The Limerick Magazine May 2016 - ISSUE 8

free 2016 magazine issue 08 MAY

ISSN - 2009-8650

F e atu ri ng : L S AD Fashi on Show T h e Ac adem i c W in di ng s K e vin Ki ely J R

James LE N N O N

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Welcome

TO t he li merick magaz i n e 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

Graphic Designer - Paul Geaney

michelle@fusionmedia.ie

Michelle Costello

Editor - Kayleigh Ziolo

Email - kayleigh@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627

Assistant Graphic Designers - Naomi McGing

Amie Heenan

Email - design@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627

Advertising - Fusion Media

Email - advertising@fusionmedia.ie

TLM contributors:

Phone - 061-597627

Olivia Chau Mary Kiely

Rachel Flanagan

Photographers:

Fernando Sanchez

Eoghan Lyons

Shauna Lindsay

COVER – Joe Mc Giveran

Rebelle Haze

Leanne Aherne

Jane Butler O’Halloran Sintija Zorge

Sharon Slater

Sophie Butler Kevin Bolger

Orla Dallman

Katie O’Brien

Laura McNamara

Cornelia O’Riordan Christine Costello Alan Keane

Tarmo Tulit

Eva Birdthistle

Aimee Heenan

Patrick O’Brien

Naomi McGing Jody Neville

Ken Coleman

Shane Serrano

JDM Photography Munster Images

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.

Jacob Stack

@limerickonline

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@thelimerickmagazine

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Established 1989

Tel 061 410 350 www.Texassteakout.com 03

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TL M c ontr ibutors

Michelle Costello

Olivia Chau

Rachel Flannagan

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Kayleigh Ziolo

Shauna Lindsay

rebelle haze

pAUL geaney

fernando sanchez

sintija zorge

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Naomi McGing

Amie Heenan

Eoghan Lyons

sharon slater

Front: back:

alan keane

Leanne Aherne

Jane Butler

Mary Kiely

KATIE O,BRIEN, LAURA MCNAMARA, ORLA DALLMAN cornelie o'riordan, kevin bolger, sophie butler 05

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bu s ine ss profile: Michelle Costello, Fusion Media

As the driving force behind Fusion Media, Michelle

A year after founding what was once the local magazine,

Magazine and The Limerick Magazine what they

publication."Fusion Magazine was beginning to

Costello has gone above and beyond in making Fusion are today. With a background in the media industry

spanning sales, public relations, advertising, project

management, event co-ordination and marketing, Michelle started out with the intent of filling agap

in the market in Limerick, and wanted to create a platform for creative communities.

Before starting Fusion Media, Michelle delved into

many other areas in her professional career, “I used to work for newspapers and while doing that I was given the opportunity to work on different supplements like

House and Home or Travel Guides. I really enjoyed that.” She then got involved in e-publishing which

gave her the first taste of having her own publication, “I loved doing it; the photoshoots, the planning

and getting to be creative, building something from scratch. It made me hungry for more.” The idea of

Michelle decided to make Fusion Magazinea national generate interest outside of Limerick and across

the country and turning into a national publication

seemed like a natural progression," Michelle explains.

“Fusion grew rapidly towards a national market, because we are quite creative and fashion based - not in a commercial high street fashion way but more high fashion editorial, working with amazing Irish

designers and different people in the entertainment industry.

We drew a large audience from that; people loved that we were finding upcoming artists and showcasing

their work. I think especially as Fusion Magazine goes into the 4 and 5 star hotel bedrooms, it gives

tourists a great view into contemporary Ireland and that excited people.”

starting Fusion Magazine first came about during

Not wanting to leave her hometown of Limerick

was starting to bubble up, it was the right time to do

the market for a local publication caused by Fusion’s

the build-up to Limerick City of Culture in 2014. “It

something and start the Fusion Magazine publication.

I was surrounded by crazy talented people in all of these different creative areas and with that westarted

banging our heads together, and Fusion Magazine was born.”

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in the dark, Michelle decided to fill the new gap in

inevitable growth. This is what led to the creation of

The Limerick Magazine, or TLM as it's known. “We

were so passionate about Limerick that we didn’t

want to have a magazine that was going to just grow in a different direction. That was the reason behind

starting The Limerick Magazine. The aim of The

Limerick Magazine is to take what is happening locally and give people the opportunity to showcase

what they’re doing, be it business or creative, and to utilise it as a platform to connect people to the scene that’s in Limerick. We want people to get involved and not to look back on something and feel like they’re missing out.”

As one can imagine, being the Editor-in-Chief of two publications and running Fusion Media can be

time-consuming, but she doesn’t do it alone. Keeping the balance between the two magazines really comes

down to organisation and structure. That is why the teams that are involved are so important. Michelle

says. “You have to be aware that there’s always going to be a difficulty with balance but for me it is in the

team that work with me. They are amazing. People come in, get creative and build projects together, they

all contribute, it is fantastic. They may love writing, or

it could be photography, videography, styling, hair, set design. They really want to be part of it. That is why we have an open platform, because the people who want it the most will always knock on your door.”

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In 18 months since launching Fusion Media, Michelle has been responsible for publishing over 20 issues of two different publications so far, which means 20 cover stars and 20 cover stories. While Michelle has been proud of every issue that has been

published, we’re sure she has at least a few favourite

cover stories in particular. “Fusion Magazine always

holds a special place for me and I don’t think I could name just one. I loved the Spring/Summer 2016 issue

with Johnny Marr. It was a great cover, a brilliantly written article and it was such an interesting read

too, plus I’m a fan. I loved the first edition too with Grace Slattery on the cover because that was our

first publication; she had an inspirational story so it’s really special in that way that we got to tell her story.

It’s so hard to pick because we had Senator David

Norris after the marriage equality referendum and

it was such an amazing moment to capture”, she says. “I guess they would be my three favourite if I had to pick - Johnny Marr, David Norris and Grace Slattery.”

So what is a day in the life of Michelle Costello

like? “There are days where there is editing, there is constructing, building photoshoots; you can be

down on your hands and knees scrubbing at 3 o’clock in the morning for a shoot for the next day, and then

the day after you are meeting your advertisers and clients! But I’m a hard worker, I get it from my mother, it’s in my blood.

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I could be in meetings from production to editorial

meetings and then advertising meetings, you have your circulation and distribution, your online presence

and lots of paperwork, you have your team to coordinate with, and you’re constantly finding ways for

everyone to engage with each other and collaborate

together. That’s what I do, it’s a role of co-ordination.

I’m excited about how we are growing as a young

company. It’s ever-changing and that is what I love about it.”

With two publications it’s a wonder that Michelle has any time to herself, but when she does she says that

she loves “travel, food and friends, I like to experience different cultures and have new experiences. I try to

travel as much as I can. I love meeting new people, hearing people’s stories and learning from others.” No

matter what she does, her work is always in the back of her mind somewhere. “There are so many places

to discover and draw inspiration from, I always take that into the business as well- you learn, you grow, you evolve. It’s human nature.”

In the two years since its conception, Fusion Media has grown more rapidly than anyone could have

anticipated. What are Michelle’s goals for Fusion Media in the future? “The goal for both Fusion

Magazine and The Limerick Magazine is that people who are in it are there to inspire others. At the end of

the day they are normal people that have grown into roles because they’ve used skills and talents.

When you’re reading it or listening to these people I want our readers to relate, that they realise, understand and think “I can do that too.”

The second goal focuses more on the expansion

of Fusion Media as a business, “It is more than magazines. I want to expand more on the publishing

side and content creation. There are a whole load of

streams coming up in the near future. We have the commercial photography side of things, that looks

after great brands and this is a strong growth area for us. We also focus on videography, graphic design and

website development so that should keep us busy for a little while.”

What is it that Michelle wants people to know? She

says, “We want people to know about what we do, enjoy it, and feel a connection. Our ethos is really important, so we're making sure that message is getting out there. I want to show to an international

audience that not only is Ireland a great diverse place

for creativity and producing art in different fields, but I want to show it can be produced in Limerick – which has a reputation of being the underdog. We get to show what we do here and how we do it.”

Article by: Sophie Butler & Laura McNamara Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

OPEN YOUR EYES - OPEN YOUR MIND FUSION MAGAZINE - SHOWCASING CREATIVE IRELAND FASHION - FILM - MUSIC - PHOTOGRAPHY ART & CULTURE FOOD - TRAVEL - HUMAN INTEREST AvAil Able NAtioNwide iN PriNt & oNliNe www.fusionmagazine.ie

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stu de nt P ro file David Sheerin What course are you studying?

I am currently in my second year studying Music, Media and Performance Technology at University of Limerick.

Have you always been intent on studying music?

I started to play a musical instrument when I was

about 12. Then I gradually started to learn about the

more software side of music and electronical music production. From there on I knew that that was the type of study I was most interested in.

When did you start to produce your own music?

I started making my own productions when I was

around 15. It took me a good while to get used to the software but I really wanted to make some of my own music, so I stuck at it..

How does your college course help with your own music productions?

My course really does help with my musical

production. It shows me how each individual sound is created, and how to use these sounds in an effective

manner. We also use different DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) so it helps me understand different programmes, which will benefit me in the future.

What do you think of the Limerick music/club scene?

Limerick's club scene is only getting better in my

opinion! You have to credit the guys at Subtech in The Library for the job that they are doing. DIE

in Dolans and Gutter are also fantastic nights. The

Limerick music and club scene is on the rise and I am very excited.

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Who are your musical influences?

My musical influences range from all types of musical genres, it's really hard to put a finger on just one or two artists. I would have to say that the likes of deadmau5

and Eric Prydz really got me into producing my own

music. Now I'll listen to a range of different artists

such as Jamie xx, Tourist, Julio Bashmore, Amtrac and many more to try get ideas for my own tracks.

You've had great success with your tracks Voices in The Sun and We Are One, how did it feel to have

your work recognised by national and international platforms?

I was so happy when Voices In The Sun got signed to

Tronic Stomp, a German label. I knew that this could

be a great starting point for my tracks to be heard internationally. Then when We Are One was released

it really took off around Ireland. It was getting plays on all the radio stations and featured on Nialler9's blog, the most read Irish music blog, which I was very happy with.

Do you think it's important to showcase young Irish vocalists in your music as you did in both of these tracks?

Yes, this is a really important element in my releases.

It is always great to see young Irish producers

collaborating, and I want to showcase how many talented Irish vocalists there are out there.

What's been the most memorable gig you've played?

I have had many memorable gigs so far. Subtech back in March stands out as It was a really big gig for me.

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Also playing at Afterlife way back last year in a little house in Milford Grange too, where it all started!

Any exciting plans for the future?

Well I have a few of my biggest releases yet to come so I'm going to be focusing on finishing them. I want

to release my first EP too, which I am so excited for.

And hopefully I'll be playing around Limerick and other parts of Munster too.

Article by: Orla Dallman

Photography by: Orla Dallman

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T op 1 0 A l b u m s for S u m m e r

Up From Below – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic

The Beach Boys – Sounds of Summer (The Very

Beyoncé– 4

Zeros

Best of the Beach Boys)

Listen to Up From Below by Californian indie folk

What would a list about the best summer albums be

it's no surprise a contribution from Queen Bey is

you will be transported back to better times. Lead

compilation features the Californian bands greatest

successfully amalgamates a variety of different

sound out of place on stage at Woodstock and are the

Top track: Kokomo

empowering ballad "I Was Here". 4 is most certainly a

Who run the world? Beyoncé, obviously. Therefore

band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and

without a contribution from The Beach Boys? This

included on this list. Throughout this album Beyoncé

singer Alexander Ebert's 60s crooning wouldn't

hits, and each is a must for your summer party.

musical styles from the smooth RnB of "Party" to the

perfect accompaniment to a lazy summer's day.

crowd pleaser that will have everyone at your summer party on their feet.

Top track: Janglin

Top track: Love On Top

The Chronic –Dr. Dre

Foster The People – Torches

Green Day – Dookie

Dre's debut solo album oozes sunny West Coast vibes.

Yet another Californian band, Foster The People burst

Nothing speaks more of the days of angst-laden

Up Kicks. The group's indie/alternative rock sounds

Dookie does. Dookie remains a classic that will

It's unsurprising The Chronic, released following his split from NWA, is considered to be one of the

greatest hip-hop albums produced: through it Dre

made gangster rap accessible to the masses, and introduced rap superstars such as Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg. The funky beats and Dre's genius lyrics make this the perfect summer album.

Top Track: Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang

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onto the scene in 2011 with the hit song Pumped

and Mark Foster's falsetto tones conjure images of

summer road trips to the beach. It features songs catchy enough to please a crowd, yet still remains quirky and cool.

Top track: I Would Do Anything For You

teenage summers quite like Green Day's 1994 release only proceed to get better with time. Why not go

completely old school and bust out the Walkman to listen to this one on a lazy day lying in the sun?

Top track: Welcome to Paradise

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The Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde

Lily Allen – Alright, Still

If your idea of hip-hop is chilled out summer fun then

Although Allen's 2006 debut is primarily considered

Los Angeles based rap group released Bizarre Ride in

throughout many of the tracks, giving it an undeniably

this album is one that needs to be on your playlist. The

the midst of the 1990's dominant gangster rap era.

The album's playful, light hearted humour and jazzy

sounds were a contrast to the feud ridden West Coast

hip-hop prevalent at the time, and despite moderate sales this album is undoubtedly a must hear.

Top track: Soul Flower

The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Sgt. Pepper not only provided an escape from the 'Beatlemania' the Liverpool foursome created, it

provides an escape for anyone who listens to it. The Beatles' experimentation with psychedelic rock was

clearly a huge success as their eighth studio album is one of the best selling albums in history. Sgt. Pepper's

surreal lyrics and whimsical electric guitars will take you right back to the Summer of Love.

Top track: Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds

a pop album, a heavy reggae influence can be heard summery feel. Both hard-hitting yet easy listening at

the same time, Allen's verbal attacks on ex-boyfriends

and 'the filth' are lifted with wonderfully cynical, witty lyrics and a lighthearted ska vibe.

