Dublin Informer November 2014i by Niall Gormley

Informer THE

DUBLIN

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014

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Medical man turns his dream into reality SEE PAGES 4 and 5

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November/December 2014

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Unit 55, Western Parkway Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin 12 Phone: 01 813 8786 Email: news@informer.ie Website: www.informer.ie

Managing Director: Ken Parker Operations & Finance Director: Declan Keane Editor: Niall Gormley Email: editor@informer.ie Sales: Michael Farrell • michael@informer.ie Brian Molloy • brian@informer.ie Classifieds: 01 813 8786 Email: sales@informer.ie

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MAKES CENTS

Geldof: I can't be alone after Peaches died

Donate 1c and 2c coins to 'Change for Charity' campaign “CHANGE for Charity” is a campaign which is asking the public to donate 1c and 2c coins to help support a number of Irish charities.

Based on the Central Bank’s rounding initiative which took place last year in Wexford to reduce the number of 1c and 2c coins in circulation, the campaign is aimed at every demographic across the country from School Children to Corporate CEO’s. Everyone has jars, boxes and bottles ﬁlled with these coins in their homes and ofﬁces and the campaign wants them. Collection units will be located in selected retail outlets, banks and schools nationwide for everyone to donate their coins. The campaign will be run and managed by the umbrella charity fund, “Irish Famine Commemo-

■ Keith Duffy and Brendan Gleeson ration Fund” founded by Norma Smurﬁt which has been supporting Irish charities for 30 years. The proﬁts will be divided 6 ways – equally to the 5 selected charities: Irish Heart Foundation, Society of St Vincent de Paul, St Francis and Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Gaisce – The President’s Awards and Irish Autism Action with the 6th strand of income reserved for smaller charities, community projects, and youth groups who can apply for smaller amounts of funding. Already, the campaign has garnered huge support from retailers

including Penney’s, Supermacs, Supervalu, O’Brien’s Cafe’s, The Bagel Factory, Bank of Ireland, AIB and many more. Retailers and schools can still register with us if they would like to participate in the campaign. A number of familiar faces will be lining up to support the campaign including Nationwide’s Mary Kennedy, Keith Duffy, Paddy Wallace, Brendan Gleeson, Bobby Kerr and Today FM’s Ian Dempsey. A major online campaign will run in conjunction with the advertising campaign where school children and the public will be encouraged to get creative with the coins they collect and we’ll post images of the weird and wonderful things they come up with. Already one school is attempting to engineer an Eifel Tower of coins. Let the madness begin. Further Information is available at: www.changeforcharity.ie

WESTVIEW MEDICAL CENTRE CONSULTATION FEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €50 .00 STUDENT/HARDSHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €30 .00 Blood Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €30 .00 each ECG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €40 .00 BP Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €140 .00 Lung Function Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €50 .00 Ear Syringing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €30 .00 Minor Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €150 .00 (Vhi, Bupa, Laya, Aviva And Private Health Insurance Cover Accepted) Dressings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €35 .00 Flu Vaccine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €30 .00 Tetanus Toxoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €30 .00 Wound Suture/Glue/Steristrips . . . . . . . . . . . . €100 .00 To €150 .00 Foreign Body Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €100 .00 To €150 .00 Suture Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €40 .00 Urinary Catheterisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €40 .00 Pregnancy Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €20 .00 Nebulisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €40 .00 Tubi Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €10 .00 Sling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €5 .00 Msu/ Swab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €20 .00 Injection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €15 .00 Medication - Take Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €20 .00 Finger Splint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €20 .00 Presciption X 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €20 .00 Repeat Prescription X3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €40 .00 Medical Report-Solicitor/Garda/Piab . . . . . . . €250 .00 Employment Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €90 .00 Driving Licence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €50 .00 Clothing Allowance Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €10 .00 Letter For Gym/Travel Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €20 .00 House Call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €70 .00 Sick Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €30 .00 Passport Form/Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . €30 .00 Receipts will only be given on the day of consultation . Certificates for work can be given on the day of consultation . Social welfare certificate can be obtained same day . By appointment only

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HEARTBROKEN Bob Geldof hates being alone since the death of daughter Peaches from a heroin overdose. The Boomtown Rats frontman says he is bombarded by grief for the 25-year-old mum of two who was found dead at home in the UK in April. In a bid to cope he tries to surround himself with friends and family. Bob, 63, admitted: “It comes and goes. I travel with my mate, who’s my agent, and we play Scrabble, but in between choosing the words, you’re left there with it." Peaches’ mum Paula Yates also died from a drugs overdose aged 41. Bob added: “The pain and dismay is just as great.”

Hols in space within 10yrs

TAKING a break in space or at the bottom of the ocean could be a reality in 10 years, travel experts have predicted. They say ultra-wealthy tourists will go into low Earth orbit by 2024, but the seabed will be a more mainstream destination by then.

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November/December 2014

MEAL TIME 75 PER CENT of women in Ireland still prepare the main meal of the day according to a new survey.

75% of women still cook main food of the day

And 62% of families still sit down to eat a cooked meal together every day according to an online survey carried out last month by Avonmore Cream. Carried out using a database of 4,300 women aged between 25-44 years of age and living in the Republic of Ireland it also revealed that 62.7% spend between 30-40 minutes preparing the main meal, while 20.6% spend around an hour or more every day. Other trends showed that 68% of the women surveyed admitted that they are the main chef at home and 24% said that both partners played a role in every day meal preparation, while only 7.9% claimed that their male partner was the main chef. Preparing At the weekend, more time is spent on preparing the main meal with ■ Women are still the chef in two thirds of Irish homes 47% of respondents while 32.8% said four to Speaking at the launch claiming it takes them ﬁve times. of the Avonmore Family between 50-60 minutes It seems that home Recipes Range, leading or more. cooks in Ireland are be- TV chef Neven Maguire When asked 'how of- coming more adventur- said that comfort food is ten do you cook a meal ous because over 65.3% still part of our culture from scratch?' 30.8% claim they try out a brand but because we have besaid they always do; new recipe once a month come more adventurous 36.4% said they did this with 17.5% saying they in the kitchen, people are two to three times a week do this once a fortnight. always looking for new

ideas to make family favourites even tastier. "I have just created a range of family recipes for cookwithavonmore. ie recipe website. Smooth "I used Avonmore's Cooking Cream in this range as it has 50% less fat, adds a lovely smooth taste & texture to dishes and best of all it does not separate during the cooking process. "I have created a number of all-time family favourites including Creamy Chicken Korma; Steak with Whiskey Pepper Sauce, Beef Stroganoff and Smoked Salmon and Prawn Linguini. "They are easy and quick to prepare and go down a real treat."

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November/December 2014

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DUBLIN

■ Garry Broe (Left) MD of MDR Medical and head of production, Michael Lawlor with some items that they are recycling. Picture: Aidan Tarbett Photography

Dubliner turns his dream into reality by recycling crutches, walking sticks and frames Read Declan Glynn's

DID YOU ever get a business idea in your head and just didn’t follow it up?

Well, one ambitious Dubliner was determined to turn his dream into reality - and save the Irish taxpayer a fortune in the process. Garry Broe from Glasnevin in Dublin set up his company, MDR Medical, in June of this year after more than 12 months of pain-staking phone calls, e-mails and face-to-face meetings with the relevant authorities in order to make his dream turn into a brilliant business venture. MDR Medical (which stands for Medical Device Reprocessing) is in the business of reprocessing what would normally be regarded as ‘single-use medical items’, such as crutches, walking sticks (wooden or aluminium), wheelchairs, walking frames and the likes. In the near future this list is due to expand to include hospital beds and other medical devices. Venture Having had the pleasure of recently interviewing Garry Broe in relation to his new company, he told me that the idea for his new business venture came to mind came about in June 2013 when he set about returning a pair of perfectly good crutches

Informer THE

DUBLIN

THE BIG INTERVIEW

November/December 2014

“

My quest is to ask people to return used crutches, frames and the likes to hospitals so that they can be put back in to the medical system to be used again and again

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and a walking frame to Cappagh Hospital in Dublin. His wife had finished using them following a medical procedure she had earlier that year. Garry said: “to my amazement, I was told by a member of staff at Cappagh Hospital that the items in question were deemed as ‘singleuse’ only and would have to be placed in a skip at the back of the building.” This situation did not sit well with Garry, so he immediately set about investigating the option of providing a solution to this waste of Irish tax payers money. Benefits It became apparent that by reprocessing such medical items there would be a number of benefits to all parties concerned – and not just financial. By creating a reprocessing company for such items it would ultimately result in the creation of a number of employment positions – currently numbering three, but due to increase

to 30 by the end of 2015 - and it would prevent perfectly good medical equipment ending up in landfill sites across the country. Garry went on to say that the procedure with MDR Medical is that they “collect, clean, sterilise, maintain, package and deliver these crutches, frames, wheelchairs and walking sticks at a fraction of the cost of buying these items brand new every time they are needed. “The benefits to the tax payer are huge” added Garry. This can only be a good thing, as it will free up some extra money in the Department of Health’s budgets which may then be redirected to areas of more critical need within the healthcare system. Among MDR Medical’s current clients are Beaumont Hospital, Cappagh Hospital and the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoighre with many more hospitals currently coming on stream. However, hospitals are not the only clients that can benefit from the huge financial savings, as Nursing Homes, Community Care Centres and Local Health Offices will all see the benefits too. When I asked Garry about the procedure that MDR Medical uses, he said his company is committed to following strict ‘standard operation

procedures’ - as outlined by the HSE and the Irish Medicines Board. All of the chemicals that are used by MDR Medical are mixed as per HSE instructions and are all sourced locally. Amazingly, in a survey which was carried out in 2009, it was revealed that up to 1 million homes in Ireland had crutches hidden away in presses, attics or garden sheds. A survey carried out in the USA found that 90per cent of US Hospitals use reprocessed items, so it is hoped that hospitals all around Ireland will follow this trend. Reprocessed Garry told me that his quest is to: “ask people to return used crutches, frames and the likes to hospitals so that they can be reprocessed and put back in to the medical system to be used again and again.” Items for reprocessing can also be dropped off - during normal working hours - to MDR Medical directly at Unit 3, Broombridge Business Centre, Bannow Road, Cabra, Dublin 7. Further details are available on MDR Medical’s website; www.mdrmedical.ie May I take this opportunity to wish Garry Broe and MDR Medical continued success for what is deemed to be a very bright future.

