The Limerick Magazine Issue 2 - October 2015 by The Limerick Magazine

free 2015 magazine issue 02 OCTOBER

ISSN - 2009-8650

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 - Kayleigh Ziolo

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

Designer - Keith Aherne

Email - design@fusionmedia.ie Phone - 061-597627 Editor in Chief

Advertising - Conor O’Sullivan

Michelle Costello

Email - conor@fusionmedia.ie

michelle@fusionmedia.ie

Phone - 061-597627

TLM contributors:

Photographers:

Cornelia O’Riordan

Leanne Aherne - Cover

Shauna Lindsay

Tarmo Tulit

Rebelle Haze

Natalie Greer

Sintija Zorge

Shauna Kennedy

Sophie Butler

Oliver Smith

Rebecca Egan

Eoghan Lyons

Fernando Sanchez

Ken Coleman

Christine Costello

Emily Charlotte Greene

Sharon Slater

Brian Galvin

Olivia Chau

Mark McNulty

Olivia O’Sullivan Emma O’Brien Fiona Grimes

Jane Butler O’ Halloran

@limerickonline

@thelimerickmagazine

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

F r a n ces Healy is Actin g Up Interested in improving your performance skills, or simply

looking to boost your confidence for life? It might be time for you to start Acting Up…

Limerick actor Frances Healy always knew deep

down she would probably end up teaching. “People kept telling me I should, and I suppose I’ve got to the

stage where I can say yeah, I have a lot of experience and education that I can pass on. I’m 45, I’ve been in

the business a long time, and I’ve got so much out of it it’s time to give something back. And there is so much talent in Limerick, so much raw talent. If I can help hone it and start someone out on a successful career path, what more could you want?”

That’s why she has set up a brand new acting school, Acting Up, with classes being held at Fusion Studios, 74 O’Connell Street. Fran, whose CV includes high

profile roles in TV’s Taggart, Fair City, Moone Boy, and The Magdalene Sisters on the big screen, will be offering weekly group classes to all ages interests

and levels. Classes will aim to develop confidence and teach skills in team work, improvisation, listening and

communicating. She will work with you on voice, movement and text, teaching you to break down scripts to really help you get a grip of a character.

One on one classes are also available for stand up

comedians that need help with their set or delivery. Actor one on one classes are available for audition

preperation or for helping you get that college degree

course you always wanted!. Accent development, public speaking such as corporate events, best man/

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

woman speeches and interview skills. Acting Up aims

to develop confidence and teach skills in teamwork, improvisation, listening and communicating. Frances

thought they would hate me!” Fran laughs. She ended up winning the competition.

will work with participants on voice, movement and

It’s clear that for anyone looking for real guidance

prep, accent development, public speaking and

industry expects from you, Fran has it all. She even

text. She also offers one to one sessions for audition interview skills.

Fran’s own career path has taken her from TV to stage to film to stand up. “I always knew I wanted

to entertain, but having my daughter at a young age, I had to work to survive and provide, so that went

out the window for a while. Then when I was in my

mid-twenties, I decided I had to something for myself now. Having a child teaches you so much, it drives you

and makes you realise how much you’re capable of. So I applied to Trinity College Dublin, was eventually accepted to study a BA in Theatre Studies, and from there it took off. People took me seriously with an education, and I landed my first role. Luckily I have been working ever since.”

While many actors swap between the stage, small

screen and big, it’s rarer to find someone who’s also successfully worked the stand-up circuit. “It’s a

million trillion per cent more intense than acting! The laughter is instant feedback, you get a real buzz

and knowledge of not just technique, but what the offers one to ones for models to help them use their bodies to tell a story and know what a photographer

wants from a shoot. “Confidence, using your body and being in the moment are all things that are central

Frances, contact her at actinguplimerick@gmail.com

or check out facebook.com/actingupinlimerick for more info.

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photograph by: Shauna Kennedy

say you should ‘be in the moment’, but it’s another

thing to do. It has to be taught, it takes time, there’s methods and techniques.”

There will be weekly group classes for adults and

young people aged 12-18, with the one to one sessions

available on request. What can people expect from their first session? “Fun! Come along and loosen up

and do a bit a socialising too. The nights are drawing

in now, what else will you be doing on a winter’s

night? Join us and you’ll be learning about yourself, and making some valuable friendships. The groups will be small and intimate so there will be plenty of

personal attention and feedback. I work with what

experience and interests people have, I want everyone to get the maximum out of the sessions.”

Weekly classes take place on Thursday evenings for

said to a friend I’d like to give it a go, the next thing

Saturday 11.30am-1pm.

I knew he had got me a slot in a competition a week

joining the groups or want to book a one to one with

to every kind of performance. Of course it’s easy to

throughout. It’s probably the scariest thing you can do

in entertainment. The first time I did it I had casually

Places are booking up fast so if you’re interested in

those 18 and over, and classes for ages 12-18 on

later. So I had a week to write and prepare, and to top

it all off it was in Scotland in a strong loyalist area, I

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

L i m e ri ck NEWS : Opportunities for Limerick’s Aspiring Young Performers Aspiring young actors, dancers and singers across

Limerick are being given the opportunity to fulfil their ambition thanks to the County Limerick Youth

Theatre, Limerick Youth Dance and the awardwinning Limerick Youth Choir.

Each organisation is recruiting new members to be part of their various performances throughout Limerick and further afield during the coming year.

Auditions for the Limerick Youth Choir will be held on Saturday 24th October at Limerick City

and County Council Offices, Dooradoyle Road, Dooradoyle, Limerick.

The membership of the Limerick Youth Choir

comprises young people aged 17 to 22 years performing classical and contemporary music. Choir Director, Máire Keary-Scanlon, said “all types of

voices, but particularly male voices are welcomed to

audition, as young men seem more reluctant to sing. The ability to read music is preferable but by no means compulsory.”

Founded in 2007, the Choir has represented Limerick and Ireland in choral festivals in places as far afield as Vienna, Nice and Finland, and has won many

competitions including National Youth Choir in 2010 at the Navan Choral Festival, Best Limerick Choir at Limerick’s Sacred Music Festival and Sacred Music

Competition and the renowned Cork Choral Festival. Limerick Youth Dance (LYD) is also inviting young

people passionate about dance to develop as a dancer, to create new dance pieces and to perform on stage

and screen, to join for a term or year. New participants are invited to contact Dance Limerick to join up. Teacher

Angie

Smalis

trained

and

worked

professionally as a dance artist in her home country

of Greece before moving to Vienna, Austria in 2001 to join the Volksoper Wien. Angie relocated to

Limerick in 2003 to join Daghdha Dance Company. She is Artistic Director of Limerick Youth Theatre and Director of Patterns Dance Collective, a group

of contemporary dance artists with intellectual disabilities.

Artistic Director Fiona Quinn said, “County

Limerick Youth Theatre (CoLYT) is busily planning for the year ahead at the HoneyFitz Theatre and is

also seeking new members to join the DynaLYTs (7-

12 years) and the CoLYTs (13-18 years). This follows on from the success of the summer which saw two of

its members perform in the National Youth Theatre and 42 young people create theatre and film in an International residential summer camp.”

As part of the theatre group’s outreach work, they were recently invited to give school drama workshops for the ‘Hospital 800’ festival and by Knockea

National School and Tarbert Secondary School. It is also working on a site-specific performance for

Halloween night 31st October at St John’s Church Knockainey, while an Open Mic Night will take place

in the HoneyFitz on 30th October at 8pm. The overall winner will receive recording time in a professional studio.

Further information on the County Limerick Youth Theatre, Limerick Youth Dance and the Limerick

Youth Choir is available from Limerick Arts Office, Limerick City and County Council on 061 407421 or artsoffice@limerick.ie

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

tal k i ng Saves Lives Breast Cancer Awareness Month

and didn’t find anything. I almost didn’t bother with

Cork after that but my husband said you should go and be sure. Thank goodness I did. There was a small

reconstruction but I decided not yet, I want to get

through these hurdles first and think about that later.

lump at the side, but it wasn’t until I went for an MRI

The one thing I want printed in big capital letters is

cancer. It is the most common cancer in women in

breast. Further tests found it was in my lymph nodes,

end of the day. Of course there is a fear there, who

people who are diagnosed are living longer and have

having chemotherapy, it was delayed as a result of a

number of women who are diagnosed here each year

surgery to remove. I’ve also only recently recovered

We probably all know someone affected by breast

that they found the invasive cancer on the top of my

Ireland after skin cancer. While more and more

so that was it – the whole lot had to go. I am currently

better quality of life thanks to better treatments, the

build-up of fluid post-surgery that I had to have more

is increasing. Making sure that breast cancer is at the

from an infection.

important to ensure that those who do find themselves

It’s been a long road, but I’m coming out the other

realising symptoms and are seeing doctors as soon

down to denial or something, but it didn’t affect me

and support from wider society to help them through

it. I’ve never got depressed about it, I’ve stayed as

the fear and conquer it, for ourselves and for our loved

lipstick and bit of eyeliner, I am still me. I still go on

I’ve great friends and family around me, but some

We can do this through shared experience: to hear

people couldn’t believe how well I got over them. I

a bit distant like they don’t want to approach me. I

While every woman’s experience of breast cancer is

go down or go up. I would to anyone: Stay away from

forefront of our minds, as scary as that may be, is so in that situation are as informed as they can be, are

side. When I was diagnosed, I don’t know if it was

as possible, and are armed with enough knowledge

in the way I would have expected. I just got on with

their treatment. In short, it’s time for all of us to face

positive. Every morning I get up, I put on clothes, my

ones.

my walks, and I feel good. Even after the surgeries

each other’s stories, emotions, the highs and lows.

thought to myself, it can go one of two ways. I can

different, it can help to put your own feelings into

negativity, think positive, always!

We cannot give enough thanks to these incredible

That said I do have my bad days: it’s due to the

words, and hear from others who have done the same. women who came to tell us their stories.

treatment, the steroids can affect your moods and I

Marion C. Gallagher, 61, Ballysteen

it passes. I will lock the door and go to bed when

years previously was clear. This time I got a letter from Cork saying there was something showing that they wanted me to have checked out. In the meantime I

went to my GP who gave me a thorough examination

wants to hear that you have cancer? But look, isn’t it

better knowing and getting it in time, or waiting until

it’s too late? That is the choice. I’m glad I went. The doctors told me if it wasn’t for the mammogram, if it

got to a stage where the lumps were noticed it probably would have been too late. I’m 61, too young to die, so

thank god I got checked. The government program

starts when you’re 50, you have a mammogram every two years. A lot can happen in that time, so keep those

appointments! It doesn’t hurt, it’s not uncomfortable and it saved my life.

people once they heard about the cancer, they became

do understand that. We Irish can be very ignorant about these things still, we hear the ‘C’ word and it’s oh, death. People are so scared of it, the same as

depression, they just can’t handle it. I do understand, I take no notice.

have days where I am just angry at everything, but

I’ve always been fairly strong. I’ve been in business

I don’t want to see anyone, when I’ve just been for

doing the Milk Market for 30 years, and we’ve had

chemo I go to bed for an hour during that week, but it’s important not to stay there. Don’t go down, always

I went for a routine mammogram. The one I had two

GET YOURSELF CHECKED. It’s your life at the

stay up.

My breast, to look at it… well, it’s part of me gone and I just have to accept it. Maybe if I was a younger

woman it might be more difficult. I was offered

all my life, we grow our own produce and have been

a shop in Rathkeale for 21 years. I’ve always been busy, I love meeting people. I can go back to that if I

want to after this, but to be honest, I’ve quite enjoyed spending time at home with a book, my husband did

us a new patio with a stream and I sit out on nice days with the running water. Maybe it’s time to focus on

me now, I’ve worked hard, done the school runs, up

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every day at 7am – it took this to make me stop and

ask ‘hold on Marion, where is your life going? Your family are reared, why are you still working round

the clock?’ It took this to wake me up to reality. It’s a form of habit, when’s it all you’ve known you just keep

going. But now, I have so many plans. I want to work

with a cancer charity – you have to wait a year or so

after to make sure you’re ok. I want to make people aware. We also want to take a nice holiday, take time for more breaks and enjoy life.

Yes I was unlucky to get it, but I was lucky to get it in time. There is a life for me at the end of the day.

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Sara Madden, 47, Limerick I am a proud born and raised Limerick girl. I’ve been married to Connie for 27 years. I am a hands on grandmother minding my grandkids Alex and Zara

while my daughter Leona works. I wouldn’t swap

my job for anything, the kids are my life. I love to

socialise, go on holidays, spend summers in Kilkee, and anyone who knows me knows how much I love shopping!

In February 2004, when I was 35, I noticed an obvious

lump in my left breast. I went to my GP, who made an appointment in the breast clinic. We were not too

truly loved and use to this day.

“To anyone facing a journey of a breast cancer diagnosis, please try to stay positive, get to know and do something that makes you happy, take time for yourself and always ask question if you have them”

equally wasn’t worried.

In June 2004 the consultant decided to remove the lump, just because it was still there. A pathology

report came back and low and behold, it was cancer. My diagnosis was followed by mastectomy then chemotherapy and then a course of oestrogen

blocking medication called Tamoxifen. In early 2005 I had my ovaries removed as a precaution.

In 2006, after lengthy chats with surgeons, I decided to go for reconstruction. I had what is known as a

TRAM flap reconstruction, where they take fat,

tissue and muscle from your tummy to create a breast. In December 2008 after at a routine check-up my

consultant spotted a change in my reconstructed

breast and did a biopsy. Would you believe it was back, a recurrence of breast cancer in my new boob. I

underwent two surgeries where they tried to get it all

but unfortunately it lead to having to now remove my

place a lot of my trust in them. My biggest support

was that of my family and friends, they were superb. Especially my husband who made me laugh every day, even if it was at myself !

To anyone facing a journey of a

breast cancer

diagnosis, please try to stay positive, get to know and

do something that makes you happy, take time for

yourself and always ask question if you have them. It’s not a nice journey but it’s not a death sentence

either, find someone who will listen to you, someone who is fun to be around and also try to hook up with

someone who has gone through what you are facing, as only they know how it truly feels.

I am definitely a completely different woman than

concerned and to be honest cancer never once entered

my head. I got an appointment with consultant who

I have a great belief in angels and their guidance and

new boob. This was followed by weeks of radiotherapy

and further medication called Arimidex. It wasn’t easy, but I’m here to tell the tale and I am loving life.

In the early days of diagnosis I suppose I was in shock, and worried about everyone else and how they felt. My experience of treatment and surgery was the best, the people that looked after me were amazing, from

my GP Eimer O’Connor, my consultant and surgeon

Mr Keane, my breast nurses Mags, Michelle and

Laura and everyone else in the University Hospital Limerick.

before. Now I appreciate all things in life. Yes life

still has bumps but cancer showed me to step a little higher and get over them.

Cancer comes in all forms and affects everyone differently, I live knowing it may raise its ugly head

again one day but it will not get the better of me. I currently am at my healthiest and most confident and

I live life to the full. I will embrace the remainder of

what life has to offer and go with the flow, that’s all anyone can do.

