The Limerick Magazine February 2017 - #Issue16

free 2017 magazine i s s u e 1 6 February

ISSN - 2009-8650

Be Green, recycle

Featuring: Des Bishop Amanda Whittome Beoga Valentine's Hotspots Relationships and Mental Health

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Welcome

TO th e lime rick m aga z i ne 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 - 74 O’Connell Street Limerick - 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 - photography@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627 Graphic Designer - Paul Geaney Email - paul@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627 Advertising - Fusion Media Email - advertising@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627

TL M c o n tr ibu to r s : Sarah Talty Ali Molloy Laura Duhan Amanda Flannery Shauna Lindsay Mary Kiely Christine Costello Rebecca Egan Jane Butler O’Halloran

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.

Brain Sheehan Glenn Matthews Timothy Cummins Jason Kenny James Slattery Mark Lloyd Emma Hayes Sarah Lafferty Fernando Sanchez

P h o to g r a ph er s : Tarmo Tulit Eoghan Lyons Lizzie Doe Ste Murray COVER – Ste Murray

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TLM contributors E di t o r ’s N o t e We're back - our first issue of 2017! It seems strange to be talking about the New Year, as it feels so much has already taken place just one month in! We’ve seen some major political changes in the world start to take root, as well as the incredible and inspiring global action of the Women’s March. While 2016 ended in much doom mongering, there is still positivity in the air in 2017, the sense that we can be better and do better. I hope whatever your hopes and plans were for 2017 are still on track, but even if they aren’t don’t worry, you will still find your way! And since February is the month of Valentine’s, we’re sharing the love and looking to a positive future in Limerick and with those we care about the most.

K a y l ei gh Z i o l o

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K ay l e i g h Z io lo

Mi c h el l e C o st el l o

Mary Kiely

Shauna L i n dsay

pA UL g ea n ey

Ali Molloy

Laura Duh a n

Eo g h a n Lyo n s

Emma Hayes

Rebecca Ega n

A ma n da F l a n n ery

TA R M O TU LIT

si n tij a z or g e

Ch r is tin e Cos te llo

f er n a n d o s a n ch e z

J a n e Bu tle r

S a r a h Ta lty

S a r a h La ffe r ty

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W hy L im e r i ck i s th e Ci t y t o wat c h i n 20 1 7

Limerick has come a long way in a short space of time. It needs saying often in order for us to appreciate that. Not so long ago we had to get on the defensive and fight that

‘bad reputation’. Now the conversation is finally moving forward. Today, national and even international media are discussing the city as a serious contender for international investment, and the potential to become Ireland’s second city, not to mention the hard work of the arts and cultural community coming to fruition with City of Culture 2014 and

a closely run contest for European City of Culture 2020. Limerick has built the foundations of a reputation to be proud of. Now, facing into a new year, Limerick is a fantastic, thriving city alive with culture on the brink of something extraordinary.

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The effort that has been put into Limerick in recent

The dedication to Limerick’s cultural endeavours is

The Great Limerick Run is also something that is

Refurbishments on run down buildings around the

is the engagement of the people. With events and

future for Limerick. Every year the event gets bigger

years by its people are starting to reap results. city have made a vast improvement, taking away the unloved look that Limerick had going on for many

years. And with plans for further refurbishments set for this year and years to come, things can only get

better. It feels like action really is starting to catch up with the talk – just last month we saw the Opera

Centre and Hanging Gardens projects, two major inner city developments, take a big step forward

with a contractor appointed to start the works. Both buildings have been empty for many years and over

time have become something of an eyesore. However, both projects are a very exciting prospect for the city

both economically and otherwise, hopefully set to attract a lot of footfall to the city from surrounding

areas. This improvement to the city is sure to put Limerick on the same level as its counterparts of Galway, Cork and Dublin.

The fact that the government has started taking

more of an interest in the city will really stand to us going forward, but long before now the people of Limerick have been putting their efforts into the city

blatant and, perhaps, the most important part of this ongoing projects being organised in the last year such as the relaunch of the renowned Belltable being one of

the highlights, there is so much to attract people from all around the city and county to join in the celebration

of the arts. The culture of Limerick was, for many

years, an aspect of the city that felt disconnected, as if we had lost touch with our amazing potential and achievements. Nonetheless, Limerick’s culture has

and vibrant buzz to be felt whether you are shopping for the day, going for something to eat or even just commuting to work. Across the city there are things

to do and see that, as the third largest city in Ireland, Limerick was desperately in need of for many years

in comparison to cities such as Cork and Galway.

Even just the simple addition of the Urban Garden

on lower O’Connell Street has added such a pop of colour and has become a stand-out part of the

city, including some fantastic foodie spots such as a

Limerick overall and sets up the foundation towards

a future of health and well-being as being the norm.

Limerick is on the right track in 2017 to changing

this mentality, something that is, indeed, very exciting.

from there, making improvements and slowly but

that, celebrating the life and works of a great Limerick man who left a legacy behind him. The festival will celebrate its fifth year running later this year and is a superb and glamorous testament to Limerick and its

cultural accomplishments to date. In addition to this, the building of Troy Studios on the outskirts of the city is a fantastic and exciting extension to the City of

Culture and is something to keep your eye on and is

for Limerick in every aspect and is sure to continue surely allowing Limerick to show itself to the rest of the country at its full potential, shaking off the tired

old stereotype of the past for good and making way for the future.

Article by: Ali Molloy

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

bound to produce a fantastic array of productions that Limerick can proudly put its stamp on.

each passing year and is sure to become an even

Limerick has totally changed with an altogether rich

of these things will combine to create a healthier

Richard Harris Film Festival is a perfect example of

creating an inclusive and diverse environment. The

organised throughout the calendar year.

experience than 10 or even 5 years ago. The vibe of

gaining more participants each time around. All

Overall, 2017 is set to be the start of a whole new era

The promotion of healthy living and clean eating is

Walking around the city today is a very different

and bigger, gathering more attention as it goes and

truly become the backbone of the city in recent years,

themselves. That community spirit of is slowly but

surely being built back up with family-oriented events

adding a great sense of inclusion towards a healthier

something that continues to grow in the city with bigger aspect of the city in the future. The opening of restaurants putting out such a message is something that is both equally exciting and admirable. More effort is being put into providing the people of

Limerick with diverse, healthier food options at

an affordable and delicious level. Aroi Asian Street food is, quite possibly, one of the best restaurants in

Limerick to provide you with fantastic quality and

delicious food that has all the feel of being fast food, allowing you to enjoy a nutritious meal without even

thinking twice. Of course, there is also The Grove that

has been a long-standing testament to healthy eating, having been in Limerick for almost 30 years.

Mexican food stall.

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in t e rv ie w : D e s B i s h o p Laughter is the best cure, and Des Bishop has helped cure my friends and I from some pity parades in the past (and indirectly created some of the best rapping as Gaeilge that Cruises Street ever heard at 3am of a Tuesday night, but that’s another story). So I was chuffed to nab a few minutes with the man himself…

Give us a bit of a rundown of your life in comedy

My friends’ kids can watch it and share family

Your passion for language has always struck a

Oh wow, that’s a book! I started 20 years ago! I

obviously we can’t do with a lot of other things I do.

looking at In the Name of the Fada. How did your

- has it changed much from when you first started?

guess I fell into it semi accidentally. I was in a drama group at college and a friend of mine was involved

with a comedy group. We went and supported him

and he sort of nudged me in to it. My father too had always said I was good at comedy but I had never

moments and they talk to me about it, which

People talk to me on the street about it, it is like a shared public or family experience, like the show I

made about my Dad; people are keen to discuss it, which is nice. People just love these dancing shows!

really considered it as a serious thing, it was a semi-

How often have you performed in Limerick and

planning mode or anything, I was just in college. Then

Irish audiences are great. They’re the best, they fill a

conscious awareness. I was only 21 so I wasn’t even in a few years on and I was knee deep in comedy.

What about 2016? What were your highlights?

I did my first studio television show, This Is Ireland: it was fun and great, but very difficult to do political comedy. I also established myself in the New York

comedy circuit, which is fresh and different. You can

talk about whatever you like, so having that control is great. I was back in Ireland before the election all

really took off with Trump. But I just did shows and made people laugh- there was nothing hanging in the air, I was just doing what we do.

How has your experience with Dancing with the Stars been?

does the audience differ to other Irish audiences?

room with this amazing atmosphere, even American

comedians say they’re great. Comedians live off the atmosphere that the audience feeds. The only difference is that the UCH is one of my bigger venues

to perform in in Ireland. I’ve played in Limerick before

alright, in the UCH, in Dolans too. The size of venues brings its own energy. You have a bit of fun about it being Limerick, people appreciate local knowledge-

nice things about it.

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the language. The idea came to me about the TV

show and we did it, it was much more than I ever anticipated it to be. It was deeper than I imagined, it

became about identity, culture and had a much more inspiring result than what I could have imagined. The

Connemara culture is different to the culture of the

rest of the country, so the experience and the show was more meaningful than I thought it would be, but

I didn’t know that was going to happen. The curiosity

was what turned into a journey of television, which

turned into a journey that was much greater than I expected.

Well I have this national tour happening, so that’s

lost that way, so I don’t plan them. Local stories for a

local audience are great, but the show is a stand-alone as it is so it still works.

languages?

there is pressure that way but there are some really

sat out of Irish classes, but I was curious about

they are organic rather than rehearsed, the joke can be

a place I prefer if they just happen, it is better when

new dances. I love the dancing and performing, it is there isn’t a lot of pressure. I want to perform well so

I moved to Ireland for boarding school and always

Bhain mé an-sult as an gclár ag an am anyway! What

You have done comedy in Irish and Mandarin, how

a fun show to do. It wasn’t a career move or anything;

passion for Irish come about?

but that’s universal really. If I’m making jokes about

It is has been fun, I’m having the time of my life! I

want to do well at it and it has been super learning

chord with me since fascinated evenings were spent

do you go about prepping for shows in different I write the jokes in that language, I don’t translate. I’m

aware of the limitations of my language skills, I have to pick a style that fits my skills: mainly story telling about my time in China so that a.) they know what I am talking about and b.), it makes sense.

do you have planned for 2017 and beyond?

always fun. It’s about growing old so it affects us all

at some point! I’ll be back in the UCH actually on February 11th, I’m looking forward to that and I’ll be

back in The States later in the year but after that, who knows?! I’ll have to see myself !

Article by: Rebecca Egan

Photography by: Ste Murray

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

DJ Prof il e : M a x i J a z z

Some time later, Maxi met Rollo Armstrong in a studio, and together they went on to form Faithless along with Jamie Catto and Sister Bliss. They went

on to record six studio albums, selling 15 million records worldwide. The band broke up in 2011, but

reunited in 2015 to celebrate the 20th anniversary on the band’s formation.

After the split of Faithless, Maxi decided to take a

year off, and it was during this time while living with his mother in Jamaica that he started to make guitar

music. This then lead to the setting up of The E-Type

boys. After spending over twenty years touring the globe as an electronic wizard, Maxi changes direction setting up this guitar band, playing funky blues guitar music.

Maxi Jazz is coming to The Library, Limerick, bringing with him his vast vinyl collection. His music

set is based on party music over the past thirty years, stemming from the era of soul weekenders, local 2017 is off to a great start so far, with many popular musicians and comedians coming to Limerick, and to make

things even more exciting DJ Maxi Jazz was confirmed to perform a set in the city last month. The dance music pioneer will be coming to The Library on February 3rd, with tickets for the gig sold out at quick speed. Phase two tickets are now available at the time of writing, but don’t dilly-dally…

Maxi Jazz is one third of the legendary Faithless who are known the world over for their timeless tracks such as Insomnia, God is a DJ and We Come 1 to name but a few. The iconic DJ from Brixton, London, began his career

on pirate radio station Reach FM in the capital in the 1980’s. In the late 80s his band The Soul Food Café were

picked up by Tam Tam records, and in 1992 Maxi set up his own record label calling it Namu Records. Through the

early to mid nineties Maxi Jazz and the Soul Food Café toured in different parts of the World and released albums, but the band soon dissolved and Maxi went off to tour Europe, collaborating with different artists along the way.

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sound system crews and pirate radio. So make sure

to get your tickets for this not-to-be-missed DJ set

on February 3rd that promises reggae, funk, soul, and

hip-hop. For more information visit The Library’s Facebook page or to buy tickets go to www.ticketweb. ie

Article by: Amanda Flannery

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

How w e m e t Three Limerick couples share their stories of how love struck them when they least expected…

Ciara and Shane

Kate and TJ

Dean and Sintija

heartbroken. On my last night in San Francisco my

a friend and I had given up on a somewhat fruitless

working out, straight away we caught each other’s

I spent some time in the US after leaving Ireland best friend tried to convince me to go to a rave. So

I went, only to get talking to some Irish boys, one in particular I had my eye on. He and I chatted briefly but that's about it. We all exchanged information with each other and the night came to an end. Two days

later I'm in LA and I get a message saying the boys

are there too. So obviously I'm like 'this is crazy, what are the chances, let’s meet up'. We head out and have

a great time. Again, Shane and I are talking, having a

laugh, nothing flirty… but I liked him. And I had a feeling he liked me.

The next day we're all at the beach and talking about

when we go home. The two boys say their flight is

later that evening. Turns out whatever way Shane

booked his flights, he's staying one more night. Well, if that isn't Jesus telling me something I don't know

what is. He and I decide to head out that night, alone.

And my god we had some laugh, we totally clicked. It was the best night of my life.

The next day we head to the beach waiting for his flight. It was sad to say goodbye. He Facetimed me every day while I was there for a month longer.

We met when we were both living in London. After search for a flat to rent, we headed for lunch, which

inevitably led to a bit of an afternoon drinking

session, which led us in search of music. What we

found was a typical old London Irish pub full of older Irish gents (not a woman in sight!). At that point we

had failed to spot some younger men down at the back. We marched down to the end of the bar when all of a sudden two stools came flying across the floor

for us to sit on – the fellas responsible didn’t even look

in our direction so it was up to us to start talking to them! The one I had my eye on wouldn’t talk to me

at first. I very nearly gave up until he finally asked

We met in the gym where I was working and he was eye… love at first sight! We started chatting during

my working hours and his working-out time we knew straight away we had that chemistry like no-one else but neither of us had guts to admit it first. I thought I was flirting as much as I could to get his interest

meanwhile Dean was thinking I was just nice and friendly and that I wouldn’t be interested. It took time

and lot of flirting and chatting and time was nearly running out for all of it as I decided to leave my job for another opportunity, so for Dean it was now or never.

me where I was from, proceeded to mock my accent

I invited Dean to my last Spin class. He did come

was sharing a room above the pub we were in. He

nearly die, but finally they both realised that we both

and then dragged me up to dance! I found out he loved the excitement of London life, as did I, but he

eventually wanted to go home to the cottage he had so

along even though it was after a party and yes he did felt the same about each other.

many plans for before the work dried up so abruptly. I

On our second date we made a list of 100 things to

ago, we now live back in his cottage in rural Limerick

up as animals, skydiving, traveling, swimming with

said that maybe one day he would. That was six years with our daughter, and he still occasionally mocks my accent.

do in one year - things like going to the zoo dressed

sharks, pranking each other, doing something for charity. We would surprise each other with little notes or lunches or flowers - little things are that matter

and doing exciting things are moments that we will all remember.

