Discover Duhallow Issue 89

COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION PHOTOS: P10-13

Paving The Way - Europe Day

IRD Duhallow Celebrates An Historic Day

On May 9th 1950, Robert Schuman, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented what is known today as the Schuman Declaration. He suggested pooling together Germany and France’s coal and steel production, paving the way for the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), a predecessor of today’s EU. On April 18th 1951, the treaty establishing

the ECSC was signed in Paris by six countries, for a 50 year period. Schuman’s proposal is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. May 9th has now been celebrated as Europe Day ever since 1985. Turn to page 16 to see how IRD Duhallow celebrated this year.

■See page 16&17

Farm & Industrial Spares Mallow have a busy Parts department providing parts for tractors, attachments, and a wide range of complementary industrial and Agri products. Located in Newberry, Mallow, P51 DE98.

JOB VACANCIES

Powerwasher Technician x 1

Servicing Powerwashers

Full training provided

Experienced or Trainee Agri Parts Counter person x 1:

Interest in Agri machinery

Good team player

Motivated to learn the trade

Full training provided

Competitive Salary for the right person

Next Steps

·CV to sales@technix.ie

Editors Note

Eurovision followed by Europe Daywhat a set of weeks we have! And while Ireland didn’t go too far for their Eurovision journey, the Junior Infants of Scoil Naomh Pádraig took home the top prize in their musical endeavours.

This issue, we also got the chance to talk to actor Michael Patric, and it was a joy to get some insight into his life. And would it be May without communion and confirmation photos? Get on out and enjoy the sun, just be

Kanturk AFC

Team picture:

Front Row: Allan Dugdale, Ciara McCarthy, Ella Cullinane, Gabriela Holland, Sarah Healy, Mia Nowak, Sophie O’Connell, Hannah O’Connell, Chantel Hickey

Back Row: Kevin Aherne, Eva Browne, Ava O’Shea, Patrycja Stepowska, Holly McCarthy, Caitlin Hickey, Eabha Cashman, Ann O’Riordan Quirke, Anina-May Cremin, Kayla Creed, Isabella Llerena, Emily Walsh, Russell Llerena

Kanturk AFC U14 Girls travelled to MTU on Sunday 14th May to take part in the final of the Permanent TSB Shield cup.

They played against a strong Carrigtwohill team. The girls played a strong defensive game over a dominant Carrrigtwohill. The girls fought hard but were 2 down at half time. They came out more determined in the 2nd half and took the fight to the opposition and were unlucky to concede once more with a deflected shot to end the game 3-0. A wonderful performance from the Kanturk team.

Thank you to their Coaches, Allan Dugdale, Russell Llerena

and Chantel Hickey.

The Club are very proud of the girls, their 2nd season with the Club. Congratulations to Carrigtwohill and huge thank you to the wonderful supporters.

Congratulations to Kanturk AFC player Mia Nowak on being chosen as player of the match.

Thank you to the CWSSL and the Referees for all their work.

Thank you to their sponsors: Bobs Bar & Restaurant, Kanturk. Cherry Blossoms Preschool and Afterschool.

Ducon Concrete, Kanturk.

Club website: https:/kanturkafc.clubforce.com

Golf Classic

For further details, contact Gerry O’Sullivan

Phone: 0862461632

Email: osullivangf@gmail.com

Mia Nowak Kanturk Afc being presented with Player of the Match by Karen of Permanent TSB.

The Banteer Drama Group Are Fantastic!

After a successful run in the Glen Theatre Banteer, The Banteer Drama Group recently made a trip to the Market Place Theatre in Co. Armagh for one of their final performances of Seperate Beds

Directed by Tadhg and Con O’Keeffe, the ensemble cast comprised of Tim Stuart, Tadhg O’Keeffe, Cathy Bailey, Diane O’Sullivan, Ann Kearney, Tadhg Curtin, Eileen Houlihan, Seamus O’Keeffe, and in the role of Sarah Rea, Maureen O’Brien and Marie Burke. Musicians were Gerry O’Callaghan and Billy O’Brien. On lights and sound was Juliette Bailey (pictured right). Set design and prop masters were Caitlin Houlihan and Maureen O’Brien. Set builders were Daniel Bailey and Kevin Angland.

To use a frequent exclaimation by Andy, the ramshackle painter in the play; the audience’s reaction to the play has been fantastic. Launching on Easter Sunday night to a full house, it went from there with big numbers coming and leaving with big smiles.

