Senior Time Magazine July/ August 2017

Issue 88 July/August 2017

NOW E3.00/£2.75

The magazine for people who don’t act their age

How Diana opened our doors to the British Royals

Shay Healy: Why we have not won the Eurovision for 20 years Me and my heart attack – a cautionary tale

www.seniortimes.ie

6

July - August 2017

Contents

16

News:

2

How Princess Diana helped open our doors to the British Royals:

53

Gardening is good for you!: Peter Dowdall offers some timely tips and reports that

6

digging and weeding can burn off calories

On the 20 year commemoration of her death, Lorna Hogg traces

Archer on target:

the lasting legacy of the ‘Peoples Princess’.

Eileen Casey talks to who recently published his memoir,

Why we have not won the Eurovision for 20 years:

12 16

Houses heating up for summer:

28

Cosmetics:

Golf:

Mairead Robinson recommends some products to keep

Dermot Gilleece on musical golfers The gift of life:

42 44

Activity section Walking the Beara Pensinsula:

45

Conor O’Hagan suggests a selection of walks On yer bike – but at what price?: Conor O’Hagan offers a buyers guide Publishing Directors: Brian McCabe, Des Duggan Editorial Director: John Low Editor At Large: Shay Healy Consultant Editor: Jim Collier Advertising: Willie Fallon - willie@slp.ie Design & Production: www.cornerhouse.ie Contributors: Lorna Hogg, Dermot Gilleece, Maretta Dillon, Jim Collier, Peter Power, Matthew Hughes, Mairead Robinson, Eileen Casey, Debbie Orme, Connie McEvoy Published by S& L Promotions Ltd.,

66

your skin looking its best

Eamonn Lynskey recalls a recent medical ‘adventure’ Golf:

64

Maeve Edwards’ third trip to Killarney was the most memorable

Sinead Ryan explains the heating grants that are currently available 32

62

Make friends with Riesling this summer Third time lucky:

Karen Ryan was captivated by the Greek island of Corfu

57

Blood Red Wine World:

Shay Healy explains Greek Odyssey:

53

Northern Notes:

68

Know your rights:

74

Meeting place:

71

Crossword:

78

Crafts:

80

49 Front cover photograph by Mark Stewart Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: +353 (01) 4969028.

Fax: +353 (01) 4068229 Editorial: John@slp.ie Advertising: willie@slp.ie Sign up to our newsletter and be in with a chance to win some great prizes at www.seniortimes.ie Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Irish software research programme seeks 50 plus volunteers

News Now 1960s ‘Summer of Love’ exhibition at Newbridge Silverware

Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre, IBM Ireland and ISAX (Ireland Smart Ageing Exchange) have announced a two year research programme which could result in a new social media platform which would allow older people to offer and receive volunteer services, make new friends and interact.

Lero, which is managing the programme, is seeking volunteers aged 50+ to participate in the research. Working with IBM and ISAX, Lero, an SFI sup-ported research centre of excellence, will conduct research to collect data, con-vert the needs of the older person into ‘a usable platform and monitor whether it meets their needs and performs a useful function’.

‘Social isolation remains an issue for many older people who still have a lot to offer society but do not necessarily have the means, confidence or encourage-ment to engage with the wider community through social networking or other-wise,’ added Dr Sarah Beecham of Lero who is heading up the programme.

Donovan and Amy Huberman at the opening of the exhibition

The ‘60s Summer of Love exhibition featuring singer Donovan has opened at the Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware .

The exhibition features several garments and items of musical interest from Donovan’s own private collection. Among some of the garments in the exhibition are two cloaks worn

by Donovan which featured on the covers of his vinyl’s, one being a Moroccan inspired robe and the other, an original Victorian garment.

The wedding dress belonging to Donovan’s wife Linda Lawrence created by London fashion designers Liberty and a pair of 1960’s boots worn by her are also included in the display.

A cherry red guitar belonging to Donovan which was played by George Harrison on The Beatles tour to India in 1968 will provide music fans with a real thrill, along with other items such as album covers and vinyl’s belonging to the 60’s legend.

Apart from items from Donovan’s own private collection, one of the most notable pieces to be unveiled at the exhibition was an original John Lennon sketch which has just fetched a record $87,500 at auction in New York over the weekend (Sat, 20th of May). The drawing 2 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

is believed to have been the inspiration for the cover of the iconic Beatles album, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The dress worn by Audrey Hepburn in the movie Charade attracted plenty of attention among the fashionistas, while a unique collection of suits worn by The Beatles in the feature film A Hard Day’s Night also features in the exhibition.

Famous faces at the exhibition included, Newbridge Silverware Brand Ambassador, Amy Huberman, Anne Doyle, presenter Karen Koster, TV3 stylists Emily O’Donnell and Marietta Doran, model Brittany Mason, and bloggers James Butler, Tara Farrell and Grace Mongey.

‘People in their 50s and beyond do not consider themselves old, have a vast ar-ray of skills and professional competencies to offer.

They have a desire and en-ergy to share their experience with others in their communities.

Yet many have trouble finding appropriate ways of meaningfully applying these skills beyond the workplace when they retire or reach a particular age,’ said Gary Thompson, IIX Technical Manager, IBM Ireland.

‘For many of us social isolation can be an issue when we lose contact with former work colleagues and family has moved on,” commented Aine Phelan, Head of Consumer Insight & Marketing, ISAX. “A key item on the agenda for ageing in Ireland is to give older adults the opportunity to participate as valued members of their communities. A new social media platform, designed specifi-cally for older people, could provide countless benefits to both the receivers and givers of such services or advice as well as society in general.’

Anne Connolly, CEO, ISAX added, ‘Increasing life expectancy and the rapid ageing of populations, while good news at the individual level, presents society with far reaching challenges, from health, care and pensions to the design of cities and educational systems.

The exhibition will remain at The Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware until 23rd of July. It is free entry and is open to the public to view without making an appointment. The Donovan Leitch items in the exhibition will be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in LA in the autumn.

‘But these challenges also represent exciting opportunities for innovation. Through this research, we aim to maximise the opportunities by bringing to-gether business, research and government agencies while ensuring that older adults themselves have a direct contribution to the design and usability of the solutions that emerge.’

For more information on Newbridge Silverware and The Museum of Style Icons go to www.newbridgesilverware.com or call +353 (0) 45 431301.

All aged 50+ who would like to participate can contact Prof. Ita Richardson, Principal Investigator, Connected Smart Ageing (CSA) at the University of Limerick or email: ita.richardson@lero.ie

News

Support required for ‘Vision walk’, Marbella in October

Special treatment offer from Dublin chiropractor

Fighting Blindness invites walkers to discover the unknown side of Marbella, Spain during the ‘vision walk’ this October.

Abbey Chiropractic, 46 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1 Tel: 01 – 8734363 www.abbeychiro.ie

Fighting Blindness is an Irish patient-led charity with a vision to cure, support and empower, we fund world-leading researching into treatments and cures for blindness, while caring for people and families through counselling and peer to peers support services.

The company is fully insured, registered with the Chiropractic Association of Ireland and are accepted by all health insurance companies.

Launch of homecaredirect.ie ‘to empower carers and families’

There are 246,773 people affected by blindness and vision impairment in Ireland and 285 million people worldwide. 90 per cent of its funding comes from donations.

Irish Lung Fibrosis Association welcomes availability of new drug The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association has welcomed the decision by the HSE to make the drug, Nintedanib (Ofev), available to patients diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Following the recommendation by the European Medicines Agency, and with supporting research and clinical evidence, and models provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, the HSE approved Nintedanib for patients with IPF. IPF is a rare, chronic, progressive and terminal disease, which involves the development of scar tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. There is no known cause for IPF and the life expectancy from time of diagnosis can be between 2 and 5 years. Nintedanib is recommended in adults for the treatment of IPF. Nintedanib helps to slow down the progression of IPF, as it reduces lung function decline in a broad range of IPF patient types. .

Fibrosis, (the development of scar tissue in the lungs), causes the lungs to become stiff, thus preventing the effective transfer of oxygen from the blood to the lungs. IPF is more commonly seen in men than women, mostly between the ages of 60 and 80 years, although it can occur in younger people. Patients develop extreme breathlessness, fatigue, cough and ultimately respiratory failure, requiring those living with IPF to rely heavily on oxygen therapy 24 hours a day. There are currently no drug treatments available to cure IPF. 4 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

The company is offering half price initial consultation plus a second visits for your report and a treatment.

The normal cost of these two visits is €140 but the company is offering them to Senior Times readers for €70. For more information contact:

The walk takes place from October 12-15 through the countryside, nature trails and along the beach. It promises to be great fun, challenging and an opportunity to raise much needed funds for research into the causes of visual impairment.

To sign up or for more information contact Freddie on info@atozevents.ie or call him on 086 8584144.

Special offer

Dr Kenneally treating a patient

‘The most common reason that an older adult comes to my clinic is back pain followed by neck pain very often caused by a misalignment of the bones of the spine. As a chiropractor, my job is to correct these misalignments. I have a reputation for being a “back doctor” but there is so much more to chiropractic than that.

Chiropractic does help reduce pain but it also improves mobility such as being able to turn your neck when driving to check the blind spot, digging up those weeds in the garden, picking up the grandchildren, exercising, golf, DIY and it can even help you get a more restful sleep’ These are the comments of Seamus Kenneally, Doctor of Chiropractic of Dublin-based Abbey Chiropractic. He adds: ‘I would like to tell you how you can get the most out of your golden years. Many seniors live busy and hectic lives. I’ve certainly heard it said from many of my retired patients that they wonder how they ever found the time to work’.

Other benefits of chiropractic include better balance and co-ordination. This is crucial in fall prevention. Falls account for more than 80% of injury related hospital admissions in older adults. A recent study compared two groups of older adults. One group had been receiving regular chiropractic treatment; the other was not.

• 48% of patients in the non-chiropractic group used a nursing home compared with just 5% of those in the chiropractic group.

• 48% of non-chiropractic patients were hospitalised compared to just 26% in the chiropractic group.

• In general, chiropractic patients were more likely to partake in strenuous exercise.

Home Care Direct has announced the nationwide launch of its new website and app Home Care Direct. claimed to enable families to find ‘quality carers’ and directly arrange a price and care schedule, removing the need for a home care agency, enabling greater savings and earnings respectively.

‘By removing the middleman where appropriate, families can make significant savings of up to 40% compared to using an agency. Furthermore, they can do so in the knowledge that all carers on the platform have been interviewed, referenced checked and Garda vetted. The platform also provides insurance cover for carers and families for all work done through the platform’.

The Homecare direct website is now live and the app available for all iPhone and Android users. Registration is free and can be done on wwww.homecaredirect.ie

Energia ‘cheaper than all rivals’ ‘Clever people’ can now save an extra €50 a year by switching directly to Energia, claims the company. ‘Savings of 27% on electricity and 26% on gas with Ireland’s cheapest value Dual Fuel bundle’ With this new offer, customers switching by contacting Energia directly will also receive €50 cash back. This special offer is only available to householders by calling Energia direct on 1850 300 700 or logging on to www.energia.ie.

Energia’s new dual fuel offer is said to be cheaper than all of its rivals ‘and it also beats all the offers available on price comparison websites. The electricity only offer is also cheaper than all competitors’ offers’.

Modern history

How Diana helped open our doors to the British Royals

Princess Diana has been dead 20 years in August. In advance of the commemoration, Lorna Hogg traces the Princess’s lasting legacy and how she helped to change attitudes towards British Royalty in this country Twenty years ago, on August 31st 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales died in car crash in Paris. It’s said that those whom the gods love die young. Diana was just 36 when she died; ‘The People’s Princess,’ loved by millions worldwide. They admired her style, beauty and her charitable work, which ranged from supporting those facing serious challenges such as AIDS and terminal illness, to working against land mines. All exemplify the style, interests and concerns of the Princess, and reflect the fact that Diana changed not just the role of Princess, but what we expect from royalty.

The Princess also was close to Leitrim-born Oonagh Shanley Toffolo, her acupuncturist, and some claim, spiritual guide, in the period after her divorce, when she used alternative therapies to develop a new life for herself. Toffolo also introduced Diana to Hasnat Khan, with whom she became close after her marriage.

One of the princess’s closest advisers, Patrick Jephson, was born and attended school in Ireland, before studying at Cambridge and a career with the Royal Navy. He was her Private Secretary from 1988 – 1996, travelling the world with her and arranging her engagements and charity

She had a powerful and lasting effect the British monarchy, in her lifetime, her legacy and through her sons. Future historians may debate her influence in changing the attitudes and perceptions of Irish people towards the British monarchy. Those changes may well have in turn helped towards the success of the Queen’s landmark visit to Ireland in 2012, and also the recent successful royal visits by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall across the island.

The Princess had personal Irish contacts. She was born with maternal connections through her wealthy and powerful Burke Roche family. She also forged more personal Irish links, from fashion to therapy and her personal staff. One of her favourite ‘go-to’ designers was Paul Costelloe,who designed for her throughout her royal life, including her ‘new look’ as an independent woman. From a sunny beach dress for Bondi beach on an Australian tour in 1988, to a 1991 rain soaked Pavarotti concert in Hyde Park, Costelloe’s designs matched the mood and provided some iconic pictures.

6 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Diana is recognised as playing a significant role in reducing the public stigma surrounding AIDS in the 1980s and 90s. Here she shakes the hand of a AIDS sufferer in a Toronto hospice.

Modern history

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 7

Modern history

life with patients. She changed attitudes overnight by shaking hands with an AIDS sufferer in the 1980s, and supported AIDS charities. One young Irish sufferer at a London hospice told me after a visit by Diana that he didn’t know which had surprised him most – the fact that he had met a senior member of the British royal family, or the fact that she had made him laugh.

Diana opens the Barnados facility in Belfast in 1986 The pink-peach rose Diana, Princess of Wales, one of hundreds of species named after Diana

work and was with the Princess during some of the most influential times of her life. Jephson she was on her staff when she recorded the infamous Panorama interview, and attempted to create a new life.

Diana also visited Northern Ireland on several occasions. Tight security during the 1980s and 1990s meant that there was no pre-visit publicity. However, the crowds still turned out, when on October 1985, the Princess arrived for a visit to the University of Ulster, and a Barnardo’s Nursery at Carrigafoyle, Belfast. To the initial concern of her security people, Diana broke with protocol and went over to greet the delighted crowds. With Prince Charles, she also went to Enniskillen in November 1987, after the Remembrance Day bombing. The royal couple visited hospitals, heard of the terrible injuries and attended funerals. Diana returned to Enniskillen in November 1993, to lay a weath on the war memorial and place the final stone on a Peace Cairn, which had been created by local children.

It was all very different from the formal and grand Royal visits to Ireland in the past. The royals were then a world away from life experiences of most Irish people – very few of whom ever met the royal guests on their visits. Queen Victoria drew large crowds, which (mostly) cheered from a distance. The same applied when King Edward VII and his beautiful Queen Alexandra, came over, as well as the last sovereigns to visit Ireland - King George V and Queen Mary, in 1911. Official royal visits then ceased.When Princess Margaret and her husband Lord Snowdon privately visited his relatives at Abbeyleix in 1962 a few press pictures were the result.

By the 1980s, the changed and extensive newspaper, magazine and television coverage allowed the world a glimpse of a new, young Royal superstar. The pretty and youthful new Princess of Wales had natural style, beauty and glamour, accompanied by informality, empathy and love of children This appealed to the Irish, as did her disregard for protocol and formality. Her determination to raise her children herself, rather than hand them over to nannies, and to teach them about life outside as well as inside palace walls also won hearts. Diana’s refusal to ‘put up and shut up’ during her well publicised marital problems also appealed to the Irish spirit.

She changed the template for princesses. An international fashion icon from an early stage, she also had a natural affinity to the vulnerable in society. Diana perched on hospital beds, laughed and discussed everyday 8 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

She visited the homeless, the terminally ill and those with disabilities. She campaigned for removal of landmines. She took her children to shelters for the homeless and to hospices. She was determined to ensure that her sons grew up with compassion, an understanding of and ease with the disabled and knowledge that not everyone was rich, had four holidays a year and Rolls Royces.

In 1995, Prince Charles made his first visit to Ireland. The Prince had long wanted to visit Ireland, and was probably prepared for almost any possibility during his three day trip. Except perhaps, the down to earth and direct curiosity of the Irish public about the females in his family.

‘And when is your mother coming over?’ was one of the first questions he faced . He was then asked how his estranged wife was. ‘Very well thank you,’ was the reply. ‘You let a good woman go, there.’ he was told.

‘Indeed I did,’ replied the Prince.

The visit was pronounced a success, and heralded others from other members of The Firm. Princess Anne, in her capacity in Riding for the Disabled, came over. So did the Duke of Edinburgh, in connection with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and its work with Gaisce, The Irish President’s Award. The Duchess of York, Prince Edward and Prince Andrew all made trips as well.

Diana’s death in 1997 was mourned worldwide. In London during the days before the funeral, Irish people were to be found in abundance.

Many said that they felt that an affinity with Diana, and had to come over to mourn, some flying over especially. They swelled the crowd adding to the bank of flowers in front of her Kensington Palace home. They found vantage points in the crowds along the funeral route, and went to Hyde Park to watch the service on big screens. Inevitably, controversy arose when the Irish football team chose to sport black armbands in respect to the Princess, during an International game in Iceland in the days after the funeral. Criticism swiftly followed.

The Royal family also came under criticism at home, especially for sticking to established protocol over not flying the Royal Standard at half mast. As the sovereign’s flag, it can never fly at half mast – there is always a sovereign. The Queen finally proposed the idea that the Union Jack should fly at half mast over Buckingham Palace on the day of the funeral.

Over the next months, polls displayed perceptions and accusations that the royals were out of touch. They had to learn the lesson that Diana had changed the style and manner of being royal. Accessibility, walkabouts, ‘meet and greets’ empathy and the inclusivity of a wide range of society are now needed for modern Royal life. Duty, tradition and protocol remain important. However, today it is equally important to show warmth, compassion, the personal touch and responsiveness to modern life and ways.

Just how well the Royals, and the Queen in particular, have adapted was recently shown during the aftermath of the Manchester terror attack and the Grenfell Tower disaster. The Queen was praised, and applauded by crowds, for swiftly visiting the injured, taking time to hear their sto-

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Modern history

ries and leading the country’s mourning. She also announced a minute’s silence in respect for the dead during her recent Official Birthday Parade, The Trooping of the Colour.

In 2012 the Queen and Prince Philip undertook one of the most significant visits of her reign – to Ireland. Initial tight security and polite wariness from the public during the politically sensitive engagements of the first two days gave way to increasing enthusiasm. The Queen (finally photographed smiling) encountered Irish enthusiasms, from hurling to Guinness and bloodstock. She learned about Irish food in the English Market in Cork, and revealed that she watched The X Factor on television. She met the crowds in Cork, and left the country with a hamper of Irish food - plus an invitation to William and Kate to visit Ireland and meet its young people.

William and Harry will, with Kate, continue Diana’s legacy. The Princes have an her ease of manner with all sections of society, and have continued their mother’s work, William with child bereavement, and the Tusk Trust for wildlife, Harry with her campaign against landmines in Angola. Harry has also formed Sentebale in his mother’s name, a charity which helps child victims of poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa, and works with the Terence Higgins Trust. Both want to work with and encourage young people. This was reflected in the request by William and Kate to meet young people when they attended a Garden Party at Hillsborough Castle last summer.

Diana would be especially proud of her sons’ Heads Together Charity, formed with the Duchess of Cambridge, to encourage mental health, and start talking about emotional problems. Both Princes have revealed and related very personal experiences to publicise and inspire their causes. They also match words with actions - William was recently dubbed ‘Prince of Compassion’ for his comfort of Grenfell Tower victims on a recent visit with the Queen.

The Prince and Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have made several very successful visits to both Northern Ireland and the Republic, meeting crowds now representing both political traditions. As Prince Philip cuts back on his workload, the younger royals will inevitably play a fuller part in The Royal Firm. Diana’s legacy is set to endure.

10 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Diana remembered..

The Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition at Kensington Palace tells the story of the evolution of Diana’s style. It includes a wide range of her gowns,a couple previously unseen, plus some iconic outfits, and sketches from fashion designers. The exhibition runs until February 2018.

Visit www.hrp.org.uk for details of ticket availability, prices and phone booking.

The White Princess The Princess always admired the Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, her London home, and over the past spring and this summer, a White Garden has been planted there to mark the twentieth anniversary of her death. White roses, set against foliage and grasses, cosmos daisies and gaura form the displays. www.hrp.org.uk A lasting legacy Diana’s youthful home was Althorp, the stately home of the Spencer family in Northamptonshire, and the Princess is buried on a peaceful island on the lake at Althorp. This year, until October, visitors can view an exhibition of fifteen pictures of the Princess, taken by the top photographer, Mario Testino, a few months before her death. Amongst the last photographic sessions done by the Princess, the photographs are said by many to be amongst the finest ever taken of Diana. There is also an exhibition Walking in her Shoes , showcasing 20 exceptional holders of the Diana Award’s Legacy Award. www.spencerofalthorp.com

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Music

Why we have not won the Eurovision Song Contest for 20 years Shay Healy believes the answer is simple: ‘Until RTE gets a ‘‘real’’ song – not a plastic confection -- and the right singer, and returns to the original national voting system, nothing will change.

The Eurovision Song Contest was not designed to find a song for Europe rather it was an experiment by Sergio Pilese and Marcel Benezon who were looking at the possibilities for live broadcasting. Sergio borrowed the concept from the San Remo Festival and Marcel approved it. But scarily enough they had no songs in mind, which shows you how close we came to not having a Eurovision. They were very pleased from an engineering point of view at what they saw in the first contest.

The payoff was a technical coup.

The first Eurovision in Lugano in Switzerland in 1956 was an instant success. There were seven contestants and the host country were very deserving winners on their own pitch.

The history of Irish participation in Eurovision didn’t begin until 1965 when Butch Moore went Walking the streets in the rain and his habit of slapping his thigh while walking immediately highlighted him and lifted him out of the pack.

Butch went on to achieve a sixth place finish.

He had great success with the Capitol Show band but he eventually emigrated to America where he sang and had his own popular Irish bar.

In 1966 Dickie Rock came fourth with Come Back to Stay. There was some sadness attached to both of these songs. Theresa O’Donnell, who wrote Walking The Streets in The Rain told me she never got royalties and it haunted her until her dying day. If it was today she would probably be set for life though we hadn’t yet reached the era of digital technology.

12 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Our greatest Eurovision star, Johnny Logan pulled off the astonishing fete of winning the Eurovision as a singer, as a writer and as a writer performer.

We had to wait a long time after that until 1970 when Dana, a young girl on a stool, used her innocent Derry charm to impress upon the judges that Ireland were worthy winners. Dana became a very famous international performing star, but there was tragedy behind this song also. It was co-written by Derry Lindsay and Jackie Smith and sadly, Jackie got lost in a bottle and passed away early. Derry Lindsay went back into his print business, 3 Candle Press. I recall talking to him some years later and the only disappointment he had from it was that he was never included in whatever celebrations or nostalgia shows were going at the time, another forgotten writer.