During and after reconstruction was the most difficult

time. I was very ill and couldn’t do the normal things, for a while I was bedbound. On my second diagnosis I

did feel somewhat different, I worried more and shed many, many tears and said lots of prayers. It was at

this time I used the fantastic support centre at the University Hospital. I practised relaxation, had reiki

and reflexology, did tai chi and mindfulness which I

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Sheena Kinsella, 36, Corbally

I was to start chemotherapy in July of that year but as I was so young I wanted to freeze my eggs so

that I could have children someday. The consultant

brothers always put a smile on my face when I was down.

checked my fertility levels and that is when the real

Surgery is tough and recovery is even tougher but you

old girl, I worked hard and loved going out with my

pregnant. I was told that I could not go through with

staff I encountered along my treatment were second

a care in the world. I loved to shop, buy nice clothes

the baby would probably have too many issues as I

in a short period of time my whole life turned upside

They believed I was about 8 weeks pregnant but when

Over the years I had 3 reconstructive surgeries on my

discovered I was actually 15 weeks along. I will never

they would look the same.

Before I got sick I was your typical 20-something year

shock came: not only was I fertile but I was in fact

friends. I had just bought my first house and hadn’t

my pregnancy as it was too high risk for me and that

and have a nice car. I really thought I had it all, but

had had so much surgery in the previous 8 weeks.

down.

I went to the maternity hospital and had a scan I

I am blessed to be a mom to the most amazing, clever,

forget hearing my daughter for the first time that day.

She is the light of my life and the reason I continue

make it all better.

and daughters could never imagine. The reason for

Going against all the doctors recommendations, I had

diagnosis/treatment and against all odds she was born

9th of December 2003. She was perfect. She spent

talented and caring 11 year old daughter called Amy. to fight every day. We have a bond that most mothers

I knew that everything would be ok for me, she would

that is that Amy came along in the middle of my

my daughter 5 weeks early by elective section on the

a perfect little girl at only 35 weeks.

the week after her birth in the amazing care of the

In October 2002 I found a lump while in the bath. At

I had radiotherapy every day for three months,

doctor just to be safe. The result came back negative

March 2004 I also spent four days as an inpatient in a

passed the lump in my breast got larger so in April

finished my radiotherapy.

end of May 2003 I was called to St. John’s where I

Unfortunately 12 years ago there wasn’t anything like

was told that the lump was in fact cancerous. The next

in Limerick. I did get help from the social worker in

mastectomy and total auxiliary clearance. My tumour

in the maternity but my main support was my mom

positive which meant it was fed off the oestrogen in

Dublin with me for almost 4 months. She never left

radiotherapy and would need to have my ovaries

Amy so I could sleep, she drove me to radiotherapy

find a fight in you that you never knew you had. The

to none; I was always treated with such respect and really felt like they cared about me.

breast along with a reduction on my good breast so

In 2010 I had my ovaries removed to eliminate most of my oestrogen production. It also meant that at 30 I had to go into menopause and could never have more

children. This was very hard to deal with but I have my daughter and I would do anything to make sure I will always be here for her.

neo natal unit in the Limerick Maternity Hospital.

The most important thing I would say to someone

23 I didn’t think much of it but said I would tell my

excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. In

will have in your life but you will get through it. Make

and life went on as normal for me. As the months

lead room where I received Brachytherapy after I had

2003 I had it removed in St. John’s Hospital. At the

facing breast cancer is: yes, this is the scariest time you sure you gather as much information as you can and

always have someone with you when seeing doctors. Bring someone with you, they will be able to take it all in and can explain it to you afterwards.

met with the surgeon and a breast care nurse, and I

the fantastic support services that are now available

Always take help when offered. If someone offers to

month was a blur as I was brought in to have a partial

the University Hospital and also from the care team

Your family and friends are as confused and upset as

was over 5cm large and was oestrogen receptor

and family. My mom uprooted her life and moved to

my body. I was informed that I needed chemotherapy,

my side through everything. She did night feeds with

Try to get involved with the support centre in

suppressed to stop producing oestrogen.

every day and basically carried me when I just couldn’t

wherever you are. They offer everything from advice

carry myself, and I truly owe everything to her. My

dad also help in many ways, he organised and paid for an apartment in Dublin so that I could keep Amy with me through all the treatment and he and my

do your shopping or mind your kids, accept the offer. you are and they want to help. So if it is only to get you milk from the shop, let them.

the Oncology Unit at the University Hospital or to massages. I am also a member of an online group of amazing women who are fellow survivors of breast

cancer. It is the best place to have a rant or little moan, get helpful tips and celebrate milestones with women

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

who know exactly what you are going through. I have

made some amazing friends through this and I love having their support whenever I need it.

I think it is so important to have frank and open

discussions about breast cancer and our health in general. Although we are progressing there is still

a stigma attached to discussing our private health matters. It needs to be part of our everyday routine

to check our breasts. It takes a minute and could save your life. If you find something unusual, a small

pimple or dimple on your breast, go to your doctor and have it checked out. When you finish reading this

article, go check yourselves, there is no time like the present.

Although my health is still bad I appreciate every day

I have. I am thankful to wake up every morning to my smiling daughter and my wonderful family. If you can take one thing from my story it is to enjoy the little things and always tell those around you how much they mean to you.

I spend my days now enjoying time with my daughter, friends and family. I try to help other women who are going through breast cancer and also help survivors of domestic abuse.

For the future I am looking forward to Christmas

time, raising my daughter and I hope that one day I will be as healthy as I was before breast cancer. Articles by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photographs by: Leanne Aherne

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

L imeri ck Breas t Care Valerie Murphy set up her business Valerie’s Breast Care

to provide specialist clothing and prostheses for women after breast cancer surgery. Valarie works very closely with the women she provides for, calling them friends more than she calls them clients. She also works tirelessly raising awareness through events and fundraisers. She

offers free home visits for women and support throughout their journey.

“We need to be reminding friends, nieces, daughters. It should be done on a regular basis whatever age you are, you’re never too young to get it. Early detection saves li ves”

In 2012 my family and I moved to Texas for a year, and

We’re lucky in Ireland to have the focus on awareness

It was a subject close to my heart, and I did a lot of

and it’s a real eye opener how well served we are here,

I began volunteering for a breast cancer organisation. fundraising and awareness events there. Through

that I became involved with a service that provides prosthesis for women post-surgery, and decided that’s what I wanted to do full time. So I trained in Texas to become a mastectomy fit specialist, and brought back

the experience and new ideas to set up Valerie’s Breast Care. I am based in Askeaton and I do home visits

for women in Limerick and the surrounding counties,

Clare, Cork and Tipperary. I provide prostheses, lingerie and swimwear from current ranges from all mastectomy brands, many of the suppliers I use

I actually introduced into Ireland from America. I accept medical cards and offer a full advice and support service.

For me it’s not just about what happens after. I want everyone, especially young women to get into the habit of checking their breasts and being aware of

breast cancer. We need to talk more about our health, and ask each other ‘are you checking?’ We need to be reminding friends, nieces, daughters. It should be

done on a regular basis whatever age you are, you’re

never too young to get it. Early detection saves lives! I will say it over and over again. We need to be much more open about our breasts – I check mine all the

time, anywhere! Checking needs to be part of our self-care.

and the facilities that we do – I’ve done talks in Asia

it’s just making people aware of what they are entitled to. You’re entitled to two new mastectomy bras every year through HSE but many women don’t know, they

slip through the net for various reasons. That’s part of

the service I provide, and I would never charge women

who just want to phone up for some advice. Whether it’s pre or post-surgery, I can offer information about what to expect, what to take with you, what is provided

by the hospital, things that women may not even have

thought to ask with everything that is going through their heads.

It is a very rewarding job. People think that every

woman who comes is immediately after having

surgery but they can be at any stage in their life post-surgery. My oldest client is 95. It’s led to great friendships and relationships, many of the women get involved in awareness events and have become

friends with each other. Helping women get the right

information, get the right fit for them, and get their confidence back is what it’s all about.

You can contact Valerie and find more information on her Facebook page:

facebook.com/ValeriesBreastCare

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Ho w to check yo urs elf The fight against breast cancer starts with us being

Cut out and keep this Breast Cancer Care

look out for and catching the warning signs as soon

out for when checking your breasts. The routine of

more aware of our own bodies, knowing what to

as possible. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth emphasising again that every

woman and every cancer is different â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if you sense something is wrong, trust your instincts and get seen

to as soon as possible, if only to put your mind at ease.

infographic, which provides examples of what to look checking is something we should all have built into

our healthcare regimes. Do it regularly, talk about it regularly and know your body!

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Opinion: Our fabulously forthright columnist Rebelle Haze thinks

who loves them. We continue to dance around the

to this tendency to sexualise cancer responded to

Awareness…

month, sanctifying it, making it sugary sweet and

showing their mastectomy scars instead. Isn’t it time

we need to talk about our approach to Breast Cancer

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But is it just me that feels like the message is getting lost?

When I see a T-shirt with a cutsey slogan that says

very subjects we should be confronting in awareness

sexy. Want to know another problem with that? Men get breast cancer too, and still hardly anybody talks

about that. Why? Because man boobs aren’t your

Marks & Spencer’s #showyourstrap campaign by

we listened more to these survivors, rather than just trying to grab attention in a cheap way?

“stereotypical” sexy.

And let’s not forget, women will die every year

or “Save the Boobies” I really just want to scream

When it first started, I admit I thought all this stuff

It’s hard to make a cute t-shirt for those cancers,

that are just not hitting home about the whole “Pink

the campaigns was radical and brilliant. But then

something like “Save The Tatas,” “Save The Hooters” “Save the WOMAN!” I think there are some things for Boobies” thing.

It’s one of those situations where so many are doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons. I think that needs fixing, and it requires some criticism that

may seem a little harsh, but it comes from a place

close to my own heart. I have lost a friend to breast cancer, and I feel that sometimes the message these

campaigns are selling us is that breasts are more important than the human attached. This is about cancer. This is about people. This is not about reducing people to body parts.

Somehow with breast cancer, it’s become about the

“boobies”. Not even the breasts, but the “boobies,” “the “hooters” the “knockers.” Perhaps the one that pissed me off the most was the t-shirt I saw online

that said “Save Second Base.” Yeah sure, protect the

bits I like to play with, this is about my sexy fun time. Therein lies the problem. We have sexified and

cutsiefied breasts because, when they are not

potentially threatening the life of the owner, they are

fun. We aren’t talking about the people who get breast

cancer or what cancer does to them and everyone

was cute too. I thought the “in your face” nature of

something changed, and it became a thing of its own. Not only did the attention become on boobies rather

because of cervical, endometrial and uterine cancer. because most people aren’t even sure where in the

body those things are. That’s the point of awareness, to teach those things.

than cancer and women, it seemed to become only

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer

gateway to awareness. It has become an industry – a

Don’t get me wrong, I love that everyone has gotten

about pinkifying everything, rather than using it as a

money-making venture out for its own survival, not

anyone else’s. Pink blenders, pink socks, pink coffee

makers, pink shopping bags….. Selling the pink seems to me to have become more about making

cash. A few cents for the charities and the rest for the corporation.

The reality is being pink-washed. We need to put the focus back on the individual women, and back on ways we can preventing cancer taking them from us

in the first place. We should maintain the focus on the non-sexy reality of tracking down causes, of the

importance of early detection, keeping appointments for mammograms and checking for signs.

We also don’t focus on the aftermath, the often very

stark reality of living life after cancer treatment. And

when we make the focus on the sexy “boobs”, what are we saying to women whose breasts can’t be saved?

death in men. Nothing cute there either.

so impassioned about breast cancer. Especially men, since for the most part it is a disease that primarily

(though not exclusively) kills women. I just want all that passion to continue to be directed at the right things that matter, and to really make a difference.

No more focusing on just the breasts, but on the

whole person, and the whole network of people that

is impacted by the disease, regardless of the outcome. So, at least for me, there will be no more giving money

to corporations and branding campaigns that are just making pretty pink things - I will donate directly to

research and prevention. I believe this is the best way to support the owners of those boobies – or breasts and their loved ones.

Article by: Rebelle Haze

A group of survivors in the UK who took exception

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Th e li me rick magazine

Mus i c Profile Name: Darragh Flynn Age: 23 maybe 32...

From: Lisnagry Till I Die

Day Job: Event Production and Music Tech Development with Munster Multimedia How long have you been a DJ?

I have been collecting records as long as I can

remember, but bought my first turntables in ‘97. I’d say I did some of my first gigs and parties between ‘95 and ‘97.

What first got you interested?

I was into all types of music at the time, and I loved turntablism, I had seen Mix Master Mike and Jurassic 5 at Reading and was mind blown, but I was equally

as impressed by the early dance scene in Limerick. The Theatre Royal was an asset to the city back then! What was your first gig?

I could lie, but my first paid gig was for Spanish Students in UL. I was about 12 and using probably

the first cdjs I’d ever seen, I was shown how to use

them about 5 mins before the gig. Big Kev was there and he’s still my biggest fan so I must have done ok. What type of music do you play?

I started out playing Filter French House, labels like

Roule, Vulture & Crydamoure etc. and I think I have pretty much gone full circle as I am back playing

looped and edited Disco and House, which in essence is the same thing just slowed down a few bpm. I play

and promote everything from Funk, Disco, House, Techno, Electronica etc. depending on the time of the party or the place. I’m all about the atmosphere!

What is your preferred weapon of choice?

Where can we catch you next?

gigs these days, and most setups are Cdjs, So I play

at Controversy in The Blind Pig which we relaunched

It’s nearly impossible to get a clean set of 1210s at

whatever is available, Traktor, Cdjs or 1210s on

timecode. I like tech so staying up to date with DJ gear is like a hobby anyway.

You can catch me at GoGo in the Orchard Monthly, on October 10th with Get Down Edits, who I’m

also pleased to announce will now hold a bi-monthly residency! So get down and shake some tacky, see you there!

Article by: Olivia Chau

Photographs by: Eoghan Lyons

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

g ig of the m o n t h Never had the chance to see Joy Division live? This

the ‘cult’ following of Ian Curtis. Most excitingly,

will play Dolans Warehouse on Thursday, November

performance in Dolans there will be a live Q&A with

is the closest you can get. Peter Hook and the Light 26th at 8pm. The former bassist for Joy Division and New Order is coming to Limerick with his new band

the man himself held in UL at 7pm.

to play one of the longest Joy Division setlists you’ll

The research cluster have previously held symposiums

Hook will play both Joy Division albums, ‘Closer’ and

will undoubtedly be just as successful, if not more.

ever hear. Opening with New Order material, Peter

‘Unknown Pleasures’ in full thirty five years after their last album was released.

on the likes of David Bowie and Morrissey and this This is bound to be a memorable event for any Joy Division fan.

Peter Hook and The Light formed in May 2010. The

Although tickets for Peter Hook and the Light in

as Andy Poole (keyboards) and Paul Kehoe (drums),

the Joy Division symposium in University of Limerick

band also features Hook’s son Jack Bates (bass), as well

who both played with Hook as part of Monaco, one

of Hook’s previous groups. This is the first time that Peter Hook and The Light will play in Limerick. It’s also one of the only Irish dates on his current tour.

