SeniorTimes Magazine September/October by SeniorTimes Magazine

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Sean – Hip Replacement – Donegal

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SPRY partners with Active Retirement Ireland to

assist older peoples’ quality

Spry Finance, Ireland’s sole provider of later life lending (equity release) products for the over 55s, has announced that it is entering into a partnership with Active Retirement Ireland (ARI), the voluntary organisation for retired and semi-retired people comprising some 550 local associations with more than 24,000 members.

Spry’s sponsorship of ARI will enable the organisation to improve its communication with its members and their local associations and enhance the central service it offers to those groups. It will also allow ARI to actively encourage new membership and the formation of new

of life

local associations, as well as encouraging and driving advocacy on behalf of older Irish citizens.

Ailish McGlew, Head of Marketing and Communications for Spry Finance, believes the work of ARI is vital to the requirements of an ageing Irish population, and echoes the way in which Spry, by providing over 55s with real financial choices, helps them live a greater life in later life.

Ms McGlew said “We know that the absence of strong social supports in the form of loneliness and social isolation have been shown to be harmful to the wellbeing of older adults. We also know that the

35 National Finalists Announced for National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2025

proportion of older adults in Ireland’s population is growing – 15% of the population is now over 65 and there will be 1 million over 60s by 2030’ providing older people with the opportunity to age well and avoid loneliness and this is something we’re delighted to get behind.”

Fran Brennan, CEO of ARI, commented “It will allow us to offer greater support to our members and their local groups, it will help us to expand and be able to provide more people who are retired and semiretired with opportunities to get involved, and it will strengthen our national advocacy work championing the rights and interests of all older people in Ireland.”

€2 million for new counselling supports for men

The Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D., has announced €2 million in funding to provide access to a suite of new talk therapies and counselling supports specifically tailored for men. Access to the services will begin from September 2025.

is Marty Whelan; Jennifer Crowe National Lottery, alongside representatives from Taking Flight Circus Club Project, announcing this year’s 35 Good Causes National Finalists. Taking Flight Circus Club, a pioneering inclusive arts programme, has been named as a National Finalist fo this year’s Good Causes Awards in the Arts & Culture category.

From Taking Flight Circus Club Project encouraging creativity and confidence, The Kabin Studio giving young people a voice through music to Ballymun Kickhams GAA bringing a community together through sport, this year’s National Finalists reflect the powerful impact of good causes funding across many fields.

The full list of National Finalists can be found at: lottery.ie/good-causes/good-causesawards/good-causes-awards-finalists-2025

The 35 National Finalists will now progress to the awards ceremony which will take place on Saturday, 18th of October in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

This initiative is embedded within Ireland’s approach to mental health policy implementation. Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and Connecting for Life, Ireland’s national strategy for suicide prevention, clearly state that talk therapies should be considered a first-line treatment option for most people who experience mental health difficulties.

This recurring funding is allocated from Budget 2025 as part of an integrated series of initiatives led by the Minister to ensure people with mental health difficulties are able to access the appropriate range of supports, from mental health promotion and prevention, through to specialist services and clinical programmes.

Pictured

Rodriguez-Mañas L. Urinary tract

On yer bike - Youghal seniors embrace new Greenway routes

Free positive mental health programmes from Aware

Aware has launches free on-line and on-person programmes to help support individuals living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder and the people who support them.

for its members, were delighted to experience

New edition of History on Your Doorstep launched by Dublin City Council

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, has launched the eighth edition of History on Your Doorstep. . The annual free publication features seven chapters that explore Dublin’s history through fresh and personal perspectives.

Written by Dublin City Council’s Historians in Residence, along with guest author and food historian Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire, the new volume spans topics from religion and politics to food, fashion, and family memory.

History on Your Doorstep, Volume 8 is available free of charge at all Dublin City Libraries branches and online from Borrowbox at https://dublin.borrowbox.com/product/ LLC_7365077/title/history-on-your-doorstep-volume-8.

Investment in alcohol treatment services in response to growing demand

The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has announced a significant investment in alcohol treatment services.

The Department of Health has committed €1 million in 2025, rising to €1.8 million in 2026, to expand and enhance alcohol treatment services across all six Health Service Executive (HSE) health regions for the first time.

The investment reflects the growing demand for alcohol services, as shown in the latest National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) data by the Health Research Board (HRB). Figures for 2024 show a 7% increase in the number of cases treated for alcohol use.

Minister Murnane O’Connor, said:

“This investment marks a major step forward in the Government’s response to problem alcohol use. By expanding community services across all HSE health regions for the first time, we will ensure that there is equitable access across all locations and that treatment services are

available when and where they are needed.

“The HRB report on alcohol treatment demand published today highlights the challenge of problem alcohol use and the societal need to reduce alcohol consumption from a public health perspective.

This targeted funding will support the establishment of Integrated Community Alcohol Treatment Services in the HSE Dublin and Midlands and HSE Dublin and South-East regions. Funding will also facilitate the expansion of existing services in the HSE Dublin and North-East and HSE West and NorthWest regions, aligning with the geographic restructuring under Sláintecare.

Anyone concerned about their own or a loved one’s alcohol use is encouraged to seek help. Support is available through GPs, local services, or the Drug and Alcohol Helpline at 1800 459 459. Further information can be found at:

• www.drugs.ie

• www.askaboutalcohol.ie

If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering these questions – you’re not alone… Why am I feeling so low? How can I stop feeling so anxious? How do I manage everyday pressures and unhelpful thoughts? Is it possible to live a full, connected life with bipolar disorder? Whether you are living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, supporting a loved one, or you are simply looking to learn more about your mental health and how to protect it – Aware has the education programme for you.

This September 1st, the national mental health organisation is opening registration for its free education programmes — practical, evidence-based courses designed to help you understand your mental health, build resilience, and find tools that work in real life. Programmes are available both inperson and online and are open and free to anyone aged 18 or over living in Ireland.

One of the most popular options is The Aware Resilience Programme — a six-week course rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. In a friendly group setting, participants learn how to manage daily stresses, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and build coping strategies. Sessions run for 90 minutes and are led by trained facilitators who know how to make the tools easy to understand and apply. For those who are supporting someone with depression or bipolar disorder, the Family Support Programme focuses on looking after the supporter as much as the person they support. Over four weeks, it offers practical ways to provide effective support while protecting your own mental health.

And for people living with bipolar disorder, the Living Well With Bipolar Disorder programme is delivered over the course of eight weeks by an experienced mental health professional. Educational in nature, the aim of the programme is to provide you with opportunities to understand and manage bipolar disorder effectively, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to live well. Their Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme takes place through 2.5-hour sessions once a week, over eight consecutive weeks. Delivered in conjunction with experienced Mindfulness teachers from The Mindfulness Centre, the programme is suitable for those experiencing depression or low mood, anxiety or stress. Extensive research has shown that developing mindfulness has a significant positive effect on reducing anxiety, depression, and managing stress.

Registration has opened.

To learn more or book your place, visit www.aware.ie/programmes

The man who hated himself...

Unbelievably it is seventy years since heart-throb James Dean was killed in his beloved Porsche Spyder. Aubrey Malone traces the short life and career of Dean who once said , ‘I'm a seriousminded and intense little devil, terribly gauche, and so tense I don't know how people stay in the same room with me. I know I wouldn't tolerate myself’. The cult that followed in the wake of his demise was bigger than Valentino’s and Marilyn Monroe’s combined.

On September 30th, 1955, an aspiring, much-hyped actor by the name of James Byron Dean broke his neck on a work building him up into a big star”? mogul Harry Cohn moaned.

His face on the cover of any movie magazine, as is the case with Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, still guarantees its sales will rocket through the ceiling. Because this young man more than any other one of his time encapsulated the angst at the core of the love-hungry Fifties.

He did it first as Cal Trask in Elia Kazan's masterly adaptation of John Steinbeck's East of Eden, and again in the role for which he will be forever immortalised, Rebel Without a Cause was an overly didactic paean to a pretentious era, and it was also riddled with cliches that have since become almost laughable, but nobody could scratch his navel more evocatively than Dean. It was easy to overlook the film’s hackneyed polemical edge and view it instead as a rite-of-passage jaunt for a trio of selfindulgent souls.

Dean

James

with his beloved Porsche Spyder

In Giant, his last movie, the by now increasingly confident and increasingly diva-like Dean warred openly with the director George Stevens, as indeed he did with Rock Hudson, the ostensible star of the movie, who referred to him (with some justification, it must be said) as a selfish, egomaniacal introvert.

Stevens prohibited him from driving his Porsche until the movie wrapped, a dictate that has been vindicated by events that were to follow - though one could argue that the reason Dean went a little bit crazy on September 30th was as a result of being forcibly removed from his car for so long. It's a point worth noting, but one could just as easily say that it was only a matter of time anyway before this Ayrton Senna clone zoomed off into Sunset Boulevard for keeps.

The term “crisis of identity” didn't mean too much to people before Dean.

Whatever the circumstances surrounding his death - and there's still a lot of speculation about who was responsible for it - his image remains frozen forever for us salivating voyeurs in those three roles, roles whose significance have perhaps been blown out of all proportion to their worth. But then hype has always been allowable for those sensitive souls who entered Hollywood Heaven before fat on , the soul set in, or that long odyssey to obscurity that seems to be de rigueur for incandescent talents that burn too brightly to last.

Had he lived, he’d probably have eventually succumbed to playing fifth-rate cameos during the lean years, but dying as he did at his apogee (it would have been like Brando checking out after On the Waterfront) he remains to us a Lycidas figure mown down in his prime, a minimalist Adonis too pure for this tatty cosmos.

James Dean in 'East of Eden'

James Dean in typical studio publicity shots

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The term “crisis of identity” didn't mean too much to people before Dean. Neither did the term “teenager”, or young men sitting astride motorcycles in leather jackets, fulminating against the status quo in air-conditioned suburbia. Along with his heroes Brando and Clift he gave a voice to the kind of people John Wayne forgot about as he rode over the hill with the Seventh Regiment in the final reel of all those toe-curlingly banal enterprises masquerading as gung-ho actioners.

He set the seeds for a generation that would no longer accept the bromides of their parents, or a world-view that predicated mindless conformity at its kernel. His was never a supreme talent,but it was a seminal one. Sometimes that's just as important.

The truth behind such a glitzy image, I daresay, is somewhat different (Kazan, to name but one, called him “a pudding bowl of hatred”), but since when did truth matter to us in the steady manufacturing of an icon? When facts conflict with the legend, print the legend. After he died, and was spirited away to whatever Valhalla is reserved for thrift store Lancelots, many of his worshippers refused to believe that he had, in fact, departed earthly soil. In this he resembled Valentino. They believed, as would be the case with Elvis, that he was holed up somewhere as an injured recluse, living a Garboesque existence far from the prying eyes of the public but one day planning a comeback.

Even those who accepted the fact that their idol was dead continued to make pilgrimages to his shrine to lay wreaths, and maybe commune with his spirit. They saw in him the epitome of all their twisted hopes and dreams, a man straining at the leash to impress his girlfriend, his father...and probably himself.

Without his presence, none of the films he graced with that decidedly recalcitrant edge would have been anything more than cogs in a machine, beefed up with the occasional nugget. As we watch them now we see an overly self-conscious novice negotiating something like a muted primal scream as he implodes his way to a dubious catharsis.

We see the Method writ largely in his solipsistic tics, but also the innocent buoyancy of a man who wants to break down the walls of the temple, an urbanised Samson let loose in a world that refuses to bend to his whims. He fought the good fight according to his own cerebral rules.

People wonder where all his hysteria came from. It would be trite to look for a simplistic answer. Suffice to say that his mother died when he was nine. He spent the rest of his short life trying to find a substitute for her on the altar of his art. There were also a handful of women he couldn't seem to hold onto, like Pier Angeli. Or was it they who couldn't hold onto him?

As you know, it is important to protect your skin when the sun is most powerful. Still, sun exposure is necessary in order for our skin to synthesize vitamin D, which contributes to a normal immune defense.

If we avoid the sun or somehow prevent the UV rays from reaching our skin, it will reduce our ability to make vitamin D. It is difficult to get your full requirement of Vitamin D from diet alone. Therefore, to maintain a reasonable amount of vitamin D in your system it may be a good idea to consider taking a supplement like BioActive D-Pearls.

BioActive D-Pearls are small, soft gelatin capsules with 38 or 75 micrograms of vitamin D in each. This makes it easy for you to choose the right dose for the time of year and for your personal level of sun exposure.

• the vitamin D in BioActive D-Pearls is dissolved in cold-pressed olive oil for better absorption

• small capsules that are easy to swallow – or chew

Bogart said, “He died at the right time. He would never have been able to keep up with all that publicity.”

They are not long, the days of wine and roses. For Dean they were even shorter again, but he crammed two lifetimes into his 24 years. Maybe we shouldn't ask whether he really had a “cause” or not as we remember him now. Maybe it was enough that he hit a raw nerve that extended right across the social divide. It still has ripples in the burgeoning psyches of young people everywhere today.

“I've got a chance to really make it”' he gushed, “because in one hand I'm holding Marlon Brando saying “Fuck you”, and, in the other hand I've got Montgomery Clift saying, “Please forgive me.” Somewhere in the middle was himself.

He also said, “I'm a serious-minded and intense little devil, terribly gauche, and so tense I don't know how people stay in the same room with me. I know I wouldn't tolerate myself.” And elsewhere, “I really don't know who I am, but it doesn't matter.” Perhaps the latter part of that observation is the most elucidatory. The man who used to sign letters “James-Brando-Clift-Dean” was a tabula rasa upon whom movie scripts wrote their instructions. Unfortunately he didn't live long enough to evolve into his own person or to ever have a lasting relationship with anyone. He was too ambitious to replicate his screen sensitivity in his personal life. An acquaintance gave this denunciation of him: “Jim had no time or energy for love. He wanted to save his emotions and feelings for his work. I realised this and accepted it and tried to conceal my own feelings when I was with him.”

In his relationships with women he was a picaro. They were like so much ballast he used to shore against the ruins of his inarticulacy. “Being an actor is the loneliest thing in the world,” he declared. And yet a part of him craved that loneliness. Like all those with Narcissus complexes, he was never more himself than when playing someone else. The way he moved, that casual shuffle of the hips, was before its time. People say he got it from Brando but people always have

“The older generation had God. We have James Dean.”

to put what they've never seen before in a context; it gives them more confidence in the face of it. This was Dean's own take on the issue: “People were telling me I behaved like Brando before I knew who Brando was. I had a motorcycle before he did. When a new actor comes along, he's always compared to someone else. Brando was compared to Clift, Barrymore to Booth. I can only do my best. They can compare me to W.C. Fields if they want to.”

After his death, a fan gave this reaction: “The older generation had God. We have James Dean.” Humphrey Bogart said, “He died at the right time. He would never have been able to keep up with all that publicity.” David Dalton added, “His death completed his invention. The mutant form he unleashed would never now be compromised.” Basically he was a screwed-up narcissist, forever dramatizing his circumstances. “My mother,” he said once, “died because I was bad.” He used this paranoia to transform his performances into the stuff of legend.

Not long before his accident he said death was the only thing left to respect: “Everything else can be questioned, but death is truth. In it lies the only nobility for man, and beyond it the only hope.”

Dean reached his own dubious nobility at the intersection of routes 466 and 41 in September 1955. The cult that followed in the wake of his demise was bigger than Valentino’s and Marilyn Monroe’s combined. Teenagers paid fifty cents to sit behind the wheel of his crushed Spyder. Fan mail flew in by the train-load. Crazed mourners refused to believe he was gone. A magazine giving an interview with him “from the other side” sold 500,000 copies.

“Death,” said Truman Capote, “was a good career move for him.”

Your Health, Your Way

Now is a good time to look after those health concerns you may have been putting off.

Health screening can aid early detection, which may help prevent serious health issues. Put your mind at ease with a comprehensive health screening that helps identify the risk factors, signs, and symptoms of common conditions.

HealthCheck at Mater Private provides a detailed snapshot of your health in one convenient 3-hour visit. Any additional tests or scans you may need can be arranged, with cardiology testing and radiology available in the same location.

HealthCheck Screening – Your Health, Your Way

For more information scan the QR code / visit www.healthcheck.ie

To book your appointment call 01 885 8257 / 885 8258 or email healthcheck@materprivate.ie

As we get older, we become more cautious about a lot of things, but the biggest one is probably money. Consumer broadcaster and journalist Sinead Ryan advises

We are nervous about spending too much, worried about holding onto the money we have, and mindful that we might need cash in the future for things like healthcare, travel or cost of living and funeral expenses.

So our savings take on new importance and keeping them safe, is a priority.

However, with interest rates back down from their artificial high a year ago, we are back in ‘negative’ earnings territory, where inflation is outstripping our growth.

Seniors are always more likely to lose out over workers because they are understandably fearful of investing, or taking risks with their money. This leaves them at a disadvantage though, because to beat inflation (currently 1.4%), you need to take a risk – and that means equities, stocks and other financial instruments which are not, and cannot be, guaranteed.

Striking a balance is important

When you retire, chances are you have both a lump sum, and a new, lower income level to contend with.

The lump sum, from an occupational pension scheme, is often used to pay down remaining debts, future-proof your home, buy a car and hopefully, enjoy a holiday.

After that, we tend to lock it away “just in case” and watch as a paltry few Euro in interest accumulates.

However, if you are still young (and that means age 70 these days), there’s no reason you cannot invest a portion of it, for say, up to 10 years, which is ample time to get a good but safe return.

Engaging a financial broker, or financial planner is essential. They are trained to assess your risk profile, learn about your goals and ambitions for the money, and advise in the context of your other income and responsibilities.

RTE’s Eoin McGee, author of “How to be good with money” has a 5-year rule: “If you’re going to spend the money in your bank account in the next 5 years, it belongs in your bank account. But if you’re not, then it does not”.

He says that the “near certainty” that inflation will eat your money over a period of time, investing carefully is far more beneficial, and you can do this ‘passively’, which does not mean sitting back and doing nothing, but engaging an advisor to even out, and distribute assets across a range of classes to minimise any risk.