Come Back to Stay turned Dickie Rock into a national hero. He couldn’t walk abroad in public without exciting an instant pop-up crowd. My vivid memory is of a massive throng, totally blocking Moore Street, outside the studio that Dickie was recording in. Come Back to Stay

was written by Roland Soper who would have liked to have sung it himself but instead the honours went to Dickie.

We had to wait another ten years after our first success to win again in 1980. This time again youth was to the fore and a very young Johnny Logan sang What’s Another Year to victory and he memorably finished singing his reprise with the words Ireland I love you.

Doesn’t that memory bring you back and did you notice, more specifically, that all three of those songs had orchestral arrangements and were played with a ‘live’ orchestra, showing off the songs in their best clothing.

In the old performance days everybody was accompanied by an orchestra as backing for their song and our conductor for years was a very fine jazz piano player, Noel Kelehan who confidently set the tempo and the mood of the

Music

Ireland’s list of losers since 1996 1997: Marc Roberts 1998: Dawn Martin 1999: The Mullans 2000: Eamonn Toal 2001: Gary O’Shaughnessy 2002: ‘Relegated’ from the contest because of Gary O’Shaugnessy’s low finish – 21st – in the previous year.

2003: Mickie Harte 2004: Chris Doran 2005: Donna and Joe 2006: Brian Kennedy 2007: Dervish 2008: Dustin The Turkey 2009: Sinead Mulvey and Black Daisy 2010: Niamh Kavanagh 2011: Jedward 2012: Jedward 2013: Ryan Dolan 2014: Cann Linn/Daisy Smith 2015: Molly Sterling 2016: Nicky Byrne 2017: Brendan Farrell Dervish came last in 2007 with five points. Dustin the Turkey and Sinead Mulvey and Black Daisy failed to qualify for the semi-final.

Kavanagh singing Jimmy Walsh’s In Your Eyes in the Green Glens Arena in Millstreet. We still regret losing the voting system which worked so well for us in Europe.

Today’s system of voting from hand held devises has changed the pattern so badly that they try and soften it every year by making the electronic vote part of the overall total for a song. This year they had so many clauses and sub-clauses that it was almost impossible to follow the path of the winner, which was Amar Pelos Dois.

In 1970 Dana, a young girl on a stool, used her innocent Derry charm to impress upon the judges that Ireland were worthy winners with All Kinds Of Everything.

song and his sure touch helped to inspire the singers.

a plastic confection concocted in some studio, probably in Norway!

As time moved on, the European Broadcasting Commission admitted more and more countries. The increased number of competitors brought pressure from record labels who turned up the heat for the allowance of backing tracks. It was the beginning of the end for us old timers.

The modern Eurovision of 2017 was a technical triumph of extraordinary proportions. When a country has to host the show it brings out the best in everybody from the runner in the studio to the makeup artist, to the costume makers, to set designers, a whole panoply of talented people contributes to the best of their ability.

The use of backing tracks was a controversial decision and the implications for the contest were serious. No more than six people are allowed on stage but the backing track could chunter away eliminating the need for live drums and robbing the songs of the sensitivity that an orchestra could bring.

But strangely enough the modern show attracts an audience of perhaps 200 million as against 500 million viewers for the old style show with the orchestra.

Some people get very angry, accusing RTE of not wanting to bear the cost of staging the show. This is one of the arguments that’s often raised but it’s so wide of the mark and so wrong. All we need is a ‘real’ song as opposed

The original voting system had a ten-man jury in this country who chose the singer and the song. When we won the Eurovision three times in a row we knew we were doing something right and the production on each occasion was done with great aplomb from everyone in RTE. They rose to the occasion and who can forget the wonderful Niamh

I think us oldies got the best of the Eurovision days. I recall one Sunday morning sitting in Kitty O’Sheas pub in Dublin and being entertained by nineteen dockers who sang every Irish Eurovision song up as far as Cross Your Heart by Tina. At parties and gatherings All Kinds of Everything was a great fallback. From this redoubt all imposters could be rebuffed.

You don’t get much of that anymore and when was the last time you got the whole family together with score sheets or ran a lottery in the office for the Contest? My kids told me that they ran out into the street shouting ‘Daddy’s won Daddy’s won’ when my song won the nomination in 1980. My Da and my Uncle Tom adjourned to O’Reilly’s in Sandymount and as they entered the pub they were greeted with a standing ovation.

Our greatest Eurovision star, Johnny Logan pulled off the astonishing fete of winning the Eurovision as a singer, as a writer and as a writer performer. This was a memorable

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 13

Music

Irish writer Brendan Graham was a multiple winner at Eurovision. The first win was Rock ‘n Roll Kids with Paul Harrington piano and Charlie McGettigan guitar. He followed it the next year with The Voice sung by Emer Quinn.

We tried a flutter of feathers when Dustin sang Ireland into oblivion. He became reviled by the people who saw the show. We haven’t recovered from that since

achievement and turned Logan into a European super star. His charm and his innocence won him great admiration and he was at his most powerful singing his own song Hold Me Now. He’s one of the greatest performers in the Eurovision history.

Since then RTE have been unsuccessfully looking for another Johnny Logan but that doesn’t stop them trying and irritatingly for the past five years we’ve ended up in the dumper, not even getting through to the final. The hunt to find a Logan doppelganger is horribly misplaced.

RTE keep looking for a ‘Eurovision Song’ which is a critical mistake. And they are going the wrong way about it. This year’s winner, Salvador Sobral, who’s song as written by his sister Luisa, triumphed because his song was melodic and it wasn’t some sampled nasty modern confection that are an anathema to what we like to call real music. What they need is a good song and that shines through like Amar Pelos Dois.

The singer said ‘I want to say we live in a world of disposable music, fast food music, music without any conscience, music is feeling, so let’s try to change this and bring music back which is really what matters’.

He’s right of course and interestingly his sister Luisa managed to insinuate herself into a duet on stage with her brother for the reprise of the song. This was a small victory for songwriters everywhere because in all the comings and goings at Eurovision the writer is often left behind. It’s probably not deliberate but everyone is so anxious to be a star these days they’re quite happy to take the limelight and push the writer into the background.

When the Berlin Wall came down and the cold

war was over, Eastern European countries began to enter the Eurovision. A lot of them are quite screechy but they also produce fine big ballads in countries like Moldova and Estonia who gained the respect of the Western European audience and performers. With their arrival came the heavy accusations of partisan voting but I don’t think there’s any mystery to it. Your next door neighbor’s music is going to sound like your music and it’s only natural to recognise the shape of the neighbour’s entry. For the past years they have dominated the voting and their addition, despite having musical value, has caused the competition to become bloated with the number of countries taking part.

In 2015 Australia entered for the first time. They were close runners on their first and second attempts. But can you imagine the long faces in RTE had they won because they would have to find a budget big enough to fly twenty-three people to Oz. No way Jose!

Another Irish writer who goes about his business quietly was also a multiple winner at Eurovision, Brendan Graham. The first win was Rock ‘n Roll Kids with Paul Harrington piano and Charlie McGettigan on guitar without the aid of any gimmicks. And he followed it the next year with The Voice sung by Emer Quinn. Brendan hit the jackpot when he wrote You Raise Me Up which is the most recorded song in the history of music. Brendan, like Salvador, thinks its time to bring back real music and I couldn’t agree with him more.The other possible unorthodox method of winning

14 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

the Eurovision is to have a gimmick. Lordy from Norway hid behind masks and assaulted the audience like four Genghis Khans. It spurred the young kids to vote. Every year some crazy European will perform with a set of angels wings on his back. We tried a flutter of feathers when Dustin sang Ireland into oblivion.

He became reviled by the people who saw the show.

We haven’t recovered from that since.

The gay community has embraced the Eurovision with open arms. They plan Eurovision parties months in advance and enjoy the spectacle and bring their artistic gifts adding great colour to the show which in itself is very camp.

The stage outfits worn by the artists from various countries ride the range of fashion from outright bizarre to simply unbelievable. They also like the colour and flash of the enormous set with stunning lighting sequences accompanying every song.

Oddly enough there is no monetary prize for the Eurovision Song Contest, you get to pull on your country’s jersey and you’re doing it for the nation. A friend of mine told me he was in Churchtown when What’s Another Year crossed the line as winners and he could hear the cheering in the houses the whole length of the road. The exasperating aspect for the writer is that you’re away from home and you can’t enjoy the victory with your family and friends.

But the Irish people love Eurovision and they love a good song and if perchance RTE get the combination right, the right singer, the right song, who knows we might all be running into the street shouting ‘We won, we won’!

Travel

You can take a trip to the Meteora monasteries a UNESCO world heritage site on the Greek mainland.

Greek odyssey Karen Ryan was captivated by the Creek island of Corfu resort is perfect as it is fairly flat, unless you venture out of town into the hills. The only drawback was our mobiles did not work and other people had the same trouble. So, it might be advisable to contact your phone provider before you travel.

The beach is lined with bars and restaurants and if you turn right you can walk along to the river which separates Moraitika and Messongi. You can cross the river by boat for €1.00 each. We did this and were surprised to find we were being rowed across by an elderly lady in her late 70’s. Messongi was an old fishing village, of narrow little streets now full of little shops and bars.

Corfu is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, located off the northwest coast of Greece, in the Ionian Sea at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea. Because of its strategic position between Italy and Greece – in the middle of two major civilisations --it was an obvious target for invaders. Consequently, the island’s history is full of endless battles, right up to the Second World War.

Corfu town

It is a mountainous island of green hills, filled with lush olive, cyprus and citrus trees. As you walk around you see fields left to naturalise, filled with an abundance of wild grasses and flowers due to its humid warm climate. The Island is only about 63 km long and 28km at its widest part.

We took a trip to Corfu Town, using the local Green bus service.

From Moraitika it took about 45 minutes and cost €2.40. It was more a coach then bus, fully air conditioned with a driver and bus conductor. To get the bus back we had to walk out of town about 20 minutes to the bus terminal; this is the only drawback especially when it is very hot and you have been walking around. We walked through the newer part of Corfu town down to the Old Venetian Fortress which is the easternmost point of the headland, jutting out into the sea. Within this fortress is the Byzantine Museum containing mosaics from the 5th/6th century and frescos from the 11th/12th century.

We were staying in the Sea Bird Hotel in Moraitika, a friendly, family-run establishment in the south of the island. It’s a short stroll to the beach, and about a 10 minute walk the other way into town. For older people this

There is also the Siege of Corfu Museum, which is full of maps and books. Both these museums are worth visiting. You can climb to the top of the Old Fortress for the spectacular views. Stroll inside and light a

16 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Travel

Corfu town port

candle in the Pillared Church. There is a cafe on the middle level, where you can sit in the shade while looking out to sea. On leaving the Fortress you can stroll along the sea front, looking at the spectacle scenery and the crystal blue/green sea. We got lost in the old town; this area is called Kabielo and is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways with the high traditional Corfiot buildings and small quaint squares interspersed with steps going up and down. Washing hangs across these narrow streets stretched from side to side. The Kabielo area is well worth a visit as this is where the nobility of Venice lived when the Venetians ruled Corfu from 1386 to 1797 and has its own unique feel. Kremasti Square is one of the most beautiful in this area, with a fountain dating back to 1669. Most of this area can only be negotiated on foot or by moped. Mopeds are a very popular form of transport. You will see people of all ages young flying around on their mopeds - most without crash helmets, although by law they are supposed to wear one. But Corfu has a very low crime rate and you hardly see any police around. You can hire mopeds, beach buggies or quad bikes as well as cars and they are quite reasonable and petrol/diesel is similar price to here.

We went into town most nights and dined in various tavernas, but the one thing common in all of them, is the people who are so friendly and very pleasant. We sampled various Greek dishes such as lamb kleftiko – lamb cooked in a delicious herb sauce. Souvlaki is a popular dish this is meat on skewers with spices and dressing. Gemista – stuffed peppers and tomatoes, and many more all very tasty. After every meal, they give you a free glass of ouzo and Kumquat liqueur. (Kumquat is an exotic fruit with a distinct taste and aroma and is now the island’s symbol; the drink is sweet and very pleasant).

We dined at the Lava restaurant several times, and I would recommend it: the food was delicious and staff all so friendly. The cost of the meals varies but averaged out about €9 per dish, so very reasonable.

Most of the Tavernas are family run, they work every day – seven days a week from May/June through to October, when everything shuts down. But then its olive time: Corfu is famous for its olives. The Island is full of olive trees some of which are hundreds of years old, as they were introduced to the island by the Venetians. Many of the locals then spend winter picking olives and processing into olive oil soaps and other products.

As you travel around Corfu you will see lots of new buildings half built and abandoned and old buildings just left falling into disrepair. Old cars 18 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

left in fields. But the beauty of the Island and the people make up for this. We met numerous people who have visited Corfu again and again and it is their preference of all the Greek Islands? Moraikita is a favourite resort for many. One German couple we met, have returned to our hotel twice a year for the last 15 years.

There are lots of places to visit and see. We took a boat trip to mainland Greece and saw dolphins on the way over. We visited a cave, stopped at a small village and then anchored at the Blue Lagoon – where you can dive off the boat into crystal clear waters full of fish. Although the sea was about 20 metres deep, it is so clear you can see right to the bottom, and the colour of the sea is unbelievable, bluest of blue to turquoise green. After a buffet lunch and wine we left the Lagoon, and the boat and did a final stop at Notes back on Corfu. This is a place full of little inlets, with little bars/tavernas where you can sit and relax while eating and drinking and looking out to sea and the most idyllic views. In fact, it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen. When we headed back on the boat, the dancing started – Spyros our crewman doing Greek dancing on the boat, a most enjoyable trip and highly recommended.

Meteora monasteries From Moraitika you can take a trip to the Meteora monasteries a UNESCO world heritage site on the Greek mainland. There are boat trips to the islands of Paxos, Corfu town by night, even a trip to Albania which is just up above the coast of Greece.

er annum.

Home Instead Senior Care Honours Public Health Nurses

3rd Annual Public Health Nurse of the Year Awards in Association with the Institute of Community Health Nursing

Gwen Regan, Regional Winner East and Peter Eithne Carrick, Overall Winner and Oonagh Cox, Taylor, Owner and MD of Home Instead Senior Owner and MD of Home Instead Senior Care Care Fairview.

Mayo.

Oliver McBride, Owner and MD of Home Instead Sligo and Sr Mary McNicholas, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

The Institute of Community Health Nursing (ICHN) hosted its 2017 community nurse awards in association with Home Instead Senior Care, at its annual nursing conference, rewarding public health nurses for their dedication to community care across the country.

Hosted in the Hilton Hotel, Kilmainham, the theme of the conference was Community Nursing: Towards an Integrated Model of and aimed to provide a day of education, 1890 Care, 930 013 knowledge sharing and networking for public health nurses and an opportunity to take time to reflect upon industry best practice and new www.seniortimes.ie innovations.

Six awards were presented to nominees who delivered exceptional care in their communities in 2016, across a range of services, enhancing the lives of many, and the community at large.

The overall winner was Eithne Garrick from Public Health Nursing (PHN) Community Care Offices in Ballina, Co. Mayo for her dedication to improving health outcomes, enhancing patients’ experiences and transforming nursing practices in the areas of breastfeeding and antenatal education in particular. Eithne was also commended for her work in supporting the development of the Healthy Hospital Initiative with Mayo University Hospital, amongst her many other achievements. “I am delighted to accept this award in recognition of my contribution to ensure that the public

Gwen Regan (Regional Winner East), Sr Mary McNicholas (Lifetime Achievement Award Winner), Eithne Garrick (Overall Winner) and Jackie Austen (Regional Winner - Dublin South West)

nursing community in Ireland is providing excellent care, and services that the people of Ireland can be proud of, whether it’s post natal care, or the improvements to our community hospitals,� said Eithne.

A lifetime achievement award was presented to Sr. Elizabeth Mc Nicholas, a retired PHN from Co. Sligo to commend her professional contribution to Public Health Nursing during a 26-year long career. Sister Mc Nicholas was described by her peers and colleagues as a compassionate and very hard working nurse, who always went the extra mile.

Sr. Elizabeth, said “Ireland is a neighbourly country and our rural communities are usually very good at looking out for each other. But there are some who fall through the cracks, and this is where we, as regional nurses come in, to ensure the vulnerable have a voice.�

The regional titles were awarded to: Gwen Regan for her work in North Dublin (Regional Winner East), Eithne Carrick from Ballina (Regional Winner West), Mary Costello, for her work in Laois and Offaly (Regional Winner Midlands) and Jackie Austen of Dublin South West (Regional Winner South).

ICHN President Ms. Anne Lynott praised the winners for their inspiration and attitute towards nursing and care.

Hugh McGauran, Owner and Managing Director of Home Instead Senior Care Rathfarnham and Jackie Austen, Regional Winner - Dublin South West.

“Once again, the committee received an abundance of quality nominations of nurses implementing best practice, and often going beyond the line of duty. Your efforts have been acknowledged by your colleagues and peers who nominated you, and now, it is acknowledged publicly by the institute. We are grateful to all our nurses, and especially those of you who lead by example, and we hope that others will continue to aspire to walk in the footsteps of such exemplary practice,� she commented.

Now in their third year, the awards are gratefully sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care, who, through their community offices, help to enhance the lives of the elderly by giving them the help, confidence and independence they need to live in their own homes for longer. “We have worked with many of the nurses recognised as well as hundreds of public health nurses throughout the country, who truly go above and beyond to ensure accountability, safety, dignity, and peace of mind, in delivering care to their community clients. They have all helped to make their community a better place to grow old,� said Ed Murphy, CEO and Founder of Home Instead Senior Care in Ireland.

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 19

Travel

Moraitika whose beach is in a curve on the coast and you can look across and see the mountains on mainland Greece.

We took the local bus to Kavos, which is down at the very bottom tip of Corfu. This is the party capital of Corfu, with the strip - a long road full of bars and clubs. On route you pass through the town of Lefkimmi which is the largest market town on the South side of the island. It is one of the most picturesque areas as it has remained virtually untouched over the centuries. There is a small bridge over the pretty Lefkimmi Canal which is lined with colourful little boats and you can sit and have a coffee. The bus cuts across the mountains, through several large villages, barely fitting round some of the narrow corners almost scraping the walls of the buildings. Upon reaching Kavos we walked onto the beach – stretching before you are miles and miles of sandy beach almost deserted, as the young seem to party all night and then sleep all day. We wandered to the tip of the beach, which was edged in sun- bleached sea grass and boats moored here and there. There are big four poster wooden beds on the beach with muslin curtains, which you can lay on in the shade with the breeze passing through. We met an elderly couple in their who return to Kavos year after year, but stay at the far end, away from the strip and wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.

There are many places in Corfu which are steeped in Greek mythology.

The island was a stopping place for Jason and the Argonauts on their return journey, bringing with them the Golden Fleece and Medea. It is described in Homer’s Odyssey under the name of Scheria. Corfu was ruled over by Alcinoos ruler of the Phaecians, and it was his daughter Nausicaa who found Odysseus shipwrecked. According to legend Odysseus was on his way home but Poseidon the god of the sea had a grudge against him, saw his ship and transformed it into a rock.

Odysseus was cast into the sea. Pontikonisi is the boat that Poseidon turned to rock. This small piece of land is perhaps the best known symbol of Corfu. In the west of the Island Palaiokastritsa according to the myth is the last place Odysseus stopped before his return to Ithaca.

Scattered around the island are many ancient temples, monuments, monasteries and church’s. Near Benitses are the ruins of Roman Spas with inlaid mosaic floors. Gerald Durrell lived on the island for a few years 20 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

The beach at Moraitika

in his youth, and his house is now a tourist attraction; they are still filming Meet the Durrell’s on the island - which I will now watch with new eyes.

Moraitika beach The beach at Moraitika is lovely. You can wade out in the sea for quite a way until it gets deep, so it’s very safe for swimming. If you stand still you will see fish swimming around. There are free sun beds outside many of the bars where you are encouraged to drink and eat. okay too.

Hawkers come along selling big punnets of cherries or strawberries for €4. Moraitika beach is in a curve on the coast and you can look across and see the mountains on mainland Greece.

We spent a very enjoyable evening in Alexakis Taverna on the beach in Moraitika where every Saturday they have a Greek dancing night. It started out with two young women in traditional dress dancing with candles, and then red scarves and they were then joined by a man.

They then changed and did Zorba style dancing with red sashes around

L VE TO DANCE? Why not combine your favourite hobby with a Winter Sun holiday on the Costa del Sol?

The 4* Sunset Beach Club hotel is pleased to present this fabulous opportunity to practice and improve your dance moves, under the guidance of hosts, Chris and Pete Bradley.

When and Where?

Dancing and tuition will take place in Sunset Beach Club’s Moonlight Theatre from 7th January to 28th January 2018.

A typical weekly programme includes the following:

• 5 Evening Dance Sessions & 2 Morning Tuition Sessions per week.

• Evening Dance Programs will be

a mixture of the latest, up-to-date Sequence and 50/50 dancing and will include Freestyle Modern Ballroom & Latin American dancing, and, the latest, popular & evergreen Sequence dances.

• Ballroom enthusiasts can practice their

Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango, or if you are looking to work on your Latin style, there is also Jive, Cha Cha & Rumba!

7 Nights from

231€*

per person

You do not need to be experts, but this holiday is not suitable for absolute beginners. Novices and accomplished dancers are welcome.

What will the weather be like in January?

Statistics show prevailing clear blue skies & warm temperatures, with average daily max of 18ºC, and 5-6 hours sunshine every day. Averages show only 6 days with any precipitation during the whole month… certainly better weather than most of Europe!

Where can we find more information?

Visit the Groups section of www.sunsetbeachclub.com (Winter Sun Dance Holiday)

How do we book?

Visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com and book using Promo Code 684662. Dance events take place between 7–28 January, minimum stay is 7 nights. You can book Room Only or Bed & Breakfast.

Need assistance booking? Call Inma on +34 952 579400 Ext 7805 or email i.moreno@sunsetbeachclub.com.

Extra Nights from

33€*

per person

10% discount* for stays of 21 nights!

based on 2 persons sharing a 1 bedroom Exterior apt

*

FAQ: Do we need to be expert dancers to attend?

PROMO CODE 684662

www.sunsetbeachclub.com

Sunset Beach Club Hotel in brief: • • • • • • • • •

4* Hotel-Apartments Seafront location, Benalmádena-Costa Easy transfers from Malaga airport All rooms have kitchenette & terrace Restaurant with live music (Early Bird option for dance nights) Panorama Bar with daily Happy Hour Walk to shops, bars, restaurants Hotel Leisure Desk – maps, market days, bus & train routes, day trips, local information.

Daily organized activities

Sunset Beach Club, Avda. del Sol 5, Benalmádena-Costa, 29630, Málaga (Spain) Tel +34 952 579 400 Ext. 7805 | Email: i.moreno@sunsetbeachclub.com

Travel

The pretty Lefkimmi Canal which is lined with colourful little boats and plenty of cafes for a coffee or a drink

The Old Fort Corfu town

We sampled various Greek dishes such as lamb kleftiko – lamb cooked with herbs, spices and dressing, and gemista – stuffed peppers and tomatoes,

their waists. Then there was belly dancing followed by Greek dancing in a circle of fire while we were all given plates to smash around them on floor. The man danced with a drink on his head and got up onto the table to dance without spilling the drink. He also set fire to one corner of a small table and then picked it up with his teeth at the opposite end and danced and spun round while table was alight. It finished with the traditional arms across the shoulders Greek dance, speeding up getting faster and faster. During this dancing, they got several of us up to dance and it was a very enjoyable night.

