Discover Duhallow Issue 95

EIP BLUE DOT SUMMER NEWSLETTER: P12&13

SPORTS GRANT OPENS

Sports Capital and Equipment Programme Now Available

Applicants for local projects can now apply for up to €200,000, and projects deemed to be of regional significance can get as much as €500,000.

This year’s guide has a focus on climate action and sustainability for the first time. As well as this, projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms.

The programme aims to increase female participation, and to that end, all women’s only facilities will be considered.

Clubs who are not registered are encouraged to do so at sportscapitalprogramme.ie.

Once registered, all applications must be made through the same website by 8th September.

Editors Note

I’m sure over the last while we’ve all heard “I can’t believe it’s August!”

And honestly, neither can we! But we can celebrate with the EIP Summer Newsletter!

We’ve heard a lot about the upcoming Pride of Place awards and the success throughout Duhallow - learn more about them inside!

We are delighted to welcome back Siobhán of SOS fitness with her new class options. And we are just as delighted to be able to share the experience of Julian Dolton, Taekwon-Do and kickboxing title winner. A jam packed issue!

Email: Discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Phone: 029-60633

David Saunders Cup

Please support this special event in Memory of David Saunders and support a most worthy cause.

Rathmore AstroTurf pitch Games

Saturday 12th August

2pm Cork City vs Shamrock Rovers

4pm Bohemians vs Shamrock

Rovers

6pm Cork City vs Bohemians

David Saunders Cup on Sunday 10am Semi final

12pm Cup final

All proceeds to Marymount Hospice

Good Luck Ladies!

Best of luck to Senior Kerry Ladies team and management local players Danielle O’Leary & Mary Collins!

Rathmore Kanturk

A Message from Kanturk & District Community Council

Hi everyone. FANTASTIC NEWS! This is the first picture of the scaffolding starting to be put in place to replace the MAIN ROOF of the Edel Quinn Hall. A few other things to be done before proper commencement and that’s at the builder’s discretion. But when it starts, the hall will be fully closed. There’s two other roofs to be done but this will be a huge step forward and will ensure events can take place without the fear of rain interfering as happened recently.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused Thanks everyone for your continued support.

Congratulations

To Nora O’Connor and the rest of the management team with the Kerry Minors won All Ireland Minor Ladies Championship - Kerry 2-6 Sligo 1-6

Kanturk Rugby Player Yontan Fleming had a ball when he met Irish Rugby Union Player Simon Zebo at the Munster Rugby Camp.

Kanturk and District Community Council and Cherry Blossom Childcare are delighted to announce the Person of the Month Award winner for July is Brigid Daly. Brigid is a founder member of the Duhallow Choral Society choir which began on the 6th March 1996. It’s been a phenomenal success and continues to go from strength to strength. Brigid has overseen this group of dedicated hard working, talented members who have been recognised both nationally and internationally. They have performed for our president Michael D Higgins, USA Senator Hillary Clinton and throughout Europe and the USA. They have helped to raise over €400,000 for various voluntary groups. Well done to all the members,past and present and continued success to everyone in the Duhallow Choral Society. Congratulations Brigid on winning July’s Person of the Month Award. A very worthy and deserving winner. Well done!

To nominate someone for next month, boxes and forms are available throughout Kanturk:

• Twohig’s Supervalu

• Burton’s Topline and Euronics

• Kanturk Credit Union

• O’Riordan’s Daybreak

• Kanturk Library

• Kanturk Post Office

• Photoshop Kanturk

• Burke’s Home Value

• Spar Kanturk

Awards Season For Janusz And Justyna

Massive well done to Janusz and Justyna Trzesicki!

The two took home eight awards in the space of just a month for their phenomenal wedding photography! This page cannot do them justice - visit their Facebook page for more; Janusz T Photography

Person

Kanturk Golf Club: A Swing and A Hit!

Kanturk Golf Club Lady President Breda McElligott hosted a fantastic day at Kanturk Gold Club at the end of July! Winners took home a range of prizes from clothing items to a much coveted egg chair! Well done everyone, and congratulations to overall winner Catherine Murphy of Newmarket.

Kay Meade

Fidelma O’Connor

Margaret Fitzgerald

Overall winner, Catherine Murphy

Deirdre Sheehan

Elaine Greene Noreen

Eileen O’Connor

Mary Tarrant

Liz Sheehy

Marion O’Leary

Joan Cremin Deirdre Lynes

Anne Van Der Molen

Millstreet Prepares For New Mural

The Millstreet Tidy Towns Association have prepared for another wonderful addition to the town. The group arranged for artist Neil O’Dwyer from Tipperary to create a new mural at Minor Row. The mural will be on the gable end of the O’Riordan family home. This artwork will celebrate the town’s Equestrian associations as well as their fair days from over the years.