Like every relationship there are ups and downs but

we love each other unconditionally and are ready to spend their lives together forever. No matter what don’t ever settle for someone who doesn’t make your

heart beat faster and excites you every day just by being with them.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

musi c : B e oga

Irish folk band, Beoga was formed in 2002 after the original four members had a jamming session at the All-Ireland Fleadh. Though based in Co. Antrim, the band was completed when Limerick native and one of Ireland’s premier young talents, Niamh Dunne, joined the set in 2005. Since then, the band has firmly established the foundation of their sound as being traditionally Irish. However, Beoga are not ones to shy away from incorporating motifs and styles of other genres into their music, creating an altogether

unique and innovative sound. Airs of bluesy riffs and New Orleans jamboree vibes along with a plethora of other styles can be heard in a good number of their tracks, while still maintaining the traditional Irish form.

Living up to their name – Beoga being Gaelic for ‘lively’ – The Wall Street Journal has described them as being “the most exciting traditional band to emerge from Ireland this

century.” Since their first album, Beoga has continued their rise to global recognition, being listed in many notable publications such as Hot Press Magazine and The Boston Globe. The band has even been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. Along with their well-well deserved recognition on a worldwide scale, Beoga continue to add to their impressive list of venues, performing in Australia, the US, Austria and Germany to name but a few.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

With all this success under their belt, it’s no surprise

The partnering of Ed and Beoga’s music was put

album, they have announced the collaboration with

up in a studio, Niamh, Eamon, Sean Og, Damian

that, coming up to the release of their fifth studio superstar Ed Sheeran. Sheeran recently disclosed that

the band lived and jammed with him whist working

on his upcoming album, ‘Divide’. Speaking on BBC Radio 1, the global star announced “They’re called Beoga… when I was hanging out with these guys I

realised… folk music is in all of us.” Sheeran expressed his excitement at the collaboration, admitting “I’ve

always wanted to do this but I’ve never really known a really good folk band… It’s amazing having musicians

together in a rather unusual way. Instead of setting and Liam travelled to Suffolk to stay with Ed and two record two tracks. One song is about Galway and

the other about Wexford, where Ed has strong roots himself. “We went over and the weather was gorgeous and we just had a great time” said Niamh. “We had

a few beers and it was just very relaxed… it was just like getting to know a fellow musician really. He was great craic.”

of that calibre living in your house” and adds “They’re

Sheeran is already well-known for his love of Irish trad

and sit round and drink Bushmills whiskey, and

being Irish, it is, of course, a great honour for Beoga to

always playing music and always want to have a jam fiddle… they’re really good.”

Niamh Dunne plays the fiddle in Beoga and is also

the main vocalist. Speaking about the collaboration, she says “we did two songs with Ed…we jammed on one song and we co-wrote another which was amazing. The whole thing came naturally. I’d say the

songs could be described as folky.” According to the band, the collaboration came about quite organically

and folk music and with his paternal grandparents

be included on his new album. “We just feel massively privileged to have a break like this. We’ve always

made a living from music so who knows where this

will take us.” said frontman Eamon. However, Ed himself has no doubt that the tracks will be received really gonna explode… It would be something to do with the county Galway.”

It looks to be onward and upward from here for Beoga

Eamon Murray, says “our pal and fellow Northerner,

sure to be just as well received as its predecessors. For

Foy Vance is on Ed Sheeran’s record and they’d been

listening to a couple of tracks on tour. When it came to making a new album, Ed himself reached out and asked us to get involved, and we said ‘aye’!”

Photography by: Lizzie Doe

very well in Ireland. “[One song on the album] is

with both sets of artists sitting down and just playing

what came naturally to them. Beoga’s bodhran player,

Article by: Ali Molloy

who released their 5th studio album in 2016 and is

this album, recording was done in live takes where possible, resulting in a fresh sound that almost seems like it comes naturally, without thought. Niamh

Dunne revealed “after playing together for 13 years, we tried a new creative process this time and it worked

great… we’re delighted with the whole album”. Be

sure to keep your ears open for the work Beoga have

done on Ed Sheeran’s new album ‘Divide’ which is on pre-sale now. This is no doubt the start of something

special for Beoga who have already done so much amazing work to be proud of.

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Musi c : Steamboat Music Diary Music is such an important part of this city’s history

Charitable gigging!

The latest at Steamboat

an integral part of its future. That’s why TLM have

Gig for Ghana

the final touches to our new store on Steamboat

and with the talent coming from it we believe it to be teamed up with awesome local music ambassadors Steamboat Music & Records.

The Limerick Magazine and Steamboat Music/ Records both place a lot of emphasis on promoting

music and culture. We came together over a common purpose. Every issue, Steamboat’s Mark Carey of

Steamboat Music will be shining some light on the

Limerick music scene, highlighting those deserving of recognition but who may not yet have got the spotlight they should have. We’ll try our best to be

an extra catalyst for the already rapidly expanding Limerick music scene!

Feb 9th Strand Hotel 8pm Denis Ryan of Ryan’s Fancy performs his first concert in quite some time. He’s joined by a host of

talent, including Denis Allen, Louise and Norman

Morrissey, Nile St. James and Denis Carey (my dad… free plug…cough)

Presented by the UL Hospitals Group, Ghana

Medical help and the Peter Dee Academy of Music helping raise money for medical training in rural areas of Ghana.

David Bowie Tribute

Feb 10th Dolan’s Warehouse 9pm Easily one of my favourite events of last year. They’re

back again raising money for two worthy causes.

Featuring some of Limerick’s top acts including

Parliament Square, Fall Dogs, Shardbourne and The Alvin Purple Experience. This will be well worth the night out.

We’ve pretty much spent January putting some of

Quay, and there are some really cool improvements happening. We’re working away on our preparation for Chic drummer Ralph Rolle who is visiting us

on February 19th at 4pm for a drum clinic, tickets

available now. He’s played with the likes of Sting, Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. When we opened

the upstairs acoustic room, we had it all acoustically

treated with the help of sound engineer Dave O’Brien, the room sounds perfect, and we can’t wait to bring

in some other great artists and make these events a regular occurrence.

We are putting a call out to any musicians and singers!

If you have anything coming up, gigs, releases or if there

is something else Steamboat can do to help, please get in touch.

Til next time, Peace, Love, Music, from all at Steamboat.

Article by: Mark Carey

Limerick Standing Up: In Aid of Pieta House March 11th Dolan’s Warehouse 8pm

5 amazing Limerick acts, Anna’s Anchor, Emma

Langford, A Weekend Away, Protobaby and Men of Twenty. I’d go to any of these acts if they were playing on their own, so for €10, it’s serious value for money and again, a great cause.

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Steamboat Music Unit 4 Steamboat Quay

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

A r t is t Pr o f i l e : Barbara Hartigan

Based in Castleconnell, Barbara Hartigan has

“It’s something that I absolutely love doing. It’s a very

landscapes, figurative, still life and portraiture. In

and looseness to the artwork. I like something that

mastered watercolours, monochrome and pastel, December she launched her first book, “Putting

Names on Faces: Confessions of a Portrait Painting

Stalker,” a series of signed portraits of famous people,

exciting technique that creates incredible movement captures the moment, that’s why this style works for me.”

ranging from Gay Byrne and John B. Keane to Bill

The highlight of Barbara’s career has been the

about life as an artist, experimenting with styles and

book is a collection of portraits that she has painted

Clinton and Willie Nelson. We spoke to Barbara chasing autographs.

Barbara’s interest in art began at a very young age: “As

an only child, you have to find ways to amuse yourself

on a daily basis. I loved to draw, paint and create

things. I have never actually bought Christmas card, instead I always made them, and now that I am 70, nothing has changed!” Creativity is in her genes. “My

mother was very artistic and she had secured a place in the Royal Academy in London, but due to family

circumstances, she was unble to take up the position.

My Mum’s interest in the arts always encouraged me.”

Barbara says her artistic style is always evolving. “I

enjoy experimenting and I am constantly trying out different mediums and techniques. I remember when

I attended the Limerick School of Art and Design in Mulgrave Street many, many years ago, they always said “You should develop a style and stick to it.” I

personally don’t agree with that, I think it’s nice to experiment and to branch out. Some things work, some

things don’t, but everything is a learning experience.

I’m very much influenced by my surroundings and it’s amazing how simple things can spark off ideas. I

publication of her book, Putting Names on Faces. The over 35 years. She began writing the memoirs with

well known Limerick journalist, Dermot Walsh.

However, sadly Dermot passed away and then due

to the recession a book publishing deal fell through, leaving her without much hope for the book to be completed. Little did she know that on the lead up to

her 70th birthday she was to be given a great surprise: Barbara’s four children worked behind the scenes

and completed the book. Using their own skills from photography to graphic design, they found a selfpublishing company in America who facilitated this

dream to become a reality. With such a diverse range

of faces, how does she choose who to paint? “People

I admire, people with interesting faces. People who might be coming to Ireland, that I feel that I could

make a contact with them, but mainly I’m influenced by people I admire and people who have given me

pleasure and joy over the years. I keep an eye out on who is performing locally or nationally and who

would be accessible to me - sometimes I write to

them, and I ask their permission, perhaps they have

a particular photograph they like and sometimes they supply the images for me.

think to myself ‘how can I interpret that?’ – that to me

When all is done, I generally go to the concert or to

oil technique, CreArtigan, which involves building up

requesting them to sign it and if they don’t like it,

is truly being creative.” She has even created her own many transparent layers of colour and removing them.

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the venue and I send the portrait back with a note then they can just tear it up.

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Sometimes the security is the biggest issue, particularly

the Americans as their security can be very tight, but it’s always worth a shot! It doesn’t cost them anything

and most people are flattered that you’ve taken the trouble to do something. I have loads of great

adventures, all of which feature in the book. Some of the stories are unbelievable, you couldn’t make them

up!” Barbara speaks frankly of the struggles artists face: “It’s not easy making a living as an artist, there are a lot of hurdles one has to overcome and it can be very, very soul-destroying. Even when you get rejected from an exhibition sometimes it’s hard to pick yourself

up, but if you believe in yourself and if you keep going

then that’s what it takes. It doesn’t come easily, it’s not a rite of passage that you will succeed, it’s hard work

and you need to take on board criticism, listen to the public, listen to what they like, look at what you like

yourself and be strong enough to stick with your own ideas.” And her advice to aspiring artists? “One of the

things I would advise them is to do is to learn a little bit about how to represent themselves, as well as to develop their own thoughts, initiatives and to learn

the techniques properly. I would say be professional; get a business card and present your work properly.”

Barbara Hartigan’s book, “Putting Names on Faces: Confessions of a Portrait Painting Stalker” is available now from O’Mahoneys bookstores and online at Amazon.com

Article by: Laura Duhan

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

T heat r e : H O L L I E O’ D o n o gh ue

Limerick actor Hollie O’Donoghue has recently taken

How do deal with the knockbacks, what spurs you

What is it like being part of such a massive show?

London. The West End production of the famous

For me personally it’s the setbacks that have made me,

due to contracts ending, we’ve had a lot of rehearsals.

on the iconic character of Eponine in Les Miserables, musical is the longest running in the world and its

popularity shows no sign of waning. Between a busy

schedule of shows and rehearsals, Hollie was kind enough to talk to TLM about her once in a lifetime role.

How did it feel when you found out you got the part of Eponine?

The character is so iconic – in fact Les Mis and

Eponine are the reason I ever got into musical theatre,

on?

I get more motivation and more determined to get to

where I want to go with every knock. Rejections are part and parcel of the industry so you have to pick

yourself up and it’s important to look at the rejections and learn from them what you can do better or

differently. I first auditioned for Les Mis after I left acting school and didn’t get it, it was devastating at

the time but you have to keep at it and thankfully here I am.

it’s what inspired me and I always wanted to play her.

How do you find living in London, do you get

quite believe it is happening!

I do miss home, it’s a very different way of life, it’s

It’s a dream come true now that I finally am – I can’t

You began your acting career in Limerick – how does it feel to look back? How much work went into getting to this point?

I started off in Limerick, first training at Centre Stage

and also being involved in Cecilians and the Limerick

Music Society. Once it came to my Leaving Cert while all my friends were applying to college I decided to take a year out, which was pretty much unheard

of at the time, with the usual focus on getting your higher education and going to work afterwards. I took

a full time job to pay my way through acting school, and moved to London to train at The London School of Musical Theatre.

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homesick?

so busy and when you’re here you just get caught up.

When I come home I notice it more – the relentless

pace, there’s no space between, you go to work and

there’s no quiet 10 minute drive taking you away from the bustle, you’re on a packed Tube surrounded

by people. It can be a pretty overwhelming and lonely

life in London, but having studied and worked here for a long time I have a good circle of friends, which really helps. It’s exciting and I enjoy it.

This year, as there have been some changes to the cast People think that because you do evening shows you

have the days off but it’s not like that, there’s lots of rehearsal and preparation in between and with the schedule we only get one full day off. And that day is

usually to rest and recover, so it would be nice to have another day to do something not Les Mis related!

But I am certainly not complaining! It’s an amazing production to be part of.

Where do you hope your career will take you next?

I just want to keep growing and broadening experience

as an actor. I don’t know how long I’m going to be here [with Les Miserables] so I’m just grateful and

enjoying that at the moment - as long as I can keep working that is an achievement in itself.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

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OPIN ION: On l i n e Dati n g i n Lim e r ic k

I have been participating in the weird and wonderful

in the closet can be hard on the other side too - I don’t

cautious but if they can’t send a selfie- then chances

I would like to acknowledge. If you don’t use online

to be able to hold your hand in public, kiss you when

either. Spare yourself the heartache and move on and

insight into this unique world (and hopefully not put

anybody we know about first. I also want to be able to

if you recognise any of the following - and double

a celebrity avoiding the paparazzi.

world of online dating sites on and off for longer than

want to be introduced to people as a friend. I want

dating sites then I hope this post will give you an

the mood strikes can and not have to check if there’s

you off ). For those that do date online you get points

go out and not have to avoid people with cameras like

points if you recognise yourself !

Naughty bit profile picture-types

Toy Boys

Kudos to you for your bravery/ foolishness (depending

generally a picture of them and all their mates on the

the goods to any potential hook ups. But let’s get real

baby-faced drunkard you’re “talking” to. I use the term

don’t need to waste your time (or mine) with filler

generally impossible to decipher. Toy boy language is

you are and that you like long walks on the beach or

you or mii to mean my. Usually the toy boy is looking

Detailing your kinks is fair enough but your dreams

relationship of any kind. I have no issue with hook

get me wrong you might have a lovely appendage- but

Usually men aged 22 and under. Profile picture is

on how you want to view it), and fair play for showing

lash, making it near impossible to figure out which

here, if your bits are your profile picture you really

talking to very, very loosely. Typed communication is

in your profile that tells me what a wonderful person

totally foreign to me using words like “yhuu” to mean

better again that you are looking for a relationship.

for no commitment, NSA (No Strings Attached) or

wishes and ambitions are kind of contradictory. Don’t

ups but I’m afraid it’s not for me.

call me old fashioned I’d like to see who it belongs to

Closeted Folks

first.

Of course being out isn’t easy. There is a whole

Catfishers

with who you are and then informing your loved ones.

everything seems just a little too polished. You start

So I totally get why you wouldn’t want to do it and I

suddenly there are a hundred reasons why they can’t

psychological process involved in coming to terms

You know the ones: model profile pictures, where

It can be a painful process full of rejection and pain.

talking to them, maybe move the chat ‘off site’ and

don’t want you to do it just for me. But dating people

send on a selfie. Now it could be me being overly

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are high that the pictures in their profile aren’t theirs quickly.

