The Limerick Magazine April 2017 - #Issue18

free 2017 magazine i s s u e 1 8 A P R I L

ISSN - 2009-8650

Be Green, recycle

Featuring: Maria Walsh Riverfest 2017 Siege of Limerick Edward O'Dwyer Stephen Lynch Louisa Donnelly

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

AN UPLIFTING STORY OF HOPE, FORTITUDE AND FAMILY.

Music and Lyrics by

ADAM HOWELL

Welcome

Book by

PAUL HURT

TO th e lime ric k m aga z i ne

From the Pulitzer Prize winning book by

FRANK McCOURT

The Limerick Magazine is a fun and informative monthly free-sheet keeping you up to date with what is happening in Limerick City and County, with reviews, event listings, interviews, men and women’s fashion, lively opinion and interesting articles to get you talking.

Publisher - Fusion Media - Studio Lane, Kildimo, Limerick, V94 XKV4, Ireland - 061-597627 Editor in Chief Michelle Costello Email -michelle@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627 Editor - Kayleigh Ziolo Email - kayleigh@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627 Photography - Tarmo Tulit Email - tarmo@tarmotulit.com Phone - 061-597627 Graphic Designer - Paul Geaney Email - paul@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627 Advertising - Fusion Media Email - advertising@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627

TLM contr ibu to r s :

P h o to g r a ph er s :

Ali Molloy

Eoghan Lyons

Amanda Flannery

Tarmo Tulit

Sarah Talty

Paul Cooley

Christine Costello

Ken Coleman

Mary Kiely

Adrien Fumex

Shauna Lindsay

Michael McCarthy

Rebelle Haze

Naomi O'Neill

Emma Hayes

Alan Place

Sarah Lafferty Fernando Sanchez Sandra Honan Sintija Zorge Jane O’Halloran James Slattery Jason Kenny

This is a free magazine. You are free to give it away (in unmodified form) to whomever you wish. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher.

This magazine is designed to provide information to our readers. It is provided with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any type of legal or any other kind of professional advice. The content of each article is the sole expression and opinion of its author, and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any of the content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor the individual author(s) shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.

COVER - Eoghan Lyons

Pat Moylan Productions presents The WORLD PREMIERE PRODUCTION of

Mark Lloyd Timothy Cummings

Media partner Limerick Live95fm + logo

Meabh Ann McCrossan Claire Sadlier Shane Vaughan Mark Carey Ken Coleman Sandra Honan Paul Cooley

Thu 6th – Sat 15th July 8pm | €35/€30 Saturday matinees 2.30pm | €25 No performance on Sunday 9th July Limerick’s Live 95fm: media partner for the Limerick performances of Angela’s Ashes, The Musical.

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TLM contributors Edit o r ’s N o t e With the selection process for the 2017 Rose of Tralee soon to be underway, it was a good time to catch up with our cover star, 2014 Rose and entrepreneur Maria Walsh - who

also just happens to be working away here in Limerick as Events Coordinator and Manager for Bank of Ireland Workbench. She had some inspiring words to say to us about

global citizenship and giving something back to our respective communities, so be sure to sit down and have a read. Once you've got some inspiration, it's time to get involved!

We're certainly not short of things to do here in Limerick this month: Riverfest is on the horizon for the May Bank Holiday weekend, plus we have Siege of Limerick, Eigse

Literary and Arts Festival, Lifelong Learning Festival and many more shows, exhibitions and projects taking place across city and county. If you or someone you know is doing something in the community worth shouting about, we always want to hear about it - so let us know!

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O PI N ION A rt i s a Was t e of T ime What’s the difference between an Artist and a Bench?

We’ll work on the castle, then, that’s a big job. An

Tell you what, though, we’ll keep the facilitators and

A bench can support a family.

times. We’ll get volunteers of artists in to each take

a job after all and you won’t catch me paying for a

Har har. Funny isn’t it? Artists are poor. What a laugh.

Look at the poor people trying to Say Something, aren’t they a funny type? Why don’t they get Proper

Jobs and Contribute To Society? Come to think of it, who needs art, really? Isn’t it just a waste of time, and

space, and money? And sure if there’s no need for art, then there’s really no need for all these artists.

Let’s start by dismantling the theatre spaces, the wood will be good for building sheds the men can use

to hide ropes in. Theatres are great because they come

with electricians and techie people who’ll be useful in building houses no on can afford. We’ll strip out

all the lights, too, maybe point them at the decision makers and see if anyone’s home.

Next we’ll tear down the galleries, what a waste they

are, sure no one understands what’s going on in there, and besides my four year old could paint better than that. We’ll keep the café though, they’ve lovely buns.

After that we’ll get a team together to clear off the

graffiti, and the murals, and we’ll bag all the photos and pictures we can find. We’ll leave the frames as a reminder of what a waste of space it all was.

eyesore, really, completely out of touch with modern a stone and throw it in the river. Sure artists love to

volunteer for things. They hate getting paid, actually.

It’ll be good for them. Once the castle is gone we’ll

have a fine big space to do nothing with, it’ll be very refreshing.

I’d say we’ll have a bit of trouble with the pubs, what with drinking to oblivion being a national pastime

the administrators and the social media folks. Job’s

rise in d’unemployment. We’ll make them work for it though, slash their budgets and create a new round

of funding. We’ll call it Making Great Artist Work.

Give it a fancy title like that, they’ll lap it up. Give it a long shelf life, too, fifteen or twenty years, that should

do it. They’ll be slogging at it for years before they realise it’s a con.

and people feeling fierce odd without a pint in their

And all the while we’ll pocket the savings. Cash in

hearing the headstuff, then. But we’ll convince them.

with all the silence we’ll need someone to come in

hand and divil the bit of music to be heard. They start

Music is no good for anyone. Waste of time. Waste of space. Waste of money.

on new opportunities for the strong minded. What and make a bit of noise. You never know, it could be you. It’ll be fabulous altogether.

All the world won’t be a stage then, by Jove, and it’ll

Oh here, last thing, we’ll have to change the national

catch cos they don’t need anything but a mouth for

pick something more… appropriate. Something that’s

only be the poets we’ve to deal with. They’re hard to speaking. We’ll arm ourselves with needle and thread and set about fixing their mouths so the giving-out and the bollocking will come to an end.

symbol. It’s a harp. That’s no good for us. We’ll have to harmless until you think about it too long. What about “An Idea”? That’d be a fine symbol. No, I’ve no

idea how to do it meself. Put an ad in the paper, there.

It’ll be quiet then. Serene. No, not serene, that’s

Help Wanted:

about. No more frivolous waste. It’ll look after itself

Artist to Create Abstract Thought as Physical

an artsy word. Just quiet. Safe. Nothing to worry

after that. The interior designers, the architects, the comedians, they’ll stop altogether. There’ll be no fight in them. No audience. Just beautiful, blissful fuckall.

Construct.

Unpaid.

Article by: Shane Vaughan

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R iv er f e s t 2 0 1 7

On Saturday and Sunday, the Shannon River will be

the star of of the weekend with water-based exhibits

taking place for the Maldron Hotel Riverfest on the Shannon. From jet-skiing tricks to flyboarding displays, prepare to be amazed these incredible displays putting the majestic Shannon to great use!

If you get peckish on Saturday amid all the fun, then

the Riverfest BBQ Competition is the thing for you.

Visit a whole strip of food stalls all competing for

a place at the WBBQA European Championships

which will also be held in Limerick later this year.

As it is Ireland’s biggest cook-off there’s no way

you could be disappointed from Thai to Mexican to

American, there’s something for you, no matter what your taste. Many stalls even provide free samples and

who doesn’t love free food!? However, if somehow you

aren’t able to make it to the competition on the day, don’t worry! Throughout the whole weekend there’ll be stalls dotted around the city for you to feast on!

Over the four days of the festival, opening on the Thursday just before the festivities kick off, is the

Riverfestival Village which will make its home in the Arthur’s Quay Park. This family-friendly attraction For many of us, Riverfest marks the true start of

summer and no summer would be complete without

it. Whether you go with your friends and have a laugh over some pints or walk romantically in the sun with

your significant other, browsing the stalls as you go, or herd your family together and enjoy all that Riverfest

has to offer to everyone, big and small, young and old, you’re bound to have an amazing time.

Held every May Bank Holiday weekend, the weather is usually (hopefully) kind enough to us and gives you

a perfectly good excuse to break out those sunglasses that have been gathering dust since our last glimpse

of the sun! For the foodies, there are plenty of stalls to sink your teeth into, offering every type of food you could dream of.

will offer fun for all the family with food and market

Rive rfe st, since its ince ption in 2004, has be come a stapl e in the pre - summe r trad itions of L ime rick’s he art .

There are also lots of stalls brandishing homemade

wares, gifts and trinkets from jewellery to works of art.

This gathering also allows us to celebrate the beauty and importance of our beloved River Shannon.

Most events throughout Riverfest take place on and around the River Shannon, celebrating the very thing our city was built on.

So, what can we expect from this year? Of course,

stalls and vintage amusements. Among some of

events for all the family. Running from the 28th of

popcorn, traditional German hot-dogs and Belgian

biggest festivals yet.

place for a leisurely stroll around as you take in all the

Kicking off the weekend in style is Riverfest Fashion

over the weekend.

Holman Lee agency will gather in the heart of the

To top off the festivities and a particular favourite for

April for a day full of fashion. There will be two

amazing display at King John’s Castle from Clancy’s

and will showcase all the best in fashion and the top

will kick off at 10:15pm and it’s the perfect way to

like any other year, this year’s Riverfest is focused on

the delicious food on offer at the village is artisan

April until May 1st , this year is set to be one of the

waffles; to name but a few! The village is the perfect

Friday. Celia Holman Lee and models from the

sights and stays open from 10am till 10pm every day

city at Arthur’s Quay Shopping Centre on the 28th

most people is the Riverfest Fireworks. Watch this

fashion shows on the day at 11:30am and 3:00pm

Strand and Thomond Bridge. The spectacular display

fashion houses and designers from the Limerick area.

finish off a Bank Holiday Weekend full of fun.

make sure you pop along.

So if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, check

This will be a free event so that's even more reason to

out the full event listing on Limerick.ie. There’s

something for all the family at this year’s Riverfest and it’s set to be an amazing weekend. See you there!

Article by: Ali Molloy

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Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

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Music Int e rv i e w Siege of L i me r i ck

Everyone involved gives up their time, or provides

equipment to make it happen. We’re absolutely not-

for-profit, and while that may create some difficulties

in terms of organising, what that creates is totally worth it.”

Why do Ciaran and John put so much of their energy

into Siege? “Well, of course we have an agenda, we want metal as a genre to become even more popular

and want to expose as many people to it as possible.

So many Siege attendees wouldn’t have listened to

metal before they came, some now probably wouldn’t consider themselves ‘metal fans’ but they have come with friends who are, have stayed and have returned with those friends, and yes they have been introduced

the music and found something they like and listen to it as well as other music. We know someone from

France, who studied in Limerick and was introduced

Another misconception that often comes up is that

The other headliner is Herder, from The Netherlands,

meet up with her Limerick friends - it’s become their

experienced at all. For anyone who doubts that we say

appearances at Siege are exclusive Irish dates for the

it’s a unifying force and brings people from all walks

people say oh that’s just because the lads are bringing

to Siege then, and so she comes back every year to

metal is male dominated. “That’s not something we’ve

calendar event and a reason for them to get together,

come to Siege – there is probably about a 50/50 split,

of life together and creates a common ground.”

their girlfriends with them – no, more often than

Though it came together by chance, the team felt

the boys along! There are a lot of all-female or mixed

Limerick. “There has always been an underground

It’s something that has happened organically too, we

it the possibilities are endless.” For those new to or

in Siege, we might if there was a need but there hasn’t

there was always a need for a metal festival in

line ups in the bands too so it’s a very mixed scene.

culture here, and with so many sub genres within

haven’t made a conscious effort to create that balance

unfamiliar with the scene, how would they describe

been.”

being angry and negative, but as a culture it is far from

Siege of Limerick Earrach 2017 takes place on Bank

atmosphere among them is one of the most open,

to make the event bigger, better and more surprising,

only need to look at the happy smiling faces at Siege

line-up shows an impressive mix of internationally

often said how Siege is one of their most hassle free

one particular source of excitement for metal fans.

the culture? “Metal often gets tarred by outsiders as

Limerick’s bi-annual, free metal festival has been

going for almost 9 years, and has become a national and international phenomenon. Its founders and organisers Ciaran Culhane and Tall John Real explain that the origins were something of a happy accident. “We overbooked when organising gigs back

in October 2008, so instead of cancelling them we convinced the bands to play sets through the day, and made it a free event.

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The resulting event and response made us realise we’d

stumbled onto something special and we brought it

back the next year, and we’ve been doing it ever since.”

Siege is a true labour of love for everyone involved.

The core team work completely voluntarily around their day jobs. Preparations for each Siege can

begin 12, even 24 months in advance. And most importantly, they work to keep the event completely

“It’s important to us because it began as a community event, and that’s how it has remained - the sense of

community is what makes it so special. We want it

to be as open to as many people as possible, of all

ages. It’s an all-day event so the earlier hours allow for younger people.

not it’s the other way round, the girls are dragging

it. Its fans tend to be quite liberal, so you’ll find the

Holiday Sunday 16th April. Every year the guys try

polite, friendly and accepting you could imagine. You

and this year is no different. A quick rundown of the

to see that in action. In fact the staff at Dolans have

acclaimed bands, with Belgian band Possession being

a stoner/sludge metal group. “Both headliner

bands, so it’s a real coup for Limerick. Plus we have plenty of Irish and Limerick bands on the bill such as Pain in Vain from Dublin, Shardborne and We

Come in Pieces from Limerick.” So even if you don’t consider yourself a metalhead, give Siege a try – you might find yourself surprised.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photography by: Ken Coleman

events, and attendees are always pleasant, and even

when the drink takes hold later in the night people

are still looking out for one another; 10 people will be there helping up one person who’s fallen over.”

free for attendees.

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Busk e r P r of i l e Sy nead T oo me y Buskers bring our city to life, providing the soundtrack to

What kind of music do you play?

What has been your greatest experience so far with

Limerick. TLM will be talking to some of the well known

influenced by a multitude of genres over the years

I've been really lucky to have had a lot of incredible

lunch breaks, shopping jaunts and weekend strolls around

faces who bring their music to the streets in our new Busker Profile series.

Tell us a bit about yourself and why you started

My personal style of music has definitely been

from hard rock to folk, acoustic indie, roots and pop, but for the most part I take popular songs and change them into my own style.

busking?

Are there many challenges in busking?

singing ever since I can remember, but I only started

comfortable doing it, but I think the biggest challenge

I'm 19 years old and from Ardnacrusha. I've been taking music seriously when I got to secondary school.