Motoring column: PAGES 38 & 39

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November/December 2014

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VIAGRA TO SAVE LIVES

Experts say sex pills may be used to treat heart disease

SEX DRUG Viagra could help men suffering from heart disease, a study suggests.

Trials found that the impotency pill’s principle active ingredient helped patients with dodgy hearts by boosting blood ﬂow. Most importantly, it helped prevent the thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber caused by it having to work too hard. The condition, known as left ventricular hypertrophy, can lead to heart failure, an inability to pump blood around the body. Ingredient Lead researcher Dr Andrew Isidori, from Sapienza University, Rome, said: “We found the main ingredient in Viagra can be an effective, safe treatment for heart disease. "Large clinical trials are needed to build on these encouraging ﬁndings.” Viagra contains an enzyme inhibitor

that allows smooth muscle tissue to be more relaxed. This aids blood flow and combats erectile dysfunction. The Italian team pooled data from 1,622 patients who took part in trials looking at the ingredient’s heart protecting potential. Benefited The chemical, PDE5i, effectively prevented the heart increasing in size and changing shape in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. It also benefited patients with other heart conditions while maintaining healthy blood pressure. Writing in the journal BMC Medicine, the authors say PDE5i could safely be administered to men who suffer from heart muscle thickening and early stage heart failure. They said that the research was needed to assess the Viagra ingredient’s effect on women who have chronic heart conditions.

Botox slows down cancer

BOTOX can help cancer patients by slowing down the growth of tumours. Researchers spotted the wrinkle remedy was “highly effective” at supressing gastric cancer in mice. It slowed tumour growth by blocking nerve signals that stimulate cancer sells. The “remarkable” results have led to the launch of an early clinical trial involving human patients with stomach cancer in Norway. Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Prof Dan Chen said ﬁndings were “exciting.”

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY OR PICTURE? Email: news@informer.ie Phone: 01 8138786

ET is brought nearer home

A FROZEN Earth-like planet makes the chance of ﬁnding extraterrestrial life much greater, astronomers claim. Until its discovery 3,000 light years away no one realised rocky planets could have a stable orbit around one of two stars. Prof Scott Gaudi, of Ohio State University, said: “This greatly expands locations to discover habitable planets."

MAKE FRIENDS AT THE SHEDS: SEE PAGES 8 AND 9

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BUY IPAD 2 AT OXFAM SHOPS

November/December 2014

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Priced at just €299, the iPads have been fully restored, tested and given a new lease of life. Alongside the newly introduced iPads, the Oxfam shops in Dublin also offer a choice of top notch refurbished desktops and laptops. Divided into two spec/ usage categories, the Surfer desktop (€125) and laptop (€189) is perfect for general use like accessing the internet or checking emails and Facebook. It's also a great option for small businesses and silver surfers, while students and families looking for even faster computers

■ TCD student Emily Murtagh with her Born Again iPad from Oxfam. Photo: Brian Malone/Oxfam with more storage can explore Pro options (desktops at €225 and laptops at €319). Oxfam’s Head of Trading Trevor Anderson says: “Our Born Again range proves that you can make signiﬁcant savings when buying a tablet, laptop or desktop without compromising on quality. “There is no reason to

buy brand new when you can buy Born Again. "All iPads and computers are in excellent condition – stripped of old data, professionally refurbished then tested and installed with the relevant software. "To prove that we really believe in their quality, each Born Again product comes with a 12 month warranty.

“At a fraction of the cost, they have the added bonus of being environmentally friendly and lifechanging. The sale of each Born Again iPad, laptop or desktop contributes to Oxfam’s work worldwide, helping families caught up in emergencies.” Student Emily Murtagh (aged 22) from Trinity College Dublin says: “On a student budget I’m always looking for cheap alternatives to the latest techie trends and Oxfam Ireland’s Born Again iPad 2 is an amazing ﬁnd.” All Born Again models can be bought at the Oxfam Dublin stores listed: 86 Francis Street, 18 King’s Inn Street, 67 Phibsboro Road and 202-204 Lower Rathmines Road as well as online at www. oxfamireland.org/computers.

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Smart CPR launch service in Ireland Save up to 50% on conventional body shop repair costs

PETER & Philip Gilmartin have been operating under franchise for ChipsAway for the last ﬁve years. They now feel that it is time to move away from ChipsAway and start out solely on their own as Smart CPR (Car Paint Repair). It's a 100% Irish-owned company.

Over the last ﬁve years they have grown an extremely loyal customer base. This is due to the great service provided for customers. Smart CPR believe what they do goes far beyond just providing a quality repair, fast. The business is structred and operates to provide the best customer service possible. Everything we do at Smart CPR is geared towards our customers. Even though Peter and Philip have been in operation for the ﬁve years they reckon that still not even 1% of people in Ireland would know what a SMART repair is. SMART stands for Small - Medium Area Repair Techniques. In other words you don’t have to spray whole panels in order to repair a small scratch or scuff on your bumper. Many people in today’s market are still holding onto their cars for a longer period then they would have in the past. Due to this industry experts are advising that keeping car paintwork up to scratch will extend the life of your vehicle and improve its

value when you eventually look to sell. Think about it. Whether it’s a stone thrown up from the road, the key scraping against your car door, or an out of control shopping trolley clipping your paintwork in the car park on a busy Saturday morning - and we’ve all been there - chips, bumps and minor scruffs are part and parcel of being a car owner. This is exactly where Smart CPR can help. Using a unique waterborne paint system, Smart CPR can offer a faster, more convenient way of repairing minor damage to automotive paintwork – and at a radically reduced cost. Car owners no longer need to book vehicles into a body shop for days at a time to have whole panels treated simply to remove a small scratch or chip to their paintwork. Smart CPR operate from fully equipped vehicles – essentially, mobile workshops – and take their services directly to the customer, whether a member of the public or a business. Smart CPR have a philosophy that reﬂects their customer driven focus: Every car has an owner, every owner has a name, every name has a story. The SMART story, is about you. To contact your local SMART CPR specialist, call Peter on 085 1912678, Philip on 085 1912679 or phone 01-6875024. Email sales@smartcpr.ie or visit their website at www.smartcpr.ie.

November/December 2014

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DUBLIN

MAKE FRIENDS AT ■ Michael Diagnan, Sen. Cait Keane, Patrick O’Meara, Maire Redmond (Tallaght Menshed Chairperson) and Advocate for the Irish Menshed Association, Cllr. Charlie O’Connor

■ Sean O’Malley, (Tallaght Men's Shed) Bill Fitzsimmons (Tallaght Men's Shed Secretary) talking to a friend

■ It's not all work - and it's not all men - the members of Mulhuddart Men's Shed enjoy a cuppa and a break

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THE SHEDS

November/December 2014

€10 BET

SWORDS

■ Bill Fitzsimmons of Tallaght Men's Shed presenting Mayor of South Dublin County Council Fintan Warﬁeld with a handmade oak lamp

■ Pat O’Meara, Sean McNally and Michael Diagnan displaying wooden ring boards which are made at the Tallaght Men's Shed.

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Like-minded people learn new skills SOCIAL interaction and a sense of purpose are often referred to as tonics for mental health - factors that may explain the growing popularity of men's sheds throughout the capital.

The sheds, according to Maire Redmond, who is responsible for the running of the Tallaght Men's Shed, provide a safe and friendly environment that men may visit to meet like-minded people and learn new skills. It was a sense of despair after losing his job that prompted Dubliner Danny Morris to reach out to his local men's shed in Tallaght.