Although this was my first visit to a Greek Island, it will definitely not be my last. Corfu is a magical Island full of beauty; every part of the coast, every inlet is like a hidden gem. It is a combination of this beauty and the people that really make Corfu worth visiting.

22 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Further information: Greek National Tourism Organisation, 4 Great Portland Street 5th floor (east), Portland Street, London W1W 8QJ Tel.: +44 20 74959300 E-mail: info@gnto.co.uk http://www.visitgreece.gr Aer Lingus fly from Dublin to Corfu

It’s Never Too Late to Seek Help for Addiction Are you living with addiction? Does your child or spouse battle alcohol, drugs or gambling? The Rutland Centre’s message is it’s never too late to seek help.

The Rutland Centre treats over 400 people each year for various types of addiction. In 2016, the 45-65 year old age group was the second largest age group to receive treatment at the Rutland Centre. The largest age group to receive treatment the same year at the Rutland Centre was the 25 - 44 years age group.

Commenting, Maebh Leahy at the Rutland Centre said: “Addiction knows no boundaries – we always have clients in treatment at the Rutland Centre across the full age spectrum from 18 right up to mid 70s . It is never too late to seek help and we know that families can recover even after many years of addiction.

Equally, if you are worried about someone and not sure if they have a problem, it’s never too early to raise your concern and get advice!

As a parent or spouse, you often have a unique insight into the behaviours of loved ones but it can be really difficult to intervene and to get support. That’s why we run free family advice sessions every second Wednesday – to help you figure out how to broach the subject with your spouse, sibling, parent or child.

Our mesage is that treatment works and recovery happens! It is worth picking up the

phone for – recovery means so much more than no longer drinking for example. It means better physical and mental health, improved self-esteem, a chance to rebuild relationships and repair families and it means an overall better quality of life.“ The Rutland Centre is a registered charity whose mission is to provide services for the treatment of addiction. The centre employs approximately 24 people on a part-time and full-time basis, comprising a multi-disciplinary team of psychologists, psychotherapists, addiction counsellors and nursing staff. All staff have a personal training plan and the organisation has a wider training plan that covers all mandatory training. It is compliant with CHKS Standards and enjoys an annual survey with the CHKS team.

The treatment programmes at the Rutland Centre focus on abstinence as the best route to recovery from all addictions. On admission to the five-week residential programme, each client is assigned to a therapy group and to a team of counsellors for the treatment plan. The treatment involves one-to-one counselling and group therapy; time for reflection and reading; relaxation, and recreation activities; art therapy, educational lectures and therapeutic workshops.

In addition, clinical staff provide daily lectures covering a broad range of topics, including psychological, medical, social and spiritual. The centre also runs speciality workshops such as relapse prevention, anger management, eating issues, assertiveness, family issues and similar specialist topics. A 10 week outpatients programme involves group therapy sessions and counseling.

The common factor in all addictions is the emotional and financial destruction caused by the addiction on the relationships of the person affected. Heavy emphasis is therefore placed on the role of the family in recovery at the Rutland Centre. The Centre encourages family members to get involved by taking part in the regular family sessions and workshops it hosts to offer support to families along with practical advice on how to help a loved one.

If you are concerned about yourself or a friend or family member, the Rutland Centre offers a 24-hour helpline on 01 494 6358.

For further information, visit www.rutlandcentre.ie.

Maebh Leahy concluded: “We see real improvements in levels of depression, risk of suicide and self-esteem once treatment has been completed and we are certain that these significant changes give clients a really good start on their personal road to lifelong recovery.”

Eye Health

Coping with cataracts The Irish College of Ophthalmologists (ICO), the training and professional body for eye doctors in Ireland, explain the condition, the symptoms and treatment options

What is a cataract?

The lens in the eye can become cloudy and hard, a condition called cataract. This interferes with the focusing power of the eye. Cataract can happen through ageing, as a result of eye injury, or if you have taken certain drugs such as steroids. Cataract is a common cause of visual impairment in older people but can also affect a small number of younger individuals.

Cataract causes blurred vision, dull vision, and sensitivity to light, glare and ghosting of images. If the cataract changes vision so much that it interferes with your daily life it may need to be removed. The only available treatment for removal of cataract is surgery to replace the affected lens. The purpose of the surgery is to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a plastic lens (implant) inside your eye. A patient can decide not to have the cataract removed however the quality of their vision will continue to dis-improve. It is important if you suspect you might have a cataract to see an eye doctor who will discuss the condition and treatment options.

What are the different types of cataract?

The most common type of cataract is the one that people get as they become older. It is called a nuclear cataract because it affects the cen 24 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

How this air balloon would be seen by healthy eyes and eyes with cataracts

tral core of the lens. This develops quite slowly sometimes taking many years to affect the vision significantly.

A cortical cataract occurs in the peripheral part of the lens and often looks like the spokes in a bicycle wheel. It takes some time for these ‘spokes’ to grow centrally to affect the vision and doctors often see signs of this cataract before the patient’s vision is affected.

A subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens typically afflicting

Alzheimer Society of Ireland wants more support for carers following launch of De-Stress report The health and well-being of family carers must be addressed as a matter of urgency following a large-scale survey of 200 people who are caring for their spouse who has dementia.

‘De-Stress: A study to assess the health and wellbeing of spousal carers of people with dementia in Ireland’ aimed to find out more about their lives and health, their caring role and the impact this has on their lives and to explore the amount of stress they experience, as well as exploring the positive aspects of caring.

This study was carried out by researchers at Trinity College Dublin and was funded by Health Research Board (HRB) and the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and was launched in Trinity on Tuesday, June 13th during Carers Week 2017.

The findings of the De-Stress study provide information about the level and extent of care being provided and chronic physical and mental health conditions among carers.

Of particular interest are the high levels of mental health issues among carers, such as depression and anxiety, which can have an impact on confidence, as carer Jacquelina Keane and research participant highlights: “People have no idea how isolating caring can be.”

A summary of the main findings include: • Nearly half of the carers in the study spent all of their waking time looking after their spouse, and 15% had given up their jobs in order to care for their spouse;

ASI Helpline press Senior Times132x190 feb16.indd 1

• Most carers (79%) reported that they themselves provided 81% – 100% of the care for their spouse. Women more commonly provided this level of care than men; • Most of the carers took prescribed medicines. Those who had more chronic health conditions (such as arthritis, hypertension or diabetes), were more likely to have high carer burden and lower quality of life; • Depression and anxiety were common among family carers, and around a third of participants had difficulty with at least one core caring activity, such as managing money, shopping for or preparing food or managing appointments; • Carers experience a decline in cognitive functions (such as attention and ability to plan), over a one-year period, but this was not linked to their stress levels or a genetic susceptibility to developing Alzheimer’s Disease.

The full report can be read via this link: http://alzheimer.ie/About-Us/Research.aspx

02/02/2016 15:57

Eye Health

people with diabetes and those on steroid therapy. This causes a ‘stippling’ on the surface of the lens like a semi-opaque bathroom window and can occur quite quickly sometimes blocking off the vision within a year.

5. Diabetes mellitus There is evidence to show that diabetics are more prone to cataract formation especially those suffering from Type 2 diabetes.

How is cataract treated / are there alternatives to surgery?

What are the symptoms of cataract?

The blurring of vision is gradual, hardly affecting the sight at first. It would seem like looking through an opaque glass at times. Light from the sun, a lamp or oncoming headlights cause dazzle and in daylight colours seem faded. Patients often remark that colours are more vibrant in one eye than the other.

Symptoms and their onset may vary depending on the cataract type.

With nuclear cataract for example there may be an improvement in reading and close work for many months or even years, due to the development of short sightedness, but eventually this will also deteriorate as the cataract progresses. This phenomenon used to be known as ‘second sight’. Subcapsular cataract can occur rapidly and affect the vision in a shorter period of time than other types of cataracts.

If you suspect you are developing a cataract, you should make an appointment with your GP who will make a referral for you to see an eye doctor.

At an early stage, the impact of the cataract on your vision can be improved by changing the power of your glasses, that is, ensuring that your distance and reading glasses are up to date. Sometimes a change of glasses can give a temporary improvement of sight particularly if your cataract is at an early stage of development. Tinted lenses, magnifying lenses and appropriate lighting may also help.

This can go on for years at a time and an annual review is indicated. Later as the cataract becomes more opaque the only effective treatment is surgery.

When should I have my cataract removed?

What are the causes of cataract?

Despite many studies, it is unknown exactly why cataracts form as the lens ages. While the factors are being gradually identified, it is thought that a diet with high antioxidants (beta-carotene, vitamins A, C and E, and selenium) may help keep cataracts at bay.

The following are risk factors that are said to be associated with cataract formation.

1. Ultraviolet light has been said to damage the proteins in the lens and induce cataract. Eye doctors advise the use of sunglasses and widebrim hats to protect against UV light exposure. A UV protective coating on your sunglasses is probably a good thing to have.

2. Poor nutrition.

3. Steroids and some other drugs are implicated in cataract formation.

4. Other risk factors believed to increase risk of cataract formation include too much salt, alcohol, air pollution and smoking.

26 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

This depends on your personal circumstances and lifestyle. If you are a car driver, removal of the cataract will be indicated at a much earlier stage than for people who don’t drive. In Ireland, a binocular vision of 6/12, adequate contrast sensitivity and a normal field of vision is necessary for driving. Driving is very important to most people and to their independence, so if the above parameters are being threatened by cataract formation then early surgery is indicated.

Eye Health However, if you don’t drive or are happy to give it up, and you have adequate vision to carry out your normal daily activities then cataract surgery can be postponed indefinitely. If you are happy with your current vision then there is no need to undergo cataract surgery. There can be many years difference in the timing of cataract surgery depending on your lifestyle or circumstances but it is important to keep regular appointments with your eye doctor so the condition can be monitored.

week after surgery but will be given an emergency number to contact the clinic should any undue soreness or blurring occur the days following discharge.

Many recommence driving after one to two weeks and will have returned to normal activities such as work after a week or two.

How to make an appointment with an eye doctor

What does a cataract operation entail?

For an appointment to see any medical specialist working in the HSE, including eye doctors, you need to get a referral from your General Practitioner (GP). A GP has knowledge of the specialists in his/her area and can ensure that any important information relating to your medical history is passed to the eye doctor.

Can I make an appointment directly with an eye doctor?

While it is advisable to seek a referral from your GP many eye doctors working in the community will give you an appointment directly - you can find contact details for eye doctors on the ICO website at www.eyedoctors.ie How to take care of your eye health The ICO places a priority on raising the public’s awareness of eye health and the significance of eye health as an indicator of general health and wellbeing.

Cataract surgery is usually done as a day case procedure, however, in some cases your surgeon may prefer you to stay overnight in hospital after the surgery.

Before surgery, the eye is measured to help choose the correct strength of lens to replace the natural lens. In the operating theatre the pupil of the eye will be enlarged with drops and the eye anaesthetised with drops, and sometimes with an infusion of anaesthetic into the space between the eyeball and the lids to reduce movement of the eye. Alternatively your surgeon may decide that the procedure should be done under intravenous sedation or general anaesthetic if you are very anxious.

The operation will be done by an experienced eye surgeon using an operating microscope and very fine instruments in a hospital theatre setting with a medical team. The patient does not see what is happening but will be aware of bright light and warm water around the eye. Local anaesthetic lasts around 20/30 minutes, the length of time it takes to complete the operation.

The eye is opened and a small hole is made in the capsule (bag) that contains the cataract. The cataract is broken into small pieces and “hoovered” out of the eye, a process that is called Phacoemulsification.

The lens implant is then injected into the capsule. Antibiotics are administered and the tiny wound is made secure. You will be asked lie still until a protective pad and/or shield is placed over the eye.

The eye is not an isolated unit and has complicated relationships with numerous other bodily functions including that of the brain and nervous system. Often when an eye problem presents, it can be an indicator of another underlying medical condition.

Many eye diseases are associated with general medical conditions and many general systemic conditions affect eye health (diabetes, sleep apnoea, various tumour’s, hypertension, sickle cell disease, lupus, and many others can affect the eyes and threaten vision).

People need to be aware of how important lifestyle is for good eye health and the importance of reacting to any change they notice to their sight. After ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing Age related-Macular Degeneration and also increases your risk of developing cataracts.

Simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact and help to slow the progression or onset of eye conditions, like giving up smoking, eating a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, exercise, sensible use of sunglasses and having regular eye exams.

It is important to make an appointment to see an eye doctor or a health care professional if you notice a change, however slight in your vision.

For more information on eye health, visit the ICO website at www.eyedoctors.ie

Cataract surgery is one of the highest volume surgical procedures carried out in Ireland featuring in the top 20 day case procedures performed annually in public hospitals since 2005.

Post-operative care Most patients recover very quickly following cataract surgery. The protective cover will remain in place for a number of hours and your doctor or nurse will advise the patient when it can be removed. Patients will also receive advice about how to care for the eye following the procedure to protect against infection and inflammation and antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops will be prescribed. A patient will return for follow up one Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 27

Money

Houses Heating Up For Summer...

Sinead Ryan, Personal Finance Journalist with the Irish Independent and RTE’s ‘My Money and Me’ looks at the home heating grants that are available currently Rain or sun, cloudy or clear, we never know what kind of summer Ireland will get, but one thing is for sure: chilly Autumn days can’t be far behind it. Most of us don’t think about things like our central heating or insulation during the warmer months, but with the grants that are available for works, summer is exactly the time that consideration should be given to it.

Available all year around, it is much quicker to get approval and a contractor to carry out the work in summer. In this article we’ll look at four supports:

have received grants worth almost E209m. So far this year 5,959 applications have been completed grant-aided by E6.4m. There are two types: Better Energy Scheme This grant is not means-tested and available to anyone who asks for it. It pays around a third of the cost of attic or wall insulation, new heating controls and/or a new oil or gas boiler. Approval is immediate if you apply online (www.seai.ie) and there are extra amounts if you apply for more than one type of work to be undertaken.

SEAI Grants There’s a county by county contractor list on the website, and work must be Since the scheme was introduced in 2009, 196,596 houses around the country 28 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

completed within 6 months of the grant being approved.

40%

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Money The grants are fixed amounts, depending on the house type (see table) so you do have to fund the bulk of it, but if you were planning to anyway, you’d be crazy not to apply.

There are some conditions on the type of boiler and insulation, but the objective is to make sure you actually save money on it in terms of energy bills. The SEAI says switching to a high-efficiency boiler could save 20pc on bills, feel warmer and live in a healthier environment.

Call 1850 927 000 or email info@betterenergyhomes.ie for more details.

Warmer Homes Scheme This scheme is means tested, and if you qualify, all the work will be carried out completely free. It is particularly beneficial to those on low incomes, living in older houses.

You can get insulation for attic and cavity walls, lagging jackets, and low energy bulbs throughout the house. A contractor will show you where you can keep energy costs down and will advise and inspect ventilation.

Local contractors are used, and the waiting time for the grant is less than 10 weeks.

To qualify for this scheme there are some conditions: The rules are: - you need to be an owner occupier (i.e. not a local authority tenant).

- the house must be older than 2006 and you must be in receipt of one of the following social welfare benefits: Fuel allowance, Job Seekers Allowance (and a child under the age of 7), Family Income Supplement or the One Parent Family Payment.

- you must be an owner occupier or in private rented accommodation, - An occupational therapist assessment may be necessary, but the cost can be reclaimed, - It is means-tested on a sliding scale with the maximum household income €60,000 to qualify.

Apply for the grant at 1800 250 204, or by emailing warmerhomes@ seai.ie

Priority 1: terminally ill, or fully carer-dependent where the grant would facilitate hospital discharge,

Home Renovation Initiative

Priority 2: mobile, but needs assistance,

Not so much a grant as a VAT back scheme, HRI has been immensely popular and has been extended to 31 December 2018. It covers building works costing between €4,405 - €30,000 including new windows, landscaping, conversions and extensions. It does not include furniture, white-goods or services like an architect or designer.

Priority 3: independent but requires adaptations to improve quality of life.

There are two words of warning, however: (1) If you apply for an SEAI Grant and also avail of the HRI scheme, the grant value is divided by 3 before the VAT back is calculated.

For example: If you pay €10,000 for insulation works, receiving a €2,700 SEAI grant towards it, this €10,000 is reduced by €8,100 (€2,700 x 3) leaving a ‘qualifying’ expenditure of just €1,900. Even though it’s below the minimum threshold for HRI, it will be allowed, but you need to decide if your money is being spent wisely – if you are getting insulation works done as part of an extension say, you may be better off ignoring the grant inclusion for this purpose.

(2) To get the tax back, you must be a tax payer. This can cause issues for pensioners on the State pension, or low incomes, as they don’t begin to pay tax until their income is around €18,000 p.a. Other family members are not allowed claim the tax back on your behalf.

Adaptation Grants for Older People This year €59.8m is being made available for older people and people with a disability, a 6pc increase. Part funded by the National Lottery and local government, the grants are means-tested and are based on priority. The maximum grant is €30,000 for house adaptation, €8,000 for housing aids and €6,000 for mobility aids.

30 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

SEAI Grants: Better Energy Scheme Energy Efficient Works

House Type

Value

Attic Insulation

All

€300

Internal Dry Lining

Apartment/Mid-Terrace House

€1,200

Semi-Detached/End Terrace

€1,800

Detached

€2,400

External Wall Insulation

Apartment/Mid-Terrace House

€2,250

Semi-Detached/End Terrace

€3,400

Detached

€4,500

Heating System

Boiler (oil or gas) upgrade

€700

Heating Controls only

€600

Solar Heating

€1,200

Bonus Grant

For 3rd measure

Additional

€300

For 4th measure

Additional

€100

BER Certificate

All

*Under the ‘Warmer Home’ scheme all costs are fully paid

€50

Earn money for energy efficient work in your home.

Energy Efficiency Incentive Scheme.

Join over 6,000 customers who have received more than â‚Ź2.5 million for carrying out energy saving work in their homes.

Visit www.electricireland.ie/efficiency

Smarter Living

Golf

It don’t mean a thing if it aint got that swing Dermot Gilleece on golfers of note With suitable apologies, one imagines, to a notable non-golfer by the name of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a Canadian school of music devised an opera titled The Master’s Stroke, in which the leading character was Don Giannuari. Half-man and half-god, he was inspired by the celebrated American tour player of the same name, though the original of the special spelt his surname January. And the Canadian creation hadn’t lost a golf match in 400 years.

We don’t often associate golf with music,

especially that of the high-brow variety. But why not? The struggle of dispatching a sphere measuring 1.68 inches in diameter into a hole measuring 4.25 inches across with implements ill-suited to the purpose, has generated dramatic stories of remarkable endeavour, down the years.

Indeed, golf knows no boundaries. I remember on the passing of the great Australian soprano, Joan Hammond, in November 1996, much was

32 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Percy French, inset, did as much for the scenic beauty of Royal Co Down GC, as many a coloured brochure. The spectacular view from the ninth fairway, allows us fully appreciate the picture he wanted to paint, where the ‘Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea’.

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Golf

Winner of three New South Wales women’s titles, celebrated Australian soprano Joan Hammond represented her country in matches against Britain and New Zealand

made of her accomplishments with club and ball. Ms Hammond first saw the light in Sydney in 1912, a vintage year for golfers in that it also marked the birth of Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson, three of the game’s greatest exponents.

Having learned the game as a child, Ms Hammond’s interest in it was heightened when she went to work as a sports reporter on the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

Winner of three New South Wales women’s titles, she represented her country in matches against Britain and New Zealand. And when the Australian Ladies Golf Union raised sufficient money in 1936 to allow her continue her musical studies in Europe, she was rather proud of being a two-handicapper _ ‘the lowest of any woman player in the country.’

Despite her considerable success, however, she insisted: ‘There was never any difficulty in choosing between singing and golf. Singing was my first love.’ Yet she later saw fit to repay what she perceived as a significant debt to golf, by giving concerts to help finance overseas trips by Australian women players.

My memory of her has not the slightest connection with golf, other than the fact that enthusiastic practitioners such as Danny Kaye and Bob Hope had trod the same boards in

Dublin. As a lad in 1956, I sat in the ‘gods’ of the Theatre Royal on our annual family outing to The Messiah, in which she thrilled us all as the soprano soloist.

More recently we’ve had Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a diva of comparable quality, gracing the game. ‘I believe that there are only a few women who have been given this role in the golf world, so I am especially proud to be counted amongst them,’she said proudly, on being appointed president of Brocket Hall GC in England.

Meanwhile, back with Don Giannuari, we discover that so as to maintain his unbeaten record on the fairways, he killed a course marshal, a crime for which he attempted to avoid punishment. It is not mentioned whether he went on to kill several others, as would appear mandatory for a villain in grand opera.

Either way, his longevity made Don January an appropriate model, given that the Texan, at 47, became the oldest winner of the Vardon Trophy on the PGA Tour, in 1976.

We’re informed that The Master’s Stroke was actually the fifth opera collaboration between librettist, Michael Cavanagh, and composer, Neil Weisensel. Described as a ‘comedic opera about golf,’ its convoluted plot could hardly be compared with the game it represents, given

34 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

that essentially, golf should be a straightforward exercise from tee to green. Rather, we’re told, the opera is a ‘shrill, overblown, two-anda-half-hour marriage of golf’s foibles to Greek myth, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and the nasty, contemporary world of fame, fortune and misguided justice.’

It was premiered around the Millennium by a large cast from the University of Manitoba School of Music Opera Workshop. Mel Braun directed and it was performed in a semistaged workshop format, accompanied by two pianists. As a consequence of his dastardly exploits, the Don is about to be expelled from the PGA, to which the hierarchy on Mount Olympus take grave exception. So it is that a lengthy trial culminates in the Don having to play a match against Betsy, the Goddess of Pointless Sports, which turns out to be an epic battle that remains tied on the 18th green.

You will note that in the best tradition of grand opera, it is suitably far-fetched stuff.

More down to earth were the exploits of an American golfer by the name of Don Cherry, who came to the attention of enthusiasts on this side of the pond during the Walker Cup matches at St Andrews in 1955. That was when he administered a fairly severe 5 and 4 skelping to our own Joe Carr in the fourth singles on the second day.

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Golf

Formidable US amateur Don Cherry went on to gain fame as a popular singer, most notably with his recording of the ballad, Band of Gold

As it happened, Cherry went on to gain fame as a popular singer, most notably with his recording of the ballad, Band of Gold. Some years later, as patrons of certain pubs in Waterville could vouch, the late Payne Stewart also displayed a fine aptitude for holding a tune, though not quite to professional standards.

As patrons of certain pubs in Waterville could vouch, the late Payne Stewart also displayed a fine aptitude for holding a tune, though not quite to professional standards.

Penny Grice-Whittaker, on the other hand, was a tournament golfer with serious aspirations as a singer. In the late 1990s, newspapers were reporting that the former British Women’s Open champion, with one-time blonde tresses now a rich brunette, was to be found hammering out hits from Elvis Presley to Kylie Minogue, on the North of England club circuit for the modest fee of £Stg250 per night.