I loved the idea of performing in my school's events, but I'd always get crippling stage fright whenever I'd perform! That's where busking came in.

I'd seen Jared Nadin around busking and thought it was such a neat idea and he seemed to be having great

craic and was so confident. I thought I might as well give it a go. I think I first started busking when I was

around 14 and I've been doing it almost every week since then. It's helped hugely with my stage fright and it's become a huge part of my life.

Where are your favourite spots to play in the city?

The market is an amazing space to play in on a Friday or Sunday. There aren't as many people, so the acoustics are phenomenal and the people in the

market are always so lovely. Cruises Street is also my

go to spot most weeks. It's always busy and you meet all sorts of wonderful people.

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Because I've been busking for so long I'm pretty for me at this stage is probably the weather! I've yet to figure out a way to keep my fingers warm while playing the guitar.

music?

experiences with music so far, but I think one that

sticks out in my mind most is playing in Whelans

before Gavin James. It was definitely the biggest

crowd I've played to, but also the best. I'd say you could hear a pin drop when I was singing two of my own songs, which from my experience is rare when you're

supporting another artist. I also played a cover of New Shoes by Paolo Nutini and the audience joined in as I sang, so that was a pretty incredible feeling.

Where do you draw your inspirations from?

Favourite song to play?

to such as Damien Rice, Glen Hansard and Aurora.

to day. At the moment I'm very into Sleeping at

I draw a lot of inspiration from artists that I listen

As for inspiration for writing my own material, I will

usually get inspired by experiences or interesting lines from songs, poems or movies.

Is there a difference between playing in live venues versus in the city?

I think it's a bit more intimidating to perform live.

You're more in the spotlight and the audience will hear everything you play, rather than just 20 seconds

It probably changes from week to week, if not day

Last's cover albums, so I've been playing his version

of Safety Dance, which is a lot of fun to play! As well as that, I would say Youth by Daughter or Saturn by Sleeping at Last are songs I always come back to, they are both so beautifully written.

Article by: Christine Costello Photography by: AIB

while they're walking past. As well as that, I have a lot

of material, especially my own songs, that wouldn't

suit busking and vice versa, so it's always nice to have a mix of the two.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Music

MEDIA

Steamboat Music - Off the Record

T he a r t o f s to r y te l l i n g

Our BIG Move

We’ve had an extremely busy March - our six month lease on our record store in Thomas St. is up now and we’ve relocated the store to Steamboat Quay to create Munster’s

first ever music superstore! It has everything from instruments, CDs, records and dvd under one roof. We’re delighted with it - it’s given us a lot more space for the record store aspect of our business and we’ve increased our range of stock dramatically. We’re also now buying and selling second hand vinyl too.

We’re celebrating our move into the big store on 1st April. We have a big sale in store and live DJ’s performing throughout the day!

To celebrate our move and the day that’s in it we’ve

One last music event to shout about…

celebrating a lot of the local acts that have released

Hermitage Green 30th April

throughout the day and night including:

Riverfest in their biggest every headline performance.

decided to put on a mini festival of sorts. We’re

new music in the last year with several music events

Thomond Sessions - Steamboat Quay - 2pm

The monthly music event we sponsor in Chez la Fab

will be hosted in Steamboat Music this month and it’s going to be bigger than ever, with a lot of the acts International Record Store Day Festival

that have featured at the sessions over the last year

Saturday 22nd April

returning for this special event.

International Record Store Day is the biggest day

The Kasbah & Dolans Takeover 8pm

for independent record stores worldwide, and this

We have a jam packed night in Dolans planned with

releases from a vast array of artists, including two new

Siomha, Nile St. James, Parliament Square, Anna’s

people eagerly waiting.

all set to perform. It’ll be a really great celebration of

year it sees a massive selection of new limited edition

a host of acts playing across the two venues. Fox Jaw,

releases from David Bowie which will certainly have

Anchor, Tigwara and Bleeding Heart Pigeons are

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Hermitage Green are set to rock the castle for The guys always put on a great show and it should be a fantastic night out. They’ve gone from strength to

strength over the last few years - it’s great to have a

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Article by: Mark Carey

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Studio Lane, Kildimo, Limerick

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Ar t is t Pr ofi l e

There is probably more of a free emotional process in

paint than in my other work in design and illustration, though there is a sense of process and cathartics in both. There is real need and sense of achievement

Louisa Donnelly

in getting something down onto the page and completing it. Seeing it go from initial stage to final

piece, it’s such a great feeling that I’m sure all artists writers and creators can relate to!

The two sides of my work – the painting and the

illustration and design - have long been there existing alongside each other, but both so are completely

different, I could never try to marry them and to be

honest I wouldn’t want to! I’ve never interrogated the

two sides just let them develop as they are without thinking too much about it.

It’s different when you have two styles coming together from two different people – I’m working on a project with a friend of mine at the moment who has

a completely different approach, but it works because we both have strong ideas of what we are trying to

do and how each can complement and enhance one

another, and I think that is harder to do when it’s solely your own work.

As well as that my boyfriend has music label and I am currently doing a fun bit of artwork for one of Louisa talks to TLM about her work as a mural painter,

I moved to Montreal in 2010. Montreal is where my

It was helpful to work through the conflicts, the

the bands, and I’m continuing to work as a graphic

Montreal. To find out more about Louisa’s art visit www.

city streets are bursting with art and colour, they have

think that can apply in many circumstances, the only

actually am I?! (Laughs). But it’s best to just go with

The writing wasn’t necessarily on the wall, but what

independently, it just happens to be coming from the

graphic designer and illustrator in both Limerick and louisadonnelly.com.

Art has always been part of my life – I can’t remember

a time when I wasn’t drawing, and there are photos of me as a baby, with pen in hand! I went on to study at Limerick School of Art and Design, beginning with Sculpture. However I ended up leaving for a year to

work. I wanted to figure out how I was going to make art work as a career. During that time I had been

exposed to the work of graphic designers so when I went back I changed my focus of study to that. But

outside of college I continued painting and sketching, fine art became an outlet and I had huge sketchbooks of drawings at home.

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larger paintings and murals really took flight – the annual street art festival and hold street art battles and it’s a huge part of the culture there. It was great to

live and work there for four years; we still have strong

connections to the city with friends living there, and I try to get back as much as possible now. But Limerick

is home, and with our young daughter Chloe coming along there came a time when we had to decide where we were going to live, if not permanently for an extended period of our lives. We had to think of

her schooling and realised we were in charge of where

pros and cons and emotions through the piece and I

designer for Virgin Media. Sometimes I wonder who

drawback is that it doesn’t provide an answer sadly!

it all and not ask too many questions, it all works

we were thinking came out in the finished piece.

same person!

and there were elements of Irish roots and Montreal

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

informed the art too - I didn’t know what piece was

Mural photo by: Adrien Fumex

The mural had slide going from one side to another, culture clashing up against one another, so the journey going to look like beforehand. I often don’t know

Louisa portrait photo by: Michael McCarthy

exactly where each piece will end up, it’s a journey.

she would be putting down roots. It was a bit of a

crossroads. At the same time I was creating a mural, and that thought process fed into the piece, and the

piece in a way fed into the decision making process.

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C ov er I nt e rv i e w Mar ia Wal s h Founder of events agency Juniper & Ruby and former Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh has also been working

hard as Workbench Bank of Ireland as Manager

and Events Coordinator here in Limerick. We were

delighted to catch her in the branch on O’Connell Street to find out more…

Maria Walsh was crowned Rose of Tralee back in 2014, representing her long-time home of Philadelphia.

Maria is Boston born with family roots in Shrule, County Mayo. She and her family lived in Mayo from

" I’ m re al ly ke e n on gl oba l citize nship a nd be ing active in the community.

My fathe r woul d be the type of pe rson who woul d te l l you d on’ t j ust sit on the couch giving out about some thing – go out a nd change it. "

1994 until she left college, when she emigrated for the

bright lights of New York. So, the first question we had to ask was how did she find her way to Limerick?

“After my Rose year I had made a conscious decision to move back to Ireland. I was on the lookout for a

role that suited my personality, my experience in

media and business back in Philadelphia and what I had learned during the Rose of Tralee. This seemed

like something I could really get my teeth into –

Workbench is a completely new initiative by the bank

meaning I could really make my own mark on the role in question. The manager who I interviewed with was

so energetic about what we can do make a difference from a community perspective, and the role seemed

so far from just selling bank packages to businesses – it provided the opportunity to tap into events and things that benefit the city as a whole. Plus I really

felt a connection with Limerick – it couldn’t be more similar to Philadelphia in that it has that sense of

underdog spirit, which I loved there. So it all just fell into place!”

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“My father owned an auction business in Shrule, so I started working when I was about 12 years old. I

just loved to work, and loved networking even from

that age - it offered an abundance of conversations.

I studied journalism as my undergrad, during which time I would a runner on shows.

After college I began working for an ad firm, and then

fell into photography which evolved into developing

brand presence for major fashion brand such as Gucci and Chanel in NY. However, much to my own (and my friends’!) dismay I found that me and New York

In terms of making her mark, Maria has hit the

wasn’t the love story I had hoped for, it just wasn’t

to the colourful Workbench space, which what

label in Philadelphia, where I was able to branch out

recently been responsible for collaborations with

website and brand and logo design, and eventually

the windows on Bedford Row, as well as events for St

team of five. Now I am running the business as well

to create informative innovative event that showcase

working 7 days a week!”

have that all important female representation, and

Global community action

ground running, bringing real energy and interest

for me. So I left and went to a small startup fashion

was once just a blue and grey bank branch. She has

into other responsibilities, assisted store launches, did

LSAD students, displaying their ‘Junk Couture’ in

moved to a larger department where I managed a

Patrick’s Day and mobilising local sport clubs. “I want

as Workbench and media work – so I’m pretty much

community success, bring a mix of people together, offer something for all ages.”

In between all of that, Maria also dedicates her time

So why does the role suit Maria so well? Her

She is ambassador with Plan International, has

officially set out on her own until after 2014. After

experiences with Plan, Maria tells us about her time

Juniper & Ruby. Business was always in her blood

being active in the community. My father would be

inspiration.

the couch giving out about something – go out and

to both national and global community organisations.

entrepreneurial spirit is clear to see, but she didn’t

worked with the HOPE Foundation. Speaking of her

moving to Ireland she also set up her event company,

in Ghana. “I’m really keen on global citizenship and

however, with her hardworking parents providing the

the type of person who would tell you don’t just sit on change it.

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We can all do that in our own space. I learned so

The seed planters are vital, every idea and conversation

Maria is often cited as one of the most successful

microfinancing program for female entrepreneurs,

created, another person inspired, so we need to realise

definition of success is rather different, however. “I am

much in Ghana – I went with them to look at their and they taught me more in weeks than I had ever learned over my years in work.

“There was amazing entrepreneurial spirit amongst these

women, they

would

actually

introduce

themselves as female entrepreneurs, and I don’t know many business people who find it easy to own that

term when you first meet them! They were setting up business to sell fruit, coffee and clothes. One group would meet outside a school every Friday to network

we have is another step forward, another thing being the value of that too.”

True to her word, Maria asks what I think about

Limerick, and we talk about how Limerick has come

together, particularly in the arts community, being more collaborative and believing in the city’s own

potential. She agrees “it’s about finding that balance between trends and soundbites that yes get people talking but how to sustain that beyond words.”

and help each other; it logistically made sense as they

In terms of creating change and global citizenship,

kids inside could see their mothers or relations doing

Maybe, she says. “As I’ve said I’ve always had

all dropped off their kids there. At the same time those

that, they got to see that ethos and it passes down

the idea to the next generation. There is something serendipitous about it, every action and conversation

they were having was helping them move forward but also planting seeds for the future. I think that is

something that applies everywhere, every conversation we have; every idea that is planted is going to create

change. It’s about understanding the issues at hand at a political and social level and giving something back

in your own environment. That links back to what

I’m trying to do here, to work with the community, to help others change what’s within reach, and the bigger stuff will follow.”

Planting seeds

Turning the conversation back to Limerick, Maria is keen to ask questions about the city. “I am new here: I don’t know the city like you do so it’s my responsibility

to ask the obvious questions and to give something back to a place that has welcomed me in. I ask ‘what do people think Limerick needs more of ?’

‘What can I do to make things happen?’” The long

term vision should be at the heart of every action, she emphasises. “We live in a time where we’re all following feeds of tweets that are in front of us for 8 seconds, so we have to grab attention in the moment but often the changes you are working towards won’t be seen in your lifetime.

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could a move into a political role be on the cards? interest in active citizenship and there is no more active citizenship than politics. I’m not saying it’s an immediate goal but it’s something I’ve been an interested observer of, and hopefully when you are interested in something it means it’s going to be

part of your life or career at some stage. During the

women to come out of the Rose of Tralee. Her own very self-critical. Extremely so. I came away from Rose

asking what more could I have done, what did it allow me to give. Success for me is about the impact you make on others, seeing people engage with what you

have created or what conversation you have started.

It’s not about what I amass for myself or the lovely

comments received, nice though that is! I always ask

how my actions have aided/shaped things around

me. To go back to the example of a tweet, we say it

definitely a long way off though - if an election is called soon, no I won’t going for it!”

Outside of Ireland, Maria also has some interesting observations about global politics. “There are these crazy changes happening, we have our 45th American

President, something like we’ve never seen before.

There are more elections happen across Europe, and yet there’s a real disparity between what we’re seeing

in leadership in global politics and what’s happening at a community level.

There seems to be more, dare I say, a more traditionally left wing idea of community level action and how can

we give back and work for the greater good - how

Ezra Pink Printed One Shoulder Crop Top €28 Verity Red Flippy Hem Mini Skirt €14

I'm in love with the colour in this outfit. I'm usually a permanent funeral attender in the

it did and changed? You never see that, it just kind of

parties, or even better, on holidays in the sun.

flattering on all shapes, and would also be so pretty during the summer for any summer

happens, it’s not so measurable so it’s hard for people to define that as success. Success is also achieving that

work life balance on personal level, which hard to do

PLT ‘Palm Sprung’ Collection

when we are always contactable and on, but I believe

Brittany Yellow Strappy Lace Frill Bodycon Dress €42

balance should be equally measured with success in

Jazlyn Nude Ruched Front Jumpsuit €28

career.”

life as someone who is LGBT. “It’s a strange thing

But the purpose of always being busy, I love that. It’s

Shauna’s Style Diary

but how many acted on it? How do we know what

always have an ear, it made me appreciate what they for years and years.

with Shauna Lindsay

sense that all I wear is black so when I spotted this outfit I fell in love. This would be

The importance of making an impact is part of the

do, I just don’t know how they keep going with that

Prettylittlething.com

is successful because it had X number of Retweets

Rose year I really felt something towards our political

leaders, that sense of always having to be 'on' and

T h e lim eric k magazi ne Beauty

This campaign is something else. Obviously shot and following the vibes of ‘Palm Springs’ the campaign is bright, colourful and fun. Theres something in this campaign for everyone

reason Maria has been open to discuss her personal

and its the perfect way to get into the summer mood.

when your sexuality is on 10 of the 11 national news

I've picked the yellow ‘Brittany’ dress simply because a yellow dress in the summer sun with

front pages! But I wanted to have conversations and if

a golden tan is so pretty and I love the frills on this - it screams Marbella Night out.