*Disclaimer*

I would like to acknowledge that there are tonnes of

wonderful men and women looking for love on the

internet. I’ve been privileged enough to meet some of them and can now call them friends. I am not the perfect date or online dater myself after all. I remain

hopeful though that I will find someone awesome of my very own, they may not be online but it’s worth a shot, and if nothing else I will get some great stories out of it.

Article by: Rebelle Haze

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10 Val e nt in e s H o ts p o ts On Valentine’s Day couples at all stages, and maybe even some first daters, will be heading out all over the city and county for a day and night of romance. From day outings and adventure, to finishing the night off in style with dinner for two, we’ve got you covered.

1. Romantic Strolls

2. Movie Night

3. Puppy Love

scarf and heading off to one of Limerick’s many

hot indeed! First on the list is of course Fifty Shades

here’s something fun and worthwhile to do together.

your Jamie Dornan fix (shhh, your date doesn’t have

what a better and deserving lot than Limerick Animal

This year’s Valentines line up at the movies is very

For animal lovers (and anyone trying to impress one),

Darker, released on February 14th, just in time for

Helping out a charity is a way of giving back, and

to know).

Welfare (LAW). LAW is based in Kilfinane, a short

Cork are also a very good choice, with tracks and

Loving is also hitting our cinema screens at the same

and abandoned animals of Limerick City and County.

Charleville and Killmallock, views of the neighbouring

of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple

receive from the dogs, cats and other residents of the

of the 60’s. After both are arrested for their marriage,

and who knows, if you’re not feeling your date, you

City – but soon begin to work towards returning

and four paws).

Why not start off the day by sticking on a hat and beautiful walking trails ? Curraghchase Forest Park is

one such place that would be perfect for that peaceful wander into nature. Lough Gur and the Ballyhoura Mountains that cover south Limerick and north

trails leading you to unique views of towns such as mountain range of the Galtees and down into Glen of Aherlow, you’re guaranteed a breathtaking sight.

time. Based on a true story, this film tells the story

The appreciation and unconditional love you will

living in Virginia during the racial miscegenation laws

centre will show you what true love really looks like,

they are forced to leave and set up a new life in the

might find your true love here (one with a furry tail

home to Virginia. For something completely different

try The Founder, which is based on the story of

McDonalds founder, Ray Kroc, and how he went from a milkshakes machine salesman to owning

McDonalds, one of the biggest fast food franchises in the world.

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drive from Limerick City, and care for the neglected

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4. King and Queen of the Castle

7. Sail Away

9. The Blue Door

feel like a King and Queen, if only for the afternoon?

the road to the heritage towns of Killaloe/Ballina to

Door Restaurant, a thatched cottage with a brightly

You might never be royals, but who wouldn’t like to

King John’s Castle boasts the best views of the city, with access to the tower where you and your love

can look over Limerick City and the River Shannon.

If you’re thinking about popping the question this

Get out of the city and head a short distance out

Killaloe River Cruises. Step aboard one of their ‘Spirit’ boats on the shores of Lough Derg and take in the in

breath-taking views of Counties Clare and Tipperary.

Valentine’s then where better to do it than in a castle

In the heart of Adare village you will find The Blue

coloured blue door that welcomes all who pass through it to sample the delights this charming place has to

offer. This restaurant in Ireland’s prettiest village

dates back to the early 1830s and has something for everyone, with both an all-day menu a la carte menu

associated with history, honour, love and passion?

available. So eat well in a beautiful setting that you can explore after your meal.

5.Wine and Cheese, please

8. Go French

on a glass of your favourite red or white, with a board

romantic, but seeing as Valentine’s is falling on a

10. Group fun

The Copper Room is the place for you. These guys

and your love flying away to have dinner under the

idea of a fun Valentine’s? Why not grab all your

of local and cheeses, patés and meats to go with it.

Limerick to get a taste of French cuisine. The French

of subtle match-making) and go for a Valentine’s

opened its doors to the people of Limerick in 2008

Shannagolden is the ideal place to have a fun-filled

with its true French dining experience and relaxed

Bush Craft activities all available.

of the Shannon will make sure you and your date have

Article By: Amanda Flannery

If you and your date love nothing more than sipping

Everyone knows that Paris is the City of all things

of fantastic cheese thrown in to nibble on, then

Tuesday this year, work may get in the way of you

Soppy cards, dinner dates and dressing up not your

specialize in fine wine and port, with a great selection

Eiffel Tower. Fear not, as you don’t have to leave

coupled friends (and non-coupled friends for a spot

Table Restaurant on the banks of the River Shannon

with a difference. Basecamp Adventure Park in

and since then has been delighting all who dine here

day out, with Paintball, Forest Archery, Splatball and

and friendly service. Good food and beautiful views a memorable Valentine's

6. Spicing things up

If you’d prefer something a bit more hot and spicy for your date, head over to Copper and Spice in

Annacotty. This Indian-Asian Restaurant is situated

overlooking the Salmon Weir of the Mulcair River, offering a wide variety of Asian and Pacific foods and a great selection of vegetarian meals to suit everyone.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Th e l im e r ick m aga z i n e Fashion Interview with Rose Walsh Since graduating from Limerick School of Art & Design

I like to mix contrasting elements in my work, my

He worked every single day until he passed away in

with her unique knitwear now on sale in Tippe Canoe

provides each piece with a unique texture.”

or retirement to him. He believed that you get out

in 2015, Rose Walsh has gone from strength to strength, Boutique. Rose tells TLM about success after graduation,

her business inspirations and her most recent collection, ‘Vanadis.’

“I have always had an interest in fashion, but my interest in pursuing design as a potential career path developed when I did a fashion styling course in Limerick Senior College a few years ago. I found I

had a real interest in the design process of fashion, of how a collection was developed, the work and research

that went into a garment before it was produced.

It was then I decided to go to Limerick School of

Art & Design and study fashion design full time.”

Curiosity then brought her to knitwear. “I find the process of creating your own fabric really interesting, I have literally tried to knit with everything on my poor

knitting machine! Plastics, wire, even hair extensions, I’m surprised it still works! While I was working on my graduate collection in my final year, I became interested in how you can utilise wool to create a form. Swedish Knitwear designer Sandra Backlund

became a huge inspiration to me, she creates these

amazing sculptural pieces through the manipulation of wool. This encouraged me to experiment with

knitwear as more of a sculptural medium rather than actually creating a garment.”

So what sets her designs apart? “All of my designs

are created by hand on the mannequin, most of my designs are created directly on the stand, which makes

it difficult to create the same piece twice, so each piece is unique.

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new collection features wool, brass and leather, which

Rose is most proud of her recent collection ‘Vanadis’ as it is the first collection she undertook completely on her own. “Developing a collection solo has been

a challenge in itself. I think you take for granted the support you have in college, because when you don’t

have someone on standby to critique your work, doubt will inevitably set in, which can delay the entire process. Things like time management and deadlines

which would usually be set for you had to be set by myself, which took some getting used to.” How

did she begin the process? “‘Vanadis’ was inspired

by Norse Mythology, so my research was based on

Viking archaeology. Excavated treasures such as knot work jewellery, torcs, and the twisting spiral motifs that adorned ancient pottery and clothing, played

a key role in the development of my collection. My

design process always starts with a point of reference, an inspiration for the collection which continues

throughout the development process. For my graduate collection it was paintings that I saw in the Japanese

section of British museum in London, they set the theme. The next stage will involve technical work like

2014 aged 84. There was no such thing as sick days what you put in, and it is my goal to emulate him both

in business and in life.” As for working in Limerick, “Limerick is a great hub for the arts and this has a

huge impact on business in the city; it provides a highly individualistic customer base. People want

something different. We have a thriving fashion culture in Limerick, the LSAD fashion department is ranked among the best in the world, producing

amazing designers year in and year out. We also have a large number of bespoke boutiques. I was fortunate

enough to have Tippe Canoe Boutique (formerly on

Thomas Street, Limerick) promote my work when I graduated. Proprietor Theresa Keogh has a keen eye for design, and she has provided me with a platform

to launch my collections within the city, I will always be grateful for her support.” So what have been the

highlights for her so far? “It’s early days for me and I

think the highlights have still yet to come! However there has been some standout moments, I’ve had national newspapers feature my work, but I think

seeing photographs of people wearing pieces that I created is one of the biggest highlights of what I do.”

experimenting with different yarns and textures to

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Rose

pieces. When I have the designs, sketches, fabrics

mind. Experiment with everything. Drink coffee.”

create the fabrics and colours I will use in the final and colours I’m happy with, it’s on to the final stage,

offers some simple yet effective advice: “Keep an open

where I’ll start to create the final garments on the

To see more of Rose’s designs, go to rosewalshknitwear.

Rose counts her father as her biggest business

Article by: Laura Duhan

mannequin. It’s a long but really enjoyable process!”

inspiration “He ran the longest running and most successful garage in Munster.

weebly.com

Photography by: Emma McNamara

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Th e l im e r ick m aga z i n e Beauty with Shauna Lindsay

Shauna’s Style Diary

Treat yourself to this limited edition Estée Lauder 'Victoria Beckham' range which I personally love! The VB range was launch in September 2016 & has 14 products overall but here are some of my favourites:

At first glance I wasn't blown away by this palette but when I swatched it, it took my breath away. This palette is formulated to work either dry or wet, so you can achieve a softer or New Year, new me and all that fun stuff (NOT). I'm certainly not enjoying being back in the gym but River

more defined look. With all key shades and a little bit of ‘pow!’ in the green and blue, I don't think I'm going to need any other eye palette this year.

Island is making it so much easier with their on-trend active wear.

The Morning Aura Illuminating Creme is a hydrating primer that contains micro-pearls to

instantly illuminate and brighten the complexion. This is one of my favourites. I often wear

this just on its own as it gives the most beautiful dewy finish to your skin. I've never used a better illuminating creme and the packaging is in a league of its own.

CALLING ALL LIPLINER LOVERS: You need this in your life. Called 'Victoria', this has to be my favourite lipliner ever - the perfect nude.

Both of these looks available in-store.

My favourite lipgloss from the collection 'Morrocan Heat'.

This lippy is perfect to match the 'Victoria' lipliner and the 'Moroccan Heat' lipgloss.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

T he li m e r ick m aga z i n e Make up Spring trends: Draping Draping is the new way to sculpt and lift your face with blush. The draping technique

is to use a blusher on the natural bone structure of the face to have a made up look.

It can be as subtle as you want or it can also make a bold statement. This make

up technique is a serious throwback to the eighties with the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Brooke Shields and Cher using this technique back in the day! These days we have seen Gigi Hadid, Kylie Jenner using blusher in their routines. Also major

fashion house brands like Kenzo, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and Adam Selman using this technique backstage at SS17 fashion weeks.

The key to good draping is to blend to perfection, like you would do contouring.

Use a darker/deeper tone blush on the hollows of the cheeks to sculpt. Use a lighter

colour blush on top of the cheekbones and up to the temple if you want a more statement look.

The look I’ve gone for is a soft everyday Spring/Summer look, with soft pinks on the cheeks and a bold lip. The foundation went on first, then I blended the liquid

highlights onto the skin first along the top of the cheekbones. I applied blush as

above, building it up with small amount of product first. Then I blended the powder highlight over the whole cheek.

Article by: Mary Kiely

Photography by: Eoghan Lyons Model: Jessica O’Neill Hair: Sabrina Higgins

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

T he l im e r ick m aga z i n e Hair In terview with Amanda Wittome The look was constructed of a mix of human and

synthetic hair and took a year to complete, with each element carefully sewn and manufactured by hand. “I coloured the hair to create the soft pink tones and used many techniques to create the overall

look including varnishing, PVA glue and invisible threading. I initially sketched my idea and used this as a guide, but found as I worked on my piece I became more inspired and allowed my creativity to blossom.”

One thing Amanda believes was very important in completing the look was not just the stunning make-

up, but the trust she had in her make-up Jodi Powell to create the perfect look for her design. Her look

certainly wowed the judges, which included industry

hair legends, Robert Masciave, Mario Krankl, Robert Cromeans, Ell Essers and Gerry Santoro.

Amanda said the moment she won was magical. “It Anyone who has had their hair done recently in Limerick’s River Hair Studio might have been lucky enough to

was technically challenging but it was a journey I

the Avant Garde Award at last year’s Alternative Hair Show International Visionary Awards.

as an artist. If you want to compete and represent

Originally from England, Amanda moved to Ireland at 16 and calls Limerick her home. Hairdressing has been the

internationally you have to push yourself.

industry for 22 years now and still loves what she does.

I knew from the start that this was not going to be an

Amanda first attended the show six years ago and realised this was an event she wanted to work towards in the

push myself to develop new and exciting elements. I

from the word’s two significant meanings, “The first meaning: a person who inspires or influences others and the

to support me. They sat with my family and erupted

to custom pieces made from hair to reflect my Luminary expression out to the audience at the Royal Albert Hall.

They were certainly the loudest guests in the audience

have been styled by their Award-Winning Creative Director Amanda Whittome. Amanda was crowned winner of

only thing she’s ever wanted to do, laughing that growing up her Barbies and dogs had no hair! She’s worked in the

would take all over again. I love to challenge myself a group such as the Hugh Campbell Hair Group

easy piece to construct, but I love to be creative and

future. Her winning look was titled Luminary. Speaking of her inspiration for ‘Luminary’ Amanda says it came

was thrilled the Hugh Campbell team came across

second: a celestial body - the sun or moon or an object that gives light. I hand crafted mirrors and attached them

in cheers every time Luminary appeared on stage.

The result was magnificent.”

when I was announced the winner. It such a warm

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feeling knowing that your team supports you.”

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Amanda has been a member of the Hugh Campbell

Artistic Team for the past 9 years specialising in precision cutting, colouring and she excels at dressing hair-up and styling. The group was founded in 1979

by Hugh Campbell and has grown from a small salon

with less than ten staff to a team of over a hundred

employees. The Limerick Group is currently made up of five salons: Marbles Hair and Beauty, Marbles Castletroy, The River, Cats and Melo Yelo.

Where does Amanda get her inspiration from? “I

believe fashion and our industry go hand in hand.

We have to keep a very keen eye on the big designers and fashion houses looking forward to their Spring/

Summer 2018 and Autumn/Winter 2018 collections.

We need to always be aware of what’s coming around the corner and predict the latest trends. This sounds

crazy but I also love watching my niece and nephews because children don't have a fear of doing something

out of the box, they aren’t scared to mix colours that

‘shouldn’t match’ or wear things that ‘shouldn’t go', so why not push the boundaries?” She also says her favourite motto is: "If plan A didn’t work the alphabet still has 25 letters, don’t stress."

What’s next for the Award-Winning Creative Director? “I plan to continue to compete and also

to inspire others to compete. Since I have been announced the winner I have been contacted by many hairdressers from around the world congratulating me

and thanking me for inspiring them creatively. This is such an exciting time, I look forward to spending the next year working towards the Royal Albert Hall Stage and the Alternative Hair Show.”

Article by: Sarah Talty

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

T he l im e r ick m aga z i n e Home & Lifestyle Go tropical

Copper and marble were huge in 2016. You couldn’t pass a coffee shop without seeing someone with a marble covered laptop or go into a shop without seeing copper jewellery everywhere. But and now it’s time to bring a new trend into our home: the Tropics.