Two more performances are to come - Saturday, May 27th in the Glen Theater, Banteer will be in aid of Marymount Hospice. It will be a bitter-sweet performance as fellow cast mate, Noreen O’Connell, passed away before Christmas after a battle with cancer. Noreen had performed in the role of Sarah in previous years and so that night will be for her; still much loved and much missed. The final performance will be on Sunday, June 4th in Rockchapel. For further information contact 029 56239.

Community News

Congratulations to Newmarket Girls school who won the Duhallow Rural Schools final in Banteer on Friday 5th May. A special thanks to their teacher Mrs. Daly and their trainer Denys O’Brien. Well done to the Banteer girls who played a great game of football.

Dawn Chorus Walk Island Wood, Newmarket

Saturday 27th May, 5.00am

Meeting at the carpark at Island Wood

This walk will be led by Allan Farrell: Allan is a committee member of the Cork branch of Birdwatch Ireland and regularly presents the Dawn Chorus on RTÉ Radio 1’s ‘Mooney Goes Wild’. He is a member of the management/steering groups of both Harpers Island Wetlands and Cuskinny Marsh Nature reserves, where he guides visiting groups.

There will be tea/coffee and breakfast at Duhallow Community Food Service after the walk at 7.00am

To book your place, sign up on the IRD Duhallow website or call Mike on (029) 60633

Teach Altra Newmarket

invite

Alzheimer's Coffee Morning

Sharing

Wednesday 24th May 10am-12am

Teach Altra Nursing Home Newmarket

All Welcome

Strive Coffee Morning Success

IRD Duhallow’s Strive group held an incredibly successful coffee morning in aid of Alzheimer’s Ireland.

The morning of sweet treats, tea, and coffee took place in the Marquee and brought in a great crowd throughout the event. They raised a fantastic €515! Well done to all those involved.

Servers Daniel, Barry, and Tim ready to greet visitors

Daniel, Tim, Jamie, and Barry greeted guests and served treats

Duhallow locals popped in to support the great cause

The pink ladies: Enjoying some early tea and scones

IRD Duhallow staff called over to support the group

Community News

Banteer Under 8 Wins 2nd Place At Munster Under 18 Chess Championships

On Sunday 14th May, 3 members of the newly formed Duhallow Chess Club competed in the Munster Junior Chess Championships. Duhallow Chess club was only formed in September last year and operates out of the Digital hub at Banteer Sportsfield.

More than 200 children from across the Munster region gathered at the Community Centre in Newcastlewest Co Limerick. Competition ages ranged from under 8 to under 18. The day started at 9:30am with player registration followed by 6 round robin matches. The day closed with the medal presentations at 5:30pm.

Denys Pikh, under 12, and David O’Brien, under 10, both from Banteer, played some great games of chess. Both boys narrowly lost out on getting a trophy.

Akim Pikh Banteer was the star of the Munster Junior Championships. At only 8 years of age, he competed in the under 18 competition. As he is a highly skilled player, Akim wished to challenge himself by entering the under 18 section to showcase his strong character, confidence, and passion for the game. Each game was played with such high-intensity and against the clock. Akim was only beaten in the end by the top seeded player and came in 2nd place. Akim and his family arrived in Banteer last year having fled the war in Ukraine and his family and the Duhallow Chess club were delighted with Akims win last Sunday.

Pride of Place

Cork County Council is pleased to announce that the following groups have been chosen to represent Cork County in this year’s Pride of Place competition.

Banteer Community Groups – Category 7

Community Well Being Initiative

Youghal Tidy Towns – Community Age Friendly Initiative

Rylane Community Park Association – Population

500 – 1,500

Boherbue Tidy Towns – Population 0 -500

Clonakilty Tidy Towns Committee – Climate Action and Biodiversity.

The entries have now been submitted with the judges visit during July or August (dates yet to be confirmed).

The Glen Theatre

Robert Mizzell is at Glen Theatre Fri 19th May 8pm

booking 087 7558752

Robert was born in Louisiana, the Bayou State and raised on the shores of Lake Bistineau near Shreveport. Robert’s early musical influences came from his parents – both performed in a Church Gospel group. After his military service he moved to Ireland with dreams of a career in country music.

Booking 087 7558752 029 56239

In Memoriam

Changes Made to SUSI Grant Makes More Students Eligible Than Ever

For students hoping to avail of grant support for college or university for courses in the 2023/2024 academic year, SUSI has now opened for applications. Grants are available to eligible students studying PLC, undergraduate & postgraduate courses. For new students who hope to start a course this September, they can also now apply.