I was asked a question I would say yes let’s talk about

that, knowing that people are watching and listening.

If that had any influence at all on individuals’ lives then I succeeded.

I have no real way of knowing that it did, though I was asked to visit a school to talk about LGBT rights and

the young man who invited me was so over the moon, and proud to introduce me; that was remarkable. If just one person gains from it then it’s worth doing.”

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photography by: Eoghan Lyons

Online Heaven

I LOVE this jumpsuit and at this price, could you say no? The perfect option if you don’t like to show too much skin. Pair with a cool choker as seen above.

I don’t usually shop online but after being sent a gift

of an outfit from PrettyLittleThing.com, I'm obsessed.

Not only is the style much more forward but it's half

Londunn x MISSGUIDED

Between Kanye Wests ‘Yeezy' vibes and celebrity

Londunn x MISSGUIDED Black Popper Side Joggers €38

favourites. Am I jumping on the bandwagon way too

So model and fashion icon Jordan Dunn has recently done a collaboration with

the price of what you’d pay in a store on the high street. collaborations PLT and Missguided have to be my late here? Oh well. Take a look at some of my favs.

Londunn x MISSGUIDED Pink Loopback Popper Sleeve Bodysuit €44

MISSGUIDED called ‘LONDUNN'. The collection sort of reminds me of high

fashion leisure wear. Definitely not everybody's cup of tea, but I picked two pieces that I think would look awesome together. The collection consists of oversized hoodies, flared sweatpants, mesh tops, LOTS of satin and just all round - swag. Definitely worth a look.

did we get to this point of total polarity? We live in interesting times.”

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

T he l i m e r ick maga z i n e Fashion Brown Thomas Limerick Unveils Spring Summer 2017 Collections

Top Irish models Yomiko Chen and Rasma Dzene showcase the exciting new Spring Summer 2017 designer collections at Brown Thomas Limerick. This

season’s key trend include hyper florals, colour pop, shirting redux, modern athleisure, the futurist, 1980s and future past reflected across the most coveted

Look 3 | Needle & Thread and Self-Portrait

ready to wear labels like Roland Mouret, alice +

Yomiko wears Needle & Thread peach floral prairie dress €280

olivia, Isabel Marant Étoile, Peter Pilotto, Preen By

Rasma wears Self-Portrait dress €295

Thornton Bregazzi and Victoria, Victoria Beckham.

Look 5 | Roland Mouret

Rasma wears Roland Mouret strapless dress €2,885

Spring Summer 2017 is a season reminiscent of the past with nostalgic references to the eclectic eighties

and the soft romance of the Victorian Era; designers give vintage classics a futuristic update. Brown

Thomas Limerick continues to deliver the most

coveted labels with this season’s exciting additions including Theory, known for its sophisticated and

modern pieces, premium denim label DL 1961 whilst The Accessories Hall welcomes Wilbur & Gussie

with its gorgeous collection of evening wear clutches.

Look 1 | Isabel Marant Étoile

Look 2 | Max Mara Studio & Weekend Max Mara

Pleated Skirt €410

€360, Gianvito Rossi Suede Courts €525

Rasma wears Isabel Marant Étoile Blouse €250, Yomiko wears Isabel Marant Étoile Printed Knot Top €120, Black Ruffle Skirt €230

Yomiko wears Max Mara Studio yellow v-neck dress Rasma wears Weekend Max Mara striped v-neck

dress with belt €325, Gianvito Rossi Suede Courts €525

Look 4 | Paule Ka

Yomiko wears Paule Ka off-the-shoulder dress with bow belt €620

Rasma wears Paule Ka dress €620, Gianvito Rossi Suede Courts €525

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Look 6 | Victoria, Victoria Beckham

Rasma wears Victoria, Victoria Beckham blue & white stripe dress €615 Yomiko wears Victoria, Victoria Beckham stripe panel dress €470

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T he l i m e r ick maga z i n e Fashion

From there I will create a book for each client, this

involves a group of sketches and fabric samples, all details of fabrics and costs on a three tier base. This

allows the client the complete control of the price and fabric quality of their outfit. As I am a bespoke designer, each dress/outfit is a one off. I do not like to advertise my clients designs until a minimum of a

Fashion Interview - Stephen Lynch

year after purchase, thus guaranteeing each client that

no other will have the same dress within that time.

Clients may also buy the pattern from me so as to ensure it is not reproduced. My clients have always

remarked on the transparency of my service, and the Name: Stephen Lynch

What does a day in the life look like for you?

Who inspires you?

Brand: Bowman Lynch Designs

must say I love a list, I find them extremely helpful

Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang. But truly people

What do you design? Bespoke Ladies Fashions, Bridal parties and Vintage re-do's.

Describe your designs in three words: Elegant, Tailored, Stylish.

How did you start your career?

I first began stitching in my early childhood, around

six years old, after demanding my Mother show me

Early morning starts with strong coffee and a list. I in keeping the brain free to create. I will go through

on apparel and design over my 10 years away and

completed my training in 2012 after returning to Limerick.

A great friend of mine Lorraine from No.15 Le

Maison de Curio on Thomas St suggested when I

finished college to create an outfit for her friend, Milliner Ursula Looby, for the Limerick Races. I created her a vintage gold and duck egg blue dress and

cape combo, which she went on to win Best Dressed Lady with. This pushed me to launch Bowman Lynch Designs in November 2014.

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Where do you want to be in five years time?

in O&F or Chez le Fab in the city, have coffee and

to ensure the ability to keep up with demand, but also

some truly great stylish people in this city, like Celia

as there is not much of a choice for men's bespoke

core and the epitome of Limerick style. The likes of

Communion dresses and party dresses for girls I hope

O' Brien, Michelle Costello, women who take on the

the fashion market by then. A one stop design shop

for the addition of a menswear and boy’s wear section,

Holman Lee, a powerhouse of a lady, stylish to her

tailoring in Munster. Having just begun creating

women like Hilary Thompson, Sharon Tucker, Sinead

to be an all-round designer covering all sections of

world and win, and look flawless at the same time.

if you will!

Since launching in 2014 I have had some wonderful

How would you describe the way you work with

Favourite place in the world to visit and how does

Trill wearing one of my designs to her London

your service?

New York or London, both places hold a place in my

what it is they are looking for,from fabrics to styles, I

the unapologetic style that you see throughout these

outfit, if there are any special requirements and how

that place, it's certainly moving in the right direction.

timescale.

serene beauty we have in this country is seldom

to have what work done on the day, what dresses

are going to shows, a section of the day put aside

for admin and emails, along with a couple of hours secured for sketching new designs, and ordering

fabrics. It's always a busy day, I like to keep it full so I always have something new to move on to.

opportunities cross my path, like Irish Actress Elva

having fun as I saw it then! I studied varied courses

inspire me. All kinds of people, from music and film,

watch as people pass by and soak it all in. We have

appointments are in for the day, what outfits need

at 12 years old sewing flairs into jeans and bleaching

Thus began a full summer of making money from

finished product is exactly what they require.

I hope to open a bigger premises in the next few years

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

them for friends.

All the greats in fashion like Valentino, McQueen,

to everyday folk doing their business. I love to sit

the morning list which will usually include: what

how to work her sewing machine. I began to alter and

make clothes from there on, with my very first venture

ability to change their mind at fittings to ensure the

Leicester Square film premiere, and having had

dresses showcased in some of the best Fashion shows around Ireland.

I've had some high profile clients and some challenging yet fantastic vintage re-do's. One that

sticks in my mind is a 42 year old wedding dress I was

clients? What do people say is the best aspect of

it inspire you?

I greet all clients for a consultation first off, to discuss

heart, I think it's the hustle and bustle, the people and

go through everything, how they want to feel in the

cities. I hope for one day that Ireland will become

they want themselves to look in the outfit, budget and

Ireland will always be my safe haven though, the

matched elsewhere in the world. And if you can't be

given the pleasure of reworking to suit her Daughter

inspired by this land then there's something amiss.

client says ''that's exactly what I wanted'' when they

Tell us about your collection:

achievement enough.

woman. The colours are bold and bright, the patterns

for her big day. But to be truly honest, every time a collect their dress or wedding gown, that to me is

This year’s collection focuses on the strength of a are floral and flirty and the structure centres around

the circle. The circle brings with it no beginning or end which to me epitomises the female form.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

From the curve of the bust to the curve of the life

I have contacts with one of the last remaining

strength and attitude. No matter a ladies size, there

tweed suppliers. Thus trying to cover all aspects for

bearing hips, a ladies form should be shown with

are stunning aspects to every form. This collection

tries to embody that. From sheer wrap skirts for the

ladies with legs to die for, to the Grace Kelly hint in the floral mini dresses, perfect on a larger lady.

makers of Limerick Lace, and handwoven Irish

Article by: Michelle Costello

employees.

Fashion Photography by: Paul Cooley

registered, and operate a fair pay scheme for their

What advice do you have for up and coming

silks on the Bridal Collection are perfect for the lady

Take the chance. If you know you have it, go for it. It

who needs the extra special.

What suppliers and materials do you work with, how do you go about choosing materials that fit your ethos?

As I have such a varied client base, over the past three

years I have built up a collection of suppliers from all

over the world to ensure I can access anything a client would wish. I have suppliers in Italy that supply me

with top grade fabric used by top designers all over the world, I have suppliers in China that supply me

with hand beaded Chinese silks, satins and can also

bowmanlynchdesigns@gmail.com

my clients. I ensure all of my suppliers are fair trade,

The plunge neck, full length lace jersey dresses on a lady with a smaller bust, to the hand beaded Chinese

You can contact Bowman Lynch Designs by emailing

Portrait of Stephen by: Tarmo Tulit

designers?

doesn't matter your circumstances everything can be achieved. You may have to take the long way around or an entirely different route but just do it. We've had

too many years where talented people just didn't try, or hid behind couldn't. This city is filled with the

most artistic and talented people, every year I go to LSAD and LCFE for their final shows, and every

year I'm absolutely blown away by the talent. It's time they believed in themselves. You don't have to move

to London or to Paris to learn the craft, it's already here, it's been here all along.

create fabrics designed by me, solely for my brands use.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

T he li m e r ick m aga z i n e Make up

T h e lim eric k magazi ne Men's Fashion

Clean, fresh skin

3 MENSWEAR TRENDS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR SPRING

Natural beauty, along with fresh clean skin are the

Want to know the biggest men’s trends to hit the catwalks in London, Milan and Paris this season? Look no further. Below, we break down the most important menswear

main trends for complexion this spring/summer.

Last year it was all about gym skin, this year it's more

trends for Spring 2017 to look out for on your next shopping trip.

Get Stoned

athletic radiant skin.

Across the board, stone - that colour that hits between white and sandy beige - was the most popular

Skincare and make-up are more in sync now than

(especially one for you’ll wear on the weekend), but it’s also a sun-friendly alternative to stark white jeans

colour shown by designers for the season. The great news is that it’s not only a fantastic colour for a suit

ever. A fresh complexion was at the front of many

and will warm up all skin types (no need to fake tan those ankles).

Prada, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, Givenchy,

From left to right: Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Missoni

runway shows this season with big fashion houses like Valentino and Christian Dior. Kim Kardashian was also spotted front row at Balenciaga wearing no make up at all.

This look is all about the glow, groomed brows, and

Get Pinked

lipstick on the lips. To recreate the look, groom the

at Gucci and Topman Design. The most popular way to wear it was in full summer suit form, but if you’re

Go with the natural brow shape and comb through,

slipping a pink crew neck T-shirt under your tailoring.

gloss finish. Use only a concealer or light foundation

From left to right: Gucci, Topman Design, Haider Ackerman

perfected skin with lip balm or a natural coloured

A close runner up for colour of the season was pink - in particular the warm, dusty rose seen in a big way

brows by lightly filling them in with a brow pencil.

looking for a way to incorporate the trend easily without getting quite so bold, simply add a burst of it by

then add some brow mascara to set it and give it a

to give an even complexion, add some liquid highlight to add that extra glow along the high points of the

face such as cheekbones and Cupid's bow. Add a little colour along the cheekbones with a light blush to freshen up the complexion.

Article by: Mary Kiely

Photography by: Eoghan Lyons

Get Punked

During a rebellious fashion week, British punk emerged as a key inspiration for many designers. Sometimes

this was explicit (such as the braces and acid-splashed jeans at DSquared2 or with the zippered trousers at Louis Vuitton), however, often it was far more subtle. While slouchy trousers were clearly the shape of the

season, there was a significant majority which were drainpipe slim and cropped above the ankle - not to

mention sleeveless jumpers making appearances in most major shows. One thing’s for certain next season: sun’s out, guns out.

From left to right: Louis Vuitton, Coach, DSquared2 Photography by: Indigital

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

The l im e r ick maga z i n e Travel Slovenia

A holiday exploring Europe’s beautiful lakes and

You can see their influence in the diversity of

happy.

mountains and some of Europe’s most picturesque

mountains is the perfect way to keep the whole family

Slovenia, in Central Europe, is known for its

Slovenian food, art and architecture. Add in scenic lakes and it’s a perfect holiday destination to discover.

mountains, ski resorts and lakes. On Lake Bled,

Each of Crystal Summer’s Slovenian resorts is

contains a church-topped islet and a cliffside medieval

castles on Lake Bled or Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana.

a glacial lake fed by hot springs, the town of Bled castle. In Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, baroque facades mix with the 20th-century architecture of native Jože

Plečnik, whose iconic Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) spans the tightly curving Ljubljanica River.

Right in the heart of Europe, Slovenia is a land of lakes, castles and cities – with an irresistible blend

of folk culture and staggering scenery. Slovenia has

become a melting point of cultures, thanks to its neighbours, Italy, Austria and Croatia.

different from the next. You can explore medieval

Visit Kranjska Gora to hear the tales of the legendary Zlatorog, the golden-horned buck who roams its mountains. Admire the peaks and passes of Vogel and

Vrsic to take a refreshing dip in Lake Bohinj or go underground to the Postojna Caves. Or simply head to Portoroz and the Venetian walled city of Piran for a taste of Slovenia’s 43km of coastline.