Purpose

Irish people are amazing savers. Indeed, there is €164 billion on deposit in banks, post offices and state savings from ordinary households. Retired people make up a large proportion of this wealth.

You should always have enough on hand, and immediately accessible, for this year’s needs. Whether it’s a holiday, bill paying, gifts, shopping etc., along with 3 months’ income in case of emergencies – the car breaks down, the dishwater is kaput, etc. You can keep this in a separate account.

After that, what are you saving for, and by when?

Asking these two simple questions help divide up the rest of the money according to need and purpose.

If you don’t need it immediately, then consider putting it away for a period of time – on deposit if you wish for total safety –but where at least it earns you something.

Irish Banks

State savings certs and bonds start from just 3 year terms, with 4% available tax free (1.32% AER). Compared to their ordinary deposit account (0.75% p.a.,) that’s good value.

Personal finance

more than 90 days only offers 0.5%p.a.

Bank of Ireland isn’t a lot better, at 1%. That’s just €500 p.a. However, it’s completely safe, guaranteed, but won’t beat inflation, or earn you anything. Re-framing it as merely a ‘money minding’ service may be helpful.

Foreign Banks

We are part of a wider financial ecosystem that is the EU. That means all mainstream banks in member states from Germany to Portugal must abide by the same rules as we do.

It means your money is as safe as it is here, given it is all guaranteed by the DGS (see below).

So, theoretically, there should be no difference between sticking a lump sum in AIB, or in a bank in Spain, Italy or Estonia. Savings abroad grew by 20% (€636m) in the year to March 2025 according to the European Central Bank.

The total saved abroad by Irish people is at a record high of €3.82 billion – a small percentage to be true, of the total on deposit, but growing as people are frustrated by savings rates at home which averaged 0.7% p.a. over the last 8 years. The Eurozone average is 1.03%.

For fully guaranteed deposits, you could get, as an example 2.59% AER for a 1 year fixed term from Latvian bank Rietumu; 2.52% p.a. for a 2 year deposit with Sweden’s Nordax bank or 2.41% AER via Italy’s CA Auto Bank over 6 months.

On the previous example of €50,000 Germany’s Aareal bank has a rate of 6.75% for a 3 year fixed term. This returns €3,375 in interest over the term.

Eoghan O’Hara, Country Head Ireland at online portal Raisin (raisin.com) which compares 28 banks across the EU, says savers are looking for alternatives. “It’s important for people at any stage in life to take the time to look around and make sure their money is in the best place for them.

For older savers, many of whom have spent decades building a nest egg, a fixed, guaranteed return can be a stress-free way to protect their money from the effects of inflation.

Locking in a competitive rate with a fixed-term deposit can offer both peace of mind and financial stability.

Ireland, Germany, or elsewhere in the EU.

People just need to do a bit of homework to ensure they are saving with a regulated entity that is covered by a DGS”, he says.

Taxation

DIRT is the tax paid on interest you make from deposits. It is currently 33%.

DIRT is automatically deducted at source by Irish banks and returned to Revenue. For foreign deposits, you may have to complete a tax return yourself and forward the correct amount due.

In some rare instances, it can be charged twice, in both countries but if there is a double taxation agreement in place, you get a refund on one element.

However, over 65s can get an exemption from DIRT if their total income is under €18,000 (single) or €36,000 (couple). If you still have dependent children, this amount is increased by €575 for the first two children.

Sinead Ryan is a regular columnist with The Irish Independent as well as a frequent broadcaster on consumer affairs and personal finance. She is currently presenting a series of podcasts on personal finance and savings called Mind It for Senior Times in association with Raisin Bank. For more details visit seniortimes.ie

She will also be giving two presentations at the Cork 50 Plus Show at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Cork on 26th and 27th September. More information on seniortimes.ie

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV23)

If you are 65 years of age and older, talk to your GP or Pharmacist

flu season, up to 350 people, mainly older people, die from flu in Ireland. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. This is different from a cold which is a much less severe illness compared to flu. A cold usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose. Symptoms of a cold are generally mild compared to flu.

Flu is unpredictable. While anyone can catch flu, some people are more at risk of getting seriously ill or needing hospital treatment. Serious breathing complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people, younger children and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Pregnant women are also at increased risk of severe complications from flu. Flu can significantly increase the risk of premature birth and even stillbirth during pregnancy.

This year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine protects against three common virus strains. The flu virus changes each year and this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each flu season.

Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, and others from the flu. This year the free flu vaccine is recommended for you if you are in one of these groups:

• People aged 60 years and over

• Children aged 2-17 years

(please read HSE leaflet on flu vaccine for children)

• Pregnant women

(please read HSE leaflet on flu vaccine for pregnancy)

• People (adults and children) with long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart conditions, liver conditions, kidney conditions and chronic lung disease including COPD, or neurological diseases

• People with cancer

• Children on long-term aspirin treatment

• People whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment

vaccine to start protecting you against flu.

Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses and the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. Both flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Everyone aged 60 years and older and anyone with certain medical conditions are also recommended a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are also recommended a COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your GP (doctor) or pharmacist to find out if you are also recommended a COVID-19 vaccine. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine

The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available for free from participating GPs and Pharmacies to those within the recommended groups.

More information is available from your GP practice , Public Health Nurse or Pharmacist.

www.hse.ie/flu provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you may have about flu.

PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE

If you are over 65 or have a long term medical condition you should also ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine which protects against pneumonia, if you have not previously received it. You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as the pneumococcal vaccine.

Why do you need ﬂu vaccine?

Flu isn’t just a cold Flu is serious

Flu can cause pneumonia and bronchitis and can make chronic health conditions worse.

Up to 350 people die from ﬂu every year in Ireland.

Flu vaccine protects you

Flu vaccine protects others too

Flu vaccine is people for ree f at risk

You should get the ﬂu vaccine if you:

• are 60 years and older or

• have a chronic health problem such as heart or lung disease or

• are pregnant

You should get the ﬂu vaccine if you are a healthcare worker or a carer or if you live with someone with a chronic health condition.

Talk to your GP (doctor) or pharmacist today about getting the ﬂu vaccine.

hse.ie / ﬂu

Thinking of Switching Your Broadband Service?

Here’s What You Need to Know

We all rely on the internet more than ever – whether it’s keeping in touch with family and friends, doing our shopping online or managing our finances. But if your broadband is unreliable, expensive or just not giving you the service you need, it may be time to think about switching provider. It’s easier than you might think.

What is switching?

If you’re thinking about moving your service to another provider, this is known as switching. Switching could help you save money and find a better service, if you take some time to shop around.

There are a few things to consider before switching to make sure you don’t run into any problems

How will I know if I’m still in contract?

When you sign up to a new service, you usually agree to stay with that service provider for an agreed amount of time. This is known as a fixed term contract. Most contracts for broadband and phone services are between 12 and 24 months.

Before switching, check if you’re still in a fixed term contract with your service provider. You can do this by speaking with them or checking your contract. Your provider is required to let you know when your contract is coming to an end and you can then cancel. If you switch before the minimum term ends, you may have to pay early termination fees.

If you’re out of the minimum term of your contract, you can move at any time.

How can I find the best plan for me?

We have advice and information on switching broadband services, getting a new broadband connection and the switching process itself. See our website ComReg.ie

Find impartial information on Compare, our tool that helps you find the best plan for your needs, helping you to switch and save. Consider speed, price and any extras such as if a home phone line is included, tv channels or just broadband on its own. Visit comreg.ie/compare

Broadband Checker helps you find out what fixed broadband network is available in your area. Visit comreg.ie/broadbandchecker

To see all of ComReg’s consumer tools, please visit comreg.ie/tools-resources

I found a suitable plan, what should I do next?

Switching broadband service provider is easy:

• When ordering your new service, let the new service provider know that you wish to switch and they will cancel your existing service once the new service is activated. There is no need to inform your current service provider.

• If you still use a landline and want to keep your existing phone number, be sure to let the new provider know. You are entitled to keep your number free of charge.

• Generally there aren’t charges to switch provider but you might be charged if you leave the contract early.

• You must be the account holder and provide your name, address, account number, and current provider’s name. Your account number can be found on your bill or provider app.

• Expect updates from your new provider on the switch date and completion.

• On the switch day, your new provider will confirm your service is working and inform the old provider to cease your old service, ensuring no extra charges after the switch date.

Any service disruption due to switching must not exceed one working day, and you will be updated on any delays or issues.

If there is a problem with broadband switching, you might be entitled to compensation.

Who can help if something does go wrong?

ComReg is the regulator for phone and broadband services in Ireland. We want to make sure that everyone is treated fairly and receives the appropriate level of support if things go wrong.

Our Consumer Care team is dedicated to offering help to all consumers who may experience difficulties with their broadband, phone or mobile provider.

Phone: 01 8049668

Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Email: consumerline@comreg.ie

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Trim Castle, Co. Meath

The many shades OF

Eileen Gray

On the upcoming 50th anniversary of her death, John Low sketches the life and career of innovative Irish-born designer and architect Eileen Gray

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the hugely influential Irishborn designer/architect Eileen Gray whose disciplines embraced furniture design, carpets, fabrics, graphic and photography. She was born in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford in 1878 and lived to the advanced age of 98.

Remarkably she had no formal architectural training and was largely self-taught. But she was encouraged by the likes of Le Corbusier and notables from the German Bauhaus movement. She probably designed numerous undocumented and unbuilt structures but is best remembered for just a handful of buildings and her most celebrated is

Villa E1027, set below rocks and facing the Mediterranean on the French Cote d’Azur. She designed this in collaboration with her partner, Romanian architect and critic Jean Badovici. The name of the villa is a reference to their names – E stands for Eileen, while 10, 2 and 7 relate to the alphabetical positions of the rest of the couple's initials: J, B and G.

One of the rooms in Villa 1027. Note the Eileen Gray chair, landmark adjustable table and carpet

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Le Corbusier paid Eileen Gray the ultimate compliment when he lived in Villa 1027 for a number of years

Completed in 1929, E-1027 was the first major architecture project by Gray. Le Corbusier paid her the ultimate compliment by living in it for a number of years.

The villa fell into disrepair in the thirties and was thrashed by the Nazis during their occupation of France. After a campaign by leading French and international architects the villa was restored in the 1970’s and it has since been declared a National Monument by the French Government.

Long before achieving fame with her architecture Eileen Gray was carving out a sizeable reputation for her furniture, carpets, fabrics and interior design concepts. She was in constant demand to design apartments and rooms for affluent Parisian clients. She opened a shop and a gallery and by all accounts was a shrewd business woman. She became relatively wealthy and must have cut quite a dash in her powerful sports car, clad in designer outfits, cruising the boulevards in the French capital.

While she worked with corporates, institution and the movers and shakers of the time, her lasting legacy is arguably the furniture and fittings she designed, copies of which became mass produced and accessible to the ordinary punters.

Remember those nests of chrome and glass tables that were all the rage in the seventies and have remained in and out of fashion? Take a bow Eileen, who came up with the original concept in the 1920s.

Her minimalist chairs, lamps and geometric-patterned carpets preceded much of the German Bauhaus school and had a significant influence on the Art Deco movement .

A selection of some of Eileen Gray’s numerous chair designs

Arguably Eileen Gray’s best known and innovative item of furniture, the adjustable, tubular steel and glass table

Eileen Gray in the modern style of the twenties. She had a great interest in fashion and supported designers such as Coco Chanel

Design and architecture

Eileen Gray lived most of her life in France but did make the odd trip to Ireland and was proud of her Irish heritage. In the later years of her life she used a number of Irish carpet makers to carry out her designs as well as championing their skills and traditions.

Arguably, Ireland has been slow to re-recognise the international stature of Eileen Gray and the importance of her work in the world of design, notably furniture. But in recent times we seem to be falling over ourselves to pay homage to her recently there was a retrospective exhibition of her work at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. RTE got in on the act with a lengthy documentary and An Post have issued a series of stamps featuring her designs.

While examples of Eileen Gray’s furniture s and other works can command astronomical figures in auctions and smart antique shops, it is possible to acquire one of her table lamps for €1-2000 since, while not mass produced many of them were made in sizeable numbers.

Eileen Gray once said: ‘To create, one must question everything’. And that’s exactly what she did.

Eileen’s Gray’s table lamps came in many designs and were highly original and functional. Examples can still be picked up for a relatively reasonable cost

She died on October 31st 1976 and is buried in Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. News of her death was broadcast on French national radio.

Examples of her work can be seen in leading institutions around the world, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and of course The National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks, Dublin. The Royal Society of Arts appointed her Royal Designer for Industry in 1972.

For further information on Eileen Gray check out Eileen Gray: Her work and her world by Jennifer Goff, published by Irish Academic Press.

Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. Eileen Gray was born to a comfortable Anglo-Irish family in a townland near here.

The Slade School of Art, London. At just 20 Eileen Gray was one of the first women to be admitted into this prestigious academy.

Eileen Gray’s celebrated table features in a selection of An Post stamps commemorating her work

What is media literacy?

Let’s talk about media literacy this International Literacy Day

We all need literacy skills to be able to communicate, access services, and to understand the information we see or hear in the media, on our phones and online. Literacy touches every aspect of our lives, and the world around us, in more ways than you might think. Literacy is more than reading and writing. Let’s talk about media literacy and why it matters.

What is media literacy?

Media Literacy means being able to understand and ask questions about the media we see or hear on the radio, TV, on your phone, and online. It’s about taking the time to stop, think and check the information that you see or hear in the media or online.

Understanding media literacy helps us to better access services, figure out what’s true, and engage confidently with media and information, and the world around us.

Media Literacy Matters

Our world is changing, and it can be hard to keep up. Many of us find it challenging to use a smartphone, navigate social media, or to know if information we see or hear is true or not – whether that’s on the radio, TV, or online - and that’s okay. You’re not alone.

Literacy, and in particular media literacy, allows us to be able to participate fully in society and succeed in life. It helps us to make informed choices about our lives and confidently navigate the world around us. Literacy needs are more common than you think.

Information is everywhere and sometimes it can be difficult to judge how accurate or reliable it is. Media literacy means asking the right questions to be able to better understand the information you see or hear – making

it easier to safely use media, and your smartphone, for the things that matter to you.

Build Confidence with Media Literacy

Media, especially digital media, is central to our daily lives. The technology behind it is changing all the time. In today’s fast-moving world, there’s so much information on the radio, on TV, on social media, and online that it can be hard to figure out what’s true or not. Knowing how to use, understand and evaluate media is essential if we want to be able to make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable information – especially when it comes to choices around our health, politics, or other aspects of life.

Follow these easy steps to support media literacy.

Stop. Think. Check.

We often come across information, images and videos on social media and online, but it can be difficult to know if what we see or hear is true or not. Use the Stop, Think, Check method, to help you find out how accurate and reliable information is.

When you see or hear something in the media that sounds surprising or unusual, it’s good advice to Stop, Think and Check information and its source.

STOP. When you see something that catches your attention stop before commenting or sharing. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

THINK. Think about where the information is coming from. Can I trust it? Does it come from a reputable organisation or source?

CHECK. You can check to find out if what you see online is true or not. Go to a reputable source to check if it’s true. For example, if you see health information, does the information come from health professionals or the HSE?? If you see a story that shocks you, can you find other trusted news sources reporting it?

Taking a moment to stop think and check can help us decide if the information can be trusted before sharing it further, clicking on links or providing your personal information.

Where can I find out more about media literacy?

To mark International Literacy Day 2025 on 8 September, the Adult Literacy for Life Office at SOLAS and literacy partners, have launched an important campaign to help adults across Ireland understand more about media literacy and why it matters. Learn more about media literacy, take a short media literacy quiz and find out about media literacy events and supports at www. adultliteracyforlife.ie/medialiteracy.

What is AgeFriendly AI?

The Age-Friendly AI project is a national AI Literacy project led by TU Dublin and the ADAPT Centre at DCU. This twoyear initiative aims to enhance AI literacy among older adults and is a vital step in fostering inclusivity. The project provides older people with a platform to express their views, concerns and aspirations regarding AI advances as well as equipping them with knowledge to engage confidently with AI-driven technology. By facilitating this dialogue, the project not only acknowledges their invaluable perspectives but also helps guide the ethical and responsible development of AI technologies that serve society as a whole. Older peoples’ lived experiences and insights are essential in ensuring that AI evolves in a way that is fair, transparent and beneficial for all.

What has happened so far?

Over 250 people have discussed AI with us so far this year at community-based workshops in Louth, Dublin, Kerry, Sligo, Tipperary and Galway. They have shared their experiences and opinions, and expressed a need for the responsible development and use of AI technologies. After these events, we asked participants what they thought. 95% of them said they would recommend the workshop to a friend. Here are some of the things people have said:

◆ "Very well presented and in plain language."

◆ "I have a better understanding of how AI is used in my daily life."

◆ "The group discussion was very enabling."

The feedback shows that people are really interested in the potential benefits of AI,

especially in healthcare. Many of the participants have shared how they already use technology powered by AI (e.g. fitness trackers, smartwatches) to monitor their own health or the health of loved ones, and to empower them to live at home longer (e.g. by using voice assistants or other smart home technologies).

At the same time, some key questions and concerns have been raised. People want to know who they can trust with their personal information, and many are worried about the rise of misinformation and disinformation

They also have questions about the security and privacy of their online personal information (data). These are really important topics, and the Age-Friendly AI project is making sure to bring these to the forefront of the project’s future conversations about AI development.

Keen to get involved in upcoming Age-Friendly AI events?

There will be a number of opportunities to get involved in the discussion around Age-Friendly AI. This Autumn the project will have a stand at the upcoming 50 Plus Senior Times shows in Cork and Limerick where you will have a chance to hear more about the initiative, express your opinions and try out some AI technologies.

Age-Friendly AI will also host regional “Citizens' Think-In” public discussion workshops throughout the remainder of 2025. These are a chance to openly discuss how AI affects your life and society. No experience with AI is needed to get involved; everyone is encouraged to participate.