Not only is Peter Hook known for his two previous

influential bands, he is also one of the people responsible for setting up the iconic Manchester nightclub, The Hacienda, along with his fellow New

Order bandmates. It’s considered to be the UK’s first

ever ‘superclub’ and is the basis for Peter Hook’s first

ever book, ‘The Hacienda: How Not To Run A Club’. Following the success of this book, he released another critically acclaimed book ‘Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division’ in 2013.

To celebrate Peter Hook’s first ever performance in

Limerick, University of Limerick will be holding a Joy

Division symposium entitled “Atrocity Exhibition” across two days on November 25th and 26th. The symposium organised by The Popular Music and

Popular Culture Research Cluster at University

of Limerick will include talks on the Manchester music scene, the influence of Joy Division and

Hooky himself will be taking part. The day before his

Dolans are sold out, you can still purchase tickets for which includes a ticket to see the man himself live in

Dolans. You can find out more information on the unmissable events at www.ul.ie/pmpc. Article by: Sophie Butler

Photograph by: Mark McNulty

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the bl i n d pi g The Blind Pig has gone from strength to strength

since opening its doors four years ago. Building on its

solid reputation over those last four years, The Blind Pig has expanded its business to now include the basement, or as they call it, The Underbelly, and they

have relaunched their upstairs space, The Speakeasy, with a brand new Winter Cocktail Menu.

The Speakeasy As of this month, The Blind Pig have launched their brand new Winter Cocktail Menu with some really

gorgeous and unusual combinations, such as a New

York Sour topped off with red wine. Manager Niall Dempsey says: “Sounds odd, tastes amazing!”

Upstairs in the Speakeasy is where these exotic and

warming tipples will be concocted. It’s a beautiful

and inviting room, which plays host to private parties, select gigs and launch parties for organisations, bands

and artists and is open for use by anyone who wishes to use it. The Blind Pig welcome those who would

like to use their space to celebrate, display, launch or share their work. With a fully stocked and staffed bar, this decedent room is the perfect place to share special moments and with Christmas around the corner, it’s a wonderful option for a Christmas party

with your friends of colleagues. With finger food and cocktail specials available for groups, it’s a winning combination of frivolity and fun.

The Underbelly The Underbelly plays host to an array of club nights both midweek and at weekends. Niall says: “The Underbelly caters for all tastes, from student nights to

rock music, acid house to disco edits, techno to RnB, it’s a new and exciting nightclub venture at the top of Thomas Street which was much needed.”

The student population of Limerick has truly embraced

this space midweek as a haven to express and explore

an incredible mix of genres of music. With regular

nights such as Session Motz on Mondays, Gutter, Lower your Expectations and Cult on Thursdays, the

enthusiasm they bring has breathed a breath of fresh air into the building, bringing a new crowd of eager and sociable people to the table.

The weekends play host to regular club nights such

as Controversy, The Underbelly Residents and Sleaze

Box, all of which have hit the ground running, bringing international and indeed national acts to the

table from the word go. Niall adds: “Get Down Edits, a duo from Waterford are now holding a bi-monthly residency under the Controversy mantel. With their incredible disco edits and beats, they always draw a

crowd. Definitely one to keep in mind when planning your Saturday night out.”

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Sleaze Box have set the bar high with their selection

fantastical creatures from the Elizabethan and

With a fantastic selection of DJs playing every

120bpm and under, everything is worth dancing to.

covers from 60s and 70s sci-fi, all amalgamated to

night which has garnered serious interest and has

of acid house, indie dance and chug. Everything is

Next on the agenda for Sleaze Box is the welcoming

of DJ, producer and artist Justin Robertson on Bank Holiday Sunday, October 25th. Justin is currently

touring his newly released album ‘Everything is

Turbulence’. Not only will Justin be playing a bristling DJ set, he is also exhibiting a portion of his collection

of paintings, also under the appellation ‘Everything is Turbulence: A Fantastical Journey into Outer Everywhere’ in The Speakeasy.

Delving into the idea of magic, the supernatural, fantastical creatures and alien life form, Justin draws influence from mid twentieth century science fiction, dystopian literature, cave paintings, medieval

Jacobean era of exploration, Hammer Horror, trashy create his unusual collection of paintings. Justin’s

exhibition will kick off at 8pm in the Speakeasy with a Q & A hosted by Dr John Greenwood at 9:30pm and then the party will move down to the Underbelly for

a three hour stomper of a DJ set. Tickets are available

from the Blind Pig bar for those of you unwilling to take the risk of it selling out prior.

The Blind Pig Aside from the new additions, The Blind Pig itself is still a haven for beer lovers, with a huge selection of craft beers and regular beers for those who are creatures of habit and like what they like.

weekend, a weekly Open Mic night every Wednesday

attracted talent scouts from the Voice of Ireland, Traditional Irish music in the form of the Fireside

Sessions supplied by students from the World Music Academy in the University of Limerick, a fantastically

cosy, little sun trap out the front of the building and a host of solid regular and new customers, The Blind

Pig is a welcoming Mecca for music and beer lovers alike.

For details regarding party bookings please contact Niall at (083) 151 2771

Article by: Emma O’ Brien

Photographs by: Ken Coleman

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Ta lk i ng P o i n ts i n L i m eri ck ci ty & Cou nty

Startup Ireland Gathering hits Limerick Start Up Ireland’s Gathering reached the Treaty city

on Wednesday October 8th. The aim of the start-up gathering was to connect hard-working, motivated key-decision makers within the region to discuss the positives and opportunities of start-up companies

within the Limerick region. CEO of Startup Ireland

Eoin Costello praised Limerick’s corporates and research centres.

Job creation Limerick continues to have good news on the

employment front, with more companies announcing

expansion and job creation. A new University of

Limerick Hospital venture is to generate 100 jobs, while 3 Mobile and MECO announced the creation

Limerick 2020 update Limerick 2020’s Nigel Dugdale and Roisin Buckley

took control of the @ireland Twitter account. in

October, showcasing the city through video messages, photos and quizzes, they also asked bid supporters

to share photos of Limerick2020 badges for a new campaign. There are 9,000 Limerick 2020 badges

available around the city, the public are being asked to wear them in support of our city’s bid. By

wearing the Limerick2020 badge in public it will

inspire discussions, debates and involvement. The team of Limerick2020 leaders are asking people to take a photograph of their Limerick2020 badge and Tweet @Limerick2020 #Limerick2020, email info@ Limerick2020.ie or share on the Facebook page to join the team of supporters.

48 hours in Limerick

of 100 and 44 jobs respectively. In fact since 2013 a

A stunning new video following a tourist’s journey

counting...

over the last few weeks. Search 48 Hours in Limerick

very promising 5,872 jobs have been created here, and

through Limerick city and county was widely shared on YouTube and see how many locations and activities you can tick off !

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Th e li me rick magazine

Fas h i o n

with Shauna Lindsay Instagram - @shaunalindsay

Beauty Editor Shauna Lindsay takes us through her hot tips for October

Balmain x H&M Campaign

How ‘Balmain’ is it ?

In case you hadn’t already heard, it gives me great

It’s almost IDENTICAL to Balmain mainline. Kendall

with H&M, thus providing us non-celebrities a little

the American Billboard Awards which were uncannily

pleasure to tell you that Balmain are collaborating

and Jourdan both wore pieces from the campaign to

more hope when it comes to luxury clothing without

similar to pieces from Balmain’s previous collections.

amongst celebrities, especially the Kardashians, and

So how excited are you guys?! I think we’re in for a real

Gigi Hadid & Jourdan Dunn have become the faces

5th!!

the heartbreaking price tag. Balmain is a huge brand

as such it’s no surprise runway queens Kendall Jenner, of the Balmain x H&M campaign.

So what do we know about the campaign? Well one things for sure, it isn’t ALL going to be exactly

purse-friendly. Gigi Hadid was spotted wearing this

embellished dress, and it would leave quite a dent in the average purse, coming in at £399.99.

What else i s there? The accessories are out of this world. And HUGE. As we seen from fashion month, chunky jewellery

is making a comeback which I for one, am totally excited about, especially after seeing this campaign! Big earrings, big necklaces, big bracelets, big belts = big smiles ;)

treat! Keep an eye out in stores and online on November

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The Perfect Autumn Knee-High

The Haven Charity

Knee-high boots are an A/W essential. You can pair them with

As it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, why not buy a beautiful, simple, delicate

favourite jeans. They can dress up the most basic outfit AND

in love with Alex Monroe’s delicate pieces and when you buy this ‘Haven Tree

absolutely anything - a long sweater, a skirt or a pair of your

keep you warm during the colder evenings, a plus for us Irish peeps!

piece of jewellery and donate to The Haven Charity at the same time. I have fallen Necklace’, €30 of the purchase is donated to The Haven Charity. The necklace is available in all good jewellery stores and at www.alexmonroe.com

I fell completely in love with these Black Over The Knee Heeled Boots from River Island. Retailing at €85.00 you really can’t

go wrong. They’re black so they’ll match the majority of your wardrobe and they have a small heel so they can take you from day to night while still keeping your feet comfortable.

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The where? The Loft at Angel Lane Robert Street

When? September 2015

why?

The Limerick Magazine Launch Party

Michelle Costello and Tarmo Tulit

Steve Hall and Zeb Moore

Barry Kiely and Dave Cuddihy

Kayleigh Ziolo and David Barrett

Sintija Zorge, Natalie Hehir and Nicola Bennett

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Emma O’Brien and Niall Dempsey

Ryan Barrett and Sarah O’Leary

Jimmy Butler and Louise Butler

Triona O’Brien and Shane O’Brien

Keith Aherne and Alexandra Coulahan

Shane McNamara and Sophie Butler

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Health & Wellbeing Home-cook your way to hea lth Health and fitness instructor and TLM wellbeing columnist Sintija Zorge says we should go back to basics when it comes to eating healthy

Have you been thinking about how to adapt to a healthy lifestyle when it feels like it’s not in your control anymore? The food around us, with so many

“healthy” and “unhealthy” options can leave one feeling confused.

Trick or Treat season is here and organic and health foods has been arriving in supermarkets even more

due to current trends. But they aren’t always what they appear. Organic foods aren’t always ‘organic’ in the true definition of the word, and healthy foods

don’t always lead to good health. We’re being tricked. At this moment we can’t change the fact that we will shop in supermarkets even knowing that most

products contain modified substances. But we can change the way we eat, that is in your control! The key

to adapting a healthy lifestyle you must stop being

tricked by new food trends, and take control of what you eat.

Rediscover the joy of good food

forget to drink at least a glass of water before food

breads. Good fats coming from all sorts of nuts, seeds

(thirst can sometimes manifest as feeling hungry) and

our beloved lean meat but also grains and vegetables

intake: this helps to test if you are actually hungry also ensure you stay hydrated.

As much as possible, choose unpacked foods and prepare your own meals as much as possible. Don’t

get caught up on fat/sugar free, dairy or gluten free or low calorie products, as straight away you might

think that those products are good for losing weight

that are full of protein and fibre to boot. Unless you are or you train like a professional athlete you won’t

need that extra protein coming from meat that you

have been consuming. If you have meat everyday try

having meat free days to give your digestive system, body and mind a break.

and becoming healthy. The truth is they are there to

Think more about eating as natural as you can and

or gluten completely. Eating low calorie foods or

nutrition. And stop getting tricked!

trick you. Most of us don’t really need to cut out dairy

snacks will actually make you feel hungry and lead to loss of control over what you eat. Ditch the snack bars claiming to be free of everything, as you will end up

wasting money. Your body will want to compensate for not having enough calories from good fats and you

will end up eating more of other food later in the day. No matter how good the label looks you can never

really know what’s in the packaged foods. Buy raw ingredients and combine to make your own snack or

meal. Prepare your own as much as possible, it will

give you more satisfaction and enjoyment, and ensure you stay in control of what you put in your body.

Go meat free Our society has long been going against nature, mass

producing meat faster and bigger to meet demand. The fortunate amongst us are able to eat whenever we

We’ve been tricked again by smart marketing that

and that has been turning into a food obsession. The

every day. It’s worth remembering that according to

need and switching off all distractions when eating,

from Carbohydrates, 25-30% from Fats and only 10-

feel like, if we are bored or stressed, even happy or sad,

has made us believe that we need meat in meals

key is to start enjoying meals again, eat what we really

the food pyramid, 55-60% of food intake should be

while chewing slowly to feel the taste. And don’t

15% from Protein. Carbohydrates meaning grains,

and vegetable oils. And protein comes not just from

beans, legumes, rice, also brown pasta and wholegrain

prepare your own food to have more control over your

Article by: Sintija Zorge

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

recIpe for healthy homemade energy boosters

Energy fuel snack

Preparation

Ideal for quick snack or sweet crawing attack

First mix dates, prunes in food processor and then add

Ingredients

balls or other shapes and leave in the fridge to cool.

rest of the ingredients. Use your mixture to roll into

Enjoy your ‘caramel chocolate’ tasting treat when you

200g Dates

are ready.

50g Prunes

50g Dried fruit 100g oats

50g Almonds

25g Pumpkin seeds

25g Sunflower or other seeds of choice 2 Tblsp Cocao powder

2 TBlsp of peanut or cashew butter

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www.auraleisure.ie WHERE PEOPLE FEEL BETTER

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se rv e the city Give a couple of hours once a month to brighten someone’s day through music, or by simply lending a hand. Emma

Langford tells TLM about the ethos of Serve The City, and how you can get involved…

Serve the City is a global project which began with

a group in Brussels. It reached Ireland in 2006 with Serve The City Dublin, and Serve the City

was started in Limerick by John Buckley and Etan Blass in 2014. The concept is simple: show kindness

through practical action. Volunteer groups work with local organisations, to give a few hours a month to help with projects or provide a service that will make a tangible difference to people.

For example, this September Serve The City Limerick went about restoring the garden of a dying man

receiving home care, and helped to transform another man’s extremely dilapidated home.

Emma Langford, a local musician and volunteer

leader says: “The aim is not to ask for donations but to bring together people who simply want to give something back to the community they know and

love. It’s completely non-committal, if you show your

interest you are added to the database and will receive

notifications of the date and location of the monthly ‘serves’ as they are known, and it’s up to you how

often you want to take part. It’s great when you have

a marketing budget or anything so it relies on individuals spreading the word.”

Emma got in touch to volunteer and found the spirit

of the group to be just what she was looking for. “It was a selfish motivation that brought me there, I had

just returned from travelling and while music was and remains my life, I knew I wanted to do more than just make music and do gigs, I wanted to do more

for people and the community around me.” John

recognised that she was truly passionate about the concept, and with her musical talent in mind, asked if she wanted to take the lead on a new branch of the

project. “Music serves are pretty much what it says

on the tin. We go to halfway houses, nursing homes etc. and just play for a couple of hours. It’s the same

overall idea, doing something simple to brighten

someone’s day, letting them know someone is always thinking of them.”

To be able to continue to do what they do, Serve the City is always on the lookout for more people. “We

often get requests from local organisations and we’d

love to be able to do everything we’re asked to do. The last thing we want to do is commit to a project

and let people down because we haven’t managed to

recruit enough people for the day. The more people who express their interest that we can potentially call on, the better!”

regular volunteers as you know they’ve really engaged

To find out more about Serve The City Limerick, visit

on anyone to be there every month, we understand

interest in volunteering by emailing

with the whole idea, but honestly there is no pressure people can’t always do that.”