A big change was made to income thresholds this year which means that more undergraduate students than ever before may now be eligible for a grant towards their student contribution. A new student contribution grant was introduced for eligible students where income thresholds are between €62,000€100,000 and the upper income threshold for the 50% student contribution grant was increased from €55,240 to €60,000. This means that students currently in courses or starting new courses may, from this September, be eligible for grant support. A number of eligibility criteria apply.

To check whether you may be eligible, please go to the SUSI website www.susi.ie

Banteer Bingo Tuesday night’s at Banteer Community Centre @ 8:30, playing for jackpot of €3500. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Mount Hillary Road Race

Thanks everyone for coming to the 5 Mile race and for the support of all residents in Banteer and on the 5 mile race route. We are so grateful for all of the support. Special thanks also to Kanturk Gardai.

Pat is organising a concert in Kanturk mart that will see an evening of music, craic, and an animal sold for the very worthy cause of Marymount Hospice

Pat Set To Run Up That Hill

for some the discussion remains something shameful, particularly to men. This silent struggle is evident in the statistics, with suicide cited as “the biggest killer of men under 50”.

Following the passing of his friend, jockey James Collins, Pat found himself more affected than anticipated. The mental health struggle is a quiet one - despite its steady destigmatization,

Pat spoke of his own struggles, and in an interview, stressed the importance of reaching out. “I want to encourage more men to look after themselves and open up a bit more. Everyone knows someone who is going through something, and off-loading and talking to someone could be a light in the dark”.

Pat will begin his walk for hope in Killarney, and end in Athea - over 50 km away - where he will meet

the Collin’s family to plant an oak tree for all those who passed like James.

It symbolises strength and resilience, and will be here long after we’re gone, its leaves representing each of us as we come and go”.

Follow Pat’s journey on Facebook - he begins at 7am on Friday May 26th outside Tim Jones Butcher Shop, Park Road, Killarney.

“All the money in the world won’t help, the best thing is to get out and meet people.”

Duhallow man Pat O’Neill is spreading his sunshine through clouds all over.

LEFT: Pat Fleming with Diane McGee of Marymount fundraising

Confirmations and Communions in Duhallow

Children from Ballydesmond National School who received their First Holy Communion in St. Patrick’s Church pictured with their Teacher Ella O’ Sullivan, Fr. Joe Tarrant PP, School Principal Anthony O’ Donoghue and Anne Culloty SNA.

Boherbue National School children who received their First Holy Communion in the Church of the Immaculate Conception are pictured with School Principal Marie Casey, Fr. Jim Kennelly PP and their Teacher Eilish O’ Connor.

Ballyhass National School children who received their First Holy Communion in St. Mary’s Church, Castlemagner, are pictured with Canon Toby Bluitt, Fr. John Magner, Alter Server Mark Cronin, Ballyhass NS Principal Betty Ronayne and Teachers Orla Arnold and Maire McKenna.

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Children from Meelin National School who received their Confirmation in St. Peter’s Church, Rockchapel, are pictured with Bishop William Crean, Canon Toby Bluitt, Fr. Denis Stritch PP, School Principal Moira O’ Connor, and their Teachers Breda Costello, Julie Flynn and Niamh Brosnan.

Confirmation & Communion

Children from Rockchapel National School who received their Confirmation in St. Peter’s Church, Rockchapel, are pictured with Bishop William Crean, Canon Toby Bluitt, Fr. Denis Stritch PP, School Principal Eileen O’ Neill, and their Teacher Nora Mary Curtin

6th Class pupils from Scoil Fhursa Lyre, pictured on their Confirmation day in St. Fursey’s Church, Banteer with Bishop William Crean, their Teacher Eimear Boyce and Fr. William Winter PP

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald.

Meelin National School children who received their First Holy Communion class in St. Joseph’s Church Meelin.

BACK ROW: L-R Donnacha McCarthy, Jamie Forrest, Adam O’connor, Cody O’Sullivan, Kai Curtin.

FRONT ROW: L-R Alison Curtin, Emili Walsh Lawlor, Orlaith O’Sullivan, Aisling O’connor, Heidi McAreavey, Keira Keller.

RIGHT: The following week back at school, the Meelin First Holy Communion class were treated to pizza and treats

Special thanks to Meelin N.S. staff; teacher Julie Flynn, principal Moira O’Connor, and SNA Breda Costello.

Keira Keller (front right), who received her First Holy Communion in St. Joseph’s Church, Meelin recently. Pictured with her parents Amanda and Fintan and sister, Anna.