Neil O’Dwyer is no stranger to Millstreet’s streetscape - the Mill Race 1910 Mural at High Mill Lane, visible from the Main Street as well as the Waterfall Mural near O’Regan’s Mill are both courtesy of Neil.

We look forward to seeing the finished work! For now, we celebrate the old photos shared by Sean Radley of Millstreet Museum, as well as the progress photos, also provided by him.

ABOVE: The Fair Field entrance 2023

BELOW: Neil works on the Mural

ABOVE: Fair Day in 1953. LEFT: Fair day in the 1930s.

Progress on the mural:

Great Turnout For The 52nd Donoughmore Carnival

Donoughmore Carnival ran from July 21st to 23rd and was a great social event in the parish. While the weather was not always in its favour there was a huge turnout of people of all ages. There was something for everyone: A murder mystery fun ladies night on Friday 21st, Bingo and Car Treasure Hunt on Saturday.

Sunday afternoon had a huge variety of events on offer including

• egg throwing

• fancy dress

• churn races

• sheaf tossing

• country markets

• bowls

• and fantastic events for the toddlers in the complex.

Sunday saw a huge turnout from all over the country for a Tug of War Memorial Tournament in memory of the late Sean Honohan. The turnout was a testament to his popularity.

The carnival concluded on Sunday night with an amazing concert by George Murphy and the Rising Sons who played to a full house with great audience participation.

All of this would not have been

possible without the help of the huge number of people who gave of their time to help beforehand and who acted as stewards during the weekend.

The carnival committee would

like to extend their thanks to all of them and to all those who came out and supported the carnival. Looking forward to next year’s carnival already.

WINNERS!

Nessa Cremin being presented with her fancy dress prize by multiple transplant games medal winner, Mairead O’Mahony.

Finn Bickerstaffe aka Prince Harry, who won a prize in the fancy dress competition.

The huge group of ladies who took part in the Sean Honohan Tug of War memorial event in honour of Sean who was a dedicated tug of war man. The turnout on the day was in indication of the high esteem in which he was held.

Cathal Carter, Donagh Casey and Jack O’Connell winners in the churn rolling race.

Joanne Kiely and Saoirse Sheehan who had a very difficult job adjudicating the fancy dress competition as the standard was so high.

Joint captains of the victorious girl’s team, Leah Honohan and Aisling Barrett, being presented by the St John Forde Cup by Mick Forde.

Bernadette Honohan, Sarah Healy, Norma Dineen and Sinead Kelleher hard at work at the Sean Honohan Memorial Tug of War event.

Mairead Harrington, Noreen Brew, Orla Buckley, Patricia Brew and Noreen Lucey were busy helping out in the tea tent.

Audrey Crowley, Annemarie Corkery, Nora Healy, Siobhan Casey and Bernie Honohan busy catering at the carnival.

What’s On In Duhallow An

Chultúrlann Seisúins

All shows begin at 8pm.

August

Saturday 19th

Luka Bloom.

Tickets €20 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

September

Saturday 2nd

Fundraising Variety Concert. Tickets €15 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Saturday 16th

Brendan Quinn Trio

Tickets €20 in local shops, at door and at ticketstop.ie

Glen Theatre

Autumn Winter Programme

September

Saturday 9th Red Hurley

October

Sunday 8th Gerry Guthrie and full band in concert

Friday 13th Johnny McEvoy

Friday 27th A night at the Theatre with Groucho

Glen Theatre Banteer Drama group-one act

Festival dates to be finalised for October.

December

Saturday 2nd Ultan Conlon and Mary Coughlan

Friday 8th Robert Mizzell

Christmas Concert

Dancing

Sunday Cross Roads Dancing

Sundays from July – Sept

Venue: Laharn Open Air Dancing

*If weather is unfavourable dancing will be in the Heritage Centre.

Time: 8pm

Admission: FREE Enquiries to : 087-6904086

August

13th C&M Sound

20th Tim Joe & Ann O’Riordan

27th Ted McCarthy

September

3rd Ger O’Donoghue

Mushera Platform Dancing

Monthly

Venue: Mushera Platform

Admission: Free Enquiries to: 086-0647381

20th August

Autumn Gold – 3pm – 5.30pm

Freemount Social Dancing

Weekly – Sunday

Venue: Freemount Community Centre, P56 P893

Time: 3pm – 5.30pm

Admission: €10

Enquiries to: 083-4589222

The dances are run on a voluntary basis by a group of local volunteers. The funds are completely in aid of Freemount Community Centre, via Freemount Community Development Committee.