Share your opinions with us.

Exciting opportunity to share your thoughts about AI!

Age-Friendly AI is launching a FREEPOST postcard campaign in September offering you the opportunity to share your thoughts about AI.

You will find the postcards in local libraries across Ireland, please fill one out and pop it into a post box for free.

Don’t miss out - make your voice heard about AI!

How can I join the upcoming events?

All of the upcoming events are listed on the Age-Friendly AI website: https:// agefriendlyai.ie/events/

Visit the website to register for events or send an email via agefriendlyai@ adaptcentre.ie or call/text us on 089 9891652

The ‘Age-Friendly AI’ Initiative is based at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Central Quad, TU Dublin Grangegorman, D07 ADY7.

Fast track your interest

Hitting the bull’s eye..

Black-tailed Godwit at North Bull Island

Zoe Devlin on the ‘new’ phenomenon that is Dublin Bay’s Bull Island

It sounds strange to talk of an island as a ‘new’ island but Dublin’s North Bull Island is just that. It is a National Bird Sanctuary, a National Nature Reserve, a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive and a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the subject of a Special Amenity Area Order. All those fancy titles .. and two centuries ago it wasn’t even there.

A newcomer to our shores, this unique wildlife sanctuary came about as a result of a wall, the North Bull Wall, which was constructed in 1825 to prevent silting across Dublin Bay, particularly the mouth of the River Liffey. The granite that was used in the construction is said to have been quarried in Dalkey and brought across the bay, using convict labour. The tidal effects resulted in deepening the entry to the river causing a large part of the silt to shift, gradually building up against the North Bull sandbank and eventually creating an island. Since that time, the island has progressively enlarged and is now 5km long by 1km wide, and indeed it is still growing, stretching northwards, very slowly, towards Sutton. At its southern end, the island was originally connected to the mainland by a one-lane wooden bridge and, a mile or so further north, a causeway was built in the 1960s to allow for more traffic. I first set foot on the island in the 1950’s, not realising what an absolute paradise it would become for me, how much I would learn and love about it over the next seven decades.

What I like most of all about the Bull island is that it is accessible to folk living in Dublin city and county who don’t need to travel far in order to see quite an amount of biodiversity. A slow summer walk southwards from the Interpretative Centre is most rewarding, not only for the flowers but also the insects –butterflies such as the rare marsh fritillary can be seen flying in late summer, seeking out devil’s-bit scabious, the foodplant

The pink-flowered Lesser Centaury, classed as ‘near threatened’ in the Red Data List of Vascular Plants 2016

its caterpillars will need to survive. And then in wintertime, the wetland birds come into their own and all it takes is an enormous amount of patience and a bit of luck, but when a good sighting happens, it is always worth the effort and energy expended.

important habitat for wild plants, birds, insects and mammals but the access to it is quite user-friendly, giving those with an interest in nature plenty of energy and time to savour what is on offer. My greatest joy has been in finding the profusion of wildflower species it supports in spring, summer and autumn and, as winter approaches and the birds come into their own, I love to wrap up warmly and watch the avian migrants that have arrived from colder parts of the globe.

It is hard to have a favourite – godwit, dunlin, knot, lapwing –they are all outstanding creatures but I’m always thrilled when I spot a certain medium-sized duck, the unmistakeable shelduck. Although we have many of these as residents, they are joined in October by their cousins that migrate here from the Baltic and Scandinavia. They then overwinter on tidal mudflats and sheltered estuaries where their table d’hôte consists mainly of mudsnails. They are most handsome birds and their good looks make them very easy to identify. Mostly white, they have darkgreen-almost-black heads, red bills – the males having prominent knobs at the base of their bills – and a drape of chestnut across their breasts. Their elegance is completed by black scapulars (shoulder-blades) and reddish-pink legs.

All year round there is plenty going on in those mudflats and one species of bird to watch out for is a smaller duck – the teal. Always a delight to see, the males and females have quite different plumage; his head is brown and bears striking green, yellow-bordered patches that extend from his eyes towards the back of his neck. Grey bodied, he has a horizontal white stripe along each side of his body, a green speculum (a patch on the wing feathers) and a creamy-yellow patch that is bordered by black on either side of his rump. The plumage of his mate is mainly brown, streaked and mottled dark, with green speculum. I often wondered why many so male birds are beautifully attired whereas the female only gets a boring outfit .. one answer is that the females mainly look after the offspring and therefore their garb draws less attention from would-be predators. The other reason is that the male needs to be a snappy dresser in order to attract a female. The usual habitat of these little ducks is in reedbeds, inland marshes and estuaries where they feed on seeds of sedges, grasses, molluscs, small crustaceans and algae.

Away from the waterfowl, there is a cornucopia of beauty to be found within the island. This is the wealth of wildflowers – an unexpected bounty best visited during the summer months. In late May, there are abundant stands of pyramidal orchids towards the southern end of the island. They carry small cones of magenta blossoms on stems rarely more than 50cm high and

then, in June, many more orchids come into flower. Looking carefully, I have managed to spot frog orchids and common twayblades, both of which are chameleon-like masters of camouflage with greenish-yellow flowers that blend into the background vegetation only too well. Then there are the splendid marsh-orchids – some an amazing shade of ruby or carmine, others purple, mauve or lilac. As June turns into July, vast swathes of marsh helleborine spread widely across the landscape. At first they seem to evade the eye but once they have been spotted, they appear to flow across the ground like little rivers, often scattered across marshes, lake-shores, damp pastures and wet dune slacks. Small wasps and other insects pollinate them but they have a ‘belt and braces’ system for survival as they also multiply by new shoots on their rhizomes (underground stems).

The soil on the island is sandy and strewn along the meandering pathways and the low sandhills are little splashes of mauve and yellow; a closer look reveals very small pansies – both wild pansy and dune pansy. One tiny plant to look out for is the pinkflowered lesser centaury, only the size of a match-stick. Due to a decline in the habitat required by this little species, it is protected under the Flora (Protection) Order, 2015 and is classed as ‘near threatened’ in the Red Data List of Vascular Plants 2016. Damp knees are a small price to pay for a glimpse of such a gorgeous little rarity! Then there are glimpses of the dusty-pink ‘paws’ of hare’s-foot clover, visible through the tall stems of marram grass and in a few soggy areas are damp-loving plants like marsh pennywort, a species that must bear one of the smallest flowers I’ve ever seen. I can’t imagine the size of the insect that pollinates it! Incidentally, as well as a pair of binoculars for viewing the wildfowl, it is always worth carrying a small magnifying lens with you on these forays into nature; a x10 magnification is perfect and it is amazing what detail becomes visible.

The Shelduck

A Male Teal Marsh Helleborine

Common Spotted Orchid

Wild Pansy

and provide shelter from the wind and it has thrived, far too well. Sadly its ability to spread rampantly has caused the demise of other plants by crowding them out and altering their habitat. It colonises vast areas with its stiff, impenetrable branches and pale, dull green leaves that look as if they were sprayed with an aerosol of silvery dust.

As well as birds and wildflowers, other elements of our rich biodiversity have been recorded from this precious habitat including common and grey seals, Irish hares, red foxes, Irish stoats, common frogs, pigmy shrews, common lizards, rabbits, bats and otters. Sadly the hares are no longer to be found here.

In order to safeguard this precious habitat – and particularly breeding and roosting grounds for birds – measures have been

communicating the rationale behind the access changes, and the island’s unique ecology. Part of their role is to ensure that dogs are kept on leads at certain times, particularly in sensitive zones because, in the past, these animals have been seen to cause major disturbance problems.

As as child, growing up in 1950’s Dublin, I remember how the Bull Island’s beach area, Dollymount strand, would be crowded with folk, at weekends in particular, all out for a bit of fresh air and fun. In more recent times, other activities have become popular such as kite-surfing, jogging, paddle-boarding and the now-banned sport of sand-yachting. There are also two golf clubs, St Annes in the north of the island and Royal Dublin at the southern end.

One last nugget of information about this amazing Dublin oasis – by using photosynthesis, the plants in the island’s saltmarsh are capable of absorbing quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, through their stems and roots.

These gases are stored in what are known as carbon sinks, reservoirs that store carbon, effectively reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and lending a helping hand to the survival of our planet.

Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services at Dublin City Council Culture, Community, Leisure and Area-based Services

An Irish Hare, sadly no longer found on Bull Island Sea-buckthorn, now categorised as an invasive alien in Ireland

Bridge

Michael O’Loughlin has enjoyed teaching bridge for over 40 years; his book, “Bridge: Basic Card Play” is available from the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland (01 4929666), price: €10.

Calling all Novices –Intermediates!

by Michael O’Loughlin

Bridge

4th from the top of your longest suit v notrump

Calling all Novices – Intermediates!

by Michael O’Loughlin

For both declarer and defence, the key to notrump is length. Exhaust the opponents of a suit in which you have greater length and you can make tricks with twos and threes. Hence the oldest motto of them all – dating back from the 1800s and the days of Whist: versus a notrump contract lead the fourth highest of you longest (and strongest) suit.

4th from the top of your longest suit v notrump

After an unrevealing 1NT – 3NT auction, lead the underlined card from each of these three hands:

(1) (2) (3)

Note that your partner can make deductions knowing your card is the fourth from the top – e.g., that you have just four cards in the heart suit on the first hand as your fourth highest is the ♥2: no card lower than the two. You are prepared to give away a cheap trick in order to set up long cards. Against a suit contract, however those long cards will just be trumped/ruffed, so you must not give up the cheap trick. Versus, say 4♠, you would lead the uQ on the first (top of touching honours), the ♥4 (singleton) on the second and the ♣A on the third (top of touching honours).

Note that your partner can make deductions knowing your card is the fourth from the top – e.g., that you have just four cards in the heart suit on the first hand as your fourth highest is the ♥2: no card lower than the two. You are prepared to give away a cheap trick in order to set up long cards. Against a suit contract, however those long cards will just be trumped/ruffed, so you must not give up the cheap trick. Versus, say 4♠, you would lead the ♦Q on the first (top of touching honours), the ♥4 (singleton) on the second and the ♣A on the third (top of touching honours).

Dealer: South None Vul

I should say that you do not always lead fourth from the top of your longest suit v notrump. Prefer a different suit altogether when an opponent has bid your longest suit; and tend to lead partner’s suit if she has bid. Prefer a different card (in your longest suit) when you have three touching or neartouching high cards or when you have no picture cards in your longest suit. After 1NT – 3NT, lead the underlined card from these:

I should say that you do not lead fourth from the top of your suit v notrump. Prefer a different suit altogether when an opponent your longest suit; and tend to lead partner’s suit if she has bid. Prefer different card (in your longest suit) when you have three touching or touching high cards or when you have no picture cards in your longest

I should say that you do not always lead fourth from the top of your suit v notrump. Prefer a different suit altogether when an opponent your longest suit; and tend to lead partner’s suit if she has bid. Prefer different card (in your longest suit) when you have three touching or touching high cards or when you have no picture cards in your longest After 1NT 3NT, lead the underlined card from thes

Dealer: South None Vul

Dealer: Sou

South West North East 1NT Pass 3NT End

Contract: 3NT Opening Lead: ♣4

Contract: 3NT Opening Lead: ♣ 4

On our deal West led the ♣4 v 3NT, not the ♣A, in order to maintain communication with her partner. Had she led the ♣A followed by the ♣K and another Club, declarer could have won and ran the ♥10 to East’s ♥K, knowing East had no more Clubs. Game made.

On our deal West led the ♣ 4 v 3NT, not the ♣ A, in order to maintain communication with her partner. Had she led the ♣ A followed by the another Club, declarer could have won and ran the ♥ 10 to East’s ♥ K, East had no more Clubs. Game made.

After the ♣4 lead, declarer won and tested her two chances in the correct order. Firstly, she cashed the uA and uK hoping for the uQ to fall (running the uJ is no good as she is missing the u10). No uQ appeared so she crossed to the ♠K and ran the ♥10, hoping West held the ♥K. It was not to be, East winning 5 to West’s ♣AK

After the ♣ 4 lead, declarer won and tested her two chances in the correct order. Firstly, she cashed the ♦ A and ♦ K hoping for the ♦ Q to fall (running ♦ J is no good as she is missing the ♦ 10). No ♦ Q appeared so she crossed the ♠ K and ran the ♥ 10, hoping West held the ♥ K. It was not to be, winning the ♥ K, cashing the ♦ Q, then leading the ♣ 5 to West’s ♣ AK

More tips for Intermediate players can be found at: https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates

Mastering Bridge with Andrew Robson

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced club player, join the BridgeCast community and access the expertise and insight of a world-renowned player and teacher to improve your bridge game. BridgeCast is a monthly video subscription service offering Andrew's new Bridge videos either daily or three times a week.

Mastering Bridge with Andrew Robson

https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced club player, join the BridgeCast community and access the expertise and insight of a world-renowned player teacher to improve your bridge game.

More tips for Intermediate players

subscription service offering Andrew's new or three times a week,

https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/ andrew/tips_for_intermediates/

Free bridge emails

If you wish to receive three times per week free bridge emails which include lessons, videos & quizzes, please email me: michaelolough@yahoo.com

Now my love live forever of dogs will

“What I love about dogs is that their love is unconditional. So I want my love to live forever, with a gift in my Will.

Now my love live forever of dogs will

“What I love about dogs is that their love is unconditional. So I want my love to live forever, with a gift in my Will.

Now my love live forever of dogs will

Gifts in Wills help Dogs Trust be there for abandoned and surrendered dogs, through this dog crisis, and long into the future.

“What I love about dogs is that their love is unconditional. So I want my love to live forever, with a gift in my Will.

When we were making our Wills, it was an easy decision to leave a gift to Dogs Trust. Now it feels really good, to know that when I’m gone I can still help dogs.”

Gifts in Wills help Dogs Trust be there for abandoned and surrendered dogs, through this dog crisis, and long into the future.

“What I love about dogs is that their love is unconditional. So I want my love to live forever, with a gift in my Will.

When we were making our Wills, it was an easy decision to leave a gift to Dogs Trust. Now it feels really good, to know that when I’m gone I can still help dogs.”

Ruth, Dogs Trust Ireland Supporter

When we were making our Wills, it was an easy decision to leave a gift to Dogs Trust. Now it feels really good, to know that when I’m gone I can still help dogs.”

Ruth, Dogs Trust Ireland Supporter

When we were making our Wills, it was an easy decision to leave a gift to Dogs Trust. Now it feels really good, to know that when I’m gone I can still help dogs.”

Ruth, Dogs Trust Ireland Supporter

Will you leave a gift in your Will today?

Gifts in Wills help Dogs Trust be there for abandoned and surrendered dogs, through this dog crisis, and long into the future.

Will you leave a gift in your Will today?

To find out more or to have a conversation about leaving a gift in your Will, call Katie on 01 879 1845 or visit DogsTrust.ie/Legacy

Will you leave a gift in your Will today?

To find out more or to have a conversation about leaving a gift in your Will, call Katie on 01 879 1845 or visit DogsTrust.ie/Legacy

Will you leave a gift in your Will today?

To find out more or to have a conversation about leaving a gift in your Will, call Katie on 01 879 1845 or visit DogsTrust.ie/Legacy

Getting started: for Absolute beginners

Introduction to Bridge

Bridge is a game for four people playing as two separate partnerships. A standard pack of 52 cards is used. There are four Suits: Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs. Each suit has thirteen cards in the order: A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 ,4, 3, 2. The “Ace” being the highest and so on down the line to the “2” which is the lowest. The 52 cards are dealt so that each player receives 13 cards. It is best to arrange them in your hand with alternating red and black suits, i.e., separate the red and the black suits so that a black suit is in between the Hearts and the Diamonds. Otherwise, the Hearts and Diamonds tend to merge into each other. The bidding starts with the dealer.

played the best card wins that trick. The winner of a particular trick then leads the first card to the next trick. Each player in turn plays a card resulting in four more cards appearing face up. Again, it is decided who has won that trick and so on.

played the best card wins that trick. The winner of a particular trick then leads the card to the next trick. Each player in turn plays a card resulting in four more cards appearing face up. Again, it is decided who has won that trick and so on.

In this example, the dealer bids “NoTrump” because she has a Balanced Hand. A Balanced Hand contains at least two cards in each of the four suits: a bit of everything.

A player needs some way to judge how good their hand is. The time-honoured way is to give a value of 4 to an Ace, 3 to a King, 2 to a Queen and 1 to a Jack. These are called High Card Points (HCPs for short) because one is allocating a Point value to each of one’s High Cards. These values make sense as an Ace is better than a King, a King better than a Queen and a Queen better than a Jack. If the dealer has a hand which is worth 12 or more High Card Points, then the dealer will make a positive bid. For example. if the dealer holds: ♠A97 ♥K85 uQJ5 ♣K982; then she will bid “1 NoTrump”. The meaning of this bid is: The dealer believes that her side will win at least 7 tricks in a NoTrump situation. The number “7” comes about because when a player makes a bid, she is committing her side to winning 6 + whatever number she bids. So, bidding “1” commits to winning “6 + 1” tricks; bidding “2” commits to winning “6+2” tricks; bidding “3” commits to winning “6+3” tricks, etc. The reason for this is that there are thirteen tricks to be won or lost. A partnership has to win at least a majority of the tricks in order to be awarded a score. A majority of thirteen is seven: no score is awarded for the first six tricks.

If the dealer had this hand: because with so many Hearts in her hand she would like Hearts to be the Trump Suit. one of the four suits ends up being the Trump Suit then that suit becomes the Master Suit with extra powers over the other three suits.

the Ace of Clubs and you have no cards in the Club suit in your hand, you can beat the Ace of Clubs with the Deuce of Hearts whenever Hearts is the Trump Suit.