5th Class pupils from Scoil Fhursa Lyre, pictured on their Confirmation day in St. Fursey’s Church, Banteer with Bishop William Crean, their Teacher Eimear Boyce and Fr. William Winter PP.

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

6th Class pupils from Banteer National School pictured on their Confirmation day in St. Fursey’s Church, Banteer with Bishop William

Crean, Fr. Anthony

Sheehan, their Teacher

Jerry Kelleher and Fr. William Winter PP.

6th Class pupils from Banteer National School pictured on their Confirmation day in St. Fursey’s Church, Banteer with Bishop William Crean, Fr. Anthony

Sheehan, their Teacher

Jerry Kelleher and Fr. William Winter PP.

Pupils from Kilcorney National School pictured on their Confirmation day in St. Fursey’s Church, Banteer, with Bishop

William Crean, their Teacher Gráinne

Dineen, Fr. Anthony

Sheehan and Fr. William Winter PP.

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

Photo by Sheila Fitzgerald

IRD Duhallow Celebrates Ireland’s 50 Years of EU Membership

By NOLLAIG MURPHY Development Officer

European soloists, this exceptional performance marked what many view as one of the most significant milestone events in Irish foreign policy. This symphony - which is over 200 years old - was adopted as an anthem by the Council of Europe in 1972 and the European Union in 1985 serves to inspire us to remember our collective vision as Europeans.

Encompassing the poem To Joy by Fredrich Von Schiller, this piece of music embodies ideals of shared humanity and universal solidarity, values which remain relevant to this day.

However, faith and a hope for a more prosperous Ireland prevailed and the transformative impact of European membership is seen across aspects of Irish Society. This leap of faith has ultimately changed how Irish people see themselves as part of the world and the story we tell ourselves about our identity as Europeans. Change may have come about slowly but confidence also began to grow, trade began to flourish, and new opportunities were welcomed in Ireland.

On the 9th of May 2023, a major commemorative event was hosted by An Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin in the National Concert Hall. As part of the EU 50 programme, celebrating fifty years of Irish EU membership, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education, the Royal Irish Academy of Music and others, partnered in an initiative whereby schools and other groups were invited to learn and rehearse the EU anthem Ode to Joy

This programme culminated in a very special gala concert whereby the EU anthem was played as part of Ludwig Van Beethoven’s symphony No. 9 in D Minor, The Choral. This was performed by the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Brophy. Accompanied by the EU Choir, together with Irish and

In his opening address, An Tánaiste welcomed the attendees which included ministers, diplomats and invited guests, with an opening address which outlined the Irish journey to EU membership. Noting how the optimistic hope of a more prosperous future helped the Irish people to vote yes to joining the European Communities on the 8th of May 1972, Mr Martin described how this was one of the most consequential moments in Irish history. Describing how in the early stages of membership change was initially hard to notice, the aggregate impact of the accession has been remarkable.

An Tánaiste highlighted how EU membership helped Ireland to think for itself and become better. With the benefit of hindsight, it is quite amazing to think that in the early 1970s, it was questioned whether Ireland was just ‘too poor’ to join the European Communities. In 2004, Ireland ushered in ten new member states as part of our presidency of the EU, yet at the time of our own accession many were worried about what the many impending changes would mean for the future of our country.

IRD Duhallow is proud to be involved in EU 50 celebrations through its project work and was delighted to be invited to provide representation at this significant occasion celebrating Europe in this fiftieth anniversary year, with CEO Maura Walsh and Development Officer Nollaig Murphy both in attendance.

IRD Duhallow’s Nollaig Murphy meets with Minister of State with responsibility for EU Affairs & Defence Peter Bourke at EU 50 celebrations at the National Concert Hall.

Maura Walsh CEO IRD Duhallow and Nollaig Murphy attending EU 50 Celebrations at the National Concert Hall in Dublin.

We are from Kanturk, so get up and dance with me!

Well

Naomh Pádraig’s junior infants class are well on their way! The class took home the top prize for the Primary School Lyric competition for Europe day. The competition saw children from all over the country of all ages writing a song that embodied the spirit of the European Union.

“It’s a fantastic achievement,” said their teacher, Annmarie O’Riordan. Annmarie herself is an incredible musician and songwriter well known throughout Duhallow. She had been teaching the group

about the European Union’s values - from friendship and unity to justice and democracy. One of the children raised a hand, said “I don’t know how to spell ‘democracy’,” and the rest, as they say, is history!

The kids loved the song writing process and were able to truly stretch their knowledge and songwriting ability with both Irish and English lyrics.