August

13th Colm Burke

20th Dermot Lyons

27th Finbarr Dennehy

Monday Seisúin Newmarket

Weekly throughout the year

Venue: An Culturlann, Newmarket

Time: 9pm

Admission: €5

Tuesday Seisúin Rockchapel

Tuesdays until 29th August

Venue: Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel

Time: 9pm

Admission: €5

Wednesday Seisúin Freemount

Final Date: 16th of August

Special guest: Elle Marie O’Dwyer

Venue: The Heritage Center, Freemount

Time: 8pm

Admission: €10

CYMS Hall Dancing

Venue: CYMS Hall Newmarket, P52 V596

Time: 9pm-11.30pm

Admission: €10

Organised by John Joe Dances 087-9735113

August

Friday 11th

Dermot and Irene Ring Band

Friday 18th

Jerome Coakley Lee Sound

Friday 25th

Michael Collins Band

September

Friday 1st

Declan Aungier Band

Friday 8th

Glen Flynn Band

Friday 15th

Dermot Lyons Band

Friday 22nd

Andy Feery Band

Best of luck to all the local competitors in the Ireland Fleadhh in Mullingar!

Dromagh NS

Dromagh NS

Field Trip to Co.Clare - Ardnacrusha Power Station

Off we set to Co. Clare to Ardnacrusha to visit the Power Station as a field trip. The children were given access to the very heart of the station. They saw the views of from the turbine hall. All the children got an opportunity to wear the Personal Protection Equipment (Hi-vis jacket; safety hat; safety glasses). The information on the development of ESB was brought to life by a series of animations. A visit to the original control room was truly special. A very interactive, entertaining and informative tour was had.

Dromagh NS

School Tour to Tralee Bay Wetlands Eco and Activity Park

Heading into the Kingdom for Tralee Bay was filled with great excitement on June 26th. Plans were made, schemes of sharing boat rides, and team pairings were made. The competition was on between the children from the very start of the day.

The Eco Park was in full splendour on the day we arrived, with the flora and fauna in full bloom and the perfumes filling the air. Nature surrounded us throughout. From scavenger hunting, pond dipping, pedal boating, wall climbing were only a few of the many adventures that the children participated in. Even the teachers got involved! The diverse landscape, sweeping green grasses to the picturesque lakes it was an ideal Park for the children to enjoy. The tour was outdoor action packed with water splashes, tight corners of escapism, muddiness all entwined to give memories that will last for their lifetime.

Duhallow Farming for Blue

By MICHAEL O’CONNOR Ecologist

The Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP is a five year, €1.47m EIP project operating in the River Allow sub-Catchment. The project works alongside farmers with land adjacent to the River Allow and its tributaries to protect and restore water quality to ‘highstatus’. High-status waterbodies are those achieving the highest standard of water quality under the Water Framework Directive. A hybrid approach, combining results-based payments for existing habitats that protect water quality, capital actions to mitigate against pollutant pathways, a biodiversity bonus payment, and knowledge transfer, is used by the project. At present there are 93 farmers actively participating in the project.

Project Actions

Results-based Payments

Project farms were surveyed from May to July by the project team for measures such as wet grassland, in-stream woody habitat, vegetated in-drain buffers, and riparian (riverside) scrub and woodland. Payments for such measures aim to financially reward farmers who are farming for blue dot catchments. These payments are ‘results-based’ meaning the payment is correlated to the quality of the measure.

Summer Newsletter 2023

What are ‘Blue Dot Catchments’?

Blue Dot River Catchments have a high-status objective under the Water Framework Directive. This means they are required to be at the highest water quality standard by 2027.

Additional Proposed Works

Additional proposed works are measures that are installed to mitigate against potential pollution on farms. These are proposed to the project team by the farmer or vice versa. In December 2022 over 6,500 trees were planted in strategic buffers, groves and hedgerows across the project catchment as well as across the River Owentaraglin (Araglen) catchment. Several additional proposed works have been installed on project farms in 2023 including farm road upgrades, water troughs, sustainable crossing points, and strategically located ponds.

Knowledge Transfer

A knowledge transfer event was hosted by the project at the James O Keeffe Institute, Newmarket in July 2023. Speakers on the day were Donal Daly (former EPA), who spoke about locallyspecific catchment science, Paul O’Callaghan (LAWPRO), who spoke about the importance of the catchment area as a Blue Dot Catchment, and Denis Justice (IRD Duhallow) who spoke about IRD Duhallow’s Rural Community Health Project. These topics stimulated positive conversation and farmers enjoyed a BBQ after the event. Irish Heart Foundation provided a free clinic that many farmers availed of on the day. In total, 40 project farmers attended this knowledge transfer event.

Research

Linda Heerey, post-doctoral researcher at Teagasc, has linked in with the project and a couple of project farmers to monitor in-drain ponds installed under the project. Linda’s research is part of the Teagasc SENSUS project. This investigates the effectiveness of in-drain measures to reduce the export of pollutants/contaminants (such as phosphorous and sediment) from agricultural land to freshwater.

with IRD Duhallow

A high-quality, species-rich wet grassland. This grassland received the optimum payment.