While STC Limerick has been in operation for more than a year, Emma feels it has been somewhat overlooked in terms of publicity. “It is a bit unknown

compared to other projects, I only found out about it myself through friends. Of course it doesn’t have

facebook.com/STCLimerick. You can express your limerick@servethecity.ie

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photograph by: Eoghan Lyons

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

N oi ses

Off

Hats Off to College Players as they bring comedy to the fore with Noises Off ! Director Dave Griffin tells all about the Players and the play

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Who are The College Players?

been involved with all five shows and we have really

What is your role?

1926, we’re the oldest standing theatre group in

truly talented people. I think we have established a

directing, I normally act. In Little Voice I was Mr.

The College Players have actually been around since Limerick. At one stage it actually had it’s own theatre, down the lane at the back of O’Connell Street. It was

put our hearts and souls into it, and worked with some good name from that, which is great.

built in the 40s but it sadly burned down in ’59. It

Why do you keep putting on comedies and what do

emblem, an ornamental, ceramic piece that was saved,

It can be the trickiest part of the process of getting

was all ruined by the fire; all except for one precious

which we still have and it is a fantastic art piece of the logo that is still used for College Players. It’s a lovely bit of serendipity actually. We’re known for many years, over the decades, in the late 80s and early 90s

we would have done a lot of festival work and would have been known quite well nationwide too.

What highlights does the group have from over the

you think Irish people make of them?

a play to the stage, choosing the play itself. It’s just

reflective of the times. The past number of years have been so tough on everybody economically and

everybody just needs and loves a good laugh. Comedy

on Franz Kafka’s’ fable. It was directed by Joan Mc Garry Moore, one of Irelands’ finest directors and a great actress. We won the All Ireland’s and toured internationally with it. We went to England and

Wales and even got as far as Japan. It was a rare thing, no Limerick group has won the All Ireland’s since then.

What shows will people remember College Players by?

The past five years have been great - we have kind of

resurrected from a quiet slumber. People leading the group were at various stages in their life and careers and there was a lack of cohesion, so we laid low for

ten years, but in the past five years we have come back

with, Michael Frayn has written it so well, every turn

and step is written in the direction, and it really is

not supposed to be changed. It works so sublimely

the way it is written. If you’re true to the piece you can perform it how Frayn really envisaged it.

What is lovely about this show is that it is a backstage

manage to get an audience, but to impress them is

Berkoff, a fantastic dramatist, who based the story

and I said I’d give it a go. It’s a good piece to start

found that our audiences have really loved comedy.

quality. Comedy is fun. It is what we all need. We have

festivals, in Nova Scotia, Monica, Aruba, lots of when, in 1995, we staged Metamorphosis by Steven

other four too. There was a need for a new director

Are there any surprises in the show that people

Comedy requires skill to deliver though…

random spots. A peak in College Players history is

Boo who only came on now and then, but I was in the

is popular, particularly when it is done to a high

years?

We were chosen to represent Ireland at international

I was asked to direct, and it’s my first time ever

Comedy is tricky, sure you can call it comedy and something different. It is tricky, and in particular if

it is farce comedy like Noises Off ! Sometimes doing comedy can be more difficult and complex than a

might not expect?

view. It is so rare to get a show written as a backstage

view and even more difficult to find a good one. Anybody who has ever worked in theatre will LOVE it and then the general audience will be intrigued by

it. It is for all audiences, a different kind of experience, but also absolutely hilarious!

non-comedy. Farce means that the aim is to entertain

You recently met Patricia Routledge, known to most

highly exaggerated and extravagant. You then have

Yes, we did! It was a fantastic time. We discovered

the audience through improbable situations that are the complications of how things work logistically. There are some lovely moments in our upcoming show that tackle this and work so well. Tell us a bit about the story line?

The story is written so impeccably by Michael Frayn. It’s unusual because it is a play about what happens behind the scenes of a play. It’s very funny and the

cast are all so experienced, some having over 20 years

acting under their belt, others with many top notch performances they’ve been in and directed.

as Mrs. Bucket, what was the connection there?

that Patricia was actually one of the cast members for

the world premiere of the play in 1982. We were lucky to have the connection with the Lime Tree who were fantastic in facilitating arranging a meeting with her when she was performing there recently. She is such a

formidable woman who had such a detailed memory

of all the characters, lines, tips and tricks. She was

absolutely charming and advised us to keep plenty of arnica backstage to stop bruising saying there will be

plenty of bumps and knocks on stage! It was heart warming to see she had such genuine interest.

in earnest and put on five very successful plays. I have

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Has there been any funny moments so far in rehearsals?

Oh I’m going to sound completely cliché now, but every night, the script is hilarious! There is nothing

specific to share, it’s just the script… the comedy jumps off page!

Why should people go to the show?

It’s the most perfect opportunity for people to switch off, to have a whale of a laugh. It is comic relief at

it’s finest and one for everybody. You’ll leave with a

belly of laughs, it’s scripted so well and the team are so experienced too and rehearsals have been going well with a fabulous set to top it off. It’s a howler! Article by: Rebecca Egan

Photography by: Ken Coleman

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

th e

Adams family

Brian Henry and The Cecilians Musical Society are bringing our favourite spooky family to Limerick… How long have The Cecilians been around?

We are nearly a hundred years old! We have been

in Limerick since 1918, so there have been many generations of families, people and characters through the years. It’s amazing to think we are that old. We

have already placed some plans in motion for our 100th year celebration.

You ran two productions last year, were the same people involved in each?

No actually, we had quite different groups involved each time. Grease was held in November of last year

and then in the spring we had Oliver. Lots of new members joined for Grease, probably because of the

nature of the show. We had no children cast though; obviously, so it was really nice to have Oliver on in

the spring as we had about 60 children involved, alternating between the nights. It was great to see

so many young children from schools taking part. Who knows as well, those children could be aspiring

Cecilians who will join for future shows when they are older!

How many people are involved from costume to crew and leads to chorus?

Well it varies, but generally, there can be up on 60

people. We would have maybe 30-40 on stage, depending on the show and involvement that season,

have Gillian Hunt as Morticia, Isabelle Olsthoorn as

and backstage departments it tends to add up to

Sheehan is playing Lucas Beineke. Of course, we

but when you add in all the wonderful helping hands

Wednesday, I myself am playing Gomez and Jamie

about 60.

needed a Granny too as there is Granny Addams in

Will we see some familiar faces in your upcoming

O’Neil as Granny Addams, Phil has been a member

No doubt there will be people the audiences have

such a varying age demograph. It’s only Isabelle’s

the musical, so we are delighted to welcome back Phil

production of The Addams Family?

for many years now and it’s great to have a cast with

seen before, but there are some new faces too. We

second time on stage with us too, she is heading into

her Leaving Cert year so we are lucky she can spare the time for us!

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Most people will remember the cartoon series of

but it takes a huge effort and drive from a fundraising

line in the musical is quite different. Do you think

four nights. We rehearse in the Redemptorist school

The Addams Family or the movie, but the story people will be pleasantly surprised with the grown up family members?

It is very different! Definitely, I think people won’t see the characters as they are used to. Gomez, who

worships the ground his wife Morticia walks on, who is so honest and true struggles with keeping

a secret from her the night in which the musical is

perspective to put a show costing €40,000 on stage for

of music, which is brilliant. There were years where we changed location every night for rehearsals, which is confusing and messy and works out expensive if you

are renting the space. We’re lucky to have so much

support from the people of Limerick, we are always so grateful for it.

based. Then people will expect Wednesday to be dark

Before we part, the most important question; when

in her character and are introduced to a kind loving

You will find us at the Lime Tree Theatre from

and vindictive but when they see the strange twist

teenager, I’m sure they will be surprised as to how she now behaves and what new actions she takes.

You have had a strong following over the years, but

for those who haven’t seen a Cecilians production, why should they go along?

We have a great history, our audience changes so

and where is the show?

November 25th- 28th, so that’s a Wednesday through until Saturday at 8pm each night. It really is a funny

musical suitable for all the family and with a gothic twist; we can’t wait to bring it to the stage! Article by: Rebecca Egan

much. With Grease, we brought in a different crowd than before and we think with The Addams Family

we will attract a new audience too. Hopefully people who have enjoyed our shows before will return, it really is a cracker of a script and great fun will ensue! What is the mood of the show?

It is full of dark humour, so there will be plenty of

gags and comedy kicks. It is musical comedy at it’s This musical has ran successfully on Broadway, will The Cecilians do things differently?

Well it is important for us to recreate an image and

a likeness to what people already know, so we will be

working hard on costumes, hair and make-up to have

a strong resemblance to what people will recognise from the cartoons and the 1991 Movie. The musical narrative itself is different enough from those not to need to change more.

finest; the script has absolute gold in parts. It was only

released for access from amateur groups last year so

we are delighted to be the first in the Munster region to be able to bring it to a western audience.

It must be very difficult to fund such large-scale productions?

It is indeed, that’s why we have reverted to one

production a year since the yearly 2000’s. Last year

was an exception and great to have the two shows,

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get

Gr oss & Grueso me

The Gross and Gruesome Tour at The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street Limerick has been a

very popular event for the people of Limerick since its formation over three years ago. One of Limerick’s most popular attractions opens its doors for two very

special nights giving attendees a chance to see the museum in a very special and spooky way.

When was the tour first established and has it received a positive reaction from the public?

We have been running the tour for over three years

now and always have a big crowd. We have had a great reaction from the public, especially those brave enough to come on the later tour in the dark!

For someone who has not been to The Gross and Gruesome Tour before, what should be expected?

You will get a real insight in the gross and gruesome

side of history. Looking at objects from the collection

here at the Hunt Museum sometimes you don’t know all the stories behind them. Our guides will reveal

was taken over to house the collection. Oliver has

will be the torch light tour). We recommend people

the collection and you won’t look at them the same

appeared in the reflection of a window. An American

our website. Children €2.50 and adults €5. We also

some of the horrible facts and spooky stories behind

caused trouble for our security guards and once even

again.

tourist was also very frightened in one of the small

What inspired you to showcase the museum’s

blowing on the back of her neck, when she turned

rooms in the museum and reported feeling someone

collection in a special way such as The Gross and

around there was no one to be seen.

This is a great fun way to get people interested in the

What ages is the tour suited for?

to do at Halloween and this is a great way to start

parents come with their children as it is a bit scary. If

engage with the objects in an environment which is

you’re brave and the bold then the torch light tour is

Gruesome Tour?

museum. Everyone is looking for something different

The tour is for those aged 8 years and up. We ask that

your celebrations. It is an accessible way for people to

people are nervous we recommend the early tour. If

light hearted and welcoming (if a little frightening).

for most definitely for you, our museum ghosts will be

With the museum being 37 years old have there

very active during this one.

been any ghost stories about the building passed

When are the tours taking place and where are

Yes! We have a resident ghost, Oliver, who haunts the

There are two tours, one on Thursday 29th of Oct,

down through the years?

tickets available?

building and has been seen even before the building

3pm and the other is on Halloween itself at 5pm (this

book as it is very popular, and you can book online on

encourage dressing up for both tours; we would love to see your scariest costumes!

Article by: Cornelia O’Riordan

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Hal lo we en f un f or a l l t he fami ly Halloween Spooktacular 2015 Friday Oct. 23rd – Sun Nov. 1st Arthur’s Quay Park

The perfect family event in Limerick city over the

Halloween season featuring a Vintage Carnival, Food Market, Live Performances and Competitions.

Horrible Halloween Camp Wednesday Oct. 28th – Fri 30th The Hunt Museum

A three day kids camp making wicked arts and crafts, doing ghostly gallery activities and fiendishly fun arts. Cost €40 (€15 deposit due on booking)

King John’s Castle – Halloween Camp

Lough Gur Storytelling Halloween Festival Thursday Oct. 22nd – Monday 26th Lough Gur County Limerick

Four days of everything Halloween: storytelling, theatre and amusement. For more information visit loughgur.com

Anyone4Science Halloween Camp Friday Oct. 30th Lisnagry N.S

For MicroScientists, NanoScientists and

PicoScientists – a day of fun Spooky Science

activities, including dissecting pumpkins, ooze and

goo, hair raising experiments, electricity, bumps and bangs and more…

Tuesday Oct. 27th – Friday Oct.30th King John’s Castle

Discover the spooky secrets of Halloween at King

John’s Castle. The workshop is designed be fun and

practical with creative, engaging, hands on activities. Cost: €40 Ages: 6-8 & 8-12

Rollerjam Halloween Camp Tuesday Oct. 27th – Friday Oct. 30th Rollerjam Ballysimon

Rollerjam’s Halloween Camp includes roller skating, There’s plenty of ghoulish good times to be had for people of all ages around Limerick city and county...

Halloween games/movie, rounders, arts & crafts, fancy dress party and much more! Cost: €70 for the week

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Ne tfli x Horro r: S ix of the Bes t The Season of the Pumpkin is fast approaching, and those long October evenings ahead offer the perfect opportunity to catch some good ole’ horror yarns. Admittedly, Netflix’s current horror catalogue is surprisingly hit and miss. Some of the genre’s true classics are strangely missing. The Exorcist (1973), for instance, or any instalment of the Nightmare of Elm Street or Friday the 13th franchises are conspicuously absent from the streaming service. But if you’re not too choosy about your horror, there’s still something there for you. Netflix currently holds 174 titles listed as “horror”. To narrow that down a bit, TLM’s resident film buff Fernando Sanchez presents his top picks for you.

The Mist (2007) When it comes to cinematographic adaptations arising from Stephen King stories, the results range from the mildly competent to the truly dire. There are a few shining exceptions to this rule, however. Misery (1990), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), and the TV adaptation of Salem’s Lot (1979) readily spring to mind. And, though to a somewhat lesser degree, The Mist (2007) also ticks all the right boxes. The Mist is based on an eponymous novella by King. Its premise is simple enough; a severe thunderstorm knocks out power in the town of Bridgton, Maine. A bunch of townsfolk gather at the local supermarket to pick up supplies, when suddenly an unearthly mist envelops the outside of the premises. It soon transpires that there is something deadly hiding within that mist, and tensions among the survivors locked inside the supermarket soon rise. Apart from the horror elements, the dynamics and interaction of people under duress became one of the movie’s central themes. Out of all the recent Stephen King’s adaptations, The Mist certainly stands out. And the movie’s ending is worth the entry price alone.

Scream (1996) Slasher movies were once a dime a dozen. The late 70s and 80s in particular were rife with gratuitous blood and gore, often just for the pure gross-out factor sake. Then, towards the early 90s, thirst for such cheap thrills seemed to wane among cinema-goers, and the genre fell into somewhat of a lull. Then, near the end of the decade, the late Wes Craven rebooted the slasher movie genre with a bang. Scream (1996) hit the right chords with audiences and went on to become a huge box-office success, earning $173m worldwide. In fact, it became the highest-grossing slasher film in the US, ever. Partly inspired by the real life events surrounding the Gainesville Ripper, Scream follows the exploits of a masked killer in a “whodunit” fashion. The film was considered somewhat unique at the time, due to the characters’ awareness of real horror films and their attempts to discuss certain horror cliches which Scream itself featured.