If the dealer had this hand: because with so many Hearts in her hand she would like Hearts to be the Trump one of the four suits ends up being the Trump Suit then that suit becomes the Master Suit with extra powers over the other three suits. the Ace of Clubs and you have no cards in the Club suit in your hand, you can beat Ace of Clubs with the Deuce of Hearts whenever Hearts is the Trump Suit.

The difference between playing in a NoTrump contract and playing in a Suit contract (when one of the four suits is the Trump Suit) is: In a NoTrump contract when a Diamond, for example, is led then whoever plays the highest Diamond wins that trick. Whereas Spades, for example, has been nominated as the Trump Suit then any Spade can beat, i.e., trump the Diamond card which has been led. Remember a player can only play Spade whenever they don’t have a Diamond card in their hand: following suit takes precedence.

The difference between playing in a NoTrump contract and playing in a Suit contract (when one of the four suits is the Trump Suit) is: In a NoTrump contract when a Diamond, for example, is led then whoever plays the highest Diamond wins that trick. Whereas Spades, for example, has been nominated as the Trump Suit then any Spade can i.e., trump the Diamond card which has been led. Remember a player can only play Spade whenever they don’t have a Diamond card in their hand: following suit takes precedence.

Suit then any Spade can beat, i.e., trump the Diamond card which has been led. Remember a player can only play a Spade whenever they don’t have a Diamond card in their hand: following suit takes precedence.

If the dealer, in the above example, has less than 12 High Card Points she says “Pass”. After the dealer has made her call, then it is the turn of the player on the dealer’s right to make a bid and so on in a clockwise direction around the table. The bidding or auction ends when a positive bid is followed by three Passes.

If the dealer, in the above example, has less than 12 High Card Points she says “Pass”. After the dealer has made her call, then it is the turn of the player on the dealer’s to make a bid and so on in a clockwise direction around the table. The bidding or ends when a positive bid is followed by three Passes.

An Example:

A “trick” is when each of the four players, in turn, in a clockwise

An Example:

6 5 3

K 8 2

7 6 4

K Q 5 4

https://www.andrewrobson.co.uk/andrew/tips_for_intermediates

If you wish to receive three times per week free bridge emails which include lessons, videos & quizzes, please email me:

Imagine that West is the dealer. West, being the dealer gets the first bid in the auction and says: “Pass”. North says: “Pass”. East says: “Pass”. South says: “1 NoTrump”. West says: “Pass”. North says: “Pass”. East says: “Pass”. After three “Passes” the auction is over – South cannot bid again. South’s target is to win 7 or more tricks in a NoTrump situation, i.e., there is no trump suit.

• See and speak to your partner and opponents - just like face-

• Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the hands afterwards to learn from the post mortem. If you wish to try RealBridge for free, just email me:

just like face-to-face bridge.

• Connect with everyone at the table. Bid and play and go over the

Giorgio Belladonna—a real world champ!

Giorgio Belladonna won the most world championships of any member of the famous Italian Blue Team (Squadra Azzura) that dominated bridge in the 50's, 60's and 70's. A larger-than-life character known for his expressive nature and aggressive playing style, Belladonna collected 16 world championships in all: 13 Bermuda Bowls and 3 World Olympiads. In 1968, American expert Charles Goren praised Belladonna as the world's greatest player of the era.

In 1967, Belladonna joined the Omar Sharif Bridge Circus to play exhibition matches in Europe and the United States. In a second tour in 1970, the Circus played a team of British experts in London's Piccadilly Hotel for a pound a point. The Circus won by over 5,000 points.

Rather less successful was the series of matches sponsored by the Lancia Division of Fiat in 1975. They were played in four different American cities and the sponsors had guaranteed the delivery of a new car to every member of a team that beat the Lancia team, which was basically the Blue Team reinforced by Omar Sharif. Their opposition, however, won three out of the four matches and this caused Sharif, in his autobiography, to observe gloomily that his team was a highly successful distributor of Lancia cars in the USA.

But the results of the matches were not as important as was the publicity generated by the tour. Though it was not a financial success, the tour significantly raised the profile of the game in the public image for a while, though it has to be admitted that Omar Sharif was the biggest attraction to the media and the exhausting schedule included many personal appearances by him.

It was no accident that Giorgio Belladonna was involved in both the Sharif Circus and the Lancia Team. A truly great player and a fine human being, he was a great ambassador for the game wherever he went.

There is a story, possible apocryphal, that Giorgio Belladonna and his regular partner Benito Garozzo had a “simple and harmless” arrangement that when one of them, as declarer, saw dummy for the first time he was to say “Thank you” if the dummy was what he was expecting, and “Grazie” if the bidding had gone awry. On one deal, after a long and involved sequence of asking bids and responses, Garozzo was sure that he had made all the right responses. Dummy was put down and, deep in thought as he planned the play, Belladonna forgot the “system” and

Giorgio Belladonna—a real world champ!

Giorgio Belladonna

absent-mindedly murmured, “Grazie”. “Grazie!?” screamed Garozzo, “What do you mean, Grazie?”

Belladonna, a smoker in his prime, passed away of lung cancer in 1995.

Alternately, you could try a spade finesse at trick two. Neither of these approaches works given the actual lay-out (assuming best defence) and you would go one down. Before reading on, consider how you would ensure your contract.

The correct approach is to lead a low heart from dummy at trick two! This unusual play is sure to produce at least 10 tricks. If East plays low, you play the jack and cannot be stopped from either ruffing a heart in dummy or averting a trump loser if West beats the ♥J and returns a trump.. If East happens to have the queen and plays it, your jack later becomes a trick, and the most you can lose is a trump and two hearts.

It is surely uncommon to handle the combination of K-x opposite J-x-x by initially leading low towards the jack, but this in itself is not a good reason for failing to make the proper play.

Such a simple play, yet it looks so unnatural and so is very difficult to spot. Unless, of course, you are the great Giorgio Belladonna.

This hand appears on the front cover of some editions of Victor Mollo’s classic “The Compleat Bridge Player”:

It is a Teams Competition - so South has to make sure of his contract of 4♠. Overtricks are not a consideration. There are many lines of play to choose from , and your job is to find the one that offers the best chance for the contract.

If you win the ♣K lead, cross to the uA to finesse the ♥K, East wins and returns a trump. Now you are booked to lose 3 Heart tricks plus a trump.

Victor Mollo tells us that Giorgio Belladonna is reputed to have found the correct approach without batting the proverbial eyelid. Where was the hand played? In a European Championship according to one version. In a tournament in Venice, according to another.

In 1967, Belladonna joined the Omar Sharif Bridge Circus to play exhibition matches in Europe and the United States. In a second tour in 1970, the Circus played a team of

However, when asked directly, Belladonna claimed to have never seen the hand before and to know nothing whatsoever about it. All the writers who have ascribed it to him have been victims of a delusion. A masterpiece had come to light. No one seemed to know the origin, so by common consent it was attributed to Giorgio Belladonna.

Se non e vero e ben trovato. Which translates as: Even if it is not true, it is well conceived or more loosely : Even if it is not true, it makes a good story.

Could there be a greater tribute to a player’s genius?

Giorgio Belladonna

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If you’re looking to support heart health, boost brain function, maintain healthy vision, and strengthen your immune system, Eskimo Brain 369 is ideal. It combines high levels of omega-3 EPA and DHA, plus omega-6, omega-9, plus vitamin D, vitamin E, and CoQ10—to help keep your heart strong and your mind sharp.

Eskimo Brain 369 is available in both liquid and capsules in Health Food Stores and Pharmacies nationwide. Find out more - eskimo3.ie

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Back to School at 50+

the programme provides opportunities for older adults to participate fully in campus life, whether by auditing undergraduate modules, joining short courses, or engaging in cultural and research projects. The ethos is simple but transformative: ageing is not a barrier to learning, creativity, or contribution.

One of the most engaging recent initiatives is the Threads of Time Project, which celebrates the intergenerational aspect of storywriting for children and involves primary and secondary school students in illustration and puppet making to articulate the stories.. It is a living example of how universities can create spaces where lived experience is valued alongside formal knowledge. Another popular module for those with a passion for music, highlights Opera, including a visit to an opera, and a new module this Semester inspired by participants explores the themes expressed in Folk and Trad Music.

The AFU Programme also plays a central role in the University’s annual Culture Night celebrations. This year, DCU will host a lively programme across its campuses, with something for everyone—ranging from library and sensory tours to jazz, ukulele, and groove performances, alongside guided explorations of heritage sites. Check out the website at https://www.dcu.ie/dcuartsandculture/dcu-events/2025/aug/ culture-night-2025.

Whether you are curious about joining a short course, eager to take part in a creative project like Threads of Time, or simply looking to immerse yourself in music and culture, DCU’s AFU warmly invites you to get involved. The Taste of DCU took place on September 3rd, which showcased the many opportunities at DCU to get involved.

Together, we can continue weaving the threads of knowledge, creativity, and connection that make lifelong learning such a vital part of community life.

For more information:

Visit www.dcu.ie/agefriendly

Call : 01 700 5454 or 087 495 2547

Email: afuinfo@dcu.ie

TY Award Judging Session

See the scam behind the screenFraudSMART warns consumers to stay alert

Majority of adults in Ireland targeted with scam texts and phonecalls at least once a month

More than three quarters (78%) of Irish adults are being targeted with scam text messages, emails, phone calls or online content at least once a month, according to recent research undertaken by FraudSMART, the fraud awareness initiative led by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI).

The most common scam type continues to be through mobile phone text messages, with 58% of adults reporting having recently received a scam text, while 52% have received a scam call on their mobile phone.

Mary D’Arcy, Financial Crime Lead for FraudSMART stated: “These scams can be very convincing and often involve texts claiming to be from trusted companies such as a bank, utility or delivery company, or even a government department. The scams play into our human emotions such as trust, fear or sympathy tricking the victim into believing they are communicating with a legitimate source.”

She continued: “For example, a message may claim to be from a customer’s bank saying that their card has been compromised, creating a sense of urgency and pressuring them to take immediate action by clicking on a link provided in the text message. Unfortunately, scammers have tools that can make it look like the message appears within an existing, genuine text thread that you may have received from your bank in the past.”

“They are then directed to a fake website that may have copied the branding and logo of their bank so that it’s difficult to detect. Victims are then convinced to transfer funds or make a payment to ‘protect their account’.”

FraudSMART has found that scammers often follow up with a phone call, making the scam seem more legitimate and increasing the sense of urgency. In some cases, customers may receive an ‘authorisation code’ and be asked to input it on screen to ‘secure your account‘, ‘cancel a fraudulent payment’ or ‘process a refund’ – however this actually gives the fraudster access to their account.

Warning signs

• A bank will never text/email/phone you asking for personal information.

• A bank will never send you a link on a text message.

• A bank will not ask you to delete your banking app or to avoid logging into banking online.

What should you do if you receive a suspicious text message or phonecall?

• Be very cautious of any unexpected texts or phone calls and if in any doubt, ignore the text message or hang up on the call, and phone your bank immediately.

• Do not use phone numbers provided within a text message. Contact your bank using the number on the back of your debit / credit card.

• Do not reply to unsolicited text messages or provide personal or financial information.

• Do not click on a link or attachment from unsolicited text messages.

• If someone is pressuring you on the phone to take urgent action, hang up and call the number on the back of your debit / credit card.

• Never give away personal information, bank card payment details, bank account details or security details such as your PIN or online password to anyone.

• Block the sender of a suspicious email or text message and delete the message.

What can you do if you think you have been scammed? Don’t be afraid to ask for help if something goes wrong. If you think you have responded to a scam text message, contact your bank immediately using the number on the back of your debit / credit card, or the contact details provided on your bank website and report the incident to the Gardaí.

For more information and to stay updated on the latest fraud trends, visit www.FraudSMART.ie.

Authentically Alice

Aoife raced out of the hospital room to cry. Alice was barely two years old and as a mum, Aoife tried so hard hide her tears. But her cheeks were red and raw from trying to comprehend the life her family had just been thrown into. Their last carefree holiday... Alice sleeping and sleeping... bruises at the slightest touch. Now, in the space of less than a day, their baby girl’s terrifying diagnosis of blood cancer: leukaemia. “In a split second,” Aoife recalls, “our lives were completely turned upside down.”

The family had no way of knowing Alice’s chemotherapy would stretch on for nearly three years. It was relentless treatment that while saving her life, saw their precious child suffer through countless infections, lumbar punctures, internal blisters, and pain that left little Alice so desperate she didn’t have the strength to cry. Her mum Aoife and dad Stephen had to dress Alice in clothes for a nine-month-old. She was two and a half by then.

One day during a quiet moment, they saw the Barretstown posters on the hospital noticeboard. “There was another little girl diagnosed the same night as Alice,” Aoife recalls. “Our families became friends, so we all decided to go down for a weekend. Alice was feeling okay for those days, but everybody knows what you’re going through, you don’t have to explain. And all the staff on site that can deal with whatever arises, it’s just overwhelming understanding and joy. We’ve come down many times since, and Alice always has this glow afterwards. It’s a real sense of community.”

Even before her leukaemia journey, Alice’s family will tell you that it seems like she’s been here before. Aoife smiles. “She loves all the classics, like Little Women and Black Beauty. She loves her crafts and her drawing, and all the glitter! It’s shocking how Barretstown receives only four percent of funding from the government, and all the rest comes from

supporters. Children really, really need that boost.” Alice has been struggling with her health recently. She’s just been diagnosed with a heart condition that’s caused her daily fainting episodes. Her family have her in very good hands with a cardiologist, and we know that with love and support and Barretstown beside her, Alice will always have a place to come to for joy and healing magic. Please consider leaving a gift in your will to help children like Alice.

“I get very emotional when I talk about Barretstown and the benefits of the donations people give, because it’s such a safe, happy space. Your childhood is with you for life, and there’s huge aftershocks when treatment finishes. Barretstown supporters help families live again in every aspect of the word. They help you pick up the pieces." Alices Mum, Aoife

His Greatest Legacy, and Yours –Barretstown founder Paul Newman would have turned 100 this year -

Learn about the Irish giving trees soon to honour Barretstown founder Paul Newman’s life and greatest legacy – and your legacy, if you choose…..

Over 30 years ago, actor Paul Newman had a dream: imagine if children with cancer and other serious illnesses had the chance to simply be children. Or in his words, a place where they could

“raise a little hell”. In 1994 Paul founded Barretstown, his first Serious Fun camp outside the US.

Since then, thanks to kind-hearted people donating, Barretstown has welcomed over 125,000 campers through our castle gates – all amazing children living with serious illness.

This year Paul would have turned 100. We can think of no more beautiful way to honour Barretstown’s founder than to honour our generous legacy givers alongside him, with a permanent planting of Irish oaks, one of the longest lived of all our trees.

If you are considering leaving a gift in your will to Barretstown please contact Clare Martin at 045 863100 or clare.martin@barretstown.org

We would love for your name to live on at Barretstown in our Irish oak legacy walk. Happy birthday Paul Newman and thank you. You’re still changing lives.

Leave a gif t in your will & help children living with serious illness.

Leave behind a little magic! Let your legacy bring magic to the lives of children living with serious illness. A gift in your will whether it is a large or small sum, or a percentage of your

designed camps and programmes for sick children and their families When looking after your loved ones in your will you can also transform the lives of sick children for generations to come.

We can help you succeed in making this gif t.

For more information, please contact Clare Mar tin on 045 863100, email clare.mar tin@barretstown.org post to the address below.

Your care and compassion for others can live on through a legacy gift. By remembering Barretstown in your will you can make sure that ever y child with serious illness can experience the magic of camp.

Healing doesn’t just happen in hospitals and laughter may very well be the best medicine.

Founder, Paul Newman

Western Ways

George Keegan on what’s happening in travel, the arts, food and entertainment along the Western Seaboard

Knock joins elite group of Irish museums

The Museum Standards Programme for Ireland known as the MSPI was established by the Heritage Council to benchmark and also promote professional standards in the care of collections. It also recognises through accreditation the achievement of those standards within the Irish museum sector.

Recently the achievements of eleven Irish museums were celebrated at an awards ceremony held in Kilkenny Castle. One of the eleven was Knock Museum in County Mayo which was established in 1987. In 2009 It was the first museum in the West of Ireland to be accredited. The process takes place every five years and includes an inspection by officials regarding high standards and improvements which have taken place.

The museum at Knock is an impressive building with a café and shop attached. Here you will discover the story of a miraculous Apparition in 1879 in what was then a very small village comprising of some small thatched cottages and a church. The museum tells the stories of local people who witnessed the event and also traces the development of the village to become today an International Marion and Eucharistic Shrine.

The original museum was established in 1973 and opened up in a small pre-fab building. It was a long held dream of Monsignor James Horan and Archbishop Joseph Cunnane. A lot of credit should be given to local parishioners and the many volunteers who gathered together the original collection. Fourteen years later the museum was re-located in the present site. What I liked most is the way the interior has been designed into sections which not only tell the story of the Apparition but also the depiction of everyday life in general in the West of Ireland down the years. Of course, the story of Ireland West airport Knock is also featured, another important period relating to Monsignor Horan. The first flight, an Aer Lingus charter, took off for Rome on 25th October 1985.

The two Papel chairs used by Pope John Paul 11 and Pope Francis on visits to the Shrine, are on display, plus stories of ancient pilgrimages. In other sections you will see a forge

complete with instruments of the period and a replica of the living quarters inside a thatched cottage. I liked very much the unique jug in one of the display cases made locally with bits of broken cups and other tiny fragments of delph. There is also a special quiet area for prayer and contemplation containing 3 original church statues of the Lamb, Our Lady, St. John Evangelist and St. Joseph. Throughout the building there are currently more than 15,000 original objects on display.

Children of Mary in Rosary Procession at Knock Shrine, c. 1970 Knock Museum Collection

Judith Campbell, Witness, Handwritten Testimony Knock Museum Collection

Knock Museum and Café Le Chéile, Knock Shrine

In the centre of the museum stands a large impressive model commissioned in 2019 for the 140th anniversary, showing the village complete with tiny miniatures of the church and homesteads of witnesses, exactly as it was in 1879.