A concrete water bar diverting water from a farm road to a two-chamber sediment pond. This measure has gained significant interest from various agencies due to its effectiveness in reducing runoff from farm roads to watercourses.

Donal Daly speaking with project farmers about agricultural pressures facing the local catchment and how they can be effectively tackled.

Blue Dot Catchments EIP

One of the in-drain ponds that Linda is monitoring to determine if these can effectively reduce the export of agricultural contaminants to freshwater

Aisling Natoff is conducting research on her MSc titled ‘Factors Influencing farmers acceptance of Best Management Practices for Water Quality Protection on High Status Objective Rivers’. This is part of her MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development at UCD. Aisling completed two summer’s of work placement on the project (2021, 2022).

Rowan Lanning Rain is conducting her MSc research project on knowledge transfer as part of UCC’s MSC Co-operatives, Agri-food and Sustainable Development. Rowan is currently completing her work placement on the project.

Participating farmers have kindly offered their opinions and experiences to both Aisling and Rowan through a combination of questionnaires and focus groups.

Upscaling Potential

A key part of the Duhallow farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP is sharing the lessons learned so that the results of the project can be upscaled beyond the catchment area. Through working closely with participating farmers and trialling innovative, farm-friendly solutions, the project has gathered a great deal of interest nationally and internationally.

In 2023 the project has delivered presentations and farm walks to environmental, agricultural and forestry agencies interested in replicating or learning from project measures. In particular, sediment ponds and farm roadway

water bars have proved extremely popular. The project team delivered a presentation to freshwater science researchers at the European Symposium for Freshwater Sciences (SEFS13) in Newcastle, UK, in June. Last year students from UCC and MTU courses visited project farms and 2023 university visits are currently being planned.

Booklet of Measures

A booklet of measures produced by the project team was launched in June by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue at the Charleville Park Hotel. The aim of this book is to highlight the importance of farmland habitats and measures included in the project for water quality, biodiversity, and climate change. An interactive online version is available on the IRD Duhallow website.

monitoring period.

ALLOW_030, OWENANARE_020, and OWENKEAL_020 returned to high status between the two monitoring periods. When it comes to returning a river to high-status small changes like ensuring cattle cannot access rivers, streams, and ditches can make a big difference.

Some Good News Stories!

There have been some improvements in biological water quality within the catchment between the EPAs 2013-2018 monitoring period and 2016-2021

ALLOW_060 improved from poor to moderate status. This is a step in the right direction, particularly on this important Freshwater Pearl Mussel river (these are extremely pollution sensitive and are threatened with extinction).

Members of DAFM Forestry Service visiting a farm to see roadway and water attenuation measures that could be replicated on a forestry system

Minister Charlie McConalogue launches the EIP Booklet of Measures

The River Allow is one of a handful of rivers in Ireland with remaining populations of Freshwater Pearl Mussel (Photo: Scottish Natural Heritage)

Pride of Place

Pride of Place

For the last 21 years, IPB Insurance have honoured communities all over the island of Ireland with their Pride of Place awards. These awards value the hard work of communities of all sizes.

The categories available as of 2023 range across population as well as single issue themes. A separate selection is available for cities.

We’re in the midst of the judging season, and Duhallow has an incredible 3 entries in 3 unique categories - let’s meet Duhallow’s phenomenal representatives!

Banteer Community GroupsCommunity Well Being Initiative

The projects completed to date are valued at over €7million, and have created employment for 42 people, as well as placements for a variety of schemes. The extensive list of the impressive provisions throughout the community include a youth club, sports facilities, arts and music facilities, social and recreation services, a community wide defibrillator network, fishing facilities, transport, energy reduction, historical information and archives, walkway and wildlife protection along the Glen river, and restoration of heritage sites. In future projects, they aim to reduce energy consumption.

Banteer have taken home a whole host of awards already, including AIB Better Ireland, National Tidy Towns Wildlife and Endeavour awards, All Island Pride of Place award for Glen Theatre, Cork County Council Mayors award 2023 for Sportsfield development, Duhallow Business awards in 2015 and 2022, Limerick Civic Trust award, Various Litter Challenge and Tidy Towns awards, and the IRD Duhallow Community awards.

Categories available: 1.

Pride of Place

Rylane Community Park Association - Population 500 - 1500

Rylane have strived to create a community space to benefit everyone in the community and to that end, they have garnered €165,000 between grants and fundraisers. Their fundraising ideas have included weekly lottos, raffles, fun days, fun runs and walks, vintage runs, and choral events. With their efforts, they have completed phase one of their plan with a multi-sport pitch which held its first host match in May of 2022. Phase 2 will begin in late 2023, and will include a new playground. Their websiterylanecommunitypark.ie - is a fantastic documentation of their work, their fundraisers, and their progress.