‘Unlike the men, women golfers have to look the part as well as play, and unfortunately, I was never made for the catwalk,’said Grice-Whittaker, a married woman with two children. As it happened, her singing ambitions were quite modest. ‘I want folk coming to see me, not because I used to be a golfer, but because they have heard our act is good,’ she said.

Meanwhile, though he couldn’t have envisaged it, Percy French did as much for the scenic beauty of Royal Co Down GC, as many a

coloured brochure. The spectacular view from the ninth fairway, allows us fully appreciate the picture he wanted to paint, where the ‘Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea’.

Though this charming song had to do with an Irish emigrant in London rather than the royal and ancient game, French actually wrote about golf, as in No More O’ yer Golfin’ for Me, which has a typically lively refrain.

thing. /Then Murphy drove off the wee ball Oh! Begor! /It rose through the air, till it looked like a star, /The head of my driver’d have gone just as far, /If it hadn’t been tied with a string.’

It goes: ‘I’m an old-fashioned dog to be larnin’ new tricks/But Murphy came around wid two bags full o’ sticks/At hockey you’ve one club, but here you have six/And that’s a remarkable

I think you’ll agree that with an appropriate tune and the right amount of liquid nourishment, it has the makings of an ideal piece for a golfclub get-together.

36 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Then the refrain: ‘Golf! Golf! Carry me off! /Bury me down by the sea. /The drivers may drive, but dead or alive, /No more o’ year golfin’ for me.’

Culture

The Liz Roche Company presents presents the world premiere of Totems in the exquisite surrounds of the Shaw Room at the refurbished National Gallery

Mr Handel comes to town..

Maretta Dillon reports on happenings in the arts in the next few months As part of the programme to mark the re-opening of the of the National Gallery this summer, the Liz Roche Company presents the world premiere of Totems in the exquisite surrounds of the Shaw Room and The Grand Gallery. A group of six dancers will come together with live musicians to respond anew to these historic gallery spaces with five intimate performances taking place from Thursday July 6 to Sunday July 9. This new piece will place the living, breathing work of one of Ireland’s most innovative and inspiring choreographers into an historic gallery space as it re-emerges to the waiting public. More details and tickets from nationalgallery.ie Winner of the Best Director Award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Sofia Coppola’s entertaining new film, The Beguiled (15A), stars Colin Farrell as a young Irish man newly arrived in the US who finds himself swept up in

the American Civil War. When he fetches up in a school for young ladies - Nicole Kidman is the headmistress- trouble ensues in this sly feminist take on the novel by Thomas P. Cullinan which had been filmed in an earlier and very different version by Clint Eastwood. From July 13 nationwide.

Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy returns in its 5th edition with an all-star line-up of multi-award winning pianists, including the Festival’s Artistic Director, American pianist, Dr. Archie Chen, virtuoso Russian Giant, Tchaikovsky Gold Medalist, Boris Berezovsky, renowned American Pianist and pedagogue, Frederic Chiu, esteemed Professor Evelyne Brancart from the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University, Dr. Orla McDonagh, Head of the DIT, Conservatory of Music & Drama plus Sony recording artist, classical and electronic crossover pianist

extraordinaire, Francesco Tristano. More info from pianofestival.ie (July 22-30).

Kilkenny Arts Festival, August 11-20- is always highly anticipated with, as usual, a very strong musical programme. Mr Handel’s Adventures in Ireland is the jumping off point for a look at what Handel did when he arrived here in November 1741 nursing a professional crisis as his last two Italian operas had flopped. Led by acclaimed Irish bassoonist, harpsichordist and conductor Peter Whelan, Ensemble Marsyas returns to the Festival for a three-concert residency that tells the remarkable story of Handel’s sojourn in Ireland. This is only one of the musical gems on offer in an impressive array of artistic talent at the festival.

Information and booking at kilkennyarts.ie Finally, RHA Annual Exhibition is on until August 12 and is one of the very best ways to spend an afternoon (or morning!)

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 37

Culture

Dr Archie Chen presents a master class at the Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy

Events around the Country July/ August 2017 RHA 187TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION Visual Arts Ireland’s largest open submission includes painting, sculpture, print, photography, drawing and architectural models.

Until August 12/ Royal Hibernia Academy, Dublin Admission Free. Information: rha.ie A SUMMER OF BEAUTIFUL BEASTS Visual Arts The Ark’s free exhibition features a collection of weird and wonderful animal sculptures, the Beautiful Beasts.

July 1- August 31/ The Ark, Dublin Information: 01 670 7788/ark.ie THE LEGACY OF PERCY FRENCH TOUR Music Performance of music, stories and song, celebrating the work and remarkable life of Irelands greatest songwriter.

July 1 / Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, O’ Connell Street, Kilkee, An Clár Booking: 065 906 0769 ANGELA’S ASHES – THE MUSICAL Theatre World premiere based on the book by Frank McCourt, an uplifting story of hope, fortitude and family.

July 6-15 / Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick Information and booking: 061 953 400/ limetreetheatre.ie LIZ ROCHE COMPANY Dance World premiere of Totems in the exquisite surroundings of the newly refurbished National Gallery.

July 6 – 9 / Shaw Room, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin Information and booking: nationalgallery.ie

Nicole Kidman features in The Beguiled with Colin Farrell. Nationwide from July 13th

THE BEGUILED Film Atmospheric tale set during the American civil war with our own Colin Farrell playing a rogue and Nicole Kidman.

July 13 nationwide / 15A GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL Festival 40th anniversary to celebrate new opera and theatre; extraordinary visual art and street spectacle; conference.

July 17-30/ various venues, Galway city.

Information and booking: giaf.ie THE FESTIVAL OF CURIOSITY Science Festival Home grown in Dublin and now annual festival celebrates the intersection of art, science, technology and design.

July 20-23 / 14 venues in Dublin city centre Information: festivalofcuriousity.ie DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL & SUMMER ACADEMY Music Nine day festival returns with a new season of exciting performances, masterclasses, and seminars.

July 22-30 / various venues in Dublin including Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, National Concert Hall.

Information and Booking: pianofestival.ie I HEAR YOU AND REJOICE Theatre Following the sellout success of The Man In The Woman’s Shoes, Mikel Murfi returns with a new one man show.

38 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

July 27-28 / Pavilion Theatre, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin Information: 01-231 2929/paviliontheatre.ie THE BIG SICK Film Cultural clashes ensue when Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and grad student Emily fall in love.

July 28 nationwide DANCING AT LUGHNASA Theatre Brian Friel’s Donegal set masterpiece Dancing at Lughnasa is brought to you by the Everyman Theatre team.

August 2-26/ Everyman Theatre, Cork Booking: 021 450 1673/ everymancork.com

KILKENNY ARTS FESTIVAL Festival Encounter extraordinary artists and unique collaborations in the ancient buildings and gardens of Kilkenny.

August 11-20/ various venues, Kilkenny city.

Information: kilkennyarts.ie MULDOON’S PICNIC Literature + Music Hosted by the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon . Time Out says it is a ‘music-and-literature extravaganza’.

August 29 / Town Hall Theatre, Galway Information and booking: 091 569 777/ tht.ie Finally, if you would like your event to feature in our list of What’s On please email: events.country@gmail.com

Money

Investing in Gold – Why and How? Gold Essential Diversification Due To Growing Risks

Gold has seen a gain of 3% in euro terms so far in 2017 after rising from just below €1,100 per ounce at the start of 2017 to just below €1,125 per ounce in recent days. It has risen in all currencies in 2017 including the U.S. dollar in which it is up 7.5%.

This comes on the back of gains in 2016 when gold rose 13% in euro terms, 9% in dollar terms and over 31% in sterling terms after the pound devalued sharply after the Brexit shock. These gains in 2016 and 2017 come in the aftermath of price falls in 2013 and 2015 when gold fell as economies recovered and risk assets such as bonds and stocks rose sharply.

Over a 5 year time period, gold has performed quite poorly as most stock, bond and property markets saw strong gains. However, it is important when considering investment and pension performance to focus on the long term. Over the long term, of 10, 15 and 20 years, gold has performed very strongly. In the last 15 years, gold has returned 9.9% per annum in euro terms (see table).

Gold saw record investment demand in 2016 as risk averse money again diversified into gold due to increasing volatility in markets. This demand is continuing in 2017 and gold is again acting as a hedge and a safe haven from the risks posed by the Trump Presidency, Hard Brexit, Eurozone elections and other risks.

The investment and savings landscape in Ireland has arguably never been more uncertain – as is the outlook for stocks, property and government guaranteed savings vehicles.

Gold’s medium and long term fundamentals remain bullish due to what we term ‘MSGM’ - which stands for macroeconomic, systemic, geopolitical and monetary risks:

• Macroeconomic risk is high as there is a risk of recessions in major industrial nations - from the debt laden Eurozone, Japan, China, the U.S. and more recently the UK after Brexit • Systemic risk remains high as little of the problems in the banking and financial system have been addressed. There is a real risk of another ‘Lehman Brothers’ moment or a new ‘Grexit’ moment and seizing up of the global financial system • Geopolitical risk remains elevated. ‘Brexit’ has created a whole new set of risks to Ireland, the UK and the Eurozone itself. The Middle East remains a powder keg and tensions with Russia remain high. Trump’s Presidency means that there is the real risk of conflict with Iran and the consequent effect on oil prices Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 39

Money

• Monetary risk is high as the policy response of the Federal Reserve, the ECB, the Bank of England, the BOJ and the majority of central banks to the risks mentioned above continues to be ultra-loose monetary policies, negative interest rate policies (NIRP). The printing of currency on a global scale creates the risk of inflation Volatility and turbulence is almost certain in the coming months and now deposit “bail-ins” are quite possible. Irish banks are vulnerable as seen in the recent stress tests. In the EU, deposit bail-ins are “now the rule” as warned of by Minister Noonan himself in 2013.

Deposit bail-in risks are slowly being realised in Ireland, after it emerged that FBD, one of Ireland’s largest insurance companies, have been moving cash out of Irish banks. FBD moved over €150 million out of the Irish banking system and into corporate and sovereign bonds over the past year. The move was prompted by low returns offered by bank deposits and the risks that deposit bail-in rules could see deposits confiscated.

FBD were one of the first and strongest intermediary partners of GoldCore in recent years and were strong advocates of an allocation to gold in diversified investment and pension portfolios.

Interestingly, Minister Noonan himself diversified into gold in March 2015.

The smart money is diversifying into gold as seen in gold buying by Lord Rothchild and billionaire investors such as Rogers, Faber, Singer, Dalio, Bass, Einhorn, Odey, Druckenmiller, Paulson and Gross. There is also buying from institutions such as the world’s largest insurer Munich Re, the world’s largest asset manager Blackrock Inc. and the increasingly powerful People’s Bank of China.

In an era of negative interest rates and bail-in risks, diversification has never been more important. Owning physical gold in the safest vaults in the world will again protect and grow wealth in the coming years.

40 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

How to Invest in Gold GoldCore Secure Storage Directly own gold coins or bars as an investment or in your pension in segregated and allocated insured storage in some of the safest private vaults in the world including Loomis Zurich and Brinks Singapore. Premiums on gold bars range from 1% to 3.75% and annual insured storage is 0.49% to 1% per annum depending on the size of the investment.

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By Mark O’Byrne Research Director of GoldCore

Top tips for cooling down this summer Summer is well and truly there – and millions of Irish are sweltering the hot spell we are having. In the hot weather, slapping on some sun-cream and a floppy hat might not be enough to stop you becoming a sweaty mess.

There are lots of obvious ‘top tips’ for staying cool such placing a bowl or tray of ice in front of a blowing fan your room, shutting out the sun, keeping blinds closed, getting in the shade, keeping hydrated or wearing cotton. But what about a much more simple and modern approach that not just cools you, but purifies the air that you breath?

The new Dyson Pure Hot+Cool™ Link purifier heater is engineered for all conditions: fast even room heating in winter, powerful personal cooling in summer and intelligent purification all year round. This machine automatically purifies the pollutants it detects in your home, whilst simultaneously reporting the live indoor and outdoor air quality to the Dyson Link App. Removes 99.95% of ultrafine particles as small as 0.1 microns The air pollution inside your home can be up to five times worse than outside , and we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. Air purifiers can help capture pollution, pollen, mould, bacteria, and odours. However, some other purifiers rely on motors to force air through filters to capture particles, often allowing pollutants to pass through and back into the air you are breathing.

The new Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link™ purifier heater uses Dyson’s 360° Glass HEPA filter.

This technology captures 99.95% of potentially harmful particles as small as 0.1 microns – trapping them in the filter and eradicating them from the air you breathe at home. It doesn’t stop there; sensors inside the machine detect changes in conditions, before automatically adjusting airflow to maintain the target air quality.

The air surrounding us at home can contain a mixture of these gases and particles: Formaldehyde: Foam that can be found in textile-covered furniture can release formaldehyde gas. Additionally, some carpets, rugs and their backing materials can emit VOCs when new and potentially throughout their life. l

microscopic material around the home. l Volatile organic compounds: Some household air fresheners and cleaning products can contain VOCs, which can be released into the air. According to a study carried out by the US Environmental Protection Agency, toxic fumes released from cleaning solvents and deodorants are some of the most common indoor air pollutants. l Pollen: Plants and flowers can release microscopic pollen into the air. l Other volatile organic compounds: Gas hobs and the food cooking process itself can emit fumes and VOCs into the air.

Purifies, heats and cools A team of 25 Dyson engineers have developed the Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link™ purifier heater, through relentless research and development. This machine automatically keeps the room at your target temperature and projects a powerful airflow of purified air, using thermostat heat control and Air Multiplier™ technology – for long-range heat distribution in the winter and a stream of cool air in the summer.

Powered by Jet Focus technology The Dyson Pure Hot+Cool Link™ purifier heater is engineered to use Dyson Jet Focus Technology; a technology inspired by the Coanda effect, a phenomena in which fast flowing air follows the direction of the surface it is flowing over.

l Benzene and formaldehyde: Some chemical substances found in scented candles can release VOCs into the air as they burn.

For concentrated personal heating and cooling, air is released from a jet and accelerated over an airfoil shaped ramp to produce a focused flow of air. For whole room use, a second jet of air joins the first, broadening its angle, to produce a wide stream of powerful airflow.

l Dead skin and disintegrated faeces: Cats, dogs and other household pets can spread this

Automatically monitors, reacts and purifies – then reports to your Dyson Link App .

l Carbon and coal dust: Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves emit particulate matter during combustion.

The Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Link™ intelligently purifies, heats and cools you The Dyson Link App, developed for iOS and Android, will allow users to: • Remotely monitor the inside air quality – even if they are out of the house.

• Stay on top of the air quality inside their homes, see the purifier and set a new target before ‘very poor’ levels are reached.

• Keep track of the air quality history in order to oversee peak pollution times, for example during pollen seasons or when cleaning or cooking. If auto-mode is selected, the machine can then automatically react to the monitored air quality.

• Gain live insights into the air quality indoors, but also outdoors in a location of their choice.

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 41

Health

The gift of life Eamonn Lynskey recalls a recent medical adventure

Cartoons by Paul Steele

Those of us older than we might care to admit may remember having to study some very long poetic works in our final years of second-level schooling. One such was Wordsworth’s Ode on the Intimations of Immortality, a title that doesn’t lend itself readily to the terse modern-day requirements of Twitter. Nowadays, having progressed into my ‘senior’ years, I am more concerned with the intimations of mortality than I am with those of immortality and I would write an ode on the subject but for the unfortunate fact that I do not possess the powers of the famous poet of the Lake District.

The great man himself survived into old age and long enough to snore his way through many a Sunday service. He had not the experience I had some months ago, when at about 4.00am one Sunday morning I arrived into hospital suffering from a feeling of severe pressure in my chest. This had begun some

hours earlier and I had put it down to indigestion. But no. I was taken aback to be told I was having a heart attack.

A heart attack? What? Moi? With no weight problems. No family history. No significant cholesterol readings. A non-smoker. And etc., etc.

Well, it doesn’t work that way, I was told. It can happen, sometimes without any warning, to people who have the least reason to expect it.

thing to say. However, I soon discovered that in the matter of stents I was a mere neophyte.

My similarly-aged peers were able to boast of anything up to five (one insufferable braggart claimed to have eight) which they, or some acquaintance, had acquired. Not for the first time I found I was not unique.

Long story short, I underwent a procedure wherein a stent was inserted to open up a cholesterol blockage. And if you don’t know what a stent is (and I didn’t) it is a tiny tube that allows blood to flow again freely into the heart – which itself is a finely balanced mechanism which doesn’t take well to being starved of supplies.

The next six weeks or so I spent recuperating, resting, getting used to taking a range of tablets daily and to building up a walking schedule of one hour on most days. Then followed two visits weekly to my hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinic where my recuperation was overseen by some very knowledgeable and efficient healthcare professionals. Rather than dwell on the downsides of my experience, these people continually stressed how lucky I was.

I thought afterwards that this would be a major rescue topic in those tedious social conversations where, being short on small-talk, I am often desperately casting around for some-

Lucky? – I took a while to take this on board but I finally realised the truth of it. I had, after all, been given plenty of time to be driven into hospital. And I had immediately received the

42 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Health

emergency care I needed. My heart event (the preferred description these days, rather than ‘heart attack’) was, I was told, on the lower point on the scale of heart conditions. However (it was always quickly added), it was a serious condition and so I was expected to do what I was told at all times as regards my prescribed tablets, diet, regular exercise & etc.

Apart from the life-threatening implications of a heart attack itself, the setting out on the road back to full health is a serious business. Is it actually possible to attain full health again?

Yes, but only if one is prepared to change one’s lifestyle and make a real effort with the regimen mentioned above. Diet has to be planned and kept to. The taking of tablets must be organised and built in to one’s daily schedule. The half-hour walk (most days) cannot be just an amble – it should be brisk enough to warm one up, yet at the same time allow one to talk to a companion without difficulty – or to oneself, if one is of a solitary disposition.

Not rocket science any of this but there are some challenges. For example, one must learn

the art of having coffee without that favourite (and so delicious!) little cake.

There is also the feeling of ‘fragility’. It is one thing to be assured by medical personnel that the stent is an entirely robust piece of equipment and well able for its duties. It is quite another to get used to the idea that this tiny item will not someway slip its moorings, and with grave consequences. The feeling that one depends for life-support on a something not part of one’s own original machinery converts, in turn, into the vague notion of a loss of inde-

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 43

Health

pendence. After all, the thought that a device as small as this is all that stands between you and your Maker is a sobering thought. These feelings subside as time goes on but they were definitely part of my difficulties in the immediate aftermath of what was, after all, a rather narrow escape.

But now, yes, I feel lucky. Now that I have got over the feeling of being hard-done-by and bemoaning the fact that my previous and very regular and unremarkable lifestyle had not saved me. And, ironically, I feel a good deal healthier and better than ever before, thanks to a prescribed diet and a regular exercise. There is also the addition to my circle of acquaintance those I have met in my cardiac rehabilitation sessions and whose company I enjoy tremendously, especially during our many, ahem, heart-to-heart conversations.

Wordsworth’s great poem speaks of how life soon takes away childhood innocence (‘Shades of the prison-house begin to close upon the growing boy’) but my brush with mortality has had a different effect. It has opened me up to an enhanced appreciation of what it means simply to be alive – a statement which reads as something of a cliché but, like all clichés, it is none the less true for being a cliché. The perennially favourite lines of W. H. Davis come to mind: ‘What is this life if full of care / we have no time to stop and stare..’

I think too of another great poet, Matthew

Arnold, who collapsed after running for a train, and who left this world at only 68 and with so much still to give; and of that wonderful and original ‘It’ girl of the 1920s, Clara Bow who departed at 60. And Burt Lancaster. And, very recently, Carrie Fisher and the Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin (at only 64!). And this is just to mention so very few of the men and women taken unexpectedly and with still so much to live for.

‘There but for the grace of God go I’ is also by now something of a cliché but, again, it is as true as ever. And if there is a moral to my story it is that one should get those blood-tests done regularly and scrutinise the results. And eat sensibly and take exercise. You owe it to yourself, and to those who care about you, to take care of the gift of life.

New poetry collection It’s Time

by Eamonn Lynskey Eamonn Lynskey writes of the stark reality of injustice, which is so often part of our dealings with each other. Poems such as The Canals on Mars focus on past brutalities, while our rapacious exploitation of planet Earth is treated in poems like Down to Africa and Lament. Poems like Calvaries lay bare the difficulties of an oppressive religious upbringing.

Our response to the sufferings of others and to the ongoing destruction of the natural world is

44 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

limited by the consuming demands of our everyday lives (Metsu’s Women). Nevertheless, and however great the obstacles, a response is required, urgently come, the world must be new made. It’s time. ‘ ... such a joy to come across some old friends of poems that are as full of passion and compassion as ever’ - Liz McManus, novelist and chairperson of the Irish Writers’ Centre Eamonn Lynskey’s poetry first appeared in the New Irish Writing pages of the Irish Press in the 1980s, edited by David Marcus, and since then widely in many leading magazines and periodicals such Poetry Ireland Review, Cyphers and The Irish Times.

For more information see www.eamonnlynskey.com It’s Time is available from Books Upstairs, D’Olier St., Dublin and from the Salmon website.www.salmonpoetry.com Contact Eamonn at eamonnlynskey12@gmail.com and at 087 2798361

Fit The indoor & outdoor activities supplement

Edited by Conor O’Hagan

Walking

Walking the Beara Peninsula

Cailleach Beara

Bounded by two bays; Kenmare to the north and Bantry to the south and dominated by not one but two ranges of mountains; the Caha and the Slieve Miskish, Beara is claimed by both Cork and Kerry and as part of the Wild Atlantic Way is at the heart of Ireland’s modern ‘tourist offering’. It’s also a jewel in the crown of Irish heritage, as the centre of Gaelic Ireland’s last-ditch resistance to English conquest at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, and the home of Europe’s tallest Ogham stone, the Ballycrovane Ogham, near Eyeries.

The Beara’s rugged and evocative landscape is prime walking country. You could walk the 206km Beara Way but Conor O’Hagan suggests a selection of less demanding but still significant walks.

The Beara’s rugged and evocative landscape is prime walking country, with a plethora of challenging but worthwhile routes, including, if you’re up for it, the Beara Way, which at 206km is typically at least a week’s undertaking.

If you’re not feeling quite doughty enough for that, here’s a selection of less demanding but still significant walks. Note that even the easier routes will require proper walking footwear, preferably boots – and as ever in Ireland you would be well advised to dress conservatively, with Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 45

Walking at least light rainwear to hand even in good weather. Always carry water and a mobile phone.

right. You turn right here - following the green (and yellow) arrow.

Beara Looped Walks

C-A. Continue to follow the track downhill for 500m to reach the edge of the village. Enjoy the last 1km back to the trailhead through this picturesque fishing village.

North Engine Looped Walk

Creha Quay Loop

Trailhead 139 Loop 139A

North Engine Loop Dooneen Mine

Mountain Mine

Ponds

Cloan

C

Allihies

Dangan

A

Copper Mine Museum

Church

gan doneer y l l a B Riv

B Ballydonegan Ford Quay Strand Bird Rock

Ballydonegan Bay

Cillín

Ballydonegan

Kealoge Mine

Ballydonegan Br.