Here at TLM we’re currently obsessed with tropical prints. Flying around shops for the January sales you probably saw many tropical accessories such as palm tree printed cushions and pineapple wall prints. It may be cold outside but there’s nothing nicer than coming home and having accessories remind you of summer and warmer times.

The tropics trend can also be achieved pretty effortlessly with a few different accessories to achieve an overall stunning look. You can use a lot of really simple things like duvet covers, picture frames, cushions, wall prints, etc. We’ve put together some accessories to help you transform your home into a tropical paradise.

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Leaf Print Cushion Penneys €5

An easy way of gradually sneaking the tropical trend

Flamingo Hanger, Adult Tiger Stores €1

into your home.

Colourful and fun, dressing for work will never be

Flamingos Mobile

boring again.

Tiger Stores €4

Extend some tropical warmth to the nursery!

Matthew Williamson Bottle Stop Debenhams €10

Impress your friends with this chic bottle stop that looks a lot more expensive than it is.

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Pineapple Frame

Mason Jar Mugs (set of 2)

Debenhams

Next

€15

€9

Put a cute holiday snap in this tropical frame.

These bright canary mugs will brighten up your kitchen.

Article by: Sarah Talty

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T he l im e r ick m aga z i n e Travel Lisbon

If you’re dreaming about your next trip to Europe,

From the moment you arrive and see the whitewashed

tell, where the sun shines 290 days a year and the

glorious vistas you’ll be captivated, because the city is

discover Lisbon, a historical city full of stories to

temperature rarely drops below 15 degrees. A city

where you feel safe wandering around day or night,

buildings, terracotta roofs, bright yellow trams and one of the prettiest capitals in Europe.

where the cuisine is dedicated to creating over a

You may love Lisbon for the history, sunny weather,

cod), and where you’ll find hotels and restaurants

all the time in the world won’t be enough to enjoy all

thousand ways to cook the beloved bacalhau (salted to suit every taste, budget and requirement. Lisbon is a city full of authenticity where old customs and

ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation. The city is ageless, but it loves company, as you’ll find out if you meet someone

and ask them to explain, with lots of gestures and

repetition, where the best place is to listen to Fado.

After all, Lisbon is famous for its hospitality and the family-like way it welcomes visitors.

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sport or delicious gastronomy. But one thing is certain: to do and see in the capital!

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Favourite Place

Where to Stay

Where to Drink

An urban fragment, kept hidden for years, is now

Belmonte scores top marks for history, romance, and

most chic hotels, is the Terrace BA. It offers views

The LX Factory

returned to the city in the form of LXFactory.

A creative island occupied by corporations and professionals of the industry serves also has a stage

for a diverse set of happenings related to fashion, publicity, communication, fine arts, architecture, and

Palacio Belmonte

having the best views in the city over the terracotta

rooftops of Lisbon’s ancient quarters and on to the ever-blue Atlantic. This intimate 10 suite palace feels like the most opulent B&B in the world.

music, attracting numerous visitors to rediscover

Where to Eat

experiences where intervention, thought, production

Michelin-starred restaurant and serious foodies

Alcântara through an engaged dynamics. A factory of is made possible.

Chef Jose Avillez’s Belcanto is Lisbon’s only two

On the top floor of the Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s over the rooftops to the Tagus River, 25th of April

Bridge (a Golden Gate lookalike) and the Christ the

Redeemer statue, inspired by the one in Rio. Once

you have a seat, you won’t want to leave, so alternate the mojitos and caipirinhas with the bar’s renowned home-made lemonade.

should make a beeline for it. But for light-hearted

culinary wizardry at more affordable prices, Avillez’s

Mini Bar guarantees an evening of entertainment.

Housed in an old theatre, this gourmet bar serves some of Belcanto’s star dishes, such as the Ferrero

Rocher - but not as you know it (they are made of foie gras). Dazzling dishes, skilled staff and music over the weekend complete the experience.

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T he l im e r ick m aga z i n e Food & Drink In Season: February Fruits de Mer Seasonal produce is not just about what you can harvest from the ground - in the winter months there are plenty of delights coming into season just beyond our shores. So if

the greyness of January and February has left you dreaming of warmer days by the sea, get a taste of the coast on your plate with some fresh native seafood. The Curragower, Locke Bar and Rene Cusack’s Fish Bar are just some of the place you can get served fresh locally sourced seafood.

Oysters

Ireland’s oysters are widely and rightly celebrated - I admit that one of the first things I insisted on doing

when I came to Ireland was to head to Galway for a plate of them with a pint of Guinness. Have you ever

been told not to eat oysters in the months that don’t have an ‘R’ in them? That’s because native oysters

are in season between September and April (they breed during summer), though thanks to intensive farming methods we do seem them all year round in supermarkets and restaurants. While rumours of their

aphrodisiacal powers may have been greatly exaggerated, oysters are a great source of minerals such as zinc, calcium and copper, as well as being rich in iodine and low cholesterol.

Scallops

Scallops are easy to prepare, just make sure you don’t overcook them as they turn rubbery. The common variety is known as a queen scallop and they are harvested from Irish shores during the winter and spring

months. Hand-dived scallops are the most ecologically sound method of harvest as opposed to dredged

scallops (it’s always worth paying a little bit extra for those that don’t damage the underwater environment).

A typically Irish favourite is to serve with a salad and black pudding, though with a light, fresh sauce that

counterbalances the heavy, dense flesh of the scallop. Like oysters they are a great source of minerals as well as protein.

Mussels

Technically we’re almost at the tail end of the mussel season here in Ireland, but they are worth including

purely for their versatility and sheer abundance. Mussels are filter feeders, taking in large amounts of sea water

to feed. This means they are also prone to absorb any surrounding toxins and bacteria that can take a while to clear from their systems. Therefore if you’re harvesting them yourself, always make sure you choose areas that are clean and commonly used by other harvesters. For anyone looking for a nearby event to celebrate

the humble but fascinating mussel, head to Renvyle in Galway on the May Bank Holiday weekend for the Connemara Mussel Festival.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

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T he l i m e r ick maga z i n e Food & Drink Celeriac Soup with White Truffle

6 cups of water

2-3 cups celery root (chopped) 1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

Strain the stock, return to the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce the stock to 2 1/2 cups. The stock can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.

Making the soup

4-5cups of celeriac (small dice) 4 cups of heavy cream

2 ½ cups of celeriac stock (made from above) Pinch of salt to taste

Drizzle white truffle oil (This is the secret ingredient)

Combine all of the ingredients in a pot, season with salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the celeriac is tender.

Working in small batches, puree the celeriac with enough liquid to let the blender blades spin, and transfer to a bowl. Mix until smooth.

Photography by: Michelle Costello

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Health & Wellbeing Mens Health: By fitness enthusiast Dean Mcloughlin

Breaking the Circle It’s that time of the year again: Maintaining New

For those stuck in a routine like I was, or for complete

a healthier, happier lifestyle, starting now!

to your diet and go for walk for 30 mins every day.

Year’s resolutions and hopeful promises to yourself for

Well, what if this year you actually managed to achieve it and maintain it all year round? Imagine yourself

beginners: your first step is making some small changes Then join a gym, or if you prefer a sports or athletics team, something not to intense or intimidating.

entering into 2018 a fitter and happier person than

We all start somewhere

I should know, I was that guy for years that threw

fit and healthy people remember they too had to

you started as in 2017? It is achievable!

away all the hard work I’d done in the early part of the

year - at the gym, starting a healthy diet, running etc.

As soon as it became hard or repetitive I would lose

my motivation to go to the gym as often, start to eat

lazily and become less happy with my appearance. I’d

try to convince myself I was bulking up to make it

seem acceptable to myself, and by the next Christmas I’d tell myself I will start again in the New Year.

Don’t let the start point put you off ! When you see

start somewhere. Remember that results don't come

overnight; it’s a change in lifestyle not a quick fix. Set yourself health and fitness goals for the coming year and take small steps to achieve them.

Don't give up because of a minor setback or because results aren't apparent instantly. Forget the media

image of what a man should look like and concentrate on improving you from the inside out

It became a never ending circle, and I would always

Sustainable diet

changes to the way I approached reaching my goals

usually unhealthy and not sustainable for long periods

end up where I’d started. So I made some small and focused on how to keep the motivation going all year.

Start by asking yourself if you are happy with the man you see in the mirror. If so great, Keep doing what you

are doing, spread that positivity or maybe even push your limits a little further - test yourself, or add a new string to your fitness bow.

If you are a habitual gym goer maybe try something

different, Crossfit, M.M.A, or an Iron Man competition for example. Personal trainers and fitness

experts: try a new course to teach or get involved in a charity to help share the information you have to those that don't.

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Don't get obsessed with these fad diets, they are of time.

NEVER starve yourself, and you don’t have to give up

carbs! There's no point looking good and feeling too miserable to enjoy it, and inevitably you will throw in the towel and end up where you began in 2017.

Instead enjoy educating yourself on healthy foods and good carbs etc. There's so much free information

available on the internet so you don't need some selfstyled life guru's latest over-priced book.

Finally don't give up your favourite foods completely; you can save treats for special occasions or reward yourself when you’ve reached a significant milestone in your fitness journey.

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Sustainable exercise

Pick an activity you like, not one you feel you have to

do; there are so many alternatives to going to the gym or running. Fitness doesn't need to be a chore. If you are feeling low, anxious, depressed, stressed or trying

to cope with one of the many of the mental health issues men have to deal with on a daily basis then exercise, fitness and sports won’t cure it completely but it will certainly help.

There are many publications to be found supporting

this. It can greatly improve people’s sleeping patterns, and sex life as an added bonus!

At the end of the day you can only be you, life is not a beauty contest or a competition with the guy

beside you at the gym. It is about living as long and as healthy and happy life as you can, for you, your family and your friends.

Make 2017 your best one yet!

Article by: Dean McLoughlin

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Health & Wellbeing Women’s health: with Sintija Zorge

Have a happy cycle every month!

It’s New Year new goals, but for us ladies the truth

Hormones do funny things during and before the

Also on that week before my period I crave more

Cramping, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, bloating,

individually. Personally I go through a full week of it

chocolate injected in my blood! I keep reminding

is that “New You” will still have a monthly period. feeling uncomfortable, weak and emotional, being

annoyed with everything and anything, feeling anxious and generally yucky are just few of the things

us women go through on our monthly cycle. Yes, it’s not fair and it can be very hard going!

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period, and each of us go through different phases

just before my period. Keeping up with my training

routine is not hard for me but I can feel very annoyed

with myself during that week. I can get super upset as I am lacking in my performance and feel like losing the plot all together.

carbs than ever and it sounds crazy, but I want to have myself that this period won’t last forever. I enjoy

eating healthy as it makes me feel good and I promise it will make you feel good too, so don’t give in to those nasty cravings - keep vegg-ing up those plates!

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Keep going

Work with your cycle

Be the warrior you are throughout the full cycle!

through, unfortunately I won’t advice you to stay in

healthy lifestyle don’t chose to start it on your period!

Article by: Sintija Zorge

Even though I understand what you are going bed till your period is gone, as that’s only going to set

you back in your fitness goals, making you work extra hard on the days you are feeling better to train.

It is proven that being physical active during your

If you are just starting off your fitness journey to a

Similarly if you already are a gym bunny, starting a new programme wouldn’t be a smart choice if it’s one of the harder days.

period will relieve your menstruation pain and will

Keep in mind cardio training on that time of the

burning more calories while on your period, so even

flow throughout your body, moving it away from

make you feel better. Another fact is that you are

light exercise will double the calorie burn than usual.

There are benefits after all!

Another important thing to do is be honest with

yourself and others. We can make it easier between

month is especially important as it will increase blood

where you are feeling discomfort. Cardio will increase endorphins to reduce anxiety, cramps and headache

making you feel better, and will also diminish carb cravings.

us women by being more open about this topic to

Remember you will be lacking your usual strength,

times.

heavy weights at these times as you are more prone

each other and help one another to get through those

Manage your moods

Even getting out of bed or doing daily tasks, can leave

you feeling like everything is against you. Anything can set you off and you can spit fire even if that’s not what you want to do.

If you do find it very difficult on a particular day, make

that day a rest day but remember you have to keep

going for the rest of the week. Take an easy walk or cycle instead or go for a short run. Try out yoga or

another easy going fitness class. Do cut yourself some

even if you actually do feel powerful, so avoid lifting

to injuries. My advice during weight training on your period is to have less resistance and be extra

focused on your posture and form, and do extra work on your joint flexibility. Do a Pilates or yoga class

or concentrate on meditation, stretching, and deep breathing, instead of the hard bootcamp or crossfit type class. Pilates in particular will take you through

stretching helping you reduce menstrual back pain, stomach cramps, and overall discomfort. It will also

work on your strength so you won’t lack power when getting back to your weight training.

slack, yes you will be weaker so be OK with taking it easy, but don’t stop completely.

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Health & Wellbeing Mind Your Mind: Relationships and mental health

Media portrayal of mental health issues

Occasionally a person with a mentally ill partner can

Relationships and marriage have many stressors but

in regards to mental health and illness. Predominately

health problems due to a build-up and inability to

these are worse and problems must be faced head on.

In the media, love and relationships can be forgotten mental health articles cover the impact of mental

health issues on the individual afflicted with such

be struggling with their own symptoms of mental deal with the problem effectively.

an illness but as people know there is never only one

A partner for life

who loves and adores them, and watching a loved

one and become their caregiver, a role which is both

person affected. Behind every sufferer sits a person

one struggle with matters of the mind can have a detrimental effect on any relationship.

Individual battles

As an individual battles with their mind other issues

come into play. Some loving partners have reported feeling strung out, tired, emotional and unloved. For a partner the solution seems simple… ‘Love should be enough should it not?’ However, the dynamic of

a such a relationship cannot be held together by love alone. This is probably the hardest thing of all for a

partner to understand while watching their loved one fall apart. Life throws a lot of curve balls at us at a rapid

rate but while most can be batted away, mental health problems are often reoccurring, unpredictable and

A good partner will naturally stand by their loved

hard and unrewarding at times. Mental health issues don’t disperse overnight and a caregiver’s role leaves

the individual affected exhausted and stressed over a significant amount of time. Sadly, the lack of a quick fix or the realisation that the life they lead together is one

that is unstable, fragile and tough makes the journey ever more difficult. Through this, a relationship begins to wear away and resentment can become an issue.

For the sufferer, their helplessness can make them

feel worse and guilty. The partner will work against

this battling to hold onto the foundations of their

illness can have a negative impact on the person

themselves and this together with a sick partner can be a toxic mix.

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relationship to have a chance and accept that while

days may be hard that procedures are in place to help.

There are resources for partners available should a person need it, and in some cases joint relationship therapy can be beneficial. Before a couple faces the prospect of separation there are many avenues that can be explored to save a relationship. It is easy to

forget why people love being together when they are under pressure, stressed and tired but there are

ways couples can learn to problem solve together, to

cope better and to show love even in the depths of depression.

an illness which is no more different to one having

of the hardest things a person can do but it must be

In the long term, observing a spouse with such an

Stabilising the sufferer’s problems will enable the

or even years.

hard if their partner’s illness continues into months

how a partner is sad, depressed or lonely? This causes

Long term impact

by trained professionals is paramount to recovery.

Mental health and love

Getting help

feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty.

Ensuring that the sufferer has treatment and guidance

relationship but this (however gallant) is a task too

more difficult to overcome. When everything seems

perfect in a relationship how does one comprehend

for a couple in the midst of mental health issues

Getting help for mental health issues is probably one done to move forward and hopefully get better, and help to heal the relationship is an important part of

that. Holding onto memories of your partnership

when it was well will help through the darker days but this alone isn’t nearly enough.