Slovenia also produces some wonderful wines, which

they like to keep for themselves. Not many are available in the Irish market, so make sure you bring some home from your holiday!

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Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to wander this country

that looks like it is what Disney movie landscapes are based. Summer 2017, Slovenia we shall see you soon!

Article by: Michelle Costello

Photography by: Slovenian Tourist Board

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O PI N ION 1 0 R easons t o T rave l A l o ne You’re the master of your own itinerary

It will boost your confidence

No more disappointing holidays

group of people, you know that picking the dates alone

trip, but in the end, nothing makes me feel more

with at least one other person has experienced some

If you’ve ever planned a trip with another person or a

can be a hassle, and that’s just the beginning. Where

will you stay? What will you eat? Is everyone on board with this plan? What if you can’t do everything that

you want to do? Planning a trip with anyone else is an

exercise in compromise and negotiation. Whether you want to spend three days on a beach doing absolutely

nothing or visit ten museums in one weekend, there’s no one to stand in your way when you’re travelling

alone. You don’t even have to plan if you don’t want

I still feel a bit nervous when I’m kicking off a solo

confident or capable than conquering the world on my

own. Successfully ordering a meal in botched French, picking up the latest British slang, chatting up locals

in the East Village, navigating the idiosyncrasies of train systems all over the world—these are some of

the rewards I’ve gained from my solo adventures. It’s nice to have someone to rely on, but it’s particularly satisfying when that someone is you.

to—be spontaneous if that’s your thing.

It’ll make you a better traveller

You will make new friends - if you want to

and places around you, which in turn has the power

Without a doubt, one of the biggest deterrents from

solo travel is the fear of feeling lonely. The truth, however, is that you’ll never feel this way if you

make the right choices. For meals, find restaurants where you can dine at the bar and interact with the

bartender or skip restaurants altogether and stick to street food or groceries. Want to meet some locals?

Research lively cafes or bars that appeal to your tastes; if you’re in a foreign country, try to find spots that are

popular with expats. Sign up for cooking classes or

Traveling alone makes you a better observer of people

others, and these changes are positive when it comes to travel. In addition to making you kinder and more

patient, solo travel increases your curiosity about your surroundings, and chances are you’ll learn a lot about others simply by paying more attention than you would if you were with a travel companion.

It’ll help you stay on budget

on solo travel—and I’m not the only one. If you’ve

to in our lifetime, but all too often we hold ourselves

distractions, it can be a challenge to take the time out

network, being a solo traveler allows you to be as

travel, and everyone has different spending habits

offers the time and space that’s necessary for valuable

what works for you.

yourself in a way that’s simply impossible when you’re

Your experiences will be more meaningful

surprise myself by the new interests I develop when

friends or loved ones, but other people can often serve

differently than I would when I’m home. I’m also able

Whether you make a new international friend or

my future goals with a fresh set of eyes.

you have when traveling alone tend to feel more

ever wanted to travel alone but been too afraid, now’s

the time to reconsider. Here are ten reasons why you should consider solo travel:

back from these experiences because we have no one

to share them with. Everyone has different schedules, budgets, and traveling interests, so waiting around for the right time or the right person to join you for a

train trip to Niagara Falls, gourmet dining in Lyon, or backpacking around Southeast Asia is a waste. When you travel alone, only your needs matter.

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to recharge your own battery. Fortunately, solo travel

antisocial as you want to be. It's all about knowing

alone time. What’s more, you’ll learn a lot about in the midst of your normal daily routine. I often

Obviously there are many benefits to traveling with

I’m traveling or the way I interact with strangers

as distractions from the destination you’re visiting.

to look at my life with some distance and think about

discover your favourite new museum, the experiences

discover that your boyfriend’s study of German did

not actually make him useful at communicating in the language. No matter how big or small, problems

can and do arise when people travel together. When you make yourself the sole arbiter of what to do on

vacation, you remove the risk of disappointment and you keep things drama-free, which is a good way to keep your trip feeling both relaxing and satisfying.

will daydream, you will read, you will have exciting

museum tours to meet people with similar interests.

Of course, if you're not looking to build your social

restaurant. Or maybe you were a little annoyed to

automatically changes the way you interact with

overall. Being an outsider, however slight or extreme,

You’ll learn to love “Me Time”

In our ever-connected world filled with digital

got into a fight because you couldn't find a certain

You’ll find the answer to an important question

Planning is easier

We all have bucket lists of places we want to travel

level of disappointment on holidays. Perhaps you

to make you more compassionate and a better person

I used to never go anywhere alone, but after a few eye-opening, life-changing experiences, I’m hooked

I’m willing to bet that everyone who has ever travelled

Money is always a pressure point when it comes to

and attitudes. So it’s much easier to figure out your budget for a trip and plan accordingly. Even if you have shared finances with a spouse or travel with

someone in the same tax bracket, the two of you may have completely different ideas of how much to

In addition to everything I’ve mentioned above, you adventures, you will encounter funny things to tell

your friends about, you will sleep well, you will eat

new things, you will discover new neighbourhoods, you will want to learn new languages, you will think

about your next trip, you will talk to strangers, you will take risks, you will buy new clothes, you will learn about history and culture, you will go to concerts, you

will stroll through parks, you will explore cities by

bike, you will think about moving, and so much more.

In fact, there’s so much you can do when you travel

alone that you’ll wonder how you ever managed to travel with someone else in the past.

Article by: Rebelle Haze

spend on a hotel, for example. It’s simply much easier to create your own budget and stick to it rather than

overspending because you travel with someone with expensive taste.

profound, and those memories tend to last longer.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

The li m e r ick maga z i n e Home & Lifestyle Faux Finishings Faux is all the rage for 2017 and we don’t just mean shaggy rugs.

Homeowners and designers are turning to faux as a cheaper and sometimes more reliable alternative to authentic materials. Faux

finishing itself has been used for millennia, from cave painting

to the tombs of ancient Egypt, but what we generally think of as faux finishing in the decorative arts began with plaster and stucco finishes in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago.

Faux painting became popular in classical times in the forms of faux marble, faux wood, and trompe l'oeil murals. Artists would apprentice for 10 years or more with a master faux painter before

working on their own. Great recognition was awarded to artists

who could actually trick viewers into believing their work was the

real thing. Faux painting has continued to be popular throughout the ages, but experienced major resurgences in the neoclassical

revival of the nineteenth century and the Art Deco styles of the 1920s. During the recent history of decorative painting, faux finishing has been mainly used in commercial and public spaces.

Given the rise of the rustic farmhouse kitchen on Pinterest, it's unsurprising that the prices

Fake materials, like faux foliage, can provide home and often business

for budget-friendly faux ceiling beams and trusses. This alternative is easier to install and

finger hundreds of different real house plants will die in backyards and

of barn wood and recycled timber have recently increased. The result: A surge in demand surprisingly longer lasting than the actual wood.

A Pinterest trend that's taking shape in the faux market is grey floors. Interior designers are saying clients install manufactured floors over replacing hardwood ones in order to recreate the trend in their homes. Electing to use faux materials isn't so much a trend anymore as a

practical alternative for people’s lifestyles. Faux becomes an alternative to something that's impractical for them.

Take, for instance, marble. Most people love the timeless look of Carrara marble, but may not

be able to maintain the countertops, which can't get acidic foods on them. They are stating, ‘while we really like the look of marble, it's too high maintenance,' or, 'I cook too much for that to be able to hold up. What do you recommend as an alternative?' One suitable option, is

owners with a sense of instant gratification, too. Without a green

interiors as a result of lack of sunlight and are too high maintenance.

So people are turning to fake foliage to tackle this, most often you can

see restaurants around Limerick recreating this faux look, we have even spotted the new gin room in Smyths Bar use this to brighten up the

interior. Ivy trimming decorate the area and are fast becoming a huge

trend at home too and since celebrated designers like Mario Buatta and Carolina Herrera have owned up to keeping faux foliage around

their homes and offices in recent years, it's safe to say these aren't your grandmother's fake plants.

Article by: Michelle Costello

engineered quartz, which comes in a variety of patterns and colour-ways, but can withstand heat and acidic foods.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

The li m e r ick maga z i n e Food & Drink

T h e lim eric k magazi ne Food & Drink

Oreo Cookie Cocktail Recipe

In season: Sowing the Seeds The end of March was fairly cold and wet, meaning many grow-your-owners with the best intentions may have

Ingredients

fallen behind on vegetable garden prep and sowing. Fear not, you can still catch up in April!

- 1 oz coffee liqueur (Tia Maria, Kahlua) - 1 oz Creme de Cacao

- 1 oz irish cream (Baileys)

Prepare the soil

- Ice

if you haven’t touched it yet! Wait until it has dried out

- Decorate with chocolate shavings and oreo cookies

need to work fertilisers too heavily into the ground -

Method

naturally via the soil’s ecosystem. Don’t waste money

last (about 1/2 of the glass worth of ice if you'd like

organically with grass clippings and other mulched

quicker, but if cubed ice is all you have, that is fine.

almost as bad as not doing enough, so don’t overdo

Blend until all ingredients are mixed and the mixture

amount at the beginning of the season will be enough.

Pour into the glass.

Go for a greenhouse

Garnish with an Oreo cookie and serve with a straw.

you simply want to extend the growing window for

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

investment. A miniature greenhouse is great for small

- 1 splash vodka

It’s best not to work soil over too early, so don’t worry

- Vanilla ice cream

a bit before digging it over for planting. You also don’t

apply a layer on top of the soil and allow it to work in

Add all ingredients to blender, adding a scoop of ice

on expensive soil fertilisers, you can enrich the soil

to measure it). Crushed ice is better as it will blend

garden waste, and remember adding too much is

is of a consistency that you can stand a straw up in it.

it! If your soil is in generally good condition a small

If you find it hard to keep with the seasons, or if certain plants and vegetables, a greenhouse is a great spaces and those who just want a place to nurture

What to sow now:

got bigger plans, a solid built greenhouse can be

artichokes.

addition of special heaters and artificial light sources.

Outside: Beetroot, carrots, cauliflower, kohl rabi, lettuce, leeks, radish, turnip, spring onions, peas, spinach.

is well ventilated (though not drafty). Get your

Ensure both indoor and outdoor seedlings are well watered through sunny spells, the little bit of extra warmth can

young seedlings, potted tomato plants etc. If you’ve transformed into a year-round growing space with the

Whatever size you choose, make sure the greenhouse greenhouse stocked up with seedlings now to make the most of the early spring sunshine.

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Inside: Marrows, courgettes, squash, sweet peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, celery, celeriac, salad lettuces,

dry them out surprisingly quickly!

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

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Health & Wellbeing Women’s FITNESS: with Sintija Zorge

Vitamin intake Vitamin D Vitamin B

Magnesium Iron.

Let me go in little detail about each of above!

Getting vitamin D for your body is very important for your health as it protects and strengthens your

The best sources of magnesium are nuts, seeds,

The truth is a lot of vitamins and minerals can be consumed through smart food choices or by simply being outside

legumes, spinach and other greens. If you feel fatigued

and tired, or if you experience cramps and muscle spasms you could be lacking magnesium so take note of what your body is telling you.

If you seem to lack energy, feeling tired and weak

on regular basis even though you have been living a healthy lifestyle, you should consider getting a

supplement before getting more serious problems due

immune system. Vitamin D is also important to

to lack of some mineral or vitamin. Sometimes your

help absorb calcium. Calcium intake can protect your bones and keep them strong reducing risk of

developing bone disease like e.g. osteoporosis, which is particularly prevalent in women.

Vitamin D also helps to reduce depression and makes you feel more positive, helping you to perform better

in sports and day to day life. It also helps to improve

your metabolism progressing you to reduce body fat that can reduce risk of developing heart disease.

There are so many vitamins that are very important for both women and men, but we are both built differently, meaning our bodies’ needs are different when it comes to vitamins. My advice is to choose vitamins wisely, find out if you need to take supplements and follow through with balanced nutrition.

The truth is a lot of vitamins and minerals can be consumed through smart food choices or by simply being outside.

Having said that, vitamin supplements can be very beneficial. Take supplements only when you are sure you are lacking that particular vitamin or you have been advised by a doctor to take a supplement vitamin.

Here are the top vitamins and minerals that you should include to fulfil your healthy lifestyle and promote your metabolism getting your best spring season shape:

Usually the most effective way to consume vitamin

D is through sunlight/sun rays. However, as we know

we don’t get sun very often here in Ireland, so we must include some of these foods in our diet: Cod liver oil, sardines, tuna, salmon, egg yolk, fortified milk and yogurt, fortified cereals, or take a vitamin D

supplement following the recommended daily intake.

Vitamin B is another important vitamin for your

optimal health. There are different B vitamins, the main one is B12 and is especially important for

vegetarians or people fallowing vegan diet. Taking

vitamin B complex that contains all 8 B vitamins is

body can’t create all vitamins or minerals on its own The main function of Vitamin B is to aid digestion of

and due to a new or increasingly strict diet food won’t

energy sources for daily tasks and activities.

smart and figure out what your body is lacking and

be enough to nourish your body with all it needs. Be

carbs/fats/protein, making sure that these are used as

what it needs before creating deficiencies.

Vitamin B food choices: Beans, lentils, milk, eggs, lean meat, whole grains, potatoes, bananas

Don’t forget there is no secret or magic pill without

Iron is another source that creates energy for your

lifestyle with reduced stress, good quality foods,

body from nutrients. Iron helps blood flow to carry oxygen into your working muscles and in return

that helps them burn fat. Say yes to iron as it’s another magic way to improve our metabolism! Iron

deficiency can include feeling weak and fatigue. It can reduce performance in sports and even lead to anemia. Women are more likely to be iron deficient due to menstruation.

Also if you are vegetarian it may be advisable to

include an iron supplement in your diet. To get the best out of Iron make sure you combine Iron with

source of vitamin C as it helps absorbing Iron in to your body.

little sacrifice or extra work. Trust a simple healthy Example of Iron sources: Beans, spinach, lean meat,

exercising daily, eating. Do the spring cleaning for

shellfish and example of vitamin C; strawberries,

your body and add some extra exercise and greens

tomatoes.

before you reach for the supplements!

Magnesium is another super mineral to boost up

Article by: Sintija Zorge

your metabolism helping you lose fat. Magnesium is

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

needed to produce energy in your body. This mineral

is necessary for maintain and making sure that many

systems work properly in your body. Magnesium

controls your blood glucose, regulates blood pressure, keeps your bones strong and works to keep your nervous system functioning smoothly.

the way to go making sure you get all the benefits and ensure your metabolism works at its best.

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Health & Wellbeing Cutting through the pain: An account of self-harm I know… I know the truth because it was me.