This tidy town group have ensured Boherbue village and its approaching roads stay tidy and neat. The makeover they’ve given the town to is already impressive! The town’s centre island was redeveloped and improved, and unused buildings have been visually improved.

On top of that, they have worked on 10 gardens as well as a biodiversity garden. Sustainability is a huge focus for their future. The work they have done was showcased in a fantastic presentation to the judges, with the spotlight shared with local musicians and dancers. The newest addition to the town includes a new sign that was sponsored by Breen Construction as well as a little library. This unique addition means inspiring the community to read as well as expanding book access throughout the area.

Mayor of county Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins celebrated the nominations and showed incredible pride; “I am delighted to see five exceptional community nominations from Cork County for this year ’s Pride of Place Awards. This prestigious competition recognizes the remarkable efforts and dedication of communities across Ireland. Our nominees showcase just some of the many diverse initiatives undertaken by communities the length and breadth of the county to support well-being, age-friendliness, climate action and biodiversity. I commend the tireless work of each of the nominated groups and wish them the best as they welcome the judges during the summer months.”

As the judging season comes to a close, communities will be waiting with bated breath to see the progress of their locality. No matter the outcome, their work is beyond appreciated and the community are endlessly inspired by their efforts. Best of luck!

Boherbue Tidy Towns - Population 0 - 500

IRD Duhallow Social Farm

IRD Duhallow Social Farm and Gardens Open Day

By RACHEL BUDD

After months of work redeveloping the Community Gardens at IRD Duhallow, The IRD Duhallow Social Farm is finally taking Shape.

We were delighted on Friday 28th July to open our new gardens to our host farmers, our participants and their friends and families and to our volunteers, supporters and members of the public.

This season has been a challenging one for the garden. Luckily the weather was kind to us whilst the ground work was ongoing to establish new pathways and growing areas in our gardens and we planted out our seedlings in the intense heat of June, later than we would usually, and watched them wilt in the heat.

But against all odds our vegetable gardens have been amazing, and we were able to showcase our produce by hosting a vegetable stall, crammed with fantastic vegetables, from enormous cabbages and beetroot, to fantastic carrots, lettuce, chard, tomatoes, onions and early potatoes. All grown by Duhallow Social Farming Participants based at the IRD Duhallow Social Farm.

The Therapeutic Garden goes from strength to strength and this year is particularly resplendent

with its displays of dahlias and other herbaceous perennial flowers, all planted to encourage biodiversity into our environment.

As is now eagerly anticipated each year, we incorporated our annual plant sale into this full on day, with organically grown flowers, shrubs, herbs, fruit bushes and roses all propagated from the IRD gardens by our volunteers and participants.

To complete the day, we had a demonstration of the various composting systems around the gardens and a talk about the value and use of organically produced compost and the benefits for the seeds and plants grown in it.

The IRD Duhallow Social Farm will continue to develop and become a hub for training, networking and bringing together farmers, participants, volunteers and supporters in a beautiful and productive environment.

To kick off our training programmes in the redeveloped gardens, we will be running a short 6 week Introduction to Vegetable Growing Course. This will take place on Tuesday Mornings, starting Tues 12th Sept from 10am – 1pm.

We also hold a weekly volunteer morning, every Wednesday from 10am – 1pm, if you would like to come and help out in the gardens

here at IRD Duhallow we would be delighted to have you. No prior gardening knowledge required, just a pair of sturdy boots and a sense of humour!

Enjoyable and informative day was had by all

Horticulturist Rachel Budd guided social farmers, participants, and visitors on a tour of the gardens to fantastic response.

Members of the STRIVE group enjoying a break from all their hard work

A bee visits a Dahlia

If you would like to know more about Social farming, or would like to sign up for the opportunities above, please contact Rachel Budd on 029 60633, rachel.budd@irdduhallow.com

Triona Dennehy and Eileen Linehan buying vegetables from garden volunteer Florrie Murphy

Representatives from the Kerry Social Farming Programme enjoying the day

Sun shining on the Therapeutic Garden while Rachel Budd guides the tour through.

It’s A Big World...But It Belongs To Us All

By ALICE O’BRIEN Churchview Therapies, Millstreet

We turn on the news over the last few weeks and get bombarded with climate events. Wild fires in Greece, heatwaves in central Europe and Canada’s smoke being seen in New York. Meanwhile it’s been raining in Duhallow since 1992.

We’re looking at all these stories and hearing about climate change, world temperature targets and G8 summits to solve it – all to no avail. Meanwhile, in our corner of the world we are recycling our plastic, we are taking less flights in the year and we’re saving for an electric car. We try to live a sustainably as possible but we’re beginning to wonder if it’s any good, if our efforts are in vain.

Well, what we are experiencing is eco-distress.