Top track: LDN

Wheatus – Wheatus This debut teen angst-laden album from the New York band has so much more to offer than the song that rendered them a one hit wonder. Give the full

album a listen on a chilled summer's day and discover some hidden gems, before you turn the volume up on Teenage Dirtbag.

Top track: Sunshine Article by: Orla Dallman

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T he li merick magazine

Music windings Windings are a collective of Limerick musicians,

You recorded the album in Attica Audio last year,

You only released I Am Not the Crow on vinyl with

best music to come out of Limerick or even Ireland

The last 18 months have been crazy busy in our

new album also?

five men who came together to produce some of the over the last few years. Not willing to compromise

on quality, they have been honing their craft with

limited releases and lucky for us, we look forward to

a new album that is set to be released this year. TLM caught up with Steve from Windings to talk about new material and their busy lives.

Tell us about the history of Windings?

We've been hanging around like a bad smell in some form or other for a while now I guess. I released a solo

album in late 2005 when I had some downtime from giveamanakick (my old band) I got to play a lot of gigs over the next few years with Windings, some really

how was the recording process?

personal lives, so we picked a single 3 day period last

August that we all would keep clear, and rehearsed

almost every evening for the month leading up to it.

Then, in an incredibly intense 3 day period, we played

our songs in the beautiful live room in Attica, and we played them all until they were just right. When

we got home, we didn’t listen to our recordings for ages. When Tommy (Attica Audio) started sending

through the mixes in January that was the first time

more for yourselves?

They do?! Sweet! We absolutely make music for

ourselves. We're proud of our band and our music, and we spend a lot of time making sure it's the best it can be. With us 5 guys all doing different things in

our daily “normal” lives, that can be really challenging, but it's our thing, so we get to decide how to approach

it in a way that best suits us. We are always 100% committed to pulling together to make it happen for this band.

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a thousand CDs, but in our experience, nobody wants to buy CD’s at gigs anymore. So we’d rather

have fewer records and sell all of them, instead of having hundreds of our CDs stacked in our houses somewhere.

We will be doing some shows at the end of May. We’re

same success with the new album?

because you don’t pander to anyone and make music

few hundred records cost the same to print as about

head!

with them, they sound like what was in our collective

of albums, there were suddenly 5 people in the band.

Music critics love you guys, do you think it is

consume music anyway, so it seems right to us. A

We get to look forward to a few gigs this year around

Your last album I Am Not the Crow made quite a

That's the bones of it really.

I’d say so. That’s how we in the band like to buy/

we’d heard those songs in a long time. We’re delighted

cool support slots, so I then asked my friend Liam to

join me in the band for live stuff. After another couple

an MP3 download code, will it be the same for the

wave when it was released, are you hoping for the

IANTC really took off alright; we were as surprised as anyone about that. I think a lot of factors came into

play with it. We did a Fundit campaign, so there were

Ireland. Where and when will you be playing?

playing Limerick, Galway, Cork, Clonakilty. We’re playing the Doolin Folk Festival too which we’re super excited about. Lynched and Marc O Reilly are

playing too, so we’re really looking forward to seeing

those guys. Check our Facebook soon, all the dates will be there.

a couple of hundred folks invested in it before it was

You surprised everyone with a double a-sided single

picture disc, so maybe that had an allure too. Of

It’s the Stray Dogs/Helicopters Single. It’s a different

even released. Also, it was a one-off limited edition course, we’d like to think that the songs were pretty

ok as well! Like every Windings release, this new one

sounds different again. We hope people like it I guess, it’d be a bummer if people thought it was shit. We’re kind of proud of it.

at the end of April…

sound for us, darker I suppose. Naïve Ted recorded

and produced Helicopters earlier this year, while Stray Dogs comes from the new album. I guess it’s

just to let people know we’re still here, and stuff is grinding back into action again.

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A few of you in the band work with the youth in the

community teaching music workshops in Limerick.

Do you think music is an important aspect in young people’s lives?

I do. I really do. We’re so lucky in our jobs because the young people we work with come to us, at the very

inspirational and really got me thinking about why it is I do what I do. Also, the other musicians I work

alongside are great, what a crew! I’ve been afforded all these fantastic opportunities to collaborate and be

exposed to other new musical areas almost daily now.

least they are curious about music, and nobody forces them to be there. They want to know more. Working

with these talented young people, and seeing them discover their own musical paths and their own

form of musical expression is amazing. It’s kind of

Article by: Olivia Chau

Photography by: Patrick O’Brien

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INTE RV I EW: The Academ i c In the last few years there has been an explosion

Matthew: Me and Stephen are brothers so we were

Loose Friends came out late last year – how did it

Academic are no exception. The band have performed

together with Craig but Dean was in another band

Craig: It was great. We spent so long with only one

of new and exciting young Irish bands, and The

all over the world and recently released their first ever EP, Loose Friends, which was met by rave reviews

by critics. With their second headline gig in Dolans fast approaching, The Academic's Craig, Stephen and

Matthew discuss their formation, the Irish music scene and their plans for the future.

You all knew each other already from school, how did the idea to start a band first come about?

Craig: We were all in school and we were about 13 or 14. I moved from Dublin and was in the same year

as Matthew and Dean (the drummer). Matthew was playing guitar before us all.

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always playing music together. We started playing so we couldn’t get him at first. By the time we were

in sixth year started taking it a bit seriously and said "let’s get down and write.” We hid away for a few

months and kept writing songs. We didn’t come out and gig until we were happy with the songs.

What is it like to be in a band with your brother?

Stephen: It’s actually easier. We’re just two people

feel to have your first finally EP out?

song before the EP. We were gigging so much that

we didn’t really have time to go to the studio until we

had the EP ready. I think it was a great experience for

us because we finally got to put the music out there.

Radio got behind it and everything just stepped up a notch. We were really busy and giving all over the place.

who live in the same place.

You’ve been getting so much radio play as of late,

other as well which is cool. It’s not a Gallagher brother

Matthew: Our song Sometimes just seemed to

Matthew: We can constantly bounce ideas off each relationship or anything like that at all!

Stephen: We won’t start feeding that to the press for a few years anyway...

how does it feel when you hear yourselves?

snowball in the same way that Different did. A lot of

people are playing it now. It’s a bit weird but it’s good.

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If you had to pick one, what would be your favourite

Matthew: Obviously Electric Picnic as well. Picnic

song off the EP?

has always been really good to us.

Craig: Thought I Told You – it’s the last track.

In the last few years there seems to have been a new

Matthew: I think we all like Thought I Told You. Stephen: It’s really good to play live as well.

wave of young Irish bands, including yourselves,

Do you have any plans to bring out another EP or a

Matthew: I guess it happens every few years. For some

Craig: We'll probably start with a second EP in the

seems like all of these bands are coming out at once.

around and doing demos on iPhones until we can get

Craig: Radio has been really good because it’s playing

what do you think has sparked this?

full studio album any time soon?

years it falls off and then you get to a stage where it

next few months. We’re in the studio bouncing songs

It’s a great time for music.

them as good as possible. So probably a second EP,

Irish music again which is very cool.

into next year.

You’ve previously mentioned that most of you left

Last summer you played many festivals around

your opinions on formal education when it comes

Craig: Benicassim! That was pretty good.

Craig: Me, Matthew and Dean went into college and

Matthew: Regarding Irish festivals I really like

Leaving Cert. Then we were just faced with a leap and

type of thing, it’s really cool.

you can only really do it once.

sunny festival on top of a cliff by the ocean.

I don’t think everyone who wants to be in a band

were first on the Main Stage and we were afraid no

it’s a great way to meet musicians and find people to

and then aim for an album for the end of the year or

Europe. Which one was your favourite?

college to pursue your career in music – what are to music?

What advice would you give to other young bands just starting out?

Craig: I guess just do whatever we tried to do which was writing songs as much as you can and just

committing to it. It’s tough keeping four people who

are growing up together but luckily we were best friends and we just wanted to be in a band with each

other. Be dedicated and rehearse as much as you can, and play to as many people as possible, whether it’s a small pub crowd or supporting other bands.

What are your ultimate goals for the band?

Matthew: Play wherever will have us and try to reach as many corners of the world as possible.

Craig: Be considered one of the biggest bands out there – that would be the goal.

we did two years. Stephen was in sixth year doing the

Indiependence. I think Indie is a real home-grown

we just had to say, “we’re going to go for this” because

Stephen: Boardmasters in Cornwall - it’s a really

Matthew: I wouldn’t say [education] is essential.

Craig: Barn On the Farm was great too because we

should go to BIMM or any other music college but

one would show up. It was our first time just up and

start a group with.

The Academic will play Dolans Warehouse on Friday, May 20th.

Article by: Sophie Butler

Photography by: Eoghan Lyons

down England and there was this big massive crowd.

The gig went really well.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

A dult in g f o r M i l l e n n i a l s At the age of 28, I am supposedly an adult. I have adult responsibilities: a job, a

relationship, I rent an apartment and pay bills. However, there are still points in daily life where I pause and ask: What the f*** do I do next?

I studied a Humanities degree - European Studies

I blamed my teachers for my shitty Leaving Cert. I

course I wanted. I had zero interest in business or

college course I wanted because of that Leaving Cert.

- having failed to secure the points for the English

anything practical. It wasn’t a bad backup; I got to

travel, make friends abroad and learn a language. For

the last two years I have lived in Spain and worked as a TEFL teacher which is a common enough story

these days. However my contracts are only for one

academic year at a time and summer means finding

blamed having a job I couldn’t stand on not doing the

went to college I did so because I didn’t want to repeat

I blamed absolutely everybody for not warning me

on this new course. That was my big mistake. When

about all of this. I railed against my job and frequently

got myself in trouble with my employers. Ultimately, I was very lucky because I left for a teaching position in Spain before they could fire me.

new work until September rolls around. My salary

As I’m sure you realise, no one was to blame for this

like flights home eat into any extra cash. It often feels

that mental rut was a big step forward.

allows me to save a little – very little, because things like climbing a hill made of sand, trying to power your

mess except for myself. Leaving that job and escaping

way up but making little progress.

I always wanted to study English because I enjoy

Why am I telling you all of this? Because none of it

follows:

was planned.

I worked in call centre for 6 years, including the final

two years of my degree. It was boring, unfulfilling and ultimately detrimental to my mental health, as I tried to reconcile all the notions of what I thought my life

should be like with how it really was. I stressed myself out as I labelled myself a failure and avoided taking any responsibility.

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The above is not a plan conducive to success. When I

writing. My ephemeral plan as a young man was as

• •

•

Study English.

Write stuff (for who or what hadn’t occurred

to me other than a vague intention to write a fantasy novel).

Get paid.

the Leaving Cert, but I failed to make any plans based

I finished my final college exam, my dad picked me

up and asked what my plan was now. My reply was something like “I’m not sure. A few beers in one of the lads’ houses and then the pub.”

Of course he meant my plan for life but I dismissed

the question as something to worry about later on.

Like any decisions the longer you put it off, the harder it is to follow up.

At the time I had no idea what I was going to do, and

I didn’t know how to go about figuring it out. I figured something would just sort of… happen. A chronic lack of foresight and devoting far too much time to

things like boozing and chasing women means that I am only getting on to a track now that I should have been on years ago: getting a regular job I enjoy

and pursuing my passion in my own time, instead of

spending said time lamenting my lost formative years.

With all this in mind, here are some thoughts on how to avoid the same fate...

Whatever course you choose, you get out what you put in.

When it comes to choosing a college course there are typically two schools of thought – the practical choice

and the passionate choice. Different people are going

to tell you each one is better. The two are not mutually

exclusive. The simple fact is that regardless of what you choose, the more you put in the greater your

reward. Choose something that grabs your interest and then find out if that can be converted to a career.

Talk to people!

Whether you want to go university to study medicine or join the circus, talk to absolutely everyone you can

about the thing you’re interested in. Knowledge really

is power because it will illuminate all the possible paths in the area you like.

Do what you love as much as you practically can.

In my chosen field of scribbling, I have discovered

the only way to progress is to write constantly – it’s something that’s so blindingly obvious but gets pushed aside in the daily routine.

At the moment my short term goal is building a better writing habit; I am writing something every day, regardless of what it is. No one is going to

stumble across my old Bebo blog and ask me to write

a book. I have to make it happen. After many years, I am starting to believe that maybe I can.

Think ahead.

Try to have an idea of what you want and what you need to do to get it. This final point is critical. If you

can’t figure it out by yourself, do not get discouraged.

There is a path out there for you. There is nothing

wrong with not having the answer, whatever the question may be. Nor is there anything wrong if the answer doesn’t immediately come to you.

Some of us are lucky to end up in great situations and

I certainly don’t begrudge anyone their success. But

they are the exception to the rule in this competitive world. It’s all about making your own luck.

Article by: Alan Keane

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Th e li merick magazine with Shauna Lindsay FESTIVAL TIME Coachella this year has definitely given me my wardrobe inspiration for the trip…

This month I needed to relax a little. Work has been

Festival Vibes - Who SLAYED at Coachella?

so hectic these last few months so I really just wanted

some time to do all the things that make me happy.

This month I ate absolutely anything and everything

I wanted. Ice cream, pizza, sushi, takeaways - you name it, it was inhaled. But to compensate for all the pigging out, I went extra hard in the gym, I’ve been

doing two sessions a day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

I recently started running again, basically to train for

The Great Limerick Run, which takes place on May

1st. I am super excited and I’m proud to be running for Focus Ireland, a great charity that do amazing

KYLIE JENNER (Instagram: @kyliejenner) Cooling off from the desert heat, poolside, and

PARIS HILTON: (Instagram@parishilton) Who else could pull off an emoji dress?

rocking some rainbow braids, as you do.

CHIARA FERRAGNI (Instagram: @ chiaraferragni) One of my favourite bloggers, Chiara kills it in-day to-day life so it was no surprise to me that she looked absolutely sensational at Coachella. Black lace seems to be a big trend

work.

this year.

With summer coming it was about time I booked myself a trip away. I’m a complete sun worshiper as a lot of you will know, and I usually take 2-3 trips

throughout the summer months. This year I’ve opted for something a little different. My best friend

Kathryn and I have booked San Francisco for an

Among the rich and famous celebrities of the world that we adore

and cherish, some of our own Irish Bloggers also attended Coachella in style. I’m sure they showed the celebs how to really party.