Mental health issues are sadly a way of life for many, chronic fatigue, diabetes or lupus. Accepting an illness

for what it is and been unashamed by it is vital to promoting a better quality of life for couples affected

by mental health issues. Love alone may not get

people through what is a terribly hard experience but a shared amount of help, support and mutual understanding will.

Article by: Emma Hayes

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Par e nt i ng Dad’s Eye View: Advice for New Fathers Each issue we’ll be asking some Limerick dads a new question about their parenting experiences. This month, we find out what were the best pieces of advice they received on becoming a dad, and what took them most by surprise…

Glenn Matthews

As a father to two beautiful girls the most realistic

advice was to raise your kids to respect themselves.

The most surprising thing is realising you'd give up anything for your children.

Brian Sheehan

The best advice I got personally was: “Your life is going to change in so many ways; embrace it." Since

that day, that advice was 100% right my life has changed; yes there have been some bad changes but

those changes are outweighed but the good changes.

I was surprised how I went from being self-centred

to having someone in the world who I treasure more than I treasure myself.

Timothy Cummins

The best piece of advice I’ve received so far is to act as

you would like your child to follow. So much of what children do is imitation, from speech to eating habits

that I’ve had to change my lifestyle accordingly. I miss

swearing, smoking and a broccoli free diet. What surprised me the most about becoming a father was the change in my priorities. My biggest dreams and

deepest fears are no longer revolving around myself.

I’ve gone from being the main character in my own story to being a supporting character in someone else’s and it’s equally exciting and terrifying.

Jason Kenny

When times are hard and your little one is constantly crying and crying and you have gone through the

entire checklist of things - is it food? Is it a bottle? Are

they tired? Do they need a nappy change? - and you're beginning to freak, put them somewhere safe for a few minutes, go outside the door, take in some fresh air, deep breaths and go back in. It is simply amazing

how you can re-focus with just a few moments of clearing the head. Suddenly you start to get it right.

I was surprised by how much fatherhood can change

your life in the most amazing way. Seeing this little person for the very first time was heart melting. The love for your child is unconditional and how it can

overwhelm you is difficult to put into words. But also how in God's name can something so small crap as much as they do?

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Mark Lloyd

In and around the birth of my son Jack in 2002

there was a deluge of advice coming from industry experts, health professionals, online forums, relatives and friends. It was a very noisy time, advice-wise.

Sleep when they sleep. Your time is no longer your

own. Baby-proof your kitchen. Put up a stairgate.

Breast is best. Don’t co-sleep. Do co-sleep. The best

advice, undoubtedly, is ‘do whatever mother wants’.

One thing that did surprise me was that, with regards

to puke, formula-based milk leaves a much more enduring and stinky stain than breast milk.

The biggest surprise (and relief ) at becoming a father

is that you can do it. Despite all of the inexperience, all of the fears over attachment, all of the sleepless nights and all of the self-doubt, it appears that for

the most part human males are actually very wellequipped to be fathers.

James Slattery

I was told to just enjoy it, because they don’t stay small forever. Two things that surprised me though: The number of nappies that you would go through in a

day, and where to put them. We have quadruplets, so we had four wheelie bins on the go and still couldn’t keep up the nappies and recycling. I literally had a

stack of bags in the laneway of the house and when

we had people call to see the kids they would leave with two or three bags (I’m sure their car didn’t smell nice). We went through 9,000 nappies in less than ten months.

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Par ent ing Post-partum recovery Lower expectations

This may involve abandoning the housework and prior

levels of cleanliness. My strategy involves basically

doing no housework all day and leaving it until half an hour before my husband arrives home. During this 30

minute window I clear the work tops, and generously

spray some Cif into the air so the whole house at least smells as though I’ve thoroughly cleaned. Following

this I throw all random items scattered around the

sitting room and kitchen into a laundry basket, out of sight, out of mind. You can always do a deep clean later, e.g. when your mum comes to visit.

Join a mother and baby group

This is one of the best ways to meet other mothers who are in the same situation and is a good approach

to broadening your social circle. Here, everyone Recovering from the birth of a new baby is not

easy, especially if you also happen to have a toddler immersed in the trauma of the terrible twos, toilet training, tandem feeding and a second house move in

four months. The latest addition to our family is three months old and I am only beginning to resemble a slightly normal person again.

The second time round is definitely easier in some ways; I am more relaxed about every cough and

sniffle, I know the incessant crying, feeding and nappy

changing is a transient phase and will not last forever.

On the other hand there is no time for recovering

on the couch watching box sets of Breaking Bad and Homeland when the baby is sleeping. There

is a toddler that needs as much, if not more time, attention and entertaining. No, my day begins at 5am and continues on whether I’ve had sleep or not.

So here are some of my tips to get through the first 100 days of darkness with the new arrival!

Eat well and plan well

Do not dismiss the importance of making time to eat.

This can be challenging when there are small people screaming relentlessly. Many parents recommend batch cooking a selection of dinners in one go and

freezing them, ensuring that you only need to cook

once a week, drastically mitigating stress levels and reduce the constant ruminating about ‘what will I cook for dinner?’ Another way to lessen the workload

is to invest in a slow cooker. Just throw all your ingredients into it in the morning and by the evening time an easy dinner is ready to serve.

Accept all offers of help

Surrendering myself to the reality that I cannot

do everything on my own was liberating. Once I

accepted this I embraced all offers of help. Even a mere half hour here and there so you can have a

shower, drink coffee while it is still hot or simply lie in bed undisturbed will help you to keep going. If you

have a partner be sure to take advantage of the latest

will have a worse story than you in relation to sleep deprivation, feeding problems and explosive nappy problems. The coffee and cake will also assuage the

persistent exhaustion. You will feel so much better

and a little less on your own in the maze of newborn madness.

A list of mother and baby groups around the Limerick

area is available at loveparenting.ie/baby-toddler-

groups. The local public health nurse in each area will

also have a list of various groups, as will the Limerick Childcare Committee.

Remember they aren’t small forever

The early difficulties of having children with a small age gap will reap its reward. When they get a little

older they will no longer look to you as their sole source of entertainment and conversation at home and will look to each other, giving you that all important headspace. Sometimes. We live in hope anyway.

Article by: Jane Butler O’Halloran

two week paternity leave now provided to new fathers and partners.

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S tar t up S p o tl i gh t Clubify

What did you do before Clubify?

Aidan and Declan hail from Sixmilebridge in County

Clare and would have played for the same hurling club.

Both of us have had great success on the field of play Winning County and Munster senior championships

as well as carrying out a number of admin roles in the club. Aidan is a past pupil of Ard Scoil Ris where he

played Harty Cup and SeniorSchools rugby. Declan

recently worked for Limerick based Tango Telecom who are based out in the National Technology Park in Castletroy where he managed the Technical

PreSales team. Since retiring from hurling he is an

active member of local Triathlon Club GoTri based in Shannon as well as coaching young hurlers at home in the Bridge. Aidan has 9 years of experience

building software applications including web and mobile applications, research tools and advanced mathematical models of dynamic systems, while Declan has 16 years Telecoms experience in Sales/ Support/Development.

When did you first venture into entrepreneurship and spot the need for the Clubify app?

Declan built and maintained the first version of our local club website back in 2005 and while it was very well updated with content it needed a makeover to

become more responsive for the newer devices that Clubify is a communications platform for sports clubs which aims to revolutionise club fundraising and allows

clubs to better engage their members and supporters, plus manage membership and subscription payments. We talk to its creators Aidan Quilligan and Declan Murphy.

were driving the traffic to the site. Aidan had been

programming in the mobile app space and understood the growing trend in content delivery and together we

decided to create an app for our own club. And so the birth of Clubify!

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After we rolled out the solution more and more clubs

What's the biggest challenge you've faced?

Always treat your smallest customer with the same

based on the state of existing club websites (derelict

importance of communication. Local sports clubs

say you will – we try to make it an unwritten rule

registered on the platform and we soon realised that

or non-existent) there was a real business opportunity here in providing not just the app but a content

delivery system that simplifies communication, which we have achieved with our 1 Click 4 Updates philosophy (App, Website, Facebook, Twitter).

How long did it take to get the business off the ground? What stage are you at now?

The idea started in Autumn 2014, with a beta version

The biggest challenge is educating clubs on the are under estimating the power of their brand.

Supporters want to hear news about their clubs but

the current forms of communication such as social media means their message is being drowned out by

other brands. Clubs do not see the value in paying for communication but based on our experience from

existing customers, clubs who communicate well regarding events like fundraising find attendance

respect as your biggest customer. Follow up when you

that straight after a meeting while things are fresh we will follow up with the attendees including action

items. Research companies and attendees before

meetings - people will warm to you a lot faster if

you have a common interest or a mutual connection.

Finally, don’t live with the fear of some day meeting the person you dreamed you could be: Carpe Diem.

grows which means income grows.

What does success look like to you?

out with our own club in September 2015, in time for

Who are your role models in life and work?

positive feedback and tell you their supporters love

and the app was built for iOS and Android. We now

obviously he turned around a business in a hugely

available in Summer 2015 for testing before we rolled the county final. All the code was developed in-house

have a mature product in the market for 16 months

and have 304 clubs across 6 countries and 10 genres

of sport using our solution. What is great about this is all this traction is based on organic growth with

no marketing or advertising. This is something we are looking to address now as we have committed to the company full time since January 2017.

Are you involved with the local startup community?

Declan: Michael O’Leary has to be admired, competitive and expensive market with Ryanair but I admire who he is now getting his rewards for

working hard and enjoying life with his race horses.

Far too many business people go to the grave without

time hot desking and regularly visit the workbench at

Bank of Ireland on O’Connell Street Limerick where the place is abuzz with entrepreneurs.

This is a great drop in area to get a few hours of work done between meetings and Roisin Crotty and

Maria Walsh will look after any start-ups looking

helicopter on my yacht anytime when we make it big!

never work as it was already done but he went on and comments when we talk about Clubify with people saying Sports Club communication is a crowded space. Now I’m not comparing us to Facebook, but

there is a similar analogy where we see the difference between existing club communication and what we do in terms of engagement, and when we educate

people on this we believe we will revolutionise the market.

for help. Events like Founder Friday which we were

What advice would you give to anyone starting out?

for generating contacts and networking in a relaxed

brilliant idea may not resonate with others. Talk to

honoured to feature at earlier this month are essential environment.

development calls and get some reassurance you’re going in the right direction.

next release of the platform which includes version

reinvented the term Social Media. We get similar

Carroll. When we are back in Clare we spend a lot of

are not going well it’s good to switch over to customer

illusions but I keep reminding him he can land his

and I have a long road to go yet and we are under no

to the networking opportunities at events such as running in Limerick under the stewardship of Pat

where we all strive for but on days when the sales calls

What does the future hold for you and Clubify?

Aidan: Mark Zuckerberg was told Facebook would

Startup Grind which we are delighted to see is now

using the product. Obviously monetary success is

having rewarded themselves for working hard. Aidan

We spent 12 weeks in Dublin on the NDRC Launchpad program and this opened up our eyes

Success right now is when clubs come back with

Be prepared for doors being closed on you – your

At the end of last month we started rolling out the 2 of our Content Delivery Engine, as well as a new version of the app for supporters’ clubs which will

include options for exclusive content and online

membership, event & match ticket payments. Live video is also being run as a pilot project and we have signed up the supporters club for one of the biggest

names in Irish sport as our first customer so watch this space. After that we will follow up on the interest

being generated in the US and specifically high school

sports which resonate in a number of ways to local sports clubs in Ireland and the UK, including the requirement for online payments for the fundraising model of their booster clubs.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

your potential customers and survey the market –

build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) and get feedback if you’re going in the right direction rather

than having tunnel vision and going off on a solo run.

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B usi ne s s Ev e n t Dublin Technology Conference: DTS 2017

Dublin Technology Conference: DTS 2017 will bring

Dublin Tech Summit has announced its conference,

The conference will welcome 10,000 members of the

and business to shape the future of global trends

take place at The CCD, Dublin on 15th and 16th

Investor and DTS Keynote speaker, Gary Vaynerchuk

together global leaders in innovation, technology

and technologies. Held across Dublin’s iconic silicon

docks the two-day summit will showcase everything Dublin has to offer as a global technology hub.

keynotes, panel discussions and full lineup that will February. The two-day event is an opportunity for members of the tech community to experience a breadth of topics and acquire first-hand knowledge

from experts and entertaining speakers at the forefront of creative industries, innovation and business.

46

tech community to the CCD. Entrepreneur, Angel built anticipation ahead of his appearance saying

"[DTS] will likely be the only time I'll be in Ireland

this year. I have a tonne to talk about in 2017 tech, the rest of the conference is going to be phenomenal."

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Joining Gary amongst the world-class lineup, is

The arts have always been a sector that has valued

for human interaction is fully interactive, multilingual,

progressing at unimaginable rates the worlds of art,

Robothespian. The life sized humanoid robot designed and user-friendly. He will join a panel on Rise of the Robots and will also attend DTS offering individual

insights and expertise to attendees. “I am so proud to

have such an incredible team to work with. It’s a small team, but we have all worked tirelessly to ensure that

tradition. With

developments

in

other

areas

As VP at of one of the largest fintech companies

creativity. These two creative heavyweights will unite

mobile is one of the latest major global trends in the

digital age and the impact it is having on the future of on stage to explore what’s next.

Why The Next Big Thing In Tech Is Disrupting

said Noelle O’Reilly, CEO. “We’ve brought together

MakeLoveNotPorn

thought-leaders to speak on the biggest trends in

Sex - Cindy Gallop, CEO IfWeRanTheWorld and

technology across the board: consumer data, cyber

The tech world welcomes innovation and disruption

in medicine, digital currency, the crossroads of

Gallop, founder & CEO of social sex platform

security, artificial intelligence, technological advances fashion and technology. Every person and business is

affected by technology and innovation—we wanted to acknowledge that with our lineup.”

With a focus on fostering lasting relationships

and cultivating an intimate experience for each

in every area of our lives - except one. Cindy MakeLoveNotPorn, will talk about why SexTech is

the next trillion dollar industry, how it can deliver the

Till Faida, CEO, Adblock Plus

The cost for “free” online content is advertising but

as users fight publishers with ad blocking technology the industry needs a new approach to connect with consumers. The Acceptable Ads initiative encourages

the ad industry to pursue less intrusive ad forms, thus

Transformation Necessary To Market IT - Meagen

Meagen will discuss how open source has become a common phrase throughout the tech world in the

past few years but that does not imply that it is fully understood. Open source projects require a specific

business model to be sustainable to become part of

the digital transformation which is impacting the way

norms. Are empowered women in business finally being recognised? As women's lives become more

balanced and their presence more common, are they finally receiving the recognition they fully deserve?

dublintechsummit.com. Attendees can also download

their peers, view the conference programme schedule, companies and startups who will be present at the

event. The app also provides those attending with

key information as well as an interactive map of the conference. Speaking on the app that went live

last week, Noelle O’Reilly, DTS CEO said: “Seeing

the positive reaction amongst attendees connecting and interacting on the DTS app has been a huge

motivator for the entire team. Our aim is to make this event something special.”

connections. The event is an essential destination

Reichental, CIO, City of Palo Alto

local authorities in Palo Alto. He will discuss how

at Blue J Strategies and Matthew Luhn, Story Veteran,

fields will explore females challenging traditional

The Trillion Dollar Smart City Opportunity - Jonathan

he will share Adblock Plus’s perspective.

founder & Drummer, The Smashing Pumpkins, CEO

Antiquated Barriers A panel of female leaders in their

DTS is committed to ensuring attendees have the

Jonathan introduced a range of programmes that

Tech Development In The Arts - Jimmy Chamberlin, Co-

the future of money. Female Leaders Breaking Down

software is marketed and sold.

having a positive impact on the Internet as a whole.