At the back is a special space set aside for collecting personal stories from pilgrims about their experiences and memories of Knock. These will be placed in an archive for future generations to read and hopefully enjoy.

The most recent addition to the museum is a small room with seating where visitors can watch a video (which runs every half hour) telling the story of Knock from humble beginnings to what it is today.

Grace Mulqueen, Curator of the museum said they were delighted to be awarded Maintenance of Accreditation in the

Aughnanure Castle - an historical gem in the heart of Connemara

MSPI for the third time. “From my many years working at Knock Museum I am always deeply moved by the impact it has on our visitors. It inspires reflection, sparks curiosity and fosters an appreciation of the faith and devotion of the people who have come to Knock since 1879 and still come”, she told me. Last year visitor numbers reached 35,000.

Admission to the museum is free and staff are happy to offer all visiting groups complimentary tours of either the museum or around the vast grounds including the Apparition Gable Wall and the Basilica. Audio guides are available in 7 languages.

Opening hours 10am-6pm daily.

Date for your diaryHandel’s Messiah will be performed at the Basilica on 22nd November.

Aughnanure Castle: This is Connemara’s best preserved late Medieval Tower House and is situated on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Drimneen river, not far from the shores of Lough Corrib

Just off the N59 3km from Oughterard and just 26km from Galway city you will discover Aughnanure Castle, one of 85 Heritage Sites around the country in the care of the Office of Public Works. This is Connemara’s best preserved late Medieval Tower House and is situated on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Drimneen river, not far from the shores of Lough Corrib. It dates from the late 15th century and at that time served as a stronghold of the O’Flaherty Gaelic lords of this region. During the 17th

century the castle’s geographical position meant it played an important role resisting the Cromwellian blockade of Galway.

Today Aughnanure consists of a Tower House, a unique small watch tower (thought to have been originally a pidgeon loft), Inner and Outer Wards and the remains of the banqueting hall with its carved windows. There are two protective walls which is also an unusual feature for the time.

Knock Village Model, 1879 Knock Museum Collection

Aughnanure consists of a Tower House, a unique small watch tower (thought to have been originally a pidgeon loft), Inner and Outer Wards and the remains of the banqueting hall

On a recent visit I was given a most interesting and informative tour by one of the guides on duty. There are 5 guides in total and all have a great knowledge of both archaeology or history. The tour begins at the very impressive Tour House which has 6 storys with 88 steps to the top. It is located in the centre of the inner courtyard. I climbed to the middle section and entered a large room containing what was then the Grand fireplace. There is a display here containing copies of original manuscripts including a fascinating page from the book of Hy-Brasil - an Irish language medical manuscript which was translated in 1443 from Latin. It contains strange creatures on the corners and according to legend it possessed magical properties.

Another exhibit was actually written in the castle in 1651 by the Gaelic scholar Daibhidh O Dubhgennain containing the earliest written example of the well-known tale of The pursuit of Diarmaid and Gráinne from the Fianna Cycle of Irish mythology. The originals are currently held by the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. The name Aughnanure comes from the Gaelic Achadh na nIubhar – the field of the yews. Be sure to look out for an amazing 1000 year old yew tree situated at the end of the trail leading to the castle entrance.

Towards the close of the 13th century the O’Flahertys became masters of the entire West Connaught territory extending from the west bank of Lough Corrib to the sea. This they controlled from Aughnanure. However, throughout the centuries the site fell in and out of the O’Flaherty ownership for various reasons. In 1546 Grace O’Malley (the Pirate Queen) married one of the family, Donal an Chugaidh O’Flaherty.

Finally in 1932 the castle was purchased by Peadar a distant family relative. He gifted the site to the State in 1952. During the 1960’s a restoration and conservation programme began and the castle opened to the public in 1974.

There are a lot of unanswered questions regarding the site’s history and I was told that until a full official excavation of the site takes place the many questions will remain so. It has also been discovered there is a large cave system underneath the site, but as it is a National Monument no exploration has

been allowed to date. Anyone even remotely interested in architecture will be fascinated by the way the buildings and walls were designed and constructed. If you are travelling to the Galway /Mayo area be sure to include a visit to this exceptional castle and grounds.

The middle section of the castle has a large room containing what was then the Grand fireplace

Tours of Aughnanure Castle should be booked in advance. Admission prices are adults €5, €4 concession and there is a price of €13 for families. For anyone with a disability entrance is free. Group tours take place on a regular basis and there are Geography tours designed for students. There is a small car park and toilet facilities are available within the site.

Postscript For Golfers: Along the tiny road up to the Castle you will pass the entrance to Oughterard Golf Club with an 18hole Championship parkland course and a restaurant.

More information

www.knockshrine.ie/museum www.heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/aughnanure

Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is

Protecting Your Retirement Wealth: Why Gold Belongs in the Mix

Retirement is often described as the “golden years.” After decades of hard work and saving, this is the time to enjoy life with more freedom, whether that means travelling, spoiling the grandchildren, or simply having peace of mind. But enjoying retirement is easier when your money is working for you in the right way.

And here is the key: retirement is not about chasing big growth. It is about protecting what you have. Preserving your wealth is the goal. That is where gold comes in.

Traditionally, many pension investors relied on a mix of stocks and government bonds. This approach, often called a “balanced portfolio,” was meant to smooth out the bumps. When shares fell, bonds were expected to rise, and vice versa.

But times have changed. Research shows that the old bond and equity balance no longer works as reliably as it once did. In fact, bonds and shares are now often moving in the same direction, making portfolios more exposed to downturns. For Irish investors in or near retirement, this creates a challenge: how do you truly protect your money when the traditional safety nets are not as safe?

This is where gold shines. The World Gold Council’s research shows that gold is one of the few assets that consistently protects investors when other markets struggle. In fact, gold has generated positive returns in nine out of the ten worst years for global stock markets.

For ordinary investors, that means gold acts as a form of insurance. You may not buy gold hoping it will produce explosive gains. Instead, you buy it so that when markets wobble, as they often do, part of your savings is steady, secure, and holding value.

By including even a modest allocation, around 5 percent, to gold, the World Gold Council’s analysis found that retirees can enjoy a more reliable income stream and reduce the risk of running out of savings too soon.

The good news is that Irish investors can hold physical gold as part of a selfadministered pension. This means your retirement pot can include real, allocated bullion such as bars or coins stored securely in professional vaults. It is not “paper gold” or financial products tied to gold, but the real thing.

This gives you two layers of confidence: diversification within your pension and independence from the financial system.

At GoldCore, we have seen how valuable this can be. Over the past year, we have attended 50 Plus Shows across Ireland, meeting hundreds of people who are either retired or preparing for retirement. Many admitted they were worried about bank collapse, inflation, or just the uncertainty of the times we live in.

We have helped a growing number of these attendees begin their gold investment journey, often with relatively modest sums. What matters most is not the amount you start with, but that you take steps to safeguard your future.

These years should be exciting. They should be about living life on your terms, not worrying about whether your savings will last. But that freedom depends on one thing: protecting your wealth.

History has long shown that gold is a powerful safe-haven asset, especially when markets are unpredictable. For retirees, that makes it more than just an investment. It makes it a cornerstone of peace of mind.

At GoldCore, our mission is to make owning gold simple, secure, and accessible. You have worked too hard to leave your future exposed. Now is the time to preserve your wealth so you can truly enjoy the years ahead.

GoldCore Limited

Ireland:

Level 1, The Chase Carmanhall Road

Sandyford, Dublin D18 Y3X2

Tel 01 632 5010

Email: support@goldcore.com

Dublin Dossier

Hitting the right entertainment note at Medley

has been there for over 10 years. Before that this entrance was the loading bay of The Irish Times. The newspaper had been operating for the previous 111 years occupying a large property stretching from D'Olier Street around into Fleet Street. The newspaper moved out in 2006.

Since then Medley has been here redefining how businesses entertain, connect and create lasting impressions. Andrew Rudd, best known for his cookbooks and TV appearances on RTÉ and Virgin Media, has been at the forefront of Medley for the past decade. Those years brought profound changes to the hospitality industry, with venues facing mounting pressure to evolve in response to, what they call: hybrid working trends, meeting an ever changing consumer expectations. Andrew Rudd has now relaunched Medley with a €100,000 investment.

As corporate hospitality continues to evolve, so too has Medley, not only embracing change but shaping it, transforming from a stylish dining spot into a full scale experience provider for Ireland’s most forward thinking brands. They have hosted over 4,000 events and served some of the biggest names in business including Facebook, Amazon, Intel, AIB, and Netflix. I myself have spent several hours here working hard - trying to find the best wines for Aldi supermarkets at Christmas.

Andrew Rudd says: “Corporate entertaining today is less about three-course dinners and more about connection, creativity, and customisation. Clients don’t just want a venue — they want an experience that reflects their values, brand, and vision. That’s the world Medley was built for.”

Unlike traditional hotel venues, Medley offers exclusive-use hire, meaning clients enjoy the entire venue without overlap from other events or customers. This privacy is a major draw for high-level corporate clients seeking focus, discretion, and a tailored experience. This also supports the ability for clients to go all out with theming and branding, where other venues may have limitations.

Located just off Dublin’s Grafton Street with ample public transport access via Luas or bus, Medley spans two floors and up to 295 sq. m. of adaptable space accommodating everything from sit-down dinners for 200, to standing receptions for nearly 300. Its modular layout and full in-house audiovisual setup make it perfect for conferences, panels, and creative brand activations, while its stylish design creates an elevated backdrop for luxury entertaining. As one returning client said: “We’ve used hotel venues before, but Medley’s flexibility and food were in a different league. It’s a space that helps you tell your story”.

Another impressive event setting at Medley

UpWARDs Lifts

Rich Ward of UpWARDs Lifts is the only time served qualified stairlift engineer trained within a UK regulated industry in Ireland and offers a 3 year warranty with annual servicing included.

Part of the reason he’s been in business so long is that he offers a genuine 24/7 call out. So if it fails at any time and he cannot fix it over the phone then he will call out, weekends & bank holidays included, (no extra charges / clauses)

UpWARDS Lifts are the leading installer of curved and straight stairlifts in Munster, so all makes and models can be installed so you get the right stairlift for your needs, including new and reconditioned stairlifts to suit any budget.

Richard takes a very straightforward and easy approach to stairlift installation:

• Contact us and we will visit your property to carry out a free no obligation survey

• We will assess your staircase and advise you of your options

• After you have chosen the stairlift you need, we will arrange a date for installation

• Your stairlift will be installed on the day agreed*. All packaging will be taken away and we hoover up!

Straight Stairlifts

Straight stairlifts will run on a straight flight of stairs (as the name suggests). This type of lift is generally cheaper to purchase as they are less complicated to install, giving you the freedom of your house again.

If you need help, we can recommend an appropriate lift for your property, whether you are looking for reconditioned stairlifts, or a brand new model. The versatile nature of straight stairlifts allows users to easily move their lifts to another location should the need arise.

Installing, servicing and repairing stairlifts for 30 years

upWARDs Lifts is delighted to associate with, and partner with, Platinum Stairlifts, providing premium quality straight stairlifts in Cork and Munster. All Platinum Stairlifts are hand built and tested in Yorkshire, UK, ready to ship directly to you. One of the main benefits of a Platinum Straight Stairlift is that the rail runs off the stair noses. This gives a clean look and gives you the ability to access your stairs easily when vacuuming.

Curved Stairlifts

You may think that a stairlift will not fit your stairs. However, a curved stairlift can be fitted on a variety of staircase types, ranging from fan, stairs with a landing in between, and those with a turn.

Each of our curved stairlifts in Cork and Munster are custom made to fit your staircase. We design every lift to match the requirements of your property and also offer a comprehensive repair and maintenance service.

Our curved stairlifts only vary in price due to the number of bends that are required and the length of your stairs. We will instantly tell you the cost, there is no hidden formula or wide ranging prices. We also work closely with our chosen partner, Platinum Stairlifts, to bring you a premium stairlift at a competitive price

So contact Rich Ward at upWARDs Lifts today for your FREE, no-obligation survey and expert consultation on curved stairlift services.

upWARDs Lifts - Specialist in Stairlifts

t: 083 4753 253 021 453 3610

Address; upWARDs Lifts, Cork, T45 RT29, Ireland

www.upwardslifts.ie www.stairliftcork.ie

Straight Stairlifts

Curved Stairlifts

Where venue choice is increasingly strategic, Medley has responded with innovation on multiple fronts. The company has invested in turnkey AV and streaming capabilities to support digital and hybrid events, an essential feature for those looking to elevate their corporate entertaining. Through its external catering arm, Medley also delivers gourmet experiences to offsite locations, offering multiple cuisines created by chefs from across the globe. Sustainability is embedded as standard across operations, with initiatives ranging from LED lighting and water saving technology to low waste menus and partnerships with local suppliers. To foster long-term partnerships, Medley is also developing a client loyalty and rewards programme in response to growing repeat demand.

As you might expect from a food maestro Andrew says “It’s the first impression and the lasting memory. At Medley, we put as much thought into a canapé as we do a main course. It’s about creating something memorable from the very first bite.” From developing bespoke menus to working with external chefs,

nothing is off the table when it comes to providing the best culinary solution. As the world of work, hospitality, and brand experience continues to evolve, Medley invites Ireland’s business community to think differently about what an event can be.

Andrew Rudd, best known for his cookbooks and TV appearances on RTÉ and Virgin Media, has been at the forefront of Medley for the past decade

For bookings, availability or venue tours, visit www.medley.ie or contact chris@medley.ie Website: www.medley.ie

State funeral for Dublin’s Hillary Weston

Born Hilary Frayne in Dún Laoghaire, 1942, the eldest of the five children of shopkeeper and musician Michael Frayne and his wife, Elizabeth Noelle Guerrini, Hilary went to school at Loreto Abbey, Dalkey and left at 16 after the death of her father to work as a successful model at home and abroad. She became a favourite of "Dublin's Dior" Sybil Connolly who worked from 71 Merrion Square.

In 1963, her future husband Galen Weston came to Dublin on business and bought Todd Burns department store on Mary Street. While here, he spotted Hilary on a Dublin hoarding in hot pants, the rest as they say is history. They married in 1966 when grandly, Galen bought her Brown Thomas in Grafton Street as a wedding gift. That marriage lasted over 50 years until Galen died in 2021.

In Todd Burns store Hilary started a boutique called City Girl, later renamed Penneys, specialising in inexpensive dresses. Later, Hilary and Galen were joined by Arthur Ryan and they would massively enlarge the business all across Europe under the Primark name.

and became vice-chairwoman of the Holt Renfrew luxury department store chain in Canada while still supervising the Dublin stores.

The Westons also had a 19th-century estate in Roundwood Park, Wicklow where in 1983 a botched IRA attempt to kidnap Galen Weston failed. The Westons were not there, An Garda apparently were tipped off. Two of the would-be kidnappers were killed and the others arrested following a gunfight with armed Gardai. As this was happening, Galen it seems was playing polo at Windsor with Prince Charles.

The incident did subsequently lead to the sale of the house. Hilary, back in Canada went on to serve a term as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, made speeches, hosted hundreds of receptions, with state visits by Nelson Mandela and heads of state from China, Greece, Portugal, Romania and the Philippines. She will in keeping with her position as a former lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Canada, have a state funeral which will be held in Toronto later in the year.

Galen and Hilary Weston: he spotted her on a hot pants advert and the rest is history

Another Dublin woman who changed the world

Mary Teresa Ball

A recent RTÉ programme tells that in 1901 there was one nun per 400 Irish people. The disestablishment of the Church of Ireland, meant that Catholic women, having little or no education could choose an active life, avoid the hardship with having large families and economic dependency on men, have a professional life, and the opportunity to travel the world.

Mary Teresa (Frances) Ball was one such woman, born in Eccles Street, Dublin, her father was John Ball, a wealthy Dublin silk merchant, a Protestant who converted to become one of the most prominent Roman Catholics in Rathfarnham. Mary Teresa became a nun and travelled the world helping to educate thousands of children in Canada, India, Mauritius, Gibraltar, Spain, England. Back home she went on to found the Loreto order in Ireland. She briefly met up with another nun, Mary Aikinhead of the Sisters of Charity who oddly was also brought up as a Protestant, her father's religion, while her mother was Roman Catholic.

End of bankruptcy saga for ‘Baron of Ballsbridge’

The Radisson St Helens Hotel, Booterstown, formerly the headquarters of the Christian Brothers and part of Sean Dunne’s proposed development on 70 acres

The yield at the end of a 12-year bankruptcy process in the US of Ballsbridge property developer Seán Dunne was just $27.5m. Remembered as the 'Baron of Ballsbridge' before his property empire collapsed towards the end of our Celtic Tiger era (20072011). With huge debts rendering him insolvent he left Dublin for the United States. His debts followed. From the bankruptcy our 'bad bank' the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) will receive just $6 million (€5.2 million) in settlement of claims totalling $438 million (€380 million).

The assets disclosed to the US court included his golf clubs, skis, watch, wedding ring, cuff links and three 10-year old tickets for rugby matches at the Aviva Stadium and in London and Cardiff, the lot valued €867 and also household furnishings at his former home at 20A Shrewsbury Road, Ballsbridge. It all amounting to €8,670 but was estimated as zero for the report.

In better times Dunne's Berland Homes company was involved with the development of 70 acres of land at St Helens, the former

headquarters for the Christian Brothers in Booterstown, The main house there is now a Radisson hotel. To list all his Dublin building projects would almost require the rest of the magazine.

Sean Dunne

location! camera, Lights,

Lorna Hogg features a number of Irish locations which have provided the backdrop to Irish films and TV series

It can come as a surprise to many to realise that Ireland isn’t merely a country filled with enthusiastic film and TV viewers. For decades, it has also produced the backdrops for some of the most popular of those films and TV shows. From Line of Duty to Harry Potter and Braveheart and Barry Lyndon to Game of Thrones – this country is now a popular and sought after film and TV series film location. Over 20 major film and TV series have used Ireland as a backdrop, for a wide variety of productions.