May 7th - their big day outstarted with a bus journey, and thanks to the news of their award,

their dinner in the Rochestown Park Hotel was sponsored by Mid Cork Pallets and Packaging. They went on to perform on stage in the Cork City Concert Hall, and the video was aired on the News2Day programme the following Tuesday.

“The children sang outstandingly on stage, and were presented with their prizes as the overall winners at the Europe day festival,” said Annmarie, “I am exceptionally proud of them”.

done to Scoil Naomh Pádraig, Kanturk’s Junior Infants class! Pictured here with school staff, Annmarie O’Riordan, and on guitar, her husband Anthony Holmes. Scoil

May Day Golf Classic A Success

Kanturk and District Community Council held their first ever Golf classic on the 1st of May. It was a tremendous success. A complete sell out of teams, in a wonderful location, and played in glorious weather made it a perfect day.

Teams teed off from 9am to 4pm, and they played some great golf. And when they were finished, they were served great food in the “Bob’s on the Green” restaurant.

At the end of the day Pádraig O’Connell started tallying up the

scores and the winners were announced.

A great day was had by all , including the members of Kanturk community Council as most of us never experienced a golf classic before but are looking forward to the next one already.

Just like to thank Kanturk Credit Union for being the main sponsor. All the businesses for sponsoring tee boxes, teams, raffle prizes, posters etc. All the players for making it such a wonderful day.

Kanturk Men’s shed for making the box signs. Kanturk Golf club for the use of the beautiful course and Bob’s on the green restaurant for the lovely food and refreshments throughout the day and for facilitating us. Pádraig O’Connell for doing the results. And a huge thanks to Eilish O’Connor and Eimear Savage for the trojan work done behind the scenes to make this event possible.

Team DUCON

Sean O’Brien, AJ Keating, and Andrew Keating

Hannon’s Mace Newmarket

Dr. Brian’s Team

Jennifer Brady with Denny and Mary Murphy

First overall Team “Bobs on the green”

Second overall Team D+E Welding

Third overall Team Alley Bar

Results

Longest drive ladies

Aine Martin, Kanturk

Longest drive Men

Donal Hannon, Newmarket

Nearest the pin Willie O’Connor, Mallow

Team Alley Bar who finished 3rd overall - Mike O’Connell, Eilish O’Connor, Ger Greaney, Dominic and Mick Byrne, and Desmond Daly of Kanturk Credit Union

Team “Bobs on the Green” - overall winners of the community council golf Classic Brian and John O’Callaghan with Ger Greaney, chairman of Kanturk Community Council and Desmond Daly of Kanturk Credit Union.

Team D+E Welding who finished 2nd overall. Elaine Greene, Ger Greaney Chairman Community Council, Robert Greene, Desmond Daly of Kanturk, and in front, Lucy Greene

Sheila and Mike In Concert

A well known quote says “A great song should lift your heart, warm the soul and make you feel good” and that is the aim of well known entertainers Sheila Fitzgerald and Mike Sheehan when they perform in Concert at the Cultúrlann, Newmarket, on Saturday, May 27th.

In collaboration with the Bealtaine Festival and also to mark the release of a new single and video, the couple are delighted to bring their show to a local audience in their native North Cork.

“We have had lots of requests during the past six months to stage a Concert at the Cultúrlann so we are really looking forward to meeting everyone and treating our audience to a wonderful evening of country, Irish and gospel music and songs” Sheila said.

The couple will also welcome a series of special guests on the night;

Award winning Scottish singer Johnny Bremner who will travel to Ireland for the Concert has toured extensively both around his native Scotland and Ireland over an illustrious career which has spanned four decades.

Peadar O’ Donovan from west Cork who will also be on stage on the night, is well known to

audiences throughout Ireland and has received extensive airplay over the years with a series of hit singles.

Sheila is also delighted to have her friends from Boherbue Parish Choir performing at the Concert. In 2021, the choir joined Sheila and Mike to record a single and video of Silver & Gold which went on to air regularly on many country music TV stations globally.

Based in Ballydesmond, Sheila and Mike are veterans of the music scene and are well known throughout Ireland and further afield. They have toured regularly in England, Scotland and Wales and have also entertained audiences in the U.S.A., France and South Africa. Two weeks ago, Sheila and Mike were honoured to perform a set of Irish themed songs for President Higgins and his wife Sabina at Arás an Uachtaráin.

The couple have released countless albums, singles

and videos, and many of Sheila’s songs have featured on Sky TV Country Music Shows.