By Martin Flanagan

According to Danny, the shed has proven to be an excellent outlet that has helped him cope with depression since he lost his job following the economic downturn. He said 'The Mojo Men's shed', which operates from a community centre in Ard Mor, Tallaght, has helped to keep him focused. "It's a great outlet for when you are bored; it helps to keep you busy," Danny said. Having recently participated in the creation of a sensory garden, Danny said the shed now offers yoga. According to Maire Redmond, a local man contacted her last year

■ Michael Diagnan from Tallaght Men's Shed checking out the quality of a handmade hurl made on the premises.

and offered free yoga lessons. She said the public have been very supportive, with a couple from Old Bawn recently offering up a number of tools that men could use as part of woodwork classes that take place in some of the sheds. She explained that the Tallaght Men's Shed was recently relaunched in an attempt to appeal to younger men. Commenting on the relaunch, Danny said he believes younger men could beneﬁt from attending the sheds as they could get "very lucky" if they attend a shed where they can "learn a number of new skills from older men". He explained that members are also presented with opportunities to travel to other sheds around the country to learn new skills. Flowerboxes Maire said some of the men also socialise beyond the sheds, with some taking part in various social outings and events. Approximately 7,000 men are members of the Men's Sheds which are dotted throughout Ireland. Each shed differs, with some focusing on gardening, while others focus on woodwork, with members making everything from birdhouses to ﬂowerboxes and tables. Veronica Banville, who works at the Irish Men's Sheds Association, has urged men - both young and old - to visit menssheds.ie for further information. More information can also be found on the Irish Men's Shed Association Facebook page.

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BODY CONFIDENCE VICKI Mooney and ten plus-size models from the Dublin based V Plus Model Agency have stripped-off for a naked photo-shoot, to help empower women of all sizes.

The unique and beautiful portrait was unveiled on RTE’s Saturday Night Show, hosted by Brendan O'Connor, by the model agency boss Vicki Mooney, a curvy model and author who regularly styles fashion features for larger women. The message of the daring image is #stopbodyshaming, according to Vicki Mooney, who appeared on the prime-time TV show, fully clothed, along with some of the other models involved. “It doesn’t matter whether you are a size 0 or 24, everyone has the right to feel beautiful, and nobody should be made to feel ashamed of their shape or size, whether they are large or small”, the glamorous model and stylist says. The Irish models fea-

V plus models bare all to help empower women of all sizes

tured say they were prompted to take part in the naked photo-shoot by the fact that many of them, as well as friends and associates, have suffered depression and anxiety because of bullying and comments about their appearance. “It’s an important message that we cannot judge people by their appearance. We have to make a conscious effort not to rely on stereotypical beliefs about any type of individual we don’t actually know, and not to make assumptions”, Vicki Mooney believes. The group from Ireland’s first plus-sized model agency also point to the fact that there is no verified scientific evidence linking health to body shape, and that being fit and active and eating well is the goal to promote, not some imagined perfect size or shape.

“ You can actually learn to love and appreciate your body, and should be free to celebrate your shape as you see fit, without anyone passing judgement, spoken or implied”, Vicki Mooney told Brendan O'Connor. The women working in V Plus Model Agency are not just ‘models’, but are also inspiring role models, showing that curvy women can have high-profile, positive visibility in the media, and help turn the tide to recognise real women with what are, she says, average size figures. "We are now working with fashion retail clients to show their clothes fitting real women; the same real size 14+ women who actually buy their clothes”

■ "It doesn’t matter whether you are a size 0 or 24, everyone has the right to feel beautiful, and nobody should be made to feel ashamed of their shape or size, whether they are large or small"

DUBLIN

FEMININE AND

November/December 2014

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November/December 2014

The Ella Boo brand stands out in a crowd by using bright colours and fun prints

ELLA BOO was established in 2009 and available in sizes 8 – 20.

The brand is designed for the customer who wants to stand out in a crowd using bright colours and fun prints while remaining very feminine and ﬂattering. Ella Boo is hugely popular in both England and Ireland and in recent years has enjoyed expanding international success. The range reaches a broad band of ladies who enjoy diversity consisting of women’s dresses and separate pieces which are understated yet striking, and perfect for special events. Following on from the success of Ella Boo a new label ‘Daisy May’ was established in 2010, and designed in a contemporary manner using elegant lines and feminine shapes while still keeping its ﬁnger on the pulse with up-to-date styles and trends. This brand has gone on to have huge success over the last few years with many Irish and English celebrities being fans of the brand including award winning singer Adele and Irish TV presenters, Maura Derrane and Sybil Mulcahill as well as being distributed internationally. For details see www.ellaboo.ie.

■ Daisy May Teal chiffon dress €150

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Fashion words and pictures compiled by Brendan Marc Scully Montague of thelook.ie

■ Ella Boo Black/ Pink Lace Dress €165

November/December 2014

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CANCER patients can boost their chances of living by taking a daily 20-minute walk, a study claims.

Breast cancer patients who cover a mile at 3mph once a day are 40per cent less likely to die, a major analysis of health data found. Prostate cancer patients’ death risk falls by 30 per cent. The old advice to take it easy after cancer treatment is now outdated, say experts, and sufferers are not active at the recommended levels. The study found that as well as cutting the death risk from the disease, exercise also minimise treatments’ side-effects. These include fatigue,

weight gain and anxiety. The analysis is based on patients doing 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. That duration of brisk walking at 3mph adds up to 7.5 miles, or one mile a day over 20 minutes. The daily mile can be split up into separate walks if the patient is struggling to do it all in one go, say experts – but it must be brisk or fast walking. The study also highlights the huge impact walking can have on the chances of a former cancer coming back. A mile a day cuts the risk of breast cancer returning by 40 per cent, while bowel cancer patients can halve the threat of recurrence by walking 50 minutes daily.

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EVERY year in the EU hundreds of millions of euro are spent on drugs to help prevent and treat cancer. Yet walking just a mile a day can help patients with two of its more common forms – breast and prostate – to reduce the risk of dying from the disease. Evidence is growing that physical activity is crucial in protecting against cancer deaths and recurrence, yet we still don’t deﬁnitely know why this happens. Theories include that exercise lowers hormone levels and keeps people at a regular and healthy weight. We know that if you have cancer and need aggressive treatment you may suffer extreme exhaustion. This is why walking is the perfect solution. It’s not too strenuous, it’s free and it can be done anywhere. It can help you deal with some of the devastating side-effects of treatment and in some cases help avoid further courses.

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FREE MEASURING SERVICE ■ Superman Óran Richardson from Malahide pictured with 2fm's Jenny Greene and Nicky Byrne

THE People of the Year Awards in partnership with The Nicky Byrne Show with Jenny Greene on RTÉ 2fm, are looking for Ireland’s ‘Everyday Hero’.

RTE 2fm are looking for such a person to appear on People of the Year Awards

It’s the ordinary person that does extraordinary things that really make a difference to their family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues or local Dublin community. Ireland’s ‘Everyday Hero’ can be of any age, from any walk of life and from any part of Ireland but there is just one criterion– they must be really special to be considered. Nominate They might be the deﬁnition of community spirit, or the person who puts everyone else before themselves and never asks for thanks. The team behind 2fm’s The Nicky Byrne Show with Jenny Greene are calling out to people all over the country to nominate their heroic partners, friends, parents, neighbours and co-workers that deserve some national recognition at the

2014 People of the Year Awards. Nominators will be brought on air to talk to Nicky and Jenny to tell everyone just why the person they are nominating is an 'Everyday Hero'. All the nominations will be considered by a special People of the Year Awards adjudication panel and will be announced live on the People of the Year Awards TV programme on RTÉ 1 on Saturday, 6th December 2014. Stay tuned weekdays to The Nicky Byrne Show with Jenny Greene on 2fm, which airs 11am to 2pm for further details. Seán Egan, Chairman, Rehab, said, “Around the country there are people who are heroes in their own community every day. Everybody knows someone who always seems

to make a difference – often in an understated way.” RTÉ 2fm presenter Nicky Byrne said, “This event is not about big names and showbiz, it’s about ordinary people who are honestly just amazing. "The stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things are humbling and inspiring. Amazing "I can’t wait to have one of our listeners up on stage as a winner this year.” RTÉ 2fm presenter Jenny Greene said, “Every day on our show we get calls and texts from listeners asking us to thank someone special for something amazing they have done. "The ‘Everyday Hero’ award gives us the perfect opportunity to bring them on air to let them publically thank that special person for being their everyday hero and for making a difference to their lives.” For the latest updates on the Awards, click onto www.peopleoftheyear.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PeopleOfTheYearAwards, or on Twitter – @peopleawards

NEW iPhone RIPS OUT HAIR APPLE’S problem-hit iPhone 6 has left users tearing their hair out – as the new handsets are catching beards and barnets during calls. A gap between the screen

and frame is thought to be trapping hair then ripping it out when owners move the phone from their face. User Quinn Nelson tweeted: “People are joking about #hairgate but this is

a problem. It’s pulled my goatee hairs. Hurts.” There was no comment from Apple, who previously apologised over bendy handsets and a software glitch.

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NEWS

MICHELIN LISTING FOR DUBLIN PUB

Chop House in new 'Eating Out' guide

POPULAR Dublin pub, The Chop House in Ballsbridge has retained its listing in the new-look 2015 Michelin ‘Eating Out In Pubs’ Guide.

The sole standard bearer for Dublin, the Chop House, which opened its doors in 2009, prides itself in offering high quality dishes using the best of Irish produce and is one of twenty-seven pubs from the Republic of Ireland and seven from Northern Ireland in the publication. Produced by leading tyre manufacturer

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■ Michelin's 2015 guide Michelin - the only remaining tyre manufacturer still operating in Ireland - this year’s Guide recommends some 590 pubs across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, of which 70 are new entries and all of which are selected, ﬁrst and foremost, for the

quality of their food. Noting that pubs are a quintessential part of Irish life and often the hub of the community, Guide editor Rebecca Burr (who also edits the famed Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland) commented that: “the standard of food being served in Irish pubs continues to reach new heights.” This year’s new-look Michelin ‘Eating Out In Pubs’ Guide features colour photographs, an indepth description of each listing with prices and directions for each entry. It is now available in bookshops and online priced at €14.99.