ENTIRE month. Two of my best pals are living over there so we said we would go for the full month of June and cause some mischief stateside!

Roll on the summer and you can follow my trip on Instagram @shaunalindsay

Erika Fox (Instagram: @retroflame)

Dearbhla (Instagram: @belle_azzure)

Niamh O Sullivan (Instagram: @niamh_ osullivan)

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Beauty Summer Beauty Essentials:

As the weather changes so should the beauty products we use. In summer heavy coverage foundations and

dark lips are replaced with safe sun necessities, along with lightweight moisturisers, and lighter, brighter

pops of colour. From the best sun creams and exfoliators to the perfect summer scent, here are our essential beauty items for summer.

Sun Cream:

Nivea Sun Invisible Protect Spray - €12 – Boots

Sun cream is the number one necessity for the

summer months. Not only is it essential to avoid

skin cancer, but it is also your best defence against wrinkles, sunspots and sun damage. If you hate the

tacky feeling of a cream this soft mist spray is ideal, ensuring coverage for every inch of skin.

BB Cream:

Flormar BB Cream -€9.99 - Roberts Pharmacy

When looking for a little bit of coverage and some added SPF, switch up your foundation routine with a BB cream. Foundation tends to clog the pores and can

be too heavy during the day for sweaty skin. Instead, use Flormar’s Sheer Tinted BB cream – it moisturises your skin and also has a SPF of 15.

Gradual Tanner

Moisturiser - Aftersun

Look - €6.99 - Boots

Vera - €7.50 - Boots

Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Sun-Kissed If you don't tan easily, and want a summer glow

without the orange, try Garnier's range of body

lotions and face moisturisers with gradual tan. It is to be noted that most tanning products do not provide any sun protection so it is important to wear an SPF too.

SPF Foundation

Artistry Exact Fit Longwearing Foundation€48.95.– Amway.ru

Although a BB cream is ideal for the lighter daytime coverage, you may want to change things up for an

evening out. This foundation will help you transform

your look from day to night and will not budge an

It is essential to hydrate the skin when exposed to the sun. A good aftersun can be a lifesaver while on

holidays. Aloe Vera products such as this are extremely

soothing to the skin should you be unfortunate enough to burn.

Waterproof Mascara

Flormar X10 Mascara Waterproof - €7.95– Robert’s Pharmacy

This Flormar mascara is a great choice because it stays

on all day without being too harsh, and it doesn’t look clumpy on the lashes. Use waterproof mascara even if you aren’t getting in the pool so it doesn’t sweat off.

inch even in the most humid of conditions.

Refreshing Spray

Exfoliator

Boots

Extracts Sugar Scrub Mango - €9.50 - Boots

Buffed and polished skin is the foundation of a great tan. This refreshing body scrub is ideal to remove dead

skin or false tan build up, without leaving your skin feeling raw. Exfoliating allows moisturising products

to penetrate deeper, and a regular exfoliating routine will leave your skin looking fresh and healthy.

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Garnier Ambre Solaire Aftersun Gel with Aloe

Vichy Thermal Spa Water Spray 150ml- €10.99Vichy’s Thermal Spa Water Spray is the perfect beauty

essential to add some extra moisture to sun exposed

skin. This spray can keep you cool and also help to set your makeup all day long.

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Summer Scent

Luscious Lips

No summer beauty kit is complete without a fresh

Penneys

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream -€68.50

fruity fragrance. It’s time to ditch the intense warm scent that reminds you of the colder months and

replace it with a cool, crisp and fresh scent. Every

summer has a story, and every summer has its

signature scent. The clean and fresh notes of Marc

Jacob’s Daisy Dream make it the ideal summer spray for 2016.

Rimmel - Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick - €7.49 –

Article by: Katie O’Brien

Photography by: Amie Heenan

Natural Beeswax Lip Balm – Penneys - €3

A bright lip is a simple way to make your makeup

stand out without going over the top. Kate Moss’s

Rimmel collection has a wide variety of shades to suit every colour and style. A natural lip balm is also good

to have on hand during the summer months to ensure your lips are kept in the best condition possible.

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Th e li merick magazine

Make Up That Summer Glow

Summer make up has always been my favourite. We

girls love that glowing, healthy, sun-kissed, bronzed

look. Achieving this look can be done without the sunshine and bronzer is the perfect solution. Liquid bronzer can be mixed in with a foundation, or it can

be buffed on to the skin to add a little extra radiance, or you can use powder/liquid/cream bronzer to contour and show off the shape of the face by adding definition.

Here are some of our favourite bronzers for the perfect sun kisses skin.

Benefit’s Hoola

This product has won a lot of awards this year, the

bronzer has green undertones which cancels out redness, a trait of Irish skin. It has a soft matte texture that is also cool toned.

Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric

These bronzers are one of the best out there, its patented Micro-Fill technology means the pigments are so small they melt into the skin leaving only the

perfect blend of bronzer. It is also transparent so it can

be layered and layered and it will never clog up or look patchy. 100 is the best cool toned shade, it is great for

contouring, and both numbers 200/400 are warmer and perfect to bronze up the face.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Article by: Mary Kiely

Soleil Tan de Chanel

contouring, it also has highlight creams in there to

Hair: Rachel Flanagan

For those of us who like a soft and light bronzer, there

is Soleil Tan de Chanel - it comes in a light cream-gel texture giving a velvet finish, and can also be worn under foundation. It suits all skin types but it looks amazing on more mature skin.

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This is the ultimate palette for sculpting and enhance the skin. In this one palette you can create

the illusion of higher cheekbones, smaller forehead, a softer jawline and even a slimmer nose.

Photography by: Leanne Aherne Model: Aoife Hanley

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T he li me rick magazine

Hair

SUMMER COLOUR TRENDS Summer is just around the corner and many of us will be thinking of going lighter in our tresses. 2016's emerging trends are no different, but deciding what

tones will compliment you to the fullest is no easy task. Here are some tips on how to go brighter and lighter without the fear of ruining your lovely locks.

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Look up images of the type of result you'd like to

achieve. Sometimes what you see in your head does not translate to your stylist, so by having visual images will always be the easiest way of getting your

vision across. Your stylist will then be able to tell how achievable your look is and how long it will take to get

you there. Beware when researching as some pictures on the Internet are filtered/photoshopped and may show a tone that’s not possible in real life.

2. TREAT YOUR HAIR

In the weeks leading up to your lightening process, use

treatments to bring your hair up to its full potential.

The better condition your hair is in - the better result.

A little trim also goes a long way when it comes to healthy locks.

3. BE REALISTIC

Using the right homecare is vital to keeping your

These only last a couple of washes so there's

particularly when lightening the hair.

looks. I love rose golds and warm peach/pink

hair in top condition, Always use heat protection

no commitment, and they're perfect for festival tones as it sits really well next to your blond and makes for expensive looking fabulous hair.

Sometimes it will take more than one salon visit to

There are so many options when lightening the hair,

your stylist has the best interests in getting you to the

lights can make a massive difference to your colour. A

Article by: Rachel Flanagan

your hair.

is the "nude look" - it's all about keeping it natural,

Model: Chelsea Smyth

4. HOMECARE IS KEY

beautiful subtle look.

are using the wrong products at home.

tones to the hair.

achieve your desired look. Be patient and trust that

a little can go a long way. Even adding some subtle

tone you want, without comprising the integrity of

trend that is catching my eye and making major waves

Research has shown that as many as 90% of us ladies

combining both warm and cool tones to achieve a

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit MUA: Annette Smyth

If you’re blonde and adventurous try adding pastel

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Th e li merick magazine

Men's Fashion T r ans it ional Ang st

This time of year always seems to be the trickiest

to style. I love long coats, thick jackets, and woolly

sweaters with thick collars and I find it hard to let go.

It’s been Spring for the last couple of months, but I still find myself reaching for the coat that has fondly been dubbed “The Duvet”.

The most difficult aspect of transitional fashion -

The most interesting trend I’ve found myself

warm enough to bust out that t-shirt you’ve wanted

post-punk revival. Having grown up in a house with

those weeks in between seasons where it’s not quite

to stunt, is knowing how to tweak your wardrobe to suit your needs. You don't have to totally revamp your wardrobe, it's all about a different approach to what's there.

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gravitating towards over the last year is the 90s grunge/ Celine Dion, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston

on repeat, I found myself delving into heavier rock music, progressive metal and grunge.

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Cotton grandad collar shirt- €25, The Edge

Massive fashion names like Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear

For these transitional months, my key pieces continue

Slimane’s Saint Laurent have been emulating and

and lighter layers. Lined denim jackets have always

fashion. Often associated with teenage angst, the

with your own patches and accessories for that extra

that grounds it within those who grew up listening to

the year, but paired with a zip up hoodie they create

of God, Demna Gvasalia’s Vetements, and Hedi

to be a beloved flannel shirt, custom denim jackets,

reshaping our understanding of 90s subculture

been a favourite. Don’t be afraid to customise yours

trend has an aroma of nostalgia, something about it

edge. Heavy flannels work incredibly well any day of

bands like The Libertines, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Public

effortless looking layers suitable for the start of these

Enemy, and Soundgarden.

heady summer nights.

The current incarnation of the grunge/post-punk

Article by: Kevin Bolger

out in Slayer -shirts, or inspired pieces from the high

Styling: Kevin Bolger, Amie Heenan,

trend is constantly morphing, with celebrities stepping

Photography by: Naomi McGing

fashion houses - the likes of Kanye West, Vic Mensa,

Naoimi McGing

Black rib zip up hoodie- €40, River Island

Rhianna, Justin Bieber and Miguel to name but a few.

The movement is set to be spurred on into summer, and remnants of the previous seasons’ renditions find themselves being infused in A/W and S/S 17. The

rebellious aspect of the trend seems to be something that people gravitate towards. The fact that what you

wear is 99.99% of the time either distressed, vintage or just plain dusty emulates a laid back aura of cool.

White, Sherpa lined Levi’s Denim Jacket - €65, The Edge

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Travel Singapore – Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Singapore is one of the city’s

The Oriental Ballroom encompasses a modern

impressive atrium lobby with 527 rooms and suites,

providing guests the opportunity to create the desired

most luxurious hotels. The property features an

four executive floors and a premium Oriental Club Lounge, and all rooms have spectacular views of the

ocean, bay or city. The hotel is located along Marina

Bay and close to the heart of the Central Business

District with easy access to Marina Square Mall, luxury boutiques and entertainment venues such as

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. It's also just a

surround sound system and intelligent lightings, theme or mood for their events. At the Bridal Salon, couples can discuss their wedding requirements and

plans assisted by the dedicated wedding consultants, and review a selection of wedding packages, menus, invitation cards, music themes, linen, chinaware and decorative elements, in a stylish and relaxed manner.

stroll away from The Singapore Flyer ferris wheel and

Dining

International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and

Oriental, Singapore. Cherry Garden specialises in

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Suntec Singapore Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

The Club Lounge and Ballroom

Offering the ultimate in privacy and featuring

panoramic views of the city skyline, the Oriental Club Lounge exudes a contemporary and stylish design with oriental accents which complements the renovated Club rooms. The Club Lounge, located on the 19th floor provides exclusive services to Club

Floor guests such as complimentary non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, Oriental afternoon

tea service, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, guaranteed late check-out till 4pm, complimentary

internet access, free local calls, luxurious amenities, choice of newspapers and bookings for Esplanade’s performances upon request.

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There are five restaurants and two lounges at Mandarin

authentic Cantonese cuisine presented in a modern

style. Dolce Vita, a poolside restaurant, offers Italian cuisine with a selection of fine wines. Melt Café is an eclectic and chic brasserie with a show kitchen

and cooking stations. Both Axis Bar and Lounge

and BAY@5, an outdoor lounge by the pool, offer panoramic views of the city skyline and are ideal for evening cocktails.

Morton’s The Steakhouse, America’s premier finedining steakhouse, opened its first restaurant outside

of the United States at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore.

Teppan-Ya offers the sophisticated diner a refreshing

new take on contemporary Japanese cuisine amidst magnificent views.

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Spa and leisure

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is a

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore opened in 1987, and

The intimate space has been transformed to include

designed the FAN-shaped atrium for the hotel.

sanctuary of tranquillity offering relaxation and calm. six treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites, a separate manicure-pedicure section, a reflexology area, a tea lounge for relaxation and one-to-one

consultation areas. The spa offers a range of relaxing

and results-driven treatments, including Mandarin

Oriental Signature Spa Therapies and products.

There is also a fitness studio equipped with the most

advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor patio surrounded by lush greenery for yoga lessons.

The stylish 25-metre outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by lush tropical landscape and is raised to

different levels to emphasise spectacular views of the Singapore city skyline. It includes private cabanas, a

bubble-jet children’s pool, a large cabana for intimate

gatherings and private events as well as wet decks,

was built by US architect John Portman, who also H.L. Lim of LTW Design Works, the renowned

interior designer who has handled many prestigious

projects, including the refurbishment of The Oriental, Bangkok, and was responsible for transforming Mandarin Oriental, Singapore into a modern landmark with a multi-million dollar renovation in

2004. The renovation included the redesign of all

527 guest-rooms and suites, and the enhancement

to all public areas, dining and meeting facilities. Relaunched in May 2005, the hotel now provides guests the ultimate in luxury and sophistication along with unparalleled service.

For further information, please contact:

www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore

which allow guests to sunbathe while they enjoy the coolness of the water.

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H o me: Su mmer S hades 2 0 1 6

Bold patterns and soft colours are anticipated to be

extremely popular throughout the next few months, with mixed, eclectic patterns creating an exotic feel.

The idea behind softer colours this summer is to

create a light and cool surrounding throughout your home, with brighter colours to be included in smaller items scattered around the room.

Neutral nudes and grey tones can add a touch of class to your living space alongside vibrant and fun pops of

colour. Brighter colours will include pink tones such as peach, and aqua colours from blue to green, which

remain soft and relaxing while adding a fresh summer feel.

Arla Embroidered Leaf Cushion Argos - â‚Ź12.99

Here we can see a perfect example of using a colour

palette with soft tones, with a pattern to bring your home a step closer to nature.

