored wife of Jim, loving mother of Arlene, Dolores and Gillian and dear sister of Maurice, Pauline, Marie and the late Phyllis. Sadly missed by her loving husband, family, sons-in-law Nigel, Ciaran and Dave, grandchildren Katelyn, Charlie, Kaydee and Evan, relatives and friends. Lying in repose at The Temple Hill Funeral Home, Boreenmanna Rd. of Jerh O’Connor Ltd. Removal on this (Saturday) evening at 7pm to The Church of the Assumption, Ballyphehane. Requiem Mass at 10.15am on Monday. Funeral afterwards to St. Finbarr’s Cemetery. ‘Finally found her peace’

O’Sullivan (Cork): On January 20, 2017, peacefully in the tender care of the staff at Bridhaven Nursing Home, ANN (EDA), late of Cathedral Road, sister of the late Mary, Sheila, Josephine and John. Deeply regretted by her loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Reposing at O’Connor Bros. Funeral Home, North Gate Bridge. Removal on today (Saturday) at 4.30pm to the Church of the Ascension, Gurranabraher. Requiem Mass on Monday at 11am. Funeral afterwards to St. Finbarr’s Cemetery. Requiescat in pace www.oconnorfuneralcork.ie

Whelan (Cork and Dublin): On January 17, 2017, peacefully at her home in Dublin, Dr. HELEN (nee Bennett), Blackrock, Co. Dublin (late G.P., Sundays Well Road); Beloved wife of the late Coleman, adored mother of Lucy and loving sister of the late Martin and Michael. Sadly missed by her loving daughter, nephew, nieces, sisters-in-law, relatives and friends. Reposing at O’Connor Bros. Funeral Home, North Gate Bridge. Removal on Monday next at 6.30pm to St. Patrick’s Church, Lower Road. Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11am. Funeral afterwards to St. Finbarr’s Cemetery. Family flowers only. Requiescat in Pace. www.oconnorfuneralcork.ie

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Olympic rowing silver medallist Gary O’Donovan celebrating the Cork Persons of the Year award with his mother Trish and grandmother Mary Doab at Rochestown Park Hotel yesterday. Picture: David Keane

Olympic heroes take Cork’s highest honour SKIBBEREEN’S most famous brothers can add yet another trophy to their mantlepiece, having yesterday scooped the prestigious title of Cork Persons of the Year. Olympic rowers Gary and Paul O’Donovan were named as winners at a gala awards luncheon in Rochestown Park Hotel. The Mayor of Cork County, Seamus McGrath, and Lord Mayor of Cork, Des Cahill, presented the award on behalf of the people of Cork, acknowledging the immense contribution the young men have made to Irish sport, bringing home the country’s first ever Olympic medal for rowing when they won silver in Rio last summer. “In the 24-year history of these awards, we got the most nominations ever for Paul and Gary, so it was really no surprise to most when they picked up the Persons of Year

■ Audrey Ellard Walsh trophy for the huge impact they have made,” said awards founder and organiser Manus O’Callaghan. While the pair are rarely seen apart, Gary collected the award solo yesterday, as brother Paul had to remain in Dublin, where he studies, to complete mandatory work experience as part of his UCD physiotherapy exams. Speaking to the Evening Echo, Gary said: “There’s a common theme in all the award nominees for the Person of the Year Award and that’s their passion and love for what they do. We’re obviously very passionate about rowing and we love it and I think all the other nominees today are very passionate about what they do. “You could have picked any one of them and they would probably tell you the same thing; that they love what they do and are passionate about it. I know we got the award but I think

anyone as well equally could have got it because of what they do.” Gary said that the award meant even more as it came from their home county. “Our local parish priest at home said it in our documentary — to be recognised at home is the nicest thing of all and I think that’s very true. “We are very proud to come from Cork and to be able to represent everyone at home, it’s fantastic. Discussing the reaction their hilarious media interviews have garnered in the past, Gary says that the positive attention is all good for the sport. “I think we know ourselves how much effort we put in and I think the people appreciate the training that we do. “No-one in any sport can get to be successful unless they do make an effort and I guess we don’t take ourselves too seriously for the most part either.”

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�� Deaths/Family Notices on Page 30

Jennifer Dowler, CEO of Dogs for the Disabled, and Jasmine, chatting with Gary O’Donovan. Picture: David Keane

Adi Roche of Chernobyl Children International and Ann Doherty, chief executive Cork City Council.

Deirdre Hallihan, Claire Owens, and Emer Hallihan at the ceremony. Picture: David Keane

Tim and Ursula Sheehan, Military Hill, attending the awards ceremony. Picture: David Keane

News

Evening Echo, Tuesday, March 21, 2017

INSIDE TODAY News Pages 2-19 Court reports 6 Campaigners aim to end racism in Cork 10 Features Pages 21-28 The Michael Pattwell column 21 Rachel Allen: Great to be part of a buzzing city 22 Ford 100: Reprieve for plant in rollercoaster decade 25 TV 54-55 Opinion /Letters 18-19 Your Stars/Puzzles 26 Deaths/Family Notices 30 Classifieds 29-31 Sport Pages 32-53 GAA: Tipp will test Cork resolve 53 GAA: Hurley loss can inspire footballers 52 GAA: The Christy O’Connor column 51 Daily Million (9pm): 12, 18, 21, 27, 30, 32. Bonus 16 Daily Million Plus: 6, 7, 25, 26, 27, 39. Bonus 31. Daily Million (2pm): 6, 8, 11, 18, 28, 32. Bonus 17. Daily Million Plus: 4, 24, 25, 36, 37, 39. Bonus 38.

Assaults rise in city ■ From page 1. Speaking at yesterday’s meeting, Chief Supt McPolin also highlighted the fact that minor assaults have also increased. Between December and February, there were 195 reports of minor assaults in the city. During the same period of the previous year — December 2015 to February 2016 — there were 145. This represents an increase of 34%. Chief Supt McPolin said the increase could be attributed largely to the resurgence in the economy — more people went on nights out over the most recent Christmas and New Year period compared to the previous one, mainly because a lot of people now have more money in their pockets than they would have had during the recession. Overall, crimes against the person in Cork city are up by 34%. This includes the rise in sexual assault, rape, and minor assault, but also a rise in child abandonment, and menacing phone calls. Murder threats, assault causing harm, and harassment all declined.

Accused showed remorse for his part in drug crime ■ From page 1. Judge Martin Nolan noted Leahy’s shame and remorse for his actions. He said Leahy must have known he was participating in a serious crime but noted in mitigation he was unlikely to re-offend. Judge Nolan imposed a five-year sentence which he backdated to when Leahy went into custody. Garda Nicola Duffy told Karl Finnegan BL, prosecuting, that Leahy, who had travelled from Brazil via Paris, was stopped by customs officials acting on confidential information and a search of his suitcase revealed packages concealed in the lining of four rucksacks. The total amount of cocaine discovered weighed 10.9 kilograms and had a value of €763,000. Leahy initially told gardaí he had been in Brazil on holiday and was approached by a man in a bar who asked him if he wanted to make some extra money. He later revealed the purpose of the trip had been to transport the cocaine and it was not a chance meeting. He was to be paid €10,000. He told gardaí he thought he had been asked because he had no convictions and did not look like he was involved in drugs. He said the money was for his family and told gardaí his

father was ill and might require surgery. Gda Duffy agreed with Tom Creed SC, defending, that gardaí were aware from their own intelligence who was involved in sending his client out to Brazil. She agreed Leahy was effectively a courier and took responsibility for his role. Mr Creed handed in a psychiatric report and psychologist’s report. He said that Leahy was a psychologically vulnerable and easily lead young man with a tendency to be impulsive and unlikely to consider the consequences of his actions. He has struggled with depression. He said Leahy had moved around a lot as a young man but settled in Blarney where he became an accomplished hurler. He represented Cork at underage and minor level and won an All Ireland Medal at intermediate club level. Mr Creed handed in a number of references on his client’s behalf which described Leahy as a pleasant, helpful and kind young man who was also a dedicated hurler. He said Leahy had carried out charity work in prison and raised money for several organisations. Counsel handed in a letter from Leahy himself which outlined his sincere apologies and said this would be the last time he would be before the courts.

The former Northern Ireland deputy first

■ Rob McNamara mound of earth and rubble. Gardaí said the incident was being treated as a workplace accident. A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said an inspector was sent to the scene and an investigation into the incident began shortly after the man’s body was taken to CUH where a post-mortem was expected to take place. Tributes were paid to Mr Scully on social media yesterday, A post on the Crosshaven Notice Board said Mr Scully was “a gent” who always had a smile on his face. Another post read: “So very sad... the village will not be the same without him.”

minister and peace negotiator dies at the age of 66 following short heart-related illness

McGuinness with former US president, Bill Clinton, at the University of Ulster, in Derry.

Martin McGuinness being escorted away from Derry walls in the 1990s .

Picture: Trevor McBride

Tributes from HEARTFELT tributes from across the political divide have been paid to former Northern Ireland deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness, who died in the early hours of this morning. Mr McGuinness died in Altnagelvin Hospital, in Derry, following a short battle with a rare heart disease. He was 66. A former member of the IRA, Mr McGuinness embraced politics and was Sinn Féin’s chief negotiator during the peace process. He was elected to the Northern Ireland Forum in 1996, representing Foyle, and led his party at the Northern Ireland Assembly, in a power-sharing agreement with the DUP. He was deputy first minister from 2007 to 2016, resigning in November of that year over the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal. He announced, in January, that he would not be standing in the March elections, due to illhealth. President Michael D Higgins, who ran against McGuinness in the 2011 Irish presidential election, conveyed his sympathies. “The world of politics, and the people across this island, will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland,” President Higgins said. “As President of Ireland, I wish to pay tribute to his immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, a contribution which has rightly been recognised across all shades of opinion. “As a political colleague of many years, and having participated together in the Presidential election campaign of 2011 that brought us

■ Audrey Ellard Walsh all over Ireland, Sabina and I have appreciated both Martin McGuinness’s warmth and his unfailing courtesy.” Fine Gael TD, Simon Coveney, also expressed his sympathies, stating that Northern Irish politics would miss McGuinness. “He was a very committed supporter of the peace process and he will be missed, not only by people close to him, but also by people across political parties. Martin McGuinness made an extraordinary journey across his life, from IRA commander to political leader and a key supporter of the peace process. “On a personal level, to his family and his supporters, I want to express our sympathy and support, at this time of significant personal loss. He was, undoubtedly, a controversial figure in northern Irish politics, but I knew him as someone who was friendly, open, and very committed to making the peace process work. “He was a stabilising factor in the Northern Executive and northern Irish politics and he’ll be missed from that role.” Speaking this morning, Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams, led party tributes to Mr McGuinness, whom he described as a friend and comrade. “Throughout his life, Martin showed great determination, dignity, and humility and it was no different during his short illness,” he said. “He was a passionate republican, who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country. “But, above all, he loved his family and the people of Derry, and he was immensely proud of both. “On behalf of republicans everywhere, we extend our condolences to Bernie, Fiachra, Emmet, Fionnuala, and Grainne, grand-

Man killed in workplace ‘Kenny should stay Taoiseach for Brexit talks’ THE man who died following a workplace accident at a caravan park in Fountainstown yesterday has been named as Vincent Scully. The 58-year-old single man, originally from the Carrigaline area, was pronounced dead at Fountainstown caravan park yesterday afternoon. It is understood Mr Scully, who has a mobile home at the caravan park and who often helped with the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, was helping to lay pipes in a trench towards a septic tank when the accident occurred. H e wa s wo r k i n g o n t h e back-f illing of the trench when the walls caved in or collapsed on top of him, trapping him underneath a huge

News 3

Evening Echo, Tuesday, March 21, 2017

WITH Article 50 set to be triggered next week in the UK and with Brexit set to formally begin, Minister of State for European Affairs and Cork North Central Fine Gael TD, Dara Murphy, has said that Taoiseach Enda Kenny should stay in office. Mr Murphy, who will spend the next several weeks negotiating with his fellow Europe ministers, before a key EU Council meeting at the end of April, said that Ireland was prepared for Brexit, but a change in leadership would be a setback. “I think it’s not the right time for a change in leadership. As these talks start, I think his [Enda Kenny’s] strength will become clear,” he said. Mr Murphy said that the Fine Gael party should step back and let Mr Kenny deal with the beginning of the process and choose his own departure date, adding that he is confident that Mr Kenny will know the right time.