So, what is eco-distress? Sometimes called eco-anxiety, it is a way of describing what we feel when we hear bad news about the environment or the planet. Whereas the impact of this anxiety can vary for everyone, it is fair to say that all individuals can see the impact of climate change and feel some form of stress or worry about it. We are no longer in a position to ignore it, or make it a problem for the next generation. So, what can we do to make small changes? Well, we can look within our own homes first- we can save some energy by turning off a few lights, taking shorter showers or insulating the attic. If possible, we could walk or cycle a bit more. Try not to make the car the only option, maybe we could take the

train occasionally. We could have a meat-free day once in a whilevegetables can be tasty too. We could cut back a bit in the flyingmaybe for the next long-weekend have a city break in Ireland. And of course there the famous phrasereduce, reuse, and recycle. Remember, we might not be able to change the world alone, but together we can make a difference for those that come after us.

Don’t Hit Pause Because of Menopause

By MAIREAD O’KEEFFE New Leaf Health Store

Although all women will go through the menopause, there is no fixed or standard experience. A few women will be hardly aware of going through the menopause. For many, the menopause brings emotional turbulence and hot flushes or night sweats may be experienced. A small minority of women experience significant symptoms during the menopause, with symptoms severe enough to interrupt daily routine or disrupt quality of life.

Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet. Try to have plenty of calcium rich foods and exercise regularly to maintain your bone

health. There are supplements to help you get through this time in your life. We are mentioning just a few in this article, but call in to the shop and have a chat to find the one that will suit you best.

Sage has been traditionally used as a herb for the relief of excessive sweating during the menopause and it can be used alone or along with HRT safely either as a tea, a tincture or a tablet. A Vogel have some excellent sage supplements.

Promensil contains red clover and provides natural isoflavones. You can obtain isoflavones through diet, for example chickpeas and soya milk but you would need to consume a lot to get the recommended daily intake of 80mg of isoflavones to assist with hot flushes and night sweats. Isoflavones help balance female

hormones by mimicking the effects of oestrogen in the body,

Meno Active is a comprehensive super supplement with plant extracts, digestive enzymes, omega 3 DHA, live friendly bacteria and 19 vitamins and minerals. It supports hormonal activity, brain function, the nervous system and energy levels.

MenoFlash is a blend of herbs formulated for menopausal support containing Vitamin B6, which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal psychological function. It has a unique combination of Morinda Officinalis (Ba Ji Tian), Hops flower extract, Siberian Ginseng extract, Liquorice Extract, Angelica Extract and Ziziphus.

Don’t Rule Out Home Workouts!

By SIOBHAN O’SULLIVAN SOS Fitness

Working out from home became very popular back in 2020 when we were confined to the 4 walls of our house! Post pandemic, I think a lot of people have a mental block towards home workouts. However, I do think they still have a place for people today.

There are many benefits to home workouts. The first is that they are super cost effective. You don’t have to pay a gym membership or class fee. I recently launched my SOS OnDemand Fitness workouts and the cost is €12.99 monthly. You would spend that without even thinking in the month on coffees or one lunch out.

Working out from home also means you can build confidence at home. You can get used to

the exercises before attending a class with others. You don’t need childcare. My workouts are between 15-30 minutes long and most children will stay occupied for at least half of that time!! In fact, most kids love to take part in home workouts alongside their parents!

Home workouts also means you can try out different styles of exercise from high intensity boxfit classes to lower intensity pilates and strength workouts like kettlebells and dumbbells.

I still think in person classes have a huge place for people as a social outlet and way to meet people but home

workouts can provide a solution for those who can’t attend classes or want to complete extra workouts at home.

Check out my Instagram @ sosfitnesscoaching or my Facebook @SOS Fitness to learn more about my ondemand workouts!

August - Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

By TOM DENNEHY

The month of August celebrates the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Mary, our spiritual mother, loves us all with such a divine love and wants to bring us all to Heaven when we die.

She is constantly pointing us to her son Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in the Holy Mass and wants us to spend time with Him in Adoration.

On August 15th, we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven where she intercedes for us before the Heavenly Throne of God. This is a Holy Day of obligation which means that Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this day. The dogma of the Catholic Church tells us that at the end of her life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was taken, body and soul into Heaven.

Also on August 22nd, we celebrate the feast of the Queenship of Mary, recognizing the fact that Mary’s Queenship is closely connected to her Assumption into Heaven.

Our Beloved Mother

It is wonderful for us to have a mother who loves us and who we can ask to intercede for us. She will present our prayer to Jesus and we know that Our Lord could never say no to His mother - He loves her so much. Even without asking her, our mother Mary is always praying for us because we are her children. Jesus gave us His mother to be our very own. The amazing thing is that He did this as he was dying on the cross, in the final stages of His supreme sacrifice to bring us salvation. This shows how important the gift of His mother Mary is to humanity.