LED Lanterns Tiger - â‚Ź2

These lanterns add a modern touch of light to the home or garden setting.

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Beach Hut Multi Picture Photo Frame Dotcomgiftshop - €29.95 Debenhams Tealight Holder Debenhams - €18

These vibrant features offer a great opportunity to get creative. Alone they are already colourful, and you can

add some unique touches such as photographs and candles to bring a personal feel to your living space.

New Look Candle New Look - €8.99

Pink shades can add energising elements to your colour palette.

RJR John Rocha Vases Set of 3 Debenhams - €37.50

These stylish vases once again showcase the effect that grey and blue tones can bring to your house, which are more feature pieces that can bring a touch of class.

Laura Oakes Table Lamp with Teal Base and Printed Shade

Debenhams - €112.50

Life Applique Cushion Argos - €12.99

Grey doesn't have to be dull - when mixed with aqua

tones and funky patterns, it results in something gorgeous.

Article by: Laura McNamara

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BE h ind the foo d LIME RI CK ’S L O C A L PR ODU CERS

Local produce is all about knowing more about the food you eat - and there are some truly fascinating stories behind Limerick food and drink…

There is a rich tradition of food production running through Limerick’s veins. From the days when Limerick ham was king, to the vibrant bustling Milk Market of today, food producers born, bred and based in Limerick

play a huge part in the local eating experience. Go into any local Gastropub, restaurant or hotel and you will find

Limerick produce proudly displayed on menus and chalkboards. So who are the faces behind these names? We find out the food stories behind some of Limerick’s most well-known artisan food producers and sellers.

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Temple Dairy ‘I wasn’t interested in wellies and farms at all!’

Marie Curtin is one half of a father-daughter team from Rosstemple, Athlacca. Before this, Marie was better known for playing for Ireland’s soccer team.

In 2009, the price of milk had collapsed. Sean Curtin, like so many dairy farmers, was trying to find a way

to make ends meet, and to get a better return on the

cost of his milk production. He had long held the idea that a value added product was the answer. It was

at this time that Marie was beginning some relative downtime in sports, playing inter-county football in

Limerick, and an unexpected alliance was to form. “I grew up on farm as one of seven kids. Farming is a

tough career and lifestyle. I was sports made, not into wellies and farming at all! I spent 13 years playing

soccer, since I was 14, I had been travelling around

world as part of the Republic of Ireland senior team.

and much lower sugar content. The fact that the milk

science. Years later I hung up my boots and retired

appealing to anyone who is conscious of what they

I went to America on a scholarship to study sport as a senior player. It was then the conversation about value added products came up again.

“By then I had seen an opportunity for the milk to

be created and aimed towards athletes. Milk products have increased in popularity amongst athletes of

late, as the high protein content can be as good as sports recovery drinks, which often have high sugar content.” It was also timely in terms of general consumer awareness; the issue of sugar consumption

is GM free and single sourced, makes it all the more

put into their bodies. “We’re out promoting all the

time and have received amazing feedback. “We are upright about our sugar content, we tell people we

use less than 2% brown cane, and that it is 94% low fat milk. It’s wholesome and natural. We use raw

cocoa powder, an anti-oxidant, so that’s an added

health benefit, and there are no artificial additives.”

It also happens to be delicious, not sickly sweet but chocolatey enough to curb a craving.

is at the forefront of Irish minds thanks to awareness

Temple Dairy is going from strength to strength.

items. Unlike other flavoured milks on the market,

profile advocates including Operation Transformation

campaigns highlighting the hidden levels in everyday

Temple Dairy chocolate milk only has five ingredients

They are in 70 shops nationwide and it has many high fitness guru Karl Henry.

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Country Choice Paying a fair price for local produce strengthens the local economy’

Peter Ward and his wife Mary founded the Country Choice delicatessen and café in Nenagh, Tipperary back in 1982. Peter says: “I think we pioneered local

sourcing in the deli industry – our food, from eggs, tomatoes to crab apples and wild fruits, is all from

the locality and we always have made most of the

food sold over the counter.” Country Choice is an independent family business, with the next generation now beginning to make their mark with their own

branches of the business. The Nutshed was set up by daughter Evie Ward, and also trades in the Milk

Market, while their other daughter Eliza pioneered the concept of serving street food, which they have been doing for the past 7 years.

Peter has travelled far and wide across Europe, sampling some of the best cuisine and wines on the continent, and has spent 20 years involved in food organisations including Bord Bia. Country Choice arrived in Limerick in 2010. “We were

invited following the revamp of the Milk Market and saw a perfect opportunity, as a significant part

of our customer base in Nenagh would have been people who travelled from Limerick. It was a time

of recession and we had to move in further afield to

ensure our employment levels were sustainable. We employ lots of young people, that’s very inspiring and

helps us keep our business fresh and relevant. We won

the Irish Times Best Market Stall Award recently.

Local produce is a thriving industry, one that gives consumers something new as they tire of the same

old brands and same old ingredients in supermarkets, and by putting money in local produce you can create and maintain a stronger local economy made up of independents.”

Rene Cusack fishmongers ‘It’s about knowledge and skill as much as origin’

The story of this fishmonger, now under the stewardship of Paul Cusack, stretches all the way

back to 1910. At that time, the Irish fishing industry

was almost none existent, thanks to decades of huge

taxes imposed on the export of Irish fish to the UK. Michael Cusack, Paul’s great grandfather, rather

“Our business is the last food business that uses wild hunted food. You cannot manufacture food to a requirement, just have to be able to recognise the

different attributes from different parts of Ireland’s

waters and so forth, you cannot plan for bad weather or fishing not being good, we have to be incredibly adaptable.”

than succumbing to the trend, saw things could

Jody’s

Ireland. As a company Rene Cusack (still named after

Limerick yet’

tells us: "We are in Milk Market now but started in

for his colourful range of macaroons and confectionary.

Raheen and the market is integral part of what we do.

in France and always felt that he wanted to go out

that we have.

bringing his produce to The Milk Market ever since.

not always about the source. “We went to Holland

do it now I never will. I had no kids, no mortgage no

see what ideas we can bring to Limerick. The origin

going well for last 18 months.”

produce, produce that people come back for is the

always looking to the next idea. “From training in

just where this comes from; it’s being able to say

so when it came to going it alone I wanted to do

get the best fish, and how to treat it. What we have

new that wasn’t in Limerick yet. Macaroons are still

expertise and deep love for the food, for fish. The story

places like London so their popularity is growing

recognise the best. “

in! The next plan is donuts and eclairs, they’re all the

operating in Limerick, how has Paul seen tastes

Jody’s confectionary is about as local as it gets for

Back when I started I was selling cod, haddock,

a kitchen space, but now I work in Hook and Ladder

Now we have all sorts. The increase in accessibility of

away!” He greatly values the community spirit of local

communities have created a demand. Tastes have

go into direct competition and muscle someone else

the world have influenced customer tastes, we have

and grow. It’s a nice place to be in the Milk Market,

influences, African foods and more. Our workers are

day we’re all in the same boat, our passions are equal

work another way. He decided to import UK fish to

‘I wanted to find a niche, something that wasn’t in

Paul's father) has evolved and changed over time. Paul

Jody O’Sullivan has become famous in Limerick City

Bedford Row and the Dock Road. We've a factory in

Previously a pastry chef at Adare Manor, Jody trained

No other fishmonger has marinades and other items

on his own. In October 2014, he did it, and has been

Paul believes the key to great local food producers is

“The plan was always do my own thing and if I don’t

recently as this is the centre of the fish industry, to

ties to hold me back. So now I’m here and it has been

is important of course, but what makes truly great

While macaroons are his current speciality, Jody is

knowledge of the person selling the product. It’s not

France, there are a lot of pastries, cakes and breads,

‘this is the best.’ A good fishmonger knows where to

something a bit different. I wanted to bring something

now and have always had through the years is that

a big thing here; Limerick is about two years behind

is vital but you also have to have the skill to be able to

here, whereas in London the next big thing is already

With all the years that Rene Cusack has been

go right now!”

change? “It’s become much more diverse of course.

visitors to The Milk Market. “I was previously renting

plaice, salmon, and whiting. That was it, five varieties.

so everything is made there – about 300 metres

Europe and beyond by interactions with international

producers around him in Limerick. “I didn’t want to

changed. Different styles of cuisine from across

out, I wanted to find my own niche in the market

Asian cuisine, Filipino, Polish and Eastern European

everyone here supports each other. At the end of the

from different backgrounds too so they bring their

for our own produce and we support each other.”

It’s not just changing tastes that fishmongers like

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

preferences to the table, a wealth of food knowledge.”

Rene Cusack have to keep abreast of.

Main Image - Tarmo Tulit

Producers photography - Press 22

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L S A D Fa shio n S ho w Pursuing a career in the fashion industry is hectic,

What have previous fashion students from LSAD

How does completing Common Art and Design for

the possibilities are endless. Anne Melinn, Head of

Our students have gone on to work in film, theatre,

In first year students get to experience different

competitive, and intense – but with enough ambition, the Fashion Department at Limerick School of Art and Design trains Irelands next top fashion designers and creatives. Taking some time out from her own

busy schedule to chat with TLM, Anne shares some insights into the prestigious course ahead of

the renowned graduate fashion show which takes

place on May 12th. Ranked in the ‘Top 50 Fashion

Schools and Programs Across the Globe’, LSAD has produced some of the industries freshest figures

including Joanne Hynes, Úna Burke, Natalie B Coleman and Danielle Romeril.

What sets the Limerick School of Art and Design apart from other Art Colleges?

I would have to say that we are creators and makers, meaning the students actually make the clothes, rather than just designing them. This is huge, as a lot

gone on to do?

some set up their own businesses and some work

for big corporations like Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Burberry or Prada. Our graduates work all over the world, we have quiet a few that go to Australia and

further afield now. Then some students would go on

to do further studies and complete masters. Currently, we have some students doing an MA in the Royal College of Art in London, which is the best fashion

college in the world, so we are very pleased that that is a stepping-stone for them. Our graduates are involved in every aspect of the industry; they can do

willing to put in the work! I think what sets us apart

is that we are very much in tune with the reality of the industry, the students can do everything themselves

and there is an all-round education. All of the staff at LSAD come from the industry, we know what

it is like so we actually work in a similar way, with deadlines that the students have to meet. We also

have progress reviews the whole way through the year so it’s very full on. You could have five deadlines at once, but that’s the way the industry works.

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eight specialisations in the college, so in the second semester the students have got a feel for the course

and their minds are open to the other specialisations, which they can utilise in their work. I think it is a very beneficial year - as it is so competitive to gain entry we have to have a cut off point, so the skills learned are an advantage.

How do students choose these placements?

they’ve had the experience and have seen the reality of the industry.

I wouldn’t use the word challenging; I think that if

and the course is full on, so you have to love it and be

the art world and what we do in LSAD. We have

The students that set up on their own only do so when

into forecasting, photography, journalism and theatre.

themselves. I always say that if you can’t do it yourself, has a really strong work ethos; fashion is a 24/7 job

sculpture and multimedia. It’s a nice introduction to

During the second half of third year, work placement

What are the most challenging aspects of studying

you shouldn’t ask someone else to do it. LSAD also

facets of art and design encompassing print, painting,

menswear, womenswear, kidswear, and they can go

of colleges have technicians to support their making whereas here they’re actually doing everything

first year help the fashion students?

fashion?

the student really wants to work in this area they’re

learning something new everyday. However, If I had to pick a challenge it would be meeting deadlines and

working to the rhythm of the business. There are more

opportunities then there are challenges though. Every project is different, every aim and object that the

students have is different, and every year is different.

It really is a great area to be in if it’s something you love, you have to be passionate about it.

is a major feature of the programme requirement.

In order to fulfil the requirements of the fashion

course that students have to have a minimum threemonth placement. After Easter in third year they leave us and don’t come back until the September of fourth

year. In preparation for this, we ask students what type

of placement they would like and ask them to put

together a wish list of where they like to go, whether it is London, New York or India. Every student wants something different from the experience; we get them to think about whether they want the hone in on

tailoring, whether they want to work in a small studio

or a big corporation etc. As they put their wish list together and start investigating they also get their CV

sorted and start applying. A lot of students would do

two placements; Phillip Tracey has taken on students

who want to develop millinery skills so they will also have to complete a womenswear fashion placement.

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How does this placement benefit the students?

Students come back having networked and made

valuable connections. Some get offered jobs for when they graduate and start work as soon as they complete the course. During this placement they learn the

whole reality and realise that everything we have

been saying to them is true. Students come back and say ‘Oh my god you were right!’ Some say they never want to work in a particular sector again and others really figure out what they want to do. I think we are

the only college in Ireland who are doing such a long work placement. It opens up our network and also

helps our alumni and graduates. We encourage new experiences as the industry is always changing.

Students are required to go on buying trips to London, why are these necessary?

We have a very high standard in LSAD; our quality of fabrics and research would be on par with the royal

college of London, and we have external examiners

that come in to inspect the work so our benchmarks are extremely high. Every February the entire

department go on a fashion trip, and each year has different objectives. For second years it’s a fashion

research trip and they work in a team in order to do an exhibition research project.

Third year students buy for their two-piece statement mini collection ad also do interviews for their work

placement. Then the fourth years are buying for their

final collection, we do two full data tutorials with the students so they are prepared.

The annual Graduate fashion show is a huge part

of the student’s journey, how does it affect their progression as designers?

The show gives them huge publicity and helps them get recognised. We have national and international

press writing on this year’s show, so it’s a really

good platform for them to get known. Also for a

lot of the students it’s the only time they will get to do a collection. The best students are then selected

to participate at London Graduate Fashion Week.

LSAD are the only Irish college to display at this international platform for the last four years.