■ David Linnane “I think that the Fine Gael party should understand the need of the public for him to stay on,” he said. Mr Kenny has strong personal relationships with his counterparts, which Ireland should rely on, he said. Mr Murphy said that the initial negotiations will establish how the money the UK will owe to the EU for the continuation of some projects and agreements will be calculated, and will establish the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU. He said that trade won’t be on the table until early next year, or the end of this year at the earliest. The continuation of the common travel area will be key to Irish interests in the early stages of negotiations, and Mr Murphy said that he has been reassuring other countries about their concerns,

during his recent trips to the continent. “We are absolutely resolute that the common travel area will be maintained, and it can be handled in a manner that will not affect the other 26 member states. It is unique to us,” he said. Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Michael Noonan, speaking in Brussels, gave Mr Kenny’s desire to remain a significant boost last night by saying he should do so until at least June. Mr Noonan said the Taoiseach will lead Ireland into the opening of the key Brexit talks at EU leader level, which will happen in late April or early May, and will continue into the second phase of talks in June. “It is my own opinion that he should stay on until the second phase, as well, when the details of Ireland’s negotiation position have been established and signed-off on, and that is the end of May, early June,” Mr Noonan said.

McGuinness in 1971.

Picture: Alan Lewis/Photopress

Martin McGuinness with Nelson Mandela and Gerry Adams

all sides for McGuiness children, and the extended McGuinness family.” Sinn Féin representatives in Cork also expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of their party colleague, with TD, Jonathan O’Brien, calling the news “heartbreaking”. “Martin was a Republican leader who inspired all those who knew him and I had the privilege of calling him a friend,” Deputy O’Brien said. “His passing will be a huge loss to the Republican family and my thoughts are with his wife, Bernie, and family.” Dáil colleague, Donnchach Ó Laoighaire,

echoed these sentiments for a man he called “an inspiration and a hero in my eyes.” “He was a Republican and a patriot, who dedicated his life to Irish unity, and delivered a just peace against great odds. “He strengthened that peace by his leadership and courage, and commitment to peace and reconciliation on this island. “He was also a gentleman, courteous and good-humoured, and I am proud to have known him. “I believe he will be remembered as one of the great Irishmen of his time.” Sinn Fein leader on Cork City Council, Tho-

mas Gould, said Mr McGuinness would be remembered as one of the great Irish leaders. “He was an ordinary man in extraordinary times,” he said. “What I always noticed with Martin was how natural he was with people. “He always made a real connection with the people he met.” Mr Gould added that Mr McGuinness’s passing “is a huge loss, not just for republicans, but for the whole island of Ireland.” “For what he did to advance the peace process, he will be remembered as one of the great Irish leaders.”

McGuinness on Patrick Street, Cork, in 2011 with newspaper vendor Michael O’Regan.

McGuinness with Ian Paisley. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

2 News

Evening Echo, Tuesday, August 30, 2016

INSIDE TODAY News

2-19

New social housing proposal

Ambitious Coveney focused on housing Features

Skibbereen honours

21-28 21

Wild Atlantic Way charity trek

Great tips to avoid knee surgery

54-55

Opinion /Letters

18-19

Your Stars/Puzzles

Deaths/Family Notices

Classifieds

29-32

Sport

33-53

GAA: Hurling championship wide open

GAA: The Christy O’Connor column

Soccer: The blues have lifted at Chelsea

THERE is no doubt about it, the O’Donovan brothers have captured the heart of the nation.

Local supporters cheer on the O’Donovan brothers during their homecoming arrival on an open top bus through Skibbereen. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Lotto: Daily Million (9pm): 4, 17, 21, 31, 32, 39. Bonus 22. Daily Million Plus: 1, 13, 18, 20, 26, 35. Bonus 5. Daily Million (2pm): 8, 16, 17, 30, 32, 34. Bonus 12. Daily Million Plus: 1, 8, 22, 29, 30, 33. Bonus 32.

Andrea Harman, Ann and Mary Collins, Theresa Cand, Jessica Connolly, and Ronan Collins at the homecoming for Gary and Paul O’Donovan. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Their hilarious media interviews, w h i ch h a ve q u i ck l y s p a r ke d catchphrases galore, have ensured their status as household names, but in their hometown of Skibbereen, they are truly living legends. O’Donovan fever has swept the West Cork market town with fury, decorating commencing immediately following their medal win in anticipation of last night’s homecoming. Not a house or business premises was bare of bunting or balloons, with slogans such as “pull like a dog” and “we’re well used to a bit of wind” posted in every direction. Several restaurants are even offering specials on “shteak and spuds”, Olympic grub by all accounts. Fans began to line the streets from mid-afternoon, eager to secure a good vantage point for the athlete’s victory parade on an open top bus, with some 5,000 people gathering in the Fairfield for their interview with RTÉ’s Jacqui Hurley. The local tourist office confirmed that hotels and B&Bs had even booked out, such was the interest in catching a glimpse of the local heroes. Norma Casey, a volunteer in the tourist office, and sister-inlaw of coach Dominic, said that the community spirit demonstrated in the run-up to the event

Postmortem probe begins into Cavan family deaths Apple and State to appeal ruling ■ From page 1. Both Apple and the Irish government have indicated they will appeal the ruling, and Mr Michael McGrath, above, said that Fianna Fáil will study it, but have been reassured that there was no state aid and are likely to back the appeal. US of ficials, including Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, have also spoken out against the investigation that led to the ruling, one of several that has happened into American multinationals. The EU is making the case that Ireland allowed Apple to mark up and down prices on goods traded between multiple subsidiaries based in Ireland to ensure the lowest possible tax was levied on its operations.

While some, including independent Ministers John Hallig an and Finian McGrath, have said the government could use the money to build houses or fix the health service, it is unlikely that Ireland will ever see the billions that could result from the ruling. Legal appeals could see the affair dragged out for five or six years - Ireland wouldn’t get the money anytime soon as it may have to pay it back if a later appeal was successful. Even if Ireland did receive the money this year or next y e a r , t h e re i s a s t a n d i n g agreement that any ‘windfall’ gains like this would be used to accelerate national debt repayments, although that would free up Ireland’s spending in later years.

its Olympic winning legends

■ Audrey Ellard Walsh

The Michael Pattwell column

News

Evening Echo, Tuesday, August 30, 2016

A POSTMORTEM examination was being carried out today in an attempt to fully understand what happened in the horrific tragedy that wiped out a family in Cavan. Gardaí believe “all the answers are within that house” in the quiet Oakdene Estate, Barconey, Ballyjamesduf f, Cavan, where teachers Alan and Clodagh Hawe were found dead yesterday, along with their three young sons, Liam, 13, Niall, 11, and Ryan, 6. Gardaí believe that the deaths were a result of a murder suicide. Two schools were reeling in the aftermath of the tragedy — Castlerahan National School, where Mr Hawe was deputy principal and a teacher of first class, and Oristown National School, in Kells, Co Meath, where Mrs Hawe had taught. Gardaí suspect Mr Hawe stabbed his wife and his three boys with a knife, before hanging himself. The boys were found dead upstairs: two in one bedroom and the eldest in a second bedroom. The parents were discovered downstairs. Gardaí said the autopsy might indicate if the boys were asleep at the time. Detectives believe Mr Hawe, who had no history with the police, was solely involved in the killings. “We believe all the answers are within that house, therefore the most likely scenario is that one person in that house may have caused the deaths of others,”

Pictured at Skibbereen for the homecoming of Olympic medalists Paul and Gary O’Donovan were Skibbereen girls Emer McCarthy, Michelle O’Donovan and Jessica Beechinor. was typical of Skibbereen. “It’s a huge achievement and we haven’t had the likes of it before. “Dominic and the lads, they’ve sacrificed so much and worked so hard, and it all paid off. “It has lifted the spirits of so many and that has to be good.” Skibbereen Rowing Club President Nuala Lupton echoed these sentiments calling the win “a victory for rowing and for every rowing club in Ireland. “We have rowed every stroke with them. “It’s so great to have a good news story that has given the country a lift.” County Mayor Seamus McGrath went even further, stating that Gary and Paul “have energised and electrified the Irish people”, praising them as “fantastic ambassadors” for Cork and Ireland. For the national heroes, the home crowd is most important however. Paul concluding; “It’s been Monday evenings like this that make us proud to say we’re from Ireland, we’re from Cork, we’re from West Cork, but most importantly we’re from Skibbereen.”

Jo Massey and Sian Kirkbride celebrate the homecoming of Gary and Paul O’Donovan in Skibbereen, last night. Picture Dan Linehan

Picture Denis Boyle

Ericka Dempsey, Aisling Collins and Rebecca Connolly all smiles as they wait to greet the O’Donovan brothers in Skibbereen last night.

Heroes have their eye on Tokyo 2020 already

Gardaí at the scene at Oakdene, Barconey, Ballyjamesduff, Cavan yesterday. Assistant Garda Commissioner John O’Driscoll told a press briefing. He said that while there was no evidence of a firearm being used, “a number of objects found in the house remain the subject of technical examination”. Married for 15 years, Alan and Clodagh Hawe were well-known in the community. ■ If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, please contact The Samaritans on freephone 116 123

Olympic medallists Paul and Gary O’Donovan salute the crowd as they parade through Skibbereen. Picture: INPHO/Cathal Noonan Deputy-principal Alan Hawe

THERE’S no rest for the wicked, as Paul and Gary O’Donovan are proving, with eyes firmly fixed on Tokyo 2020. The Skibbereen rowers, who received a hero’s welcome home to West Cork last night will take only a short break from training before the long road to the Olympics begins once again. Speaking at a press conference held in their home club on the idyllic Ilen river, the brothers reflected on the hard work and sacrifice put in on the road to silver. “We knew it was going to be a huge challenge, we were aware of that, but we had our eyes set fairly high,” Paul stated. “We never doubted ourselves really to take a medal.” For all their self-assurance, the hype that has followed their victory in Rio was not something either brother anticipated. “It’s a complete shock,” Paul said. “We were just being ourselves and very

quickly it got out of hand but what harm?” “It’s all good for the sport and for the club.” Gary called the response “unimaginable”, though he welcomed the attention it has focused on the Skibbereen Rowing Club, where they have been training since the age of 10. It’s no secret that the club is in need of an injection of funds for vital renovations, but the O’Donovan’s are proof that determination is something money cannot buy. Arguing that they just “get on with it”, Paul says that “You’ve just got to make the most of what money you have. We’ve shown here with the facilities we’ve had, they’re not the best in the world but we’ve shown that if you have the willpower and determination you can get beyond the money issue.” Much of that drive comes from coach Dominic Casey, referred to by many as “the third medalist” who has been instrumental in the brothers’ successes to date. “There’s not a hope we’d be where we are

without him,” Gary said. “With passion anything is possible and Dominic’s always believed that and instilled that in us and all the other athletes here. “When we go out on the water to race we know that Dominic has done every single thing he can do to make us as fast as we can be so we do everything we can.We make every effort thanks to his example.” While the past fortnight have been packed full of celebrations, years of sacrifice go into any Olympic medal win. For families, it can mean empty chairs at important occasions, as Trish, their mother explained. “If, for example, there was a birthday party after school they wouldn’t have gone. They were coming here to the club for training. After training they would come home and do their homework. That’s the cycle. “They miss momentous occasions... They are so focused it is unreal but it pays off,” she said.