The couple are both multi instrumentalists; Sheila plays Keyboards, Guitar and Button Accordion while Mike plays Guitar, Keyboards, Piano Accordion, and Mandolin. Their renditions of many country songs and Irish ballads in harmony have proved hugely popular with audiences in many countries.

Having recorded several Irish themed songs and gospel numbers over the past few years, Sheila and Mike have just released a Country Duet entitled Kick up the Dust

In addition, due to numerous requests from Kanturk people everywhere, she has just recorded a new video of the Banks of Brogeen

For additional information about the forthcoming Concert, contact Sheila at 087 9724878 or email sheilah2h@gmail.com

Sheila Fitzgerald and Mike Sheehan pictured with Sabina Higgins and President Higgins after performing a set of Irish themed songs for the gathering at Arás an Uachtaráin recently. Photo by Seán Radley

Big Or Small, Happiness Is Happiness

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

What if we stopped putting joy and happiness on a scale? If we stopped thinking about how happy we were on our holidays last year or other such occasions. What if we treated all joy the same, no such thing as ‘big joy’ or ‘small pleasures’- just joy and pleasure. It would be amazing if we could be just as happy sitting at home reading the paper or baking buns as when we were in the South of France last year or in New York last Christmas.

How would this change in mindset help? If we stop focusing on the next ‘big thing’ and start enjoying the ordinary stuff we can

pay attention to today, we can be present and therefore less likely to miss the small moments of happiness as all these moments make up a lifetime.

Pleasure, joy and gratitude are all examples of positive emotions that enhance our happiness. If we are constantly looking into the future for the next adventure, we are more likely to miss or not notice these emotions that occur daily. The pleasure of a good cup of coffee, the joy of the morning light, and the gratitude in having a meaningful conversation with someone. These things happen every day, they are the moments that keep us going so we need to enjoy them.

So how do we make the most of these moments? Start by keeping

a log of your daily activities; write down how you spend your time and how you feel as you do things. This can help you to introduce happiness boosters. For instance, there are always things that we have to do that can be mundane but we can boost them with happiness- if your commute is boring but unavoidable, add some good music, if you hate doing the washing up, put a bird feeder outside the window to look at, or if work is a stressor, try a short walk at lunchtime.

Sleep Easy With New Leaf

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

It can be challenging to wind down and get a good quality night’s sleep around exam time, but taking steps to look after your physical and mental health, and ensuring you’re well rested can have very positive effects on stress levels.

Fuelling our bodies and minds with nutrient-rich antioxidant foods can protect each cell in our body from oxidative stress and support immunity.

Including foods like spinach or rocket in your meals, nuts and nut butters on crackers, seeds on yogurts or cereals, will help to add more magnesium to our diet, which has many functions including helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue, and supporting our nervous system.

Exercise is also a great way to

alleviate stress – you could try taking a break from studying to go for a run or cycle, or simply walk the dog. And good quality sleep has been shown to increase memory and strengthen the immune system so a good night’s sleep will stand to you at exam time.

You could try taking a supplement like Irish Botanica Seésta, a soothing blend of Ashwagandha, Chamomile*, Hops Flower, and Magnesium†. It is formulated to help maintain a healthy sleep and contains magnesium, which supports the nervous system, psychological function, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Irish Botanica Seésta is available from New Leaf Health Store. *Chamomile helps to maintain a healthy sleep - EFSA Article 13.1, Claim ID 2088.

†Magnesium contributes to the

normal functioning of the nervous system, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and to normal psychological function.

Most importantly of all, remember; every day is a new chance to be happy.

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• Full hearing test

• Micro-suction

• HD video otoscopy

• Multiple brands supplied

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• Spectacle hearing aids

This Is The Giant

By TADHG CURTIN FILM REVIEW

A Texan family deals with its legacy, race, and their place in early 20th century America in George Steven’s masterful epic saga, Giant (1956).

Giant seems an appropriate title for this movie. As I have touched on recently, a movie like Lawrence of Arabia is big to be sure in its look and sound. This movie is that as well but it also spans a large amount of time in its telling; 25 years, dealing with two generations of a family. Based on the book by Edna Ferber, it chronicles the Benedict family led by patriarch Jordan ‘Bick’ Benedict, trying to preserve his domestic and professional legacy through changing times.

Rock Hudson plays Benedict, a proud Texan oil Baron, who travels to Maryland on a horse-buying trip. There he meets socialite Leslie Lynnton and they fall in love. They travel back to Texas and thus begins their saga. He is conservative in his ways, she is a liberal looking forward, who begins to chip away at the man’s belief system.