Copper Mines (Disused)

Beara Holiday Homes

1 kilometre Ascent: 160m/200m Distance: 7km Estimated Time: 2hrs – 3hrs Grade: Moderate Map: OS Sheet 84, V586 448 Services: Allihies Village Terrain: Minor roads, coastline, hillside tracks Trailhead: Heritage Centre, Allihies, Co Cork A-B. Leaving the trailhead at the Heritage Centre, follow the green (and blue and purple) arrows downhill through the village. The blue and purple arrows are for longer loops. After 200m pass a crossroads and 500m later reach a 4-way junction where you turn right onto the ‘beach road’.

Note that you have now joined the long-distance Beara Way waymarked with yellow arrows. Follow this road for 600m past the beach and public toilets and join a sandy roadway which takes you across a stile and onto the coastline.

B-C. Follow the green (blue, purple and yellow) arrows as the loop takes you along this superb coastline for 2km. Joining a surfaced road cross straight over and follow this road for 300m to reach a stile where you turn left. Follow the green arrows as the loop takes you by farm buildings and uphill to the disused Mountain Mine area. Joining a surfaced road, turn right and travel downhil for 200m to reach a narrow track on your 46 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Distance: 6km Estimated Time: 1.5hrs – 2hrs Grade: Easy Terrain: Laneways and coastal tracks Trailhead: Eyeries, Beara Peninnsula.

Eyeries is a pleasant coastal village on the rugged but very scenic Beara Peninsula in County Cork on the south-west coast of Ireland. The picturesque village boasts numerous medals in the National Tidy Town competitions down through the years. It nestles at the base of Maulin, which, at 623m, is the highest peak in the Slieve Miskish mountain range that forms part of the backbone of the peninsula. The village overlooks Coulagh Bay and the mouth of the Kenmare. Castletownbere, Ireland’s largest whitefishing port is just 8km away and you can watch the trawlers unload their catch, before sampling the delights in one of the many fine restaurants throughout the peninsula. There are many historical and archaeological sites to visit in the area including a number of standing stones.

Starting Point: Start from Castletownbere on the R572 on the southern side of the Beara Peninsula. Opposite the car ferry in the town, follow the R571 for 7km to reach Eyeries.

A-B. Starting from the trailhead at Sullivan’s shop in the heart of the

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Activity

village follow the blue arrow onto the access road towards the beach.

You are also on the long-distance Beara Way marked with yellow arrows and the familiar trekking man logo. After approximately 1km the loop (and the way) leaves the roadway at a metal gate and accesses Eyeries Point.

B-C. Follow the sandy roadway to reach the edge of the water and turn right to follow the rugged, rocky shoreline – with scenic views of Coulagh Bay and, in the distance, the coast of Kerry. After 1km you will briefly rejoin a tarred roadway before accessing the shoreline again.

C-D. Now the loop traverses a large number of small farm holdings common to this area before reaching Creha Quay where the longer Coastguard Station Loop (red arrows) and Beara Way (yellow arrows) continue straight onto the coastline again. You turn right here following the blue arrow onto the tarred roadway.

D-E. Continue to follow the tarred roadway for 200m to where the Coastguard Station Loop (red arrows) rejoins it at a laneway on your left.

Keep straight ahead here.

E-A. The loop ascends for 500m to enter the cheerfully painted village at its northern end. Turn right and enjoy the remaining 200m through the village and back to the trailhead.

Bonane is situated on the N71 – midway between the towns of Kenmare and Glengarriff road. From Kenmare, take the N71 in the direction of Glengarriff. After approximately 10km you pass through the small village of Bonane – continue for a further 2km to reach Molly Gallivans Tourist Centre – substantial car parking on your left. The trailhead is located at a gateway to the right of Molly Gallivans.

Cailleach Beara Loop

12km Hard

Laneways, woodland tracks, cross country, hillside.

Bonane is a beautiful valley situated in the scenic south west of Ireland.

Located on the main roadway between the picturesque towns of Kenmare to Glengarriff, the valley is surrounded by the Sheehy and Caha mountains. Bonane is steeped in ancient history being home to over 250 archaeological sites. This identifies Bonane as having one of the highest concentrations of sites in the country. Recent studies show many of these sites are interrelated and some have major astronomical significance. In many ways unchanged by time, Bonane is a paradise for visitors offering a multitude of activities including hill walking, cycling, fishing, and an abundance of archaeological and historical sites. Separated from County Cork by a unique hand-cut tunnel, Bonane links both the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara – both trips of breathtaking beauty.

The River Sheen with its crystal clear waters (and subject of many ballads) flows through the parish and is a popular for fishing. For the less adventurous A-B. From the trailhead follow the blue (and green and purple) arrows through the gate and onto the farm laneway. The green arrows are for a shorter loop - the purple arrows for a longer loop. Enjoy the journey through the traditional Irish farmyard as the laneway ascends to reach the top of the hill behind the farm. Now the loop descends and crosses the main road before descending along a farm roadway to reach an iron bridge over Esk Stream. Cross the bridge, turn right and follow the laneway to join a surfaced roadway. All three loops turn right here.

B-C. Now the loops join with the Beara Way - a long distance walking route around the Beara Peninsula, and marked with the familiar yellow arrows and walking man. At the second Y-junction note that the Beara Way and purple loop turns left - but you continue straight. Follow the roadway for over 1km and watch for a large hayshed on your right after which the green loop turns right and through a gateway. You continue straight ahead here.

Ascent: 390m / 450m Distance: 12km / 4hrs – 5hrs Grade: Hard Terrain: Laneways, woodland tracks, cross country, hillside Trailhead: Molly Gallivans Tourist Centre, Bonane, Co Kerry 48 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

C-D. Continue to follow the blue arrows along the roadway past a number of junctions to reach a right bend where a roadway to your left leads to the Crows Nest. The purple loop rejoins here. Veer right.

D-A. Follow the sand road for 500m to cross Esk Stream at a concrete bridge and onward for another 500m to a T-junction with the main road.

Turn right and be aware of traffic for the last 200m back to the trailhead.

Cycling

On yer bike – but at what price?

Conor O’Hagan offers a buyers guide As a 60-year-old with an age-appropriate belly and a drop-handlebar fetish, I would say this wouldn’t I – but I’ll say it anyway: just because you’re a grandparent, there is no goddam law that says you have to ride any particular type of bike, or that riding any other type is going to make you look ridiculous. More accurately perhaps, there’s no reason you should care, even if it does.

I say this because your first reaction on walking into a bike shop is likely to be something along the lines of “Oo-er, you wouldn’t catch me on one of those.” The modern bike shop is host to a fabulous array of styles and types of bike – a house in which there are, truly, many mansions.

And though realistically you’re unlikely to be enticed (or accepted) into the BMX sub-culture, or to emulate the incredible Danny MacAskill (check him out on YouTube, please), you are as entitled to your inner Chris Froome as anyone, regardless of vintage. The spirit of Aspirational Ageing thrives on cycling, the horizons it opens and the barriers it breaks down.

But back to the bike shop – what are you looking at – and who rides these things?

The Tribal logic of bike design Perhaps, to an extraterrestrial visitor, all cyclists are the same; functionally and morphologically identical; two legs, one head, two wheels, (mostly) self-propelled, gyroscopically stabilised in one plane, inherently unstable otherwise.

But that’s where the global fraternity of bicyclists begins and ends on another planet. For cycling is as riven by tribal faction, subcultural one-upmanship and contrived mutual scorn as any human activity this side of popular music. Like any family, really.

If you’re about to parachute into this Babel of bicycling and don’t know where to land, don’t worry; it will all fall into place. Unless you’re a genuine one-off or determined iconoclast, you’re going to find yourself casting your lot with one or more of these groupings.

Roadies Road racers are the natural aristocracy of cycling; in endless pursuit of the alchemy that converts energy into speed and distance Steeped in history, legend, mythology and obsession, the road warrior doesn’t carry anything that isn’t essential to staying in the saddle, least of all body fat.

There is almost no discernible limit to the money you can spend on a road bike and the associated gear and accessories, so the road racer is either single or about to be. Obsession makes for a lonely bed, as does narcissism, and both are essential to the roadie. Everyone knows that you can lose in a week the weight you’ll save with a thousand euro upgrade to your wheels, but that just so not the point.

It’s an austere calling; there is no tougher test of pain endurance or mental strength than a road race, no state closer to physical perfection than the body of a (clean) Pro. Every cyclist with drop bars and a Tour de

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 49

Cycling

France Team Replica shirt knows this. He or she may be an imperfect disciple, but knows without question for whom the gates of heaven will be held open - and that’s nobody on fat tyres.

Triathletes are externally similar to road racers, with the lamentable addition of ‘aero’ or ‘tri’ bars - the unwieldy-looking aesthetic travesties that allow improved aerodynamic performance. Internally, the triathlete values cycling only as the mandatory bridge between swimming and running. He is not a true believer.

Urban cycling is dominated by two sects; those for whom the bicycle is the only morally defensible, economically feasible or temperamentally bearable way of getting to work, and those for whom it is an aesthetically pleasing way to express the individuality and stylistic purity they treasure. That’s hipsters to you.

Commuters are liberally decked in either hi-vis or plaster; they have mudguards, racks, lights. They play a long game. Cycle commuting is a functional pursuit, thus inherently unstylish. Attempts to defy this dictum almost always end badly - see foldaway bikes such as the high-profile Brompton and its cousins - one of the most expensive ways to be uncool yet devised.

Hipsters ride vintage high nellies with chromed rims and fat tyres, rod brakes and if they can stand the abuse, wicker baskets up front. Alternatively, no-gears or even ‘fixies’ - for which they deserve grudging credit, even from road racers. These gorgeously stripped-down, achingly minimalist modern design classics more than make up in lethality what they lack in virtually everything except style and economy.

Rarely seen these days, but still out there somewhere, the cycle courier is 140lb or less of high-tensile, bronze-plated organic steel, able to maintain a feet-up stationary position for hours when he chooses, which is never at traffic lights. Unrelated, unaffiliated and uninterested in other tribes; a natural, professional non-conformist. You are not his brother.

Trailers The aesthetic and moral purity of road cycling demands that for every downhill there must be a (preferably prior) uphill; anything else is unbalanced. But if the road is a religion, the trail is a drug, and if road cyclists hail spiritually from France, mountain bikers are from California, where they think different. Knobbly, low-pressure tyres, suspension - the sort of thing that a road cyclist gets a panic attack just thinking about. It takes a different kind of mind to be at peace with hauling unnecessary weight around.

Raleigh Strada 2

E500 MTB-ers come in three basic shapes; downhill, cross-country and endurance, in reverse order of their reliance on cars and body armour.

Downhillers will happily accept a lift from a passing helicopter if it helps them avoid cycling uphill. Their sport is gnarly and awesome, and requires protection of an order that road racers could do with, but will never accept on aesthetic and aerodynamic grounds.

At the sharp end, the mountain bike industry is consumed by an arms race whose ultimate purpose is to produce a machine with a price tag to match anything Pinarello can sell to road racers (a moving target, but the Pinarello Dogma F10 is apparently worth every cent of €11,000 or so).

At present, the ceiling for MTB-ers is held down by the amount of money a bank manager is prepared to lend someone dressed in a lumberjack shirt and talking gibberish.

The cross-country biker is a more complex soul, choosing endurance over adrenaline, but without the gratification of precise statistical analysis that sustains the road rider. No two miles are the same, no experiences directly comparable. It’s all there to be stored, shared and re-lived in the pub. Perhaps more than any other form of cycling, it’s where sport, leisure and lifestyle meet.

Go Independent With the explosion of interest in cycling there has been an almost parallel explosion in buying options. From warehouse retailers to online superstores, there are a lot of places you can buy bikes - and that’s just the places, before you’ve even opened the laptop. And what was once a relatively sedate procession of brands with familiar names has become a riot of choice.

The undeniable attraction of mass-market and online retailers is a combination of price and choice. No magic, just the age-old power of volume.

But Ireland’s long-established independents; privately and usually locally-owned specialists, survive and in many cases flourish in the face of this competition by giving what they have always given - service and experience; commodities in which they have a powerful advantage.

There are good reasons to start - and finish - at your local bike shop: Fit for Purpose

Trek FX

E465 52 June 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 50 Senior Senior Times Times ll May July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Sorry to break this to you, but we’re not all the same. Bikes need fitting to people if they’re to work efficiently and safely. Sometimes that’s just a question of picking the right frame size, sometimes it isn’t. This writer can attest to the exquisite pain that can result from high mileage on an ill-fit-

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Cycling

ting bike - and how easily it could have been avoided by a short session with someone who knew what he was doing. Believe it or not, there are colleges offering qualifications in bike fitting, but without going that far, an experienced bike retailer can and will make sure that all your angles, spans, drops and reaches add up to a comfortable and controllable ride.

An independent or specialist bike retailer doesn’t sell engine oil or roof racks; he (or she) makes a living selling bikes, and in the long term relies on the reputation he builds by selling and serving well. By asking a few questions and perhaps making a few educated guesses, a good retailer will learn more about your needs than any online operation will ever pull from its database. Now more than ever, there’s a huge range of options in bikes, accessories and gear out there; all but a tiny proportion is irrelevant to you. The Man In The Bike Shop will have seen hundreds, perhaps thousands of customers come and go over the years. That experience becomes your asset when you take his advice.

Hub There’s more to it than just selling stuff. Bike shops are typically the hubs of local cycling activity; the best source of advice, inspiration, encouragement and information. Used bikes, too. If you’re looking for a training group (the best way to get fit - guaranteed), this is where to find one, and where to ride.

There is rarely any question that whatever you buy, you can get your bike cheaper online. But what can I say? Don’t. Apart from the obvious risks of buying sight unseen (and they are many and real), a relationship with a good bike shop is a comfort and pleasure far more valuable than any money you’ll save online.

Service Bikes needs servicing. Not much, but more than most of us are prepared to do for ourselves. A simple task like adjusting a derailleur (the dangly bit at the back) can be enough to make your head explode and your fingers bleed, but takes an experienced bike mechanic just moments. Better still, it will be done right. For the sake of a few euro spent once or twice a year, your bike will run smoothly and will conserve your precious energy for whatever you need it for. And it’s better - much, much better - to be told that your tyres are on their last legs by someone who has a rack of them behind him than to find out five miles from home on a wet night in January.

Focus Aventura

And Repairs

E2500 E-bikes

Anyone who has ever suffered a broken spoke or its bastard child, a twisted rim, knows that only a qualified magician can fix it. Your local bike shop has such a person. He must be honoured, or one day there will be no magicians left, and we’ll be sorry.

What Goes Around Perhaps best of all, bike shops are nice places, full of people who genuinely enjoy bikes and want you to enjoy cycling and drop by occasionally, so they don’t have to bore passing strangers. There are exceptions, but most of them have no interest in selling you the wrong bike. Sadly, that doesn’t stop them selling ludicrous team jerseys to middle-aged men.

Size isn’t everything; many independent retailers operate from small shops (though not necessarily - some are highly successful and big with it) and don’t appear to offer much choice. Be prepared to order and wait a day or two; it goes against the grain these days to walk out of a shop without the thing you came for, but it’s well worth it for the right bike or accessory.

Use your retailer’s experience and judgement and you’ll give yourself more of a head start than reading online reviews or surveys will ever do.

E-bikes are building a market fast in Continental Europe, though here and in the UK they have been a little slower to catch on; perhaps partly because of confusion over what, exactly, they are.

An e-bike is an electric bike that will provide extra power when you’re pedalling. Most e-bikes don’t have a throttle and won’t help you when you’re just coasting, so forget the idea of zooming up hills without pedalling at all. Electric bikes can be futuristic-looking, or resemble barely-modified conventional bikes, but they are usually built to handle the extra stresses caused by heavier, more powerful drivetrains – a nice way of saying they’re significantly heavier than regular bikes.

The payoff is that they provide extra power when you’re pedalling.

So discard any mental association you may harbour between e-bikes and mobility scooters; these machines are an exciting and worthy addition to the cycling canon. Far from negating the fitness benefits of cycling, what they do is open up and expand the cycling proposition.

Electric assistance does what it says; it helps you go further and possibly faster, extending not just your geographical range, but also the scope of your ambition. In the case of e-mountain bikes this could mean a whole world of adventure (and, potentially, thrilling mishap). Purists may balk, but frankly, that’s their loss.

Rite of Assembly Remember; bikes come in boxes and have to be assembled by hand to work properly and stay that way. In a bike shop, there’s a good chance that you’re looking at the guy who did that. In some cases, if you order online, you are the guy who did (or didn’t) do that. Anything you buy carries a warranty; that’s the law. But actually obtaining a repair, adjustment, replacement or refund from a website can be another day’s work - literally. A specialist retailer can respond immediately and effectively to your problems.

52 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Range, speed, charging times and so on are all dependant on outlay and the emphasis of the particular bike, but if you’re interested, enjoy the process of researching the market. Start by getting ye down to a bike shop and chatting. Do lots of chatting, go away, come back for more chat and long before opening up your wallet, make a nuisance of yourself boning up on a very interesting corner of a fascinating world. Time spent wasting a retailers’ time won’t be a waste of yours – and they love it really. Any cycle retailer worth his or her salt is a bike bore at heart, just looking for someone to talk to.

Gardening

Gardening is good for you!

It’s that time of year again and Peter Dowdall offers some timely tips and reports that digging and weeding can burn off the calories.

Summer is a great time to plant new shrub beds and redesign existing gardens.

One of the main things to do when planting gardens is to get contrasts right. I’m not just talking about colour contrasts but also contrast in structure, texture and shape of plants Not only is the garden a thing of beauty, it adds value to your property, makes your home an even more attractive place to live and, it’s good for your health, a recent HTA (Horticultural Trades Association) report suggests that gardening is a great way to burn calories and improve your health. Digging in the garden burns 250 calories an hour; mowing the lawn 195 calories and weeding 105 calories. Furthermore, gardening can also help reduce stress levels, tone muscles, reduce risk of heart disease and diabetes.

The immense environmental benefits from maintaining a garden range from composting kitchen waste to reduced levels of noise pollution and reflected light, to the breakdown of pollutants and CO2 levels. Wildlife habitats are encouraged to develop with flora and fauna attracting a variety of birds, butterflies, bees and animals.

The garden should be looked at as an ‘outdoor room’ and now more than ever. As we are staying put in our homes more and more for work, Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 53

Gardening

Seeds of Hardy Annuals such as sweet pea should have been sown indoors earlier this year or even late last year and can be planted out over this month, for flowering later in the summer. If you didn’t get around to this then all is not lost as many of these plants will now be available to buy in garden centres as plants ready to grow outside.

One of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow for beginner and expert alike is the Hebe. There are dozens of varieties of these plants, which are often referred to as Veronicas, available nowadays. Two that I would keep an eye out for are Hebe Little Red Rum and ‘Hebe Rhubarb and Custard’. leisure and entertaining it makes sense to put some time and effort into it. It is often the biggest room in the house and very cost effective to decorate it compared to decorating inside the house.

A situation that I am convincing myself will not be a problem this year because we are going to have a gloriously long hot summer. I refuse to accept otherwise.

It’s the time of year again when it seems an automatic switch goes off inside every gardener. How quickly we have forgotten the wet, cold and wind of winter and early spring when you think you’ll never venture into the garden again and along come these lovely early summer days and the great outdoors beckon once more.

Seeds of Hardy Annuals such as sweet pea should have been sown indoors earlier this year or even late last year and can be planted out over this month, for flowering later in the summer. If you didn’t get around to this then all is not lost as many of these plants will now be available to buy in garden centres as plants ready to grow outside.

And what a busy time it is now for the gardener. In the garden you always need to be thinking at least a season in advance and now is the time to be preparing for late summer and autumn. Time to get the window boxes and hanging baskets planted so we can sit back, enjoy and admire later in the year.

Summer is a great time to plant new shrub beds and redesign existing gardens. One of the main things to do when planting gardens is to get contrasts right. I’m not just talking about colour contrasts but also con trast in structure, texture and shape of plants. Colour and texture are two of the main precepts of good garden design. If your stumbling or unsure about how to get these right then you will get much help and advice in your local garden centre. These centres are staffed by qualified and experienced gardeners who are normally only too happy to share their knowledge with the budding gardener.

If this is your first time looking at the wonderful world of gardening then now is the time to discover the great value that is to be had in gardening. Bedding and patio plants will cost you just a few euro and give you months of pleasure in return during summer and early autumn. Plant them now in small pots of good quality compost and within a few weeks you will have pots, baskets and beds full of colour. Place some big stones at the bottom of pots to prevent them from getting waterlogged.

54 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

One of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow for beginner and expert alike is the Hebe. There are dozens of varieties of these plants, which are often referred to as Veronicas, available nowadays. Two that

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Gardening

If you find your soil has got a high pH and is therefore alkaline or limey then you will only be able to grow acid loving plants like Camellias, Azaleas etc in pots. Choose a pot that you like, making sure that it will allow the roots plenty of space to grow and mature and use an ericaceous compost when planting and you’ll have years of pleasure from your new display.

I would keep an eye out for are Hebe Little Red Rum and ‘Hebe Rhubarb and Custard’. These are two plants ideally suited to small gardens, pots and troughs. They have beautiful red/purple foliage and will only grow to about two feet in height with a similar spread. ‘Little Red Rum’ has nice blue/lavender flowers and ‘Rhubarb and Custard’ has equally attractive violet coloured blooms. They flower nearly all year round and because of their beautifully coloured foliage they are worth their place in the garden even if they never flowered their brightly coloured foliage making them a plant of beauty all year round. Try planting them with Stipa ‘Pony Tails’ a graceful, green coloured grass that grows to about eighteen inches in height. Then you will see what I mean about contrasting colour and texture. The lime green colour of the rass provides a perfect foil to the striking foliage of the Hebes. They work dramatically together and the airy texture of the grass acts as a perfect accompiament to the dense, shrublike Hebe.

Camellias, Rhododendrons, Pieris are all spring and early summer flowering plants that have been at their best over the last two months.

Pieris ‘Forest Flame’ produces the most wonderful red foliage before and during flowering.

These plants are all ericaceous or acid loving and what that means is that these plants like a soil that is acidic or low in pH. If you’re not sure about your soil one of the best ways to find out is by looking at neighbouring gardens. Chances are your soil will be similar and so you will be able to grow similar plants. Alternatively, most garden centres stock soil pH tester kits and you can very easily check yourself.

If you find your soil has got a high pH and is therefore alkaline or limey then you will only be able to grow acid loving plants like Camellias, Azaleas etc in pots. Choose a pot that you like, making sure that it will allow the roots plenty of space to grow and mature and use an ericaceous compost when planting and you’ll have years of pleasure from your new display.

56 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Archer on target Eileen Casey talks to Corkonian Jim Archer whose recently published memoir Blood Red is a testimony to the human spirit, endurance and stoicism in the face of obstacles

‘Writing is a strange game – you need the sensitivity of a Mother Theresa and the bravado of Donald Trump... plus the luck of a European Lotto winner to succeed’.

Jim & AlanTitley

If ever a surname was truly appropriate, it’s Jim Archer’s. With pin-point accuracy, he hits the target every time, totally achieving a memoir that’s funny, entertaining, informative and damn well unputdownable. It also seems apt that I began reading Archer’s recently published memoir Blood Red, while I was waiting in my doctor’s surgery for an appointment.