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(YHQLQJ (FKR Saturday, December 27, 2014

Sailor Joe bravely faced his Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battle IRISH sailing lost a giant in November with the tragic passing of former professional sailor Joe English at the age of 58.

The Cobh native, nicknamed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skipperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was one of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-known yachtsmen, perhaps best-known for leading the Irish crew in the 1989-90 Whitbread Round the World Race. Brother of Eddie, Denis and Jean-Paul, the family regularly sailed as children sparking a life long passion for the sea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was definitely the big brother,â&#x20AC;? JP said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really followed his path and I have met a lot of people in the industry who knew my famous brother. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Oh my God youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother!â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d say, and that was a huge help to me.â&#x20AC;? Joe met his wife-to-be, April, through friends in 1980. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We met in the Silver Key in Ballinlough. Meeting in a pub, it was real Irish style.â&#x20AC;? Both coming from sailing families they hit it off immediately. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was it. It was love at first sight.â&#x20AC;? The couple lived in Australia before settling in Crosshaven with their daughter, Aoife, and twin sons Robbie and Conor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was very gregarious, very fun, mischievous.â&#x20AC;? said April of her husband who while enormously successful, was surprisingly modest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was massively popular because he was very at ease with the sailing community. It was a small family and he was very popular within that small family worldwide.â&#x20AC;? Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career in racing and as a sail maker with McWilliams Sailmakers was to be cut short with the tragic diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in 2007. April says the signs were there longer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was forgetful and one or two times I noticed he was coming out into a sweat going to the airport for competitions. That was odd because that would usually be a happy time and he was obviously very anxious going. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I should have spotted things but I was too busy putting out fires, solving problems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really see the changes when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re with someone all the time.â&#x20AC;? After passing several tests, alarm bells finally rang and Joe was referred to a neurologist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We went down to Kerry General Hospital. From there we went to the memory clinic in Dublin and they finally diagnosed that it as early onset Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. That was in November 2007.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was devastated,â&#x20AC;? April said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anyone would be. Joe was so fit and active. It was heartbreaking.â&#x20AC;? Bravely facing his disease, Joe chose to speak about Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ONE of Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best known yachtsmen passed away last month. Here his wife April talks to Audrey Ellard Walsh about love at first sight, her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity, and his seven year battle with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

The English family â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Conor, Robbie, Aoife, April and Joe â&#x20AC;&#x201D; on holidays in Saint Malo.

Left, Joe Englishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last day sailing on Cork Harbour One Design â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Maureenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with Joe Helming and crew sailing in the RCYC At Home event in August 2013; right, Joe and April English with President Michael D Higgins at Ă ras an UachtarĂĄin event commemorating 30 years of the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Society of Ireland. featuring in an RTĂ&#x2030; Prime Time documentary with the Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Society. For the seven years of his battle, family life focussed on taking care of Joe while April balanced a full-time job to pay the bills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your life changes. It goes very quiet. Some friends arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t friends

anymore and others then are just wonderful. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heartwarming what people come out with and I hope to be able to return it to them someday.â&#x20AC;? Friends of Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s established the Joe English Trust to cover his care needs but April says finding spaces

for younger Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patients was difficult. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We looked at a few day care centres and they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take anyone under 65. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luckily some places have lifted that now which is great, but we need help just as much as the over 65s.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was also very hard to find out what services were available,â&#x20AC;? said April, advising others in her position to consult Citizens Information. Joe passed away on November 4. He is fondly remembered in his native Cork and worldwide in the sailing community.

News

Evening Echo, Saturday, April 4, 2015

News

Evening Echo, Saturday, April 4, 2015

Traditional egg mould needs no breaking

Roaringwater Bay.

Tender for porpoise survey around islands released A PORPOISE survey is to be carried out in West Cork to report on their conservation status to the EU. The Department of Arts, Heritage, and Gaeltacht has issued a tender for the survey, which will be carried out in Roaringwater Bay and surrounding islands. “As part of Ireland’s conservation obligations concerning cetaceans, there is a significant requirement for the monitoring of species occurrence in all Irish waters,” says the contract.

Cut age limit for candidates REDUCING the age at which people can stand for election as President could enhance the inclusivity of Irish politics, said Sinn Féin councillor Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. Mr Ó Laoghaire — one of the youngest councillors in Cork — said the move would be a progressive one. “It is vitally important that we engage younger people in politics as early as possible,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire. “This would improve that chance of young people developing a lifelong interest in voting and participating in the democratic process. This includes standing for elections at all levels. “We would not discriminate against people on the basis of race, gender, or religion, so why should accept discrimination on the basis of age?”

Intense exercise is best SHORT bursts of intensive exercise before eating a high-fat meal is best for young people’s health, research has found. Performing any exercise before a high-fat meal was already known to prevent impairment in blood vessel function but the study found intensive exercise was better for blood vessel function in young people than the currently recommended moderate-intensity exercise. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and stroke, are a leading cause of death, and researchers said the processes behind these start in youth. Impairment in the function of blood vessels is thought to be the earliest stage of this process, and is known to occur in the hours after consuming a high-fat meal.

Bad habits are hard to kick A HUGE majority of Irish people — 92% of Irish people — have a bad habit they wish they could give up for good. Research carried out for CMRF Crumlin, the principal fundraising body for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, and the National Children’s Research Centre, found that 82% of people have tried but failed to give up a bad habit, while 35% would like to give up drinking alcohol for a month. One in five feel smart-phone addiction is the most annoying habit in a partner, but 84% of adults would give up chocolate rather than part with their smartphones for a week. The research is part of an ongoing ‘Give It Up For Crumlin’ fundraising campaign. To get involved, see www.giveitup.ie.

Miniature art for islands tour ARTISTIC submissions are being sought for a exhibition that will tour to Sherkin, Heir, and Bere Islands this summer. The exhibition is being run by The Museum of Miniature in partnership with West Cork Arts Centre. Artists based on off-shore Irish and international islands are invited to submit an artwork that fits into the palm of a hand. The museum and exhibition is run by artists Marie Brett and Tess Leak. The deadline for submissions is June 1. Contact johnbipg@gmail.com for more.

SHOP local for your chocolate this Easter is the message from husband and wife Casey and Fernanda O’Conaill, proprietors at O’Conaill’s Chocolate. The chocolatiers, who supply their two city centre shops from a Carrigaline factory, say Easter has become tougher in recent years as artisans try to compete with large commercial brands. O’Conaill’s has been trading in chocolate delights since the 1970s when Casey’s grandfather brought his experience of German chocolate-making to Cork. “My grandfather was the manager of Thompson’s bakery up in MacCurtain Street in the 60s,” Casey explains. “He was a professional confectioner from Germany and came over from Germany to manage the bakery. In 1979 the family started a bakery on Main Street in Carrigaline. The continental tradition would be that the bakeries would all do a little bit of chocolate on the side so they had their bakery and would make a few Easter figures and Christmas figures. “The chocolate side started to get bigger so they started looking at setting up a factory.” To set up the chocolate factory the family went to Germany to source old equipment which was refurbished, some of which is still in use today. “Business has being going very well. We started specialising in hot chocolate but we make bars because we have wholesale customers too. We opened the shop here on French Church Street 10 years ago and opened the Prince’s Street bakery four years ago. Farmers markets are very important to us too so really it’s been a kind of a steady business.” O’Conaills still use the same egg mould shapes as they did 50 years ago to produce a range of seasonal products from little Easter lollipops to giant rabbits weighing 2kgs. “We’ve been doing Easter eggs for years and years and the shapes haven’t changed,” Fernanda says. “We make the moulds ourselves with an old mould making- machine. “The tortoiseshell is a standard mould and we sell them from 100g up to 2kg. We have a mould to make a 10kg egg but only Casey can operate it because it’s so heavy! “We’ve been doing Easter

Chocolate treats, Simnel cakes and the second busiest weekend of the year for butchers - AUDREY ELLARD WALSH hears about Easter food

Andrew Taylor.

Man overboard recounts ordeal in book to aid charities ANDREW TAYLOR, the round-the-world sailor who was swept overboard in the North Pacific Ocean, has released a book about his experiences one year later. The 47-year-old novice sailor was taking part in the longest ocean race around the planet — the Clipper Round the World Race Yacht Race — when he was hit by a huge wave and swept overboard on March 30 2014. After 100 minutes in the freezing water, Andrew was rescued against all odds by his team mates on the Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht. His book, One Seven Nine West, is named after the exact co-ordinates where he fell overboard. “If I still had nine lives at the moment I became the ‘man overboard’, I definitely used more than one of them in escaping this,” he said. “I genuinely believe, as a result of some of the outcomes of this event, lives will now be saved in the future. For both this and escaping with my own life, I am totally humbled and shall be eternally grateful to many very special people.” Proceeds of the book are going to charity. See www.179w.co.uk for more.

Rachel Carey and Pamela O’Connor, both from Cobh, making their minds up at O Conaill’s Chocolate on French Church Street. David Keane eggs for years and years but the Easter market is getting more competitive,” Casey says. “It’s getting harder for small businesses with the cost that you can buy Easter eggs for in supermarkets. “We still do everything by hand, eve r y t h i n g i s h a n d m a d e a n d handwrapped, obviously there’s quite a lot of labour costs involved which have to be passed on so we just can’t compete. “ We h a ve a ve r y d e d i c at e d amount of customers but Easter wouldn’t be a huge business for us. It’s getting smaller every year. O’Conaills say that their chocolate quality is priority. “We don’t want to compromise the quality so we are always going to make eggs with the best quality of chocolate and that means that it is expensive compared to others,” Fernanda stresses. “If you see Easter eggs in shops at the moment they all come in big

boxes and are very eye-catching but we are going to keep wrapping ours with cellophane.” The decision to stick with plain packaging is a considered one. “We want to keep our products artisan so everything is handmade. “We decided ourselves that we are not going to invest in complex packaging, the reason being that a product has a total price, that price has to cover the chocolate, labour and packaging. “ We l o ve b r i n g i n g t h e b e s t quality always and you can tell by the wrapping we are very handmade.” “Easter is nice because the factory is hectic and the shelves are stuffed full of easter eggs,” Casey says. “It’s a nice time and there’s a lot of chocolate going through the chocolate room. We’re a local factory and have people coming into the factory just for Easter and it’s

lovely to see them. Willy Wonka has destroyed chocolate factories though, because now people are expect magic.” “I’ve grown up with chocolate my whole life so that novelty isn’t there, but it is fascinating how many people want to sneak a look.” O’Conaill’s pride themselves on their place in the community. “Our project is to have a factory that can be open to the public who can see us working. Many do already but at the moment our factory looks too industrial. “A woman called in yesterday who wanted to buy three rabbits for her grandchildren. They’re going to be made today and she can collect them this afternoon. “We trust people who like chocolate will come for the quality and we are delighted that we still see people who have been buying the chocolate for 30 years and they wouldn’t go anywhere else.”