DUBLIN

World record OAP at 121..it has to be Tru A VIETNAMESE woman who claims to be 121 years old could be conﬁrmed as the world’s oldest person. Nguyen Thi Tru has an ID card with a May 4 1893 birth date, making her ﬁve years older than the Guinness Book of World Records current holder from Japan. Vietnam records Organisation says Mrs Tru has French colonial documents that back up the claim and wants her to have the title. Mrs Tru said: “My secret is a good diet, not skipping meals, staying optimistic and helping other people to feel relaxed and happy.” She lives 30 miles west of Ho Chi Minh City with her youngest son, 74, one of just four of her 11 children still alive. Her husband died in 1963. Also born in 1893 were Hermann Goering, Ivor Novello and Wilfred Owen.

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BIKE TO WORK

Mother keeps fit by cycling to her job

IT’S NO wonder the nation is continuing to embrace biking to work, as Dublin mother of one, Ide Ward, proves.

Ide has cycled to work regularly with her son since he was just nine and a half months old and couldn’t be happier with her decision to switch to a two-wheeled commute. She describes her decision to bike to work as an, “absolute revelation”. Moreover, she has seen, first-hand, a significant increase of people out on their bikes explaining, “there are certainly a lot more people out on their bikes since I started just over three years ago”. Not only has the decision to cycle to work meant she can spend more time with her son, and enjoy a happier commute, she has also been able to shave nearly 40 minutes off her journey ■ The wheel deal - Ide Ward and Brian make their commute in the morning. By Martin Flanagan Let’s not forget health started cycling,” she says. “Before I took to the bike, I got the bus every through traffic, take al- and fitness; figures re- “I have taken up yoga and day,” she explains, “it ternative routes and even vealed recently told us did gymnastics last winter was tedious and would split your journey be- that 66% of Irish men, aged 39.” Cyclescheme Ireland is often take an hour to get tween different modes of and 50% of Irish women, into town in rush hour. On transport makes cycling a are overweight or obese the leading Cycle to Work the bike I can be there in highly efficient way to get - something that is cost- scheme provider and has around the city. ing €1.1billion a year to seen an encouraging rise twenty minutes.” What’s more, statis- tackle. in cycling. It’s no wonder that bikIde can certainly see To find out more about ing to work can sometimes tics show that the averbe quicker than driving or age amount of time spent the benefits cycling has Cyclescheme, and how taking public transport commuting has actually given her, and how it has you can save up to 52% when you consider the decreased from 27.5 min- helped lead to other forms on a new bike and accesutes in 2006, to 26.6 min- of exercise too. “I'm cer- sories, head to www.cyflexibility cycling offers. tainly much fitter since I clescheme.ie Being able to weave utes in 2011.

November/December 2014

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VINTNERS HAPPY AT NEW MEALS STUDY 25% of food eaten is consumed in the pub THE Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) has welcomed a new study by Bord Bia which recognises the contribution of the Irish Pub to the country’s food offering.

Irish tourism. In a recent survey of over 1,500 visitors to Ireland, 21% cited the quality and variety of food available as one of the reasons their holiday exceeded their expectations. Studies also reveal that a significant proportion of overseas visitors use Irish pubs for meals. Statistics from the study show that Noreen O’Sullivan, President of 25.3% of food consumed outside the up and down the country but also the VFI commented: “This study critically, the quality on offer. home is eaten in pubs. Meanwhile, the report also points serves to highlight the exceptional The study outlines not only the volume of food on offer at Irish pubs to the importance of the Irish pub to standard of food on offer in the pub. "More and more publicans are focusing on changed offerings with a real emphasis being put on quality food. "Furthermore, the deciPUBLICANS are set to consider es- have separately mandated these dission of the Government to tablishment of a New National Rep- cussions after independent strategic implement and maintain reviews of both organisations which resentative Body. the 9% hospitality VAT The Licensed Vintners Associa- took place over recent months. rate is bearing fruit for Both these reviews have separately tion (LVA), which represents publiboth business owners and cans located in the Greater Dublin concluded that the respective organiconsumers.” area, and the Vintners’ Federation of sations were in good health finan“Overall, our pubs the Ireland (VFI), which represents pub- cially and enjoyed robust support length and breadth of the country are adapting to licans located outside Dublin, have amongst their members. meet customer demands. However, there were strong arguagreed to engage in discussions that "They are finding their may lead to the creation of a new rep- ments in favour of creating a unified, own individual niches and national representative organisation resentative body. filling these niches to the The councils of the two bodies for the licensed trade in Ireland. benefit of customers.”

DUBLIN

■ Dublin bound - Jason Manford and Alexandra Burke in the Bodyguard

Manford and Bodyguard to play at the Bord Gais

LVA and VFI talk to unify

THE smash hit West End musical The Bodyguard along with Jason Manford starring in the Producers are to play at the Bord gais theatre next year. Michael Harrison and David Ian are delighted to announce Irish tour dates for Thea Sharrock’s hit production of the West End musical The Bodyguard. This smash hit show will play from the 22nd July - 01 August 2015 for two weeks. Tickets from €20.00.

Jason Manford, one of the UK’s best loved comedians, will take on the role of downtrodden accountant Leo Bloom in his ﬁrst ever musical theatre tour of The Producers. Manford’s wealth of experience spans from a critically acclaimed West End role in Sweeney Todd, alongside Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton, to award-winning stand-up comedy shows across the UK. He shot to stardom in 2007 as team captain on

C4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, since then he has hosted prime time television shows including Sunday Night at the Palladium and BBC1’s A Question of Sport Jason said; “I’m so thrilled to be starring in my favourite musical of all time. "Mel Brooks is a genius and I’m so excited to be playing the iconic role he created. "The show is a bag of laughs right from start to ﬁnish.”

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UNDERSTAND YOUR RABBIT RABBITS are prey animals and knowing the environment in which they originate and the natural behaviours they exhibit will help you to understand better and appreciate your rabbit.

Rabbits originate from Spain. Typically, the food was rough coarse grass. To get the most out of such food, they re-digest it by eating their droppings. Food intake can take up to 23 hours per day. Rabbits are preyed upon by birds, dogs, cats, foxes and stoats. The rabbit’s defence, if caught, is to lie still (as in a trance) until the predator relaxes it’s grip and to then jump, scratch and ﬂee.

Reward based training includes “Lure and Reward” and other methods such as “Clicker Training” borrowed from marine mammal trainers. Different methods suit different people and their rabbits and an individual programme tailored to your needs can be provided. The use of modern methods helps maintain a good owner/rabbit relationship.

Can Rabbits be trained?

YES. Some people successfully litter-train their rabbit and keep them indoors. Rabbits can be walked on a lead and harness. Rewarding good behaviour is far simpler and much more effective than punishment.

Common Rabbit Problems

Aggression towards other rabbits and humans. Aggression / scratching when picked up and being groomed. Chewing cables and digging. Rabbits that are fed highly concentrated food (eg rabbit pellets) will take up their daily ration very quickly; what do they do for the next 22 hours?

What Can You Do?

Some problems may be solved by making the rabbit environment more stimulating:Hang carrots/apples/leaves from on high. Put in pipes so the rabbit can hide. Each pipe should be 1½ times the length of the rabbit. Provide 3D interest. Rabbits like to sit up on mounds so you can put in shelves or ledges for your rabbit. Feed grass. Either fresh or dried as hay will provide all the nutrition needed. Organically-grown grass will also contain a variety of herbs and other grasses. Feeding non-commercial foodstuff helps prevent teeth problems.

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November/December 2014

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November/December 2014

COULD SALT WORSEN MS? A REPORT has suggested that people with multiple sclerosis may see a worsening of symptoms if their salt intake is high. According to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, researchers assessed the blood and urine samples of 70 people with relapsing-remitting MS to check for salt levels. The study found that people whose diet included a higher amount of salt were almost 3.5 times more likely to have radiological signs of further progression of their MS. However, the study gave no definitive conclusions on the significance of salt intake and its effects on MS. The findings suggest that further research into whether dietary salt reduction could ease symptoms or slow the progression of MS is needed.

■ Back on solid ground Lisa celebrates getting back to earth after her big jump

Informer

FEATURE

THE

DUBLIN

CHARITY SKYDIVER Diagnosed with MS brave Lisa makes a nerve-racking jump to highlight illness

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A YOUNG woman who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) has told of her nerve-racking skydiving experience to raise awareness of the illness.