As my blood pressure is currently riding high, I was feeling a bit low and in need of cheering up. Anyone who’s had the dreaded ‘pressure’ will know that it can sometimes prove difficult to bring down and that with medication there’s a process of trial of error. So, there I was, feeling sorry for myself. But not for long. The first page of Blood Red, made me laugh out loud proving laugher is definitely the best medicine. The opening line

reads ‘When I awoke on the morning of my fortieth birthday, I suddenly realised that I had not died a young man.’

Now, in his seventies, Archer’s list of (growing) physical ailments make my own situation pale into insignificance. I read on, discovering the author to be: ‘bald, and fat – and added to this if you don’t mind, a pervasive little bastard called gout was finding lodging in my big toe. Put in the mix the occasional chest pain, the high cholesterol, the high blood pressure and not forgetting the ever-expanding stomach reaching for the ground and I’m pretty sure that at a certain picture is emerging, that I was not the healthiest specimen on the planet.’

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‘‘The first act of the ritual of writing is to try and avoid it – no man after two treble by-passes should be doing this stuff’.

Jim &Veronica

I suppose I shouldn’t have laughed out loud at the misfortunes of another (particularly in the medical arena and also, that ‘chest pain’ developed into heart surgery for Archer) but that chuckle was the first of many as I continued to read and thoroughly enjoy Archer’s extremely well written memoir. A guy who can write wittily about peptic ulcers, liver failure, (to name but some of his medical traumas) has just got to have a positive outlook on life. And...the memoir is peppered (and salted) with quotes, philosophical dictates that he’s lived by throughout his life.

These wisdoms were first heard at his grandmother’s knee in Cork. She appears to have been a remarkable woman, a major early influence on the young boy who appreciated her vivid recall (able to recite poetry from memory at the drop of a hat). Over ninety years old at the time, Archer recounts how ‘her mind was as clear and lucid as you can possibly imagine. I was only six or seven but she taught me history, poetry and song (including opera). I was singing arias from Maritana at age seven’.

But of course Blood Red is not just a chronicle of ill health and medical setbacks. It’s a testimony to the human spirit, endurance and stoicism in the face of obstacles, from wherever they come from and a really engaging read. Life is full of strange happenings none more so than the fact that Archer, as a youth, was a fine athlete, described by Professor Alan Titley (a former school friend) in the introduction as ‘an athlete, a hurler and footballer’. Titley makes the point that the said athlete ‘had a barrelled body, round on top, and to us, spindly below. How those pareddown legs could transport an upper body of muscle and bone with such alacrity was never explained in our physics classes. He was a bolt from the line, a flash through the pan, a dart from the depths and damn them all.’Archer’s medical diary didn’t arise from his lack of exercise but rather his genetic inheritance, a legacy familiar to most of us. Despite our best efforts, it’s this code that’s the hardest to crack.

Archer gives an entertaining account of the year he spent in Paris soon after leaving school. If Joyce could rebuild Dublin in his narratives, then 58 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

the same can be said of Archer and Paris. The tale then moves back to Cork from whence he came. Born in the ‘The Mystery House’ in French’s Quay in Cork City during the harsh winter of 1947, he grew up with five siblings. He was first educated by the nuns at St Mary’s of the Isle followed by the Presentation Brothers at Colaiste Chriost Ri. Whatever segment of his life Archer writes about, whether it’s that earlier Parisienne Odyssey or when, on his return (while still in his twenties) when he was involved in a ‘weird accident,’ it’s written with immense good humour, insight and philosophical grace. The accident in question was indeed weird. While in Cork once more, sauntering through Daunts Square, a fellow took a tumble before Archer’s eyes. In an effort to save this unfortunate, Archer fell himself, breaking his ankle in four places with the same number of bones displaced. Thus ended his athletic career in one fell swoop and necessitating a long stay in the male surgical ward of the North Infirmary. The characters Archer met over the months of his stay are acutely observed. Human nature with all its foibles. He also spent time in London in the late sixties, lending flesh and blood to another odyssey in his life.

Suffice to say, that I couldn’t put this book down. Archer takes the reader on a journey through his misfortunes (and his triumphs) with wit and charm. The author, to date, has undergone many game-changing events but he never treats life as anything less than a grand adventure.

He’s worked at Ford’s Motor Company (Cork), taken Fás courses, taught creative writing and been a fully paid up member of the House Husband Brigade. His wife Veronica is the love of his life, clearly supportive in all matters concerning recovery and nurturing the joie de vivre spirit that Archer has always has in abundance. A particularly hilarious escapade occurs when Archer heads off for a hotel break (just to get some head space and encouraged by his Veronica) where he rocks up in County Mayo and enjoys a ‘Golden’ break with fellow seniors. Again, laugh out loud material.

Blood Red is not Archer’s first encounter with the written word however.

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Jim Archer, as a twenty something, lived in Paris for a year. He described the city as ‘bursting open in my face the night I arrived there and it never failed to excite me’.

Not by a long chalk. In his earlier life in Cork (he now lives with Veronica in Clondalkin, South Dublin) he wrote drama for the Cork Opera House.

This occurred when he returned from London in 1966 and took up a job with The Ford Motor Company. He wrote a one hour show for The Tops of The Town (hugely popular then and for years afterwards). The show was called The Ides of March and it won the overall award in Ireland for scriptwriting (no mean feat). ‘I wrote three other shows for different groups from my base in Paris. I also wrote a play for the West Cork Festival which came second(circa 1970 to 1972).’ What really thrilled the budding playwright was the reaction of the audience. ‘To be seated in the audience with a thousand people listening to the words you wrote and to see the reaction of the people around you is unique – a fantastic experience.’

I ask him about his writing rituals. Again, he answers in customary humorous vein: ‘The first act of the ritual of writing is to try and avoid it – no man after two treble by-passes should be doing this stuff. If I do manage to prise my legs under the computer I sigh when the connection does not work – sure I’ll try again tomorrow. Then I remember the quote I wrote down on my diary’s first page: ‘Procrastination is the art of keep up with yesterday.’However, coming from the school of never giving up easily, ‘I’ll give it ten minutes and see if the old brain will light up – and sometimes it does and a sentence is born and another..The morning is the only time I write. The afternoon is for sleep for a man of my age.’ I wonder about his typing skills, how his fingers keep up with his agile mind. Again, a witty response...’My fingers fly all over the place like a demented pianist’. Turns out, he was a good touch typist once but admits that as he’s gotten older, his brain/finger co-ordination diminished.

Every writer on the planet has felt the slings and arrows of rejection.

Although Archer has been very successful in prose/drama/poetry, he has thoughts about the entire business of rejection. ‘I have seen people absolutely devastated by rejection and quit the ‘blood sport’ completely.

Writing is a strange game – you need the sensitivity of a Mother Theresa and the bravado of Donald Trump...plus the luck of a European Lotto winner to succeed. Age makes you philosophical and like me when you have faced mortality, not once, but twice, you tend to let things fly over your head without getting too worried.’ Archer’s advice to the beginning writer is this: ‘Write something, put it out there, if something comes of it great, if not, it’s not the end of the world. In summary, don’t start writing until you hit seventy but even better advice, unless you have access to a medical card and plenty of medication, don’t start writing at all.’

I return Archer to childhood, remembering how Flannery O’Connor once said that we have had enough experiences before the age of seven to write for the rest of our lives. A tall claim by any accounts. Archer’s childhood, in the event, was a happy one, despite cramped quarters (for eight people in total). ‘My brothers and I were deeply involved in sport and it was through that prism that we viewed the world. My brother played for Cork in both hurling and football in all under-age teams as I did myself – everything took second place to sport as you can imagine and our parents were extremely proud of our achievements. Every 60 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Sunday night my mother would take herself to my grandmother’s house and sitting around the fire, my father would tell us stories, stretching our imaginations to every corner of the world.’

Now that the world has grown smaller in many ways I ask Archer, having travelled widely (for work/holidays), where his favourite corner lies.

‘No argument...Paris. Twenty six years old, fit as a fiddle, adventurous spirit, in a city bursting with energy. Great food to try, great wine to drink, magnificent buildings and beautiful parks. And beautiful girls hanging off my arms (this bit I made up!).’ When Archer, as that young, twenty something, arrived in Paris, he described the city as ‘bursting open in my face the night I arrived there and it never failed to excite me. I loved being with the painters in Montmarte, with the nuns at The Sacre Coeur and watching the hustlers at Pigalle. The atmosphere there was bohemian with pupils coming from every corner of the globe.’

Despite all his travails, medical wise (the pain from his gout was excruciating, with doctors unable to do anything but give injections...a low point in his life when it felt like bereavement on top of everything else, loss of good health, something he prized)- Archer describes his mood as being ‘down’ rather than depressed. ‘After two treble heart by passes, I was able to haul myself up with the great help of my wife and son. I do believe that expression is the enemy of depression so writing Blood Red was very therapeutic for me. Taking all the major medical set-backs in my life and approaching them in a self deprecating way, somehow took away the power they had over me. It also had an additional benefit in so far as it removed the fear of dying for me. So two great fears removed – fear of the taxman and the fear of dying.’

Archer’s favourite book, to which he regularly returns, is Paul Theroux’s Ghost Train to the Eastern Star. It’s hoped he will continue to enjoy this much loved book for many years to come. On that note I asked him how he felt about ageing. He assured me, with a wisdom his grandmother would be proud of, that he doesn’t mind...’as long as everyone else is ageing with me.’

Blood Red is available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ Blood-Red-Mr-Jim-Archer/ dp/0995743908/

Discover how the Irish Influenced and Changed the World EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a museum re-imagined. It will inspire and guide you on a journey to discover the stories of Irish emigration around the world, from early times to the modern day.

Over the centuries, some 10 million people have left the island of Ireland. At EPIC you can step through 20 themed galleries to find out why people left, see how they influenced the world they found, and experience the connection between their descendants and Ireland today. Immerse yourself in the stories of some of the most remarkable tales of sacrifice, endurance, adventure, and discovery the world has ever known. Suitable for all ages, EPIC brings these amazing stories to life in a unique and spectacular way.

your connection to Ireland while using the latest genealogical research and digital technology.

What they said so far on Tripadvisor; ‘This is by far the most interactive tourist exhibit that I have ever been to.

It brings Irish culture and heritage to life.’

‘This is a great addition to Dublin for Irish locals, returning emigrants and anyone curious about the Irish Diaspora.’

“A Must See! Something for Everyone”

“Not to be missed”

Founded by Neville Isdell, former Chairman and CEO of Coca Cola and member of the Irish diaspora himself. Neville left Ulster with his parents for Northern Rhodesia in the mid-1950s and has subsequently lived and worked outside Ireland for more than sixty years.

Designed by Event Communications, the multi-award winning designers of Titanic Belfast, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum tells the authentic and epic story of 10 million journeys and the roots of 70 million people.

Located in the beautiful vaults of the CHQ in Dublin’s Docklands, the original departure point for so many of Ireland’s emigrants. Just a short walk from O’Connell Bridge, CHQ is well serviced by bus, DART, Luas and city tour buses. CHQ is also home to a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and retail outlets including the EPIC Museum Gift Shop.

Leading on from this world class experience at CHQ, visitors can take the opportunity to explore their Irish heritage in the Irish Family History Centre where they will have access to over 100 million Irish records.

Operated by Eneclann Ireland’s leading genealogical services provider, the Irish Family History Centre offer a new and exciting way to uncover

Senior Times Senior Times Magazine in association with EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum are inviting committee members of; retirement groups, sports clubs, social/outings clubs to visit FREE of charge! On the 7th of August 2017, between 10am and 5pm (last entry) committee members can experience EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum for themselves – we’ll even throw in a cup of tea and a scone!

To book a slot email dmiddleton@epicchq.com or call +353 (0)1 906 0861 EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, CHQ, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1.

T +353 (0)1 906 0861 E info@epicchq.com W epicchq.com Open 10:00 am — 6:45 pm. Last entry is 5:00pm . Open 7 days a week Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 61

Wine World Mairead Robinson sings the praises of this peerless white grape.

Villa Huesgen, after which the riesling is named

Make friends with riesling this summer Many wine lovers say that some of the greatest wines in the world are produced from the riesling grape and most of these come from Germany. It is difficult to understand why we in Ireland do not love it more than we do, choosing chardonnay, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc instead when opting for a refreshing glass of white wine.

Yet riesling is a very aromatic grape variety, and those aromas can reflect not only a range of fruits but also honey, minerals, flowers – and the one that puts most people off – petrol! It was once the best-selling white wine in the world. It was imported into Irish taverns from the 14th century onwards and was a centrepiece of many Irish tables in the Victorian era.

The wines are however nearly always finely balanced with the grape’s slow ripening and the cool latitudes endowing it with both sugar and 62 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

acid. The other attraction that distinguishes riesling from other white wines is the superb ageing of this grape, with some low alcohol riesling tasting wonderful at up to twenty years of age when expensive white Burgundies of the same vintage would be long past their best. What I like particularly about a good riesling is their perfect pairing with summer foods, and so I am recommending one of Germany’s finest rieslings to try now that the summer weather is here, and we can enjoy some al-fresco barbeques and lunches.

Villa Huesgen comes from the Mosel region, between Koblenz and Trier, is the most imposing wine area of the world and the origin of riesling. It is characterised through the precipitous vineyards falling down to the river.

The cliffy slate slopes hold the warmth of the sun and give the riesling its special note. The best conditions for cultivating riesling also known as ‘the queen of grapes’ are found in the Mosel area. The northern Mosel

The town of Traben at the centre of the Riesling producing region .

Ado and Adolphe Huesgen.

The Huesgen family have been in the wine business for nine generations now.

Many wine lovers say that some of the greatest wines in the world are produced from the riesling grape and most of these come from Germany. It is difficult to understand why we in Ireland do not love it more than we do, choosing chardonnay, pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc instead when opting for a refreshing glass of white wine.

Yet riesling is a very aromatic grape variety, and those aromas can reflect not only a range of fruits but also honey, minerals, flowers – and the one that puts most people off – petrol! It was once the best-selling white wine in the world. It was imported into Irish taverns from the 14th century onwards and was a centrepiece of many Irish tables in the Victorian era.

The wines are however nearly always finely balanced with the grape’s slow ripening and the cool latitudes endowing it with both sugar and acid. The other attraction that distinguishes riesling from other white

wines is the superb ageing of this grape, with some low alcohol riesling tasting wonderful at up to twenty years of age when expensive white Burgundies of the same vintage would be long past their best. What I like particularly about a good riesling is their perfect pairing with summer foods, and so I am recommending one of Germany’s finest rieslings to try now that the summer weather is here, and we can enjoy some al-fresco barbeques and lunches.

Villa Huesgen comes from the Mosel region, between Koblenz and Trier, is the most imposing wine area of the world and the origin of riesling. It is characterised through the precipitous vineyards falling down to the river.

The cliffy slate slopes hold the warmth of the sun and give the riesling its special note. The best conditions for cultivating riesling also known as ‘the queen of grapes’ are found in the Mosel area. The northern Mosel region with the steep slate slopes allow the vines a longer ripening period. The result is a fruity, mineral taste which makes the riesling wines

Wine News From Around The World Severe frost hit several European wine areas during late April this year. And while we were talking above about Mosel in Germany, this area was amongst the regions affected.

However the worst damage seems to have occurred in champagne, where some growers reported a 50% crop loss. A mild March meant that vines were further ahead than usual in growth and this exacerbated matters. This will reduce the size of the champagne harvest in some regions but we hope we won’t have to pay more for our favourite tipple as producers will not be able to hike prices quite so much as in the past. This is due to increasing competition from prosecco, cava and dry sparklers from around the world.

Another Brexit worry is facing Spanish and Portuguese producers of sherry and port, as the UK is a big market for these fortified wines.

Producers could be strongly impacted by a triple whammy – a fall in sterling, new tariffs and border delays leading to higher market costs.

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 63

Travel

Old Weir Bridge, Killarney National Park

Third time lucky Sometimes the best short holiday breaks, are those taken on the spur of the moment. Such it was that I found myself on a train chugging at a leisurely pace south-westwards towards Kerry.

My brother and his wife were working in Killarney, and finding themselves with two unexpected days off, asked me if I’d like to join them. All I had time for was to lock up the house, throw a few things in a rucksack and head for Heuston Station.

Ah, the heady indiscipline of retirement..the childlike dropping of all things serious! I’m off Tempus fugit! Carpe diem! It goes without saying that in the back pocket of my jeans, was my free travel pass, essential travelling companion that it is.

On the train, I had time to think about Killarney and my two previous visits there, neither of them memorable. The first was in 1968 when I and a few friends caught a bus to the Naas dual carriageway and hitched a lift all the way. We stayed in an An Oige hostel with freezing cold showers and lived on bread rolls and cheese for the two days of our stay. There was a small matter of not being able to get a hitch home and having to telephone one of our fathers to bail us out, but I won’t mention that unfortunate event for the memory of it still rankles with my friend whose father was chosen as the recipient of our woeful dilemma.

My second visit to the area was in high summer when my children were small. We’d rented a house near Killarney on the Ring of Kerry and my dislike of what I’ve since dubbed a ‘blooming racetrack’ stems from that time. To this day, when I hear mention of the Ring of Kerry, it brings me back to perilous car journeys on narrow roads, stuck between endless queues of tour buses. What the Ring of Kerry needs, I thought then, is a cycle path. Nothing can be enjoyed from the front seat of a car, the kids in the back and huge tour buses heading straight for you at every turn.

While Kerry County Council does have a plan for putting in a cycle and walking route along the old railway line between Glenbeigh and Caherciveen, there are still some planning issues to be resolved between the council and the landowners. I’m sure the Healy-Raes are in there fighting their corner, but they’d want to get it sorted out fast, as Kerry is falling behind other counties like Mayo and Waterford, where their greenways have brought massive rejuvenation to the areas these cycling paths go through.

But Kerry Council was hugely enlightened back in 1982 when it ran with the idea for Ireland’s second signed long-distance hiking trail, (the first being the Wicklow Way). The Kerry Way was opened in 1989 and starts in the centre of Killarney town, passes through the grounds of Muckross House, past the shores of Lough Leane and Muckross Lake and 64 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Maeve Edwards’ third trip to Killarney was the most memorable

onwards for more than 200 km looping around one of the most breath-taking peninsulas of all, the Iveragh. If anyone is interested in walking the Kerry Way, or even stretches of it in short bursts, I would highly recommend Dónal Nolan’s book, The Kerry Way, A Walking Guide.

But my brother and his wife had their own plan for our first day in Killarney. ‘We’re going to the Gap of Dunloe,’ they said.

I settled myself into the back of their comfortable Land Rover with its heated seats and tinted windows and never mentioned that my overriding 1968 memory of that tourist spot was the strong scent of horse urine emanating from the jaunting cars crowded together at Kate Kearney’s cottage. 1968 was a long time ago, I thought and who am I to argue with anyone man enough to drive me around.

What an astonishingly beautiful place is the Gap of Dunloe. It’s a haven for hillwalkers and trekkers, particularly in the off season, when jaunting cars and bicycles are not hurtling past.

Any misgivings I had about jarveys jostling for our custom at the Gap of Dunloe flew out the window as we headed out of Killarney town. Believe it or not, we had the place to ourselves e were on the Ring of Kerry without a tour bus or jaunting car in sight. It was Valentine’s Day. The sun was shining. The sky was blue. How lucky were we.

We had been told that cars were not allowed past Kate Kearney’s Cottage, but my brother, renowned rebel that he is, swept right past the car park. Then peace descended even further while the Gap of Dunloe opened out in front of us and appreciative sighs came from all occupants of the car.

Travel

Muckrosss House, Killarney Killarney House & Gardens Kerry Council was hugely enlightened back in 1982 when it ran with the idea for Ireland’s second signed long-distance hiking trail, (the first being the Wicklow Way).

in our unbelievably good value B&B of Castle Lodge in the centre of Killarney, and we’d a bag of jellies in the car to sustain us.

What an astonishingly beautiful place is the Gap of Dunloe. It’s a haven for hillwalkers and trekkers, particularly in the off season, when jaunting cars and bicycles are not hurtling past. Our eyes were filled with wonder at every bend in the road, and, being February, the leafless trees had their own beauty, their branches stark against the sky. The winter colours are magnificent, all brown sedges, and ochre ferns. Plus, we were able to see for miles across the lakes, as they shimmered and glinted in the sun.

While every lakeside restaurant was boarded up and closed for the season, we didn’t mind one whit. We’d filled up on our full Irish breakfast

We returned to Killarney and had an early dinner in the Laurels. This too had been one of my haunts in 1968, but the only sustenance we could afford then was a glass of Fanta orange! That night we feasted on fish and chips and pints of beer beside an open fire. Killarney town itself is a prosperous well looked after town with great shopping and the best in hotels and guest houses who are ready to bargain for your custom in the off season.

But the jewel in the crown of Killarney was yet to come. On our second day, and only two minutes’ walk from our B&B we passed through the gates of the newly restored Killarney House and gardens which opened to the public on 3rd April 2016. Decoration work is still ongoing in the house itself, but the gardens have been replanted, including the restoration of the Cherry Tree Walk. These newly restored gardens adjoin the magnificent panorama of Killarney National Park, providing some of the world’s most stunning scenery right in the centre of a town.

My advice would be to go to Killarney straight away! Grab your free travel pass, jump on a train or bus, and do it before the tourists come out in force. You’ll be glad you did.

Castle Lodge Bed & Breakfast: http://www.castlelodgekillarney.ie/ The Laurels, Killarney: http://www.thelaurelspub.com/ Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 65

Cosmetics and beauty

Keeping it clean Mairead Robinson recommends some products to keep your skin looking its best.

Whatever your beauty routine, and of all the products you use on your skin, cleansing your face correctly is without doubt the most important step. There is no point in applying the most expensive and luxurious serums and moisturisers to your skin, if the base is not clean and clear enough to be able to absorb them. Facial skin cleansing is the most vital part of your skin care routine, keeping your skin healthy and looking radiant. Every night before bedtime, it is important to clean your face and neck thoroughly to remove make-up, dead skin cells, excess oil and any bacteria and pollution you have picked up through out the day. This is very important as a key anti-ageing step, as then you can apply your rich night-time moisturisers to nourish your skin while you sleep.

Morning time is also important to cleanse your skin, as the pores can become blocked, especially if you sweat during the night. And if you wake up with your skin feeling tight, this is a sign that you have not moisturised enough before going to sleep, so cleanse thoroughly and then apply your night creams.

When it comes to cleansers, there are many types, so you must choose one that will suit

your skin best. If you are a fan of the old-fashioned soap and water routine, a facial wash might suit you. If you wear makeup during the day however, you must remove that first, as the facial wash will not completely remove your foundation, powder and eye make-up.

I find a good facial wash can work well in the morning, leaving your skin feeling fresh and ready to absorb your moisturising products.

Some people like to use a face cloth, but if you do, make sure that you do not drag the delicate skin around your eyes.

sions. They use the dissolving action of oils to remove make-up and other products left on the skin’s surface. At the same time they can be formulated to leave behind a moisturising (emollient) film, which prevents too drastic a removal of fats from the skin. Facial cleansers should remove oils and other fatty secretions from the sebaceous glands in the skin, but at the same time they should not remove the natural lipids like ceramides, which have an important role in preventing an excessive loss of water from the skin.