Return to your roots with a traditional Simnel Cake CORKpastry chef and blogger at www.gasmarkseven.com Dermot O’Sullivan is encouraging people to return to their roots this weekend by preparing a hearty and traditional Simnel CakeSee Dermot’s recipe below and lay a few places for the neighbours as it serves ten. Ingredients: - 150ml Irish Whiskey - 250g Plain Flour - 175g Unsalted Butter (room temperature) - ½ Tsp Baking Powder - 1 Tsp Mixed Spice - Finely grated zest of 1 Orange - 75g Glacé Cherries (quartered) - 75g Chopped Candied Peal or Mixed Peal - 450g Dried Mixed Fruit (Sultanas, Raisins, Currants) - 150g Brown Sugar - 4 Free Range Eggs (room temperature) - 1 Tsp Almond Essence - 200g Almond Marzipan Decorating: - 400g Almond Marzipan - 1 Egg Yolk (lightly beaten for glazing) - Apricot Jam

Method 1. Soak the mixed fruits in the whiskey for at least four hours but preferably overnight (stir the mixture regularly for an even coating). Preheat the oven to 150°C / gas mark 2. Double line a 20cm cake tin with baking paper and very lightly dust with flour. Discard any excess whiskey. 2. Sieve the flour, baking powder and the mixed spice into a bowl. Cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the almond essence, gradually beat in the eggs oneby-one using an electric hand whisk, adding a teaspoon of flour with each addition to avoid the mixture from curdling. 3. Fold in the orange zest, cherries, candied peal and mixed fruits. Spread half of the mixture in the tin before smoothing out the mixture with the back of a spoon. Roll out 200g of the marzipan on a floured marble surface using the 20cm loose circle of a similar sized cake tin as a guideline. Gently place the rolled marzipan on top of the mixture in the tin and smooth it out with your fingertips. Cut any excess marzipan from around the outside.

4. Spoon in the remainder of the mixture. Level the top and make a very slight indent in the centre of the cake. Bake for 2¼ to 2½ hours until golden brown. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean (inserted at an angle as there is a layer of marzipan in the centre). Allow the cake to completely cool in the tin before removing to finish the surface. At this point you can put the cake into an airtight container for a few days or even longer to allow the cake mature. 5. For the surface: weigh eleven pieces of marzipan each weighing 15g and roll each piece into eleven rounds. Place the rounds on a piece of greaseproof paper on a plate and allow to chill in the fridge until needed. Next dust your worktop and rolling pin with icing sugar or cornflour before rolling out 200g of marzipan. Warm the jam, brush the top of the cake with the warm jam and place the marzipan over the cake, cutting the edges with a sharp fruit knife to form an even single layer of marzipan. 6. Score the top of the cake to make diamond shapes. ■ Recipe courtesy of www.gasmarkseven.com

Four-ball bet wins €33,000 A Cork punter scooped €33,000 on a bet on Tuesday night’s EuroMillions draw. The punter placed a euro on four numbers to appear in the main draw and they all came up. The lucky numbers for the BoyleSports bet were 8, 20, 24, and 28. Had the punter done the regular EuroMillions, with those numbers included, they would have only won €108 for matching four numbers. The punter wishes to remain anonymous.

Supper Club A FLAVOUR.IE Supper Club will take place in the Sun Room in the Emmet Hotel in Clonakilty on April 18. The menu is Tastes of Rhubarb, and will be five courses. The cost of the event is €55, which includes a recipe book and a chance to meet the producers of the food. For more information or to book, email flavour@allsorts.net or phone Kate on 086 2059360.

On the hunt for the next Boole Staff member at O’Conaill’s Chocolate, Sandra Soriano, busy at work at O Conaill’s Chocolate on Princess Street.

Roasts on the menu for Easter Sunday dinners FOR many, Easter Sunday is one of the rare occasions throughout the year when the family sit down to a traditional roast dinner. Some of the English Market’s traders tell us about their most popular sales in the lead up to tomorrow’s rest day. “For many years the second best meat weekend of the year is Easter weekend, Christmas being the first,” says Paul Murphy Coughlan’s Meats. “Like other butchers we have the baby spring lamb and the normal hogget lamb. Things that would sell well would be spice beef, it generally would be for Christmas but we get quite a few people who buy it for Easter as well or corned beef customers. Paul recommends cooking lamb at a lower heat than usual. “The lamb takes about a half an hour per

pound and naturally being so young you don’t have to have the heat too high. “A moderate heat is sufficient and it’s best eaten rare. Colin O’Sullivan from Tim O’Sullivan Meats was also expecting an increase in business this weekend. “People leave it until the last minute for Easter but you find people looking for legs of lamb, roast beef joints and corned beef joints. “Easter Lamb is the nicest lamb of the lot,” according to Michael Bresnan from Bresnan’s Victualer’s. The Bresnan’s have been trading in the market since 1898 and Michael was expecting demand to be as high as ever this year as people prepare to sit down to their traditional dinner.

David Keane

University College Cork has begun the search for the next mathematical genius as part of its celebrations of the bicentenary of George Boole. Boole, a pioneering mathematician who taught in UCC in 1849, is described as the ‘father of the information age’. UCC has linked up with Anyone 4 Science to provide a fun, hands-on maths club for children. The club, suitable for 9- to 12-yearolds, will take place in UCC on a Saturday. The next term will commence on April 18 and run for six weeks. For more details, see georgeboole.com or contact info@anyone4science.com.

Achill art marks partnership

Traditional roast.

An art exhibition at Cork City Hall is to celebrate the city partnership between Cork and Cologne, which has existed for 27 years and has seen the emergence of many projects. Curator Tina Darb presents an exhibition of paintings and photographs by German graphic artist and photographer Rene Boll, called ‘The Cillini of Achill Island and Currane’. It is inspired by the childhood summers Boll spent on Achill Island and has spent many years producing photographs, writings and oil paintings that were evoked by the graveyards on the island. It opened last Thursday and will run to April 24.

News

Evening Echo, Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Foyer a hand up A BLACKPOOL residential project for homeless youths has become a thriving feature in the local community.

Diana Dodog: Helping Hope Foundation.

Organisation aims to help street kids of Kolkata n eat4streetKids, supported by Masterchef Ireland Winner 2014, Diana Dodog, who is based in Courtmacsherry. is taking place this Christmas in Cork to raise money to support the lives of street and slum children of Kolkata through The Hope Foundation. For the month of December customer in participating restaurants, bars and pubs can add an optional donation of €1 on to their food bills. This donation will go directly to helping the street children in Kolkata. In India €1 can feed two children for a day, it can contribute to their education and it can give children access to essential health care services. eat4streetKids is currently inviting restaurants to support the scheme following a successful run in May 2014. Participating restaurants in Cork so far include Star Anise and Gourmet Burger Bistro on Bridge Street, and Greenes on McCurtain Street. Diana is encouraging Cork restaurants to get involved: “Poverty often means that children, not only don’t have enough food to eat, but they also don’t have access to clean water, health care or education. They face hunger, disease and even death. I believe that everyone can work together to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry. While the concept that giving to others can make you feel good about yourself is not revolutionary, there are several more subtle ways that giving your money or time for a cause can benefit your psychological, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. By adding just €1 to your restaurant bill throughout December will make a huge difference in disadvantaged children’s life. Please support the scheme to help others.”

Musical at CAT n CORK Arts Theatre Rep and Cork Arts Studio Stageworks Choirs present ‘Broadway to Bethlehem’ from December16 to 20 at 8pm. Under the musical director Órla Palliser Kehoe, the show is a celebration of the best of musical theatre Christmas songs with some old Christmas favourites. Forty performers are involved from the age of 7 to 18. Tickets: €10 each or €40 for a family ticket (family of 5). Bookings: 021 4505624

Candlelit walk at UCC n UCC is hosting a fundraising candlelight walk in aid of BUMBLEance, the world’s first interactive ambulance service designed specifically for children, at 5pm on Thursday December 11. UCC students, staff and members of the public who turn out will be serenaded by buskers and carol singers dotted around the route. A number of local schools will also take part. Following the walk, a concert will take place in the Boole Basement lecture theatres from 6pm to 7pm, performed by the fantastic VoiceWorks Studio. The concert is free but all donations on the night towards BUMBLEance are appreciated. CEO Tony Heffernan has previously commented that BUMBLEance receives no state support. Dr Louise Crowley, law lecturer at UCC and also a board member of BUMBLEance, commented: “BUMBLEance, the world’s first and only interactive children’s ambulance, provides an invaluable service to sick children on their journeys to and from hospital. Alleviating their fears and anxieties, the BUMBLEance provides a travelling playroom of fun and entertainment, with room for Mum and Dad too. Current fundraising efforts aim to put a second BUMBLEance on the road in 2015.”

The Foyer in Blackpool is a vital bridge and a stepping stone towards independent living for young, homeless people. Since opening its doors in 2006, The Foyer has supported over 240 young people move from homelessness to independent living. The 19-person supported residential unit was developed specifically to meet the needs of young homeless people. Integrating itself with the local community, The Foyer is also home to the Garden Café, Cork Community Bicycle Project, Mini Pet Farm and Toddler Play Park. Catering for the needs of 18 to 25 year olds, The Foyer helps those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless whilst proactively engaging in the local community. Manager Barry Waddingham said: “People come to us from nearly every situation you could think of. “It’s a really broad range. “Every year we have a couple of p e o p l e at s ch o o l a n d t h e y ’ re usually at the point where they’re doing their Leaving Cert. “A few years ago we had sisters that were living with their grandmother and the grandmother died so that’s quite a difficult situation. “We have some situations where we have young people with mental health issues and their parents just can’t cope with them but there’s no specific housing or supported accommodation for young people with mental health issues.” Providing Fetac courses and supporting young people in taking up training programmes elsewhere, The Foyer is, as Mr Waddingham states, a bridge and a stepping stone towards independent living. “It’s a concept that they have to buy into.” he says. Acceptance to the Foyer is dependent upon passing an interview process. Residents sign a legal support agreement and undertake to involve themselves in courses and personal development.. They can avail of up to 18 hours of tutoring each week in cookery, IT, life skills and more enabling them to work t o w a r d s F e t a c l e ve l 3 a n d 4 courses. The Foyer also operates a talent pool where residents can compete in a Dragon’s Den style competition for funding of up to the equiv-

The Foyer in Blackpool is described as a stepping stone towards independent living for young, homeless people. Audrey Ellard Walsh meets some of those who are using the service

News 11

Evening Echo, Wednesday, December 3, 2014

for Cork city’s vulnerable kids Jacqui Hurley: Supporting Cry Ireland campaign.

Scoil to host annual Christmas Fair in Mallow n PREPARATIONS are underway for the annual Christmas Fair at Scoil Ghobnatan, Mallow on Sunday. The school band and choir will treat crowds to a collection of festive tunes during the day. Local businesses displaying on the day include Food Capers, Auntie Nellies, Chernobyl childrens Project, Forget Me Not (florist) as well as other locally produced festive decorations, candles and food products. A visit to Santa, face painting, nail decorating, spot the ball and plenty more will feature on the day. The Fair takes place in the school grounds. Doors open at 12.30 until 3.30pm. Adults €2, children are free.