Brave Dubliner Lisa Morrissey was diagnosed with MS in August. She first became aware that something was wrong after the right side of her body went numb from the hip down. "I thought it was a trapped nerve," Lisa said. "I went to Connolly Hospital where I underwent a lot of tests to find out what was wrong. I lost count of the amount of blood tests I had to have done." Lisa said she also had to undergo a painful spinal tap procedure which draws fluid from the spine. Following a series of tests, Lisa was referred to Beaumont Hospital. Determined "I was hospitalised for two weeks. Doctors eventually determined that I had MS. I've accepted it from the start". She said the illness means that her immune system is attacking her central nervous system, which often results in a number of side effects, such as numbness, difficulty walking short dis-

By Martin Flanagan

tances and memory loss. Despite the diagnosis, Lisa said she is remaining positive, having recently taken part in the MS Ireland skydive challenge. "I would never have considered doing a skydive before. People call me teacup, because I'd never be one to go on extreme rides in carnivals. "The experience was amazing. It helped that I had a sarcastic trainer who made it so much easier. Petrified "I wanted to chicken out even when the plane doors opened, but I did do it in and I would do it again." Lisa said her sisters Louise and Laura joined her on the skydive, as did sister in law Triona and members of her family. "I was definitely petrified at first, but I'd advise anyone considering doing it to just bite the bullet and go for it." Lisa said she would definitely consider skydiving again next year, but she has insisted that she would drag her partner along. She said the support of friends, family and MS Ireland have been incredible. Lisa and her family have managed to raise almost €3k for the charity. Lisa has urged anybody interested in donating to contact MS Ireland or visit ms-society.ie.

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Informer THE

FESTIVE

DUBLIN

By Martin Flanagan

DUBLIN can be a fairly enchanting place in the run up to Christmas, especially if you are planning to visit places that are teeming with festive cheer.

Like most European capitals, Dublin showcases an impressive array of Christmas markets that are highly popular among shopaholics hoping to bag unique gifts for loved ones. This year sees the return of the renowned Docklands Christmas market. The organisers have promised an atmosphere that is brimming with festivities, featuring everything from Christmas trees, carol singing and Victorian fairground rides, to mulled wine and festive food. Performances This year's market will be set up around George's Dock and surrounding area. It will feature a 1950's airstream bar, as well as on-stage performances. The markets will run from the 13-22 of December. However, if you are super eager to attend a Christmas market at an earlier date, then head to St Stephen's Green on November 13 for the launch of the ﬁrst ever Christmas market in the popular shopping area. The venue will fea-

November/December 2014

GIVE HER A DOLL Dancer & TO TREASURE Prancer at Ireland’s

Dublin's enchanting Pay a visit to Santa, festivities

XMAS CHEER

ture more than 60 traders who will sell their goods from charming wooden chalets located along the exterior of St Stephen's Green Park. The market, according to organisers, will include a unique selection of Irish handcrafted gift items, as well woodcrafts and a chocolate fountain. Up to 600,000 people are expected to visit the market between November 13 to December 23. If Christmas markets are not your thing, Elf the Musical will be showing at Dublin's Bord Gais Energy Theatre from December 16 to January 10. Transported The musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan boy who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole.

It has been described as a great family event and ideal for getting youngsters in the mood for Christmas. November 13 will also see Grafton Street light up following the switching on of the iconic street's Christmas lights, while Henry Street will light up on November 16. For those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of shopping, a Christmas elves family workshop will take place on November 29 in Blanchardstown. The event, organised by a professional artist and puppet maker, will allow children and their parents to create colourful handmade elves that can be displayed in the home just in time for the Christmas festivities. Further information at visitdublin.com

Lapland, Glendeer Pet Farm

IT'S not everyday that you arrive at a farm decorated with thousands of twinkling lights, meet Santa, Dancer and Prancer, or see a crib with a live cow and donkey, except at Ireland’s Lapland at Glendeer Pet Farm.

Glendeer Pet Farm, which is located just outside Athlone off the M6 (Tuam/Monksland Exit 13, follow Drum signs) has all facilities under cover. Ireland’s Lapland has something for everyone, young and old alike. The children get their little bag of food to feed the animals as they make their way over to see Santa, have a chat and receive a gift. There is plenty to entertain the kids with the INDOOR skywalk play area with lots of slides and bridges, so Glendeer is perfect even on those wet or snowy days, just remember to wrap up warm! Bring your camera Don’t forget to bring along a camera so you can take plenty of memorable pictures of your lapland experience. This year Santa arrives by sleigh on Sat 29th Nov at 5pm and will be there every evening until the 23rd December. Special rates for groups of 20 and over, catered for by appointment during the day. Admission: Adults €8, Children €16 (includes visit to Santa and gift). Opening times: Mon to Fri 4pm – 7pm, Sat & Sun 3pm – 7pm. NEW this year is the indoor soft play toddler area and follow the trail through the Winter Wonderland to the new secret sand pit. For more info. or directions to Ireland’s Lapland @ Glendeer Pet Farm, Curryroe, Drum, Athlone visitglendeerpetfarm.ie, ﬁnd us on Facebook. com/GlendeerPetFarm or contact us on 090 6437147.

IF your little girl has been particularly good this year, she deserves to ﬁnd a gift from Irish company Treasured Dolls under the tree!

Based in Dundrum Town Centre, Treasured Dolls has an extensive range of Christmas outﬁts for both girls and dolls, making for a Christmas gift your little treasure is sure to love! From party dresses designed by Irish designer Sara O’Connor, to

matching pink PJs, and Santa-inspired dresses for girls and dolls, to Princess outﬁts and super cute ski suits just for dolls, plus much, much more, Treasured Dolls is top of Santa’s must-visit list! There is a range of 11 different dolls to choose from, with a choice of different hair colour and style and eye colour. A Treasured Dolls doll will encourge your little girl to engage in meaningful past times and enjoy traditional play times.

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GARDENING

November/December 2014

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Informer THE

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GARDENING

FOR WINTER garden over the colder months

November/December 2014

Why PROPER carpet cleaning is important for your family's health!

HAVE you ever walked into a home and thought the air was a little difficult to breathe? Here's why!

Swedish studies have shown that carpet in your home is significantly better than wooden flooring for your family's health. This is because your carpet acts like a giant filter. Carpet traps particles (dust, pollen, skin cells, dust mite excrement, etc) in its fibres, thereby keeping them out of the breathing zone until the carpet is vacuumed. Swirled up On a hard surface like tile, hardwood, or lino, these particles are constantly swirled up to find themselves in your respiratory system, which is itself a filter in its own right.

■ Pyracantha, and other berried shrubs like holly, are at their in the late autumn and the next few months

AS WINTER draws in the garden never shuts down, though we tend to think it does.

November is a great time to enjoy shrubs with berries as they come into their own at this time of year. Holly is an obvious one and this year, for some reason looks like a great one with reported sightings of heavily berried bushes in mid-October. Pyracantha is another favourite, though like most gardeners, I dislike anything with thorns as they will always get you no matter how careful you are. My favourite shrubs at this time of year are Skimmias. Skimmia Japonica for example is stunning now and will continue to be for many months to come. Chinese Lanterns ‘Physalis’ are also really lovely and are often used in ﬂow☛ Last chance for arrangements. A single spring bulbs except er Chinese Lantern stem in a tulips. vase can look stunning. Nerines are also in full ☛ Cover your veg ﬂower as are Asters or plot with plastic Michaelmas daisies. I also mentioned startsheeting to kill ing to tidy the garden as weeds. autumn turns into winter. Fallen leaves must be ☛ Leave perennials tidied up. Sodden leaves such as fennel, on a lawn will do no good verbena and and leaves on paths can reornamental sult in injury. Bag them for grasses standing, next year’s leaf mould. November could be as they look great as winter skeletons quite warm, considering the October we’ve had and and will provide assuming we escape any seeds for birds nasty Atlantic depressions. Some northern parts of during winter. the country can get very

Tips for this November

Ask Gerry Norton

All questions and comments greatly appreciated and will be replied to. I am always available to quote for any/all of your garden requirements from vegetable plots to restoration of neglected gardens, design, planting and maintenance. You can contact me at livinglandgerry@gmail.com or 087 2462724 cold winds at this time of the year, while the midlands have already seen the ﬁrst of the winter frost, so don’t forget to cover delicate plants. If you have bird boxes, tidy these up now as our feathered friends will use them to shelter in when the weather turns nasty. Put food out for them as insects are getting scarce. November is a great time to plant bare-rooted trees, shrubs and roses. Don’t be afraid to plant trees if you have a small garden as lots of varieties available will remain small. My own favourite is a ﬂowering Crab Apple, ‘Malus x robuste’ or ‘Red Sentinel’, which is widely available in garden centres. It has small red apples that look like large berries. A great shrub to think about is Viburnum. They

produce lovely ﬂowers for the next few months which have a beautiful scent. If you aren’t sure what you would like to plant, have a wander around your neighbourhood and get some good ideas from other peoples’ gardens. The lawn may need a few more cuts before the lawnmower is put away for the year. Now is a good time to winter prune fruit trees and bushes but be careful as unnecessary cutting may damage woody growth. Climbers can get damaged by winter winds if this year’s shoots are not tied. If tying is a problem, cut the shoots back to ﬁve or six buds. If you haven’t planted spring bulbs, get a move on, as most garden centres will no longer stock bulbs once November is over.

To advertise in the Gardening pages call Senior Sales Executive Michael Farrell on 086 044 4037

These allergens can be unbearable for people who suffer from allergies or who have asthma. In order for carpet to do its job efficiently, and leave your home with beautifully fresh air, regular maintenance is required. Professional This requires two steps. 1) Weekly vacuuming with an upright vacuum cleaner. 2) Annual or bi-annual carpet cleaning with a professional carpet cleaning company. CleanMyCarpet.ie offer free allergen reports and carry out ECO friendly carpet cleaning in Dublin so you can Breathe Easy. Don't hesitate to contact us on 016877727. Check out www.cleanmycarpet.ie or email info@cleanmycarpet.ie.