Till Faida’s company is at the forefront of the debate,

further advancements will be required as it shapes

the DTS app which enables them to network with

Eisenberg, CMO, MongoDB

Empowered Users Equals More Money For Publishers -

has required an enormous amount of innovation and

fund, AllTheSky Holdings.

why she is raising the world's first and only SexTech

Internet of Things, FinTech, MedTech, Fashion and

Ones to Watch - Featured Sessions

ever changing technology industry. This development

The conference schedule is now live and available at

Open Source Eating The Software World And The Digital

Innovation.

in the world, Louise will discuss how the move to

most profound social benefit of any area of tech, and

participant, the two-day conference will feature seven

stages: Prism (Creativity), Business and Marketing,

Global Operations, PayPal

music, film and theatre can no longer ignore the

we created a conference that Dublin will be proud of.

To see it all come together now is truly breathtaking”

The Future Of Money - Louise Phelan, Vice President of

have revolutionised the way citizens interact with

there is a multi-trillion dollar global opportunity for

technologists and entrepreneurs to reinvent our cities for the 21st Century and we can all be a part of it.

best opportunity to build and foster professional

for global professionals and will feature conference programming,

demos,

exhibitions,

a

startup

competition and a variety of networking opportunities.

Limited tickets remain and those wishing to attend can secure their place at dublintechsummit. com/#attend.

Article by: Michelle Costello

Pixar

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

B usi ne s s The future of work in Limerick

Smarter working

It’s a problem that faces urban areas worldwide -

increasing job creation colliding with mounting pressure on public transport systems and available accommodation. While presence is a must in some

professions, there is a belief that many industries have

a hangover of presenteeism from our predominantly 9 to 5 working culture. This is something that is now

changing as a result of smart technology and focus

on workplace wellbeing, agility and productivity, allowing people a way to be productive in economy while being more present with family and outside

community projects, creating a better society for us

all. We’ve already seen the success of the innovative workspaces, home to Teckro, as well as the Bank of Ireland Workbench open facility, as well as numerous

startups, creative studios who have been hotdesking and remote working their way to success in the

meantime. Expect to see this evolution of the way people work in Limerick continue.

Limerick was selected in 2016 as a national case study for smart cities. But what is a smart city, and how is Limerick

Smarter living

working towards becoming one?

A smart city is not just about ways of working, but also

With great focus on tech, flexible and remote work in a global economy, Limerick is looking to lead the charge in

for better facilities, cleaner environment, and reducing

international technology companies expanding into and setting up here, Limerick was chosen as the subject of a

to pedestrianise O’Connell Street and improve public

way technology is used to manage systems across city

Ireland to become a smart city. The city has already grown to become one of the data capitals of Ireland, and with

our use of energy. It can include such things as plans

€500,000 case study by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).

transport. Another aspect is the Internet of Things,

So what are the features of a smart city, beyond technology industry presence? It’s all about creating an environment

and other happenings within the city to enhance the

with more access to real time information on travel

that allows for smarter working and living, with better transport, a cleaner environment, better ways of working,

experience of residents and tourists alike.

Limerick’s international reputation as a forward thinking digital ecosystem, and to develop enterprise architecture

The possibilities in a smart city are endless. Beyond

and communities better catered for across all infrastructures and facilities. The hope from the study is to build for further economic growth.

economic growth and improvement of facilities, there are also opportunities for arts, culture, and elements that add an element of fun and bring out the character

of Limerick. The definition of a smart city is incredibly

broad and one that Limerick can truly makes its own.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo Photography: Tarmo Tulit

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

S t ud e nt Pro f i l e Nalupistuffs Craft Books Did you find there was much support given to you in your venture?

I have a truly wonderful cast of friends and family who are constantly there to help however they can. I

attended Bloom, a summer festival in Phoenix Park, in 2015 and if you want to see a support system you should've seen my parents. For a month leading up

to the event, the kitchen, sitting and dining room of my parents' home became my factory. My parents both worked long into many nights helping to put

everything together. By the end, we worked like a well-oiled machine. Also the guys in Lucky Lane are fantastic, I’ve been really lucky.

Is this your first project?

Not exactly, but Nalupistuffs is the name that I now primarily work under. Before any of this came to be, I designed a number of catalogues for GTI for

their level 6 art exhibitions and went to conventions

around the country selling books and cross stitch Opal Rayner is an art student at the Limerick

I really enjoyed the process of designing something

designs among other things. But once Nalupistuffs

own personal branding of crafted products. With

that made people so happy, so I began to sell and trade

started, I became motivated to bring this as far as I

them amongst friends.

possibly could.

unique, handmade books using traditional techniques.

Do you see this as a sideline or is craftwork

Where did the name Nalupistuffs originate from?

challenges of starting your own craft business and the

That's a hard question. Crafts have always been a

play where we would draw little creatures and give

always been of particular importance to me. There

remembered and we had called it a Nalupi. When it

sheets of paper and working it until you have created

just something that sprang from my memories and

of paper and challenge myself to make something

used this character as a logo and it makes me happy

School of Art and Design and Nalupistuffs is her

not only the skills learned in college, but her own

personal experimentation and research, Opal creates

TLM asks about the inspiration for Nalupistuffs, the importance of creativity.

What inspired you to start your own craft business?

I have always thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of paper

craft and when I started at art college I couldn't find

sketchbooks that I really loved to use, so I began to

make my own from materials I had on hand. After a while, friends and family around me began to notice

and would ask me to create books especially for them.

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something you would like to pursue further?

Nalupistuffs came from a game Mom and I used to

hobby of mine, but paper crafts specifically have

them names. The little bunny with antlers was one I

is something meditative about starting with blank

came to giving a name to this adventure Nalupi was

a finished, useful article. Just to take a single piece

seemed appropriate. Along with its namesake, I have

different, or more efficient, allows me to focus my

every time I see it.

mind on other creative processes. I think it's a hobby that's engrained in my work flow and I will always be interested in learning more and improving my skills.

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What makes Nalupistuffs stand out from other

And as I try to make each book with the best possible

In every aspect of my process I try to use the highest

am happy to build my books with.

stationary/craft start-ups?

quality material. I love to use recycled and vintage

materials whenever possible. This means a lot of time

materials, it can be challenging to source ones that I

goes into sourcing materials, but thankfully I have the

Should creativity be an important aspect in people’s

the hunt for beautiful papers!

Absolutely, but I also think that people need to

best parents in the world who are also constantly on

Has the company sparked much interest since its set up?

Since my books started in Lucky Lane, I’ve had

people contact me enquiring about commissions for specialised books for events which has been delightful and certainly something I’d love to do more of.

Who is your main target audience?

lives?

remember there are many forms of creativity. I love paper, so to me, thinking of new amazing things to

do with paper is just the best thing ever. You have a sheet of paper. What can we do with it? Who knows!

But creativity can also be making pasta at home and

thinking: "You know what? I’m going to throw in sunflower seeds". Is it better? Who knows! Everybody is creative in their own way.

Article by: Christine Costello

I find my books have a wide target audience. I make

sketch books suitable for drawing, painting and journaling in and memento books specially designed

for collecting little keepsakes. And even little pocket

books which are great for organising seeds. I’ve found people really enjoy the range of designs on the vintage papers I sometimes use. I’ve been told one of my

books was given as a gift and is now used as a diary out in Beijing. That's pretty cool to me.

What were the top three challenges in setting up your own business?

The biggest challenges I’d have to say have been time and materials. Outside of college and work, it can be challenging to keep on top of making stock in a

time efficient manner while keeping each book to the highest possible standard.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Past Lives Munster Rugby: Moments in History

With the recent announcement for plans for a new state of the art international rugby experience and visitor centre in Limerick, a project headed up by Paul O’Connell, it’s a good time to look back over a few of the key moments in history for Munster Rugby and the sport in Limerick…

Beating the All Blacks, 1978

We don’t know if you’ve ever heard about this, or if any Munster fan has happened to mention it once or twice, but back in 1978 Munster defeated the mighty New Zealand

All Blacks, in a match that was to become a critically acclaimed play written by Limerick’s own John Breen, as well as the subject of a stirring Guinness advert in 2015. It was a very different team culture in those days; they were amateur sportsmen with full time jobs, many had grown up together, and in terms of ability, even their biggest supporters would have had very little hope. What came to pass is now part of Irish sport folklore - Munster beat by All-Blacks by 12-0 in front of a crowd of 12,000 people. It was the only time the All-Blacks had lost to any Irish side at the time.

Miracle Match v Gloucester

One of the most notable moments from Munster Rugby’s European success is so called miracle match at Thomond Park in 2003. In order to qualify for the knock out stages of the Heineken Cup, they had to win by what would have appeared to have been an impossible margin: four tries and 27 points. Not to mention that Gloucester were no walkover opponents – Munster may have been in form but Gloucester were riding high themselves in England. Amazingly, they pulled it off, with Ronan O’Gara’s converted try in 80th minute bringing them to exactly four tries and 27 points.

Remembering Anthony Foley

It was a tragic cutting short of a life that had been so dedicated to Munster Rugby over many years. The outpouring of emotion that followed showed not only the strength of community and connection that exists amongst Munster fans, but just how important the legacy of the team in in Rugby worldwide. Thomond Park was awash with flowers and tributes after the former player and head coach passed away in Paris while away with the team in October 2016. Opposition teams in subsequent matches all paid their respects with a gesture at the start of the game. One of the most emotional of these was the Maori All Blacks performing a haka and presenting an All Black shirt bearing his name for his sons. The significance Foley’s shirt number 8 was marked by fans by attending a series of eight masses following his death, at the request of his sons.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Illustration by: Ken Coleman

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

OPINI ON: The T hr il l o f S e ttl i n g D own That’s why it isn’t for everyone – not because of the

fear of commitment or boredom or restriction, but because it is a ridiculously ballsy thing to do.

So you’ve gone past the rollercoastering, jumping

each other’s bones stage and have turned to each other and said, right, what are we doing next? You

are setting out on a journey that is no longer only dictated by you, and if it is right this does not mean

compromising or losing yourself but adding another being to your picture, one who you might endlessly bicker with but who you would not want to walk the world without.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with trying to change a routine that feels a bit stale and it’s vital to address

issues early if you are unhappy with the current state

of a relationship, but only if that’s all you are doing.

As many magazines (#NotAllMagazines) find ever

Plus you have to eventually come out of the bubble

Trying to deny the reality of long term consistency

the frequent themes in articles focused on couples

your life or it will collapse around you.

Sitting in comfortable and contented silence with

New romance is often deemed exciting, wild and

Keeping love and romance alive is not about trying

moment you’ve cracked it, this enigma of real love and

written off as a downward spiral – you’ve been caught,

simply know each other too well to be able to return

your respective personalities and lives. That you can

the undiscovered. It’s about realising all the incredible

know you are co-existing, warts and all that's a pretty

increasing ways to make us feel inadequate, one of is ‘keeping the spark alive’ and keeping things fresh.

and learn again to be more present in other areas of

will only stop you appreciating the quieter moments. another person is the most thrilling realisation: the

to revive that initial stage, an impossible feat as you

companionship that works with the ebbs and flows of

to that starry eyed, what is he/she thinking sense of

sit and not wonder or question what’s going on, and

stages of progression you can potentially share.

exciting thing to do.

honestly, if we were sparking all the time we would

Settling down isn’t the endgame. Marriage and serious

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

falling stage of love is wonderful but it is only the

You're saying to the world in a very public way that

glamorous, while everything that comes after is

nudge nudge, settled down now the fun is over, wink.

The thing is, deep down we all know the new part

of relationships is not a sustainable state of being –

simply burn out. The messy, chaotic, all-consuming opening act, it is pointless to tell ourselves this is how

it should remain. Because let’s be honest as wonderful as that stage is, it’s also bloody exhausting.

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commitment are still risky and crazy and adventurous. you're in it as a team forever, and that's scary - it

could mean seeing each other through serious illness, unemployment, even jail. It's liberating and totally crazy all at once.

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Ho w t e c hn o l o gy can a f f e c t yo u r h e a lth

Our modern world can easily be summed up by one

This is taking its toll, making us chronically sick,

Working at Collective Evolution, I’ve been able to

to, feeds to check, meetings to attend, pictures to like,

all, that the introduction of smart and wellness tech

given time. Through analytics and trends I have

word: busy. There are places to go, messages to respond food to consume, and exercises to be done (if we ever

find the time). But we weren’t always this ‘busy,’ were we? What has this level of busy done to our health?

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stressed, and tired. But it seems, fortunately for us

is opening us up to an integrative world that blends health, technology, and emotion together.

see what the collective is really dialling into at any seen that now, more than ever, people are attracted

to anything related to improving their health via the latest technology.

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Because we rely so heavily on our gadgets and apps

Once we found out how destructive sitting for

Health Journal Apps

to eat (and when, and how much), what exercises to

standing desks. But those have their own set of issues.

development as a means of evolving and improving

these days — they give us our schedules, tell us what

do, how to meditate, what to watch, and more — it would be wise to take a look at how it is affecting

our health. Mindful usage of these devices, should we

choose to take advantage of them, is essential to our mental health, because as we all know, things can get a bit obsessive quite quickly.

long periods of time is on our health, we moved to CoreChair technology combines the movement the

body requires (and a fantastic outlet for fidgeters) with the practicality of getting your work done. You

can lock the chair in place when you want to be still, or unlock it for full range of motion so you can gain the benefits of mobility while you sit.

Wearable Technology

But there is an element of mindfulness inherent in

and accessories, allows us to track, record, and monitor

to check in with your body and see what it needs. I

Wearable technology, like the Fitbit, smart eyewear, our movements and health. They provide analytics, graphs, and even locations of places we’ve been to or

wish to visit. While it’s great to have a record of your achievements (or lack thereof ), it is equally important to recognize that you are much more than those numbers. I had a Fitbit earlier this year and I found it

this technology, as the chair provides an opportunity have the not-so-healthy habit of folding my legs

under myself on a chair when I’m working. Doing this continuously and often has caused me some knee

pain. But the design of the CoreChair does not allow for this or other poor sitting habits.

to be a great motivator to get moving.

The sculpted seat for example won’t accommodate

I remember one day being so determined to reach my

in conjunction with the low back to stabilise the

daily 10K steps mark that I walked up and down and

all around my house for 30 minutes at 11pm until I

criss-crossed legs, but is super comfortable and works pelvis and create a balanced spine position, optimising

At some point or another, we seek personal

ourselves. Instead of getting (and paying for) a real, live life-coach or mentor, however, there are an array of apps that you can download on your various devices

that mix the tech with the health and emotional wellbeing.

Apps like Remente or Balanced are goal-orientated and demand accountability, helping the user engage

more with their life. I think the best thing to come out of this technology that integrates with our lives is

the level of self-awareness it can help bring to people.