Stevens shoots this to look big. People are dwarfed by the landscape. In fact, the image of the Benedict residence dwarfed by surrounding sand and stone in middle of nowhere acts as the ultimate metaphor for America.

It’s a potentially hostile land of opportunity for those that can tough it out. When I first saw Giant I thought it rambled a bit. It’s a story about family, yes. But it also tackles the racism of many AngloEuropean Americans in Texas during the mid-twentieth century, and the discriminatory social segregation enforced against Mexican Americans. That was quite a bit to take in at a young age (15) but as the years go on, I love and appreciate Giant more and more. I love the characters. I particularly empathise with Bick. He wants to maintain a legacy but finds his plans and aspirations being altered at every turn. Bick is not a bad guy by any means, just uninformed in times that are changing. But he learns and grows. It’s wonderful to watch.

Giant has a great cast of actors; James Dean, Dennis Hopper, Chill Wills, Mercedes McCambridge, to name a few. A rising star, James Dean was 24 when he was killed in an automobile accident one month before Giant’s premier. It was a tragedy that tainted the success and accolades the movie would receive in the wake of its release. Giant completed a trilogy that was to be it for him. He remains forever young, to quote a Bob Dylan song

They say life happens in between plans and that is certainly true here. I equate Giant with The Godfather trilogy in that the great works of art give back to us what we bring to them. As we age, they seem to age with us.

Giant was definitely a massive influence on the hit television show Dallas (1978 - 1991) with its chronicling of a family’s trials and tribulations and the oil business in the heart of Texas. It’s a movie of the 1950s to be sure but it’s surprisingly relevant today. Its tackling of racial prejudice sadly still applies in our current climate.

At 197 minutes, it’s a big one to take in but I cannot recommend it enough. So goes the closing lyrics of it’s great opening music Theme from Giant, regarding the state of Texas - “This is the Giant, Land I love”. Well this is Giant, a movie I love. Available on DVD, Blu Ray and to rent on YouTube.

Saint Rita - Saint of the Impossible

By TOM DENNEHY

Saint Rita was born in the year 1381 in the village of Roccaporena, near Cascia, Italy. Her parents Antonia and Amata Lotti considered her birth a very special gift from God, for Rita was born to them as they were already advancing in age. As a young girl Rita frequently visited the convent of the Augustinian nuns in Cascia and dreamed of one day joining their community. Her parents, however, according to the custom of the day, had promised her in marriage to Paola Mancini, a good man of strong impetuous character. Rita accepted her parents decision, resolved to see this as God’s will for her.

Married Life

The young couple were married and soon twin boys were born to them.

Rita found herself occupied with the typical concerns of a wife, mother, and home-maker while Paulo was employed as a watchman for the town. In Cascia, as elsewhere, a great rivalry existed between two popular political factions. Paulo often found himself drawn in to the conflict so much so that one day as he was returning home from work he was ambushed and killed. The pain which this unexpected and violent death inflicted upon Rita was only compounded by the fear that her two teenage sons would seek to avenge their father’s death. Rita’s only recourse was to prayer and persuasion. She feared for their eternal damnation if they committed murder. As it happened, the death of both boys from natural causes a short time later removed them from spiritual and physical danger.

Now alone in the world and without family responsibilities, Rita once more turned to the desired vocation of her youth; that of joining the Augustinian Nuns. Due to the fallout

from the political factions which resulted in the death of her husband, she was refused admission. So she set about establishing peace between the hostile parties with the help of her three patron saints; John the Baptist, Augustine, and Nicholas of Tolentino, and with such success that her entry into the monastery was assured.

The Gift of The Thorn

At the age of thirty six, Rita pledged to follow the ancient rule of Saint Augustine. For the next forty years, she gave herself wholeheartedly to prayer and works of charity, striving especially to preserve peace and harmony among the citizens of Cascia. With a pure love, she wanted more and more to be intimately joined to the redemptive suffering of Jesus and this desire of hers was satisfied in an extraordinary way.

One day when she was about sixty years of age, she was meditating before an image of Christ crucified, as she was long accustomed to doing. Suddenly, a small wound appeared on her forehead, as though a thorn from the crown that encircled Christ’s head had loosed itself and penetrated her own flesh. For the next fifteen years she bore this external sign of stigmatization and union with the Lord. In spite of the pain she constantly experienced, she offered herself courageously for the spiritual well being of others.

During the last four years of her life, she was confined to bed and was able to eat so little that she was practically sustained on the Eucharist alone. She was nevertheless an inspiration to her sisters in religion and to all who came to visit her, by her patience and joyful disposition despite her great suffering.