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November/December 2014

Informer

EATING OUT

THE

DUBLIN

CHECKING OUT WOK TO WALK By Martin Flanagan

LOVERS of Asian food are undoubtedly delighted following the opening of a Wok to Walk food outlet in The Square Shopping Centre, Tallaght.

Having heard people raving about it, The Dublin Informer decided it was worth checking out. Highly popular in places such as the UK, Amsterdam, Portugal and France, it was only a matter of time before Wok to Walk set up a shop in the capital. The inspiration behind the restaurant was drawn from an adventure trip around Thailand, where "street food" is extremely popular. The outlet, which occupies the premises of a former euro store on the top ﬂoor of the shopping centre, is simplistic in style, yet it still manages to be

Fresh food, affordable prices

■ Walk in and wok out - build your own wok dishes quirky and fun. Rows of bench style seats greet customers, but it is the open cooking area that adds to the experience and the fun. Diners can order their food and literally watch as the fresh ingredients are mixed together and thrown into woks that layer the counter area. One of the great things about eating at Wok to Walk is that the fast, tasty and very healthy food is highly customisable. Diners are greeted with a straightforward menu

that offers a variety of choices. They must ﬁrst choose from a base dish, such as udon noodles, egg noodles, jasmine rice, wholewheat noodles or, for the vegetarians among us, the veggie dish. Once the base dish is chosen, diners then select meat and vegetables that they would like added to the noodles, such as shrimp, chicken, duck breast, bamboo shoots, tofu and pineapple. Once the meat is selected, diners can opt for top-

pings, such as ﬁred garlic, peanuts, fresh coriander, sesame seeds mix and fried onions. To top it all off, a sauce, which can be either mild or extremely hot, is then added. One tasty dish combination worth having is the udon noodles served with shrimp and topped off with garlic and the moderately hot Beijing sauce. Once the food is mixed together and cooked in a wok, it is then served up in a typical Asian-style cardboard box. The food can be washed down with mouth-watering homemade lemonade. At Wok to Walk you can ﬁll yourself for under €10. If that's not enough, the food outlet also offers a takeout service so you can slurp down their tasty food from the comfort of your own home.

Informer THE

TRAVEL

DUBLIN

Spain is celebrating one million Irish visitors FIGURES just released show that 1,074,000 Irish holidaymakers travelled to Spain this year between January and September according to figures released from the Spanish Statistical Institute and the Spanish Tourism Office. Gonzalo Ceballos, Director of the Spanish Tourism office in Ireland, said that he wanted to thank the Irish public for making Spain their number one destination of choice. The most popular destinations for tourists are the Canary Islands, Andalucía, Cataluña, Valencia and the Balearic Islands. These five destinations account for 90% of Irish tourism to Spain. More Irish tourists holidayed in Spain than the combined total to France, Italy, Portugal and Germany combined.

November/December 2014

CHAOTIC AND TRANQUIL ■ Bangkok's ﬂoating markets delivers fresh food to the city

■ The Wat Arun temple, hundreds of years old, is one of Bangkok's most visited landmarks

Thailand's capital Bangkok is a mixture of chaos and calm THERE are many good reasons to visit Thailand: to relax on the beautiful white sandy beaches, climb up the famous mountains near Mae Hong Son, or to soak up the busy atmosphere in some of the well-known shopping districts.

Thailand is one of those unique places that offers a mixture of tranquillity,

By Martin Flanagan

turbulence and culture. Bangkok is the chaotic capital of Thailand, often described as a place where the word tranquil does not exist. Regardless, it is a place that is well worth a visit. There are plenty of things to do and see in Bangkok, such as the Chinatown Market, Wat Arun, also known as The Temple of Dawn, and the riverside Khlong Tour. The Wat Arun is located

on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It is renowned for its majestic and unique beauty, and its design is completely different to the numerous other temples dotted throughout the capital. The temple, which towers over the water, is made of eye-catching, colourful spires, with tourists clambering to take pictures of its superb craftsmanship. Bangkok's Siam Square is also worthy of a visit, especially if you

love to be surrounded by quirky shops, fashionistas and trendy cafes. The area features an array of high-end brands, as well as a number of local, independent traders who sell their goods at extremely reasonable prices. The area also features a huge shopping centre Siam Paragon - that boasts a multitude of unique stores to satisfy all your shopping needs. If Bangkok gets too much, the stunning city of Chiang Mai is just an

hour's direct ﬂight away. Often referred to as the most culturally signiﬁcant city of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has several hundred ancient temples, trendy bars and a range of touristy activities. With a population of 200,000 (Bangkok has a population of 9 million), the city is the complete opposite of Thailand. It is tranquil, extremely laid-back and is an excellent place for camera happy sightseers to indulge their photography skills.

Although not to everyone's taste (some may deem it unethical), tourists could visit the long-neck Karen Hill tribe while staying in Chiang Mai. The women of the tribe wear neck rings, which results in an elongated neck. The tribe of women are refugees who ﬂed from Burma during periods of civil unrest. Due to their uncertain legal status in Thailand, the women depend on tourism to support their livelihoods.

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Have you got a 'mufﬁn top'?

IF you've got a big belly you're most likely suffering with a certain degree of insulin resistance. The bigger the belly the more insulin resistant you are likely to be. Insulin resistance is linked with metabolic syndrome such as diabetes and heart disease so getting control of your blood sugar is more important than just getting a ﬂat stomach.

Overweight people handle food a whole lot differently than thin people so it's not just a case of eating less or moving more. We have a very limited ability to store carbohydrates in the body. Once our muscle and liver cells are full we start to store glucose in our fat cells. So it's actually sugar (not fat) that gets stored in fat cells! A diet high in sugar can eventually lead to insulin resistance. If you are insulin resistant, this is what happens when you eat carbohydrates: 1. You're hungry so you grab a sandwich, biscuit, cake, chips etc. 2. The food causes a blood sugar spike (all carbohydrates break down into glucose aka sugar) 3. Sugar is toxic in the bloodstream so the pancreas releases insulin – a hormone that allows muscle cells to open up to glucose and use it for energy. Your cells have stopped responding to the insulin. The glucose can't get into cells so you don't feel satisfied after eating. To feel full you need much more food than a healthy person. 4. You eat again. This escalates the problem as you further spike sugar and insulin levels. Insulin keeps fat locked up – so when your insulin is high YOU CAN'T BURN FAT! 5. You end up in a constant state of hunger and fatigue and you continue to crave carbohydrates – the very food that causes the problem! Now we all have a friend or colleague that can eat whatever they want and not put on weight. This is proof that there's a whole lot more to weight loss than counting calories. So that guy in your office who lives off junk food is genetically and hormonally gifted. So when he eats a donut and half a bag of cookies his blood sugar spikes and his pancreas releases the appropriate amount of insulin. His cells are sensitive to the insulin so glucose gets in. He feels full and has bags of energy. As the insulin is cleared from his blood stream he's able to burn stored body fat for fuel in between meals. With an insulin resistant person, insulin spikes are higher and last longer. I'll say this again because it's just that important: WHEN INSULIN IS HIGH WE CANNOT BURN BODY FAT! Why dieting won't do anything for a muffin top: So you've excess body fat that you want to get rid of. The solution is simple right? Just eat less and move more. Here's the reason why dieting won't cut

Informer

HEALTH

November/December 2014

When your insulin level is high, you cannot burn body fat!

it – your body already thinks its starving! All the willpower in the world won't over-ride the bodys basic need for survival. You could have 5 stone to lose but if you can't get energy from the diet (cells are insulin resistant) or stored body fat (insulin in the bloodstream prevents it) your body will literally think it's in the middle of a famine. Crash dieting will further down regulate your metabolism and make you even more likely to store food as body fat. Attack the root of the problem: So what should you do if you've an apple shaped ﬁgure and are insulin resistant? Break the viscous cycle by attacking the the root of the problem! Now there is a product that can help improve insulin sensitivity! Chromium is an essential trace mineral which is found in small amounts in the diet (most foods contain 1-2 micrograms or less), leading to a low dietary intake for most people. Chromium is required for the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats but most importantly, it is essential for the function of insulin. How chromium helps with weight loss and insulin resistance: • Helps regulate blood sugar levels • Helps combat insulin resistance • Helps metabolise carbohydrates, proteins and fats • Helps combat sugar cravings

Chromium acts as a co-factor to insulin to increase its effectiveness in transporting blood sugar into cells. When glucose can get into cells, you break the viscous cycle of hunger and fatigue and start to handle your food more like a thin person. Regulating blood sugar has been proven to enhance fat loss, decrease appetite and reduce the likelihood of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Chromium Pharma Nord is the only organic chromium on the market. EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has confirmed that this type of chromium is absorbed up to 10 times better than synthetic sources such as chromium picolinate. Organic chromium is the safest, purest form to supplement with. For best results, combine chromium with the following muffin top melting tips: • Cut out all refined carbohydrates • Increase healthy fats which help to keep blood sugar stable • Have protein and vegatables with every meal • Exercise for 30 mins a day to increase insulin sensitivity

THE

DUBLIN

Nurse Judith Helping you look after your health

WHAT ARE

SKIN TAGS?