I am the happiest of people, positive, cheerful and

tucked under her school jumper, I was the girl with

lose their way in the world. Everyone should be kind

I was the young girl with the bandage you might see the unexplained bruises and I was the girl who had deep cuts hidden behind layers of clothes far from any

eyes. I felt agony in every fibre of my skin and the only thing that helped (in that moment) was harming

myself, punching my way through walls till the skin

I wasn’t crazy, I wasn’t attention seeking and I

certainly didn’t want to die but back then I saw no way out but to mutilate myself in the only way

that I could control. I was 13/14 years old and selfharming plagued me for about four years and never

to be entirely accurate as for most part this is a part

of a mental disorder that is rarely discussed or written about. Self-harming isn’t considered a mental disorder

but it is normally associated with many mental health problems including eating disorders, personality

disorder or substance abuse and depression. A person who self-harms may have visited pro self-harm websites (yes, shockingly they do exist) or has learnt

to self-harm by friends or via conversations online.

90% of people who self-injure begin in their teens or by their early 20s, making it a young persons' issue for

the part. It is roughly estimated that 50% of young people who injure themselves purposely, have suffered sexual abuse or some form of mental or physical

abuse. For others, self-harming is an outlet and a way

to cope with their anxieties, their mental stress and problems.

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this behaviour for fear of been judged. It is assumed by people that a person who can physically harm

themselves must be attention seeking. A sufferer

will always feel compelled to hide their activities and therein lies the problem with the issue. No one

ever knows what is going on, you may notice your teenager’s bruises, your niece’s cuts or your friend’s

bandages but you will never know that the person you see each day has done that to themselves because they quite simply are in a huge amount of pain and can see no other way then to injure themselves.

save someone and never know it.

Don’t judge them, they don’t mean to have hurt

myself and yet no one, ever knew…

and very few people would ever admit engaging in

can make all the difference to a person’s day. You may

found in my room as I struggled to deal with every till tears ran down my cheeks. I did it all, I wounded

engage in self-injury. However, the stats are unlikely

you know nothing of and your kind words or smiles

Mind their mind; Supporting a loved one who is

problem I had and pinching or punching my stomach

There is a massive stigma relating to self-harming

to anyone you meet as they may be fighting battles

on my knuckles began to rip open and bleed. Slashing through my flesh and skin with any sharp object I

It is estimated that 1 in 5 females and 1 in 7 males

sensible but anyone can become ill and anyone can

did anyone suspect that I was crumbling. I know I was angry, a little damaged and extremely lonely though I

self-harming-

themselves nor did they do it for your attention. They

are crying out for help and rather than seek it they are dealing with it alone. Listen to them, show them

where to get help and seek advice from professionals.

Never assume it can be handled or forgotten about as

once a person self-harms they usually will do it again

though they may promise not to. Help them figure out why. As the self-harming is usually the coping mechanism, the real problem lies somewhere else and must be investigated. Be there; always.

had plenty of good friends. I just couldn’t deal with

Mind your mind; If you are self-harming-

of circumstances and my mam was drinking herself

know and trust. It can be a friend, a relative or your

everything; my parents had split up in the roughest to unconsciousness. I smiled through the days but by

night when the world slept I tore into the only person I felt I could: me

I lost my way, I got mad at everyone around me but rather than scream or cry, I took myself off to my

room playing the radio to mask out my sobs while horrifically tearing into my own body. It took away

the aching that I was carrying around, I felt instantly

better before noticing the blood or bruises and the

Accept you need help and reach out to someone you family doctor. Consider why you do it and seek help from professionals, talk to other people who have

self-harmed and ask how they recovered. Be honest

with yourself and your loved ones, admit when you

have had a bad day and learn how to distract yourself and cope with problems effectively. Spend time with

people you care for and remember that you are not crazy, attention seeking or mad; and you are going to be ok in time.

terrible torture I had caused myself. Nights were

Reach out and ask for help. You never, ever have to be

it again, But I did… the faded scars still remind me

is never the answer.

spent crying myself to sleep promising I wouldn’t do of that.

alone, just let someone in as cutting though the pain

Article by: Emma Hayes

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Pa r ent i ng

Pa ren t in g

Parent to Parent Support with Cuidiú

Fatherhood funnies

What one piece of advice would you give to new parents?

Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts, listen to yourself and learn to ignore the critics. Give your baby the best of you but also give yourself the same care.

Why do you think peer to peer support is so important during the transition to parenthood?

Some new mothers can find the changes in their lives overwhelming. It is great to get out and meet other Recently I met up with Babs Gardiner, one of the

parent to parent support counsellors from Cuidiú for a chat about the importance of support during the transition to parenthood.

What is Cuidiú?

mums that are going through the same journey as you.

Some new mums can feel vulnerable, need support or

are feeling a little low about parenthood. Being able to talk about concerns and share experiences with others in the same situation can be very helpful.

Cuidiú is usually associated with breastfeeding, is

Cuidiú’s motto is education and support for

this still the case?

for parents, empowering them through knowledge

mothers in Limerick and we’re hoping to spread the

parenthood. We aim to provide support and education and mutual support to make informed choices from

Cuidiú is a wonderful support for breastfeeding word that we offer much more than just breastfeeding

pregnancy through to raising children and into

support. We have a weekly baby/toddler group which

post natal support, breastfeeding support and parent

to parent supporters in Limerick and there is one in

adulthood. We do this through childbirth education,

is open to everyone and we have two trained parent

to parent support.

attendance at the group.

What is the parent to parent support group?

What events do Cuidiú run throughout the year?

Parent to parent support groups are a safe place to

come and have a cuppa and a chat. The parent to parent

For the last number of years Cuidiú have run a number of family fun days such as, the Easter egg hunt in the

supporters are trained in facilitation, counselling and

Peoples Park, The Teddy bears picnic, Pumpkin party

a listening ear and support to anyone to talk in

all the family.

communication skills. They are willing to provide confidence about the ups and downs of parenting.

There’s always some nice biscuits too.

and a Christmas party. These are always great fun for

What advice would you give to mothers hoping to

What has been the funniest moment so far as a

breastfeed?

parent?

It is always great to head to a support group while

Mark: George has said some pretty inappropriate

expecting, it can be very reassuring to meet with and

things at funerals and in lifts. And there was the time

see other mothers breastfeed before your own baby

that we realised three of us were lactose-intolerant

arrives. A qualified Breastfeeding counsellor will be

because Leonard from The Big Bang Theory was

available to answer any questions you may have. Our

lactose-intolerant and he farted when he ate dairy.

BFC's also offer telephone support. It’s great to have

Then there was the time that the boys and I were

the knowledge and realistic expectations of what’s to

in separate changing rooms in the swimming pool

come.

in Lahinch and we started singing ‘The Cat’s in the

Cradle’ at full volume – a real ‘Fame’ moment, except

What advice would you give to mothers experiencing

nobody applauded at the end. Not to forget when

breastfeeding challenges?

Jack thought the FBI were after him because he gave

Get help from an experienced breastfeeding counsellor

a false email address to a website.

and/or IBCLC if you are experiencing damaged, cracks, blisters, or bleeding nipples or are in pain

Jason: The moment of feeling satisfied, looking into

while feeding. It doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. Seeing

a

knowledgeable

my child's eyes and asking 'oh wow, do you appreciate

breastfeeding

me for all I am doing for you and keeping you alive?'

professional could make all the difference.

Then comes the smell and a chuckle - nope Dad I am

How do I get in touch with a breastfeeding

just having a poop. By the way this is in a crowded

counsellor?

cafe, and suddenly you have to mobilise an army to

There is a list of all breastfeeding counsellor on the Cuidiu website, and there is also a list of groups

get out of there.

within the branch web pages.

With April Fool’s Day kicking off the month, it’s a good time to look at the lighter side of parenting. Dads have a

What are the best parts of breastfeeding?

as their kids' funniest moments…

to get out too, all you have to remember is nappies

Tell us your best dad joke…

that’s it’s free.

Jason Kenny: Two fish are in a tank. One turns to the other and says 'do you know how to drive this thing?'

How can new mothers get more info?

James Slattery: Two peanuts were walking down the street. One was a salted.

We meet up every Monday at 10am at the Elevate

Mark Lloyd: Knock, knock. Who’s there? The doorbell repairman.

and the first Friday of the month at the prefabs in the

Timothy Cummings: Why do elephants have Big Ears? Noddy wouldn’t pay the ransom.

The beautiful bond mother and baby have. It’s so easy and clothes and of course you have the added bonus

We have a local Facebook page Cuidiu Limerick.

Community Church on the South Circular Road, Maternity Hospital on the Ennis Road.

(probably unfair) reputation for telling the best-worst jokes, so we asked our panel of fathers to share theirs, as well

James: The Quads are learning how to talk and my

two-year-old son when he says NO he says it with a really country accent and it’s like he is saying ‘NOAH’. I asked him the other day what will he do

when his in school and there is a boy called Noah, he said ‘NOAH’. Fair enough.

Tim: The funniest moments so far have been the

tantrums as my little girl tests her boundaries. She is hilarious and adorable having a fit at the word ‘no’…

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

(Groan lads, GROAN...)

Article by: Jane O’ Halloran

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Star t up S p o tl i g h t Jacqui Meskell, Huggnote Jacqui Meskell is founder and CEO of Huggnote

How far do you hope for it to go?

Who are your business role models?

YogaliciousME

exit! We plan to launch our next release of Huggnote

to success – but have a strong ethical foundation,

(www.huggnote.com). In her spare time she runs (www.yogaliciousme.com)

classes in Limerick most Saturdays.

with

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My background is firmly rooted in the media. I have

a degree in Journalism and an MPhil in International

Peace Studies and began my career in broadcast

journalism, starting here in Limerick at Live 95FM

before going on to work at RTE and EuroNews and eventually management consultancy.

How did you get the idea for Huggnote, and how did you get it started?

It was while working on a project in Brussels the idea

All the way to IPO or at least a hugely successful

in the Summer and are very excited about that, but

course it would evoke the same memories for her, and give her that emotional boost. When there wasn’t

any suitable way to do that, we (my co-founder is my sister Perry) decided to create it ourselves.

Alba’s ‘Honest Company’ now valued at $1.7billion,

worth it. Also we’re so fortunate to be supported by

or Laila Janah whose tech company Sama is tackling

Enterprise Ireland, and we take the responsibility of

global poverty. And of course those other ‘techpreneur’

that investment very seriously, because ultimately it’s

siblings from Limerick, John and Patrick Collison are

a statement of confidence in us, that we might be able

a phenomenal home-grown success story.

to create Ireland’s next success story.

So there’s really no place for doubt. You have to

What does success look like to you?

takes to reach your goals.

impressed upon me how short life is. More than

believe the sky’s the limit and then do whatever it

in technology commercialisation – and we’re both

way to ‘gift’ the song to her somehow, because of

companies doing so well now – for example Jessica

so you need to genuinely believe it’s going to be

just give her a hug. Then a song came on the radio that and I thought how amazing it would be if there was

so inspiring and important to see female founded

huge risk starting a business, you sacrifice so much,

Tell us a little about the team involved?

brought back really happy memories of us in college

like Richard Branson, Oprah Winfrey. And it’s

that will only be the beginning for Huggnote. It’s a

came about. A friend of mine was going through a

tough time and I so badly wanted to be there for her to

I admire those who not only forge their own paths

Losing people who were close to me has really

anything else I think this awareness is what’s led

me to be brave and take risks to chase my dreams.

My sister and co-founder Perry has a background

So success for me in a broader context is not about money or accolades – but knowing that at the end of

obsessed with music and complement each other

my days that I won’t have regrets.

perfectly; she’s a morning person, I’m a night owl etc.

So between the two of us we can work for 24 hours

What advice would you give to someone starting

on a start-up. We’re building our core team at the

Be sure that you are doing it for the right reasons;

straight, which comes in handy when you’re working

out?

moment and have wonderful support from Dogpatch

do you genuinely believe that what you’re building

Labs in Dublin where we hot-desk when we’re not

has real value? Because it’s that passionate belief that

in Limerick, as well as some excellent mentors and advisors.

will sustain you through the tough days. And to the What is the biggest challenge you've faced so far

How has the local startup community helped you on

women thinking about starting a company I would

The entire start-up journey has been a steep learning

Limerick’s Chapter of Start-Up Grind is an excellent

already know enough. Plus start doing yoga, it will

actually really getting behind local start-ups also, which

life!

free space for start-ups. Likewise AIB in Limerick

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

and how did you overcome it?

curve, and I think that’s true for any first-time

founder. I guess initially just knowing where to start

was a huge challenge. So we attended pre-accelerators at the NDRC in Dublin and the Rubicon Centre in

Cork, to immerse ourselves in the start-up ecosystem as quickly as possible.

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your journey?

say trust in your abilities and be confident that you

support to local start-ups. And the local banks are

keep you sane on the roller-coaster that is start-up

is great. The Workbench space at BoI is a fantastic have been great to us. And I can’t over-emphasise

the importance of peer-support – entrepreneurs here really support one another.

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Build i ng B RA N D s Strategy: Getting Under the Skin of Your Brand Last month we focused on brand audit, reviewing your brand to see how healthy it is. Taking the outcomes from that audit let’s focus on your strategy. In this issue we will cover a few key areas of your strategy; business ambition, vision, your brand objectives and brand promise.

Why are you here?

Brand Objectives

To ensure this and fulfil your promise all of your

purpose. Your Business Ambition is your mission, a

business Ambition and Vision statement and break it

but most importantly they need to be able to deliver

Your Business Ambition and Vision focus on your core statement around the purpose of your brand. It brings the essence of the brand into focus. Ask yourself why

do you exist? It should be clear from this statement

who you are, what you do and why you do it. It should

be simple and concise. For example, Google’s mission statement is to ‘organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful’. This tells us clearly and concisely who Google are, what they do and

why they do it. Another great example is Patagonia’s mission statement ‘to build the best product, cause

no unnecessary harm, use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crises’. Your

vision is the ultimate goal of your brand. It should be

What do you want your brand to achieve? Take your

down to measureable objectives. To determine your

brand objectives ask yourself the following questions: do you want to be the go to brand in your sector, how

many sales or new clients per year do you want to achieve, do you want to develop new products and services and how many, do you want your team to

grow, how many staff do you want working on your

team? Having identified your objectives take it a step further and break them down to short, medium and

long term objectives. Define what short, medium and

long term mean to you. To some five years is medium term while to others it could be 10.

captured in a single sentence or paragraph. It is more

Brand Promise

better everyday life for many people’ while Starbucks’

interacts with your brand. It should describe what

aspirational in language. IKEA’s vision is ‘to create a

is ‘to inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time’. Crafting these statements to ensure they communicate your

core purpose takes time. It may not happen in five minutes or even overnight so don’t rush the process.