“When Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom he

loved standing nearby, He said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”

From that time on the disciple took her into his home. John 19; 26-27.

Just like John took Mary into his home after Jesus entrusted her to him, we are being asked to take Mary into our own hearts, to cherish and love her as our very own mother.

Her Immaculate Heart.

The Blessed Virgin Mary wants to help us to love Jesus as she does. We can do this by consecrating ourselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and when we do this we unite ourselves more closely to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It also means that we will always be under her maternal protection and Satan would never dare touch a child under the protective mantle of Mary.

If we consecrate ourselves to the most loving maternal heart of Mary, we have nothing to fear, as we will be held safely in the same arms that carried and cared for the King of the Universe.

When we look at the image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we see a sword which represents Mary’s sorrows. We recall words from Simeon at the scene of the Presentation of Our Lord when he said to Mary; “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”(Luke 2;35) God was telling Mary, through Simeon, that during her life she would encounter suffering. Mary would go on to experience the same kind of difficulties we all go through as human beings. She would firstly experience the death of Joseph and more

significantly she would later witness the suffering and death of Jesus. The sword reminds us that Mary is close to us when we feel tearful, lonely, insecure or frightened. Mary holds our hand and we feel her closeness as we pray the rosary. Anyone who has endured a bereavement and is finding it hard to cope with the physical loss of a loved one can turn to Mary, Our Blessed Mother and she is always there to comfort and console us.

In all her apparitions, Our Lady has asked us to pray the rosary as she needs our prayer to help her overcome the evil which is threatening to destroy our world. She has promised in Fatima and again in Medjugorje, “In the end My Immaculate Heart will triumph.”

Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

O Most Blessed Mother Mary, heart of love , heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son.( special intention)

We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us , Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.

Taekwon-Do’s Family Tradition Continues In Kanturk

say he is born and raised in Taekwon-Do.

The name Dalton is synonymous with the martial art of TaekwonDo in Ireland. Julian Dalton is a 4th Degree Black Belt and the son of Grandmaster Don Dalton who has been a leading light in the Korean martial art teaching around the world in over 50 countries. His mother is one of the few female Masters in Ireland and is teaching in Mallow. Julian himself has won numerous world titles in both Taekwon-Do and Kickboxing with his last being in the adult division of the ITF Union World Championships in Mexico. His brother Jordan has also been multiple World Champion including in Full Contact Kickboxing. He began his training at the age of four and has also trained extensively in Thai Boxing, Boxing and now in MMA. One could

Julian is teaching in Kanturk every Monday and Wednesday The club has a long history of excellence and is now approximately 25 years old. According to Julian; “TaekwonDo is an excellent martial art for all ages. This art is a great way of learning self defence and improving one’s fitness. Taekwondo encourages great self discipline and respect to one’s character whilst also developing one’s self-esteem and confidence. Furthermore, Taekwondo has a brilliant competitive aspect for those interested in going to next levels and testing their skills and ability while having fun. Finally, with the nature by which this martial art is taught we continuously promote new friendships and camaraderie at training and outside.”

Professor Mark Corrigan (oncology University College Cork) gave glowing praise to Julian; “It has been my personal experience and that of my children, that Mr Julian Dalton is a gifted and patient teacher. He instructs Tae Kwon Do in a manner which builds

confidence within his students by providing a learning environment which is safe and supportive, while simultaneously ensuring that his students achieve their highest potential. He has used his skills to similarly support students with additional needs, creating and indeed insisting upon, an inclusive and welcoming class. I would thoroughly recommend Mr Julian Dalton as a teacher for both adults and children of all learning styles and ambitions.”

The Kanturk Taekwon-do club starts on 21st August.

For more info:

Number: 0892387758

Email: Julian.dalton.cbc1@gmail. com

Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/KanturkTaekwonDo

Instagram: Kanturk_tkd

Munster Championships

Cork patterns devision

ITFU World Championships Mexico 2021 -75kg

ITFU World Championships Killarney 2017 -70kg final

Sparring

Facebook, Fraud, and Fake Links

By CALEB O’CONNOR

The internet is a wonderful place. You can make friends, learn, and get news quicker than has ever been possible. However, the anonymity that comes with it can give power to the wrong people. This comes in the form of misinformation for nefarious purpose.

It’s a scary thought, and one that might make us second-guess our time online. How should we proceed online? Is there a point to it? Luckily, it’s easier than you might think!

Let’s look at the example pictured: Facebook is going to start charging for subscriptions. This headline is

believable and would (rightfully) make you angry if you saw it there. This is an outrage, especially as Facebook themselves haven’t said a word! Other people have shared John’s anger, and their friends will undoubtedly push it further. BUT!

This is where we take pause. What is the source in the article? Is there one?