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What is the message coming out of LSAD right

Limerick School of Art and Designs annual graduate

There is no signature of LSAD, and that’s what we try

Clare Street campus.

now?

to do; we try to encourage and help individual style

fashion show takes place on the 12th of May in the college’s

flourish. There is no housing of a cloned signature

Article by: Katie O'Brien

commitment we try to instil. It’s a seriously full on

LSAD Photography by: Joe Mc Giveran

from here, it’s just the work ethos, dedication and

course and it has to be because we live in the real world! We are constantly involving ourselves in

competitions and collaborating with people that will feed back into the course. It’s great how the course has developed throughout the years - it started off as a

domestic science course in the old St Anne’s building and then it became City and Guilds, and from there

it took legs and became what it is today. The ethos

of the course is hard work, discipline, meet deadlines, and network.

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

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INCLUDES CONTENT CREATION & COMMERICAL PHOTOGRAPHY VISIT: WWW.FUSIONMEDIA.IE EMAIL: INFO@FUSIONMEDIA.IE PHONE: 061 597627

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Health & Wellbeing With health and fitness instructor Sintija Zorge

Meditation - benefits for life today

Health is your wealth and I hope you never forget it. However, many of us still do things that don’t feel

right; things that we know deep down are negatively

impacting our physical or mental health. Sometimes we may not even realise what that action is, we just

know that something is wrong in the way we are living. We are wearing ourselves down, tearing apart

our immunity with stress and overthinking, running after things that don’t matter. It’s like any other

addiction; you just can’t break the cycle and life will

keep on repeating this pattern until you consciously wake up.

Break the cycle There is a cure to all those toxic feelings: meditation.

It can be as easy as closing your eyes and hearing your

breath – yes, that’s all! As long as you allow yourself that one moment free of thought, that moment will help you to get through whatever stress or problems

you are dealing with. It will help you to forgive yourself for all the harmful and unhealthy choices you have made, and it will help you to forgive others too.

Taking time for meditation is truly worthwhile. A few moments of a thought-free mind will help you

understand what is going on around you, it will help

you learn how to listen, how to cure your own body, how to be more spiritual, and mainly how to be conscious in this moment.

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To actually live life, instead of feeling like life

Free your mind daily: it will relax your brain and give

moment, be in the right now and feel all the energy

healing. A healed body will provide you with good

If joy is feeling that you lack, while you keep on

the moment of joy. Meditation doesn’t have to be

the latest trend or that person that doesn’t make you

session. It can be a walk with your pet, a climb up a

will only make you happy for a brief moment. Having

session. You can find your own way to meditate,

material substance, as joy is so much more. Joy is that

moment that your body/mind and soul is seeking.

do, things that feel just right to you, without harming

Article by: Sintija Zorge

is flashing by while nothing changes. Be in this

you happiness hormones, aiding your body towards

that surrounds you.

energy, a positive mind and you to be able to stay in

running after material things or social popularity or

fancy, on a beach with a class instructor or in group

a better human, then you won’t find it. These things

mountain, reading a book, or it can be hard training

joy in your life, stems from emotions that are not of

as long as it provides you with that thought-free

feeling of being free and doing things that you like to

yourself or others. It’s the feeling of life and spirit

inside you, the positive vibrant energy that you have.

People get addicted to food/alcohol/gym/lovers or

abusive substances because they want to escape from problems they are afraid to face.

Find moments for meditation, wherever you are There is a cure and it’s in us, but we have got to believe

that you can be a part of a better life. Look at yourself and ask what you can do right now to truly feel joy

about what you have in your life right now. Do it now.

Close your eyes just for a moment until you hear your

breath, your own heart beat and the quietness around you. If you can do it right here, right now, there’s no

reason why you can’t do it every day, like you just did.

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pa r enti ng From Slummy to Yummy…

Some of the gifts I received for my 30th birthday

2. Get fit - or fake it

This is completely achievable, and no one wants to hear

cardigan and a new bag for my crochet. As thrilled as

mummies are always working out. If you are unwilling

and washing up, cleaning up Playdoh splattered rugs,

included an anti-ageing cream, a pair of slippers, a I was with these presents, it soon dawned on me that these gifts would also have been gratefully accepted

by my elderly grandmother. A reliable Facebook

quiz titled ‘What is your true age?’ quickly revealed that, contrary to what my passport says, I was in fact born in 1945. That settled it - something would have to be done to up my yummy factor. I needed to take inspiration from my fellow yummy mummies and get back my youthful glow and zest for life.

The Yummy Mummy used to be a rare creature, usually

If the lens of social media is to be believed, yummy to engage with a gym/personal trainer, this should

be easy enough to fake. All you need to do is wear the latest Nike spandex exercise leggings, a pair of

be worn at all times, simply to give the impression

of your home with a smiling contented child by your

and wrist weights are optional. This uniform should that you are on the way to some sort of exercise

class. Also swot up on the latest fitness lingo. Try randomly dropping the following phrases into your conversations: ‘FitBit’ ‘’burpees’ ‘couch to 5k’.

Snapchat and vlogs swapping parenting life hacks and

couscous or whatever everyone else claims to be

more yummy. Some of the time at least…

So here’s my foolproof guide: 1. Acquire a child

The term ‘yummy mummy’ usually infers that the

This means posting incessant photos of quinoa, kale, eating all the time. Consider becoming paleo/vegan/ vegetarian and tell everyone how they should feed

their children the same way too. Develop a none life-threatening food allergy and discuss your dairy/

gluten/lactose/sugar/fun intolerance with anyone who is willing to listen.

individual has a child or two. Do not panic if you do

4. Hair and makeup

you can borrow/babysit their offspring for a couple of

though you have stepped out of a Youtube makeup

not have a child. Ask your neighbour, sister or friend if hours. No one will refuse you. With a child in tow you

are now ready to frequent the usual mummy haunts

such as playgrounds and coffee mornings without arousing suspicion.

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those precious spare five minutes instead.

Of course, when the day is done, and you’ve posted

3. Become a fabulous foodie

beauty tips, we are all (or are at least trying to be) a bit

or simply wanting to sit down with a cup of tea for

luminous runners and a Regatta jacket. Sunglasses

only found in the pages of celebrity magazines. Now

with so many of us living our lives through Instagram,

excuses about sleepless nights, endless piles of laundry

It is of paramount importance to always look as tutorial. Your hair must be immaculate too.

your last perfect Insta shot of you in the tidiest corner side, you can revert to your cosy slippers and crochet

while your offspring continue to trash the rest of the house. Because sometimes yumminess is just too much effort….

Article by: Jane Butler O’Halloran

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE Limerick 2020 Timeline If you’re like the majority of the Limerick population you didn’t jump on the Limerick 2020

bandwagon until a couple of months into the bids progression. If so, you may be wondering how it all got started and the journey it has taken from its conception until now. Limerick’s bid for the

title of European Capital of Culture 2020 didn’t just emerge overnight; it is something that has been brewing in the city since we first bid way back in 2001. There is no denying that Limerick has changed drastically in the last 15 years and continues to prosper and grow as we bid for the 2020 title.

2001 Although a distant memory for most, Limerick

bid for the same title back in 2001 in an effort to

be crowned European Capital of Culture for 2005.

However, Limerick’s bid was unsuccessful and Cork

was awarded the prestigious title for the year. Sheila Deegan, Limerick city and county Arts Officer, has told TLM “it was in hindsight a good thing we didn’t

win, because we weren’t ready. We are now. We have

an increased sense of ambition and strategic thinking.

It’s our time, and we are working to ensure that culture

is embedded in all visions and strategies in Limerick.”

Limerick’s title of National City of Culture started a revolution in the city. It was an event that ignited

an added sense of community in the vicinity and encouraged the population to get involved in more

cultural events. This year showed that Limerick is

2015

SEPTemBER Although the bid had a lot of behind the scenes planning from

the Limerick 2020 team prior to this, last September marked the first stage that encouraged the public to get involved. The

events kicked off with the cultural extravaganza entitled ‘061’.

This first month of events was outlined to showcase how rich

and diverse culture is in Limerick and to confirm the belief in

Limericks bid. These events encompassed music, history, dance, design and literature.

Jazz Festival 25th September - 27th September

Love Letters from Limerick September 10th - October 9th Culture Night - Friday 18th September

rich in culture and allowed us to embrace the identity

Things got serious in October as the first book

year not only expressed that there is a huge appetite

Jury. As the most significant step so far in the 2020

great boost to the local economy. Over 3000 events

to share their photos in support of the bid. It

generated almost €44m for the local economy. It was

Limerick 2020 team as every shop front in the city

and creative energy that the locality had to offer. This

regarding the bid was submitted to the European

for all things cultural in Limerick, it also provided a

journey, the people of Limerick were encouraged

took place throughout the yearlong celebration and

seemed that the whole of Limerick was behind the

towards the end of 2014 that it was announced that

was stamped with Limerick 2020’s decal.

Limerick would bid for 2020.

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2014

OCTOBER

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2016

DECEMBER 2015 drew to a close with some great news for the Limerick

2020 bid. As the shortlist was revealed in November it was confirmed that Limerick had made the cut. This update was

a great encouragement for the city and left us one step closer to being crowned European Capital of Culture 2020. This

news added to the momentum the bid had been building, and it truly seemed like all of Limerick was rallying around the Limerick 2020 team. However, Limerick face stiff competition from Galway and the Three Sisters (Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford) who were also shortlisted.

Friday the 13th of November marked the second stage

JUNE / JULY

All the hard work boils down to the summer months when we enter

the final stage of the bid. On the 17th of June the Limerick 2020 team submit the second and final book regarding the bid. This book

will contain adaptations taking into consideration the European Jury’s positive critiques. Then on the 12th of July members of the

European Jury pay a visit to Limerick to obtain further background information about the city. Following this the Limerick 2020 team

will present to the Jury again on July 14th, with the results finally being revealed on July 15th as we find out if Limerick has been awarded the designation of European Capital of Culture 2020.

of Limerick’s bid for the title of European Capital of

February 2016: Limerick Literary Festival February 26-28th

case for the city to be shortlisted in front of a ten person

March 2016: St Patricks Festival - 17th March / International Band

Culture 2020. The Limerick 2020 team presented their strong European Jury. This daunting task consisted of a half hour presentation followed by an hour of questions from the jury. As the bid was all about Limerick’s

citizens and how they experience Limerick’s culture

the Limerick 2020 team enlisted the help of officials, artists and people who have made a big contribution to

Championship - 20th March

April 2016: Eva International 16th April - 17th July /

Éigse Michael Hartnett Literary & Arts Festival 14th-16th April / Riverfest 28th April - 2nd May / Limerick’s Lifelong Learning Festival: April 16th

Limerick throughout the years.

NOVEMBER

Article by: Katie O’ Brien

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D iscov e ri n g THE PAS T The rise and fall of the Bar d of Thomond Michael Hogan was born in New Road, Thomondgate in 1832. He gave himself the name “The Bard of Thomond”. He was one of six sons born to Arthur

Hogan and Mary Nolan and was baptised in St Munchin’s Church. Arthur Hogan was a wheelwright

at Stein’s Distillery and a musician, who played the flutes and fiddles that he made with his own two hands. Given Arthurs’ profession, it is probable that

Michael Hogan derived his love of the arts from his father.

Hogan was educated at the Christian Brothers

School, which at the time was at the crossroads in Thomondgate. Hogan was only eight years old when he wrote his first poem, which over the span of his

career turned out to be the first of many. He was a teenager when the hunger hit Ireland and his family

experienced some of the ravages of the Great Irish Famine (1845–1848), about which he extensively wrote later in life.

He worked in Russell’s Mills, located next to the

canal, where he met the clerk, William Doyle, who aided young Hogan in his passion for writing. While

working at the mill he wrote his first epic poem on Kincora and Brian Boru, but he failed to find a

publisher and in a fit of rage threw these pages into a fire. Soon afterwards his first book of poetry called “The Light of Munster” was published, but they did not sell as well as Hogan wished, so he gathered the unsold copies and set about trying to sell them

himself throughout Munster. This was not a success, and within the year Hogan had returned to his job in the mill.

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Hogan married Anne Lynch in 1858 in St Mary’s

In 1994 there was some controversy as to the

before eventually returning to St Mary’s Parish.

well received in Limerick, he was not perceived to

Chapel and moved with his wife to Nicholas Street

Unfortunately, he fell out of favour locally after writing a series of poems attacking some local personalities.

Hogan's first published works appeared in the Anglo-

Celt, then in The Irishman, The Nation, Munster

News and the Limerick Leader. His volume of works, Lays and Legends of Thomond, was first published in Limerick in 1861. He then embarked on issuing a series of satirical publications which lampooned

prominent figures in the city. These achieved an enormous circulation and caused a great sensation at the time.

His epic verses “The Drunken Thady and the Bishop’s Lady” tells the tale of the vengeful wife of the Bishop

importance of Hogan as a poet. Although he was

be a poet of influence, such as Yeats. This was chiefly

attributed to his primary education but also to his

gruff demeanour that came through in his poetry.

What cannot be denied is the impact he had at the

time and with future generations. The “Friends of the Bard” society was founded in 1992 and through their

work and fundraising a new memorial was placed over the Hogan’s grave, which included the Bard’s face in

relief. The “Friends of the Bard”, along with funding

donated by Peter J Hogan, erected a life-size statue of Hogan outside King John’s Castle in 2005.

Article by: Sharon Slater

of Limerick and the night she met the drunk known as Thady. The Bishop’s wife led a life of vice and

while alive she roamed the city streets picking fights.

After her death she continued her malicious ways.

The Drunken Thady was also a ne’er-do-well from

Thomondgate who would drink himself into a stupor while evading the police. One night on his way home

he met the Bishop’s wife who intended to take him to hell. She managed to toss him over the Thomond

Bridge and he landed in the river. This is where he

repented all his sins and asked God for forgiveness, vowing to live peacefully if his life was spared. Indeed

his life was spared, and he was the Drunken Thady no more.

Although there was an intention of publishing a

second volume of his Lays and Legends of Thomond, it never came through due to his lack of funds and failing health and eye sight. He died at 8 Rutland Street in 1899 and was buried in Mount Saint

Lawrence Cemetery. Kathleen Daly Clarke wrote to her husband Thomas Clarke in 1916 with the news of his death.

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AR T S P R OF I L E : K E V I N K I E LY JR Kevin Kiely Jr. is an actor, performer, production

company owner and overall theatre extraordinaire.