With productions ranging from reflections on the possibilities of modern policing in Line of Duty, through to the creation of fantasies such as Star Wars and Harry Potter– Ireland is now a popular home for the call of ‘Lights, Camera – Action’. No need to call on Hollywood for film production backdrops. Whether niche, a worldwide blockbuster or popular TV series – Ireland can, and has, delivered the locations.

The Quiet Man (1952)

One of the earliest films to put the country on that location map –and resulting tourist interest, was based on a 1930s short story by Maurice Ward. The Quiet Man, largely filmed in Cong, starring John Wayne and well known Irish actress Maureen O’ Hara. Popular Irish actor Barry Fitzgerald was also on hand to help the heart warming mix of beauty and brawn. Largely filmed in Cong, it tells the tale of a local boxer’s return home, a fiery local beauty, and family inheritance clashing with romance. Pat Cohan’s Pub, and the White O’Morn Cottage are still top tourist attractions, whilst Slea Head displayed the scenery at its best. Don’t miss the Quiet Man Bridge, at Lough Bofin, Connemara. There are also walking tours, a museum and gift shop.

Ryans Daughter (1970)

The stellar cast included Sarah Miles, Robert Mitchum and John Mills, set against the background of Ireland at the time of the 1916 Easter Rising. A married woman in a small Irish town has an affair with a visiting officer – and has to deal with the fallout. Film locations included the Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, and Inch Strand. There was also one unexpected addition. The `new` schoolhouse, sited on a cliff overlooking The Blaskets, was especially built for the film. The locals were so impressed with it

that they received permission to retain the building with a view. Sadly, however, the Atlantic gales have done their worst, and the building has gradually fallen into disrepair. Attempts to raise funds to repair it have so far failed. Better luck followed with the commemoration stone placed on Coumeenoole Beach. The site remains a much enjoyed tourist attraction for the many visitors!

Barry Lyndon (1978)

Hollywood Director Stanley Kubrick was known for `planned big’ and this film, of author William Thackeray’s 1844 novel was no exception. Ryan O’Neal starred as the manipulative Irish rogue, who deals with a fake duel, plus capture by a spy, and marries a wealthy titled woman for her money and contacts. Irish locations included sites in Kilkenny, Kildare, Waterford and Meath. Kells produced the background for the regimental headquarters, and Cahir Castle sprouted a German Military encampment for the film. Carton House, Castletown House and the 15th century Moorstown Castle in Co. Tipperary also appeared, as did Carrickon- Suir.

Sarah Miles in Ryan’s Daughter Film locations included the Dingle Peninsula, Cliffs of Moher, and Inch Strand

The pretty Co Kilkenny village of Inistioge which featured prominently in Circle of Friends

The statue of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in Cong, Co Mayo. The village had a starring role in the classic The Quiet Man

just one.

The Field (1990)

This film displayed the talents of two top film actors, Richard Harris and John Hurt. Set in the beautiful countryside in Connemara, it worked with an age old challenge in Ireland – the ownership of land. It was shot in Galway and Mayo countryside, which is somewhat ironical, as the story was set in Co. Kerry. Noel Gaynor’s pub underwent a `1940s transformation’, and remains a popular destination.

Far and Away ((1992)

Telling the story of a romance, between another impoverished suitor and a landlord’s daughter, this film offered further opportunities to display the Irish countryside, with a wide range of backdrops. Maam Cross in Galway, the Dingle Peninsula and Kilruddery, in Co. Wicklow, all featured. Skilled production research provided a new life for Moorstown Castle, near Clonmel. A late 15th century castle, it comes with a circular Keep, plus Round Tower and Bawn, and even has slit windows – as, of course, every castle ideally should!

Braveheart (1995)

The film tells the tale of Scottish patriot William Wallace, and his revolt against the English after the love of his life is killed. It also utilized a wide range of beautiful, including some, perhaps less well known, Irish locations in counties Wicklow, Kildare and Meath. Sally Gap and the Druid’s Glen in Wicklow provided backdrops, as did Bective Abbey, whilst The Curragh Camp and Trim, Co. Meath also featured. Trim Castle displayed its versatility - doubling up as York and London sites – and on one post-production occasion, its walls provided a screen for a special showing of the film.

Circle of Friends

(1995)

The film of Maeve Binchy’s popular novel about the world of young women in the 1960s, introduced some further new destinations. It was filmed in the pretty village of Inistioge – home to some panoramic views, such as the arched river bridge and tree lined square. To create an ideal vista, a few nearby trees were removed,

to create the perfect shot, offending ESB poles were (temporarily!) removed, and shop fronts re-vamped. The hard work was rewarded, however – the job done was so attractive that the village has since featured in further films, including Widow’s Peak.

Ballykissangel (1995)

Sited near Avoca, in Co. Wicklow, this highly popular BBC series, centred around the challenges for a young English parish priest in an Irish village. It also made the most of the county’s attractions, and filmed widely in them. The pretty village is, of course, not far from the Ardmore studios. Enniskerry provided a hub for the action, whilst Wicklow Head, Glencree and Brittas have also made regular appearances.

The Tudors (2007 -10)

This colourful series has utilized locations ranging from Ardmore Studios – to Christ Church Cathedral, Kilruddery. Powerscourt, Luggala and Kilmainham Jail.

Game of Thrones (2010 - )

This highly popular series has helped to establish Northern Ireland’s role in the film location business. The Linen Mill Studios, in nearby Banbridge, once engaged in the stretching of linen fabric, were the main Irish studios for the series, and now offer excellent tours – unsurprising, given the stunning land and sea backdrops. Film tourism is brisk, undoubtedly influenced by the fact that all the attractions are with easy distances, and keen fans can easily fit in several in a few days.

The most popular locations include the Dark Hedges, in Co. Antrim, a `picture postcard’ avenue of mysteriously gnarled old trees, which form a natural avenue. Tollymore Forest Park, in County Down, doubled as the Haunted Forest, where the Dire Wolf pups were born. Castle Ward in Co. Down is well known as Winterfell. Ballintoy Harbour provides the docking point for the Iron Islands, and Cushendun Caves. Binevenagh, Ballintoy and Inch Abbey are also perfectly cast!

Line of Duty (2019)

This popular TV series, set in modern Belfast, displays another aspect of Irish film set versatility. There is a variety of well organized tours – for all tastes, and the range of locations covered is wide. You can see the site of the AC-12 H.Q. You can visit the Graffiti Tunnel, observe where the sniper scene took place, and learn background information about techniques used. You can also enjoy the sites with friends on a private tour group. Expect tours to last about two hours. Go to Viator, at or buy tickets at Irish Tour Tickets shop, in Great Victoria Street.

Waterford was one of many Irish locations featured in Barry Lyndon Mel Gibson as Braveheart

Wine World

Vive La France!

With all the doom and gloom around the world concerning climate change, recession and taxes, it is great to have some good news to celebrate. The latest reports from France is that this year’s wine harvest will jump as much as 17% from last year, with higher volumes especially in Burgundy, Champagne and the Loire Valley due to more favourable growing conditions. This is according to the first forecast from the French agriculture ministry. This year’s vintage is expected to end up between 40 million and 42.5 million hectolitres, a great recovery from last year when disastrous weather resulted in the smallest harvest in more than sixty years!

The good news for France is that it is expected to remain the world’s second-largest wine producer behind Italy in 2025, based on current forecast. The country has faced some unusually severe production declines in the past decade due to adverse events linked to climate change, from spring frosts, hail and drought to extreme rainfall. France is scheduled to update its production forecast later in September, including a breakdown by region. However this is certainly great news for the French wine industry and for those of us who love French wine, as we will see most regions in the country seeing a huge improvement in last year’s harvest.

Meanwhile Italy is estimated to produce 45 million hectolitres this year which is in line with previous years. While Spain is predicted to see an increased yield according to the country’s federation of agri-food cooperatives. And so the news is good for wine producers in Europe generally, and France in particular. And so to celebrate this good wine news, we are taking a special look at French wines that are available to us here at home. All of the wines included in this article are very affordable, we are not talking about top premium wines that could cost you hundreds of euro a bottle, but good affordable wines that you purchase in your local off-licence or supermarket and enjoy with your dinner at home.

So here we go with some of my favourites:Michel Lynch is a Bordeaux winery that ticks all the boxes when it comes to good all-round and affordable wines.The story is that Michel Lynch, founder of the famous 18th century estate Chateau Lynch-Bages, was an iconic figure in Bordeaux history and still inspires the region today. The wine which bears his

name, benefits from the expertise of a technical team renowned in the world of classified growths. The Merlot – Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is an exceptional red wine, very food friendly and comes with a healthy 14% to make it especially good with red meats and rich dishes. His white wine on the other hand is a delicious Sauvignon Blanc, once again food friendly but with fish and lighter dishes comes at 12.5% And finally his ‘sunshine in a bottle’ rose 2021 is just perfect for late summer drinking while you are enjoying dinner before the sun goes down! The rosé is 12%

Mairead Robinson celebrates the 2025 French Harvest

Turning to another French wine that I have always enjoyed, albeit one with a very unusual name is Le Fat Bastard! Featured on the Pinot Noir label, he is described as ‘a fabulously bold character infused with a sheer joie de vivre. This is indeed a gorgeous Pinot Noir which is both elegant with a long finish and very fruit driven. Very food friendly, and one of my favourite wines – despite the funky label! Adopting a slightly different pose, le Fat Bastard adorns the Sauvignon Blanc also, which is rightly described as ‘fabulously refreshing’ while the Pinot Noir is ‘fabulously full-bodied. And my final choice as we celebrate French wines is non other than a beautiful white Cotes-duRhone called La Chasse after the treasure chests in the 14th century where the popes hid their most treasured possessions. As a tribute to their major role in the Rhone Valley vineyards, La Chasse was created. It is recognised as a great history for a great wine. Definitely one for special occasions.

If you are interested in buying any of the above wines, and indeed having them delivered to your door, contact sales@winesoftheworld.ie or call them at 1800 844 101

Now if you love French wines and also love a bargain, then check out this month’s great offers from O’Briens Wines –www.obrienswine.ie.Every month O’Briens offer a selection of wine at reduced price, and it is a perfect opportunity to grab yourself a bargain. And if you spend over €100 on your wine order, delivery is free. As I always say, having a selection of wine delivered to your door is a real treat!

Looking at their current offers, I have chosen four gorgeous French wines, all currently on sale.

First of all Haut-Poitou Sauvignon Blanc Les Climes, reduced from €16.95 to €12.99 Next up is La Baume La Grande

Olivetter Albarino (one of my absolute favourite grape varieties) which is also reduced from €16.95 to €12.99

I have chosen two reds from their list this month also and these are Chateau Vieux Pourret St Emilion Grand Cru, reduced from €26.95 to €19.99

And finally Le Petit Coudoulis reduced from €19.95 to just €16.99

All of the above are excellent food wines, and I particularly love the Albarino – La Baume La Grande Olivette – which will remind you of your holidays in the sun! For a real Autumn treat, you could not do better than enjoy a bottle of Chateau Vieux Pourret St Emilion Grand Cru with a special dinner, and getting it for under twenty euro is a real treat. So lets celebrate France this autumn and savour some of their great wines. Bon appetit!

Age and pain: does common mean normal?

“Well...I’m getting older now, so these back aches and hip pains are normal.” I stared at the 30-year-old man sitting across from me. A remark such as this occurs weekly. I have come to observe this pattern of pain acceptance throughout our culture. Many of us accept aches and pains as an inevitable sign of aging. Instead of pro-actively preventing or slowing down the process of aging, we accept niggles and “warning signs” as standard. Life is busy. Health can wait… until those whispers of warning grow to a volume requiring sudden action. It is at this point when the majority of patients present seeking help from someone like me-a Doctor of Chiropractic.

The first visit is for a patient to voice all their concerns; the second visit is my turn. “We do not accept age as an excuse around here.” I reply to the 30-year-old (and have even done so to 89-year-old) patients. If you’re in pain, there is a reason and a solution. The first visit is about discovering the reason; the second visit is about putting the solution into motion. As a society, we have grown to accept aches and pains as part of the norm. In reality, it is the body asking us to pause and pay attention. If we do not listen to the body’s whispers, it will scream.

In cases where there is an undercurrent of disease driving a life ridden with pain, and therefore limited life enjoyment, there are solutions available. While we may not be able to reverse the damage already in place, we can certainly slow down the train, work to open the spaces of arthritic joints, and proactively guide lifestyle habits to curb aggravating factors.

Dr. Laryssa Witty with current patient, Mary Whelan

The brain is the master organ of the body. It always seeks to find an organic solution to a bodily problem. In the case of arthritis, it recognizes that uneven stress is hitting a joint or bone beyond its original design. Therefore, to reinforce and strengthen the area the brain builds scaffolding around the place in question thus offering additional strength and support.

According to the brain, the function changed, so the design must now change. The question, therefore, is why are the forces hitting this bone or joint asymmetrically. By working with the body, rather than against it, we can change the brain’s understanding so that it realizes additional bone growth is no longer necessary.

The brain uses the nervous system to issue its commands and take stock of all the body is doing. Disruption in this communication flow occurs anywhere a bone in the spine has misaligned. My role is to remove interference from the nervous system. By realigning the spine we restore communication, putting the brain back in control. If we ask better questions, we discover better solutions. Just because aches and pains are common does not make them normal; nor does it mean you have to accept them. Getting old? Not in this clinic.

Laryssa Witty

Doctor of Chiropractic

Trinity Chiropractic Dublin, Ireland

Trinity Chiropractic Centre 4th Floor 12-14 College Green Dublin, D02YY72

Phone: (01) 672 9399

Legacy Gifts are the Future

Niall O'Sullivan - chair of My Legacy (in the middle) - with representatives from some of our member charitiesSt Vincent's Foundation, Women's Aid, Concern, Focus Ireland, Oxfam and Irish Blue Cross

As the evenings grow longer and we all settle into a new routine after a long, hot summer, the thoughts of many people turn back to ‘to-do’ lists.

For some, this includes finally getting around to getting their Will in place. According to a 2024 Red C/My Legacy survey, just one-in-four adults said they already have a will, despite the many difficulties and delays that can occur for loved ones where there is none.

Just over half (59%) of people aged 55+ have a will compared with just 14% of those aged 35-54 and 6% of those aged 18-34.

It is also very heartening to note that in considering who and what is important to them, more people are choosing to also include legacy gifts in their wills for causes they admire, or who have looked after a loved one or who are making a real difference in their community.

According to a recent public survey by the Charities Regulator, 1-in-4 people said they intend to leave money or property to charity in their Will if they haven’t already done so and My Legacy charities have noticed more enquiries and interest from the public in making their mark on their communities and favourite causes in this special way.

In a volatile world, gifts in wills are vital for a sustainable, shock-proof future for Irish charities who are under ever increasing pressure to provide their important services and legacy gifts are particularly valued, appreciated and remembered with gratitude. If you have a cause in mind, you can contact or visit that charity to have a chat about how gifts in wills have made a real difference to their work and the impact a gift could have in the future. You are under no obligation to include a gift or even reveal your intentions but as planning for the future has become more generally widespread, many charity supporters are increasingly open about the reasons why they want to recognise a particular cause in this very personal way and make a difference to someone’s life in the future.

You might think the process of making a will would be complicated and overwhelming but in fact it is generally very straightforward, and it starts with making an appointment with a solicitor. Getting that date in the diary is a great first step to

peace of mind knowing that your affairs are in order and loved ones will be provided for in the future.

Before your appointment, it is helpful to note the following:

• Your assets, their value and their location.

• Your nearest relatives.

• Your guardian(s) for children, if applicable.

• Your chosen executor(s).

• The proposed division of your estate (which refers to all of the money, property, assets, interests and items of value controlled by a person while alive).

• Other beneficiaries you might like to include, such as a friend or a charity you support or admire.

At your appointment, your solicitor will advise you of any tax or legal implications of your decisions and will use your outlined instructions to draft your will for you. Everything will be explained in a straightforward manner and for most people, this appointment will only take an hour or two of your time.

Once your solicitor has drafted your will and you are happy that it reflects all that you intend, you will then visit the solicitors office to simply sign your will in the presence of two witnesses. This is to ensure the will is legally valid. Your solicitor can also safely store your will. This is important as original wills cannot be stapled or marked in any way and need to included in probate applications.

Most people feel a great sense of relief and security that their will is in place and wonder why they didn’t get round to it before!

For anyone with writing or amending their current will on their ‘to-do’ list this Autumn, www.mylegacy.ie is a good place to get information about making a will; including a simple legal jargon buster and a handy link to the Law Society’s list of solicitor firms. You can also explore the wonderful work and positive impact of My Legacy charities all across the country and beyond.

Derek Bell

My Legacy Trustee www.mylegacy.ie

The wearing of the green

way. It happened on the Tuesday evening annua Association of Golf Writers Dinner in the Royal and Ancient pavilion, where Rory McIlroy graced the occasion resplendent in a perfectly-fitting green jacket.

It was a charming gesture by McIlroy which delighted his hosts. It also seemed to set the tone for a memorable week in which his many fans in the northern part of this island displayed their unfettered delight at his presence in their midst. Not least, one imagined, because of the Career Grand Slam.

This very rare achievement in golf had been secured by Gene Sarazen and Ben Hogan, before it was actually given a name. The man responsible was Pittsburgh newspaperman, Bob Drum, who travelled as a guest in Arnold Palmer’s private plane to Dublin for the 1960 Canada Cup, from which Palmer emerged victorious at Portmarnock in partnership with Sam Snead.

From Dublin, Palmer headed for St Andrews and the Centenary Open in which he happened to finish runner-up to Kel Nagle before returning to win back-to-back Open titles in 1961 and 1962. On the flight to Scotland, Palmer is reported to have asked Drum what it would mean if he were to win the Open and then the PGA Championship, given that he had already captured the Masters and the US Open in 1960.

“That would be the Grand Slam,” suggested Drum. As it happened, Palmer followed

professional Grand Slam was born, though the notion of winning all four professional Majors in the same season proved to be an extremely daunting challenge.