An American Werewolf in London (1981) If you’re into werewolves and the British countryside, this gem is most definitely for you. Beautifully shot around the misty moors of Surrey and Wales, An American... kicks off with two backpacking friends, David Kessler (David Naughton) and Jack Goodman (Griffin Dunne) getting off a cattle truck in a country road in England. The man who gave them a lift points them in the direction of a village called East Proctor, and warns them to stay on the roads and avoid the moors. Later that evening, they arrive at a pub named “The Slaughtered Lamb”, and after a seemingly warm initial welcome by the locals, things quickly turn awkward and they are forced to leave the premises. Before they go, one of the locals tells them to “stay on the road, and beware of the full moon.’ Later that

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night, David and Jack wander off the road and are attacked by a large creature. Jack is killed, and David is left unconscious and in shock. While recovering, David begins experiencing horrific visions, and his dead friend Jack pays him several visits, warning him that he will transform at the next full moon. And indeed David does transform into a werewolf, in a fantastically engaging special effects sequence which rightly earned Rick Baker an Oscar for his outstanding achievement in the pre-CGI era. An American Werewolf in London may be an oldie, but it is certainly a goldie for horror fans.

At it’s core, Below is a haunted house film, only set in a World War 2 sub, the USS Tiger Shark. A neat idea. Plenty of claustrophobic thrills abound as strange happenings seem to kill off its crew at an alarming rate. Is the boat haunted? What happened during the Tiger Shark’s last mission?

The Babadook (2014)

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The most recent entry in our pick list, The Babadook is an Australian-Canadian psychological horror film about a grieving widow after her husband’s violent death, and her six-year-old son, Sam, who suffers from nightmares of a monster lurking around their house. A strange storybook called The Babadook finds its way into the home, and Sam becomes convinced that it is the monster he’s been dreaming about. The Babadook was made on a rather tight budget (partly financed in fact by a Kickstarter campaign), but the movie’s quality and impact proved yet again that big bucks is not a guarantee for success. The film features very strong performances from Australian actress Essie Davis in the role of Amelia, the troubled widow, and child actor Benjamin Winspear as her son Samuel.

Below (2002) This one is a bit of a personal niche, I admit. If you’re into World War 2 stuff, the supernatural, and submarine warfare, Below is definitely for you. Otherwise you might want to steer clear for more mainstream horror.

If you wish to find out, go and watch Below now. An interesting piece of trivia, the movie’s director, David Twohy, found far more success with its previous movie “Pitch Black (2000)”, where he introduced the character of the Furyan warrior Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel) to the world.

Found footage movies were still a relative novelty near the turn of the last century. However, if one looks back far back enough, 1980’s hugely controversial Cannibal Holocaust did arguably kickstart the sub-genre. What nobody can deny is that The Blair Witch Project (1999) did introduce the “found footage” theme to the masses, not to mention its huge financial success at the box office. Made by a bunch of amateurs on a truly shoestring budget of about $35,000, the movie went on to make nearly $250m worldwide. The Blair Witch Project tells the story of three student filmmakers who disappeared while hiking in the Black Hills of Maryland while working on a documentary about a local legend, the Blair Witch. The audience is informed that although the three were never seen or heard from again, the footage they are about to watch is their “found footage.” The Blair Witch’s phenomenal success is another fine example that good and honest film making does not require a massive budget to create a classic. Article: Fernando Sanchez

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th e li me rick magazine f o o di e with Olivia O’Sullivan #eatinlimerick

The new food philosophy Wade Murphy is obviously a man who likes to keep

busy. He is chef and co-owner, along with wife Elaine, of 1826 Adare. The Limerick restaurant awarded a Bib Gourmand this year by the Michelin Guide and also RAI Best Restaurant in Munster. Wade is also the current Commissioner General of Euro-toques Ireland, the national organisation of outstanding

chefs established by Myrtle Allen. From guesting

at Electric Picnic’s Theatre of Food and Irish food symposium ‘Food on the Edge’, he’s a daytime TV

regular on RTE’s Today programme, but found time in his hectic schedule for a coffee and a chat during afternoon prep time in the restaurant. Tell us about your philosophy?

When we opened we were going for a very simple

restaurant, but people’s expectations and people’s knowledge now are a lot greater than what they

used to be. Irish people are a lot more travelled, they have much greater and wider palettes. People are

not expecting dinner any more, they’re expecting an experience.

Our philosophy has developed but it’s a continuation

of what I always believed, even when I moved

to America, I would go to green city markets for example. While you learn in the States a lot about

plating and they have very good ideas, the bare

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produce that you get coming through your door is nowhere near as good as ours, and so after two years

plus there I didn’t want to cook that anymore. I’m very

anti-genetically modified foods, or any messing with the natural ingredients. At the end of the day there

are only so many candy stripe carrots that have been genetically grown that you can cook and prep without getting fed up.

Are we spoiled here in that case?

Absolutely. I know we keep harping on about it and

blowing our own trumpet but a lot of our produce is some of the best in the world.

Did you find it hard to source local producers?

As soon as we opened people came knocking. The guy from Bally Salads called in with a sample, Garrett of Garrett’s Butchers in Limerick came out to me

and said call into the shop and I’ll show you more. Whenever somebody does come in and gives me some

of their product I’ll make sure I go to where they are and see it. And then we try to treat their ingredients with the respect they deserve.

Are we doing enough to promote Irish food?

We need to have a food culture and all us chefs are

responsible, we all need to support one another. Whether I like what somebody else is cooking or whether I believe in their ethos, it’s their ethos, fair play to them - back them. We need to be singing from the rafters about Irish food and while we’re very

good at running each other down, we’re also very

good at patting each other on the back when we don’t necessarily deserve it because we’re not there yet. We

absolute legend and a gent, and good friend of the restaurant too.

still have a lot to do. Our food heritage is phenomenal,

What do you think of Limerick ‘s food culture and

look at that and let’s promote that more.

It’s good but it could be even better. There’s great

our food culture, our food family is phenomenal. Let’s

Is the education for chefs good enough?

I can see it changing and we’re talking a lot more

about the seasons. The buzz words: seasonal, artisan,

the scene here?

produce around here and some serious talent. It needs to be promoted better and it needs to be supported better.

locally produced etc. are getting over used now, but if

And what about the selection of restaurants, are we

Use it but back it up as well. Just before the start of

I think people are moving away from fine dining

it means we’re starting to act on it then I’m all for it. every month I write a list of what vegetables are in season and we start changing dishes and specials. How do you feel about calories on menus?

I’ll pay the fine, I won’t do it, I refuse to do it. The fight against obesity is all well and good but stop hitting people like us because we’re not the cause of obesity.

Georgina Campbell recently criticized service standards in Ireland, do you agree?

As far as I’m concerned service levels have grown in

this country. You have service legends the likes of Dan Mullane out the road here (in the Mustard Seed) an

missing a fine dining restaurant in the city?

more and more, away from pompous silver service. Casual restaurants with good food are really what people want now. Limerick has some good places

like Aroi and La Cucina but could do with more. You wonder, is the lack of fine dining options because they don’t work in the city and it’s not really what the people want? You can talk about the restaurant scene

and fine dining and all that but at the end of the day there’s nothing better than something simple at home

like pot roast chicken. To me, the heart of a home is around a kitchen table.

Article and Photographs by: Olivia O’Sullivan and courtesy of 1826 Adare

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R e s tau ra n t review: Clover Japanese and Thai www.cloverlimerick.ie The local food scene has seen some fantastic new

additions in Asian cuisine over the past few years. One of the more recent of these is Clover restaurant,

located on Bedford Row just off O’Connell street. Clover opened its doors earlier this year, and has been going from strength to strength ever since.

Peering in through the glass doors on a sunny Limerick afternoon you can see sparkling chandelier

lighting glistening in low atmospheric light, a welcome calming escape from the busy bustling streets of the city centre. Inside the restaurant is an open plan space

with a large selection of tables and a very well stocked and arranged bar.

From the moment we set foot in the door we were

taken care of by very accommodating and polite staff, who helped us to our table and asked if we had any special requests. Greeted by a menu consisting of a large selection of both Thai and Japanese dishes we simply could not decide.

As we absorbed the calm atmosphere, Lucy’s

recommendation of Villa Canara Pinot Grigio from Italy (priced at €26 per bottle) was poured for us to enjoy with our selection of Japanese food.

Before we knew it a large selection of sushi was

presented to us, per recommendation of the chef and

manager Lucy, and it definitely did not disappoint. Everything was presented beautifully on a wooden

platter in the design of a traditional Japanese boat. Among our platter of sushi was a beautifully arranged

selection of sushi rice topped with a selection of fresh fish; sea bass, salmon, squid, tuna and shrimp.

Not only was the presentation exceptional but the

sushi itself was prepared and arranged to perfection, we were very clearly able to taste the freshness of the rice and most importantly the fish, the key fresh ingredient in any sushi dish.

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Although it was only lunch time, sometimes we

beautiful pandan leaves. Once sampled, the dish’s

5pm to 10:30pm and consists of one starter and one

Pinot Grigio was the perfect daytime wine: light and

chicken is stunningly tender and juicy and while

reasonable price of €16.50 per person - a fantastic

simply must treat ourselves, and the Villa Canara refreshing while still maintaining that Pinot Grigio

bite, delightfully accentuating the light and delicate flavours of the fresh sushi.

Following the platter we were treated to a selection of Clover’s finest Thai starter dishes consisting of

Pandan Chicken, Khung Tep Prawns Tiger Prawns and Crispy Peppered Calamari. Although the tiger

prawns and calamari were both delightfully seasoned

and crisply fried the real treat was the Pandan Chicken. The deep fried marinated pieces of chicken

in Thai spices, was most definitely the outstanding dish from the selection of Thai specialities presented

to us. The presentation was again impeccable, with

the chicken being carefully and tightly wrapped in

flavours and textures take a hold of your senses, the

bursting with the flavour of mixed Thai spices, flavours the pandan leaves would have locked into the chicken while cooking.

While relaxing after our meal a staff member

approached us, speaking passionately about the restaurant, its customers and its dishes. It was very clear to see that the staff at Clover Restaurant really care about and value their customers.

Clover is also remarkable in its fantastic value for money with their dinner and lunch special on offer

every single day. The Set Lunch Special runs from 12

to 5pm and consists of one starter, one main course and the choice of any soft drink or a tea/coffee, all available for €10. The Set Dinner Special runs from

main course as well as a glass of wine, at the extremely price for a set dinner menu including wine.

The Clover Restaurant undoubtedly prides itself on

serving large portions of fresh authentic Japanese and

Thai food at extremely reasonable and pocket friendly prices. With a very relaxed and calming atmosphere it allows its food to take centre stage. Whether you’re

looking for a relaxing spot for lunch or a quiet and tasteful date night location then look no further than

Clover Thai and Japanese restaurant for beautiful

food at budget friendly prices served by helpful, honest staff.

Review: Cornelia O’Riordan

Photography by: Tarmo Tulit

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Bu tter U P Irish butter, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat it. If you like to indulge in lashings of the creamy yellow goodness, the simple art

of sealing flavours into butter adds an extra indulgent edge. Sweet Vanilla Butter accompanying a delectable English muffin or crumpet makes for the perfect Sunday Brunch treat, or elevate a crepe or pancake with citrus fruit butter for a zingy breakfast delight.

Sweet Flavoured Butters Serves: 6

Vanilla Butter

Citrus Fruit Butter

Ingredients:

100g unsalted butter

2 tablespoons icing sugar

Seeds from 1 vanilla pod

Method:

1. Leave the butter at room temperature until soft

As with the Vanilla Butter, except grate the rind of

and then mash it with a fork until it is smooth.

2. Remove the seeds from the vanilla pod by slicing

the pod in half lengthways with a sharp knife. Scrape out the seeds with the back of the knife.

3. Add in the seeds to the butter and mix.

4. Sieve in two tablespoons of icing sugar and mix well.

5. You can use it like this or you can roll the butter

into a sausage shape using baking parchment

paper or cling film. Twist the ends of the paper or cling film like a Christmas cracker and put in

the fridge until hard enough to slice. Use within 1 week or freeze and use within one month.

Rind of one orange, lemon or lime

the fruit over the butter and mix in. www.siucra.ie

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O KTOB E RFES T Prost!

Raise your steins for Oktoberfest Beag… Oktoberfest has long been internationally celebrated

and it is finally gracing the streets of Limerick in the form of Oktoberfest Beag. Oktoberfest Beag is taking

place in 4 cities across Ireland and is sure to draw a fantastic crowd on it’s final stop here in Limerick, it is

we received lots of enquiries and interest from the

people of Limerick. For us, it was always the next step to bring the event to Limerick City. With the Rugby World Cup Semi Final taking place the week

of Oktoberfest Beag Limerick there will be no better place to have it than the home of Munster Rugby!

an event not to be missed.

For people who have not attended the fest before

Oktoberfest Beag 2015 was recently launched in

A real celebration of all things Bavarian – a truly

Waterford, how was this year’s first event?

It was very successful – we were extremely happy with

how everything rolled out in the end. The people of

Waterford got behind the event and came out in full force to enjoy a celebration of all things Bavarian. We

received great support from local authorities which

gives the event a real boost and in turn makes the event become a success.

Does it excite the team to be bringing the event to

what should they expect?

authentic experience which includes: • Bavarian Brass band • Mouth Watering German Food

• Table service by authentically dressed Fräuleins • Giant screens with which to watch the Rugby World Cup • Oktoberfest Themed venue with guests in costume • Special Oktoberfest beers brought in from Munich specifically for the event

Limerick city?

• Prizes, games, DJ’s and uber craic.

the show on the road to The Treaty City. It is one

There will obviously be a large range of German

Yes absolutely. The team are all geared up to get of the first events to be held in King John’s Castle

in Limerick and we are delighted to be part of their

calendar of events. I am sure you will all agree that King John’s Castle is a majestic venue and it is great to be able bring it to life even further with Oktoberfest

Beag. I must say, we couldn’t have done it without the support of Shannon Heritage who have pulled out all

the stops to ensure things run as smooth as possible for us over the course of the four days in Limerick.

What enticed you to bring Oktoberfest Beag to Limerick?

With Oktoberfest Beag taking place in other cities

(it is our sixth year in Cork and second in Waterford),

products available at the event, will there be any speciality Irish products featured?

We are very passionate about incorporating an Irish Element into each event. This year we are delighted

to include a range of products from Clonakilty Foods on the menu.

What attractions will be at the festival for people

who may not be interested in the beer aspect of Oktoberfest?