There are several alternatives to soap and water cleansing - facial cleansers which have been developed to deal with cleansing different skin types, and to avoid drying the skin as traditional bar soaps tended to do. These can be in any form such as creams, milks, liquids, foams, oils, gels and lotions. All are basically a mixture of an oil, wax and water but manufacturers modify the formula to suit different skin types - those for dry skins remove less oil from the skin, and may even add some, whilst cleansers for oily skins are designed to remove more oil and add none to the skin.

Cream, milk or lotion cleansers are particularly suitable for removing make-up and other solid residues from dry skin. All these are emul-

For mature skin, I favour cleansing milks, creams or lotions. For sensitive skin, a Micellaire or Micellar water is often the best product and foam cleansers are also effective and gentle on the skin. Nuxe have a lovely range for cleansing both face and eyes with cleansing milk, cleansing water and foam cleanser, all made with rose petals and in 200 ml bottles (150ml for the foam cleanser) and all well priced around the E14 mark. My personal favourite is the cleansing milk.

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Nivea is a very popular range and having been around for generations now it is still as popular as ever. They now have a full range of cleansing products, all exceptional value and include

a Daily Essentials range for sensitive skin with sensitive cleansing milk which helps prevent redness, tightness and dryness. Sensitive caring micellar water is a three in one cleanser for face and eyes with grape seed oil.

Bioderma is a leading brand for sensitive skin, and have two cleansing waters for oily and for dry skin. Both are non-rinse and paraben free and designed for sensitive skin in mind.

Peels and exfoliating products will offer a deeper clean for your skin, as they remove dead skin cells to reveal more youthful brighter skin. But do choose one that is gentle, as some are too harsh for mature skin. Again, go for a product designed for sensitive skin and for frequent use, and keep it in the shower to use once a week, no more than that. If you have a favourite cleansing brand, check if they also have an Exfoliating product, as if the cleanser suits you, this will probably work for you too.

And finally, a mask is a great way to get a really good deep clean along with a relaxing experience. It is not necessary to visit a spa for this, as there are products that you can use at home and get the same effect. Roger & Gallet are renowned for their beautiful fragrances

and oils, and their Auraura Mirabilis skincare regime was recently launched with four skincare products; the extra-fine cleansing mask , vinegar, double extract and legendary cream – moisturiser. The first part of this face care ritual is to detoxify using the extra-fine cleansing mask. This part of the face care ritual is inspired by the virginal milk used to create marvellous skin and oil-based formulas that are known for their numerous skincare benefits and their makeup removing efficacy.

This efficacy in removing makeup enables the mask to provide a double use – it can be used as a makeup remover or a detoxifying mask. It concentrates all the natural powers of 18 officinal plants combined with extra fine helianthus flower oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids. The extra-fine cleansing milk is suitable and gentle enough for sensitive skin. A beautiful product, this is designed to detoxify, refine, restore and renew your skin. Available in Marks & Spencer nationwide at E20.

So choose your products carefully to suit your skin, and do not skimp on cleansing to ensure that you have the freshest brightest and most youthful skin on which to apply your make-up.

Finally when choosing your favourite products

for your skin-care rituals, it is comforting to know that you can also be helping those less fortunate your yourself. Clarins have formed a partnership with Arthritis Ireland. And in 2017, for every tonic body treatment oil sold, Clarins will make a donation to Arthritis Ireland to fund research in Ireland. The tonic beauty treatment ois a beautiful product which leaves r skiyour feeling like silk.

Also Clarins LARINS has supported the FEED project for the past 6 years and during this time, helped provide nutritious meals to thousands of children in developing countries. Invested in several economic and social projects, Clarins has never stopped striving to make the world a better place for children. Now you can get involved by purchasing a FEED bag (containing 3 products - 30ml hand and nail treatment cream, 30ml foot treatmentc, and 30ml exfoliating body scrub). Every FEED bag purchased will provide ten meals for school children in developing countries. When you spend E65 on Clarins products, you will receive a free FEED bag.

Check it out at your Clarins beauty counter this summer. Now you can feel good, and do good at the same time!

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 67

Northern

Notes The Sandwich Years – a modern dilemma

By Debbie Orme

TV presenter Fiona Phillips recently admitted that she was pushed to the brink of breakdown as she tried to juggle a pressurised career, her children, caring for her ageing parents - who both had dementia - and the everyday responsibility of housework.

A 2015 study by Trinity College Dublin revealed that a third of all women in Ireland are considered the ‘Sandwich Generation’, with both living parents and children. As both of these trends – later parenting and longer life expectancycontinue, and with women playing a more active role in the workforce, a generation of women are finding themselves caught in a boiling pot of pressure that can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health.

The term ‘Sandwich Generation’ was aptly coined about a decade or so ago to describe women who were literally sandwiched between the responsibility and care for both their children and their parents. Northern Irish writer Alana Kirk was one of them..

Four days after the birth of her third child, Alana’s mother had a catastrophic stroke.

‘Mum had been with me at the birth,’ Alana told Senior Times. ‘She’d cared for my other two girls while I was in hospital but the night before I came home, after calling me and telling me she loved me, she read them a story, kissed them goodnight and walked out of their bedroom.

Moments later her head exploded and she never said my name again.’

From that moment, Alana found herself in a ‘perfect storm of care’ - sandwiched between the needs of her parents and her young children and baby.

‘The hardest part about the Sandwich Years is that you are often also doing this while coping with extreme grief,’ Alana continues. ‘My mum was still alive, but the mum I knew had died. For so many women I see facing into the challenge of losing a parent, often the loss of the parent they know, long before that parent actually dies, is one of the most challenging aspects.

With my mum it was a stroke. For others it is Alzheimers or Parkinsons or dementia. In

Alana Kirk: ‘Coming to terms with the role reversal of caring for your parent, dealing with the needs of your own family, figuring out the practical issues of care while coping with the emotional fallout of grief and fear can make the Sandwich Years a lonely place’.

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Northern Notes

many of these degenerative diseases, the person you have loved all your life is slipping away. You are caring and grieving at the same time. It is a hugely traumatic experience.

‘Modern life and feminist ferocity has enabled women today to have choices, make choices, live choices that have transformed our lives.

But sometimes we are left with no choice.

When the two bookends of our lives - parents and children - need us at the same time, we are the ones that have to slot in between. Our parents may need us for all kinds of reasons - mental deterioration, physical illness, or just old age, but the pain of grieving while dealing with the grim reality of their diminishing life is a challenge few of us can ever be prepared for.’

To help counteract her stress of the situation in which she found herself, Alana began to write about her experiences in a blog entitled The Sandwich Years. Very quickly she realised how common her situation had become.

‘I was amazed by the number of women like myself, who found themselves in the situation. The thing is that the Sandwich Years don’t come with an appointment card and a preparation pack. Sometimes they quietly slip into your life, slowly creeping up on you, until you realise the balls you are juggling are falling down around your ears. Perhaps it starts with a fall. Or you may notice a slowing down or a reduced ability to help. You are caring for your children and you think your parents are caring for you. But slowly, slowly, you discover they need more from you and, in a gradual process, you switch roles of cared for and carer.

‘Many women are finding themselves overworked, overextended, overstressed and over a barrel. The demands on our time, the emotional wringing out, the guilt at feeling you are constantly short-changing someone can be overwhelming. Coming to terms with the role reversal of caring for your parent, dealing with the needs of your own family, figuring out the practical issues of care while coping with the emotional fallout of grief and fear can make the Sandwich Years a lonely place.

‘The simple fact is that a generational evolution has occurred and for many of us who have come to the parenting party a little late, we have found that, instead of our parents being needed for childcare, we are now needed for parent care. And most of us are completely unprepared. We become completely shredded by the multi-whammy pressures of parent care, childcare, work-work and housework.’

As a result of the great response to her blog, Alana went on to write a book, published last year as ‘Daughter. Mother. Me’.

‘I wrote this book,’ she continues, ‘to help other people understand that sometimes life

becomes incredibly hard - especially when you are dealing with the grief of losing a parent while also caring for them, and pulling yourself through with a modicum of sanity.

‘As I discovered in my own Sandwich Years, which lasted over five years, there has to come a point when, in the midst of childcare and parent care, you learn to prioritise self care.

I had no idea how long my mum would survive in a state of half-living. When she first had her stroke, the doctors told us to prepare for the worst. They meant death, but she survived and the worst was still to come. Overnight, my mum went from a vibrant glamorous woman, to a bed-bound patient who could do absolutely nothing for herself. From cleaning her teeth to cutting her toe nails, from changing her pads to washing her face, my mum was at the mercy of the care that we could provide for her. It was devastating to watch, but it was also devastating to do.

‘Last year, after five years, my mum began to fade. It was as if she made a decision that she had had enough. She stopped eating and became very withdrawn. As it happens, she

died in my arms on the day that my book about her was published. The fact that I was glad her suffering was over only slightly dented the grief I felt at finally having to live in a world without her.

‘In the year that followed, however, the letters and emails I received from others who had been touched and helped by my story made some of it feel a little worthwhile. I have written and spoken about the pressures of the Sandwich Years for a long time now, in the hope that it is recognised for the very difficult and challenging experience that it is. This year, my book was released in paperback, with an additional chapter and a new name - The Sandwich Years - and again I was amazed by the response. Amazed also that so many women are going through huge stress and grief, and yet don’t ask for help. I would give anything to have my mum back, but given that I can’t, I am glad at least that my experience has given me a platform to help other people.

If telling my story can help one woman to seek help and support when they feel broken by the unrelenting pressures of care, then I will be glad.’

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 69

Northern Notes

Lord Mayor backs Belfast for World Travel Award New Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister helped to launch the campaign as her first official engagement.

Belfast has been shortlisted for the title of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination in the prestigious World Travel Awards, and Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister is encouraging the public to show their pride and get behind the campaign by voting before the closing date of 6 August.

Already home to the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in Titanic Belfast, Belfast’s reputation as a tourist destination has grown in recent years, and the city now welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world, who come to enjoy everything on offer – from great visitor attractions and experiences to mouth-watering food and drink and a world-renowned welcome.

New Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister helped to launch the campaign as her first official engagement.

‘This is a really exciting opportunity for Belfast,’ she said, ‘to even be nominated for such a prestigious award is a fantastic boost for the city. I hope everyone will get on board and support the campaign by casting their vote for Belfast.

‘As a global city, tourism is of growing importance to Belfast’s growth, and our tourism offering is now on a par with other major European cities. Only recently we opened the new permanent exhibition at City Hall which has already attracted almost 17,000 people in its first few weeks of opening, and City Hall

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itself is a must-see for any visitor to Belfast.

‘We have a lot to be proud of, and winning this award would be the icing on the cake after a record-breaking year for tourism in Belfast.’

Belfast faces competition from cities such as London, Amsterdam and Dublin, but Visit Belfast Chief Executive, Gerry Lennon, is confident that Belfast can win. ‘Belfast is a city transformed in the eyes of the world,’ he said, ‘and we now have a tourism product to be proud of. This nomination just goes to show the progress that the city has made in the last two decades, as we are now seen as a popular European city break destination, thanks to over £1 billion investment from organisations like Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, and the public sector.’

Meeting Place SINGLE TIPP LADY, never married and no ties, well travelled, honest, caring and loyal.

WLTM a refined gent, single or widowed for companionship and travel partner and happy times 68-75 age group.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K1 HEALTHY, ACTIVE CO WATERFORD MALE, 77, NS, some ties, no relationship, WLTM female companion for a few times a month. Interests include country dancing, eating out, weekends away, photography etc..

GSOH. Travel no problem.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K2 RETIRED MALE PUBLIC SERVANT, 60s, midlands based, WLTM an interesting female for travelling and country activities. Interests include fishing, canoeing, current affairs and politics, and weekends away in the West.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K3 DUBLIN-BASED MALE, EARLY 70s, seeks active female at least 5ft 6in in height, who wants to learn ballroom dancing to a very high level. Preliminary discussion welcomed. But lessons, practice and social dancing would be involved. Could be hard work, time consuming, but great fun.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F1

MATURE CO WICKLOW LADY WLTM nice gent to share this coming summer. Usual interests. REPLY TO BOX F2

CO MEATH, KIND, SINCERE, ACTIVE, slim outgoing lady, 62, NS, SD, good appearance, enjoys current affairs, reading, walking/hiking, golf, travelling, theatre, concerts, dining out etc., WLTM sincere, NS gentleman of similar age and interests for friendship/relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F3

RETIRED NORTH LEINSTER MALE TEACHER, MID 60s, single and unattached. Interests include music, cinema, rugby and GAA, travelling (especially by train), Living in the country and also like walking, cycling, fishing. WLTM interesting lady for friendship and travelling.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F4

ATLANTIC COAST LADY, ACTIVE, positive outlook, kind, trustworthy, NS. WLTM single male 50-65 as a socialising/travel companion.

Interests include short breaks at home, sun holidays abroad, walking, concerts, dancing, cinema, theatre etc.

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KILLARNEY LADY LOOKING FOR A TRAVELLING COMPANION to spend a few weeks this Christmas in a warm climate such as Tenerife/Lanzarote. Interests include reading, cooking, dancing, gardening and walking.

NS, SD. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F6

SINGLE DUBLIN MAN, LATE SIXTIES, sincere, GSOH, good character, honest, considered interesting. Well-travelled, adventurous. Interests include music, singing, foreign travel, art, photography. WLTM lady 4570 living in Dublin flor friendship and relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F7

VERY NICE LADY EARLY 60s LIMERICK/ KERRY AREA WLTM a nice, honest gentleman same age who is loving, affectionate and romantic, with good personality and sense of humour. Interests include music and dancing, travel. Independent and only love needed!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F8 MAYO MALE EARLY 60s, NS, SD, broad range of interests, including sports, reading, current affairs. Solvent, recently retired, professional. WLTM lady early-late fifties, sincere, honest, GSOH. Ideally from Mayo/Galway but not a necessity, for friendship/relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F9

EARLY 60S MUNSTER LADY SEEKS TRAVELLING FEMALE companion. Interests many and varied and include walking, good food, music, drama, cinema, NS, SD. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F10

DUBLIN LADY LATE 50s loves the outdoors, walking, swimming, chats and laughs. Love life – its now or never. Are you the special person to share all the things we should have done but were too young, too broke or too scared.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F11

MUNSTER LADY, unmarried, living alone, just one sibling. WLTM other ladies in similar position for chats and a drink in Limerick, Clare, Offaly, Tipperary. Age group 60-75.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER F12 DUBLIN MALE ACTIVE 71 YEARS YOUNG, NS, ND loves a laugh and the craic, lives alone, likes the simple things in life. Likes music, computing, art, good conversation, cinema, reading.

WLTM a lady to enjoy good times, REPLY TO BOX N UMBER U1 NOTE If you submitted the following advertisement would you please contact Meeting Place with your contact details.

Unfortunately your contact details were mislaid and there are a number of replies.

SOUTH DUBLIN GENT, WRITER, EARLY 70s WLTM lady, initially once a week for coffee. Interests include cinema, theatre, musicals, reading and current affairs.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U7

ACTIVE DUBLIN LADY 60s, NS, SD, WLTM gentleman with GSOH. Many interests, including walking, cinema, theatre and golf.

REPLY TLO BOX NUMBER U2 CLARE MAN LATE 50s, single, no ties, fit, NS, SD, GSOH, sincere, caring and respectable.

Interests include gardening, walking, traditional and country music, socialising with good company. WLTM sincere, easy going, respectable lady mid 50s with same interests from, or who can travel to, counties Galway, Clare and Limerick, for friendship and possible relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U3 ABSOLUTE GENTLEMEN, 60s, DUBLIN. Single, seeking lady with no children. Caring, sharing, fit, walker, romantic . Will you share woodlands walks with me and the wonder and joyful exuberance of life.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U4 LATE 50s WEST MEATH LADY WLTM midlands man around same age.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U5 TIPPERARY LADY, SINGLE, EARLY 50s seeks a kind, honest gent for friendship/ company. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U6 SOUTH DUBLIN GENT, WRITER, EARLY 70s, WLTM lady, initially once a week for coffee. Interests include cinema, theatre, musicals, reading, current affairs.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U7 NORTH DUBLIN MAN, SIXTIES, happy go lucky, loves to walk and talk, GSOH, NS. Seeks soul mate for genuine friendship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U8 DUBLIN MALE, 71, TALL, SLIM, NS, SD, love a laugh and craic. Live alone and like the simple life. WLTM a lady to enjoy good times with.

Like music, computing, art, good conversation, cinema, nights in and reading.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E1 PETITE, ACTIVE, ATTRACTIVE DUBLIN LADY, late 60s, retired professional, WLTM a kind, sincere gent for friendship and companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E2 GENUINE LADY, 50s, NO CHILDREN loves walking, reading, travelling, fishing, cooking, eating out, etc. WLTM gent with similar interests.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E3 DUBLIN BASED GENT 60s never married, cheerful personality, active lifestyle, and positive outlook WLTM lady of similar sage with similar outlook for possible relationship.

READER TO BOX NUMBER E4 EDUCATED, SEPARATED CLARE-BASED MALE, 65. Interests include walking, dancing,

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sport, travelling. WLTM female 60-70 with similar interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E5 NORTH DUBLIN MAN, 60, ROMANTIC, broad-minded, discreet, ND, NS, WLTM lady 60-65 for friendship or more. Interests include all types of music, theatre, eating out, walking, weekends away.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E6 EAST COAST WIDOW, 70s, kind and caring, fun-loving, WLTM sincere, kind man for friendship, social dancing and to enjoy each other’s company, REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E7 DUBLIN GENT, 71, WLTM adventurous, open-minded, lady to share cabin, costs on an adult-only world cruise January-April 2018. NS, ND. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E8 ATTRACTIVE WEST CORK LADY, early 60s, NS, ND interests include lively conversation, painting, keep-fit, eating out, current affairs, travel, music (not country and western!).

WLTM gentleman of smart appearance with GSOH who is kind and sincere and interested in sharing life’s bounties with a sincere companion.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E9

MIDLANDS WIDOWER, EARLY 70s, average height, NS, SD, seeks company of attractive, petite lady with warm personality for friendship relationship. Enjoys music, gardening, cinema, driving restaurants and a laugh.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E15 70S OFFALY LADY, GSOH, WLTM respectable kind gent for friendship and to share lifes joys. Interests include walking, dancing, cinema, eating out, weekends away, long drives in the country etc.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C1 ATTRACTIVE 60s LEINSTER LADY WLTM a man who believes we can enjoy the elements, have a laugh, dance to Van, curl up with a film or dine out on words that say we’re on the same page. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C2 TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT If you are interested in meeting someone of the opposite or same sex, send your advertisement, with four stamps (which is the average reply rate) enclosed in the envelope, to: Meeting Place, Senior Times, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.

Or email: john@slp.ie

LIMERICK BASED LADY, EARLY 60s, attractive widow, semi-retired professional, Kind, considerate person with GSOH, NS, SD, various interests include travel, nature, theatre, music, walking, swimming, sport (especially GAA). WLTM unattached, interesting and sincere gentleman with GSOH and similar interests for friendship/companionship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E10

IMPORTANT Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live, noting your interests. The advertisement should not be more than 60 words.

If you are replying to the advertisement via Senior Time’s email, ensure you include your postal address for those not on the Net. (Only Senior Times will have these details). Deadline for receipt of advertisements for the next issue is 29th July 2017.

TO REPLY TO AN ADVERTISEMENT Each reply to an advertisement should be enclosed in a plain, stamped envelope, with the box number marked in pencil so that it can be erased before being forwarded to the advertiser. Send these envelopes in a covering envelope to the address , left, so that we can forward them to the advertiser. There is no limit to the amount of advertisements to which you can reply, provided each one is contained in a plain, stamped envelope. Ensure you give your approximate age and the area you live.

For those submitting their advertisements by email ensure that you also supply Senior Times with your postal address so that we can post replies from those who have replied by post. (Only Senior Times will have your postal address).

Competition winners from last issue

TALL GENT, DUBLIN AREA, like walking, dancing and travelling. GSOH and relaxed personality. Also play bridge and a little golf.

Interested sharing the good times and the pleasant quiet times with a lady with similar interests.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E11 ATTRACTIVE LIMERICK LADY, 60s, divorced, no ties, self-employed, semi-retired, GSOH, outgoing personality with many interests. NS. WLTM sincere and honest gentleman 65-70 companionship and friendship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E12 MIDLANDS LADY, 68, SEMI-RETIRED professional widow with a zest for life, outgoing, genuine, caring and sincere. Enjoys sport, music, social dancing, travel, holidays, meals in/ out, a glass of wine, current affairs and good conversation. WLTM a genuine, educated, caring, romantic gentleman with outgoing personality and a GHOH to share special times.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E13 ATTRACTIVE, ARTICULATE AMERICAN PROFESSIONAL LADY WLTM baggage-free, well-educated man 55-70 to share the good things in life. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E14 72 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

Crossword - Three copies of Neven Maguire’s Complete Family Cookbook Reba Myers, Clogher, Co Tyrone Patrick Cavanagh, Mullingar Anne Lucas, Rathfarnham, Dublin Tickets for Bloomsday Celebration at National Concert Hall Mary Marshall, Waterford Cathal O’Connor, Cork Anne Martin, Swords, Co Dublin

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Citizens Information Service

Know Your Rights Advice from the Citizens Information Service I’ve been on Illness Benefit for over a year. I don’t ever expect to be fit to return to work. As I’m now nearing pension age, will I be entitled to a full State Pension (Contributory)?

The State Pension (Contributory) is paid to people from the age of 66 who have enough social insurance contributions. To qualify, you will need to have paid at least 520 full-rate contributions, which is equivalent to 10 years. The amount of the pension will depend on your average number of contributions per year. Illness Benefit is paid for a maximum of two years. It will end before that if you turn 66, when you may be eligible for a State Pension. You should apply for the State Pension three months before your 66th birthday.

If your entitlement to Illness Benefit ends before you reach pension age at 66 and you are likely to be permanently incapable of work, you may qualify for Invalidity Pension. To get Invalidity Pension you must have at least 260 (or five years) paid PRSI contributions and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete tax year before the date of your claim. The last complete tax year is the year before your claim. For example, if you claim Invalidity Pension in 2017, the last complete tax year is 2016. Note that only PRSI paid in classes A, E and H currently count.

If you get Invalidity Pension, you will automatically transfer to the State Pension (Contributory) at the full rate when you turn 66.

You will be contacted by the Department of Social Protection before your Illness Benefit is due to stop and you will be given information about your options. If at that stage, you don’t qualify for Invalidity Pension and have a disability that is expected to last for a year or more, you may qualify for a means-tested Disability Allowance.

You can get detailed information about the State Pension and payments for people with long-term illnesses from the website of the Department of Social Protection.

I’m getting Domiciliary Care Allowance for my daughter so I was happy to hear that medical card cover was being extended to children who qualify for the payment. The medical card application form seems to require a lot of information that doesn’t appear relevant in this situation. Is there another way to apply You don’t need to complete the medical card application form to get the medical card for your daughter. The medical card for children who qualify for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) isn’t subject to a means test so information about your income is not required. Instead, you can register your child online by going to the website medicalcard.ie and clicking on ‘Medical Cards (DCA)’. The site also has a form you can download if you prefer to apply by post.