The Rose

A relative from her hometown of Roccaporena visited her some months before her death and was

privileged to witness first hand the extraordinary things wrought by Rita’s requests. When asked whether she had any special desires, Rita asked only that a rose from the garden of her parents home be brought to her. It was a small favour to ask, but quite an impossible one to grant in the month of January! Nevertheless, on returning home the woman discovered, to her amazement, a single brightly-coloured blossom on the bush where the nun said it would be. Picking it, she returned immediately to the monastery and presented it to Rita who gave thanks to God for this sign of love. Thus the Saint of the Thorn became the Saint of the Rose, and she, whose impossible requests were granted her, became the advocate of all those whose own requests seem impossible as well.

Death

Having faithfully and lovingly responded to God’s many invitations to her in the course of her seventy six years, Rita returned to God in peace on May 22, 1457. Her body, which remains incorrupt over the centuries, is venerated today in the Shrine of Cascia, which bears her name. Her feast day is observed on May 22, the anniversary of her death.

Prayer to Saint Rita

Saint Rita, Humble and pure; patient and compassionate lover of Christ Crucified. We have confidence that everyone who has recourse to you, will find comfort and relief. Listen to our petitions and show your power with God on our behalf.

Amen.

Acting, Writing, and Everything In BetweenMichael Patric Talks About The Acting Life

perception amongst the urbanites that rural people are somehow inferior. It’s changing, albeit slowly. It’s nonsense but it did cause me some self doubt.

Do you have a favourite role or scene that you love/loved performing?

Michael Patric’s impressive IMDB line-up cannot be exaggerated - from the Oscar nominated An Cáilín Ciúin to Frontier to Lego: Legends of Chima, Michael is a force to be reckoned with. Now his own project - Seán Moylan, Irish Revolutionary - is in the mix and spreading like wildfire. He gives us a little look into his life.

Who/What inspired you to go into acting?

I discovered in my mid teens that I could do impressions of people. Mostly the teachers I had in school. I ended up writing and performing a bit in a school concert in which I impersonated teachers. It was the first time that I felt like I was really good at something. Michael O’Halloran then asked me to join the local drama group. Michael has a wealth of knowledge and I enjoyed learning and getting better. Prior to that, I didn’t have the first clue about acting and I certainly didn’t ever think that it could be my profession/vocation. So it’s safe to say that Michael was the earliest inspiration.

Were there any hurdles being from a rural place?

I think the biggest hurdle was convincing myself that I needn’t be intimidated by people from affluent Dublin post codes. There is a daft

It’s always the current one or the next one. Once the job is done, it’s done. I can’t look back and rate one over the other. I’ve enjoyed the vast majority of them.

What does a day in your life look like?

That really depends on what I’m doing. If It’s a film or TV job I might be up at 5, get picked up to travel to set, have breakfast, change into whatever the character wears, go to hair and make up, rehearse the first scene then shoot it, then repeat until the day is done. Then I’ll be dropped back to wherever I’m staying at 8 or 9.

If I’m writing something, I spend a lot of time doing research and taking notes etc.

If I’m rehearsing a play, it starts at 10am and finishes at 5. Then I’ll spend time before bed just going over the day’s work. If I’m performing on stage I’ll rest as much as possible during the day to be fresh at 8 o’clock.

If I have nothing to work on, I spend the day wondering why.

What advice do you have for people looking to go into your field from smaller areas?

Whether you’re from smaller areas or not I would say, only pursue

a career in acting if you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else. If you pursue it for fame, it will make you unhappy. If you pursue it for wealth, it will make you unhappy. It’s one of the toughest professions there is, so only the fully dedicated should consider it. But if that’s you;some of the greatest stories ever told on stage and screen are about people from smaller areas.

Seán Moylan, Irish Revolutionary is spreading country wide - you’ve spoken about the inspirations and your passion for history as well as the Irish language and history. Where did your inspiration to create stories come from? Having worked for years helping to tell other people’s stories, I reached a point where I decided that I’d like to tell some stories of my own creating. I love the process. Getting them seen and heard is the harder part but I’m starting to like that too.

Across

Down

1. Models of excellence (6)

2. Speculation (7)

3. Impart skills or knowledge (5)

4. Is afraid of (6)

5. Actual (7)

6. Corvine bird (5)

7. Cricket team (6)

13. Had a lofty goal (7)

15. Adult male chicken (7)

16. Weighing machine (6)

17. Pinnacle (6)

18. Apprise (6)

20. Efface (5)

22. Visual representation (5)

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