When you are committed to logging your food, activities, alcohol consumption, exercise, social time, drug use, sleep time, and other metrics, it gives you

a real snapshot of where and what you are spending your time doing. The downside to this could be the

self-judgment that may or may not come along for

the ride if things aren’t documented or you don’t like what the numbers are showing.

sitting posture and reducing back pain.

Either way there is much to learn; it’s just important

that? Not really.

emWave

mindfully — not getting attached to the perceived

Was I a little too caught up in my mind and its

mental health by giving us a glimpse into our stress

reached my goal. Was I a better person for achieving

impossible standard of perfection? Probably. This

was a perfect example of how technology, health, and emotions are a powerful trifecta than can help or hinder depending on how they’re used.

Better Work Tech: CoreChair

Sedentary lifestyle has become so prominent in our

Technology like the emWave strives to improve our management habits. The HeartMath Institute has

Everyone has some form of stress in their lives; instead

our lives as well, as long as we are mindful and self-

between our physiology and psychology processes. of going for the impossible and trying tirelessly to get rid of it, let’s work on managing it instead.

have jobs that require us to sit down for long periods

based on learning to change your heart rhythm pattern

The creators of the CoreChair recognised this reality

and came up with a revolutionary chair that not only supports and corrects posture, but strengthens core muscles as you work.

engaging more with our own lives and habits.

We’ve all seen the dark side of technology, but we just

The emWave technology is an innovative approach to

of time every day.

outcomes or wished-for expectations, but simply

decades of research showing the intimate relationship

technology driven world. We have lost so much of our natural mobility within our vocational life. Some of us

to remember to blend this technology into our lives

went through some awesome ways it helps us improve

aware of all the implications. If something just isn’t

working for you, be wise and courageous enough to let it go.

improving wellness and facilitating personal growth

Article by: Rajie Kabli

to create coherence — a scientifically measurable

This article first appeared on www.collective-

state characterised by increased order and harmony

in the mind and body. This little device clamps lightly

evolution.com

onto your earlobe, with the other end plugged into your computer via USB port. It’s fascinating to see the

real-time results as you focus on a positive emotion and breathe along with your heart rhythms. You will see the graphs and lights change to reflect your level of coherence.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Literature Book Reviews Many of us have put ‘read more books’ down as one of our New Year

2. Light Between Oceans by by M. L. Stedman

it transports us to a different world. February is a time when most of

living on a remote island decide to keep a baby that washes up alone ashore.

Resolutions. It’s a nice pastime, it makes our brains work harder and

us start slipping in our resolve – let us help you out with a list of 10 great books to delve into this month:

The film adaption of the book hit theatres in November last year. A couple

It seems like a miracle, until a few years later their decision comes back to

haunt them when they cross paths with a woman on the mainland in search of a baby lost at sea.

1. The King’s Cage by Victoria Aveyward

4. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of

on 7th Feburary. The King’s Cage is the third instalment in Victoria

If like me you balk at the mention of cleaning don’t worry, this book is more

The literary world is buzzing with excitement for this book to launch

Aveyward’s highly acclaimed Red Queen trilogy. Her debut novel

Red Queen was a New York bestseller and if the first two books are anything to go by, the third won’t disappoint.

Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

focused towards cleaning up your head and decluttering your emotions rather than your kitchen. It’s nearly a tradition to buy some sort of self-help book at the beginning of the year and this is a great one to go for.

Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood, lowly red and elite sliver, the latter of which have supernatural powers. Although Mare’s blood is red she discovers she has supernatural powers, and tries to keep this abnormality hidden. The King draws her into life at the palace

and she gets swept up into all kinds of secrets, drama and rebellions.

Recently we’ve been loving all things regal, like The Crown on

Netflix and this fits in perfectly with our need to see how royals live.

If you haven’t read the first two books in the trilogy yet go pick them

up and get ready for dazzling stories of love, deceit, lies and betrayal.

3. Holding by Graham Norton

This is Graham Norton’s masterful fictional debut. The remote Irish village Duneen is your typical quiet community village, but everything isn’t as calm

as it seems. When human remains have been discovered on a farm, suspected to be that of Tommy Burke, the little village’s dark past comes to light.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

5. My (Not So) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

8. The Last of the Tsars: Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution by

media obsessed world. Part love story, part office drama, Kinsella perfectly

An account of the unbelievable final year of Nicholas II’s reign, his

The bestselling author is back with a new book about living in a social captures how we’re all guilty of looking at other people’s lives through tinted glasses and how we all must define ourselves what makes a perfect life.

Robert Service

abdication in February 1917 and finally the controversial murder of the tsar and his family in Yekaterinburg in July 1918.

6. The Mindfulness Colouring Book by Emma Farrarons

9. A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

book is perfect for practising mindfulness and reliving some of your stress.

movie you better hurry as a film adaption of the book is hitting theatres

We all need a bit of colour in our lives and this pocket-sized colouring

If you’re one of those people who loves to read books before seeing the early this year. Another New York bestseller, the book explores the hilarious

and sometimes emotional story of a dog’s many lives, while also exploring the unique, incredible bond dogs can have with humans, earning them the title of man’s best friend.

7. The Refugees by Viet Thanh Nguyen

10. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

identity and love written over the past 20 years.

popular teen Samantha seems doomed to relive the same day over and over

The Pulitzer Prize winning author compiles short stories about migration,

This book will definitely make you think. A high school-set thriller, where again after she was in a car-crash, seemingly caused by a mysterious student

her friends have been bullying. A film adaption is coming to theatres in March 2017.

By: Sarah Talty

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Literature Stories from Limerick Writers Centre

Arlo

By Adam Chappell Arlo was a man who liked to be alone. Not lonesome

exactly, more happy in his own space, which tended to be outdoors. Some days, he would simply head off into the woods, far out enough to forget the rest of

The tale went that he had a family in the deepest part

That’s what we were doing on the bright April

wife wasn’t a woman but a great big she-bear and

dark cloak on him, like some huge animal pelt, and

of the woods. Wife, kids the whole deal. Only, the

those kids were more like little cubs, except for their eyes. Their eyes were the same as Arlos, bright and icy blue.

the world existed, only coming back home when he

The town in which I knew him was pretty small in

never told a soul what kept him. I'm inclined to think

church, two bars and a whole lot of lumber-men.

felt ready. Once it took him nine whole days and he

he regretted coming back at all. We called him Arlo, but his real name we never knew.

those days, not that it’s much bigger now. It had a

Everything else was trees crowding up to cover the hills at our backs and the valley at our feet.

There was a story about him when I was a kid - more

There was a river bisecting the place, charging a great

himself; it would’ve fit with his kind of mischief.

and the other kids used to chuck sticks and trash and

of a rumour really. I often suspected he made it up

white torrent between the eastern houses, and me

was walking with his chin dug right down into his chest.

I called out a grand good morning, more to show the

other boys I wasn’t afraid than anything else, and he

stopped and looked at me. His face was filthy but through the grime I could see long tracks of tears streaming down his cheeks.

He stood a while, staring at me with those icy blues

of his, and then turned away down the hill, following the path of the river.

whatever else into it, watching them bounce and dive

I can’t explain it but I found myself stumbling after

moving fastest, though we usually lost them pretty

begin to follow him as well, all walking as if half

off out of sight, trying to keep track of whose was quick.

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morning when Arlo came lumbering by. He had a big

him, and looking around me, I saw the other children asleep.

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We passed through the town, still following the river,

Every part of me burned with loss and yearning and

of their houses into the street, falling in behind us

despair into the sky. I may have been the first to cry

and as we went our neighbours and friends came out until the whole town was just plodding along in Arlo’s wake without a sound.

At some point, I don’t quite know when, we left the water behind and struck out into the forest. The trees were close and, as we picked our way through them I

the feeling grew inside me until I howled out my out but it is equally possible that his spell caused me

not to hear, because soon I became aware of the other

voices around me, men and women, birds and beasts

unseen, pouring sorrow from every fibre, up and out into the great black heavens.

began to see dark shapes of animals all around.

My voice flowed out of me, far longer than a breath

Looking up, I saw the sky between the tree tops was

running into my hair. I saw the stars, as small spots

filled with birds of all sizes, their black shapes passing in and out of view against the sun. Like us they were silent, following Arlo deep into the woods.

should hold, my head flung back and tears of my own

in the dark at first but soon they grew in number and vitality until the whole sky was a web of light, domed above me, mirrored by the blazing fires below.

I have no idea how long we traipsed after him uphill

Then all at once the voices stopped, the fires fell back

night time when he finally stopped. There was a

aware of a fog on my mind but only by its lifting, and

into the heart of the forest, but I remember it was

clearing right up near the top of the mountain and, as

and I sagged down to my knees in the grass. I became I shook myself, trying to shed it further. Echoes of

my waking could be heard all around me as the voices

Author Biography

mumble.

of three, living and working in Limerick, Ireland.

than any man there, its top flattened somehow into

Aching, weary, and confused I stood and looked up

genre, a domestic-noire novella and several short

it while all around us the sound of birds landing on

two, right down the middle, with long black scorches

Silver Apples Magazine and another in the Galway

Arlo had vanished and I knew, this time, he was gone

competitions with one story short listed for the Red

we passed through the tree line, I saw the wide circle was already lit up with three huge fires.

A rock stood in the middle of the ring, much taller

of my neighbours and my kin began to groan and

Adam Chappell is a software engineer and father To date he has written a novel in the crime-thriller

at that great big rock and saw that it was smashed in

stories of which two have been published; one in

streaking down its surface. Worse than that, though,

Review. Adam has also received recognition through

forever.

Line Book Festival Short Story Competition in 2016

the fires rose with him and the wind began to hiss in

The wind came up and I shivered, forgetting him and

Ireland short story competition in 2015.

heat and sound were everywhere. Then, as he stood up

it was cold and everyone around me seemed to agree.

a platform. We all stopped as Arlo went and climbed braches filled the air.

Again I can’t explain how, though if I’m honest I can’t

explain much of that night, but as he scaled that rock the trees until, as he reached the top, the light and tall on the flat top of the stone, all I could see was his dark shape with those piercing blue eyes staring out at

thinking only of my bed. Though the night was clear Time for home.

me, tears still streaming from them.

I glanced back as we left the clearing. The birds and

I’ve never known a sadness like the one I felt right

all watching us in the dwindling firelight. Maybe Arlo

then, before or since. It was as if my very soul had

been torn away from me and for a while I feared that Arlo might have stolen it.

and another long listed for the RTÉ Guide/Penguin

animals still stood there, predators and prey together, still had some need of them or maybe they just woke up slower than we did. Either way I heard no sound of

hooves or wings as we walked away through the trees.

The only sound that did reach us on that long trek

home came just as the sun broke over the horizon.

From some place high up on the mountain, rolling

and echoing all through the trees, came the deep, rough call of a bear.

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Poe t ry f r om sta nz as

Little Polly Pussy Daria Marie Walsh

By: Daria Marie Walsh

Daria Marie Walsh is a storyteller, writer, photographer and Word

Little Polly Pussy went to school, and what did she learn there?

O’Brien and Yeats. Daria has been sitting on the Committee of

She learned that is was okay for boys to snap her bra and look at her

Warrior. She loves daydreaming, playing her bodhran and reading Storytellers of Ireland for the past three years and organises World Storytelling Day Ireland. In May she released her CD Trilogy “The

Wonderful World of Lorcan the Lamb and His Woolly Coat” –

a storytelling of her original writing and musical accompaniment.

She has performed at many festivals and events around Ireland and

toured her one-woman show “A Story for my Supper” in the U.S. She also had the honour this year of being invited to story-tell at the

Eamon Kelly Storytelling Night at Listowel Writers Week 2016.

She lives with her Husband, Paul H. Tubb – Poet and Children’s Writer and Illustrator, in Howth where they enjoy long walks by the sea.

Daria’s poem is a direct response to the now infamous Donald Trump quote.

Stanzas takes place monthly in Hook & Ladder on Sarsfield Street in the heart of the city.

The February event takes place on Friday the 24th, from 19:00 on, and is themed ‘Selfie’. To see your work in print email us poetry, prose or images based on the theme to stanzas.limerick@gmail.com

by February 17th. Please note images must be High Contrast Black and White. Prose must be under 600 words in length.

62

underwear.

Little Polly Pussy went to High School, and what did she learn there?

She learned that flaming locks meant that she was “easy” and even though it hurt her head

Boys really meant they liked her, when they pulled her hair.

Little Polly Pussy went to College, and what did she learn there?

She learned that when she told her Department Head that she was raped he really didn’t care!

You see Boys with futures are more important than the pain of a vaginal tear.

So, Little Polly Pussy walked across the stage that day with her piece of paper in hand and repeated to herself all she had learned in 12 years…

“Boys will be Boys, so you’d better beware.

It’s your responsibility Polly Pussy to carry yourself with care.”

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Ev ent Hig hl i g h t Limerick Literary Festival 2017

Limerick Literary Festival 2017 takes place this year

The festival will be officially opened by journalist

On Sunday morning in the Lime Tree Theatre

famous Limerick Author Kate O’ Brien is now in its

Limerick City Gallery of Art, Pery Square, and will

reveal their choice of books, followed by a conversation

from 23rd – 26th February. The Festival honouring 33rd edition, going from strength to strength. This

year is no exception, with a truly amazing weekend of

all things literature lined up, with the festival taking on a “City of Bridges” theme for 2017.

Formerly known as Kate O’Brien Weekend, the

Limerick Literary Festival continues to honour the life and works of the Limerick Author and attracts literary greats from all over the world. The festival

now seeks to promote Limerick nationally as a place

of literary excellence, and as a platform where readers can meet their favourite authors, and other readers

who have common interests. This year’s festival has gathered up to 20 participants from all over, including Ireland, England, Italy and the US, bringing them to six different venues throughout Limerick City.

Olivia O’ Leary on Friday 24th February at 6pm in

be followed by a recital of “As Music and Splendour”.

On Thursday 23rd UL Professor and author Eoin

musician Bill Whelan and broadcaster Liz Nolan will between novelists Cecilia Ahern and Donal Ryan.

Devereux will deliver an illustrated talk on Oscar

This is a weekend not to miss and will be a chance

music and wine promised. Saturday will start off in

some of their favourite authors, writers and poets,

Wilde and Morrissey at Chez le Fab, a night of great

Ormston House on Patrick Street, where Christopher

Lloyd and Limerick author Roisín Meaney will be entertaining the young book lovers attending the

festival. Limerick City Gallery of Art is the place to be on Saturday for more mature readers. Poet Doireann

ni Ghriofa, novelist Mary Lawson, historian Thomas

for both young and old readers/writers to experience learn something new and enjoy literature in all its

glory. For more information on the festival visit www. limerickliteraryfestival.com

Article By: Amanda Flannery

Packenham, writer Mike McCormack and Italian novelist Francesca Melandri will be in conversation with Mary Coll and Poet Richard Blanco, followed by a tribute to the late French author Michel Deon

by Marie Hackett.

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FI L M Rings: Sadako's vengeful spirit returns

Back in the late 90s, Asian horror was virtually unknown to Western audiences. The few titles that did reach Europe and beyond back then were mostly bootleg copies with bad dubbing and even worse picture quality, perhaps contributing to an air of general scepticism and unenthusiastic attitude towards Asian cinema.

DVDs had also not yet become as ubiquitous and commonplace as they are now, and thus VHS tapes were still in circulation. And for better or worse, a cursed VHS tape would become a novel way to kill by entities from the great beyond.