Take a Christmas selfie

Sharon O’Flynn, deputy manager and training coordinator; Minister Kathleen Lynch and then Councillors Patricia Gosch and Catherine Clancy in the kitchen area at the opening of the facility. Barry Waddingham, manager of the Foyer Centre in Blackpool: A broad range of people come to us. alent of €300 towards their personal development. “We start looking at what talents have got and start working with them on that.” The Foyer had 61 applications last year - 74% male and 26% female. Almost 60% of these applications were from young people aged between 18 and 20 years. While the main referrer is Liberty Street House, a significant proportion come from St Vincent’s Hostel or Edel House with others coming from staying at friends houses or prison. “You must qualify to be on social housing and you’ve got to qualify

for rent allowance as well.” said Mr Waddingham. “That put in place just makes our job easier when we’re trying to move a young person into their own accommodation because that’s our ultimate aim to get people linked with meaningful programmes and get them into their own accommodation and we support them in their own accommodation aswell for a period of time.” Residents pay €35 a week with €80 rent allowance covering the rest. Each resident has their own private single room and en suite with a strict privacy policy. The

less we’re in their lives the better they’re doing with their tenancy,” said Mr Waddingham. Residents buy their own food and do their own washing with facilities purposely designed to be as close to what would be in private accommodation as possible. Some 24 residents moved out on from The Foyer in 2013. Eight moved into private rental accommodation, five returned home and others moved into housing associations or other providers. While people can stay a maximum of two years, the average stay at the centre is just over seven months.

Depression battle key to problems Learning to look after yourself TWENTY year old Aaron Hennessy has been at The Foyer for nine months. He suffered from depression in his first year of college and began taking drugs before hitting what he calls “rock bottom. I ended up getting kicked out of college twice and couldn’t afford where I was living. “One day I just started coming to the realisation that I was going down the wrong path. I’m kind of happy about that because I was able to get a clear head and progress better through my life.” Aaron heard about the Foyer through a care worker but was in-

itially nervous about joining. “I didn’t know what kind of place it was or the kind of people in here. At the time I was staying at my aunts though and I started looking it up. I was thinking I can’t stay on my aunt’s couch forever.” Now, nine months in, Aaron says that he has noticed a huge improvement in himself. “I’ve been attending the classes and I’ve been getting help to better myself. I don’t think if I went to any other place I’d have the same support. “I’ve seen a huge improvement in myself since I came in and I didn’t know it could happen this fast.”

DANIEL HOURIGAN from Farranree spent time at The Foyer two years ago. Having left and spent time on the streets, he returned in October and is working towards living independently. “They’re helping me access services and manage my money, making sure I’m up to date and paying my rent. I’m just trying to get my own place now.” He is engaging with the classes in The Foyer and applying for Fás courses. “I’m doing the cooking class, literacy, communications, com-

puters and horticulture. They keep you going instead of being around the place doing nothing. You’re always on your toes in here.” For now, The Foyer is working out well. “You can come and go here and there’s independence. “We’re not teenagers anymore. “Most of us in here are in our twenties so you can either be the size of your shoe or be the size of the man you are. “That’s the only way I could really put it.”

Life-long love of music gives Tim opportunity for future

Rules were tough at first but I learned to love The Foyer

TIM O’Sullivan has been with The Foyer for the past seven and a half months. With a lifelong love of music, the 24-year-old has taken the opportunity to enrol in the Cork Academy of Music. “It gets me out doing things,” he said. “Music has always been a big part of me and it’s great to be able to do it everyday.” Tim benefited from a personal development initiative in which a total of 17 talent bonds were issued to residents to the value of €300. Tim had to compete in a Dragon’s Den style event

TWENTY-year-old Michaela Butler came to The Foyer at the age of 18. “ When I turned 18 I moved into my own apartment but I couldn’t make my rent.” Michaela found The Foyer’s rules difficult to follow at the beginning. “Things were tough at the start. I didn’t comply with them. “I suppose it was being in a situation where I had to follow rules when I’d had my freedom, that was difficult for me. “I eventually started going to my classes and did a Fetac course making jams for the

and explain what benefit the bond would have for him. He was given a trumpet to further his musical studies. Tim travelled to Bermingham in September to visit another Foyer project and showcase his musical talents and speak about his experiences. Tim plans on staying in The Foyer until August w h e n h e fi n i s h e s h i s course. He then intends on enrolling in a second year and preparing for third level. “By the time first year is over I hope to be living on my own and preparing for college.”

Tim O’Sullivan: Music has always bee a big part of me and it’s great to do it every day.

shop.” Michaela did work experience in the Garden Café for two weeks and it went so well that they employed her. “Everything went well,” she said. I moved out three months ago and am now living in Sophia Housing, a transitional housing scheme. “Going to the Foyer was one of the best things I could have done.” Staying at the Foyer meant that Michaela had an opportunity to turn her life around and now she is looking forward to the new opportunities a brighter future holds.

Michaela Butler: Going to the Foyer was one of the best things I could have done.

n CRY Ireland ambassadors, RTE’s Jacqui Hurley, below, with Leinster rugby player Darragh Fanning donned their finest Christmas jumpers to launch a festive charity campaign.Cry Ireland is asking people put on your favourite Christmas jumper, take a selfie and upload it to twitter or facebook and text CRY to 50300 to donate €2 to the cause. To make it more fun CRY is also asking participants to nominate three friends to do the same. CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) is an Irish charity that offers free screening and support to those who have lost loved ones to SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome). Up to 10,000 Irish people could carry the genes for inherited heart disease without knowing it.

Top prize for Kinsale business n KINSALE-based Levente and Attila Magyar have been awarded first prize in the Design Sustainability category at the IDI Design Awards for their Mamukko bags. Originally from Hungary, brothers Levente and Attila make handcrafted upcycled bags at their workshop in Kinsale using reclaimed boat sails, leather and other recycled materials. Mamukko is establishing itself among the sailing community, as well as the eco-conscious urban market. Levente and Attila are fourth generation leather craftspeople who are passionate about producing ethical and sustainable products with cutting edge design. Now in its 16th year, the IDI Design Awards welcomed over 300 entries this year, representing the best of Irish design. Prizes were awarded across nine categories.

Focus on petrol stretching n THE Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications were today due to meet with officials from the Revenue Commissioners on the likely prevalence of the practice of petrol stretching and how the issue might be addressed. Petrol stretching involves the adding of kerosene to petrol and recent reports indicate that Revenue has received about many complaints in relation to the practice so far this year. Chairman of the Committee John O’Mahony TD said: “Fuel laundering has been a longstanding concern for this Committee and we called for a coordinated and vigorous response from State agencies to tackle the problem in an October 2012 report. We will have an opportunity to hear from the Revenue Commissioners on the specific issue of petrol stretching, a practice which is suspected of leaving many drivers with huge repair bills from damaged engines

News

Evening Echo, Thursday, January 19, 2017

Murphy reflects r Michael Murphy says he has some planning and retooling to do. Leaving behind the post of UCC president on January 31, he will be returning to the discipline of medicine, resuming his job as chair of clinical pharmacology. He will be making a quiet “exit, stage left” from the president’s office, leaving behind a position that he says “consumes most of your waking day.” “We have a good rule in this institution: That former presidents should be both gone and forgotten, to allow the new president free rein to change, whatever he or she feels like doing. “I have delivered my 10-year term and so, on February 1, I will sit down and examine what I have to do to catch up on all the experience that I have missed out on in the intervening decade,” said Dr Murphy H e h a s p r e s i d e d o ve r U C C during a time of immense economic upheaval. He says that, despite the challenges, the high levels of student satisfaction and the continuing international interest are proof they are doing something right. “It may come as a shock that, in spite of all the financial challenges and cuts in staffing, that the most recent survey of student satisfaction revealed that 94% of students were satisfied or highly satisfied with their experience in the university. That’s up from 88% two years ago.” External perception is also high, with accolades such as consecutive Sunday Times University of the Year titles reflecting UCC’s strong domestic reputation. “At the end of the day, the degree parchment that we give students when they are graduating must have the highest possible value on the job market. “I think it’s fair to say that, by most measures, the reputation of the institution and the value of the parchment are as good, if not better, than they were 10 years ago. Those two things, I would say, are the most important, particularly given the circumstances of the time. “I think it’s also important to make the point that it doesn’t have a lot to do with who’s president. It has something to do with it, but not a lot. It has to do with the commitment of 2,800 staf f to that mission,” said Dr Murphy. UCC is one year into a €241m capital-investment project, which includes the development of a new

Irish Pharmacy Union president Daragh Connolly: Level of violence extremely worrying.

Three-quarters of country’s pharmacies victims of crime THE Irish Pharmacy Union has revealed that pharmacies nationwide are under attack from criminals, with three out of four (77%) experiencing some form of crime, including shoplifting, robbery, and raids. In addition, 78% of these experienced two or more incidents, with a significant 23% describing the incident as “violent”. Worryingly, in one in five cases where there was a robbery or a raid, the perpetrators had a weapon, with a knife used in 81% and a gun in 18%. The findings from the survey were described by IPU president Daragh Connolly as “shocking” and he was particularly concerned at the level of violent crimes against pharmacy staff, which he described as “extremely worrying and utterly unacceptable”. He said: “It is difficult enough to run a pharmacy in the current environment without being the target for criminal activity that not only has a significant cost factor but, more importantly, has a detrimental impact on pharmacy staff. It is unacceptable that pharmacy owners and their staff are viewed as ‘soft targets’, where the probability of repeat offences is high and the risk of apprehension and penalty is low.”

Resources game-changer CORK SOUTHWEST Fine Gael TD Jim Daly said a new model of allocating resources for students with special learning needs will deliver benefits for children for generations. The new model, announced by Minister for Education Richard Bruton, aims to ensure that children who need support can have that support provided immediately rather than having to wait for a diagnosis. Mr Daly said the announcement was a game-changer for Irish education. “This announcement represents a new dawn, both for children with special learning needs, and for their parents, who have had to endure so much in the past to secure additional supports for their children. “This new model of allocation will ensure a much fairer and more equitable system of allocating resources to children, with more discretion devolved to principals and teachers, as opposed to officials in departments, who have never met the children.” “As a former school principal, I also note the guarantee that no school will see a reduction in the resources they had in the past school year. I also wish to acknowledge the role of former minister Ruairi Quinn in initiating the process.”

As he prepares to step down from the position of president of UCC at the end of this month, Dr Michael Murphy met Audrey Ellard Walsh to discuss the past 10 years, and his hopes for education reform.

News 11

Evening Echo, Thursday, January 19, 2017

on high degree of achievement

UCC chemical engineering team wins teaching prize The Department of Process and Chemical Engineering at University College Cork has been named the 2016 winner of the Sustainability Teaching Award. Presented by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), the award encourages the inclusion of sustainability principles and values into undergraduate teaching of chemical engineering. IChemE’s chair of the judging panel, Malcolm Wilkinson, said: “University College Cork demonstrated that they could integrate sustainability teaching principles across the curriculum, which will provide their chemical engineering students with a set of values to apply to their future careers.” UCC won the top prize for successfully integrating sustainability teaching across the curriculum, providing good examples of interdisciplinary projects, coupled with excellent student feedback.