TAGS are soft, tiny ﬂaps of skin, sometimes darker than the surrounding area, that are attached to the body by a stalk. These skin growths usually occur spontaneously. Skin tags are found on any part of the body, typically on the neck and trunk, but they may also occur in the groin or armpit. While skin tags are harmless and usually cause no trouble, they may bleed or become sore if they’re rubbed by clothing. Elderly and overweight people are especially prone to skin tags. What might be done? Contact your doctor if you’re unsure whether the growth is a skin tag or if a tag is irritated by clothes. You may have the tag removed under local anaesthetic by burning, scraping or snipping with surgical scissors.

NOSE OUT AN ANSWER TO ARTHRITIS IN YOUR KNEES

CARTILAGE, the body tissue we call gristle when we ﬁnd it in a steak, serves useful functions in many situations.

As you know from your teeth jarring on it in a mouthful of food, it is tough and stretchy like rubber or thick elastic. In the body, those qualities cushion joints like the hip and knee, give bendiness to our spines and shape to our noses and ears. Doctors are warning that a rash of arthritic knees will surely follow the current obesity epidemic because the cartilage cushioning on the knee joint gets worn out. In the worst cases, the only solution is knee replacement with an artiﬁcial joint. Could we do something earlier? Well, yes we might if we harvest cartilage to replace damaged tissue in worn joints. And from where? Well, the nose of course. Ten people have already had nose-toknee transplants following trials on goats at the University of Basel, Switzerland. Cartilage, the tissue which covers and

■ Arthritic knees can effect all ages

cushions the surface of joints, has little ability to repair itself when damaged. Injuries can be difficult to heal, often requiring complicated surgery and long rehabilitation times. In the study, described in the journal Science Translational Medicine, scientists took cartilage cells from the bridge of the nose and grew them on a miniature scaffold to form a graft. When transplanted into the knee, it began to resemble cartilage cells it had replaced. Ivan Martin, a professor of tissue engineering who led the research, said the treatment went “from lab bench to bedside.” The first patient was treated almost two years ago. To grow cartilage, small biopsies of the tissue are taken from the nasal septum and the cartilage cells are isolated. These are cul1. Fresh, dark green, leafy cabbage is very tured, multiplied and stuck low in fat and calories – 100g of leaves on to a scaffold to make a provide just 25 calories. cartilage graft measuring only 30 by 40mm. After a 2. Fresh cabbage is an few weeks, the damaged excellent source of the cartilage tissue from the natural antioxidant patients’ knees is replaced vitamin C. It provides with the engineered tissue about two thirds of from the nose. our RDA for every While longer-term as100g. sessment will be needed, Dr Martin said the treat3. Cabbage is also ment “seems to be workrich in essential ing”. Some patients had vitamins such as even begun playing footvitamin B5, vitamin ball again. B6 and vitamin B1. The team also looked at cartilage from the ears and 4. It also contains ribs, but the unique ability minerals like of the nasal cartilage to repotassium, manganese, generate made it the most iron and magnesium. suitable for transplant. And the capacity of na5. Cabbage is a very good sal cells to form new carsource of vitamin K, providing tilage persists with age, more than half our RDA meaning that older people, requirements. Vitamin K can also such as those suffering help keep bones very strong. from osteoarthritis, could also benefit.

EATING CABBAGE

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November/December 2014

At the movies... The Babadook ★★★★★ Directed by Jennifer Kent Starring Essie Davis, Daniel Henshall and Noah Wiseman. WIDOWED Amelia struggles to cope with her son Samuel and his night terrors. She finds that they are inspired by a strange children’s book, Mr. Babadook. Soon she begins to feel that Mr. Babadook is more than just a story. This being the season for horror films I thought I’d add in this little gem. I love jumpy films – my wife never laughed as much through a film as she did when we watched The Woman in Black a few years ago, laughing at me and my little squeals of terror/delight. The Babadook is a massive step up as it de-

...with Graham Connors

livers jumps a plenty but also leaves you with a sense of dread as this is a film where the director, debut helmer Jennifer Kent, builds the ideal horror atmosphere, perfect for where she wants this film to take you. The character of Mr. Babadook itself is pure horror genius, one of the best and most original in years – think the Child Catcher with a touch of Freddy Krueger and you’re almost there. I don’t want to say much more as this is a film with a very simpler premise but thoroughly effective. As much as I enjoyed this film, my one hope is that the producers do not make a franchise out of it; we don’t need endless diluted sequels. This film is perfect as it is. Advice: Go see it, just not alone.

Fury ★★★★★ Directed by David Ayer Starring Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf, Michael Pena & Jon Bernthal. IT’S April 1945 and WWII is almost over. Sgt Don “Wardaddy” Collier commands Fury, a Sherman tank, and its crew. Outgunned and out manned, Sgt. Collier is told to hold a pivotal German crossroads at all costs. Fury details the tail end of WWII through the eyes of a tank crew that are more than just soldiers, they have bonded together like brothers. Fury is a fine film, trying very hard to be the new Saving Private Ryan. It doesn’t quite hit those heights but it is a fabulous film to watch. Ayer, responsible for some of the best gritty urban thrillers of recent memory (End of Watch, Training Day) has crafted a very tight, claustrophobic thriller

Game Reaction

by Dennis Murphy

FIFA 15

Developer: EA Canada Platform: Multiple platforms ANOTHER year, another FIFA title. However, there was a time in which that was a bad thing, but in recent years FIFA has very quickly gone back to being the perfect simulator of the beautiful game. Despite a few missteps, FIFA 15 is no exception. Though on its surface it may seem like a bit of a rethread of FIFA 14, there's plenty going on beneath the surface. Firstly, player models are looking noticeably much better this time around, and though this is purely a cosmetic improvement, it adds an incredible sense of realism and authenticity to the game. That's the key word here - authenticity. Much like in FIFA 14, career, co-op seasons and Ultimate Team makes a comeback. Each mode is essentially the same as before, but that have been given minor improvements. For instance, these improvements cover ground such as loaning players for a certain amount of time during matches, to The Concept Squad, an addition to Ultimate Team in which you create your own dream squad. Everything about FIFA 15 screams authenticitythe teams, players, stadiums, ball handling, commentary, music and sound effects. If you're a football fan you need FIFA 15.

Game reaction: 8/10

– at least one third of the film is shot from inside the tank, showing how cramped these beasts were. Any war film worth it’s salt also boasts a few battle sequences and Fury delivers in spades, one amazing tank battle sequence will have you on the edge of your seat. In Sgt. “Wardaddy” Collier Brad Pitt has been given his greatest role – Pitt plays Collier as a brutal, unmerciful but also human, a soldier who has seen the horrors of war and been changed by them. I hope an Oscar nomination comes knocking on his door; he deserves it. The supporting cast are uniformly excellent too, especially the bible spouting Boyd Swan, played by Shia LaBeouf. Fury is one of the best modern war movies I have ever seen, detailing the effects that war can have on a person and how they are changed by it. Brutal and bloody but absolutely brilliant, Fury is film very worthy of your attention. Advice: Go see this film.

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Developer: Tango Gameworks Platform: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC HELMED by mastermind of terror Shinji Mikami, the game places you in the stoic shoes of Sebastian Castellanos, a hard-boiled detective that is pulled into a hellish world of monsters and demons. Gameplay can be boiled down to being described as pure survival, but to do that you'll need to run, hide, solve puzzles, avoid traps and, of course, kill your foes. While you can often take of enemies using stealth, the game truly shines when you bring out the big guns. Whether it's a well placed pistol shot to the forehead, or a spray of a shotgun that literally obliterates an enemies face, gunplay here is robust, vicious and glorious. Weapons and abilities can be upgraded in various ways using Green Gel, a commodity that, like ammo, doesn't exactly growing on trees. In terms of visuals, The Evil Within is literally perfect. From the detailed Gothic locations you'll ﬁnd yourself sheepishly creeping around, to the bloody, shocking and nightmare fuel designs of the enemies you'll encounter, it is hard not to adore.

Game reaction: 9/10

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HOUSE PRICES STILL ON RISE

Property costs 33% more than a year ago HOUSE prices in Dublin have risen for the ninth consecutive quarter, according to a survey compiled by Daft.ie.

The survey details how homes in parts of the capital now cost almost 33 per cent more than they did a year ago. It also found that house prices nationally have risen by 14 per cent, with the average price for a house in Ireland costing €195,000, which, according to the survey, is just over half of the average price during the peak of the boom. Prices in Dublin have experienced annual rises of between 18 per cent in North County Dublin and 29 per cent in Dublin city centre. There were also signiﬁcant double digit increases recorded in all of Dublin and surrounding counties: Louth 14 per cent, Meath 15 per

By Martin Flanagan

cent, Kildare 19 per cent and Wicklow 20 per cent. Cork and Galway cities saw prices rise 11 per cent and 13 per cent respectively over the course of a year, while Waterford city centre experienced a three per cent climb. The report also surveyed the sentiment and expectation of over 1,000 potential home buyers across the country, with respondents in Dublin stating that they expected prices to continue rising over the next twelve months by an average of 12 per cent. According to the authors, this is the largest expected price rise recorded since the survey started in 2011. Outside of Dublin, respondents' expectations have also risen. They expect prices to go up by an average of six per cent. Ronan Lyons of Daft.ie said the

sentiment expressed by potential buyers could result in increased activity, which could further push up prices. Commenting further on the report, Mr Lyons explained: "The total number of properties on the market on October 1st was just over 30,000, the lowest ﬁgure since March 2007. "Across Leinster, and in Dublin in particular, supply shortages remain and this has helped push up values by a third in Dublin in just two years. "The concern is that this supply shortage is now feeding into expectations. "While price rises driven by shortages can be stopped by increasing supply, tackling price rises driven by expectations is signiﬁcantly trickier." He also argued that Ireland's ability to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) could be hindered if the housing crisis continues.