In the meantime, Bobby Jones has remained the only player to secure the genuine article through his victories in the US Amateur, US Open, British Amateur and the Open Championship in 1930. Referred to as the Grand Slam at the time, it was also grandly described as the “Impregnable Quadrilateral.”

Jones, however, was not impressed by later developments of Drum’s creation. His views were revealed in fascinating letters published in the US, years after his death in December 1971.

He wrote: "The only man who could ever be justified in considering himself the world champion of golf, would be one who had won the Open Championship of both Great Britain and the United States in the same year. Off-hand, I think the record will show that this feat has been accomplished by only three men in the history of the game _ Gene Sarazen did it in 1932, Ben Hogan in 1953 and I did it twice, in 1926 and 1930."

(Since the Jones letter was written in September 1967, the double in question was also accomplished by Lee Trevino in 1971, by Tom Watson in 1982 and by Tiger Woods in 2000.)

Masters jacket, made a surprise appearance at The Association of Golf Writers dinner

Jones went on: "The professionals and the television people have now come up with a new ‘Grand Slam’, accomplished by winning the Masters, the US Open, the British Open and the PGA; and by winning these, not in one year, but in a lifetime. I must confess that I get pretty tired of hearing about the only four men (Sarazen, Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player) who have won all four of the Major championships (this quartet were later joined by Woods).

"Obviously, no professional can ever win the four championships comprising my Grand Slam; but neither can any amateur ever win the phony Grand Slam created by the pros and the television people. I think if you can win both the British and US Opens in one year, this should be enough." So claimed the great man.

Sinead Ryan

on to win the 2001 Masters, so completing the so-called Tiger Slam of four Majors in 11 months.

Still, all pressure is relative. And one can imagine the stress McIlroy endured as he stood on the opening tee at Royal Portrush in the company of Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood. Discomfort was clearly in evidence when his driving-iron was pulled into the left rough; not enough to be threatened by the out-of-bounds-markers, but quite uncomfortable just the same.

2000 became a year of astonishing achievement for Tiger Woods. That was when he captured the US Open, Open Championship and the PGA and then went on to win the 2001 Masters, so completing the so-called Tiger Slam of four Majors in 11 months.

Bobby Jones has remained the only player to secure the genuine article through his victories in the US Amateur, US Open, British Amateur and the Open Championship in 1930.

And ghosts from 2019, when he carded an opening 79, seemed determined to haunt him as he proceeded to miss a three-foot par putt. Which may have explained why, while walking away, he tapped down a perceived spike-mark, before looking back on three occasions at the scene of the miss.

A further hook was in evidence off the tee at the long second, putting the green out of reach in two. But he proceeded to pitch to 12 feet and then sank the putt for a very timely birdie four.

Those opening holes set the pattern for McIlroy’s worst-ever driving round at Portrush, where he hit only two out of 14 fairways. Yet with an opening 70, he expressed surprise afterwards at being only three strokes out of the lead. Which was quite an achievement. As he later observed: “This place can be visually very intimidating off the tee.” Especially in gusting winds and intermittent rain.

The highly emotional nature of McIlroy’s Masters triumph seemed to stir competitive hearts like few challenges in recent times. Even the game’s supreme competitor, Nicklaus, couldn’t resist expressing his feelings.

“I’ve never seen a tournament with so many good shots and so many bad shots and so many changes of this and that,” said the Bear. “I’m delighted for Rory. I know that he’s had a lot of pressure on him. He’s had the world on his shoulders. So it was wonderful to see him win. When he had to make a shot, he made it. You look at the shot at 15 [a remarkable, hooked second around trees, the shot at 17 [a magnificently judged approach]. Just remarkable shots.

“And then he turns right around and hits a shot like he hit at 13 [a duffed pitch into water] and I’m sitting there saying ‘What are you doing?” Nicklaus concluded: “This will take the world off his shoulders and I think you’ll see a lot more great golf out of Rory McIlroy.”

There is little doubt but that McIroy’s very special appeal at Portrush had much to do with his recently acquired status as the game’s sixth winner of the Career Grand Slam where, after considerable torment, he joined the elite group of Sarazen, Hogan, Nicklaus, Player and Woods to have secured this distinction.

The weather was very different at Augusta National last April when the noted American psychologist, Dr Bob Rotella, played a key role in allowing McIlroy to be mentally capable of capturing what had become an elusive green jacket.

When I discussed the process with the good doctor, he said: “About a week before Augusta, Rory and I went over things we’d been talking about for a long time,” he began.

“We decided that when you’re chasing dreams, you’ve got to be like steel. You can’t let anything bother you or upset you. At Augusta, you’ve got to get lost in your own little world, knowing you’re going to make mistakes.

“On the Thursday, he played the front nine nicely and was in the process of playing a wonderful back nine. Then, decent shots on 15 and 17 both ended in double-bogeys. They weren’t terrible shots but they still ended up as double-bogeys for a level-par round. Which couldn’t have been more crushing.

“On Friday morning, our conversation centred essentially on the fact that most of the great stories in sporting history are great comeback stories. So you must set yourself up for a great comeback. You’ve got to be strong. You’ve got to be unflappable.”

Rotella went on: “The front nine is always a hard nine and he played it great on Friday. I thought that’s where he really got back into the tournament. Obviously on Sunday he played some wonderful shots. But the truth is that he’s really good with recovery shots. Put him in the woods and he’s a creative artist.

“There really isn’t a shot he can’t hit, but to have the confidence to take them on, on a Sunday at the Masters, is pretty impressive. “There was a remark about what people say about him on line, to which Rory responded: ‘I’ve decided that what people say about me on line is none of my business.’

“That was a great response, the measure of a Grand Slam winner.”

Active Retired, Fully Inspired!

DISCOVER DUBLIN & ENNIS

Over 50’s

Shared Group Breaks

3 Days | Breakfast & Dinner each day, plus an activity each day from €345 pps

Enjoy a 3-day escape with breakfast, dinner, and daily activities at Shoreline Hotel, Donnabate (19th, 20th, 21st October), and Hotel Woodstock, Ennis (2nd 3rd 4th November)

GALWAY

Over 65’s

3 Nights Bed & Breakfast and 3 Evening Meals from €250 pps

Based on 2 people sharing

Bed & Breakfast

10% OFF for Rewards Club

Members

1/2/3 nights breaks in the heart of Galway city

Sample Itinerary

Day 1

• Collection from train station

• Lunch on arrival

• 3 course dinner

• Entertainment

Day 2

• Soup and sandwiches

• Fitness class free

• Dinner

• Cards & bingo

Day 3

• Brown bread making class

• Afternoon tea

• Dinner

• Music

YOUGHAL

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

2 Nights Bed & Breakfast and 1 Evening Meal from €159 pps

Based on 2 people sharing

Creative Writing

Light Chains: Survivor’s Roadmap to Recovery

Writing about illness, whether physical or mental, is an acknowledged and important element in literature. Consider Remembrance of Things Past, completed on his sickbed by Marcel Proust (1871 – 1922). United Kingdom writer Martin Amis (1949 – 2023) suffered from dental caries for most of his adult life.

Eileen Casey recounts County Offaly writer Jackie Lynch’s personal encounter with cancer

Amis, in his memoir Experience, described this pain as ‘the expert musicianship of toothaches, their brass, woodwind and percussion and, most predominantly, their ‘strings’. Clearly, as Ann Morgan (Royal Literary Fund) observes, Amis, like most writers suffering the slings and arrows of pain, “would not have been equal to constructing their work while the agony was at its peak.” Analgesics of course, played their part. In the literary canon, writing about mental illness is also present, particularly in works such as Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar

Published in January, 1963, under a pseudonym, it was only a short month later that Plath took her own life. The Bell Jar opens a door onto the experience of suicidal anguish. Plath’s description of ECT is memorable: “Then something bent down and took hold of me and shook me like the end of the world. Whee-ee-ee-ee-ee, it shrilled, through an air crackling with blue light…I thought my bones would break and the sap fly out of me like a split plant.”

American poet Emily Dickenson, (1830 – 1886) once described a recurring eye problem preventing her from reading as being “like eight months of Siberia.” She depicts a cold, vapid landscape as indeed it would seem to someone like Dickenson. And bringing home the point that avid readers too often relay

Light Chains, a beautifully produced, limited edition collection of Haiku. Penned by County Offaly writer/ photographer, Jackie Lynch

how being sick in childhood, confined to bed for months at a time, fostered a passionate and necessary relationship with the written word. There’s just something about language, its ability to convey, empathise and clarify, that offers much needed comfort in times of stress.

While there are writers telling their own personal illness journeys, some writers are on the other side of the magnifying glass. American writer William Carlos Williams, for example, wrote stories in his surgery. In between seeing patients, he managed to produce The Doctor Stories (1932- 1962).

Pronounced in The Guardian as ”exquisite”, in his autobiography, William Carlos Williams made the argument that “as a writer I have never felt that medicine interfered with me but rather that it was my very food and drink, the very thing which made it possible for me to write.” Whatever the perspective regarding illness, there can be no doubt that the various resulting publications continue to enrich our lives, physically, emotionally and creatively.

Jackie Lynch

The nurse smiles at me

Piercing my skin like a wasp

Waiting for her break.

Enter Light Chains into this arena. A beautifully produced, limited edition collection of Haiku. Penned by County Offaly writer/photographer, Jackie Lynch, Light Chains aims to recount Lynch’s personal encounter with cancer. Navigating illness, at the best of times, is fraught with physical and emotional challenges. Light Chains demonstrates Jackie’s unwavering attention to detail. Her responses, in the miniaturised form of haiku, are sometimes searing, often elegiac yet always authentic. It’s a truism that we are never more aware of the world than when faced with crisis. Heightened senses experience a world that can so easily slip away. From the tidal waves of diagnosis to the healing balm of recovery and all that lies between; the journey depends on inner strength and courage. The signature haiku in Light Chains speaks volumes;

Meeting Jackie Lynch over coffee in our shared hometown of Birr, I’m immediately struck by her warmth and positivity. A woman approaching her peak in terms of years, she’s taken this process in her stride although it wasn’t always so, certainly not in the beginning. I ask how her diagnosis came about. In a busy life (she’s a long term arts facilitator with Anam Beo as well as being a practising artist), the medical zone is often on the back burner. “I had gone to my doctor with a minor complaint and he suggested doing a blood test. He rang me a few hours later and told me to get straight to A&E.” A frightening prelude to the days, weeks, months which followed. In effect, her kidneys were steering relentlessly towards failure, caused by a blood cancer. It’s now kept at bay; she tells me “they can’t cure it at this point but they are hopeful that in a few years they will.” But at least it can be treated? I prompt. “Yes. However, they have no idea what causes it which is frustrating as I’ve always thought I lived a healthy life.”

Her blues eyes don’t show any kind of bitterness or blame. Jackie is grateful to be back doing ordinary things again. Going for a walk. Having a coffee. Throughout her journey to wellness, “I used to watch people through the car window doing ordinary things like walking the dog and I wondered if I would ever get back to doing simple everyday things that people take for granted. All I could manage was a shuffle and I had to have someone with me in the supermarket. The chemo, especially the steroids, had a negative impact on my muscles.”

I ask what the worst thought was that came to her on first receiving her diagnosis? Without any trace of irony she replies, “I thought I’d better get my affairs in order and so, I rang my solicitor!” One of those early frustrations was that some of the biopsies had to go abroad so it took some time to piece together everything before treatment could begin in earnest. These were her darkest days. Completely at odds with the summer season progressing blithely around her. Because of a Norovirus outbreak in the hospital, Jackie was placed in isolation in a small room, “very hot at times.” She missed out on all the festivals and holidays and everything the summer season brings. “My daughter sat her Leaving Cert without me and my mother had a significant birthday. All missed by me.”

Plath

Stitched stars listen Medics’ murmurations Crippled tongue awaits. (from Diagnosis)

Her recovery routine was gruelling, there’s no mistake about that. Being able to write Light Chains surely must have helped? She immediately concurs. Her resulting haiku are elegant, elegaic and graceful. Yet, there are no violins playing in the background. These ‘snapshots’ in time and place are a perfect structuring device for an artist whose camera eye is faithful and clear-sighted. Also, it’s no wonder Jackie chose the haiku form in the first place. Early in her career, having won a university scholarship to study Chinese Woodblock Printmaking at Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts, P.R. China; she’s familiar with the haiku form and also, Wabi-sabi. This latter is an eastern philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence and the natural cycle of growth and decay. A perfect way to describe our imperfect humanity. Light Chains is a sure-footed road map of her cancer journey, signposted by the various sections; Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery. I ask her to outline a typical day while undergoing treatment.

'Remembrance of Things Past' by Marcel Proust

'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia

'The Doctors Stories' by William Carlos Williams

Life Givers

There’s no hesitation on her part as she begins to tell how this strange new world unfolded. “Firstly my week was split up with three days of dialysis, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, chemo after dialysis Monday. Tuesday was my worst day because of the effects of the chemo. Then I had the weekend to rest before the cycle started all over again.” And how long did this regime go on for? “Nearly a year. I say three days for dialysis a week, although I was on the actual machine for three hour sessions at a time. I had to get there and be put on the machine, off again and journey home, then usually to bed afterwards so that was essentially the day gone.” The broad outline but what about the minutiae of each passing day? A different story surely?

“As for daily routine, on a dialysis morning I would get up around seven, take my tablets, have porridge as it was a low salt option, get to the hospital telling myself that I was going to work and this was my job now for however long I had to do it.”

The term ‘this was my job’ shows the practical nature of Jackie’s approach. Transference is not a bad way to cope but what about clothing? All those manoeuvers with machines etc. “Yes, I was restricted in what type of clothes I could wear as the nurses had to access the medical device in my chest and I always layered up as I felt the cold terribly on the machine.” How on earth did she cope? Where did her mind travel to all those lonely hours? “While on the machine I used to visualise going back to my life as it was before. I’d look at the door and tell myself that someday I would walk out that door. There is a peculiar loneliness with cancer. It’s as if I was grieving myself.”

Jackie’s haiku are powerful ways of capturing and expressing what it is exactly she wishes to say. She could have written prose to tell her story or perhaps used the longer form poem but no, instead she chose haiku. It’s really astonishing the amount of information and above all, clarity of observation that these tiny vessels contain. “Words were jumping in to my head. I got a notebook and as words or phrases appeared, I jotted them down, especially at night when I lay awake.” It must have been a mental workout in a way, arranging these words into the seventeen syllable, three line format that is the hallmark of haiku. “I like the efficiency of the form,” she explains with enthusiasm. “In the early stages of dialysis, because it was such a trauma, I’d visualise the machine as a big beautiful jewellery box and the line a necklace. I’d see the medical staff as they stood at

the end of my bed as pirates that lived in Kidney Cove. It made the environment less intimidating and shifted my opinion in my head slightly. Maybe there’s a longer story there that might make it less traumatic for children going into dialysis?” I’ve no doubt there is and Jackie reminds me that she is also an avid novel reader, citing her last two reads as Wrong Women by Caroline West and Fabric by Victoria Finlay.

Food intake was also closely monitored. “While on the machine I had an egg mayo sandwich and diet 7UP almost each time. After dialysis I headed to the supermarket, wandering the aisles, wondering what I could eat. So many foods have salt in them and because I’m on a renal diet, it can be hard to negotiate food labels. I also have to limit my potassium, proteins and phosphorous intake. I lost 10kg during this time.”

Love warms my done bones

Cloaks my life in earthly calm

Unhooks misery. (from Recovery)

Watching the sky and clouds proved a creative escape hatch for Jackie. “When I arrived home after a month in hospital, I cried when I saw the red roses in bloom because my life had been so devoid of colour”. Regarding family and friends, Jackie says that she has been “blessed with a good gang around me. Some people just sat in silence with me and held my hand for hours. Others sent funny messages, many candles were lit. There was a lot of love sent from the universe towards me. Still is. I appreciate that.” Naturally, concentration levels dropped due to the medicines but Jackie did try knitting, weaving and “we made a big jigsaw at home together.”

Now, the future looks bright. Remarkably, Jackie’s been able to come off dialysis, which apparently, only a few do. Her cancer is under control and she has regained almost all of her previous life. She is grateful to the hospital staff and the doctors who helped put her back together again. There are still monthly hospital visits, an ongoing necessary monitoring. Jackie takes nothing for granted. “It could all change tomorrow.” That said, there is much to be hopeful about. At the moment, she’s ‘grabbing normal’.

Light Chains is a collection to be treasured, not just by those touched by cancer or illness of any kind, but by believers in love and its ability to overcome.

Light Chains is supported by Offaly Arts and published by Brosna Press. Jackie Lynch also wishes to acknowledge Birr Theatre & Arts.

Love’s faded ink scars

Lonely patterns on life’s seams Formed by honey moons. (from Treatment)

Celebrating 10 Years of Music, Laughter & Memories www.shamrocklodgehotel.ie

Win a Pair of Tickets to see Lorraine McDonald at the ‘Afternoons of Entertainment’ at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel!

Showband Legend Lorraine McDonald, and her brother Keith, will perform at the 10th annual festive Afternoons of Entertainment at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel Athlone, across 11 dates this coming November and December. Lorraine, fresh from touring with Daniel O’ Donnell, and Keith, a longstanding legend in his own right, will perform all the classic hits from Brendan Bowyer, Eileen Reid, Joe Dolan, Dickie Rock and many more showband stars. You could win:

· Two tickets to one of the 11 shows across November and December (subject to availability)

· Tea/Coffee/finger food after the show

· Overnight B&B accommodation on the night of the show

In order to be in with a chance to win this prize, please answer the following question;

Showband Legend Lorraine McDonald recently toured worldwide with which Irish star?

The Winner Will be Announced on the 1st of October. Only €57.50 Per Person

Email your answer to mglynn@shamrocklodgehotel.ie (putting Lorraine McDonald in the subject bar).