Diabetes education course

Dr Michael Murphy is stepping down as president of UCC on January 31. He said: ‘By most measures, the reputation of the institution and the value of the parchment are as good, if not better, than they were 10 years ago.’ Picture: Emmet Curtin dental school, student accommodation, and further development of the Western Gateway campus. With site clearance complete for the new multimillion student hub, cranes are expected on the main campus in the coming weeks. Dr Murphy says the expansion is merely “keeping the ship afloat, in terms of meeting the immediate challenges. “With the growth in the student population that is inevitable, given the growth in the country’s population [and] given the opportunities for greater engagement of international education, there is a lot more investment needed and, so, we’re dealing with the tip of the iceberg.” Dr Murphy has called for the

question of university funding to be dealt with “without any further delay,” to allow institutions compete with international counterparts. “There is most certainly a need to increase the revenue of universities, because we’ve had very severe cuts and these cuts are making it more and more difficult to meet the expectations of students and to modernise what we do and how we do it, like other countries are doing.” He says, though, that funding is only part of the issue, arguing that increasing the trust between government and the universities and allowing universities greater freedom in decision-making is vital. “If we want to compete with the

Dutch or the British or the Swedes or whatever, we have to have similar rules of engagement and flexibility that they have. “At the moment, we are in a position where it is a bit like sending out a League of Ireland soccer team to play the Bundesliga. You have two different sets of rules. “A greater level of tr ust is required and greater delegation of decision-making to the universities to utilise resources — staff, facilities — more efficiently. “We can actually make more money ourselves in terms of creating more revenue if we had the handcuffs taken off.” While UCC has forged a strong reputation in international education, Dr Murphy believes

Arguing for greater funding for universities, outgoing UCC president Dr Michael Murphy quotes a striking statistic: For every seven non-EU students UCC brings to Cork, three jobs are created locally. Picture: Emmet Curtin recent austerity has damaged the Irish university sector’s competitiveness. “It is difficult for us to be as successful as we want to be on the international market, partially because Ireland is a small country. “We’re very conscious that they look at a small number of international rankings: The students do, their government scholarship agencies do, and the slide of Irish universities in the last four of five years arising from the austerity

circumstances here is making it more and more difficult for us to compete successfully in those markets.” He said it “should be a matter of concern to everybody who has power to make these decisions,” and he quotes a striking statistic: For every seven non-EU students UCC brings to Cork, three jobs are created locally. Other challenges for the university sector are the major shifts in UK and US politics in recent

months. Dr Murphy admits that his successor, Dr Patrick O’Shea, will face “a challenge with the consequences of Brexit in his early years. We have a Brexit strategy group within the university that is monitoring developments as they happen and we have to plan. “With regards to the United States... it is impossible to predict whether it is the president or his cabinet or congress that will have the final say in the changes that may occur.”

Nonetheless, he encourages g r a d u at e s t o t r a ve l a n d g a i n experience internationally. “I believe everyone should go overseas at some point in their career. “See how other people address challenges differently, see opportunities for Ireland overseas. “People need to go out and broaden their horizons and then come back to what is probably the best country in the world to live and bring up a family.”

Anger at RAF Shannon landing BRITISH military chiefs are facing a dressing down over the unapproved landing of RAF aircraft at Shannon Airport. The diplomatic spat was revealed after a Hercules transport plane landed at the airport on December 29 without seeking clearance from the Government in advance. Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “The Government views breaches of the procedures set down for the granting of permission for such landings with the utmost seriousness. I have instructed my officials to discuss the matter further with the British embassy with a view to ensuring that correct procedures are followed in future.” The British embassy in Dublin told Irish officials the Hercules landed in Shannon to refuel. As Ireland is a neutral country, permission should have been sought in advance and assurances given that the aircraft was unarmed, carried no cargo of arms, ammunition or explosives, and that it was not on an intelligence-gathering mission or a military exercise or operation.

Representing UCC’s Process & Chemical Engineering programme: Students Shane Peeren, Ingrid Reinhardt and Kayleigh Tobin, Prof Edmond Byrne, Dr John Fitzpatrick and AnneMarie McSweeney.

Third level education needs greater private sector funding Dr Murphy has been outspoken on his opinion that third level education needs to move towards greater private funding. The “mixed-funding model”, he argues, is the best way to protect against economic volatility. “It’s unhealthy for any institution to be overly dependent on a single source of income because the circumstances of the payer can change dramatically, very quickly, just as we saw. “We had an enormous dependence on the exchequer 10 years ago, some 86c in the euro.” Dr Murphy believes that the solution goes beyond simply introducing fees or not, but rather relies on all beneficiaries contributing to the third level sector. “The beneficiaries should pay. “The state is a beneficiary and it needs to restore some of the cuts, but not go back to the circumstances of 10 years ago.

“The student is a beneficiary but again we shouldn’t go too far relying on student fees. “I recognise the challenges that families have coming through the recession.” “We certainly should not go where the British have gone, or anywhere near where the Americans have gone with the burden they have placed on students.” Thirdly, he states, business has a greater role to play. As he references, the OECD “Education at a Glance” report on global education revealed recently that the Irish business sector was the third worst amongst those surveyed when it came to providing funding for higher education. “I think that business should pay more. “It’s a big beneficiary of our graduate population and so it should make a bigger contribution.” Philanthropy, he states, should also play a bigger role.

“Some people believe that philanthropy could solve all problems. “It will not, philanthropy will always be a relatively small part of the income of universities, but it can grow. “It needs some changes in the tax codes and it needs the universities to invest more in raising funding.” Beyond these points, Dr Murphy feels that allowing universities work at earning more money themselves would make a serious dent. “We should have some of the bureaucratic handcuffs taken off us to enable us to earn more monies ourselves in selling consultancy, perhaps overseas delivery of more programmes, more effective recovery of the value of intellectual property that we create through research. “It’s very important that everyone should recognise that the response to the crisis needs to be a balanced one.”

Healthcare staffing crisis forces top graduates overseas THE staffing crisis in the healthcare system has seen many UCC graduates forced overseas in search of better pay and conditions. Dr Murphy, whose tenure as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Head of the College of Medicine and Health saw the addition of professional degree programmes in nursing, pharmacy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, argues that the HSE requires major changes to solve the current issues. “It’s a sad situation,” he said. “I think that universities over the decades have graduated very high-quality frontline staff for the health service here and the fact that so many go overseas to make their careers is a serious criticism of the manner in which we operate our health service. “I’ve always been concerned that there are three particular challenges.One is that while

we have excellent frontline staff, we have never created the developmental programme for leadership within the health service that p a r a l l e l s t h e c a re e r d eve l o p m e n t p ro grammes that we have for the professions.” “When you look at the management cadre in the health service they have not been provided with the career structure, the continuing professional development, the assessment processes that apply to the professions, and so there are challenges in the competencies and capacities of people in leadership positions. Secondly, he suggests, the sector should take lead from third level, and adopt the practice of institutional peer review. “In Irish universities every school, every department, every research centre has to undergo review and judgments by international, high-quality peers who challenge

what you do, challenge how you think, challenge your plans, challenge you to have plans. “I believe that that approach should be adopted across the entire public service and particularly in the health service and that would contribute to addressing the difficulties.” Thirdly, he argues, further investment is critical. “The number of acute beds, for example, hasn’t kept pace with the growth in population and particularly the aging population.” “It’s never going to be easy,” he admits. “A challenge in this era which certainly didn’t exist 100 years ago is that today there are so many treatment options available to address the ailments of people and the harsh reality is that no economy has the capacity to provide all the options for everybody.”

A series of free education sessions for people with type-2 diabetes is planned for Clonakilty and Skibbereen this February. X-PERT will be led by local HSE Community Dietitians in conjunction with GPs. The aim of the course is to educate people who have diabetes so that they can best manage their condition, allowing them to improving their health and increasing their control over their diabetes. The six-week course consists of a 2.5 hour educational session each week. The Clonakilty course begins on February 7. Contact Bernie Dennehy 086 787 1590. The Skibbereen course begins on February 23. Contact Ciara Nagle 086 0441231 for information.

Lollipop Day appeal The Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF) needs your help this March for the 16th annual Lollipop Day. The OCF is calling for volunteers in Cork on Friday, 3 March, and Saturday, 4 March, to help raise vital funds to fight the disease. Lollipop Day involves thousands of people selling lollipops (€2) nationwide, in an effort to raise vital funds for oesophageal cancer. Without the generosity and support from volunteers, the OCF said they would not be able to provide the role it does in terms of awareness, research and better outcomes for patients and their families with this cancer in Ireland. For more information on Lollipop Day; to volunteer, to make a donation, go to www.lollipopday.ie or to volunteer in Cork City contact Mary on 087 825 8528, in Mallow contact Con on 087 897 0536, in Bantry contact Grace on 087 647 0230, in Bandon contact Maria on 087 310 4354 and in Macroom contact Mary on 087 285 3874

Cancer drug ‘fights obesity’ A cancer drug which increases calorie-burning brown fat could be a new way to help combat obesity and type-2 diabetes, scientists have found. Bexarotene (bex) targets a protein involved in the generation of brown fat, researchers at Gladstone Institutes in the US have discovered. However, a safer, more targeted drug needs to be developed before it becomes the latest flab fighting weapon, they warn. Senior investigator Dr Sheng Ding said: “We’re very excited about the prospect of using a drug to generate brown fat in the body.”

News

Evening Echo, Thursday, February 2, 2017

UCC is just the S TENS of thousands of sixth-year students put the final touches on their CAO applications this month, many will be fretting about whether they are making the correct decision. Medicine will be top of the list for many, but with such competitive entry it stands to reason that applicants want to be certain it is for them. For a number of years, UCC’s College of Medicine and Health have been tackling prospective students’ questions head on by offering unprecedented access to their facilities and giving an insight into the life of a medical student at their “Prep For Med” open day. The highly competitive programme sees school names picked from a hat, and with only two places allocated to each lucky school, interested students are asked to write essays, give presentations or have their exam results considered when the “golden tickets” are handed out. For the 103 transition year students fortunate enough to nab a place on Prep For Med 2017, which took place recently, the day provided a unique opportunity to determine whether a career in the noble art is for them. Between a packed programme of practical workshops and lectures in UCC and Cork Unversity Hospital, capped by viewing a live video feed of a Caesarean Section, students and their teachers, representing schools across the country, got a definite taste of what a medical degree entails. Glanmire Community College students Emma McCarthy and Ana Cruceanu were both making the most of the chance. “I have an interest in nursing and I’m doing a life-saving course,” Emma said. “I think medicine is something that I would like to do. “This is a great opportunity to see things first hand by going around the college, and figuring out which subjects you need to do for the Leaving Cert.” Ana says that she has always wanted to do medicine but wasn’t sure if she would like it or not. “I decided to come to this and see if it would be something I’d like to do in the future. “I definitely think I would love it now.” Una O’Donovan from Kinsale Community School was “really delighted” that she got a spot. “I’m glad I got the chance to see it all and experience new things.

The Raven is to be extended. Picture: Cillian Kelly

City Hall grants Raven Bar permission to extend premises THE Raven bar on South Main Street has been granted planning permission to extend its premises taking in a former bakery on Liberty Street. Permission was sought to connect the bakery and shop premises on Liberty Street to the adjoining bar. The application, from the Raven Partnership, also proposed the change of use of the ground and first floors to café/bar/restaurant use and to remove an internal wall to connect with the pub next door. The application also sought approval for the construction of a ground floor rear extension to No 3 Liberty Street. This week planners in City Hall granted permission for the change.

Cork-born Bantum in contest for RTÉ Choice Music Prize THE CORONAS, James Vincent McMorrow and One Direction’s Niall Horan will battle it out for the RTÉ Choice Music Prize Song of the Year in the coming weeks. Cork-born electronic musician Bantum is one of 10 acts competing for the Album of the Year prize at the prestigious award ceremony. The prize, run by IMRO and IRMA, this week unveiled its list of Ireland’s favourite songs for 2016, with Picture This, Walking on Cars and Saint Sister also included on the shortlist. Acts are busy preparing for March’s live show at which the prizes will be given out, with emerging acts like Bantum, Rusangano Family and All Tvvins up against the Divine Comedy and Lisa Hannigan, amongst others. Previous winners include the Gloaming, Villagers, Two Door Cinema Club and Jape, with the winners claiming a €10,000 prize.