There is something for everyone at Oktoberfest Beag. Firstly you will be welcomed by authentic Oktoberfest Fräuleins

serving

mouth-watering

traditional

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Bavarian dishes; bratwurst, Schweinsbraten and

Rinderbraten, as well as Charcuterie and Vegetarian Board, and Cinnamon Apple Pies for those with a sweet tooth. We are encouraging all attendees to get

into the swing of things by putting on your favourite

lederhosen and alpine accessories, practice your

yodel and polka skills; as festivities will swing into action between 4pm and 10:30pm, with special guest

performances each evening by the famous Oompah Brass Band who really get everyone in the festival mood. An extra element to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival offering

will see live Rugby World Cup matches being shown

on giant screens at each of the Oktoberfest Beag

events. Add games, DJs and some fantastic corporate packages to the mix and it promises to be an evening jam-packed with culture and craic in equal measure!

When does Oktoberfest Beag take place in Limerick and where are tickets available?

Oktoberfest Beag opens in Limerick on Thursday

22nd October and runs until Sunday 25th October. Tickets and table reservations are available online at www.oktoberfestbeag.ie, or check out the Facebook page

Article by: Cornelia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Riordan

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

P oli sh arts f e sti va l

The 9th annual Polish Arts Festival is now on at The

reality into the realm of a dream. Women and their

packed schedule of exhibitions of paintings, drawing,

to pass through the sacred border into another

Hunt Museum and Milk Market. Each year features a

sculpture, artistic photography, handcrafted jewellery

of Polish artists creating in Ireland, all representing an element of a particular theme.

The theme of PAF 2015 is “Transgressing dimensions. Lullabies and Keening Tradition.” As well as exhibitions there will be music concerts, singing

sessions, lectures, a Wonderland Room for children, arts & crafts workshops and Polish Arts & Crafts &

Food Fair. The Special Guest of the festival this year is Noirin Ni Riain, a spiritual singer, who will give a

unique performance on 24th October in St. Michael’s Church on Denmark Street.

The festival will explore the women and their current and historic role in the society. The voice of women

in all respects was suppressed in the past. In Ireland, the Celtic women carried out a great social function. There were singers, chanters, who circled round the

deceased person and performed lamentations called keening. Through their singing they were carrying the

soul into another dimension. Women were perceived

as shamans, who had access to the sacred passage. However, with the advent of the Catholic religion in Ireland that function had been taken from women

since it was perceived to give them an immense social power. Women were banned from performing the

keening ritual. However, they never remained silent and cultivated the tradition of singing in their homes

when putting their children to sleep. When you sing a lullaby to a baby, it is similar to keening; you help the child to transgress dimension, step from the realm of

vocals are the medium through which it is possible

dimension, whether it is a journey of the soul in the afterlife or a journey into the realm of a dream. PAF 2015 invites you to share in songs and Polish and Irish lullabies trying to restore this beautiful custom

of singing to sleep. “Transgressing Dimensions” is

an invitation to explore the theme of the border, its ethereal and very private nature and the great strength that comes with it, and the realisation that, for each of us, crossing the border means something different.

As a precursor to the recent launch of the festival, visitors to the Milk Market have also been able to see a photographic exhibition of Janusz Biarda “Faces of the Milk Market”.

Janusz is a photographer of Polish origin who came to

Limerick in 2005. With a passion for photographing people, his work is a mixture of documentary

photography, pure street, portrait and sport. Janusz

emphasizes the importance of showing human

emotions, characters, beauty, catching important but very much elusive moments. Janusz Biarda’s

photographic career is closely linked with Limerick where he found a support for his photographic investigations and research. When studying at LCFE

in 2012/2013 he was awarded two awards - Students

Sports Photographer of 2012 Award and Smedias 2013 News Photographer of the Year. The exhibition

is currently on display until 31st October (Saturdays only).

The full schedule of PAF events can be found at polishartfestival.ie

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A r ti s t p r o file Sign painter Tom Collins gives us an insight into the world of sign art

How would you explain sign art as an art form?

We sign painters agonise over this. What is art? Who determines it? Yes for us it is art because we care about it in simple terms… There are fine lines between

disciplines. Sign painters are in the job because they are passionate about it and within passion lies art.

What signs may Limerick people recognise without realising they are yours?

Oh there are too many to name, I don’t want to leave out any. If you really pushed me now, I’d have to say

I loved working on my wife’s Montessori school

art and they would have advised me to steer away

from it as a profession. They were well intentioned, but creative people not exercising their creativity can

find themselves in a difficult place, full of discontent. I worked different jobs and then I decided to go back to college in Cork as a mature student. I got to know lots of other creative people; a good friend told me about a sign writing course, so I went back and did

a six month FÁS course in it. I worked in Cork for a

bit and have worked my way home to Limerick. I still get asked to do work down there and in Dublin. I’ve

worked as a sign artist for twenty years now. I’m really happy to say that, I truly do love it.

signage, Niki O’Connell Montessori School AMI. It

Do you see a future for sign art?

the result. There are of course some obvious ones that

alternatives now, especially with technology. It can

was a really fun project and we were delighted with people will recognise, but I hope that I don’t have a

style as such. That wouldn’t be good; you always want to change and develop and try new styles. Plus, no

one style of sign art will suit all kinds of buildings

and businesses - there is so much to take into account when designing a sign.

What factors do you consider when developing a plan for a new sign?

Firstly, what the customer wants, the business they

are advertising and the market they wish to attract. Secondly, the atmosphere and the architecture of the

building. Thirdly, the surrounding buildings and the street it is on: this is so important because you have to

consider what will make this sign stand out and how it will look amongst everything that surrounds it. How did you discover sign art?

As a child from an artistic family I loved drawing. I had

older brothers and sisters in Art College. My parents

had this feeling that you can’t make a living for from

It’s a competitive world and there are so many be perceived as down and out, a lot of people say

it’s a dying art. It’s funny… it isn’t exactly industry standard anymore [to have hand painted signs], you can’t lament it but make sure new work produced is

kept for appropriate places. Digital art has taken over

and it does belong in certain places but not on old

buildings. Architecture and history are so important, that’s something all sign painters recognise; signs

must fit their building and surroundings. There is a great resurgence evident in sign painting. There are

a lot of very young sign artists in their 20s who came

over for our exhibition from around the world, it was very refreshing to see. It can be fun work, you can get

paid for your work and move on. It suits the nomadic, transient type of person.

What is your favourite element about your job?

While this job has plenty of solitude and working alone in the studio, when working on site I get the

opportunity to develop contacts and friends, to hear

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about peoples businesses and their passions. I really

Movie. He produces pod-cast interviews of human-

there, I thought it would be nice to mark my twenty

to show it to the world in the sign art.

Sign Painter’. From there, I became friends with him

of Limerick and the shop owners for supporting my

love that, I love hearing other peoples story and trying

You certainly got the chance to work collaboratively

and meet many people with your recent endeavours... Seán Starr had just interviewed me – he’s a very

well-known and successful American Sign Painter. He was featured on the Sign Painters Documentary

interest nature with sign artists, called ‘Coffee and a and kept in touch. At that time things just started happening. I liked the idea of working with Elemental

years in business as a gesture of gratitude to the people business and hiring me.

and showing this Sign Painter Documentary Movie,

How did the rest come about?

shown as the finale at the end of Elemental, with a

in and work maybe on a large-scale sign project to give

which I knew would be great to show off. It was

short of me at work. But the project escalated from

I thought it would be great to get some people to come as a gift to the city, to share this great passion we have

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

with Limerick. Elemental were so great, they gave me some funding to aid the plan. We got some private

donations, Limerick Marketing people got Seán and

his wife in from America, then more and more people

from around the globe wanted to come along, off their own steam. So I asked some local hotels, bars and

It certainly has done wonders for the city; do you

“ We can now believe in ourselves as

restaurants if they’d put up these artists and maybe

being worthy of an

a fantastic movement from so many companies and

international stage.”

sponsor the project with meal vouchers. It really was

businesses across the city. All the art was auctioned off

a city, we really came together and showed that we could work well together; both creative and business people.

Most people by now have seen the amazing wall piece on Brown Thomas, “Everybody Else is doing it. So, Why Can’t We?’ How did you develop it?

Initially, we didn’t know what we wanted to do, or

where we wanted to do it, we just knew we wanted to do something. The starting point was Séan and my

love for music. A lot of his interviews are about ‘What do you listen to when working?’ He said to me, ‘if this

works out and I actually get to Ireland I want to do something with a Shane MacGowan lyric’, so we kept

that conversation going. Then I ran into Noel from the Cranberries and asked if he’d like to come on board with this project, which he was delighted to. I

also know Fergal and Mike, they came along and were

interviewed for Séans podcasts talking of growing up in Limerick in the 80s. I suppose we we’re much

further along as a city now… we have lost a lot of what needed to go and have lots of new architecture and life about now.

professionals?

Well with all the hub-bub online I had a couple

of Canadians who made a point of traveling in to Limerick from their European holiday tour. They

caught the tail end of the exhibition and stayed for

the auction and even bought some items at it. You

never know who is looking I guess. I was so delighted that we represented the city well, and I hope our

with the money to be donated to charity. The proceeds

all went to the Corbett Suicide Prevention Fund. As

think such projects will draw in more tourists or

profession well. We delivered more than anybody How did you settle on the quote?

expected us to, which is what we do. We delivered

were heavy and we wanted to keep it light. The title

and that was the original aim.

considering Limericks’ bid for European City of

Is there a message you’d like to share with our

first. We needed to see that ‘yes, we can do it’. This

I guess I just want to share a huge amount of gratitude

of local people coming together and working on a

the whole project was about, a big thank-you to the

from around the world and enabling Limerick to be

so many people involved, to be asked to do interviews

Looking through the catalogue we saw the themes of the Cranberries’ first album struck a chord though,

something a bit brighter and more positive to the city,

Culture 2020. Limerick needed to believe in itself

readers?

whole project is such a fantastic example of a group

for all those that helped and supported it. That’s what

big project, bringing in a network of skilled artists

city for supporting me. It’s very humbling to have had

seen in it’s true, positive light. We can now believe in

and to have shared great experiences and memories

ourselves as being worthy of an international stage.

with people from all over the world.

How did you decide on the location?

Article by: Rebecca Egan

My wife identified it as opposite the old location of

Cruises Hotel where the guys played their first gig in

around 1989, it was just a perfect spot for the sign. We based it on pharmaceutical labels from the last

century in efforts to communicate a ‘feel good tonic’ or potion for the city that you could have gotten years ago. I think if you pass this sign three times daily and read it, it might make you feel better, you know?

Photographs by: Oliver Smith @ Piquant Media

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Street Line Critics Lotte Bender is a Limerick based illustrator, designer. In

2013 she founded Street Line Critics, a socially engaged art project where people can contribute a piece of writing to be written in chalk at a significant spot in the city. What is socially engaged art?

It’s different to community art, where projects are set

out and people come on board to make them happen. Socially engaged art is about people contributing

something to the society in which they live, to change thinking or pose a question or simply make people

stop and think for a moment, it goes in the direction people choose to take it.

How did street line critics come about?

It grew during my masters in social practice and the

creative environment in LSAD, but didn’t develop the

way it has until after college, been going for two years. We’ve even been to Helskini recently. We have about 40 people involved on a regular basis. They send their

messages or poems to us and tell us where it is to be placed and we go there and write it in chalk. What is the idea behind it?

It’s seeing public spaces as a place to share inner

-advertising, that would be a losing battle, we just

it’s not what someone higher up decides what it

experiences, and show not just the idealistic but real

nature means it’s a moment, as no experience of a

it might be pleasant, walking dogs, the marketed

might see it you might not, it’s a moment to change

something different; they may have lost someone

We live in a saturated society -

Everyone can write in with a line, a lot of poetry gets

thoughts. A city is made up of what is lived by people,

want to change the message and add more human

Do you let people know when and where they can

should look like. The chalk washes away so temporary

and different perspectives people have. E.g. the river,

We don’t really do any promotional stuff or tell people

particular spot is more true than anyone else’s. You

vision of the city, but to someone else it could mean

perception and create more layers to particular place.

there. Everyone’s ‘reality’ in a city is different.

messages wherever we are. We’re not going anti

sent so that’s kind of what it’s become.

ads everywhere,

see the chalkings?

what’s happening. Mostly because that’s contributing to all the noise and the messages that everyone is

already being bombarded with – it just becomes another pressure, another thing people are being told

they “have” to see. The whole idea is for people to happen upon them, it’s the organic accidental aspect

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of the experience that makes it what it is. It’s stopping

us in an image of something rather than the real thing. We do it with ourselves, we adapt how we present

ourselves depending on where we are or who we’re

with, it’s down at your feet as when you’re rushing somewhere that’s generally where you’re looking, it reaches you when you least expect.

Has Limerick been a good home for the project?

I always really loved the atmosphere in the city, and the people really make it: it’s a really open and

supportive community, everyone wants to help each

other achieve something. It doesn’t matter what circle they are in, everyone wants to support and lend a

hand and help promote the hard work of others, the

people make Limerick what it is and the project has

really shown that. The stuff people get done on pure passion and no budget here is phenomenal.

The White House have been very supportive of Street

Line Critics and we’ve had funding from Limerick City and County Council. We also took project to

Sligo with a two day talk and workshop, and most recently to Helsinki in the Metro Station. Irish people contributed to that space rather than sharing own

experiences, and in return some people in Helsinki have now sent messages back to us to write here, so have created a global connection.

What do you have planned for Street Line Critics in the future?

Street Line Critics will always be free flowing, an

open source platform, to see where people take it,

though I would like to get more visual elements in. I’d like to do something like postcards, where people visualise a place and write their experience on it, so

it’s not just for people who write, we want anyone to

get involved and really show fabric of city. But it’s all

down to what people what to contribute, we’re not dictating anything, just to let people know it’s open to other mediums and expressions. You’re an illustrator yourself…

Yes, I am currently trying to start up my illustration

business, focusing on children’s book illustrations. Up until now I have also done some design work on book covers and logos. To kick it all off I’m actually

in the process of writing and illustrating a children’s book of my own! The story has a similar theme to

Street Line Critics, it’s about challenging what you’re

lost and it becomes somehow less believable without that fun element!

Where can we find out more about you and Street Line Critics?

You can see some of the work which we’ve documented on the website, though the true experience is

encountering it in real time. There’s a big difference

between seeing something thought provoking online and thinking ‘yeah that’s true’ then moving onto

something else and forgetting about it, and seeing something written in a relevant place, it stays with you.

seeing and being told and asking questions, and realising everyone has a different and valid perception

of life. Children’s stories a great way to explore quite

www.streetlinecritics.net

complex ideas as you can bring in fantastical elements

www.pamalottestudios.com

bit of a child myself, I like the playfulness. It’s good to

Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

and visualise them. I love these stories because I’m a have an element of fun in what you do, you can’t take

Photographs by: Romana Bozic and Lotte Bender

things or yourself too seriously, I think something gets

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L ite ra ry review Beatlebone – Kevin Barry There has been a long simmering buzz around the release of

IMPAC Award-winning Limerick author Kevin Barry’s new novel. It’s already caused a stir in literary circles, recently being shortlisted for the Goldsmiths Prize 2015.