The Ring film franchise began in Japan in 1998, with Hideo Nakata's original Ring, though the mythos existed in printed form since Koji Suzuki's 1991 eponymous book. The

movie is undoubtedly a classic of the macabre, made even more unsettling by a method of killing which is terrifying and oh so personal, as the final blow is delivered via such a household object as a TV screen.

Ring draws inspiration from a number of sources and traditional myths from Japan's own folklore, which was (and perhaps, still is) virtually unknown to all but the most hardcore of historians and fans of the supernatural.

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Dim souls: From Okiku to Sadako

Traditionally, the lower the social rank of the person

The entity known as Sadako is portrayed as an onryo,

Japanese folk tales.

Hence Okiku's desire for revenge against the samurai

a strong desire for revenge against those who did her

Okiku and the Nine Plates is one of the best known

There are different version of this tale, which has

was, the more powerful and cruel the curse would be. who wronged her in life became so strong.

a vengeful spirit bound to the world of the living by harm.

been told in Japan since the 12th century. As Western

Japanese

distinctive. Their

Interestingly, onryos are almost exclusively female.

certain elements changed, but the core of the story

the traditional burial kimono. Yurei are usually

humans while living, they become extremely violent

culture began influencing Japanese's way of life, (the cursing) remains.

If one jumps about 600 years forward, we find that

many old wells and aquifers around Japan became

yurei

are

visually

manifestations wear long white garments resembling represented without legs or feet, or at the very least, these are covered by the long kimono. When they move, yurei's arms hang outstretched close to their

Hailing from seemingly innocent, tame, and loyal and dangerous spirits from the world of the dead, and those who did them harm will pay the price.

body.

Sadako's motivations vary, depending on which

became known as 'Okiku's bug.' The parasite's

There's one more trait that distinguishes a yurei. Their

that she was murdered by her father and thrown down

black silk threads. Traditional folklore saw this as a

normally wear their hair up, except during their own

contaminated with an odd-looking parasite that anatomy looked as if its body was wrapped in reincarnation of Okiku. Ever since then, Okiku would

be represented as a beautiful girl with long black hair, arms tied behind her back, and the lower body being that of a worm.

In Japanese culture, every person has a rei, a soul.

When the person dies of natural causes, or when his

or her time is due, the soul simply awaits for the rites that will enable it right of passage and thus join its ancestors in peace. If the ritual is done in the right way, the rei passes on and cannot return to the land of the living.

However, if someone meets a violent or untimely

end -through murder or suicide, for example, the soul becomes a yurei that is able to find its way to the physical world. Murder or suicide victims are

usually full of strong emotions at the point of death: Hate, fear, or sorrow. These emotions bind the spirit to the world it left behind, and the last thought at the moment of death will become an obsession that will lead to a haunting until such emotion is resolved.

If it is not, the haunting will remain indefinitely.

hair is long and jet black. Japanese women would funeral, when the hair is allowed down.

Sadako's curse: An onryo bent on vengeance

And so we've come full circle to this moment, just like

timeline one looks at. In the 'classic' Ring, it is implied the well, where her onryo rose from, vowing revenge

against the world. It is also hinted that Sadako's true

father was a demon from the sea. But irrespective of the timeline, Sadako's onryo always returns to harm those who wronged in life.

in the iconic image that Ring takes its name from.

Rings: Sadako's legacy lives on

ghostly pale hands, the white garment, that hair. And

with a new instalment which at the time of writing is

It is now plain to see how Sadako came to be. The

the well, of course. The influence of Japanese folklore is strong throughout.

The female name Sadako itself combines two words: Sada (chaste) and ko (child). This is an important clue. The original Ring book upon which the 1998

The long-running Ring franchise will be expanded due for European release on 17th February.

Rings will broaden the series' mythology, and Sadako's implacable and shambling appearances will once again exact revenge on the living.

Japanese film version is based hints that Sadako was

The Ring franchise blends horror and rich mythology

the viewer (or reader) to infer that Sadako lived

The character of Sadako indeed features in plenty of

intersex, and thus could not reproduce. This allows

through the curse she bestowed upon the tape, and so her sentient essence could pass from one copy of

the tape to another, enabling her to potentially live on indefinitely.

in an exhilarating cocktail of supernatural goings-on.

'Scariest (moments, characters, etc.) lists around.

The legacy and the sheer visual power of the chaste child's first appearance through a TV screen will

linger in people's minds long after we switch off our own televisions.

Article by: Fernando Sanchez

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Th e l i m e r ick maga z i n e TV: February 2017 We've survived January so it is time to put the feet up and relax. With plenty of shows

returning, and brand new shows to check out, February is looking like a good month on the box.

Girls Girls returns this month for its sixth and final season on Sky Atlantic which will see Hannah embark on a new writing career as she recovers from her break-up

with Fran. Creator and star Lena Dunham admits that the writing of this season was strongly influenced by the 2016 election, so expect some strong issues that may see an explosion of conversation on social media. This season will also feature guest stars Riz Ahmed (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”) and Chelsea Peretti (“Brooklyn Nine Nine”) so expect the usual drama, laughs and tears from Hannah and friends as the show comes to an end.

Crashing From Judd Apatow, the man behind the big screen comedies Knocked Up and

The 40 Year Old Virgin, comes a new small screen offering, Crashing. Apatow has

teamed up with Pete Holmes of the acclaimed podcast You Made It Weird with Pete

Holmes for this venture, which Holmes has loosely based on his own experiences.

The show focuses on a comedian in New York who must reinvent his life after his

wife leaves him. Guaranteed to be filled with self-reflective hilarity, Crashing is a must-see when it airs on Sky Atlantic.

66

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Scandal

24: Legacy

Season six will open on election night as we finally find out if Mellie Grant was

The iconic real-time narrative returns with a new hero and a new time-sensitive

and her team. This season is a little shorter than usual due to Kerry Washington's

Carter, who has returned home from a dangerous mission in Afghanistan but

successful in her bid to become President, so tensions will be running high for Olivia real-life pregnancy but showrunner Shonda Rhimes promises that each episode will

be sharper than usual as we see flashbacks to discover how each of the characters have got to be where they are. Starting on 2nd February on Sky Living, get ready to get hooked into more drama from our favourite fictional politicians.

problem to solve. This incarnation will follow the adventure of Army Ranger Eric must ask the Counter Terrorism Unit for help as trouble has followed him home and threatens both his life and the safety of the United States. Starring Corey

Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton), this story takes place three years after 24: Live Another Day and early reports suggest that Hawkins' hero is compelling enough to almost make you forget about Jack Bauer. For immediate nail-biting drama, tune in to FOX UK on 15th February.

Santa Clarita Diet

Arrow

This is a quirky new show on Netflix, in which Drew Barrymore stars as a woman

After taking a mid-season break, the second half of season five returns to Sky

So far, not so quirky. But Barrymore's character Sheila dies and soon becomes a

from Talia Al Ghul in his effort to take down Kovar but her help comes at a

who runs a realtor business with her husband while raising their teenage daughter. flesh-eating zombie. We will witness the family struggle to maintain a normal

family dynamic while professionally battling a rival realtor, played by Nathan Fillion

(“Castle�). This will be available to watch from 3rd February and should be utterly ravishing.

1 on 2nd February. This time around, we will see Oliver receive an offer of help price. Meanwhile, Felicity struggles to free Diggle, and Curtis discovers a female vigilante. Oliver's never-ending fight against corruption continues and be sure to tune in for all the action.

Article by: Sarah Lafferty

67

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE EVENT GUIDE TWELVE AT THE HUNT CAFÉ: CAROL

THE SUCCESSFUL TD

THE DEAD

Wednesday 1st – Tuesday 28th February

8pm

8pm

KENNEDY

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City

Friday 3rd February Feohanagh

Castlemahon

Castlemahon, Co. Limerick

Saturday 4th February Community

Hall,

TAPA’S – A LITTLE TASTE OF SPAIN

BEGINNERS WEDDING CAKE CLASSES

7pm – 9:30pm

10am – 4pm

Wednesday 1st February

Hook and Ladder, 7 Sarsfield Street. Limerick

Saturday 4th February

Decobake Limerick, 9a Catherine Street, Limerick

FOODIE WEEKEND – FROM THE BRIDGE

STORYTIME WITH ROISÍN MEANEY

Friday 3rd – Saturday 4th February

11:30am

TO THE BAY

Limerick Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick EXMAGICIAN

Saturday 4th February

Limerick City Library, The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick

Belltable, 69 O’ Connell Street, Limerick ABUSE YOUR ILLUSION Saturday 4th February 9pm

The Library Bar, 5/6 Cornmarket Row, Limerick SUNDAY

MCHUGH

NIGHT

Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, Knockanes, Adare, Co. Limerick THAI CUISINE

Dolans Pub and Restaurant, ¾ Dock Rd., Limerick

2:30pm – 4pm

7pm – 9:30pm

FIBAR FUREY

Friday 3rd February 8pm

Dolans Pub and Restaurant, ¾ Dock Rd., Limerick MAXI JAZZ

Friday 3rd February

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

AN EVENING WITH CARA O’ SULLIVAN Saturday 4th February 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Tuesday 7th February Hoook and Ladder, 7 Sarsfield Street, Limerick I, DANIEL BLAKE

Wednesday 8th February 8pm

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

Castletroy, Limerick

ADVENTURES

The Library Bar, 5/6 Cornmarket Row, Limerick

FRIGHTENED RABBIT

Saturday 11th February

PAT SHROTT – HOW’S TINGS!?

8pm

8pm

Friday 3rd February 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Saturday 4th February

Dolans Pub and Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

OF

COFFEESHOP GIRL

A

REDHEADED

8pm

Belltable, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick DES BISHOP

Saturday 11th February 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

68

LISA

8:30pm

MUSIC WORKSHOP Saturday 4th February

–

Sunday 5th February

Friday 3rd February 8pm

DANCING

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F o l lo w u s on li n e for more e ve nt l istings www.the l ime rickm aga z ine .c o m

PRESTON REED

TOM O’ MAHONEY – BUCKSHOT TOUR

THE FUREYS

8pm

8pm

8pm

Saturday 11th February

Saturday 18th February

Belltable, 69 O’ Connell Street, Limerick

Dolans Pub and Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

VEGETARIAN HEAVEN

THE REDNECK MANIFESTO PRESENTED

7pm – 9:30pm

Saturday 18th February

Thursday 16th February

BY SEODA SHOWS

Hook and Ladder, 7 Sarsfield Street, Limerick “WHEN I FALL IN LOVE” BY KARIN

Friday 24th February Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA – A LETTER OF RIGHTS

Saturday 25th February

9pm

Dolans Pub and Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

8pm

St. Mary’s Cathedral, Bridge Street, Limerick City

LEITNER & TERESA O’ DONNELL

THE BEE GEES STORY

NO STAIRWAY – LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE

8pm

9pm

Saturday 25th February

Thursday 16th February

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick KEITH BARRY – HYPNOMAGICK

Sunday 19th February

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Thursday 16th February

SUNDAY

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Sunday 19th February

8pm

Castletroy, Limerick BOTTOM

DOG

THEATRE

COMPANY

PRESENTS DRINKING IN AMERICA

BAND

DENVER

NIGHT

DANCING

–

MIKE

8:30pm

Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, Knockanes, Adare, Co. Limerick

9pm

Kasbah Social Club, 3-4 Dock Road, Limerick SUNDAY NIGHT DANCING – CLIONA HAGAN

Sunday 26th February 8:30pm

Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, Knockanes, Adare, Co. Limerick

Friday 17th February

MUNSTER RUGBY V SCARLETS

FERMENTATION

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Limerick

7:35pm

Monday 27th February

8pm

BREATHE – THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE

Friday 24th February

Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick

Friday 17th February

FRANK PIG SAYS HELLO

Dolans Pub and Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

8pm

8pm

TOMMY FLEMING

Belltable, 69 O’ Connell Street, Limerick

6:30pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Friday 24th February

Castletroy, Limerick

EDDI READER RETURNS TO IRELAND

Tuesday 28th February – Thursday 20th April Castletroy, Limerick

THROUGH ULYSSES

BOOKWORMS

8pm

8pm

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

O’

Hook and Ladder, 7 Sarsfield Street, Limerick RUNNING MADE EASY

ROBERT GOGAN PRESENTS STROLLING

VALERIE

7pm – 9:30pm

Friday 24th & Saturday 25th February

Friday 17th February 8pm

CONNOR

WITH

Tuesday 28th February – Saturday 4th March Belltable, 69 O’ Connell Street, Limerick

Saturday 18th February

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

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Closing Time 1 0 Minute s Wi t h…Ta r m o T U LI T Occupation: Commercial Photographer

As a child what did you want to be growing up?

Are you superstitious,/do you have any personal

Fun fact about you:

as long as I remember I always just wanted to leave

I used to be, heavily – black cats, Friday the 13th,

I used to be the biggest introvert. I was screaming like a lunatic as a young child each time I had to change schools. I think the first time I started feeling

somewhat relaxed when having a casual conversation

with a complete stranger was here in Ireland, well into my twenties.

What motivates you in the morning?

Coffee. A lot of it. And a ton of blind faith. When I get an idea into my head it will take over my body

like a demon and everything else in the world turns

slightly blurry (I’m pretty sure my other half has an exorcist on speed dial, just in case).

What one thing do you never leave the house without?

Chewing gum. I don’t think there has been more than 5 days, throughout last 25 years when, I didn’t chew gum. Saying it out loud sounds pretty weird actually.

Any hidden or lesser known talents?

For me it was never about ‘what’, but rather ‘where’, where I was, to see what else is out there, I have always

been led by curiosity in everything I take on. But the only specific profession I can remember wanting was

a long haul lorry driver, when I was 7. Even that is about me going somewhere far, to think of it now.

What is your favourite word?

Askhole - a person who constantly asks for your

advice, yet always does the opposite of what you told

every single one of my ‘rituals’ and have never looked back since.

How would you sum up you life in 6 words?

Like what you do. Play nice.

miserable. I step on a bus. Bus to Shannon airport, to

‘Fear is temporary, regret is forever’. I’m not sure who’s

the author of this quote, I read it first time in South Africa, on the T-shirt I was given to wear before I

jumped off a 700ft high bridge (on a bungee of course, not just like that), it got imprinted into my brain on

Heavy rain and wind. Typical grey sky. Cold and board a plane which is heading off to SE Asia. Jokes

aside, it’s pretty much the same like for many others –

sunny day, river, sitting outside with friends, enjoying

some craft beer, discussing all the weird things of life.

that very moment when my toes left the edge of the

Favourite people?

I face tough decisions.

a fan of genunine sincere people and meeting new

bridge and has kept me focused ever since, whenever

animal then it would without a doubt be Bill Murray;

process of discussing things in super-fine detail. I also

living for himself, and I highly admire his approach

70

point in my early twenties I trained myself to let go of

Favourite quote of all time?

happy and only start warming up. It doesn’t mean

make a mean weed rat stew.

comes down to my (mild case of ) OCD. But at some

Describe your ideal weekend in Limerick?

What is the most recent book you have read?

that I’m always right, or winning, but I sure enjoy the

throwing salt over your shoulder, the lot. I think it

them.

I am able to debate anyone under the table. I can go 24 hours straight with no food or sleep and still be

rituals for good luck?

‘The Tao of Bill Murray’. If I could choose my spirit

he’s a man who has unlocked the secrets to happy to life.

My fiancé and my best friends. Without a doubt, I'm interesting characters. I would take sincere people any day, over the polite in-your-face gossipers.

Happiness is.......

Travelling with my favourite people.