Maybe it’s one you’ve never heard of, or maybe the article is old and has been debunked. Are reputable sources commenting on this? Take a moment here to search the idea on Google, or even just to check Facebook’s official news. These headlines are designed to create outrage, and this is how they get spread.

Don’t Believe Everything You read

This rule extends, surprisingly, to texts.

In recent years, texts and calls from strange numbers and stranger robotic voices have increased, and every week, it seems we have a new one to look out for. These fake texts are aiming to get details in aims of using them to their own ends. They’re designed to induce anxiety, usually with the worry that your account has been tampered with. Usually they will include:

• Asking you to confirm details.

• Demanding fees with a sense of urgency.

• Saying your account will be deleted.

Similarly with fraudulent calls, they will ask you to confirm your date of birth, bank account details, password details etc despite being the ones to call you.

All of these messages will include a link - let’s take a look.

First off, a closer look at the links

can be telling - often they only look official at a glance, but like with the examples, they’re not quite right. The rule of thumb on this end is to NEVER click a link from an untrustworthy text or email. These often lead to convincing fake versions of the sites that will save your details for the criminal’s rather than use them to log in.

As stated, these are designed to make you anxious, and even when you’re certain it’s fake, there can be a niggle of fear in the back of your mind.

In these cases;

• Call your bank. Alert them to the text or email and let them know this is going around. If there IS an issue with your account, you can ask them directly this way.

• Check their website. From your browser or search engine, go to their site and login. This way you can still have the peace of mind of checking but on your own terms

• Ask. Do not be afraid to ask someone if the text or email looks legitimate. A second opinion can soothe your mind. Life becomes more and more technologically reliant every day, but with a little help from each other, we can learn together and avoid falling for misinformation or fraud.

Examples of fraudulent texts. Note the emails do not look quite right, and they both include the business name at the beginning of the message. This is so a quick glance at your notifications will make them look legitimate despite them coming from random numbers.

A solid rule of thumb is not to believe everything you read online.

HER Outdoors Week

By ALANNAH O’CALLAGHAN

Spending time in the outdoors and bringing nature into your life on a daily basis has benefits for both your physical and mental health. Some of the benefits of being outside include improving your mood, reducing feelings of stress, anxiety and anger, it also helps you to connect with nature and your local community, and getting more active. Girls and women of all ages tend to spend less time outside and are linkely to engage in less physical activity than their male peers from as young as being in primary school. For this reason, it is important to provide women and girls with meaningful outdoor experiences and encourage them to get outside and/or engage in some sort of physical activity more often.

This year Sports Ireland in partnership with sporting National Governing Bodys (NGB) and Local Sports Partnerships, are hosting the annual HER Outdoors Week from August 14th – 23rd. The aim of this week is to encourage and celebrate more females to get outside and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors while also bringing visibility to the opportunities for women to get involved in outdoor physical activity. For the week there will be opportunities for women and girls across the country to get outside and try something new! These activities are only made possible due to the support that Sport Ireland gets from the initiative through clubs, NGGs, Local Development Companies and Sport Partnerships

around the country. If you have an interest in checking out what activities are on offer nearby, look up your local sports partnership website and you will find a list of all activities there. There is something for everyone and with the majority of activities offered being free or offered at minimal cost there is no reason not to get involved this year.

As part of the week this year IRD Duhallow, in partnership with Mountaineering Ireland, is running and introduction to navigation event in Millstreet on Friday August 18th from 10am – 2pm. This event is all about building your confidence on the hills and trying something new. The activity is focused on introducing participants to navigation and is ideal for women who want to have an introduction to navigation and

gain confidence on the hills. No previous navigation experience is necessary! The activity will be run by a qualified instructor and is a fantastic opportunity for women in the area to link in with peers and develop your own personal skills. Spaces are limited so it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment, to book you can find the information on the events page on the IRD Duhallow website. For further information you can contact Alannah on 02960633.

Other activities that are taking place in Cork throughout the week include sea swims, running, walking groups, kayaking, equine therapy, rowing, cycling and so much more. To find out exactly what’s on look up your local sports partnership’s website.

Participants involved in a women’s workshop on introduction to hillwalking last year.

To be in with a chance to win a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services complete the crossword and post with your name and contact details to:

Discover Duhallow Puzzle Competition, James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket, Co. Cork

Or simply scan completed puzzle or take a snap with your phone email to discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Terms & Conditions:

Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, August 18th, 2023.

First correct entry drawn will win a €20 voucher, valid for three months from date of issue, to be redeemed for food at the Duhallow Community Food Services. No cash alternative. Winner will be named in subsequent issue of Discover Duhallow. One entry per person. No correspondence will be entered into. Voucher to be collected from Duhallow Community Food Services, Newmarket.

(Details In-store or Online) “Flash Deal” offer exclusive to Real Rewards members only.