This is what you say you will deliver to everyone who customers will expect from every single interaction

with your brand across all touchpoints, offline and online. Some tips for developing your brand promise

is to ensure it is clear, consistent, meaningful and measureable. For it to be meaningful you need to be

team must know and understand your brand promise

on it. Arrange training for your team and make it a regular occurrence. Making your brand promises

measureable will allow you to see if you are delivering

on the commitment you have made. For example, FedEx’s Brand Promise was ‘we will get your package to you by 10:30 am the next day’, while Virgin’s

promise is to be ‘genuine, fun, contemporary and

different in everything we do at a reasonable price’ - clear, consistent, meaningful and measureable brand promises. Defining your mission, vision, brand objective and promise ensures you have clarity on who

you are, what you do, how you do it and where you want to go as a brand. It should show how you stand out from the crowd, your point of difference from

your competitors. Having these in place will allow for the proof to follow. Next month we will discuss values and traits and just how significant they are to every decision you make about your brand.

Article by: Sandra Honan

able to deliver on your promise.

www.ThePuddingBrand.com

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Poetry interview Edward O'Dwyer Edward O’Dwyer is from Corbally, Limerick. He

Tell us about the new book - what themes does it

How open is Limerick to writers and creatives

You’ve previously stated that poetry has an

and anthologies throughout the world. His debut

book The Rain on Cruises Street?

Limerick is a great place to work and hobby as a writer

a broad audience, how do you ensure your poems

is widely published in esteemed poetry journals collection, The Rain on Cruise's Street (Salmon Poetry, 2014) was Highly Commended by the

Forward Prizes judges, and his work featured in The Forward Book of Poetry 2015. He was selected

in 2014 to represent Ireland at the Poesiefestival in Berlin for their European 'renshi' project. TLM spoke

to him about his latest book, Bad News, Good News,

Bad News, to be published by Salmon Poetry in April.

How did you get started in your writing?

deal with and how does it differ from your previous Bad News… is not directly political, but it does deal

indirectly with modern Irish politics and society. There

are a lot of victims in there. There are some hopeful moments and positivity, mixed with shades of anger.

My Best Friend Sammy is probably the most risky piece, it tends to go down well at readings but the

language is quite colourful. It’s about a 16 year old

teenager who is put in a coma after an attack by a group of people, so there’s a lot of anger in their from

pursuing a life and career in their passion?

– there are so many people working hard to promote writers and get them published and there is a great

sense of community in the arts here. Dominic Taylor and the Limerick Writers’ Centre are brilliant, they publish a lot of great work and the regular On the Nail

event is excellent. Stanzas are an incredible group of

people too, who are gaining deserved national interest and recognition.

his friend’s point of view.

Which poets do you admire most?

and like many people was trying to work out what

Bad News… is pretty different from The Rain on

admiration for, including those I’ve already named

nights that at the time were happening at the White

romantic feeling, while this one looks more broadly at

I started out in 2007; I had just finished my degree

my next step was. I started attending the poetry House bar. I really enjoyed what I heard and decided

I wanted to give it a go myself. So I started writing some poems of my own, many of which I now know were terrible but I felt they were good at the time!

But I got great support and advice from established poets through the White House. They have been and

remain essential to my writing career, people such as

Cruises Street – the latter dealt much more with

social issues and recent history in our country. It does have some commonality in being rooted in Limerick

– I am a Limerick writer and I am keen to present myself as such, not just a writer from Ireland – but

many of my poems and themes can be applied to anyone, anywhere.

Eileen Sheehan who launched my first book and John

Do you tend to put yourself in the shoes of different

Good News Bad News.

Yes I do try to step outside myself, though I write

W Sexton who will be helping to launch Bad News

characters in your writing?

from my own perspective too. It’s interesting to

There are many Irish poets that I have great who have been so supportive of my own work. My

accessibility problem and isn’t always written for speak to people?

That’s true, I have read a lot of poetry, and I have not enjoyed a lot of it. That word enjoy is important; it

doesn’t mean you can’t deal with dark themes and sad topics, it means that there has to be something

in there that connects with the reader. When writing my own poems I have to read it back and if I don’t

find it enjoyable, even if it’s technically good, it’s no good. Poetry has to have both elements, it has to be

technically good but it can’t just speak to the poets and appreciators of technical ability, it also needs to

reach out and speak to the reader in an emotional way.

favourite living poet is Stephen Dunne – he’s a huge

Edward O’Dwyer’s latest book, Bad News Good News

that my works reminded someone of his writing, plus

April at 7.30pm

influence and I once received the great compliment

other Irish poets like the late Dennis O’Driscoll and Kevin Higgins.

Plus I own so many books from Salmon Poetry, they

have published some excellent work with beautifully

Bad News launches at the Limerick Strand Hotel on 18th

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photography by: Naomi O'Neill

designed covers and I consider myself very fortunate

to be amongst them. When I was looking for a

publisher for my first book I went straight to them and no one else!

explore someone else’s differing view of the world.

And sometimes the writing isn’t a particular point of view it’s purely observational telling.

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Liter at ur e ÉIGSE Michael Hartnett Literary & Arts Festival

The festival will kick off on Thursday 6th of April, with

Mayor Kieran O’ Hanlon officially opening the festival

at Newcastle West library, followed by the presentation

of the Michael Hartnett poetry prize and Philomena Lee in conversation with Seamus Hennessey. Friday

will kick off at Marguerite’s with ‘Best Loved Poems

with Gabriel Fitzmaurice’, followed by ‘In Time and Silently’ at Desmond Complex. Other events running

throughout Friday in different locations around Newcastle West include Gaeilge Tamagotchi with

Manchán Mangan, Wandering words in Amazing Places and the opening of the Art Exhibition by

Micheál Rowsome. The last day of the festival will start off with the Michael Harnett Memorial Lecture

by Dermot Bolger at Limerick City and County

Council offices, followed by Wandering words and Dance with Michael Rowsome and Stanzas, Michael

Hartnett’s Newcastle West with Des Healy, Poetry

Slam and Timeless: a reading with Jennifer Johnston and Paddy Bush.

The ÉIGSE Michael Hartnett Literary & Arts Festival takes place this year from 6th – 8th April in Newcastle West, County Limerick. The annual festival honours Newcastle West native poet Michael Hartnett, both as man and poet, celebrating his life and the works he left for all to treasure.

Michael Hartnett was born in Croom, County Limerick in 1941 to Bridie and Denis Hartnett, and was one of

six children. By the time of his death in 1999 at the age of fifty-eight, he had created a body of work that holds great significance, including a dozen from The Gallery Press alone. His literary achievement involved shifting from

English to Irish, and a rich collection of translation from Irish, Spanish, Chinese, German and Latin. His poetry

expressed the essence of his people, like Bridget Halpin, John Kelly the Blacksmith and his son Sean, John Cussen, Des Healy and Ned O’ Dwyer and it is these poems that are examples of what makes him a truly great poet.

Last years line up of Eigse guests was an impressive one, with Jane Clark, Michael Coady, Rita Ann Higgins and

Donal Ryan in attendance, to name but a few. This year is no different with Philomena Lee, Jennifer Johnston, Dermot Bolger, Caitríona O’ Reilly, Stanzas Des Healy, Manchán Mangan, Bernard O’ Donoghue, Seamus

Henessey, Paddy Bushe, Micheál Rowsome, Mike Mac Domhnaill, Daisy Kearny and Mary Harty making part

This is a weekend not to miss and will be a chance for both young and old readers/writers to experience

some of Michael Hartnett’s Poems in a unique way.

The full programme for 2017’s festival and more

information on the festival can be found at www. eigsemichaelhartnett.com

“Oh my darlings, oh my dears, I have lived for fifty years;

And my hair is a river of tears – Oh my darlings, oh my dears.”

- Michael Hartnett

Article by: Amanda Flannery

of the lineup.

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Ev ent Hig hl i g h t Limerick's Lifelong Learning Festival All events throughout the week are free of charge,

The showcase will feature a series of interactive

Confidence in Digital Skills’, ‘Women on Wheels’

spanning across all areas of learning. These include a

available for everyone. Events include ‘Building and ‘Family Physical Activity in the Park’ to guided

tours and exhibitions and workshops like ‘800 years

of Fashion’, a workshop offered by the Hunt Museum and genealogy.

Learning Limerick joined the UNESCO Global

Learning Cities which will be held in Cork from 1820th of September.

Another innovative development for Learning

Limerick this year is the partnering with the All

Immaculate College Showcase.

Cllr Noel Gleeson said at the launch event: “The important event but this year it's even more special

following UNESCO granting Limerick a Learning City Award in January. The range of events taking

place means there is something for everyone to do over the week-long festival. I would encourage

anyone with an interest in learning to check out the festival and attend some of the events."

said: “We’re delighted to facilitate the launch of the

by the third level and further education and training

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Event around the city centre and ending at the Mary

This initiative involves a series of events being coof Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and

us all with an opportunity to learn something new from others and make positive changes in our lives, and the lives of those around us.”

Showcases, Community Drama and a Treasure Hunt

Margaret

run by the National Forum for the Enhancement

activity for everyone it’ll be hard to miss! The festival is all about promoting learning; whether it’s to do with art, IT, sports or science. Indeed the festival theme this year provides

Technology

Aboard 2017 National Festival 3rd – 7th April to

promote their Digital Skills events in Limerick.

Speaking at the launch event in March, the Chair of Learning Limerick, Josephine Cotter-Coughlan, said “this year’s festival promises to be one of the greatest – with an

science,

Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival is always a very

award at the third International Conference on

stakeholders involved in promoting learning across Limerick City and County, this year’s Festival theme is ‘Communities, Connecting, Learning’.

Playground

inspiration, know-how and best practice. They are 2017. Limerick will officially be conferred with this

The 2017 Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival takes place from Saturday 1st to Friday 7th April. Organised by Learning Limerick steering group, representing the main

Workshops,

Deputy Mayor of the City and County of Limerick,

among the 16 UNESCO Learning City Awardees

entertain and engage people of all ages, this year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet.

variety of subjects, such as Laughter Yoga, Genealogy

Network of Learning Cities last year, which is an

international policy-oriented network providing

For a seventh consecutive year, Limerick’s Lifelong Learning Festival makes an exciting return to the city and county over the first week of April. With over 250 events and activities to

events, activities, performances and workshops

(FET) colleges. This festival links very well with the Lifelong Learning Festival as All Aboard events

aim to build confidence in Ireland’s digital skills for learning.

To open the festival week, a showcase for all the

O’Shaughnessy, Director

of

Foynes

Flying Boat Museum, also speaking at the launch

Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival as museums are

a great environment for learning. We would like to wish everyone participating in this event the very best

as Life Long Learning is something we should all advocate.”

Photography by: Alan Place

family to enjoy will take place in Mary Immaculate

College on Saturday 1st April. The free event will offer a snapshot of what the festival programme will offer.

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S tudent P r o f i l e Reece Creed

If you weren't making YouTube videos, what do you think you would be doing in your spare time?

Probably writing music. Apart from YouTube that is my passion. Last year I came out with my first ever EP on SoundCloud called “The Starstruck EP”. I did it on a

complete whim and it got a great response. I just recently released my new single “LIT” with another Limerick musician called Sean Corcoran and that’s doing extremely well.

Hopefully throughout 2017 I can continue to write another few songs here and there.

What is your long-term goal for when you finish college?

Get my degree then probably do a masters in Journalism. I would love to try and get a job in some form of media whether it be TV, radio or print and obviously just continue to make videos.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully being a YouTuber full time, I think that’s the dream for any YouTuber. I’d Reece Creed is 19 and in his first year of a degree in New Media and English

in the University of Limerick. Two years ago, Reece decided to follow in the footsteps of some of his online idols and set up his own YouTube channel. Reece

now boasts about 6,000 followers between his YouTube channel and Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram accounts.

What first inspired you to create a YouTube channel?

I have always been a fan of YouTube so when I saw Youtubers like Shane

Dawson and Zoella making careers out of what they do I decided to make my

own channel. What also inspired me was the lack of Irish Youtubers out there, specifically in Limerick so I kind of wanted to show young people where I’m from not to be afraid to put yourself out there!

Did you face any difficulties when you first started uploading videos? If so, what were they?

Of course, I got a lot of hate when I started first. It was hard at first, there was

so many people getting to me that I wanted to quit but it’s other people, and my subscribers that inspired me to keep going. I’ve heard stories from so many

young people saying how I inspire them and it baffles me cause I’m only just making videos in my bedroom but that shows how the power of the internet I

also like to be married but I’m still working on that one!

Is there a quote that particularly inspires you?

“Aspire to Inspire” is my favourite quote. I always want to inspire my subscribers

through my videos to be their true selves no matter what people think. Life is too short to conform to what everybody else wants you to be.

Do you think that Irish social-media and video creators are starting to gain more international recognition or is it more of a community that stays close to home?

Mainly I think it stays mostly at home but there are exceptions to the rule. For example, The Saccone-Jolys a [vlogging] family from Ireland boast over 1 million followers so its not impossible for Irish Youtubers to make it big.

What's next for TheRealReeceCreed?

Hopefully just to make more videos and keep that subscriber count growing. My goal is to reach 5,000 by 2018. I also have a lot of appearances lined up for the next year which is mind blowing. I’m meeting a lot of my YouTube friends this year to collaborate with so 2017 is going to be very busy indeed.

Article by: Ali Molloy

guess.

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Literature Book Reviews 10 books to read this month

Every Every Thing by Nicola Yoon

Perfect Hardcover By Cecelia Ahern

Being a Dad Is Weird: Lessons in Fatherhood from My Family to Yours by Ben

theatres on 19th May. Every Every Thing features on a budding romance

here! Celestine North lives in a society that demands perfection, and after she was

Best known for his hilarious role as Air Marshall Jon in Bridesmaids, Ben Falcon

has declared the number one threat to the public, she has been on the run with

he lives a celebrity family lifestyle with his wife, actress Melissa McCarthy, and

Celestine must make a choice: save only herself, or risk her life to save all the

all equals.

Literally by Lucy Keating

The Dinner by Herman Koch

The Secrets of My Life By Caitlyn Jenner

Released on 11th April, Literally is a book that literally focuses on what it

to cinemas on 5th May. Set in Amsterdam, two couples meet at a restaurant for

has talked about it publicly, even going as far as starring in her own show as she

People are already buzzing about the movie adaption of this book set to hit

between the boy next door and a teenage girl, whose rare disease prevents her

from leaving the house. He challenges her to break free of her physical and mental boundaries and she realises that she wants to live a life worth living.