Sentencing council needed to ensure consistency SINN FÉIN Justice Spokesperson Jonathan O’Brien TD has introduced legislation in the Dáil that, if passed, would ensure consistency in sentencing for criminal offences. The Cork North Central TD said: “I would acknowledge that sentencing for some crimes has increased over the past number of years. However, there does appear to be a wide level of disparity for sexual offences and other offences. “There is research on judicial sentencing habits conducted that has shown sentence lengths ranging from 14 days to five months in an assault case; while for a theft case, sentences ranged between 30 days and nine months and between two and 12 months in road traffic and burglary cases.” Mr O’Brien said that the public needs to have confidence in the consistency of sentencing in the courts. “A sentencing council can promote a clear, fair and consistent approach to sentencing and I am hopeful this Bill will receive support across the board.”

High spring tide advisory CORK COUNTY COUNCIL is warning the public of a period of high astronomical spring tides in the coastal areas of Cork. The tides will be particularly acute in the south and east coastal areas for both today and tomorrow. Sea levels in these locations are expected to be highest today. High tides in Cork will occur at approximately 9pm this evening, 9.30am tomorrow and 10pm tomorrow night.

UCC’s School of Medicine recently opened its doors to 103 transition year students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Reporter Audrey Ellard Walsh headed along to learn what it takes to become a doctor.

News 11

Evening Echo, Thursday, February 2, 2017

prescription for school students Michelle Murphy of Social Justice Ireland.

790,000 living in poverty — 245,000 are under age of 18 Despite an increase in the average incomes there are almost 790,000 people living in poverty in Ireland of which over 245,000 are children, according to Social Justice Ireland. Michelle Murphy, Research and Policy Analyst with the group, said: “789,855 people are living in poverty in Ireland today. Of this number 245,645 are children under the age of 18. Despite an increase in median incomes and other signs of economic recovery these figures show that a significant proportion of the population is still living in very difficult circumstances... Without social welfare payments 46.3% of Ireland’s population would be living in poverty; such an underlying poverty rate suggests a deeply unequal distribution of income. “Almost 790,000 people in Ireland are surviving on incomes of less than €11,863 per annum.”

New fire station for Kanturk

David Kiely of CBS Cork, Audrey Ellard Walsh from the Evening Echo, and Emma Moynihan, Boherbue Comprehensive, at UCC’s ‘Prep for Med’ event for Transition year students. Picture: Gerard McCarthy “I found the day very interesting so I’m thinking more seriously about medicine now.” Martin Ho from Ashton School also thinks that he would like to be a doctor some day. “I’m not sure exactly how I want to specify yet but I just want to get into medicine at the moment and progress from there. “The day was very useful for me. “The surgery was brilliant and the talks and demonstrations were really good.” His schoolmate Robert White also found the programme useful. “I’m looking at my options at the moment,” he said. “I’m looking at maybe doing something in medicine, I don’t really know. “The day has been a huge help

though because it goes into a lot of detail about the medicine course and is certainly going to help me decide whether I am interested in it or not. “There’s loads of stuff you can go into when you finish. It’s a fantastic course to do.” Throughout the morning students visited UCC’s state of the art F L A M E l a b o r at o r y a n d t h e n learned clinical skills by rotating through eight ‘teaching stations’ where they learned firsthand from teachers and medical students how clinical skills are taught in medical school. In the afternoon they headed to CUH for lectures including “CSI: Forensics of a Crime Scene” by assistant state pathologist Dr Margot Bolster and “Difficult Decisions”

in which surgeon Louise Kelly explored difficult medical ethical dilemmas. There was plenty of detail packed into the day for teachers too, who attended separate talks including a meeting with Dr Deirdre Bennett, Director of the Undergraduate Medical Programme. Katie Murphy, a guidance counsellor at Carrigaline Community School said that the school have attended the open day in the past, and students always benefit from it. “It’s a fantastic day and we actually have a good proportion of past pupils who have gone on to do medicine. “What they are exposed to is absolutely super and I think every course should have an element

Career in medicine opens doors and broadens horizons SUZANNE SMYTH, a specialist registrar at Cork University Maternity Hospital, advised students to pursue their interests in medicine and outlined the many paths available to them. “There’s a huge amount of choice if you go into medicine,” she said. “You’re not pigeonholed into one career, you can choose whatever suits you best as a person and certainly different doctors will be suited to different avenues. “After the five-year course, some people choose to travel which is good because it broadens your horizons and gives you a bit of life experience. “Then coming back you will generally do a basic specialist training in whatever area you are interested in. “Obstetrics and gynaecology were always what I wanted to do but you can branch into surgery or medicine, and after that basic training there are so many avenues available to you

like pathology, microbiology or specialising in various areas of medicine or surgery.” Dr Smyth described medicine as “a very rewarding and fulfilling career”. “You get to work as part of a team so that’s very exciting and dynamic. You get to work not only with your speciality but very often with consultant medical or surgical colleagues. “It’s also very academic so you’re expected to do a certain amount of research and you want to be part of advancing your particular area further. “It’s definitely a great career to go into and I would advise it.” Consultant surgeon Mark Corrigan agreed that medicine opens plenty of doors to new opportunities. “I’ve been fortunate enough to practice medicine in three different continents and seeing a little bit of the world because medicine does allow you to travel.

“I consider myself to be incredibly fortunate to be back living in Ireland and I consider my children very fortunate to be growing up in Ireland because what that means from an education point of view is that if you decide that you want to do medicine you just decide that. “Unlike a lot of countries around the world, you don’t need deep pockets to study medicine here.” Dr Corrigan stressed that there are sacrifices in pursuing such a demanding career, but that the positives often outweigh them. “There are sacrifices but on the flip side, there are very few jobs I think where you get a chance to make such a difference in people’s lives and you get to be part of hugely important events. “Some of the times it’s horrible but that’s made up for at other times like when you get to tell someone that ‘it’s fixed’ or ‘your family member is going to be OK’, that’s a huge plus.”

Cian Ahern, Coláiste An Spioraid Naomh, applies a ‘bandage’ to Rosa Simmonds and Caroline O’Donovan from St Mary’s Secondary School, as 103 school students from across Ireland visit UCC’s School of Medicine. Picture: Gerard McCarthy like this where the kids actually get to see what they will be doing if they choose that course. “My own son is doing medicine and when he was applying we insisted that he do something that would make it more real to him. “He actually did a similar type course to this in a hospital setting and it focused him that medicine was definitely what he wanted.” “The day is a great experience, on my behalf too,” Ryan Gallagher, a teacher at St Aloysius College, Carrigtwohill said.

“I’ve learned so much to be able to pass on to my other students who didn’t get a chance to come but who are also thinking about medicine.” Mr Gallagher agreed that more universities should have open days where prospective students can get a true feel for their chosen course. “There are so many misconceptions about different courses and I think the two girls we brought today have definitely benefited by getting hands on experience.

“It’s fun but at the same time there is an element of seriousness to it too and I think they take a lot from it.” UCC’s undergraduate medical course (ck701) is a five-year programme leading up to a Level 8 NFQ qualification. Points may vary from year to year, but in 2016 students needed a minimum of 726, combining Leaving Certificate points with their HPAT score. The new Leaving Certificate structure will see 2017 applicants

require a H4 in Chemistry and in either Physics or Biology and an O6 or H7 required in Irish, English, another language and Mathematics. With changes to the HPAT scoring system, scores above 550 will be rounded to the nearest five points and moderated, for example, a score of 562 will be rounded to 560 and will result in a moderated score of 552. ■ See www.ucc.ie/en/medical for further details.

State-of-the-art laboratory goes on show to visitors AS PART of the open day, students were invited to experience the facilities at the landmark FLAME Laboratory in University College Cork’s Western Gateway Building. FLAME, an acronym for Facility for Learning Anatomy, Morphology and Embryology, is a state-of-the-art facility which attracts visitors from all over the world as it is considered Ireland’s leading anatomy laboratory. The cutting edge facility also takes its name from the sculpture, Flame, which was commissioned in recognition of the altruism of those who donate their bodies to medical science. Mike Cronin Technical Director of the lab spoke about the importance of honouring and remembering this. “We can use plastic models, books, com-

puter aided technology to learn anatomy, but there is one major problem. They are the same, they come out of the same mould,” he said. “To really appreciate variation, the only way of doing that is to study the actual human body. “We see the donation of the body to UCC as something that’s very important. “It gives an opportunity for students to explore the body in true depth and get an appreciation of the variation between individuals. “A donation to UCC helps medical students, dental students, occupational and physiotherapy, nursing and surgery so it’s something that is vital to us and we value those donations,” he added.

FLAME Lab researchers spoke to the students about a variety topics ranging from dentistry to plastic surgery, and got a taste of what they may experience one day as medical students. “We believe in an integrated approach to anatomy,” Mr Cronin said. “We hold the body as central to medical education but in the lab we also teach histology which is looking at cells at a microscopic level so if students were studying the heart, for example, they may be looking through the microscope at tissue but also looking at the computer screen at computer aided graphics of the heart and how it works. “They are looking at radiology images of the heart and the thorax so they get a whole picture of the body, not just little glimpses.”

Cork County Council has applied for planning permission for a new link road and a new fire station for the North Cork town of Kanturk. Local TD Michael Moynihan said: “The construction of the link road is a vital cog in allowing for increased vibrancy within Kanturk town. Fianna Fáil has been pushing this development for many years and this is the first step in bringing it to fruition. “The link road will ensure ease of access to the promised new national school for parents and school buses, and will also help ease traffic moving through the town during peak times in the morning and evening. “Kanturk has desperately needed a new fire station for some time... It has been in the pipeline for some time, and I am delighted that progress has been made by bringing it to this stage. The total catchment area for the Kanturk Fire Station is 15,000, and it’s great to see that a new station will be developed.”

Hack attack on gamers The details of more than 2.5m gamers have been hacked after a cyber breach on two popular video games forums, it has been claimed. The Xbox360 ISO and PlayStation’s PSP ISO forum,both unofficial sites where players share links to download free and pirated versions of games, were reportedly stolen in September 2015 with email addresses and passwords compromised. According to website haveibeenpwned.com, which tracks cyber breaches, the details have since been shared publicly online. Security experts are urging consumers to change passwords and review their security settings. Robert Capps from NuData Security warned internet users this was the latest reminder to use unique passwords across online accounts to keep data out of the hands of cyber criminals. “The recently disclosed data theft from the unofficial PlayStation and Xbox forums is yet another example of the need for consumers to be wary of who they provide their information to online,” he said. “While this site is mostly used to distribute pirated copies of games, DVDs and BluRays, consumers who use the forums need to make sure that they are vigilant. Keep alert to any phishing scams that may appear in email as a result of this hack, changing passwords on any site where the passwords or usernames used on these sites are used. “This data is likely to be sold on the Dark Web and used for future cyber crime.”