You will need to provide the following information: • Your Personal Public Service (PPS) Number and contact details • Your child’s PPS Number and date of birth • The name and address of your child’s GP The website includes a list of GPs who are participating in the scheme.

If your GP of choice is accepting applications electronically, your child’s details will be sent to them. If not, you will be emailed a copy of the relevant details, which you can print out and bring to the GP. Once the GP accepts your child to their GMS patient list, the registration will be finalised by the National Medical Card Unit and a medical card in your child’s name will be sent to you.

If you have questions about the medical card, you can call the information line on Lo-call 1890 252 919.

My employer says that I have to retire when I reach the age of 65.

Can an employer make you retire at a certain age?

Can I use my mother’s Disabled Person’s Parking Permit if I’m doing an errand for her?

There is no single fixed retirement age for employees. If you are employed, your retirement age should be set out in your contract of employment. The usual retirement age in contracts of employment is 65.

Many contracts have provisions for early retirement from age 60 (or in some cases from age 55) and most have provision for early retirement on health grounds. Some occupations – for example, firefighters, An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces – have provisions for earlier retirement.

The Disabled Person’s Parking Permit can only be used by the person to whom it is issued. The permit shows the name and photograph of the person it has been issued to and you cannot use it unless that person is with you.

While employment equality legislation prohibits discrimination on the grounds of age, employers are still allowed to set retirement ages in employment contracts. Since 1 January 2016, under the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 an employer may set a compulsory retirement age if the employer can objectively justify the retirement age of an employee. This could be for health and safety reasons, for example, the physical demands and requirements of the job.

These spaces or parking bays have the wheelchair symbol painted on the ground or have a sign with the wheelchair symbol displayed. Most accessible parking bays are located near amenities such as shops and schools.

If an employee has reached the employer’s mandatory age of retirement, this legislation provides that they may still be legitimately offered fixed-term contracts, provided that it is objectively justified. The provisions of the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 would still apply.

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) provides information on your rights and entitlements under employment legislation. For further information about your contract of employment and retirement age you can contact the WRC’s Information and Customer Service at Lo-call 1890 80 80 90 or through the website, workplacerelations.ie.

74 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

The permit allows the holder of the permit to use the public parking spaces that are specifically assigned for vehicles being used by a person with a disability.

Car parking spaces with the wheelchair symbol are usually wider than most other car parking spaces to enable drivers or passengers with a disability to get from their car seat to their wheelchair.

A Disabled Person’s Parking Permit is only issued to a person with a disability. The parking permit can be used by the person with the disability for any vehicle they are travelling in. This means that a person with a disability being driven at different times by different people can bring the parking permit and display it in whichever vehicle they are using.

The Disabled Person’s Parking Permit is administered by the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland (DDAI) and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA). Both organisations provide detailed information on using the Disabled Person’s Parking Permit.

Citizens Information Service I’m leaving school soon but I don’t want to go to college. What other options do I have?

You could consider looking for an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship involves on-the-job training with an employer. It will prepare you for work in a specific area or craft such as construction, engineering, motor or electrical. You can find information about different types of apprenticeships on the website apprenticeship.ie.

Apprentices get an allowance while training on the job. Their employer pays a recommended apprenticeship wage. The rates of pay can vary, depending on the apprenticeship and on your employer. Generally, rates will rise as you gain more skills.

During off-the-job training, a craft apprentice allowance is paid. The allowance is calculated in relation to the take-home wages paid in each trade sector. Sometimes, you will also get a contribution towards travel or accommodation costs.

It can take two to four years to complete an apprenticeship.

To be accepted, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a minimum of grade D in any five subjects in the Junior Certificate or equivalent. Some employers may require higher educational qualifications.

If you don’t have the required grades, you can still be registered by an employer as an apprentice if you satisfactorily complete an approved pre-apprenticeship course.

To secure an apprenticeship, the first step is to find an employer who employs apprentices in the specific craft or occupation that you are interested in. The website apprenticeship.ie lists websites that advertise apprenticeship vacancies.

If you are interested in taking up an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship Section of your local Education and Training Board (ETB) for advice.

I left work early because my grandmother fell ill suddenly. Can I take a half-day as force majeure leave?

If you are absent for only part of a day on grounds of force majeure, it may still be counted as a full day of force majeure leave.

If you have a family crisis, the Parental Leave Acts 1998 and 2006 give an employee a limited right to leave from work. Force majeure leave is paid leave that is granted to an employee and it arises where, for urgent family reasons, the immediate presence of the employee is indispensable owing to the injury or illness of a close family member. In general it should not be leave that an employee could plan for. You can obtain force majeure leave in relation to the illness or injury of: • Your natural or adopted child (or a child you are acting in loco parentis for) • Your spouse or partner (provided you are living together) • Your brother or sister • Your parent or grandparent • Another person who resides with you in a relationship of domestic dependency You are entitled to up to three days of force majeure leave in any 12-month period or five days in any 36-month period.

If you are taking force majeure leave, you must notify your employer as soon as possible and make an application in writing as soon as you return to work. This must include the date of the leave, the reasons it was necessary and your relationship to the injured or ill person. The notice must also be signed by you as the employee.

You are protected against unfair dismissal for taking force majeure leave or for proposing to take it. If you have a dispute regarding force majeure leave, you should make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission within six months of the dispute. The time limit may be extended for up to a further six months if there is a substantial cause that prevents the complaint being brought within the normal time limit.

I want to complain about an article that was in a national newspaper recently. How can I do this?

The Office of the Press Ombudsman deals with complaints against publications that are members of the Press Council of Ireland. This is done free of charge without having to go to court. You can make a complaint about any article that personally affects you. You can also complain about the behaviour of a journalist. The article or the behaviour must be in breach of the professional standards and behaviours set out in the Code of Practice for Newspapers and Periodicals.

You must first make your complaint to the editor of the newspaper or magazine which published the article, explaining why you think the Code has been breached. If you don’t get a response or you are not happy with the response, you can complain to the Office of the Press Ombudsman within three months of the publication of the article or the behaviour of the journalist. The complaint must be made in writing by email or post and must: • Show how you are personally affected • Indicate which parts of the code of practice have been breached and why • Include a dated copy of the article • Include copies of correspondence between you and the editor The Office will first seek to have your complaint resolved through conciliation and/or mediation. This usually takes four to six weeks. If the matter is referred to the Press Ombudsman for a decision, it may take a further two weeks.

If the decision is in your favour, the newspaper or magazine must publish the decision unless it is appealed. If you are not happy with the decision, you can appeal to the Press Council of Ireland within two weeks.

You can get detailed information on how to make a complaint to the Press Ombudsman at citizensinformation.ie or from the Office of the Press Ombudsman.

I run a small business and pay Class S PRSI. My wife works parttime. Are we both entitled to medical benefits under the Treatment Benefit Scheme?

Since 27 March 2017, the Treatment Benefit Scheme has been extended to cover self-employed people who have paid sufficient Class S PRSI contributions. The scheme is run by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and provides dental, optical and aural services to qualified people.

You should contact the DSP or your treatment provider to check your eligibility before proceeding with any treatment. The number of PRSI contributions required depends on your age.

Your wife may qualify in her own right if she has enough contributions. If she doesn’t have enough, she may still qualify for Treatment Benefit on your social insurance record. To do this, you must qualify for Treatment Benefit and she must be dependent on you. To be considered dependent she must: • Have a gross income of €100 or less per week or • Earn more than €100 per week and have been dependent on you before entering or resuming insurable employment (at Class A, E, H, P or S) or • Not be getting a social welfare payment (except Disablement Pension, Supplementary Welfare Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Child Benefit) or • Have a Carer’s Allowance or State Pension (Non-Contributory) and have been dependent on you immediately before getting this payment Benefits under the scheme include an annual oral examination by private dentists on a DSP panel. Most dentists are on the panel so you shouldn’t have difficulty finding one. The scheme also provides for a free eyesight test but does not include sight tests for computer screens or driving licences. Half the cost of medically required contact lenses and hearing aids, up to a maximum amount, may also be covered. Opticians, optometrists or hearing aid suppliers providing the treatment or hearing products must have a contract with the DSP. Know Your Rights has been compiled by Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public.

Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000.

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 75

Retirement

‘Volunteering is certainly something that can be very beneficial for you but also for the organisation or charity that can now access your skills and expertise’.

Retirement is going to affect more than you!

Maretta Dillon talks to Derek Bell, Chief Operations Officer with The Retirement Planning Council of Ireland (RPCI).

It may be a bit of an irony but while Derek Bell - COO of RPCI since October last- is counselling those ready to retire, he himself is relishing his new role with the organisation.

In the first of a two part series, he highlights the challenges and opportunities for those ready to give up the day job. While financial and money concerns are often the first thing prospective retirees think of, it is the other more emotional adjustments that can be just as impactful.

New retirees can expect a change in their routine, their identity and their relationships. Family and friends are often the ones most affected. This new reality needs to be considered carefully and preferably in advance of doing the actual deed.

Talk to the person you are with! As noted earlier, retirement is going to affect more than you. Your partner or spouse will have to adjust to having you around in what was often their ‘space’. How will being at home all day impact on their established routine? Are you both in danger of cramping each other’s style? How can you best manage a new routine 76 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

to everyone’s satisfaction? Imagine, discuss and plan a “typical week and a “typical” month – consider separate as well as joint activities.

If you are the one in the office environment you will have developed a certain work persona – remember to leave it there. It is unlikely that acting the part of CEO, Administrator, Nurse or Sales Representative at home will be much appreciated. Easing out of roles that feel very familiar in order to adopt perhaps a more relaxed unhurried style takes patience, diplomacy and self-knowledge.

If you are not in a relationship, then you may need to work harder to maintain and indeed grow your social network. Replacing the work ‘crowd’ with others will probably require some thought, direct action and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. The 9am to 5pm time can be awkward, in that many of the people you currently socialise with will still be working – you can socialise in the evenings and at weekends but who is available during the daytime?

Derek advises that you think about transitioning out of the workplace gradually, if possible. Maybe reduce the number of days you work each week rather than simply quitting in one go. Think about what time of year you might leave – facing into retirement is not so easy in the dark days of November compared with the lengthening days of spring or summer.

Take a look at your hobbies, what do you enjoy doing? Is there some-

Retirement

Win a Fantastic Over 50’s Package at The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Leisure Resort

Derek advises to take up as hobby such as painting

thing you have always wanted to do? A week is a long time, (typically 50 hours per week, every week), to fill so you may need to take on more and new pastimes than you might have done previously – think Individual / Group; Mental / Physical and Summer/ Winter activities.

Volunteering is certainly something that can be very beneficial for you but also for the organisation or charity that can now access your skills and expertise. This might take various forms including mentoring or event management. Essentially anything that allows you to put your life skills to good use while at the same time keeping you active and busy. It’s a win win situation if you approach it right – start small and add on rather than jumping in too quickly! Volunteer with an organisation whose aims and values you identify with.

Derek cautions that it is very important to set boundaries particularly around family commitments and responsibilities. There can be a tendency for others to assume that the newly retired have unlimited time to dedicate to the needs of others. Helping family members can be rewarding and the chance to spend more time with grandchildren is one of the big pluses.

However, you need to be careful that you don’t become the solution to everyone else’s childminding, pet sitting and shopping problems. Learning to say “NO” politely but firmly is a very important lesson in this regard.

The Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare, Co. Kerry Tel: 064 6679300 www.kenmarebayhotel.com Welcome to the Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort, your home away from home in Kerry. Tucked into one of the most picturesque corners of the Wild Atlantic Way, the multi-award winning Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort is the ideal retreat for discovering the gems of the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula.

Situated on the Sneem road, just a few minutes’ walk from the charming shops and gourmet delights of Kenmare Town, at the Kenmare Bay Hotel you can be assured of exceptional comfort, friendly service from our staff and a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

Enjoy tasty, local produce at the Bay Restaurant and relax in the Courtyard bar. Unwind with a state-of-the-art leisure centre equipped with pool, gym, jacuzzi and sauna.

Other potential traps include letting the self-discipline – something that the workplace really demands – slide a little. With no work to get up for in the morning, it’s easy to have that extra glass of wine or graze a little too much on food during the day. It all adds up in terms of developing bad habits!

Your retirement is a project and visualising what it will look like – what time will I get up each day? What is my routine? What activities and hobbies will I commit to each week is very important? That way you are more likely to stay occupied as well as mentally and physically fit and engaged.

Kenmare has some of the best walking, hiking and cycling routes for those who love the great outdoors. Keep an eye out for some great Midweek and Autumn/Winter offers. Of all the hotels in Kerry, the Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort is the one that visitors return to again and again. Once you’ve stayed here, you’ll discover why.

That said; enjoy your new found freedom! Life expectancy continues to rise in the developed world. The chance of living to beyond 90 is 47% for a man and 55% for a woman. Retirement is potentially for as long as your previous working life.

WIN a Two Night Break We are offering one lucky Senior Times reader a chance to win a two night break away for you and a friend.

2 NIGHTS BED & FULL IRISH BREAKFAST FOR 2 ADULTS IN A SUPERIOR DOUBLE/TWIN ROOM

Planning your future requires optimism, enthusiasm and a bit of know how.

This hugely transitional period can be daunting for some. RPCI provides training courses that help you set smart and achievable goals for a happy and fulfilled retirement.

In the next part, Derek considers some of the financial issues facing those approaching retirement.

Established in 1974, the RPCI is a Registered Charity, a not for profit organisation, wholly independent of all financial institutions and with a voluntary board of directors. RPCI is based at 14/15 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2 Ph: 01 478 9471 / www.rpc.ie Courses are held in Dublin and around the country on a very regular basis. Please check the website for more details.

To win this break just answer the following question:

Which county is the Kenmare Bay Hotel situated in?

Email answers to lee@kenmarebayhotel.com Or by post to:

Lee Griffin, Senior Times/Hotel Reviews Ireland Competition The Kenmare Bay Hotel, Kenmare , Co. Kerry First correct entry drawn is the winner.

Deadline for receipt of entries is 10th August 2017 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 77

Crossword Crossword Number 88 by Zoë Devlin

ACROSS 1 4 8 11 16 17 18 21 22 24 26 27 29 30 33 36 38 40 41 45 47 48 49 52 54 55 56 58 59 62 64 66 68 69 71 73 74 76 77 82 83 86 90 92 93 95 97 98 100 101 103 104 105 106

& 4 Across. 1963 Cliff Richard film/song (6,7) See 1 Across & 11 Across. Tools for the beach, __ and __ (6,5) See 8 Across Inspection of the accounts (5) Home stadium of Liverpool F.C. (7) One-piece garment for a woman (5) Lack of worldliness or sophistication (7) Have in mind or mean to ... (6) She sounds red, ___ O’Hara or Johansson (8) Feeling of supernatural .. spooky (5) Bettystown is a seaside resort in this county (5) Very long formal letters (8) Made on the beach with 8 & 11 Across (4,6) Browning of skin from too much sun (7) Did this American pop artist hoard wanly? (4,6) Celebrated and renowned (6) Long and difficult trip (4) Facility where wild animals are exhibited (3) Famous chapel in Vatican City (7) An avid footballer, Robbie or Roy? (5) Period of time (4) Deer can’t drink from this wine container (8) Latticework to support climbing plants (7) With the taste of the sea (5) Stylish, with a gentle appearance? (7) Is Sal using this type of rope? (5) Large stringed instrument (5) Narrow band which stretches (7) Perhaps.... (5) Does this big she-cat need insoles? (7) Freed from any question of guilt (8) Gusto ... relish ... enthusiasm (4) Relating to the sun (5) Official firing a pistol or appetite stimulant? (7) Observed .. or old adage? (3) Wise man who grows in the herb garden? (4) Native American conical tent (6) Military assistant to more senior officer (4-2-4) Male ruler of an empire (7) Is Dublin’s D4 district a NY doorknob? (10) Noel aims to eat this milk pudding (8) First appearance (5) Upright - vertical (5) Unmarried man (8) Go avid! Ride naked through Coventry! (6) Greed for caviare? (7) Do deans like to ride in this chair? (5) Supporter of cause, wrote one of 29 Across. (7) Titled peer of the realm (5) Low-ranking - trivial (5) Songbird with spotted breast (6) We are in the twenty-first (7) One such as Edna O’Brien or Marion Keyes (6)

78 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

DOWN 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 23 25 28 31 32 34 35 36 37 39 42 43 44 46 50 51 53 54 57 58 60 61 62 63 65 67 70 71 72 75 78 79 80 81 84 85 87 88 89 91 93 94 96 99 102

Location where 30 Across is made (7) Very wet earth (3) No longer in existence, having died out (7) Place of business where clerical duties take place (6) Frozen dessert (3-5) Confuse .. in a paddle? (5) Type of lettuce eaten on a Greek island? (3) US State or writer ___ Williams (9) Propelling oneself through water (8) Stadium or end of an era? (5) Large animal seen at the 41 Across (8) Does it pay to bark like this? (3) Prepare for publication, or turn the tide? (4) Vote in or select (5) Do tenors or altos sing here, overlooking Bay of Naples? (8) Made the effort - now quite tired (5) Facial twitch - like sound of a clock? (3) Vehicle which carries coffin to a church (6) Curtains or hangings - per yard? (7) One who assists a priest - with a lacy toe? (7) It’s about a submersible warship (1-4) Part of an egg which isn’t white (4) Valuable quality, liquid or otherwise (5) Circular currents of water (10) Thin layer of rock used for roofing (5) Large piece of fabric used in a yacht (4) Enthusiastic, fanatic, loving - for oat pansies? (10) Using speech rather than writing (4) Undulating movement of the sea (5) Proclaim or glorify (5) Walk through shallow water (4) Subdivision of an act of a play (5) Aquatic bird found in Swansea? (4) Pleasant odour (5) Natter .. talk socially .. informally confer (4) Chirping sound of bird or the Donald? (5) Tableware implements for eating food (7) One who rubs parts of the body therapeutically (7) Sharp high-pitched cry of dog (4) Sweet liquid such as maple or golden (5) Are there camps for this rascal? (5) Along with ‘wrack’, a state of devastation (4) Long piece of wood or metal, holds meat together (6) Reckless - with careless unconcern (8) Can an ant emerge from this contract? (9) Defence showing accused was elsewhere (5) Had ample vision with this car light (8) Would I tug tray for this small tip? (8) Ranking above all others or just more soft? (8) Celebrated or well-known, not for Edward! (5) Woman’s undergarment - gives a little lift! (3) AKA Ruaidhrí Ó Conchobhair, Rory ___ last High King of Ireland (1’6) An athlete who does not play for pay (7) Hang around .. within tent? (6) Brag, bluster or show off (5) Plug used to close a hole in a barrel (4) Gilbert O’Sullivan sang about this county (5) Basic unit of money in Japan (3) Flightless bird from Australia (3) Conjunction meaning .. yet, nevertheless (3)

Four copies of Alice Taylor’s latest book The Women to be won In her eagerly-awaited new book, Alice Taylor salutes the women whose energy and generosity made such a valuable contribution to all our lives. Senior Times, in association with the publishers, The O’Brien Press, are offering four copies as prizes in this issue’s crossword competition. The first four correct entries drawn are the winners.

Name: ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Phone: ................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email:......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Send your entries to: Crossword Competition, Senior Times, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.

The first four correct entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is 30th July 2017.

Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie 79

A berry good time

Crafts

Connie McEvoy shows you how to fashion an artwork with a blackberry motif

It’s difficult to believe that Autumn is just around the corner once more, oh joy blackberry picking time again. Every single evening after coming from school, my siblings & I were instructed to eat our dinner, do our jobs and go picking blackberries in large sweet cans as Mam regarded blackberry jelly as being just as important as nettles (March medicine) in ensuring that we all “overed� the winter months in good health.

Sometimes she decided to include crabapples, dog rose hips, elderberries and mountain ash berries in this concoction of nutritious jelly. I can remember that although it tasted alright we felt that it had the ability to curl our teeth and colour them black but she assured us that it was good for us so we took it on bread, in cornflour, custard and rice in the hope that it would all be gone before Christmas.

When enough blackberries had been picked to fill requirements we were allowed to sell full cans to the local grocer who weighed them and after checking that there were no stones in the bottom of the can paid us sixpence. I loved picking blackberries glistening with dew in the morning sunshine from the bramble and eating them there and then on the way to school as a child and because of those memories I have worked some projects using beads as an extra dimension Requirements for the small oval Blackberry project: 1 skein each of Anchor stranded cottonGreen no 1044 and brown/tan no 5968 (2

strands). Oddments of white and pink no 074 (1strand of each combined for blossom) and yellow no 487 (1strand) for French knots at centre of blossom.

Sewing cotton for beads- Gutremann m303 red no 156, green no 396, Tootal Royal gleam blue no 445 and black.

Trimmits Rocailles seed beads- red, green, blue and black.

1 piece of white or ivory Evenweave fabric measuring 11cms X 10cms and 1red Anchor flexi-hoop and picture frame measuring 6.5cms x 9cms, no CHF 023 04 + some red felt for backing and 17cms of narrow red satin ribbon.

A beading needle if available otherwise a fine sharp could be used, a crewel needle some pins and a fine tapestry needle for needle weaving.

Begin by drawing the stem freehand lightly onto the right side of fabric using a black pencil, draw small circles also in the desired berry areas, leaves, thorns and blossom can then be added as desired as these will lie in relief on the fabric.

Work the main stem first: stem stitch over cast using 1 strand each of green no 1044 and brown no 5968 combined in the crewel needle, finer stems are worked in stem stitch and thorns in straight stitches using the same colour combination as for main stem.

80 Senior Times l July - August 2017 l www.seniortimes.ie

The areas where the black berries are to be worked will need to be padded using 2 strands of thread (blue/black, red or green) in appropriate circles with circles of chain stitches, work a second row on top towards the centre of the 1st row and finish off with 1 or 2 stitches in the centre before taking the thread to back of work and securing there. This method gives an excellent anchor and padding to the bead work. Attach the beads in groups of two or three as well as one at a time, they tend to sit better if given a twist in order to get them looking natural in most projects.

The leaves are all needle-woven using the tapestry needle, apart for a few that are worked in stem stitch near the red berry.

Work the blossom last using 1 strand each of pink and white thread combined in the crewel needle, it will be necessary to make about 6 buttonhole loops for a blossom of this size, it is finished by adding some French-knots using 1 strand of yellow thread.

Wash the finished work in tepid suds and press carefully while still quite damp on a soft towel that has been folded in four.

The project can now be fitted in the flexi hoop as per instructions supplied by the manufacturers and the ribbon can then be attached as desired.

The larger circular blackberry project was worked on purple satin with a white organza overlay in order to allow for another dimension of quilting.

The Hermitage Medical Clinic First Class Health Care

The Hermitage Medical Clinic provides a full range of medical and surgical care across a broad spectrum of specialities. We offer top quality healthcare with access to over 200 leading consultants and our hospital facilities include 112 in-patient beds, 37 day beds and 8 operating theatres.

The Hospital has particular expertise in Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology Services.

The Hermitage Medical Clinic has first class consultant expertise in the areas of Medical, Surgical, Radiation Oncology and CyberKnife.

For more information on CyberKnife or any other speciality at the Hermitage Medical Clinic please visit our website www.hermitageclinic.ie

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