This April brings a round of new book releases to delve into, from YA books

The highly anticipated sequel to Cecelia’s bestselling YA debut Flawed is finally

Falcone

branded Flawed by a morality court, her life changed for the worst. Since she was

writes about his hilarious accounts of fatherhood and shares some advice. Although

the mysterious Carrick, the only person she can trust. With tensions building,

their two young daughters, Ben’s book proves that in the game of parenthood we’re

Flawed.

to apocalyptic books. It's time to take your reading outside as the days finally start to get longer and brighter. The People’s Park is the perfect spot to people and dog watch as you enjoy a new book. Happy reading!

Keating’s second book is looking to be as interesting and unique as her first, would be like to be inside a love story as it is written. An interesting concept, what would your life be like to be plotted out as a book? That is exactly what

Annabelle, the heroine in Keating’s new book will discover. But will she write her own ending?

Richard Gere and Laura Linney star in the film adaptation of The Dinner, coming dinner. They start with polite conversation and normal chitchat but a deeper issue

begs to be discussed. Each couple has teenage sons, who are together bonded by a dark act. Through the course of the dinner, tensions and friendships give way as each couple prove how far they will go to protect the people they love.

Caitlyn Jenner surprised the world when she came out as transgender in 2015. She navigates the transgender world for the first time. But this will be Caitlin’s first

book and a highly anticipated one as it will be interesting to see how she gained the strength to transform from Olympic Champion Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn.

American War By Omar El Akkad

One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline

The Pout-Pout Fish Far, Far From Home by Deborah Diesen

Defy the Stars by Claudia Gray

books this one will be perfect for you! Set in 2074 and centred on a second

seat from start to finish. Released on 11th April this book will show you that

Pout-Pout Fish is back with a new adventure. This time he has wandered far from

Vidal is 17 years old and has sworn to protect her planet, Genesis. She's considered

this book will make you question what would really happen to the world and

doors and everyone has a secret. When handsome stranger Chris Brennan

Omar’s debut novel is released on 4th April and if you’re into apocalyptic

A suburban crime story, One Perfect Lie will keep you on the edge of your

American Civil War, a devastating plague and a family caught in the middle,

although everyone is keeping up appearances, nothing is perfect behind closed

you and your family if the worst happened.

moves to town the residents think he’s the perfect neighbour, but like all of them he has something to hide. What does he really want in the suburbs and what is he willing to do to get it?

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This endearing children’s book is out on 4th April. New York Times Bestselling home and is worried everything won’t turn out right. But as always a positive

message will out and we learn that even if you’re travelling far from home, love is something that you can always take with you.

New York Times Bestseller Gray strikes again with this sci-fi YA novel. Noemi

a rebel to their enemies on Earth. Abel on the other hand is a machine who has been abandoned in space and begun to evolve. To the people of Genesis he is an abomination. The two are natural enemies who are forced to work together and while doing so begin to question everything they ever knew about the universe.

Article by: Sarah Talty

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Po et ry f r om stanz a s

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Self-Portrait (in an exam hall )

by Meabh Ann McCrossan Tugged-at eyes and stitched-together flesh atop a construction of bones

with marrow made of self-esteem

hung at right angles in a chair

Meabh Ann McCrossan

cloaked by curves

Meabh Ann McCrossan is a 20-year-old poet from

and hair

Review and she has been shortlisted in the Young

coloured what the

Ann writes poetry and fiction and really affectionate

"mahogany" at her

Writing in NUIG.

of anatomical mess

scissored lady called shoulders like

Galway. Her poetry has featured in The Galway CĂşirt Writer of the Year competition in 2013. Meabh texts to her friends. She is currently studying Creative

Stanzas takes place monthly in Hook & Ladder,

a forest fallen down -

Sarsfield Street. Stanzas aims to encourage and

onto her shoes

takes place on Friday the 21st, from 19:00 on, and the

the ground

have latched,

develop new and emerging writers. The April event theme is 'Stuck'.

she is solid -

To see your work in print email us poetry, prose or

tell her that.

gmail.com by 14th April. Stanzas is also proud to

images based on the theme to stanzas.limerick@ announce Solstice Sounds Volume iii is now open for submissions of Audio Files. Send Poetry, Spoken

Word & Experimental Music, no theme, by 30th April.

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Literature Stories from Limerick Writers' Centre

Would he have shivered at their creaking? Would they have called to

Author Bio

of that.

and has lived in Limerick since the age of seven. Always an enthusiastic reader,

him in his depressed state? I cannot tell. I wasn’t there. He made sure

It was three weeks later they found him, hanging there. My anger carried me through all that first year. I could not forgive him for leaving

us. Not then. His ashes I have saved until now. Until, at last, I could bring myself to forgive him. I know now that what he did he did to

spare me, even if that belief was deluded. The note I found when I was

the box I slide the lid open and I look at his ashes for the last time. I

have put this off for too long, reluctant to carry out his last request. It is time. Our tree will get its own anointing to honour the memory of

our life together. As I scatter you I weep. I stand a while, remembering.

Here where we made our pledge and where you now lie in your final resting place. Not that you will rest long, here where the breeze shifts and moves, just as your mood used to do.

I stand and listen, enveloped by silence. I have cast off the burden of

the past. Our old life is over now. I have waited too long, reluctant to

its own accent. I stop to rest, breathing hard and check to see if I am near.

I see our tree at last, the mountain ash or rowan tree. The place where he asked me to marry him. I loved the name he gave our tree back then, the quickenbeam. He gave me

the meaning, quickening being an increasing of the life force. The tree bore its red berries then to delight my eye, just as it does today. Two years later I knew what quickening

was for me when our first child began to move inside me for the first time. The breeze stirs through its leaves, setting them a-whispering, like the echo of a voice heard long ago.

He left me in winter almost four years ago, on a day I spent finishing my Christmas shopping. He walked away from the house, moving steadily, according to those who saw

him go. The wood was five miles away but no one saw him enter there. He carried his stick to beat away the dense undergrowth of briar and fern. Early on, I often imagined him swishing through the litter of skeletal leaves and pine needles. He always hated winter, that dead time of year. The large oaks would surely have seemed to loom in the rapidly gathering dusk, dark and fantastic on the shortest day of the year. Perhaps he thought their branches swaying overhead beckoned him.

Quealey. She is a member of the Limerick Writers' Centre fiction writing group.

Their 'On the Nail' Literary Gathering takes place the first Tuesday of every

the rucksack from my shoulders and stand, remembering. Removing

path narrows and rambles off in a random series of meanders, growing ever steeper. My hiking boots drum a regular rhythm along the path and the strike of my stick beats out

after attending community education classes in Creative Writing with Sheila

now, leaving only a dull ache.

together always, the red berries a joyous witness to our happiness. I ease

ground rising steadily, my rucksack heavy on my shoulders. An arc of sky sweeps overhead, the airy blue scarred by silvery stretch marks of thin cirrus. My steps slow as the

way for many years. She returned to writing in a more disciplined fashion

The Limerick Writers' Centre is a non profit organisation established to

There is only one thing left to do, here where we pledged we would be

I close the car boot and meet the eyes of my companion in the side mirror. I wave and turn away. We both know that this task is one I must undertake alone. I walk away, the

she started writing stories in primary school and wrote on and off in a desultory

sorting his things many months later made that clear. He wanted me to move on without him but I could not. But my anger has dissipated

The Quickenbeam

Claire Sadlier spent her early childhood in Mitchelstown and Lisdoonvarna

move on without you.

nurture and support writers, through readings, workshops and publishing. month. Details www.limerickwriterscentre.com

The Limerick Writers’ Centre Presents The April 2017 ‘On the Nail’ Literary Gathering

Tues 4th April at Shannon Rowing Club, Sarsfield Bridge, Limerick. Start 8pm

This month’s guests are writers Robyn Rowland and Martin Vernon.

Everyone is invited to take part in the open-mic after the main event, poets, storytellers, musicians and writers. Even if you don't write you are welcome to

bring something along to read. The night begins at 8.00pm and admission is free.

I look at the red berries of the quickenbeam, gleaming with red life. I

NOTE: The special authors’ book table will again be in operation, so if you

story now for our tree to tell. One I know you would have wished for

table. Contact Dominic Taylor on 0872996409 to make arrangements.

feel the pull of the magic the traditional tales tell us of. There is another me.

want your book, CD's etc publicised make sure you are represented on the

I reach for the red berries and enclose them in my hand. I make a wish, as you and I did, back then. You will be happy here, at the base of our magical tree

I turn and walk away, back down the winding path that led me here.

I don’t look back. My step is lighter now, glad that I have finally accomplished my task. I move purposefully forward, knowing my new

companion anxiously awaits my return. I stride forward into my new life.

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F IL M The Synergy of Horror and Heavy Metal

Blame the four boys from Birmingham

Soon more bands jumped onto the metal bandwagon.

Birmingham. Heavily industrialised, Birmingham

classic riff. Led Zeppelin would also soon make their

Tommy Iommi formed Black Sabbath in 1968's was a dark, dingy, and ugly place at the time, far

removed from the colourful 60s over in the US. Iommi himself worked a dead-end job in one of the

city's many factories. In his spare time, he played music in rock bands.

Boris Karloff, a staple of classic horror cinema. The boys from Birmingham introduced a darker, moodier sound that was in stark contrast with the psychedelic tunes of the contemporaneous musicians, and in a

collision course altogether with the spaced out spirit of the 60s.

(Francisco Goya's Saturn devouring his son is a prime example of the latter).

Heavy metal music, on the other hand, is a much

more recent affair. One can argue that metal music as such did not exist until the 1970s, and if one wants

to get even more technical about it, that heavy metal

inception came from the depths of Black Sabbath's dense guitar riff for the song Iron Man.

between horror and the-yet-unnamed-musical-genre

shift in terms of musical taste, and a brand new street

'thing,' you see. The term had been used as far back as

look to boot.

Heavy metal is loud, fast, and totally in your face, much like Jason Voorhees's machete, or Leatherface's

cattle mallet. The metal landscape is full of quick, savagely sharp riffs that pull no punches. It is therefore no surprise that the horror genre slowly opened its

creaky crypt doors to adopt heavy metal music as a

means to express its own visions - and vice-versa, of course.

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Black Sabbath pioneered the crossover swing

Metal -with Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Led

Zeppelin taking the lead - brought about a cultural

County.

infancy. And moreover, it was an almost exclusively

taken from a 1963 film of the same name, starring

beyond denial is that the New Wave of British Heavy

And it's all down to those four boys from the Black

music history, though they didn't know it yet. It would eponymous first album. Notably, the band's name was

be it in the written form, celluloid, or paintings

took off throughout the 70s, and particularly the 80s.

Six strings of hell: Two genres intertwined

be two years before Black Sabbath released their

This last point is up for debate, of course, but what's

debut. Judas Priest, a few years later. Heavy metal

He and three other boys from the city (Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne, and Bill Ward) got together to make

Horror has been around almost as long as art itself,

Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water featured another

they were heralding. Heavy metal music was not yet a 1962, in a novel called The Soft Machine, by William Burroughs. It did not have any musical connotation

though, and debate still rages as to who and when exactly used the 'heavy metal' moniker for the first

time to refer to Black Sabbath's incumbent sonic revolution.

Back in the 1970s, heavy metal as a genre was in its European movement. The United States had not yet

been widely exposed to this new sound hailing from the Old Continent. It wouldn't be until the 1980s that horror and metal music became inextricably linked.

We have come to associate certain movies with their

soundtracks to such an extent that we could not think of one without the other. Those alternating notes in Jaws (1975), the hauntingly beautiful tune in The

Exorcist (1973), and Ave Satanis from The Omen

(1976), are amongst the most recognisable in the history of cinema.

All these, and many more, were conceived in the

pre-metal era. But once those four humble boys

from Birmingham came into the picture, everything changed. Much like horror, metal music is an assault

on the senses. Its riffs and drum beats wrap around you with an electric coil, eliciting feelings and thrills not unlike a good horror movie. There is a lot of crossover

between genres, too, in terms of themes, imagery, and

more importantly, audiences. A lot of young people in the 14-25 bracket listen to heavy metal and watch

horror movies. It makes perfect commercial sense to

combine the two. The formula works, almost every time.

Kirk Hammett, Metallica's guitarist, is said to be an

Metal legacy

annual festival, Fear FestEvil. The gathering features

heyday back in the 80s and early 90s, only to be slowly

memorabilia, and even a horror-themed murder

traditional metal on a terminally downward spiral.

itself taken from a Ouija session, if the legends are

example, we think of aggression, fear, and burnt,

brushes with the horror world.

which incidentally, is said to have been inspired by

crypts, crosses, and many other such props, to his

in the background as Freddy dispatches one teenager

6: Freddy's Death (as Freddy's abusive stepfather, no

not, it is hard to deny that both have evolved together,

well documented. Back in 1987, American rock band

fun.

the closing credits of A Nightmare on Elm Street 3.

Article by: Fernando Sanchez

avid fan of the horror genre. He even has his own

Horror is here to stay. Metal music perhaps saw its

performance by fellow metal bands, horror-related

replaced by the grunge phenomenon, pushing sales of

mystery dinner event. Alice Cooper (the moniker

Nevertheless, when we think of Freddy Krueger for

to be believed), has had more than its fair share of

gloved hands with knives attached to it (a prop,

From the band's early on-stage antics, featuring

Wes Craven's cat). And we hear rock music playing

cameos in films such as A Nightmare of Elm Street

after another. Whether you are a fan of either genre or

less), Alice Cooper's cosy relationship with horror is

fusing gore with riffs in a melting pot of pure, atavistic

Dokken wrote Dream Warriors, a song played during

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F IL M

T h e lim eric k magazi ne

Richard Harris Internatio nal Film Festival News

TV: April 2017

It may seem unusual to be featuring one of Autumn’s key events in Limerick in April, but many people may not be aware of the work and collaborations that the Richard

Harris International Film Festival is responsible for both here and around the world throughout the year. Zeb Moore, founder and organiser, gave us a rundown of all that’s happening in Limerick film this year, including an exciting new focus on Women in Film in collaboration with Belltable.

Better Call Saul

Dear White People

Guerrilla

11th April for season three on Netflix. Season two

People” has been making plenty of waves across the

London who become involved in radical militancy,

Everyone's favourite lawyer returns to our screens on ended with his brother trying to prevent Jimmy from

practicing law and this time around, Jimmy may be

headed to the clink. Meanwhile, Mike has his sights

set on Salamanca while the most terrifying man to

sell fried chicken shows up. Yes, you read that right

– expect Gus Fring this season to amp up the drama, terror and chicken consumption.