Originally from Limerick, Kevin moved to England for six and a half years to pursue his career in theatre and performance art, moving back to Limerick in late

2013 to get involved in City of Culture. Since then, he has starred in numerous theatre pieces as well as

short films, and has also set up his own production

company, IsleBoro Productions. The name ‘IsleBoro’ is

a combination of where both of his parents are from, “my dad is from the Island Field and my mum is from Janesboro so the Island and Janesboro combined is

who I am.” Kevin has worked in Ireland and England and across the pond, appearing in Hollywood blockbusters The Dark Knight Rises and World War Z. And he’s only just getting started…

Having spent most of his life in Limerick and being involved with numerous theatre companies in the

city, Kevin saw a gap in the market for something like IsleBoro Productions. “I looked around and while there are brilliant theatre companies doing

brilliant things, I didn’t quite see what I wanted to do.” It’s difficult to pin down exactly what IsleBoro

Productions are as they specialise in many aspects of theatre and performance art, from putting on countless performances of their own to event management and

graphic design for other organisations. “Wherever

they are, I’ll come to them. It can be anywhere, the top

of a mountain even – I drive a Land Rover Defender!

I want people to know that I’ll bring that theatricality, that experience, that humbleness, that responsibility to an event for their company. I love it.”

The main difference between IsleBoro and other

production companies are the venues that Kevin uses.

“I’m all for sitting down and watching a play in a theatre; I’m all for that and I’ll do that as well with

IsleBoro Productions. But what I’m interested in is bringing people to obscure locations, to locations that are exciting.” There are so many interesting

and historical buildings in Limerick that often go unnoticed, and Kevin plans to bring them back to life with his productions, “I want to be the one who puts

a production where people can explore a building and see something that they haven’t seen before.”

More importantly for Kevin, IsleBoro productions

is “about telling stories, getting stories out there that people can relate to, that people are actually interested

in, that aren’t boring, that aren’t run of the mill, that aren’t shallow.” This can definitely be said for one of

his current productions, The Prison of Oil. Described as “a play that imagines the possibilities if one man is given a blank canvas of power” it deals with what

Kevin says is “happening nowadays in the hunt for

power and people’s inability to see the bigger picture.”

The play stars Limerick actors John Murphy and

nine-year-old Danny Lynch, who plays a younger version of Murphy’s character. The Prison of Oil runs until May 7th in the Limerick City Build, formerly

the Cahill May Roberts building, “next to where Docs used to be if you’re as old as I am, or Trinity Rooms or Crush 87 if you’re a bit younger.”

Tickets for The Prison of Oil get you more than just

access to the performance. “Anyone who buys a ticket will get this really cool black bookmark, which is what

the ticket is, then you tear off the ticket stub when the show finishes and you go to The Red Hen, you hand it across the bar and you’ll get a pint of Tiger beer or a tea, coffee or a soft drink and that’s on me.

tea, coffee or a soft drink and that’s on me. The reason

I do that is because I want people to go to the theatre

at eight and get them to 10 o’clock without putting their hand in their pocket again, except to take out the voucher.”

Kevin rarely gives away too many details about the storylines of his productions, “I’m very good at telling the audience they need to see it and I’m very good at

not revealing a lot.” He does have this to say about The

Prison of Oil: “It’s all about why a man feels that it’s justified to seek to be the person in power in the land

that he lives in. There are many examples in history, there’s one example now of a guy that’s trying to do

that - there’s no prizes for guessing who I’m talking about. I had to write something about that because I

was so saddened that people can be that pliant and easy to manipulate. The Prison of Oil to me is a very important piece.”

Kevin Kiely Jr. is even more secretive about the storyline of his other production; a short-film called

The Cheese Box. Kevin says that when it comes to The Cheese Box, “the story is everything”. Filmed

in Janesboro, the short-film takes place in 1950s

Limerick and is based on a true story about his grandfather, which his father told him about when he

was in his early teens. “It shocked me. It shocked me what my grandfather had to do that night.”

After watching The Cheese Box, it’s safe to say that

what his grandfather had to do was not uncommon in Ireland at that time and Kevin believes that, “everyone relates to The Cheese Box. I’m prepared to tackle any

story. I’m not scared about any of it, I’m not scared

about saying any of it; I’m not scared of showing any of it.”

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Kevin wants to keep the storyline under wraps for the

Towards the end of shooting, Freeman was about

the film: “It makes a statement about the Catholic

Kevin. “On his way out he asked me to come over.

most part. However, he does have this to say about Church. The name of the cheese is the Red Cleric.”

The film has already been making an impact around the world and has been gaining international

recognition, being picked up by the Viva Film Festival in Bosnia as well as the world-renowned Cannes Film

Festival where the film will premiere later this month.

Kevin is relieved by the fact that stories like this are

to leave to go back to Los Angeles when he spotted So I went over and he took me by the arm and he

pulled me in and said ‘I just wanted to let you know that you’re just going to have to keep doing what

you’re doing and you’re going to be alright.’ And I was

like…’what?!’ In my moments of doubt I remember

that Morgan Freeman told me I need to keep doing what I’m doing and I’ll be alright.”

no longer being hidden and they are finally being

Kevin Kiely Jr. has achieved so many things over the

told. I feel like the story of The Cheese Box and the

company, to getting his own film screened at Cannes

discussed openly, “I’m happy that the story is being

story about what that person had to do that night in

the 50s deserves to be seen and it opens up memories for people, and that’s what I’m interested in.”

While naming IsleBoro Productions after his family

may be his proudest moment, he notes another career highlight. In 2012, Kevin Kiely Jr. made his film

debut in The Dark Knight Rises alongside Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway

past few years, from starting up his own production Film Festival, to even temporarily being best buds

with none other than Morgan Freeman. So what’s next? “In terms of the future for IsleBoro Productions

I want to bring big productions and big actors to Limerick. Just do like Fusion [Media], be unafraid

of Limerick. There’s a new film studio opening and

everything. Limerick is where it’s happening and it’s so exciting.”

and Morgan Freeman. He admits that the highlight

The Prison of Oil runs until May 7th in the Limerick

people would not know that Morgan Freeman used

Bookshop and online at Eventbrite.

took place on the set of this film with Freeman. Many to be a dancer and was involved in musical theatre

until he became a film actor in his late-forties. This

was something that he and Kevin bonded over when they first met. “We were on set one day and I was

doing some tap dancing, because I trained in musical theatre and acting so I know a little bit about tap. He

was looking at me and he went, “You gonna finish that

step?” because I hadn’t finished the step, and I said, “Morgan, to be honest with you, I hate tap dancing, I’m just trying to stay warm,” and he was like, “okay, okay, okay, I’m just asking!”

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City Build. Tickets are available now in O’Mahony’s

Article by: Sophie Butler

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

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BU S INE SS I n terview Karen McGuinness, Chartered Accountant Karen knows what it takes to start up and maintain a

successful business, helping fledging and established companies to grow with a holistic approach to

accountancy and finance – the vital nuts and bolts of a company. She is a champion of SMEs and women in business, and is currently Vice President of Network Ireland Limerick branch.

How long have you been in the accounting and finance industry?

I have been in the industry for about 15 years.

Having graduated with my BBS (Accounting and Finance) degree from the University of Limerick

in 2000, I accepted a chartered accounting training

contract with one of the top four accountancy firms worldwide. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in

2004 and remained with the firm for a further five

years. During that time I gained extensive experience

as an audit manager for a wide range of companies, from small to medium Irish indigenous businesses

to large multinationals. Then I established Karen

McGuinness Chartered Accountants, almost five years ago now.

Did you always see yourself as someone who would

sole traders, partnerships and small to medium sized

Ensure that you stay focused but flexible no matter

larger firm with the intimate approach of a smaller

adjust your plan to enable you to work around any

enterprises. We combine the technical expertise of a practice - thereby clients benefit from an approach

that is highly efficient and personal. By working closely with clients to understand their business goals, we can

develop customised solutions to help them achieve

these goals. As mentioned earlier our founding ethos centres around ensuring all clients experience a high level of service and personal attention.

profession, constantly changing and adapting to what is happening in the business environment.

Tell us a bit about your business, what makes it unique?

The firm offers a comprehensive range of accounting and business advisory services to individuals,

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pace with changes in the marketplace. Regardless of

your industry, the marketplace changes all the time, and you cannot afford to stick to the same plan from which your business grew.

Limerick has fantastic support mechanisms within

shown by individuals within this sector is infectious.

I have the unique opportunity of being able to

experience the journey with my clients from the initial concept to seeing their businesses evolve and

grow from strength to strength. I never fail to be impressed by the innovative qualities of businesses operating locally. Working so closely with companies in this sector has given me the opportunity over the

last number of years to build up a comprehensive working knowledge of the various support networks for start ups and SMEs. It has also assisted the practice in establishing ways to combat the key issues facing early stage and newly developing businesses.

Setting up your own business is both exciting and

enjoy the varied nature of the work. It is such a dynamic

evolves with time to ensure that your business keeps

I find that the enthusiasm and level of commitment

SMEs and start ups?

and see them succeed. The founding ethos of the firm

is tailored to suit each client’s specific needs. I really

plan on a regular basis as it is a living document that

Tell us about the business community in Limerick,

What advice would you give to people starting out

is that we provide a highly personal approach which

obstacles. You should review and revise your business

What do you like the most about working with

start their own business?

Yes, I find it very rewarding to be able to assist clients

what obstacles cross your path and beprepared to

in business?

challenging. You need to be open to constantly

learning new skills and developing your knowledge of all aspects of the business. There is a lot of

hard work involved but the rewards are worth it.

Understandably my first piece of advice would be to

get a good accountant from the very start! I cannot stress how important it is to have a strong, clear and concise business plan and prepare realistic cash-flow projections.

what kind of support is there?

the local business community. There are numerous resources

which

provide

sources

of

funding,

structured training courses and mentoring programs, as well as many networking groups. I believe it is very important for both new start ups as well as established businesses to make themselves aware of what

supports are available and to take full advantage of them. There is a wealth of knowledge within the local

business community that can be tapped into through collaborating, sharing information and learning from

the experiences of others. Networking has played a

very big part in the development of my business. I believe it is vital for increasing awareness of the firm’s

brand and what it stands for. It is very important that prospective clients get to know me as a person and

understand what I offer. On a personal level I have

found that there is an endless wealth of knowledge and support available within the networking groups

around Limerick. I have benefited from very valuable advice from people who have already set up successful

businesses and have been able to develop and share ideas with them.

I am currently Vice President of Network Ireland

Limerick Branch and look forward to succeeding

Louise Lawlor of Blink Design as president next year.

As a group our aim is to have inspiring, engaging and

motivational speakers at our meetings who we can really learn from. It is so inspiring to meet like-minded

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people and to see members develop close working relationships as well as supportive friendships.

What keeps you motivated and focused?

Personally, it helps to have set out the key long-term

goals that are most important to me as an individual as well as professionally. I have broken down these

goals into a number of smaller short term tasks which keep me constantly motivated. Each short term task feels achievable and all build towards my long term goals.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

I think it is very important to maintain a healthy work/life balance especially when operating your

own business. In the initial set up stages and equally during future transition periods for your firm it is easy

for your every waking thought to become consumed by your business.

There are definitely benefits to keeping fit and healthy and to taking time to completely switch off from

business life. I am involved in a lot of activities outside of work. I regularly take part in running and cycling

events locally. I also enjoy surfing, attending rugby matches and the occasional gin and tonic!

Who or what inspires you most?

When thinking about who has inspired me and who I’d look up to, I would have to credit my parents for

nurturing a belief in me that anything is possible

and that you should take all opportunities that come along. They instilled in me the importance of

working hard and giving everything my best effort.

So the mantra I would apply to all aspects of my life

both professionally and personally would be Work Hard Dream Big. I have had amazing support from

my family and friends over the last few years while

establishing my practice. Their encouragement and advice has been invaluable.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photography by: Jody Neville

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BU SI N ESS Founders and Builders - The Next Generation Workforce

One of the great challenges of people management is recognising the differences in attitudes and expectations between the generations within the

workplace. From Baby Boomers to Generation X to Millennials, each is uniquely shaped by the respective

social and economic eras that gave them their generational nicknames.

Over the last the few years, all the talk around

workplace environment, management and wellbeing

has been dominated by Millennials. What do they want, what do they work like, what are their weaknesses and strengths, and how should we handle

them? Millennials have been the focal point of many a Forbes article, as they are the first generation to

come of age during a time of great technological change. Xers and Boomers found the Millennial

approach to work unnerving as they ripped apart traditional structures. These seem to defer less to a

traditional 9 to 5/5 day working week and they place greater emphasis on the value of their work in terms of personal development rather than a nice salary.

But the Millennials are starting to knock on a bit themselves. As the older Millennials are starting to

move into senior managerial roles, attentions are beginning to turn to the new generation coming

through. Generation Z, as they are temporarily known as, are the first generation to have grown up

with social media always in their lives. They have Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and YouTube celebrities as role models. What can we expect from the new

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generation as they enter the workplace? If we are to get

This ambition can be seen in this generation before

good place to begin is by asking them some questions.

more attention to career success at earlier ages than

our heads around this new, mysterious generation, a A survey conducted by none other than MTV

provided a fascinating insight into how Generation Z

view themselves. They were asked what generational name they would like to be associated with. Out of

options which included Navigators, Regenerators and

the Bridge Generation, these young people felt they

they even hit the job market, with Builders paying their Millennial counterparts, according to digital

agency Deep Focus' 2015 Cassandra Report. They are

also more motivated by money earlier on in life, which also will make them different to their Millennial colleagues.

should be known as The Founders.

So if we look a little further into the future, what will

Why does it makes sense? Well, their Millennial

There is unlikely to be as much misunderstanding and

idols are the likes of Zuckerberg, who founded a

world changing empire from college dormitories.

Gen Z wants some of that action. However, they won’t simply repeat what has been. MTV President Sean Atkins says “while Millennials have disrupted

society, it’s this new generation’s job to rebuild it.