Beatlebone is the second full-length offering from Barry, whose previous novel City Of Bohane and short story

collections have been highly praised as being daring, moving, with an original and bold approach to prose that is almost indescribable. Indeed, early reviews have remarked on a

‘surreal’, ‘odd’ ‘poetic’ and witty style that often veers into streams of conscious. But Ulysses this isn’t, as the protagonist of the story is the one and only John Lennon. You don’t have to be a Beatles fan to wonder what might have been as this

fictional account of Lennon’s ill-fated visit to Ireland weaves

an alternate reality. It’s 1978, and Lennon has escaped New York to the west coast of our fair land. He’s looking for the coastal island he bought there nine years before, in order to

hide away in early isolated retirement, his creativity and spirit

spent. His one mistake in the search for the quiet life however,

is when he puts himself in the hands of a shape-shifting driver, and he and the reader are plunged into a journey of magical

realism and dark humour. And just as you think you’re settling into the ride, Barry throws you another curveball, as his voice

cuts in to explain how the story was sprung from historical

facts, detailing how he retraced Lennon’s possible footsteps and further blurring our own established lines between fiction and real life.

Explaining the decision to shortlist Beatlebone, Goldsmiths 2015 judge and previous award winner Eimear McBride says

it is ‘a storm of a novel, unsettling and mesmerising.’ And with Irvine Welsh declaring Barry to be ‘the most arresting and original writer to emerge from these islands in years’, you’d

better believe the hype. Now you have some idea of what you’re letting yourself in for, get Beatlebone on your pre-order list now.

Beatlebone is published by Canongate Books on October 29th www.canongate.tv RRP: €16.70

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

p r int i s

Alive

The fresh scent of print, the crisp untouched pages and the ability to escape from reality are just a handful of reasons behind our love for books.

Across from Limerick’s iconic historical landmark

The Hunt Museum, stands a small, independent bookstore. The Celtic Bookshop, run by Caroline O’Brien, has been a part of Limerick city for twenty years now and holds an important place in our city’s culture with books on subjects ranging from valiant

Limerick battles to local works of fiction from our many talented writers. Its interior, much like its atmosphere, is quite whimsical. Although from the

outside it seems small and compact, once you step inside you’re immersed in a library of rare and quirky

books and you find yourself walking to the back of a seemingly endless bookstore. The shop specialises in

locating obscure Irish publications for those who seek what larger bookstores can’t source and has earned

itself a spot on the popular online travel guide Lonely Planet as a key place to visit when in Limerick.

Twenty years ago, upon attending a course on starting your own business, Caroline O’Brien left her office

job and decided to open her own independent

bookstore on Rutland Street. Caroline is one of the many successful entrepreneurs across Limerick who

have bravely dropped everything and stepped into the world of independent business. Despite the financial and economical struggles Ireland has faced, the small bookstore has managed to hold its own and fight its

way through the tough times and come out on top, while its neighbours move in and out on a regular basis.

The Celtic Bookshop is one of many stunning

independent bookstores in Ireland. Some of those include: Charlie Byrne’s Bookstore in Galway with a mixture of both new and second hand books covering

the walls of every room from floor to ceiling. A true gem in the heart of Galway city that everyone should

visit. Vibes and Scribes owned by Joan Lucey in Cork

work those truly passionate about literature put

with a separate arts and crafts section for book groups

customer as though they were an old friend, have the

Dublin and No Alibis, Belfast are a few more must-

their thoughts about the world and its wonders. The

is the perfect shop for bargain and second-hand books

into them. These are the people who will greet every

and craft lessons. Crannóg, Cavan, Gutter Bookshop,

world of stories and tales about each book and share

visits.

bookstore owner will always make it their duty to

In Ireland, we tend to forget about the small,

from Hong Kong or Cahersiveen. Support your local

every town in Ireland and each one has more local

important asset to any city or town.

appreciating the smaller bookstores and the hard

Article by: Christine Costello

independent bookstores. There’s one in almost

history and stories than the next. We need to start

find the book you want; whether it’s to be ordered independent bookstore. They are without a doubt an

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it’s a qu e er city al l th e s a m e Limerick writer and founder of Stanzas poetry group

Shane Vaughan is currently in the throes of working on a new anthology of LGBTQ writing, It’s A Queer City

All The Same, to be published by Limerick Writers Centre in November.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing from a young age, very much

encouraged by a mixture of good parenting and

solid teachers. There’s a creative streak in my family which expressed itself through the written word for me. From simple childish stories, it was only a few short steps to getting seriously into my craft. I began

to write short stories, and there moved into poetry, plays, movie scripts and, well pretty much anything needing words.

Tell us about your involvement in the local creative scene?

I’m a huge fan of collaboration. One of my favourite

things is to create something, and then hand the idea

over to someone else to see what they come up with. To achieve this aim, Stanzas, the literature night I run with friends, work closely with many people in the

city. Last month we worked with the Hunt Museum and Dance Limerick as a part of Culture Night, we worked with the City Gallery to put on a reading of Yeats’ poetry which went down very well, coming up we have projects with the Richard Harris Film

Festival and Limerick Youth Dance, and Lucky Lane also sell a selection of the books we make.

How did the new anthology come to be? What were the reasons for putting it together?

Dominic of Limerick Writers asked me if I’d like

to guest edit the LGBTQ Anthology. We had a chat about what it would be and what we wanted to

achieve and I was more than happy to flex my creative

muscles, especially for something I’m passionate about.

Minorities of all types are overlooked in many of the

sexuality, it really encompasses all types of “oddities”,

here I was with a chance to give a voice to the under-

give those oddities a home.

bigger scenes, as is the nature of being a minority, and represented. Putting it together, we really wanted it

to be a “Queer Little Book” which isn’t limited to

odd people, odd settings, odd subjects. We wanted to

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Can you tell us anything about the submissions you

How do you reach out to emerging writers and

a great success, and then there’s us, with Stanzas,

published?

to keep providing opportunities such as these?

House providing platforms of writers of all types to

have received? What can readers expect when it’s

I won’t say too much on what’s inside, you’ll have to pick up a copy to find out, but you can be sure it won’t be usual, it certainly won’t be normal, whatever that

means. We’re trying to treat the book as a canvas or an exhibition of all things strange and wonderful. We hope to incorporate artworks and curious layouts to

express the subject of “queer” which will accentuate the nature of the book. But like I say, you’ll have to

open it up to really find out for yourself and we’re hoping for a nice Christmas print run so you’ll be able to pick it up Nov/Dec time in most good bookstores.

You provide a platform for young Limerick writers

to have a voice through Stanzas, tell us how that started and the response you’ve had?

About a year ago, myself Jared Nadin, Caleb Brennan

and Dan O’Malley were giving out about younger writers having nowhere to go to feel comfortable

expressing what is very much early-stage work. We knew our stuff wasn’t amazing, we knew we had a lot

to learn, we just didn’t know where to go to learn it all. So we set up a place just for that. What we have achieved with Stanzas is creating a space that people of all ages and levels can feel comfortable coming

in, reading their work, and not being judged. Sure,

encourage them to take part? Why is it so important

Honestly, we need to do very little encouragement. Once we created the space to come, people flocked. and from there word of mouth has really been our

best friend. It’s important to keep it fresh, though, so we try to experiment a lot, to gauge reactions and change as is needed, because we don’t want to grow

stale and boring. We’re a fun night. Poetry is fun! or at least it can be. Some nights get heavy and some nights

we have people in tears. but we’re always there, doing our thing, and the people keep coming.

What would you say about Limerick as a place to

a small book of Munster writing every month and

are currently seeking funding to grow even further. People love what we’ve created, and we love them for it.

go. The Writers Centre are doing another anthology themed on the 1916 rising which is of course very

topical right now. There’s plenty happening, you just

have to go to these things, support the small groups, because at the end of the day, we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Choose to be a part of it - or you can stay at home and complain that nothing happens.

They are seeking submissions for this month’s

this grey, drab city with nothing on its side - I love

that grime. Because we’ve spent so long in the ‘gutter’ of Ireland that we don’t care anymore. We’re not pigheaded, we’re pig-town. We’re just a bunch of people

sick of the stick we’re given, so we use that energy, and now we’re seeing things bloom, yeah, even in the

the city centre, October 23rd from 7pm - 9.30pm. chapbook themed on the Occult which you can send to stanzas.limerick@gmail.com Article by: Kayleigh Ziolo

Photograph by: Lucy Dawson

gutter life finds a way. We’re hard working, dedicated

people who have had enough of being put down, and we’re fighting back.

There’s so much happening in Limerick right now. I

once a month to read, listen and write. We publish

dress up) and we have numerous small projects on the

this feeling that we’ve spent so long in the dark, as

The thing I love most about Limerick is how there’s

judge. We know it has worked. We are confident in an enormous response. Over sixty people come to us

up, (fancy dress with spot prizes for those who like to

The next Stanzas event is on in Hook and Ladder in

Is there anything else we should be looking out for

saying that because in a short space of time we’ve had

try out their work. We have our October event coming

develop creative talent? What makes it unique?

we help people to know the ins and outs of writing, of grammar and of getting published, but we don’t

Limerick Writers’ Centre, On the Nail and the White

in the coming months?

always say a place is what you make it. If you think

you’re bored, it’s only because you haven’t looked. The

city is thriving, there’s a huge underground, grassroots creative movement happening, and to keep it going all you need to do is get involved. Limerick Youth

Theatre and Limerick Youth Dance are thriving, Music Generation is massive, venues across the city want to engage, Elemental Festival just gone was

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Letter to the Editor Fiona Grimes ‘Distance between us keeps getting deeper, Even though I’ve tried’ Before you would have

gotten that reference and laughed. Now you’d stare blankly or not even notice. Blank stares

Poetry from

lead to longer silences. Clicks are the only sounds heard,

until you even

flick that switch. Living in the warped world of your phone. The screen the only

thing that lights up your face.

s tanza s

Only time you pay attention is when mistakes

or misunderstandings raise their heads.

Then I’m worth your time. Trying gives me headaches, as I

become more involved in your life than you.

Becoming your advocate wasn’t the role

I ever intended. You’ve been told to ‘Look up’ and tears filled your

eyes as it dawned on

you the addiction was real.

Yet that tiny screen is still your entire world.

Emotions have been lost and replaced with emojis. Look up.

Don’t watch a video about it. Look up.

I’m speaking to you. Look up.

I’m the one who’s actually beside you. Look up. Look up. Look up.

The Real world isn’t boring or scary. Do it for me.

Do it so you don’t actually

have your phone surgically detached. Virtual world shouldn’t be where you live and die. Come breathe air

and breathe deep. Lose the obsession and gain yourself.

Fiona Grimes is a second year student in the University of Limerick studying English and History.

She has a love of music, theatre and also a passion for sport. Her love of poetry stemmed from a combination of

an amazing English teacher, an incredibly talented aunt

and the help of Stanzas. She hopes she will be writing for years to come.

You can send poems, prose or images themed on “The

Occult” to be in the Stanzas October book [deadline October 17th], or themed on “Jealousy | Influence” to

be in the November book [deadline November 13th]. Submissions should be sent to

stanzas.limerick@gmail.com Photograph by: Brian Johnson

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O n Y e r B i ke

Marty Mannering and family have been fixing up

What made you think about bikes as a business

I knew if the rest of Europe and possibly the world

years. But this is no ordinary bike repair shop, this is

Think back 10 years where cycling was akin to being

some stage.

bicycles in Cappamore, County Limerick for many High Nelly Bikes, Ireland’s only specialist in vintage bicycle restoration and manufacture. We find out how High Nelly is going to new heights…

opportunity?

a lunatic, if you had a bike 10 years ago it meant you

had nothing else, it isn’t like now when you can buy

What is the background of the High Nelly

out by the pier and all that. So it was a step off the

The High Nelly side of the business was a progression

a 3000/4000 euro bike and go out on a Sunday be edge really, but there was something about starting a business that was very enthusiastic about because

has a good bike shop and we don’t, then we should at

Company?

from 2004 when we opened the first specialist bicycle company in the country, which wasn’t dealing with

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High Nelly bikes, it was all electric bikes. Then folding bicycles, we did that as a specialists, and then

I had an idea of renting bikes through hotels across

the country so we invested in a hundred styled and vintage bicycles and imported them from India. Very

quickly we realised that this idea wasn’t going to work. That was a mistake on our part, but it was a learning curve. We dismantled the bikes and when we sold all

the parts we realised that there was a massive market

for old style vintage bike parts. Now we export to 25 countries. My son Paul is my business partner.

How is the High Nelly bike different from a modern bike?

The actual bicycle was invented in the High Nelly format that we know today, so the first bike was invented in 1884 was called the safety bicycle, and

that safety bicycle had two wheels of the same size a thin frame, pedals for the first time ever, a chain

connected to the back wheel and the rider sat on a saddle just above the pedals, in the very same format that we know today. The name High Nelly is simply an Irishism for vintage bicycle.

Your grandmother had an old bicycle as well that she used to cycle? Do you know what happened to her bike?

I’ve got it. Granny’s story is one of the stories that got

me going with this whole thing. She used to ride for

17 miles to Dublin city three times a week with the vegetables that she grew in the back garden, and the

bike helped to do that. Nobody had cars, there was no

public transport, she went with vegetables, sold them, and she then bought all the things she needed with

the money at the market, bringing bread and the milk home and everything else.

gone on set of The Rising that will come out next year.

At Christmas we will be launching our High Nelly

Your bikes can be hired as film props. What movies

Where do you see yourself in about ten years’ time?

last 12 months. So the High Nelly is known as a

Well there’s lots of commercials that our bikes have

We are just in the process of buying a new premises,

have bikes at the moment hired to Ripper Street, we

into that particular building which is three times

the George Best story in Belfast, and bikes have just

completely independently housed bicycle centre.

or shows have they been seen in?

On a yacht...

been in. We had 39 bikes in the film Jimmy’s Hall, we

the workshop that we have now will be transposed

have bikes in the production for Shooting for Socrates

bigger, and the training centre as well, it will be

Whiskey, which has been under production for the bike, it’s a lovely Irish brand that we have taken, and turned into a High Nelly clothing range, whiskey, a cafe down the line, and who knows what’s next?