Premiering on Netflix on 28th April, “Dear White pond and is sure to do the same on this side. Based on a 2014 crowdfunded film of the same name, this

satirical show is based in a predominantly white Ivy League college where a diverse group of friends

navigate discrimination in all of its forms. It has been hailed as controversial but it could well be a

perspective that needs to be heard by a large audience,

as its overriding theme is about bridging divides.

Guerrilla tells us the story of a couple in 1970s charting the activities of a Special Branch unit tasked with quashing black activism. This mini-series comes from the scribe that brought us “12 Years A Slave”, so high intensity drama is guaranteed and

with performances from Idris Elba and Freida Pinto, quality is most assuredly guaranteed. Check it out on Sky Atlantic on 16th April.

Clever and funny, this is the show that everyone will be talking about.

Gerry Stembridge and Fionnula Flanagan at 2016's RHIFF}

Newport Beach Film Festival April 2017

Cannes Film Festival Industry Party

Women in Film Screening - Cannes Homecoming

from RHIFF get automatic screening at Newport

Industry Event during the Cannes Film Festival.

proudly present a "Women In Film" night on 2nd

Doctor Who

Veep

Bill Nye Saves the World

by female Irish writers, directors and producers will

from 15th April on BBC1. This series will be Peter

as Selina Meyer, one of the funniest (fictional, at

Bill Nye the Science Guy as he investigates science's

Our continued collaboration sees the winning entry Beach Film festival which is attended by over 50,000 people each year.

Day Off, written by Peter McNamara, was the winning entry of this category in 2016.

Several other short films which screened at RHIFF

will also get their American Premiers at NBFF. Wait

by Audrey O'Reilly, starring Owen Roe, Deirdre by

Jo Southwell, Uisce Beatha/Water of Life by Elaine

Kennedy (winner of Best Overall Short at RHIFF

and The Chicago Irish International Film Festival) and Second to None by Vincent Gallagher.

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For the second year in 2017 RHIFF will hold an

In Association with Belltable Limerick RHIFF will

June 2017. A selection of award winning short films

The iconic time traveller is back on our screens

feature on the evening.

Capaldi's last and it seems that he won't be leaving

event is hosted. 2017 sees Irish film-makers travel to

October 26th - 30th (October Bank Holiday

and Nardole (Matt Lucas), he will be battling a

Industry party in Morrison's.

be feature screenings, short screening, cultural trail,

will take place over three episodes. The Daleks, the

continues to honour Richard Harris' interests in all

back so the Time Lord certainly has his work cut out

Suited and booted by Esquire Menswear in Limerick

a strong contingent of Limerick Film Makers travelled to Cannes in 2016. Limerick native Rob Ryan owns Morrison's Irish Bar in Cannes where the Cannes once again for screenings during the RHIFF

quietly. With his new companion Bill (Pearl Mackie)

Weekend) are the dates for #RHIFF2017. There will

mysterious new enemy called The Monks that

theatre, music events, poetry and more as the festival

Cybermen, the Ice Warriors and Missy will all be

aspects of culture.

for him. This season will be an absolute must-watch.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus returns for season six this month least) presidents ever seen on TV. Season five ended

with Selina losing her re-election and now that she's

no longer in the Oval Office, she has the time to volunteer for some important causes. Louis-Dreyfus

is on her usual top form and is accompanied by Anna Chlumsky and the hilarious Tony Hale. Tune in for genuine laugh-out-loud moments.

This new science based talk showed is helmed by

relationship with pop culture, politics and society.

Tackling topics such as alternative medicine, climate

change and sex, Nye will be assisted by a host of correspondents – supermodel Karlie Kloss, comedian

Nazeem Hussain, science YouTuber Derek Muller

and TV host Emily Calandrelli. There will also be appearances from Joel McHale, Zach Braff, Tim

Gunn and Steve Aoki. Tune into Netflix on 21st April and nourish those brain cells.

Article by: Sarah Lafferty

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

ERICK

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO LIM

N? T’S O WHkA ’s Event Highlights

Ne w Mu si c Releas es

Limeric

April 2017

Thurs 30th March - Sat 1st April EMBRZ – Somebody Else Remix

Sharon Shannon – The Machine feat. Alyra Rose

Jack Casey remixes and produces songs by musicians

not all Irish people and she has collaborated with some

EMBRZ is the persona under which Dublin-born

such as Ellie Goulding and writes his own music.

Since producing his first remix of Ellie Goulding’s ‘How Long Will I Love You?’, which has reached over 2 million plays, Jack has taken the music industry by storm, producing niche but incredible music. Jack’s

latest release is a remix of ‘Somebody Else’ by The 1975 and if you’re a fan of the band already you might have

thought that the song was perfect as it is but listening

to Jack’s remix really makes you hungry for summer.

Rather than changing the song completely, Jack’s take

simply enhances it. If you’re a fan of electronic music or are looking for something to spice up your playlist

April 2017

Sharon Shannon is a name that’s familiar to most if massive artists throughout her career like Mundy, Shane McGowan and Finbar Furey. The latest album called ‘Sacred Earth’ by Sharon was dropped on 17th

March, patriotically enough. The album as a whole is great but one track stands out among the rest and

is a slightly different vibe to what you would expect.

Although it sticks to the quintessential traditional Irish sound, the overall sound is one heavily influenced

by French folk music and the singer on the track, Alyra Rose even sings a bridge of the song in French,

a more dance-y vibe than we are typically used to hearing from Lorde, ‘Green Light’ has been released just in time to be put onto your summer playlist and

with new music due from her in the next weeks and

months, Lorde is sure to take the summer by storm.

We can’t wait to see what’s coming next from the edgy songbird and we’re so glad she’s back!

LIMERICK FRINGE

Kasabian – You’re in Love with a Psycho

is certainly underrated. The singer and violin player

catchy, well-written, strong songs and their new single

Her new single ‘292’, which dropped mid-March, was written by Joni after a breakup and details the ‘session gaff ’ she used to go to at number 292, North

Circular Road, Dublin and all of the amazing times

she had there with friends following her breakup before she eventually moved away from the area. The single, available on Spotify, also has two very different remixes to enjoy!

Throughout Limerick

Limerick City

Joni – 292

however, softens the harsh edges of music of this type.

FLEADH

BY THE FEALE 2017

have been waiting patiently for four long years! With

of original tracks dropping later this month!

grime music sound. Joni’s naturally soulful voice,

ÉIGSE MICHAEL HARTNETT 2017

Light’ has been received amazingly by her fans who

Fri 28th April - Mon 1st May

love of the organic instrument with a more electronic,

LIMERICK LIFELONG LEARNING FESTIVAL 2017

new music since 2013 but her new single ‘Green

on Soundcloud or Spotify. There’s even hints of an EP

career and now creates music which combines her

Thurs 27th April - Mon 1st May

The Australian songstress, Lorde has not had any

coming into summer, be sure to check EMBRZ out

from Bray was classically trained in her earlier musical

Thurs 6th - Sat 8th

Lorde – Green Light

complimenting the sound beautifully.

Joni may be an otherwise unknown artist but she

Sat 1st - Fri 7th

Fri 28th

Newcastle West Sun 30th

Abbeyfeale

Sun 30th

Kasabian have had a great track record with producing

is no different. Kasabian is one of the few bands left

whose music sounds completely organic, using guitars

as their main leading instrument and it is a refreshing change from band after band turning towards the route of electro-fying their sound to appeal to the younger generations. The vocals of this track are

smooth and contrast greatly with the angst-filled lyrics. The guitar, although a leading feature, is not

brash and in-your-face, contributing to an altogether sensuous and easy-listening track.

HOME OF THE MUNSTER MARATHON & HALF MARATHON CHAMPIONSHIPS

May

HERMITAGE GREEN

y Bank Holida Weekend

MARY BLACK

LIVE AT THE LIME TREE THEATRE

RIVERFEST Limerick City

limerick.ie/riverfest

Lime Tree Theatre

GREAT LIMERICK RUN 2017

LIVE AT THE CASTLE

Limerick City

King John’s Castle

Article by: Ali Molloy

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FOR FULL EVENT LISTINGS VISIT THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO LIMERICK

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F o llo w u s o nline f o r m o r e ev en t l i s t i n gs w w w.t h el i m er i c k m agaz i n e.c o m

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE EVENT GUIDE

THE BLIZZARDS

I, MALVOLIO

Monday 10th April @ 6.45pm

Saturday 15th April @ 8pm

Thursday 27th & Friday 28th April @ 7pm , 9am &

ODEON Cinema, Castletroy Shopping Centre,

Me and You – Exhibition by Ciaran O’Sullivan

Snow White and the Seven Short Stories

Thursday 30th March - Friday 28th April

Monday 1st April @ 2:30pm

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

EMBRACE - THE MOVIE

SCRUM FOR AXEL Tuesday 4th April @ 12pm - 2pm

Limerick Institute of Technology, Moylish Park,

Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

Castletroy, Limerick

IFI@BELLTABLE - THE SALESMAN Monday 10th April @ 8pm

Limerick

Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

Accelerate your business workshop

The Cove

THE M HOUSE

GET WEST LEARN TO KAYAK

Saturday 1st April @ 2pm - 6pm

Monday 1st April @ 8pm

Tuesday 4th & Wednesday 5th April @ 8pm &

Wednesday 12th April @ 6.30pm - 9pm

Castletroy Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick

Munster v Toulouse pre-match lunch Saturday 1st April @ 2pm

Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick

Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival 1st April – 7th April

Limerick City & County

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

CON AND ANNIE KIRBY MEMORIAL SEMI-FINALS

LUNCHTIME CONCERT - HELEN HOULIHAN, PETER SEBESTYEN AND PETER BARLEY

Sunday 2nd April

Wednesday 5th April @ 1.15pm

Limerick Greyhound Stadium, Dock Road, Limerick

Sunday 2nd April @ 10am - 4pm

Monday 1st April @ 8pm

Limerick

nerdfucker: a solo play with bad boundaries Monday 1st April @ 9:15pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Limerick

Milk

Market,

Cornmarket

St Mary's Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick City

ÉIGSE MICHAEL HARTNETT 2017

MUNSTERS BIGGEST RECORD & CD FAIR

Andrew Silverwood is “a Self-Absorbed Tw*t” Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

11.30am

Thursday 6th - Saturday 8th April 2017 Row,

FRONTLINE STAGE SCHOOL - ADARE & RAHEEN Sunday 2nd April @ 7pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

THE RESISTABLE RISE OF ARTURO UI Wednesday 12th - Friday 14th April @ 8pm Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA - NEW WORLD Thursday 13th April @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

TOM CREAN – ANTARCTIC EXPLORER

Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

Thursday 13th April @ 8pm

JIM WHITE PRESENTED BY SEODA SHOWS

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Thursday 6th April @ 9pm

Kasbah Social Club, 3-4 Dock Road, Limerick

THE NEW SPOTLIGHT SHOWBAND SHOW Friday 7th April @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

LA BOHEME Friday 14th April @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

MAD HATTER EASTER PARTY King John's Castle, King’s Island, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

Friday 28th April @ 8pm

Friday 21st April @ 8pm

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Chess The Musical 30th March – 1st April @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

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University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

IFI@BELLTABLE - MOONLIGHT Monday 3rd April @ 8pm

Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

American Orchestra & Limerick School of Music Concert Saturday 8th April @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Saturday 29th April @ 8pm

Castletroy, Limerick

Friday 21st April @ 8pm

APRIL RACE DAY

GREAT LIMERICK RUN 2017 Sunday 30th April 2017

Kasbah Social Club, 3-4 Dock Road, Limerick

Patrickswell

Monday 3rd April @ 7:30pm

Limerick Choral Union

CCCAHOOTS

Centre

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

Saturday 22nd April @ 2pm

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

All Spanxed Up! Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Friday 21st April @ 8pm

Saturday 15th April

The Stanford Prison Experiment

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Saturday 29th April @ 8pm

HAVE I NO MOUTH

Acis and Galatea

Monday 1st April @ 6:45pm

MARY BLACK LIVE AT THE LIME TREE THEATRE

THE AH SURE, LOOKIT TOUR WITH DERMOT & DAVE

Monday 3rd April @ 1.15pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

FLEADH BY THE FEALE 2017 Main Street, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick

Wednesday 19th April @ 8pm

Monday 1st April @ 8pm

Battle of the Poets

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Thursday 27th April - Monday 1st May

BEATLES: EIGHT DAYS A WEEK

VINTAGE MAD HATTERS EASTER AFTERNOON TEA PARTY

Friday 7th April @ 8pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Monday 17th April @ 7:30pm

Castletroy, Limerick

Pery Square, Limerick

Thursday 27th April @ 8pm

Some Like it Hot

PAULINE GOGGIN IN CONVERSATION Limerick City Gallery of Art, Carnegie Building,

Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

Mia Cooper, Katherine Hunka, Ioana Petcu-Colan and Helena Wood

Sunday 16th April @ 12pm - 4pm

Nothing Like Your Profile Picture Shannon Rowing Club

12.30pm

Limerick Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick City

Limerick

Racecourse,

Greenmount

Park,

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Limerick

MUNSTER RUGBY V ULSTER RUGBY

Lola’s Ball 2017

RIBBF Spring Classic Bodybuilding Fitness Championship

Saturday 15th April @ 3pm

Saturday 22nd April @ 7pm

Sunday 30th April @ 11am

Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick

Greenhills Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick

HANG ON

LEGEND OF LUKE KELLY

Saturday 15th April @ 7pm

Saturday 22nd April @ 8pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Belltable, 69 O'Connell Street, Limerick

69

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#t he l i me r i c k magazi ne @l i me r i c ko n li n e

Closing Time 1 0 Minute s With… M ayor K i e r a n O ' H an l o n

Work with Us to Promote Limerick

What is your favourite word?

'Yes!'

Favourite quote of all time?

'He has a casual relationship with the truth.'

What is the most recent book you have read?

Feearsome Flash Ficition. It’s a series of short stories by Limerick Students…A Thomond Community College/ JCSP ( Junior Cert SchoolProgramme) Library Outreach Project.

Are you superstitious/do you have any personal rituals for good luck?

No, none.

How would you sum up your life in six words?

Happy, Successful, Content, Service, Pride, Delight.

Describe your ideal weekend in Limerick?

With family in Kilkee (It’s Limerick in the summer.)

Favourite place to grab a bite?

Occupation: Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Councillor for Limerick City East, formerly worked in Wyeth in Askeaton.

Fun Fact about you: I play the accordion with Garryowen Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

What motivates you in the morning?

Seeing all the possibilities that Limerick can achieve.

Fords Chipper.

Favourite People?

My wife and family.

Happiness is…

Being content and thankful.

Article by: Amanda Flannery

What one thing do you never leave the house without?

My mobile phone.

Any hidden or lesser-known talents?

I’m a keen gardener.

As a child what did you want to be growing up?

I always wanted to be an electrician.

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