They have this self-awareness that systems have been broken, but they can’t be the generation that says we’ll

break it even more.” Gen Z are the ones left with the

foundations the Millennials have helped to create and

will build on them. Indeed, this is why Forbes writer Theo Priestley says they should be known as Builders rather than Founders, as Millennials are in fact the founders of the current era.

a Founder and Builder dominated workplace be like?

potential conflict between Millennials and Gen Z as

there was between Millennials and previous, as they are both at ease with the technology that dominates

the world now. They understand each other in terms of living to work, not working to live, though

Millennials may scoff at Gen Z’s salary expectations.

Crucially, these Founders and Builders will not be there to simply do a job: they will look at the bigger

picture. By nurturing their best qualities, the building of business and personal growth will always be at the forefront of their minds.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

‘Builders’ will have learned from Millennial gambles, so may approach with more caution. That said, they

are likely to be even more ambitious in their quest for happiness and success – both of which they are unlikely to define by anyone else’s standards.

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Opinion: with - Rebelle Haze

What happened when I deleted my dating apps Rebelle Haze is back, and she has since emerged from the bemusing world of online dating…

A few weeks ago, I made the decision to delete my

numerous dating apps. Before then, you name it and I probably had a profile on it.

I realised dating apps were no longer supplements

to meeting people in real life — they were in fact

the only way I was meeting people to date at all. In an effort to make more real life connections, limit awkward conversations with strangers I had already

Oh, and I’ve embraced Snapchat - I still don't really get it but I've definitely spent more time snapping blogger babes I rarely connect with.

While I do feel a void entertainment-wise, the

positives far outweigh the negatives. The number one thing I don't miss about dating apps? It’s not

people not replying, dropping off in the middle of

conversations, ghosting or the endless pool of matches that never quite feels satisfying: it's the unpleasant messages.

spoken to, and see what the dating scene was like

I certainly don't miss the sexually aggressive

for years.

and unsolicited pics of body parts. Those screenshot-

offline, I ditched the dating tools I had been using

So what's happened in the last two weeks since I broke

my addiction? I'm happy to report I didn't explode or get a sudden urge to adopt fifty stray cats. In fact, I

feel kind of relieved. Deleting the apps has removed

the weight my phone used to carry - both in terms of

data storage and in my mind. My phone is no longer

messages, the clearly copy-and-pasted creepy prose, worthy stuff nightmare messages got old pretty

quickly — and not just because they lost their novelty.

They were actually starting to affect my mood, my attitude towards dating overall and my feelings about

people and my self-worth, whether I realised it at the time or not.

a source of stress, anxiety or nausea. When I see my

There are only so many times you can receive the

endless notifications, how many potential matches

start to question, ‘what is it about me that screams

Because nothing says I’d like to get to know you

together?’ Then, before you’re even done pondering

Before they have said hello, before I have seen their

but only because a woman has yet to do this to me)

technology grand?

phone sitting on the desk, I don't think about the

I have, the random messages (which I’ll get to in a moment) or why the hot guy/girl didn't answer me.

Instead I'm texting my friends and people I know in real life a lot more.

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message “Hru?” - translated “how are you?” before you

I’ll whip out my todger and send her a picture!’

she’s not even worth the effort of stringing a sentence

more as a person than a picture of a pulsating phallus.

that notion, another man (yes I am generalising,

face, I am introduced to their man parts. Ain’t modern

decides, ‘y’know what’ll impress her?

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All that said, some people have been exceptionally

lucky and found their special person online. I don't know yet if I'll go back to the apps - never say never

and all that. After all, among the ‘WTF’ messages, you do get a solid one every once in a while. I’ve made great friends and quite a few connections through

the virtues of online dating and social media. So it’s

not all bad news but for now, I’m pretty content with my lot. I’ll stick to flirting with strangers in coffee shops or engaging in random conversations with people at events. It may not get me as many matches

as online dating would, but the likelihood of someone dropping their trousers and waving their bits about is significantly reduced when I’m holding a cup of scalding liquid...

Article by: Rebelle Haze

We have the world of information at our fingertips,

At the same time, it can make us feel like something

limitless potential focuses on sending pictures of their

*insert positive adjective here*, we would be doing

messages full of gross content, aggressive messages, or

all this if you're an online dater? Checking-in with

can start to feel a bit pointless.

would be a good idea. If you're feeling particularly

we can do anything and someone's view of this

is wrong with ourselves; like perhaps if we were more

man parts. If you're flooded with a lot of unwanted

much better in the dating game. So how can you avoid

a nasty response to something you have sent, dating

yourself before mindlessly checking app messages down or vulnerable, then maybe it's better to delay reading. Instead, wait until you're feeling emotionally hardy and resilient.

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M e n ta l He alth Identifying and Dealing with Anxiety Many of us know what it feels like to experience

but when it begins to consume your every thought

Destigmatising issues regarding mental health remains

normal? What is unhealthy?

in the morning with a heavy feeling of dread in

judgements are only contributing to the problem. By

Anxiety is a tricky thing to understand and it is even

you’re anxious but you don’t know why - if there is

help others to gain a better understanding and can

with an irritating headache; just when you think it’s

can rationalise your feelings to an extent. If not, it’s

or supporting someone who’s dealing with this.

again. It can be something that is really small but

be an inescapable load of dread and apprehension is

On average 1 in 3 people will suffer with a mental

every once in awhile but when it does, it’s a complete

intense state of being anxious is when your negative

many people that equates to overall. Whether it is just

on a large scale - leaving an impact on your daily life.

that could be well needed, it is absolutely vital to take

and action it is serious. Sometimes, you wake up

a priority for our society. Misinformed opinions and

your stomach. The most frustrating thing is when

becoming informed yourself on the topic, this will

harder to explain. Dealing with anxiety is like dealing

a reason, it can almost make it easier to bear as you

help you to take the right approach in helping yourself

finally gone, there it is creeping up behind your eyes

the fear of the unknown. Drowning in what seems to

continuously frustrating, or something that comes

possibly the hardest thing to pull yourself out of. An

illness at some stage in their life. Imagine just how

and utter nightmare.

thoughts begin to affect your emotions and behaviour

confiding in a friend or seeking the medical attention

It is worth noting that anxiety is sometimes the most

Anxiety is that sudden voice in your head on the way

a step forward in dealing with it.

and sad situations. Anxiety is medically recognised as

things that could go wrong, or when you’re trying to

Getting help and talking about how you feel

Your brain is anticipating something bad is going to

ever made. Think about how these unavoidable bouts

easier to deal with. Finding ways of keeping yourself

could happen, no matter how unlikely it is. It is an

way there to understanding what it’s like to live with

occupied and free of negative thoughts. While it is easy

feeling of inner turmoil. Often the worst thing about

getting that feeling of insurmountable panic is so

it is important to take notice of all the positives in

to others. Anxiety is such an unbearable thing to

normally, and the mere thought of experiencing this

fix for suffering with anxiety, it’s essential to let your

anxiety. But how much anxiety is too much? What is

appropriate way that your body can respond to awkward

to an important meeting reminding you of all the

being a feeling that there is a threat about to arise.

fall asleep and you remember every mistake you’ve

contributes to making anxiety just that little bit

happen and it considers all of the horrible things that

of worry make you feel, and you are a fraction of the

happy and busy is important, this can keep your mind

emotion that is mainly characterised by an intense

intense anxiety on a daily basis. In a social setting,

to be consumed and overwhelmed with the negatives,

anxiety is that it is almost impossible to explain

overwhelming that it is nearly impossible to function

our lives. Although there is no definite cure or quick

experience that when it comes to talking about the

often means doing anything to avoid social situations.

feelings out, seek medical and professional help to

to turn away from them, rather than facing them head

With anxiety comes the inevitable panic attack.

that you are not alone, there are people out there that

but mostly it hits out of absolutely nowhere. This

fact that anxiety is such a complicated condition to

under numerous categories, including social anxiety,

rate, racing heart, pains throughout your body, often

it would be widely misconceived. Feeling anxious is

to name a few. It can come disguised in the form of

state. It can make you feel so overwhelmed that you

be ignored or swept under the rug. Please remember

various common insecurities. It is natural to feel

anxiety can actually cause anxiety itself, so it becomes

your mental health and well-being.

difficulties that are involved it is sometimes just easier

find a way to ease the pain. It is important to know

Sometimes you can feel it building up, ready to erupt,

can help and you will get through this. Due to the

exists

has a paralysing effect, with an increased breathing

both describe and experience, it’s only natural that

agoraphobia, and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

making you feel nauseous and leaving you in a frozen

natural from time to time, but it definitely shouldn’t

exam stress, having an important deadline due or

end up not able to do much of anything. The fear of

you are not alone and that people do care about you,

anxious, full of doubt and worry from time to time,

a vicious circle.

on.

Speaking

in

technical

terms

anxiety

Article by: Laura McNamara Illustration by: Jacob Stack

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Ph o togra pher of the Ye a r UL Photographic Society

Image –Katharina Suhr winning photo entry TLM was delighted to be asked to judge the entries

There was a significant amount of talent on display

The overall winner of Photographer of the Year

Photographer of the Year Award 2016.

the overall theme, with some students opting to use

“the picture was taken in Blarney castle and we had

of the University of Limerick Photographic Society

Entrants were asked to use the theme ‘UL clothing and the part it plays in everyday campus life’ in their

photography. It was a real opportunity for budding photographers to creatively capture the student

experience at UL, and also think commercially about how they might present UL clothing in an everyday setting.

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with everyone showing a markedly different take on the studio, while others ventured out and about on campus or even further afield. The entries were judged

on composition, colour, quality, attention to brief and creative concept.

was Katharina Suhr. Katharina said of her entry: a lot of fun taking it! I am so honoured to win this competition.”

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International Award winner Karen Goltzsaid: “I am

hugely passionate about dancing and photography

and I’m delighted to be able to fuse both of my passions in this photograph.”

William Banks, General Manager of UL Visitor

Centre and adjudicator of the competition, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creative

talents in UL and all involved have enjoyed the competition from the start. The standard of the

entries was incredible and the judging panel had their work cut out to pick a winner.”

The judging panel was made up of Sharon McMeel,

Wedding and Events Planner; Marie Keating, Photographer; Kayleigh Ziolo, Editor The Limerick Magazine.

Image -Karen Goltz winning photo entry

Image - Winners Karen Goltzand Katharina Suhr, and William Banks (Photo by Eoghan Lyons)

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE L o w down on Limerick Fe s t i va ls 2 0 1 6 With summer on the horizon, many of us are getting ready to visit some of the hottest events on the festival calendar. But you don’t have to travel across Europe or even Ireland to get a slice of the action

– there are so many unique and fresh festivals taking place here in Limerick. Each is a testament to

the creativity, passion and dedication of the arts and cultural communities in the city and county, so make sure you take the time to support their efforts and experience what makes Limerick so bold

and vibrant. Here’s the lowdown on just some of the major festivals happening right here in 2016, many of which we’ll be covering in the coming months...

TomCat Street Festival - 3rd – 5th June

WestFest Music Festival - 9th-11th September

How to define TomCat Festival? The ‘Festival of the Curious Mind’

Run by the Knights of WestFest, last year WestFest moved to a

is probably one of the most diverse around, with performance art, music, acrobatics, dance and visual art installations taking over

town this June Bank Holiday weekend. Details for 2016 are yet to be announced but be prepared for anything. And did we mention it’s all free?

Photo: Ken Coleman

bigger location at Castle Demense to accommodate a growing

crowd, as people came from all over the world to catch a slice of

local talent and huge Irish and international musicians taking to the stage from Thursday to Sunday night. If you like to rock out to the

likes of The Coronas, Walking on Cars and The Riptide Movement, all of which have previously played WestFest, keep an eye on the festival social media pages for the announcement of this year’s line-

up. The four day event includes a family day and tickets are great

value for an entire four days of entertainment and big name bands.

Photo: JDM Photography

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by Citylink

Make a Move Festival - 1st – 3rd July Limerick city’s hip hop festival is now in its fifth year. Make a

Move explores all the artistic aspects involved in hip hop culture, from music and dance to urban art. Hip hop is at its heart a culture

of revolution, and with each year the festival itself becomes more revolutionary and more ambitious. Expect to see fierce up and

coming musical talent in gigs and workshops, dance on the streets, DJs, culture talks and much, much more.

Limerick to Dublin Airport Non-stop from only

€15

*

each way

In only 2hrs 30mins 16 Daily Services Book at www.eireagle.com Tel: 091 564164

Elemental Arts and Culture Festival - September Elemental Festival is a time when everyone involved in the Limerick culture scene can get together to create a magical weekend of

creativity discovery. The 2015 festival also left a fantastic legacy,

with Tom Collins’ now infamous ‘Everybody else is doing it…’ sign created in collaboration with The Cranberries now adorning

the side of Brown Thomas. Workshops, theatre, walking tours, screenings, exhibitions, crafts, documentaries, dance, poetry… it’s

all happening at Elemental and it’s your chance to be a part of it. Elemental are currently taking submissions from artists and companies for the 2016 event. Details are on their website and proposals are to be emailed by 25th June.

Photo: Shane Serrano

*Promotional Fare.

Applies to advance bookings made online only.

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Literary Review

Citizens

Author: Kevin Curran

Following the success of his 2013 novel Beatsploitation, Kevin Curran has returned with his highly anticipated

second novel, Citizens. In the year we commemorate the 1916 Rising, this book is required reading.