News

Evening Echo, Monday, February 8, 2016

Emma has got a HIS week sees Muscular Dystrophy Ireland host their inaugural LOVEMDI campaign coinciding with St Valentine’s Day, which will see volunteers raise much-needed funds by selling LOVEMDI chocolates around the country. A voluntary organisation, MDI provides information and support to people with muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular conditions and their families through a wide range of support services. Muscular dystrophy is an incurable and progressive muscle-wasting condition which impacts upon physical strength and mobility. It affects men and women of all ages, with varying degrees of severity. About 700 Irish people live with some form of the condition, which affects each individual differently. In some, it presents at birth or in early childhood, while in others may not manifest until later in life. For many people with muscular dystrophy, it means that they require the use of a walking aid or wheelchair and rely on assistive support in their daily lives. In more severe cases patients experience difficulty with the upper body and the heart and muscles associated with breathing can be affected. For 16-year-old Emma Gibson from Ringaskiddy, having MD is simply a part of daily living and she is determined not to allow it impact her typical teenage life. A transition year student in Carrigaline Community School, she says that MDI have been critical in helping her develop the confidence to live a full and social life. The youngest of three girls, Emma was formally diagnosed with the condition at the age of four, after her mum Stephanie fought to have her symptoms taken seriously. Her older sister Aileen also has the condition, making Stephanie acutely aware of the early signs. “My sister is 13 years older so my mom recognised signs in me from a young age. “My feet would turn in when I was walking and I was wobbly on my feet. Mom noticed the small differences because she had seen them before. “She brought me to doctors but it wasn’t until I wasfour that they recognised it too.” Emma says that she has had eight surgeries to date to help correct her legs and feet, the most recent being ten weeks ago. While they help, they are not a cure, and she expects to have more

David O’Doherty.

O’Doherty announces another date of laughs at Everyman DAVID O’DOHERTY has announced an extra performance date at the Everyman Theatre on March 2. The comedian announced his swift return to Cork after a sell-out show this month. Tickets are €22 and are available at www.EverymanCork.com. The award winning comedian, author, musician, actor and playwright is from Dublin.

Breast cancer awareness Breast Cancer Ireland has launched a new awareness programme for secondary schools that specifically targets Transition Years. While the incidence of breast cancer in women under 40 is relatively low at 14%, the organisation seeks to reduce this figure further by encouraging women to be aware of breast cancer at a younger age. The initiative, which is to be rolled out nationwide, involves a site visit by a clinical nurse who will talk about the condition. Using a special mannequin, the nurse will show the female students how to carry out a breast examination and talk them through breast cancer warning signs. In 2011, Breast Cancer Ireland surveyed 500 women between the ages of 18 and 45. Most knew about the importance of early detection but admitted they did not know how to check themselves properly or what early signs to look for. The Transition Year Schools Awareness Programme has been set up as a response to this research. Schools can get involved in the programme by registering their interest on www.breastcancerireland.com. The organisation is also aiming to send an information pack to coordinators to promote the initiative.

Beware of holiday scams The European Consumer Centre in Ireland (ECC Ireland) is advising Irish holidaymakers to watch out for unscrupulous traders when abroad. The centre has recently received reports of consumers, particularly the elderly, being targeted by aggressive selling practises and misled into paying inflated prices. The warning comes as the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) launches its scam prevention month. ECC Ireland said it regularly receives complaints in reltaion to consumers pressured into buying products, especially equipment such as cameras and tablets. There have been further reports of traders suggesting a product will not function to its highest standard unless the consumer pays for costly supplementary items such as software or insurance. The majority of cases involve sums of between €200 and €300 being fraudulently taken, though there have been instances of consumers conned for amounts as high as €7,000. ECC Ireland advises anyone who feels they have been caught by a scam to contact their bank or credit card company immediately as it may be possible to get assistance by way of a chargeback procedure. It can also be possible to cancel the card to prevent further transactions. It is also advisable to report the matter to the local police if you are still in that country or contact the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation on 01-6663777 upon your return.

News

Evening Echo, Monday, February 8, 2016

great attitude Noreen Murphy, Lisheens House Suicide Prevention Charity, Skibbereen, who was a finalist at the recent Local Awards Members Association (LAMA). She is pictured with Miriam O’Callaghan who hosted the event and Cllr Paul Hayes, Courtmacsherry who represented Cork County Council on the night. The awards recognise and celebrate community and councils together.

Despite being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age four, Emma Gibson has not let her disability hold her back, writes Audrey Ellard-Walsh

SPAR Great Ireland Run set to take place on April 10 BACK bigger and better than ever before, the SPAR Great Ireland Run will take place on Sunday April 10 in Phoenix Park. For the first time ever the event will feature a five km route for beginner level runners. As well as this, the event will host the Athletics Ireland 10k championships and Junior and Mini events making it an ideal event for all the family and all running competencies. The SPAR Great Ireland Run is also searching for Cork’s County Captain to lead their county to victory at the race in the All-Ireland County Challenge. The race will offer 32 runners the chance to become County Captains. To qualify, each county must have at least five registered runners. The county with the fastest average time will win the Ronny Delany trophy, which currently resides in Sligo. For more information on entry and to register for the SPAR Great Ireland Run visit greatirelandrun.org. Join in the conversation and watch out for training tips @GreatIrelandRun or on facebook.com/greatirelandrun

Children’s art competition Sixteen-year-old Emma Gibson, who has muscular dystrophy, with her mum Stephanie at home in Ringaskiddy. Picture: Des Barry in the future. She is now awaiting a date for her ninth, hoping that she won’t need any during the Leaving Cert cycle in school. “In Junior Cert year I had a lot of treatment. I had to get my leg done in the middle of the Junior Cert and then get my tonsils out too! “It was hard but the exams went well thankfully. “I feel that there is no point planning anything for 5th year because I don’t want to risk the Leaving Cert. “It’s too important to me.” Emma hopes to study social care in college, saying that the staff at MDI have inspired her to follow the same route. “I didn’t know about MDI until I

was 11. They are so supportive. It’s brilliant. “With my family we don’t have a car so if we need to go anywhere we can ask MDI for help. They are great support. “Whenever I’m free they ask me to join them at social events. We mostly go shopping or to the cinema and they also hold summer camps.” Emma says that meeting other people with MD is fantastic, particularly as it is such a rare condition. “It’s good that I can talk to my sister about everything that I am going through with my disability, because she has gone through it too so she can tell me about the surgeries that she has had. “In many situations, people

don’t know anyone else with it so i t ’ s g re at t h at w i t h M D I y o u can get to meet people from all over Ireland. “I’ve made lifelong friends and we meet up nearly every month. Two of my best friends are from Kilkenny and Portlaoise so it would be hard to meet up without MDI.” The trio recently travelled to Dublin to see their favourite band Kodaline play. Thanks to MDI, they were able to make the trip without their parents, enjoying another typical teenage experience. The girls stayed in MDI’s fully wheelchair accessible apartment in Chapelizod, a fully equipped not for profit accommodation nicknamed the “Home from Home”. A

Muscular dystrophy group to lobby election candidates WITH the general election approaching, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland will be lobbying political candidates. “Like everything else in health, it is underresourced, so that there is a knock-on effect for people with MD,” says Clair Kelly, information and research officer with MDI. The organisation dedicates 30% of its funding to treatment research, but Ms Kelly says that Ireland needs to fast-track approval of orphan drugs, ie those developed to treat rare medical conditions, such as in other EU states. “Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy is one of the most serious forms. Most boys with Duchennes are in a wheelchair by the age of 12. Translarna is a drug available in some other countries, which is suitable for about 15% of people with DMD. It addresses the genetic cause of the disease, so a very small number of people would benefit, but for those it is suitable for, it slows the progress of the condition.

“It buys boys a few more years on their feet, but it isn’t available in Ireland or the UK, yet.” Other issues for people who have muscular dystrophy include employment, housing, and personal assistants. “It is difficult for people to gain employment, but if employers are willing to put in the supports that are needed, such as wheelchair ramps, there is no reason a person can’t do a job,” Ms Kelly says. “A lot of people are also living in accommodation that is not suitable for their needs. They are living in either private rental accommodation, or waiting for a long time on council lists, because most houses are inaccessible.” MDI “are strong advocates for independent living”, and Ms Kelly says that personal assistants are vitally important. “In a recent survey, we found that 75% of our members require daily assistance,” she says. “A PA can take pressure off families and give someone the in-

dependence to have the life of their choosing”. There are long delays in receiving PAs, which MDI “have been lobbying about for a long time.” MDI support people to live independently through a number of supports. “We have a range of different services,” Ms Kelly says. “We supply information for people as a first point-of-contact after diagnosis. We can help them learn about their entitlements and what to expect. They can ask us any questions, and if we don’t know the answers immediately, we will always find out. “We also provide a family-support service, which links in with families and youth workers for younger members. “We have a fleet of vans, with two drivers in Dublin and one in Cork, who can help people get to hospital appointments. “It’s all about helping people live as normal a life as possible.”

Emma Gibson is grateful to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland for helping her to live life to the full. youth worker also joined them on the night, as Emma says; “We wanted to go as friends, rather than with our parents. “It was a great night and it wasn’t uncomfortable having an adult with us, she was more like a friend.” Emma also went to Funderland last year with the organisation, somewhere she says she would have never visited before joining. “Without MDI I wouldn’t be as confident as I am. Without them

I’d be doing nothing. “If I was going somewhere with my friends from school before I would be worried about the wheelchair. Before I would have stayed at home, but I had the best time ever. “I went on all the rides. MDI say you can do it, and if you think you can’t, at least try it out. I’m so grateful to them for what they’ve done for me and everyone else.” Emma says that her school have been incredibly supportive of her

Picture: Des Barry

also, particularly during her recovery periods post surgery. “The school is brilliant. They built a new extension three years ago which has an elevator, so that’s great. “The staff are so supportive of me. When I needed to catch up on schoolwork after surgeries they helped me and don’t put pressure on me to come back until I am ready and recovered.” For now, Emma is enjoying TY before knuckling down next year,

and is looking forward to taking part in another MDI camp over the mid-term break. Despite her struggles, she says that she feels fortunate to be as healthy as she is. “My disability is not that bad. “I am blessed and grateful that I can walk a bit. I do use a wheelchair because I can’t walk for long distances so I’d be lost without it but other people are struggling more than me. “I am grateful for what I have.”

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland’s first ‘LOVEMDI’ campaign to coincide with Valentine’s Day THIS week, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland will begin their new campaign to raise awareness of muscular dystrophy, and the need to raise vital funds for supports services. In 2015, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland supported 93 people who have the condition in County Cork. MDI’s inaugural LOVEMDI campaign runs from February 8 to 14, coinciding with St Valentine’s Day. Volunteers nationwide will raise funds by selling LOVEMDI chocolates in return for a €2 donation. Launched last week by model, Sarah Morrissey, LOVEMDI will make more people aware of the challenges faced by people with muscular dystrophy, and their families, and the positive impact Muscular Dystrophy Ireland supports and services have on their lives. Every year since 2002, MDI have been

selling heart-shaped Lily O’Brien’s chocolates on Valentine’s Day. This year’s week-long campaign replaces MDI’s National Awareness Day, but is supported, as always, by the chocolatiers, with volunteers expected in

towns and shopping centres around the county over the coming days. If you are trying to curb your sweet tooth for the Lentan period, you can make a €2 donation by texting the word “LOVEMDI” to 50300. People interested in volunteering to lend a hand with the LOVEMDI campaign should contact Muscular Dystrophy Ireland on Freefone 1800 245300. MDI are also accepting applications from people who want to volunteer by assisting at youth clubs and summer camps, fundraising, providing transport services or working in administration. MDI welcomes volunteers from all sectors and backgrounds, including nurses, social care students, care workers, and drivers. ■ Vi s i t w w w . m d i . i e f o r m o r e i n formation, and to download an application pack.

CORK teachers in primary and second level schools, whose pupils take part in the annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition, are reminded that the closing date for receipt of entries this year is Monday, February 29. Last year, 1,281 pupils from schools in Co. Cork submitted entries to the Competition.

Study fair at the RDS THE postgradireland Further Study Fair will take place on Wednesday in the RDS, Dublin. This event will see more than 60 higher education institutions in attendance from Ireland and abroad, making it the country’s largest gathering of further study providers. The free fair will run from noon to 4.30pm. To register online at www.postgradfair.com

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