Find out about Marty’s uniquely Irish enterprise at www.highnelly.ie

Article by: Sharon Slater

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th e li me rick magazine E v e nt gu i d e Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival October 2015

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Haunted House at Adare’s Old Creamery From Thursday 1st October

Black Abbey Road, Adare, Co Limerick

Polish Arts Festival & Exhibition: Transgressing Dimensions. Lullabies & Keening Thursday 15th - Saturday 31st October

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City

The Scare Factory Saturday 17th October - Sunday 1st November @ 7pm - 10.30pm

53 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Music Appreciation Series: Beethovan’s Piano Sonatas by Stuart O’Sullivan

The Playboy of The Western World

How to Keep an Alien

Wednesday 21st October @ 8pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Lough Gur Storytelling Halloween Festival Thursday 22nd - Monday 26th October Lough Gur County Limerick

Oktoberfest Beag Limerick 2015 Thursday 22nd - Sunday 25th October

King John’s Castle King’s Island Limerick

RHIFF – Workshop & Screening Thursday 22nd October @ 7pm 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Rhythm of Fierce: Croí Glan and Fearghus Ó Conchúir

Thursday 22nd October @ 8pm - 9pm

Dance Limerick, 1-2 John’s Square, Limerick

Monday 19th October @ 7pm - 9pm

RHIFF – The Quiet Hour

Castletroy, Limerick

69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Thursday 22nd October @ 8.30

Saol Faoi Shráid

Halloween Spooktacular 2015

Tuesday 20th October @ 10am & 12pm

Friday 23rd October - Sunday 1st November

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Shopping Centre), Limerick

Friday 23rd October @ 8pm

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Seoda Shows presents Booka Brass Band Friday 23rd October @ 9pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

RHIFF – The Last Executioner Saturday 24th October @ 2pm 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

RHIFF – Love is Now Saturday 24th October @ 4pm 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Bell X1 Acoustic Tour 2015 Saturday 24th October @ 7.30pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Little Hours Saturday 24th October @ 8pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Oliver Callan Live 2015 Saturday 24th October @ 8pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Arthur’s Quay Park, (opposite the Arthur’s Quay

Castletroy, Limerick

Ger Carey Live

The RHIFF Gala Evening

RHIFF – Limerick City of Culture Short Film Showcase

Wednesday 21st October @ 10am & 1pm

Friday 23rd October @ 6.30pm

Saturday 24th October @ 9pm

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

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THE SUITCASE JUNKET

Starcamp Halloween Camps 2015

Selma

Saturday 24th October @ 9pm

Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th October @ 9.30am-

Monday 26th October @ 8pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Siege of Limerick 2015 Sunday 25th October from 12pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon Sunday 25th October @ 2pm

University of Limerick Castletroy Limerick

RHIFF – Kandiyohi Sunday 25th October @ 2pm

69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

RHIFF – The David Dance

2.30pm, Crescent College Comprehensive, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick

Friars Gate Theatre, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

The Limerick Fling

King John’s Castle – Halloween Camp

Thursday 29th October @ 8pm

Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th October @ 10.30am or

Castletroy, Limerick

2pm, King John’s Castle King’s Island Limerick

Menopause The Musical

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Anyone4Science Halloween Camp Friday 30th October @ 10am - 4pm

Tuesday 27th & Wednesday 28th October @ 8pm

Lisnagry National School, Castleconnell, Limerick

Castletroy, Limerick

The Goonies

Horrible Halloween Camp!

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Friday 30th October @ 7pm

Wednesday 28th - Friday 30th October

Castletroy, Limerick

Limerick City

The Waterboys Live At The Big Top 2015

RHIFF – Patricks Day

Halloween Aviation Camp

Sunday 25th October @ 8pm

Wednesday 28th October @ 10am - 1pm

Friday 30th October @ 7pm

Sunday 25th October @ 2pm

69 O’Connell Street, Limerick

Halloween Cookery/Baking camp Monday 26th - Wednesday 28th October @ 9.30am-3pm

Halloween Craft Camp

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

Aviation Education Centre Link Road Shannon County Clare (20 minutes from Limerick)

Scary Halloween Camp 4-7yrs Wednesday 28th October @ 10.30am - 2pm

Bridgeland House, 3 Johns Square, Limerick City

Monday 26th - Thursday 29th October @ 10am-

Halloween Gross and Gruesome Tour

Limerick

Thursday 29th - Saturday 31st October

3pm,Limerick Craft Hub, No. 9, Lower Cecil Street,

Rollerjam Halloween Camp Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th October @ 9.30am 1.30pm

Rollerjam, Unit 15, City East Business Park, Ballysimon, Limerick.

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

Limerick Milk Market, Cornmarket Row, Limerick

BroCon’s Halloween Bash! Friday 30th October @ 8pm

University Arena, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

The Jimmy Cake Friday 30th October @ 10.30pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Paul Byrom

Limerick City

Saturday 31st October @ 8pm

Scary Halloween Camp 8-12yrs

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Thursday 29th October @ 10.30am - 3pm

Bridgeland House, 3 Johns Square, Limerick City

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Sinnerboy

Relish

Tommy Tiernan The Shannon Tour

Saturday 31st October @ 9pm

Friday 6th November @ 8pm

Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th November @ 7.30

Samhain Festival of Research

Pearl Jem

Frances Black and Kieran Goss

Monday 2nd October

Friday 6th November @ 9pm

Saturday 14th November @ 8pm

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University of Limerick, Limerick

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Carmen

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Tráth na gCos ‘One with the Music’ :

Saturday 7th November @ 8pm

The Kube Radisson Blu Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick,

Cape Breton Music and Dance

Castletroy, Limerick

Saturday 14th November @ 8pm

Askeaton Craft Fair

‘On the Nail’ Literary Gathering

Seoda Shows present Ciaran Lavery

Tuesday 3rd November @ 8pm

Saturday 7th November @ 9pm

Askeaton Community Hall, Askeaton, Co. Limerick

Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd November

The Loft Venue, The Locke Bar, 3 George’s Quay, Limerick

The Unlucky Cabin Boy Wednesday 4th - Saturday 7th November @ 8pm Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College, Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Science Week Sunday 8th - Sunday 15th November

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick City

CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers

Limerick Jazz Society presents Myriad 3

Tuesday 10th November @ 7pm

Wednesday 4th November @ 8.30pm

Cornmarket Row, Limerick

Dolans Pub & Warehouse, Dock Road, Limerick

Live at the Big Top, Limerick Milk Market,

Noises Off

Dermot Byrne, Steve Cooney & Trevor Hutchinson

Tuesday10th - Saturday 14th November @ 8pm

Thursday 5th November @ 8pm

Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Rachel Allen Cookery Demonstration

Limerick Art Society: Christmas Exhibition

Thursday 12th November @ 6.30pm

Friday 6th - Sunday 22nd November

Limerick City Centre

Limerick City

My Name Is Saoirse

The Cork Pops Orchestra

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

The Hunt Museum, Custom House, Rutland Street,

Friday 6th November @ 10:15 & 12pm

University Concert Hall, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Limerick

Lime Tree Theatre, Mary Immaculate College,

Limerick Strand Hotel, Ennis Road,

Friday 13th November @ 8pm Courtbrack Avenue, Limerick

Sunday 15th November @ 12pm - 5pm

Second Hand Baby Market Sunday 15th November @ 12pm - 2.30pm

Radisson Blu Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick

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Bye-Bye B aby Bo dy Jane Butler O’Halloran comes to terms with the change in

‘Sure why don’t you think about some Botox and

The wedding itself did go ahead. I had managed to

This in itself quite nearly resulted in a cancellation

guests were complimentary (genuinely or otherwise).

her post-pregnancy body, in a somewhat unusual way...

liposuction if you feel that bad?’ ‘

One week following the birth of the baba my dearest

of the whole wedding. Then one evening he arrived

most kindest and most understanding best friend

appeared on my door step carrying two large bags. One contained a vast array of Weight Watchers finest

home with a brand new state of the art Nike cross trainer.

forgive the hubby for his moment of madness. All the

The photographer ensured that all photos were edited and filtered in order to guarantee maximum bride satisfaction.

low calorie microwave ready meals. The other bag was

‘Look Jane I got you an early wedding present, now

With our first anniversary soon approaching, I have

garments that appeared suspiciously masculine.

As the weeks slipped by the wedding loomed

bother trying to lose it. Married life - I can let myself

bursting at the seams with a selection of shapeless ‘Look Jane you are not going to be your normal size

again for a very, very long time. If ever. The ready

meals are just to ensure that you do not put on any more weight’ she declared knowingly. ‘You should be grateful that you have such an honest friend. How do you expect to fit into a wedding dress if you do not do something drastic?!’

Unsurprisingly, I immediately burst into a convulsion

of tears. She had a point. It was an understatement

you’ll be back in shape before you know it!’

ominously closer. The cross trainer remained unused, but proved useful as a clothes horse. I still had no

desire to go wedding dress shopping with engorged

boobs and swollen hands and feet. My svelte 5’ 11’’ bridesmaid sister would put me to shame glowing

glamorously at the top of the altar. Something must

be done. I was unwilling to engage in any form of diet. I needed those Maltesers, Yorkie bars and buns from Ivans to fuel the relentless breastfeeding.

to say that pregnancy and the subsequent birth had

I would just have to fake it. I would have to fool

pig’s trotters. I had hamster cheeks and had acquired

bride…

not been kind to me. My hands and feet resembled a bottom that would dwarf Kim Kardashian’s most

everyone into believing I was a lithe, slender, graceful

ample asset.

Three pairs of Spanx with an extra strong gusset took

This was compounded by the fact that I was due to

A minimising bra restrained the Jordan-esque boobs!

get married in less than five months. I didn’t have a

wedding dress. I was four stone heavier than what I

had been a year earlier. My main sources of nutrition

involved chocolate and golden syrup Weetabix.

care of the jelly belly!

And a plentiful supply of makeup combined with clever contouring and highlighting significantly reduced the swollen face!

Together. For every meal.

Slowly I began to resemble my former self. With six

I flung the Weight Watchers ready meals into the bin.

body into a simple ivory gown (the only one in the

The hubby (then to-be) was less than helpful.

weeks to go until the big day I managed to coerce my shop that would fit) Gazing at my reflection I was far from my pre-baby body but I didn’t look too bad.

yet to drop to pre baby weight, but sure why would I go now.

Article by: Jane Butler O’ Halloran

THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE

Discove ri n g the Pas t Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets Lola Montez travelled the world, bewitching artists and writers, and causing a King to abdicate...

There are several contradictions surrounding the life of Lola Montez, many created by Lola herself. Lola

repeatedly stated that she was born in 1818 Limerick, but it was discovered 130 years after her death that

she was actually born in 1821 Sligo. Nonetheless, if Limerick was good enough for Lola then Lola is good enough for Limerick.

Even before Lola appeared in the world she possessed

a fascinating lineage. She was born Eliza Gilbert, the only child of a soldier, Edward Gilbert and his child bride, Elizabeth Oliver. Her mother Elizabeth was the daughter of Charles Silver Oliver, of Castle

Oliver, and his mistress. Through her mother Lola

claimed that Francisco Montez, a famous toreador of Seville, as her ancestor. In 1823, Gilbert was posted

to India and took his family with him. When Gilbert died her mother remarried.

Lola was shipped off to schools in Europe, where

she remained until 1837 when, at 16 years old, she was ordered by her mother to marry a 64 year-old widower, Abraham Lumley.

The young Lola was not pleased with this match and

in her first act of rebellion eloped with Lieutenant

Thomas James, a man twice her age. The couple

travelled to India, where James began an affair, sending Lola away in 1840.

Needing her own income, Lola began training as

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Following Dujarier’s death, Lola moved to Munich. While dancing she was noticed by the aged King

Ludwig, who she bewitched with tales of her being a

Spanish Catholic Noblewoman. She was undoubtedly

a great actress to convince him of these falsities. Smitten, he lavished gifts and attention upon her.

The King even made her Countess Marie von

Landsfeld and bestowed Bavarian citizenship on her, which infuriated the locals. If Lola had just settled down quietly she might have enjoyed a long luxurious

life as the King’s favourite; instead she united people in hatred. In February 1848 riots broke out in her name, forcing Ludwig to abdicate and Lola to flee.

In London, she married George Heald; first in a

publicly horsewhipped the editor.

Eight months was enough to leave another continent

with an abiding memory of Lola Montez. The couple, on returning to America, were hit by a storm which swept Follin overboard, and Lola lost the last of her known lovers.

In her last years she began writing semi-biographical

books and lecturing. In 1858 she stopped in Limerick, speaking at the Theatre Royal and staying at Cruise’s Hotel.

On January 17, 1861, Lola passed away at only 39 years old. Her memory lives on through film and most notably in the song, Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets.

Catholic church and later the same day in a Church

Article by: Sharon Slater

charged with bigamy, as she was still technically

Bros 1851

of England. Within a month Lola was arrested and a dancer and in June 1843 she adopted the name

married to James. After being released on bail the

she performed she was recognised as James’s wife,

when Lola stabbed Heald with a stiletto. Heald was

mother sent funeral cards and refused to speak of her

Lola took up the calmer activity of gardening while

the career of anyone less determined, but not Lola,

bears. While touring she met a newspaper editor,

Paris but hugely successful in Berlin and Warsaw.

her third marriage. It was yet another short-lived

famous lovers. Her affair with Franz Liszt ended after

doctor who proved Lola’s infidelity. A few days later

table and drenched a duke in soup. Two years earlier

By 1855 she had tired of America, and employed

gave two Grand Concerts. She became the mistress of

moved to Sydney. While there she continued dancing

to meet a tragic end, who was killed during a duel in

in Australia were sometimes unfavourable and after

“Lola Montez” and made her debut in London. As

couple fled to Europe, where they soon separated

and booed off stage. After hearing of this debut her

found drowned in 1850 and Lola left for America.

daughter again. The fiasco would probably have ended

in America, but decided to mix that with raising pet

who went on to dance in Europe. She was a flop in

Patrick P. Hull, and in July 1953 Lola celebrated

For a time her progress could be traced through her

honeymoon when Hull sued for divorce, naming a

he gave a dinner party and Lola burst in, danced on a

the doctor was found shot dead.

Liszt stayed in the Cruise’s Hotel in Limerick and

her new lover, actor Noel Follin, as her manager and

newspaper owner, Alexandre Dujarier, her first lover

and oddly lectured to women “on beauty”. Her reviews

1845.

Lola took offence at comments of one newspaper she

Photogrphas by: Franz Hanfstaengl 1860 & Meade

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Closing Time 1 0 m inutes wit h … G il l ia n ho r a n Gillian Horan is a vastly experienced brand strategist

to grab a cuppa, take a seat and watch the world go by.

The most recent book you read?

also has roles as an author, lecturer and a Director

up with my best ideas.

Non-business book – The Defence, Steve Cavanagh

and founder of The Pudding Branding Agency. She

at the Institute of Management Consultants and

This is when the pen and paper comes out and I come

Business book – A Mind for Business, Andy Gibson

Advisors (IMCA). Gillian grew up in Limerick and

What one thing do you never leave the house

Are you superstitious?

She describes herself as passionate about collaboration,

On most days you will find me with my very old

it was an option.

counts her business-savvy mother as her inspiration. education, and asking questions - so we asked her a

few questions of our own to get to know the woman at the heart of the branding tour de force…

without?

fashioned diary. I do love all things techie but I am an

old soul at heart and love having that pen and paper with me at all times.

What motivates you in the morning?

Any hidden talents?

Whether it is a work day or not, I am a get up and get

Irish dance as my party piece.

There are always things to do and people to meet!

out there person. I am so lucky that I love what I do

It’s been a while but I can kick off the shoes and do an

so week days are as much fun as weekends.

As a child what did you want to be when you grew

Favourite place to go out with friends?

I wanted to work for Coca Cola, so I think branding

For food - I am loving the Treasury at the moment. For a tipple – you will find me in the Copper Rooms with a glass of red.

Favourite thing to do in Limerick solo?

I am a city girl and love to walk out my front door and amble around the city. There are so many nice places

up?

was always going to be my career option! I didn’t

know why I wanted to work there but something always attracted me to the brand. Favourite all time quote?

“Life is not a dress rehearsal” - Rose Tremain.

Not particularly, but I would walk around a ladder if

If you had to write a tagline for your life, what would it be?

Positivity, that’s what it is all about. Photograph by: Tarmo Tulit

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