Citizens follows two stories that have a deep

connection. The first story is set in a contemporary

Dublin in the year 2011, and follows the life of unemployed 26 year-old Neil, who is fed up with the

state that his country is in, he intends to leave for

Canada to be with his girlfriend, Kathy. When his

plans are disturbed by the death of his grandfather Harry Casey, Neil defers his journey to help his grieving grandmother with organising his late

grandfather’s memoirs. These memoirs are the setting

for the second story in the book, set in Dublin in 1916, where Pathé newsreel cameraman Harry Casey gets caught up in the destructive events of the Easter

Rising. Harry’s memoirs are both rich in emotions

and historical tributes and their fascinating contents lead to Neil facing the hard truth about his life. Neil’s

continues to delay his plans to move to Canada due to his grandmother’s desperate pleas, much to the

frustration of his girlfriend. While he begins to face some hard truths about his life in Ireland. As Neil

Nostalgia plays a strong role throughout the book

Kevin Curran’s novel serves as a reminder of our

draws himself further and further into the past, which

endured. When we are first introduced to Neil he

one hundred years. Curran’s approach to Citizens

grandfather’s memoirs allow him to realise that he

a vivid narrative throughout. The book sparks a

being who is capable of growth. Essentially, he is a

who are irreversibly separated but always intertwined.

has the strength to grow and see worth in his life. It

a teacher. His short fiction has been included in The

and relatable realities.

debut novel Beatsploitation was released in 2013, and

delves further into his grandfather’s gripping story, he

as we are reminded of the struggles our predecessors

resilient past and what we have achieved in the last

has consequences for the fate of his future.

only sees value in himself on financial basis. His

is an example of insightful perceptions that creates

himself isn’t just judged by his money but as a human

conversation across a century between two characters

‘citizen’ of the world who experiences struggles, he

Kevin Curran grew up in Dublin, where he is now

celebrates humanity through honest points of view

Stinging Fly and the anthology Young Irelanders. His Citizens is his current book which is receiving critical acclaim and deserved positive reactions.

Article by: Laura McNamara

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Citizens was published by Liberties Press in January 2016.

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Poetry from Stanzas

And Our Arms Are Burdened

By Seán Grimes McDonough

Sean is from Killaloe, Co. Clare. A secondary school student, Sean has been writing poetry

for several years and has been previously published in Stanzas, and in Through that Door,

a poetry collection published by Clare Library. Sean’s other interests include reading, photography, and film making, and he has twice had films short-listed in the Fresh Film

Festival. Sean is also a member of Killaloe Venture Scouts and staffs at Scouting Ireland’s National water activity centre.

Home,

Ours, Ours, Ours,

Our walls, holding in the air, And panicking, harsh breath

Until those walls hold stale air

And we choke on our own need for encasement, for Protection.

Our windows see the nature,

Which we take pleasure in admiration, And pleasure in abstention, Us mechanical Sheep,

We can watch real life go by,

Choking but never opening the window for fear of the cold reality.

We own it,

Our ego tells us so,

The planet is our home without walls, The sky

One great one-way mirror, Our ego tells us That WE see,

But truly, we are on the dark side.

Our ego clings to our feet, by chain And we drag it ever on,

Our purpose is a blindfold

And our arms are burdened With the world,

We stumble to hell never stopping to remove The restraints

Because we enjoy their comfort.

Stanzas are currently fundraising for July’s Weekend of

Words Festival, check out www.gofundme.com/Stanzas for info on how to help out.

Photography by: Brian Johnston

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The Dark Tower – The journey to film begins ‘The man in black fled acr oss the desert, and the gunslinger followed’

These are the opening words of Stephen King’s

King took inspiration from a lot of sources to craft

of Roland Deschain, the last in a long lineage of a

sure, but also from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings,

magnum opus, The Dark Tower. It tells the tale knight-like order of gunslingers, whose inexorable destiny leads him in a long and perilous journey across

Mid-World in the search for the Tower, said to be the nexus of all universes. Inspired by the poem Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came by English author

Robert Browning, King’s work is an ambitious, overarching set of seven novels that cross over into the

writer’s many other fictional worlds, from Salem’s Lot, to The Stand and many others. It’s little wonder that

all these worlds are yet to be successfully translated into feature length film. At least, perhaps, until now.

his wonderful tale. Robert Browning’s poem, for

Arthurian mythology, and even Western cinema Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name character will

resonate loudly with many readers. There are also

many interpretations as to what the Tower really is,

or what it represents. In the context of King’s books,

it holds the key to Roland’s fate. Spoilers aside, the gunslinger pursues the Tower relentlessly, as if

compelled by destiny (ka, in the book’s context) itself.

Like every hero worth its salt, there is an anti-hero; a nemesis. In Roland’s case, it’s Randall Flagg, the Man in Black.

A Dark Tower film is at last going ahead. First

Shooting for the current film project has reportedly

cinema has gone through many incarnations along the

It has Nikolaj Arcel, the acclaimed Danish director

announced back in 2007, the Dark Tower’s entry into years, with various sets of actors and directors attached to the project at one point or another. J.J. Abrams was

reportedly working on a cinema adaptation back in

early 2007. Ron Howard would later become involved

with the project in 2010. In Howard’s incarnation, The Dark Tower franchise would kick start with an

action-oriented movie released in cinemas, followed

by a six-part TV series. Needless to say, both Abrams’ and Howard’s visions did not come to fruition.

begun in the last two weeks down in South Africa. of 2012’s A Royal Affair at the helm, with a story based on a script by A Beautiful Mind screenwriter

This dynamic would now no longer be possible, in

McConaughey will play The Man in Black, Roland’s

thus befuddling things even further. The gestation

his portrayal of drug baron Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in

painful, and the casting controversy is going to do

Akiva Goldsman. Oscar-winning actor Matthew

theory, unless Detta were to be switched race also,

antagonist while Idris Elba, an actor well known for

process for The Dark Tower’s film has been long and

The Wire, has been cast as Roland Deschain.

nothing to appease the fans after such long wait.

has stirred some controversy, as Roland Deschain is

The Dark Tower is scheduled for a January 2017 release.

become awash with all sorts of comments in relation

Article by: Fernando Sanchez

The choice of Elba as The Dark Tower’s protagonist specifically mentioned as being white. The net has

to this fundamental change to the source material.

One of the themes in the books is the hatred of white

men, specifically Roland, felt by one of the characters, Detta Walker, a black woman.

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE EVENT GUIDE LSAD 1 9 T H A N N UA L E XHI B I TI ON

A WALK IN THE WOODS

Thursday 14th April - Sunday 15th May

Wednesday 4th May @ 12pm

PADDY DENNEHY AND THE RED HERRING

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

Saturday 7th May @ 9pm

EVA I N T E R N A T I O N A L 2016:

LUNCHTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES: MA CLASSICAL STRING PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE

RACE DAY & FAMILY FUN DAY

STILL (THE) BARBARIANS

Thursday 5th May @ 13:15

Limerick City

16th April - Sunday 17th July

Limerick City Gallery of Art, Carnegie Building, Pery Square, Limerick

LIMERICK RIVERFEST Friday 29th April - Monday 2nd May Limerick City

B ARRI N G T O N S H O S P I TA L G R E A T LI M ER I C K R UN 2 0 16 Sunday 1st May Limerick City

BEALTAINE FESTIVAL Sunday 1st - Tuesday 31st May

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University of Limerick, Limerick

Sunday 8th May @ 8pm

The Belltable, 69 O’Connell St., Limerick

MICK HANLY WITH FULL BAND ALBUM LAUNCH Friday 6th May @ 8pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 5KM WALK/RUN Saturday 7th May @ 4.15am

Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick

DROP IN ARTS AND CRAFTS Saturday 7th May @ 12pm

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

GUINNESS PRO12: MUNSTER RUGBY V SCARLETS

Limerick City

Saturday 7th May @ 3pm

HERMITAGE GREEN LIVE AT THE BIG TOP

Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick

Sunday 1st May @ 7pm

CORNER BOYS

Tuesday 3rd May @ 7pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate

College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Patrickswell

Friday 6th May @ 8pm

Sunday 1st May @ 2.30pm - 4pm

WHY LISTEN TO SAD MUSIC IF IT MAKES YOU FEEL SAD?

Limerick Racecourse, Greenmount Park,

LIMERICK CHORAL UNION - 1916 REMEMBRANCE CONCERT

KI DS’ A R T S A N D C R A F TS C L U B

Limerick Milk Market, Cornmarket Row, Limerick

Sunday 8th May @ 2.30pm

DICKENS IN LIMERICK

Limerick City

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Saturday 7th May @ 8pm

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

ULO SUMMER PROMS Saturday 7th May @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

UCH CINEMA SPRING SEASON - PULP FICTION Monday 9th May @ 7.30pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

COMPUTERISED BOOKEEPING BASICS USING MS EXCEL Tuesday 10th May @ 10am - 1pm

St. Mary’s Adult Education Centre, Island Road, Limerick

JOHN EDWARD DALY 1891-1916 Tuesday 10th May @ 1pm

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City

THE PLOUGH AND THE STARS Tuesday 10th - Saturday 14th May

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

REMEMBERING MUNSTER’S 1916 Friday 13th May @ 8pm

Community Hall, Knocklong, Co. Limerick

THE STORY OF GUITAR HEROES

LITTLE GREEN CARS LIVE AT THE BIG TOP

Tuesday 3rd May @ 8pm University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Friday 13th May @ 7pm

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Limerick Milk Market, Cornmarket Row, Limerick

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F o l l o w us o n Faceb ook & T wi t t e r for more da ily e ve nt l istings

THE KILKENNYS

UCH CINEMA SPRING SEASON - MISE EIRE

Saturday 14th May @ 8pm

Sunday 22nd May @ 3pm

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

FRONTLINE STAGE SCHOOL – CAHERDAVIN Sunday 15th May @ 7pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

A TERRIBLE BEAUTY: CENTENNIAL REFLECTION Monday 23rd May - Sunday 28th August

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

WEBSITE MARKETING BOOTCAMP

Limerick City

Mondays from 16th May @ 1.30pm - 5pm

SEAFOOD FLAVOURS

Local Enterprise Office, 7/8 Patrick Street, Limerick

THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Tuesday 17th May @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Tuesday 24th May @ 6pm - 9pm

Recipe4Success Cookery School, Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Limerick

ARTIST CONVERSATION SERIES BERNIE MASTERSON Wednesday 25th May @ 11am

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

LA BOHEME

Limerick City

Tuesday 17th May @ 8pm

THE BRIDES OF LIMERICK WEDDING ROADSHOW

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Friday 27th May @ 5.30pm

DECLAN O’ROURKE WITH THE RTE CONCERT ORCHESTRA

HUGH CORNWELL

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Castletroy Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick

Friday 20th May @ 8pm

Friday 27th May @ 9pm Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Castletroy, Limerick

HOME THOUGHTS

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

NATIONAL DRAWING DAY Saturday 21st May @ 12pm -3pm

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City

DAVID O’DOHERTY Saturday 21st May @ 7.30pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

A NATION’S SONG 1916-2016 Saturday 21st May @ 8pm

Saturday 28th May @ 8pm

The Belltable, 69 O’Connell St., Limerick

SECOND HAND BABY MARKET Sunday 29th May @ 12pm - 2pm

Radisson Blu Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick

ABSOLUTELYFAB LES VINTAGE & RETRO REVIVAL FAIR Sunday 29th May @ 2pm - 6pm

Castletroy Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

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THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Closing Time 1 0 min ute s with…Pat r i ci a R ob e rt s Patricia Roberts a leading a respected Limerick business woman and Managing

Director of No.1 Pery Square, a beautiful city centre property by the People’s Park, that boasts a Spa, Sash Restaurant and a luxurious, intimate boutique townhouse for relaxing nights away. Patricia takes 10 minutes out of her busy day to share a little bit about her life.

Share one fun fact about yourself…

are supposed to be for the week, and planning the

Who is the person you most admire and why?

find quite funny about me is that I genuinely believe

I also try to make time every day for some headspace

Kemp, who owns Firmdale Hotels, a chain of beautiful

I also take time to go for a run, Pilates, or the gym.

so many ideas from what they do. And in terms of

often laugh when I tell them.

Do you have any hidden or lesser known talents?

whole Allen family.

What motivates you in the morning?

is mentoring, I feel I have a real talent for that and if

Can you describe your ideal day off in Limerick?

to take it.

indoors when working. I have three boys, so we

with new challenges ahead. In hospitality every day is

What is your favourite quote?

Curraghchase, we go for picnics and long energetic

the same thing every day, and knowing I won’t be gets

‘anything is possible if you put your mind to it!’

off too! Most of all, having no pressures. It took me a

What is the most recent book you have read?

off; it’s something I had to coach myself to do. Having

I don’t know if it’s ‘fun’ as such, but one thing people do

that anything is possible – anything! - As long as you

put your mind to it. I know it’s something that’s said a lot but I really am firm believer in that and people

The fact I love what I do. You have to find what you

love; otherwise you just won’t do it at all. I love to

get up in the morning knowing there’s a new day different and more exciting than the last. I couldn’t do me motivated every time.

What do you never leave home without?

There are two things I have to have: first is my old

fashioned paper diary. I have to write things down.

Second is earrings, I always put a pair of earrings on before I leave the house, otherwise I don’t feel dressed!

How would you sum up your life in 5 words?

Lucky – I feel very fortunate to have what I have.

Exciting – although sometimes there’s a little too much excitement! Challenging, Interesting, and Fun. What does a typical day look like for you?

Well, as I already mentioned no day looks the same in hospitality, the only constant is knowing there will be new challenges and problems to be solved. I typically

start the day with planning, there’s always planning to be done. Both planning the home/family life, ensuring

everyone has everything they need and are where they

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business whether it’s day to day plans or longer term.

There are two people I most admire: in business Kit

– that helps with the planning and daily challenges.

boutique hotels in London and New York – I’ve got

Something that’s a bit outside of what I do day to day the opportunity comes up to mentor someone I like

‘Failing to plan is planning to fail.’ And of course

lifestyle and food, Darina Allen. In fact, I admire the

Fresh air is a big feature, as I spend so much time

spend time out and about. My favourite place is

walks. Good food and wine is always a must on a day long time to switch off completely from work on days

You’ll most often find me reading cookbooks, for

small children helps, they keep you balanced.

magazines for the same reason. I don’t really read

Patricia, you sound like our kinda girl.

Richard Branson’s The Virgin Way on the go but I

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

menu ideas and research. I also read a lot of interior

much else unless I am on holiday. I currently have haven’t got very far through it yet. I like to balance cookery and interiors with some business!

Are you superstitious? Do you have any rituals or good luck charms?

Even though I wouldn’t consider myself particularly religious, as time has gone on I do find myself saying

things like ‘pray to St Anthony!’ when something goes wrong. I do give thanks for what I have in life through

prayer and thought, and I will often walk into a church in the city to give some money, for quiet reflection, or

for solace when times get tough. I’m becoming like my grandparents, though I thought I never would!

Photography by: Eva Birdthistle

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

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