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■ Classic ﬁnish

November/December 2014

No building job is too big or small CONSTRUCTION22HQ is a Premier building company that has been operating in and around the Dublin area for over 25 years. No job is too big or small and owner Sean McEnaney will get his team of friendly professionals to help you. This could be a house extension from a loft conversion to a conservatory to a new build etc. Refurbishment/new build residential commercial or industrial property is a speciality. With any building company, references are essential and Construction22hq are more than willing to supply these to interested parties. The company is fully insured and is CIF registered to comply with all the regulations of the building industry. Owner, Sean McEnaney said: “All my staff are fully trained and friendly, and will offer advice at any time. “Our pricing structure is very competitive and we have successfully tack-

led thousands of jobs throughout the Dublin area over the years. “We are CIF registered and fully insured. We offer quotes for any job, so please call me on 086 256 1572 and you will get my full attention.” What we have to offer: • Long experience in the Industry from the ground ﬂoor to running a major company. • An ability to deal with all aspects of a project including co-ordinating design and planning. • Hands-on personal attention dealing directly with the client at all times. • An experienced workforce producing high quality ﬁnished work. • Delivering projects on programme. • Experience in projects involving high levels of insulation. • An ability to deal with projects from small to very large. • Competitive on price. • A knowledge of modern building procedures and processes.

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MOTORING

November/December 2014

SMALL AND BEAUTIFUL The new Hyundai i10 is perfectly formed

This model comes on an all-new platform, as well as being blessed with sharper looks and a sweet new 1.0-litre engine. The i10 is all about quality in every crucial area - the over-riding impression you get from the car is one of reﬁnement. This is a city car with a big car feel, wind noise is well-suppressed, the engine note is well muted and there’s minimal tyre noise. It’s so good that you wouldn’t think twice about doing a long motorway journey in it. There isn’t a diesel available in the i10, but the petrol engine has got just about enough torque to make decent progress. The interior is where ✔ 1-litre petrol engine this Hyundai really impresses. ✔ Annual Road Tax €190 Build quality is superb, ✔ Priced from €11,995 and the clean layout and modern look is a world ✔ Up to 60.1 MPG away from Korean cars of 10 years ago. ✔ On Sale Now Leather All new i10’s get ABS, My test car was a DeEven the leather on the EBD, Tyre Pressure Moniluxe model and it also steering wheel feels real. Three models are avail- toring System, Seatbelt came with 14 inch Alloys, able; Classic, Deluxe and Reminder, Central Lock- Bluetooth, Air-ConditionDeluxe Automatic with ing, 60-40 Folding Rear ing, LED Daytime Runprices starting from a very Seats, Trip Computer and ning Lights, Keyless Entry reasonable €11,995 (ex- Body Coloured Bumpers and a USB/AUX Connecworks). as standard. tion.

■ The i10 claims an impressive 60 mpg, low road tax and a ﬁve year warranty

All of this is available for just €13,495 (exworks) which represents great value for money. The new i10 is also a practical car. Longer and wider than the last one, it’s no surprise that the internal volume is impressive. The boot is a decent size and the car comes with ﬁve seats – unlike its other major competitors.

Korean manufacturers (Hyundai & KIA) pioneered the extended warranty and the i10 is no different – it comes with ﬁve-year coverage as standard. The smooth revving 1.0 litre petrol engine is very economical. The claimed ﬁgure is 60.1mpg which is not too far from what I achieved on my test route. Annual road tax of just

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Motoring

Volvo's XC90 is full of safety

Hyundai i10 Factbox

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Declan Glynn

THE wonderful i10 is Hyundai’s smallest offering in Ireland - a little city car that has got plenty to live up to - because customers loved the last generation.

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€190 is further proof that this car will be very cheap to run and the Co2 ﬁgure is an impressive 108g/km. Hyundai Ireland expects to double i10 sales this year, with a target to reach 500 units and to regain ﬁrst place in the ‘A’ segment by the end of 2014. This mission will be accomplished and small has become beautiful again, courtesy of Hyundai.

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VOLVO has just released full details of the safety systems that will be fitted to their new XC90 which is set to debut later this year. This stunning looking seven-seat SUV will be one of the safest cars on sale, with two ‘groundbreaking’ world firsts. One system involves ‘run-off incidents’ – when a car leaves the road due to driver error. The XC90’s system automatically tightens the front seatbelts, while the seats are designed to minimise spinal injuries if the car encounters a hard landing. The other world-first is a ‘junction brake system’ which comes in to effect if the driver turns into the path of an oncoming

■ Volvo's safety vision

car at a junction. In a situation like this, the XC90 spots the danger and halts itself. This clever SUV also knows if it is about to be rear-ended and will ﬂash its tail lights to try to alert the inattentive driver behind. This action happens in conjunction with the tightening of its occupants seatbelts and applies the brakes. The on-board sensors monitor the risk of a rollover during high-speed changes of direction. If you are near the limit, the XC90 limits engine torque and applies the brakes to slow the car down. If it is already too late, curtain airbags for all three rows of seats immediately inﬂate to offer maximum protection. This safety technology forms a major part of Volvo’s ‘Vision 2020 policy’, which states that no occupant should be killed or seriously injured in an accident in a new Volvo by the year 2020.

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November/December 2014

Find it, buy it, sell it in the

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FORD TOURNEO... SUITABLY SEATED 100,000 PAPERS DELIVERED

Vehicle to compete in the MPV market

THE NEW Ford Tourneo Connect range is largely based on the Transit ✔ 5 or 7 Seats Connect van, with various extra trim- ✔ 1.6 litre TDCi engine mings designed to ✔ Priced from €24,100 push it out of the commercial vehicle ✔ Up to 64.4 mpg market and into the ✔ On sale now highly competitive make carrying objects users with active lifestyles, MPV market.

Ford Tourneo Factbox

Two versions are available; a 5 seat model called the Tourneo Connect and a 5/7 seat model called the Grand Tourneo Connect. Both models include rear-sliding doors and a large-capacity boot with low loading heights to

easier. Practicality is the big thing here, as both models are absolutely vast inside. When designing this new MPV, Ford’s aim was to provide smart, stylish and affordable peoplemovers for families and

offering best-in-class ﬂexibility. This was achieved courtesy of versatile seating and stowage areas, plus outstanding fuel economy from highly efﬁcient powertrains and class-unique technologies, including

New Ford Focus this month

AHEAD of its arrival here in November, Ford Ireland has announced the model line-up for the eagerly awaited new Ford Focus. Priced from €20,295, the range comprises four series from the entry-level Focus, Focus Style, Zetec and top of the range Titanium. They are available in a three-model line-up of sporty 5-door hatchback, sleek 4-door saloon and 5-door estate. Powertrains will include Ford’s well-proven 1.6 litre (95PS and 115PS) and 2.0 litre diesels (150PS). Ford’s acclaimed 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol (100 & 125PS) is also available. The new Focus is the ﬁrst vehicle in Europe to offer SYNC 2, Ford’s advanced connectivity system. SYNC 2 features a high-resolution, eight-inch colour touch screen and advanced

voice control of audio, navigation, climate control and mobile phones. SYNC 2’s navigation system also offers for the ﬁrst time in Europe a split-screen display with detailed intersections, spoken street names, 3D highway junction and landmark views, and the Michelin guide. Another ﬁrst is the advanced ‘perpendicular parking’ park assist, a new hands-free parking technology that helps drivers reverse into spaces alongside other cars.

Active City Stop and Ford SYNC (Ford’s highly intuitive infotainment system). My test car was the 1.6 litre Duratorq TDCi Grand Tourneo Connect Kombi Style with 95PS and was mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. This capacity engine is also available with two other power levels; 75PS and 115PS (6 speed). There are three trim levels to choose from; Style, Zetec and Titanium with prices starting from €24,100 ex works. All models come with a full array of safety and convenience features as standard while top spec Titanium models are further enhanced with features such as dual-zone climate control, panoramic roof and integrated roof rails as standard. For comfort and driving dynamics, all Tourneo Connect models incorporate a unique torsion beam rear suspension system, replacing the leaf-spring design of its predecessor. The chassis also features the latest electric powerassisted steering technology which helps to deliver agile and responsive handling while also reducing fuel consumption and Co2 emissions compared to a traditional hydraulic system. With fuel consumption of up to 64.4mpg and emissions as low as 120g/km, this new vehicle should prove itself to be easy on the pocket. Maybe it is time you took at closer look.

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