Mater Private Network

Cork – Leading the Way in Heart and Health Care

As we age, our health needs evolve – and so does the importance of access to world-class care close to home. Mater Private Network Cork has been at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge, patient-centred healthcare to communities across Munster. With significant recent investment, a renowned team of consultants, and a growing range of specialist services, Mater Private Cork is setting new standards in care.

A trusted name, a network of support

Mater Private Network Cork has built a reputation for excellence in cardiac care, women’s health, orthopaedics, oncology, and a wide range of surgical and diagnostic services. Its Emergency Department offers rapid access to expert consultants and advanced diagnostics, ensuring patients receive immediate, high-quality care when they need it most.

For patients, Mater Private Cork offers reassurance: a modern hospital environment with the very latest medical technology, delivered by some of the most highly regarded specialists in the country.

Leaders in cardiology and heart care

Heart health is a central focus for Mater Private Cork –particularly as cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading health challenges for people over 50. The hospital is home to a team of leading consultant cardiologists, many of whom have trained and practiced internationally, including at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and Mount Sinai hospital in the US. Their expertise spans preventative cardiology, advanced diagnostics, interventional procedures, and cardiac surgery.

The hospital has recently invested in state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostic facilities and minimally invasive technologies, enabling early detection, less invasive treatments, and faster recovery times for patients.

At the forefront of orthopaedic innovation

Orthopaedic services are another cornerstone of care at the Mater Private Cork. From joint replacement to spinal surgery, patients benefit from expert surgical teams and tailored rehabilitation programmes designed to restore mobility and quality of life.

Mater Private Network Cork is proud to be one of the very few hospitals in Europe to offer bikini minimally invasive hip replacement. This innovative surgical approach allows for smaller incisions, reduced muscle damage, less pain, and enhanced recovery for patients. Thousands of successful bikini hip replacements have already been carried out at the hospital, making it a true leader in this field. Importantly, Mater Private Cork is also a teaching centre for this pioneering technique, with orthopaedic surgeons from across Europe travelling to Cork to learn from its team. For patients, this means access not only to world-class surgical care, but also to a centre at the very forefront of innovation in hip replacement.

Comprehensive care for senior health needs

Beyond heart and orthopaedic care, Mater Private Cork has expanded its services to meet the broad spectrum of needs that often come with age. Its Women’s Health Centre offers tailored services across gynaecology, urology, breast health, and bone health, while its geriatricians and neurologists provide holistic, multi-disciplinary support for age-related conditions. Advanced diagnostics, spine surgery, and physiotherapy are also part of the integrated care offering.

A patient-centred approach

What sets Mater Private Cork apart is its unwavering commitment to putting patients at the centre of everything it does. From their first consultation, patients can expect clear communication, rapid access to tests and treatment, and personalised care plans. The hospital’s philosophy is to treat every patient with dignity, compassion, and respect – values that resonate strongly with the over 50s community, many of whom prioritise reassurance, continuity, and trust in their healthcare.

Meet the team at the 50+ Show in Cork

This September, Mater Private Cork is proud to be part of the 50 Plus Show in Cork. The event coincides with World Heart Day, and to mark the occasion Mater Private Cork will be offering free blood pressure and ECG checks at its stand.

In addition, some of the hospital’s top specialists will deliver a series of informative talks designed to empower attendees to take control of their health.

Investing in you

Mater Private Network Cork continues to invest heavily in facilities, services, and medical expertise to ensure the people of Munster have access to the very best healthcare without having to travel far from home. From fast-track emergency care to specialist consultants, the hospital is driven by one simple promise: to deliver world-class care.

For those looking to prioritise their health, Mater Private Cork offers reassurance, expertise, and access to some of the best medical care available in Ireland today.

For more information visit materprivate.ie or drop by to chat to Mater Private Cork team at the 50 Plus Show in Cork – and take the first step towards protecting your health for the years ahead.

“We felt like our boy was done”

Millions of children have been displaced due to poverty and conflict in Yemen over the past ten years. With the collapsing of basic services like water and sanitation, children under five are particularly at risk of malnutrition, cholera and death from common infections.

One such family impacted is that of Nabil, and he tells us about the daily struggle to access safe water for his family.

“The war affected the community and the country as a whole. Because we are poor, it affected us the most. We struggled a lot fetching water in long queues from water trucks, where I would queue in line with my wife and children to get 20 litres and sometimes 30, but not more”, explains Nabil.

“Once, we stayed three days without a drop of water”, adds his wife Salma.

Nabil and Salma had moved with their three children to the city of Dhamar, from their home in Taiz when fierce fighting broke out. The city of Dhamar lies approximately 120 km south of the famous UNESCO old city of Sanaa. “The water tasted strange. It didn’t affect us grown-ups, but my child was affected as he was young”, says Nabil, father of threeand-a-half-year-old Mohammed.

They were certain he would die having contracted cholera from the contaminated water. Nabil and Salma were distraught and feared for their boy's life.

“We felt like our boy was done. We couldn’t let him sleep at the hospital because we couldn’t afford the inpatient department. So, we got him intravenous

fluid, syringes and medication, and we treated him at home as the doctor explained to us at the hospital.”

However, when the new solar-powered UNICEF-supported water supply was installed in 2023, they now have safe running water in their apartment and they are relieved to know that the water no longer poses a constant threat to their children's lives.

Children like Mohammed, displaced through war and hunger are more than twenty times more likely to die from unsafe water and disease than from the conflict itself.

“When he got better, we were relieved as we saw our son well, and everything got better. Our lives improved significantly. Now, with this solar energy project, we live life conveniently. This water project provided clean water. It improved our lives, and our children are okay.”

This is just one of over 150 solar-powered water projects which UNICEF has supported, reaching 2.5 million Yemenis with clean, regular water supplies and sanitation. And it has reduced their reliance on fossil fuel consumption by 63 per cent in urban areas and 80 – 100 per cent in rural areas. These are funded thanks to the generosity of our donors, including those who decided to leave a

Nabil and Salma now have hope for a better and healthier future for their three children.

Changing children’s future with solar power

UNICEF has been on the ground working in Yemen since the conflict began and central to its’ work in Yemen is the sustainable supply of safely managed water resources. In Dhamar, working alongside the local governates and municipals, the UNICEF-supported water project has secured clean water for 137,000 of its citizens.

You can rewrite a child's future with your legacy gift

Your Will not only ensures that you take care of your loved ones, but it also gives you an amazing opportunity to leave behind possibly the most important gift you will ever give in your lifetime. You can give a gift that will truly change the lives of future generations of children.

Please consider including a gift in your Will and help rewrite a child’s future like Mohammed.

Learn more at unicef.ie/legacy

For every child, a future.

Nabil and Salma sit with their children, Mohammed, Mayar and Ahmed in their apartment.

control devices, and the entire system," explains Hasan, head of maintenance at the water and sanitation department in Dhamar.

Rewrite a child’s future

with a legacy gift in your Will

[Please detach form]

Get in touch with our Legacy Manager to talk in confidence about your Will.

pauline@unicef.ie

+353 1 878 3000 unicef.ie/legacy

Or complete the form to receive a free, no-obligation legacy information pack which includes a Will Planner. Pauline Murphy Legacy Gifts Manager

FREEPOST (no stamp required) to: Pauline Murphy, Legacy Gifts Manager, UNICEF Ireland, 33 Lower Ormond Quay, FREEPOST F407, Dublin 1, D01 R283

Name: Address:

Eircode: Phone: Email:

I would like to receive updates on how my support has helped children and information on other ways to help:

If you prefer not to be contacted by post in the future, please contact us at info@unicef.ie Visit unicef.ie/about/privacy-policy for information about UNICEF’s data management practices. Phone Email

Details you need to include a gift in your Will to UNICEF:

UNICEF Ireland: Registered Charity Number: 20008727

Revenue Number: CHY NO. 5616

Registered Offices: 33 Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1

With running water now in his home, Nabil’s son, Mohammed drinks a glass of clean safe water

A Time to Rest, Relax, and Reconnect –

Discover the Gentle Charm of Holidays at Knock House Hotel

Tucked away in the peaceful village of Knock, County Mayo, lies a hidden gem that’s capturing the hearts of those seeking rest, relaxation, and meaningful moments — Knock House Hotel. Renowned for its genuine hospitality and tranquil surroundings, the hotel offers thoughtfully designed holiday packages that cater to a wide range of interests, each one created with comfort, community, and care in mind.

Step into the warm and inviting atmosphere of our newly refurbished Courtyard Restaurant with an in-built Bar, where comfort meets elegance. With its fresh new look and cozy ambiance, it's the perfect setting to enjoy superb home-cooked food, made with care from locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re sharing stories over a hearty lunch or winding down with a glass of wine in the evening, the Courtyard is where great food and good company come together effortlessly.

Residential Retreat – Pilgrim Breaks

For those looking to nourish both body and soul, our Residential Retreat Pilgrimage Holidays offer a uniquely uplifting experience. Located just a stone’s throw from Knock Shrine, guests can enjoy the serenity of daily Mass, peaceful reflection, and spiritual renewal. This holiday also has a designated Spiritual Director appointed by Knock Shrine and is perfect for reconnecting with your faith in a setting that calms the spirit and inspires the heart.

Golden Years Holidays

Our Golden Years breaks are tailored for those aged 55+, combining warm companionship with light entertainment, delicious food, and gentle outings.

It’s an ideal opportunity to take a step back from the bustle of everyday life and unwind in a friendly, relaxed environment where the only rush is for the next cup of tea that is served to you.

Spirit & Soul Holidays

Leave the stress of planning behind with our All-Inclusive packages. Every detail — from hearty meals to evening entertainment — is thoughtfully taken care of. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying quiet time to yourself, these retreats are the epitome of ease and comfort. Simply arrive, unpack, and let the world slow down around you.

Spirit & Soul Holidays – Uplift Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Our Spirit & Soul Holidays are a unique blend of inspiration, connection, and gentle exploration. This 4-night escape is more than just a getaway — it’s a chance to refresh your outlook and restore your energy in a calm and caring environment. Accompanied by our expert Guide, it includes complimentary guided tours, talks, music, and reflection, everything is thoughtfully arranged to nourish both the spirit and the soul. From delicious home-cooked meals to uplifting entertainment, you can relax knowing every detail is taken care of. Just arrive, settle in, and let the healing pace of Knock work its quiet magic whilst making new friends.

No Single Supplement – Because You Deserve It

Travelling solo should never come with extra costs — and at Knock House Hotel, it doesn’t have to. We’re proud to offer numerous no single supplement holidays throughout the year, so whether you’re travelling independently or just want

a little extra space, you can enjoy your break without worrying about added charges. It’s just one more way we make your comfort and peace of mind a priority.

Book Your Magical Christmas Escape – Now with a Festive Bonus –ONE NIGHT FREE INLCUDED!

And while the sun may still shine, there’s no better time to start thinking about the sparkle of Christmas. Our Christmas Holiday Package is on sale now, offering all the warmth, joy, and festive cheer you'd expect — without the hassle of cooking or cleaning. For those who book early, we’re delighted to offer one extra night completely free of charge. It’s our gift to you — a little more time to enjoy fireside chats, gourmet dinners, and the spirit of the season, all wrapped in the comfort of Knock House Hotel.

So whether you seek reflection, companionship, celebration, or simply a break from the day-to-day, your holiday awaits in the heart of Mayo. Let Knock House Hotel be your home for a little while — where time slows down, and every guest becomes part of the family.

Come Say Hello!

We’ll be exhibiting at all the upcoming Senior Times Over 50’s Shows in Cork, and Limerick, and we’d love to meet you. Whether you're planning a personal getaway or looking to arrange a group booking, pop by our stand for a friendly chat and discover how Knock House Hotel can make your next holiday truly special.

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Ageing raging

without

It is certainly becoming a trend now for women opting not to have cosmetic anti-ageing surgery. This is no bad thing, especially if you are blessed with good cheekbones etc like , Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren (below), Julianne Moore and Jamie Lee Curtis (above) are among those who have spoken out out against the concept of ‘anti-ageing’.

Mairead Robinson reports on the current trends among some celebrities for 'Graceful Ageing’.

While we all like the idea of ageless beauty as the years, and indeed decades roll by, it is remarkable how in the Hollywood world of eternal youth, so many women are now opting to join this new trend.

It is extraordinary how recently, several celebrities have become known for embracing natural ageing, and advocating for a positive view of growing older. Of course this is a positive development, as for decades there was so much pressure brought on young female actors to alter their faces, often quite dramatically. Incidently, there has never been so much pressure put on male actors, but it is certainly becoming a trend now for women opting not to have cosmetic anti-ageing surgery. This is no bad thing, especially if you are blessed with good cheekbones etc like , Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Julianne Moore and Jamie Lee Curtis are among those who have spoken out against the concept of ‘anti-ageing’ and instead promote embracing the natural process of ageing.

They emphasise that ageing is a natural part of life and beauty can be found at any age. In Hollywood these days ‘ageing gracefully’ generally refers to actors who embrace the natural process of ageing without excessive cosmetic surgery or interventions, but instead choosing to look their age while maintaining their confidence and passion for their work. This contrasts with the pressure to remain youthful with the prevalence of plastic surgery in the entertainment industry.

Helen Mirren is one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood, and she celebrated her 80th birthday this year. She has publicly stated that she has not had plastic surgery and does not plan to have any. She has also stated that she has never had any work done on her face and indeed has spoken about

embracing ageing and not wanting to change her appearance through cosmetic procedures. She has said that she was once advised to ‘get a nose job’ early in her career, she refused saying she did not want to look ridiculous and has never wanted to have any such procedures.

Another famous Hollywood actress – and without doubt also very beautiful – is Meryl Streep from The Devil Wears Prada fame. She celebrated her 76th birthday this year and has also maintained that she has never had cosmetic surgery, and never would. She emphasises that she embraces ageing and believes that natural beauty comes from accepting life experiences, including wrinkles. However there are some doubters in Hollywood who insist that she has had some work done and they scrutinise her eyelids and neck for clues! It is a hard world out there!

However the conversation continues and other female actors who have joined the ‘graceful ageing’ club include Emma Thompson, and Jamie Lee Curtis, who at 66 years of age has spoken out against such procedures. However Curtis has admitted that she got cosmetic surgery at the age of twenty-five after a cinematographer refused to shoot her on a movie set because he did not like her face! Shocking pressure for a young woman, but that was, and still is in some circumstances, the situation for women in Hollywood.

While there are not so many seniors here in Ireland who have travelled abroad for such dramatic surgery, there are a growing number of younger woman, in their twenties and thirties, who are having botox and fillers. But for those of us who have no wish to go under the knife or even the needle, but would like a more youthful appearance and wondered about a more natural way of slowing down the signs of ageing, the good news is to start by taking a look at your diet.

Studies have that what you eat can affect your chances of retaining a smooth complexion or developing wrinkles. Your skin cells are constantly renewing, but with age the process becomes slower. And cell turnover required a steady supply of nutrients, without this the state of your skin can suffer. Deficiencies in iron (found in red meat and beans) or healthy fats (avocados and oily fish) can affect how youthful your skin looks and feels. So ensure that your diet includes a variety of whole foods, as well as fruit and vegetables and oily fish, grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Remember vitamin C aids the production of collagen, zinc helps keep the skin supple, and it has recently been found that eating tomatoes helps protect skin from sun damage by making it more resistant to UV rays.

Of course it is important to take care of your skin. To cleanse and moisturise twice daily, always wear a 50 SPF, and there are many great products out there that can help your skin to maintain a healthy glow. And it does not need to cost a fortune. Hyaluronic Acid is a key ingredient in most moisturisers, along with Vitamin C, and I would recommend checking out products from The Ordinary – www.theordinary.com – to see how you can get all the products you need at very good prices. Reservatrol and Alpha Arbutin are two other products that will feed your skin with healthy ingredients and have received high praise within the beauty industry. ‘Botox in a Bottle’ is how one of their skin serums is described by fans of the brand. And the great news is that you can purchase The Ordinary products at Boots, and have them delivered to your home.

Check out the great alternatives out there, such as www.theordinary.com before opting for more invasive procedures. And as always, dont forget that the very best face lift you will ever get, is your smile!

Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada fame. She celebrated her 76th birthday this year and has also maintained that she has never had cosmetic surgery, and never would.

Meeting Place

IMPORTANT! When submitting an advertisement ensure you include your postal address for replies. (Only Senior Times will have these details).

MID WEST WIDOW, caring, a good listener having a positive outlook, enjoying travel, gardening, art, current affairs, armchair sports and socialising.. WLTM a good natured, kind happy and interesting good humoured NS gent 66 - 76 for developing friendship and companionship and shared activities. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER K1

FEMALE WLTM other females to socialize in Dublin and surrounding areas interests include all types of music, walks in th country and fireside chats, and doing things in general such as meeting for a coffee and chat. Age group 60s to 70s.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Q1

DUBLIN GENT 62 Single , healthy, respectful, neat dresser and young at heart. Enjoy socialising, weekends away, sun holidays, concerts and sports and having the craic and always open to new adventures and most important of all a wonderful sense of humour. WLTM a lady who enjoys a full life and laughter. Ladies always remember if you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong. So why not put pen to paper! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Q2

CO CARLOW RETIRED FEMALE 69 WLTM gent for socialising an perhaps more.. N S SD and young at heart. Enjoy muris, films, reading, and travel. . Would like to meet gent with similar interests to share life with.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Q3

RETIRED NORTH WEST LADY looking for companionship with man frim north west, midlands or west of Ireland. Interests include DIY, walking, music of all types, travel, cinema and cooking. Lookinh for a gent 60-75 to share life with.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Q4

MIDLANDS MAN 73 fit slim looking to meet a lady similar age, for nice times, coffee, music and culture walks/drives, midlands area please REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Q5.

DUBLIN LADY 60 GSOH WLTM lady or gent of similar age for socialising in the Dublin area. Interests includes coffee meetings, dining out, dancing and theatre. Anyone looking for company over Xmas? REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Q6

KILDARE WIDOW 63 Good appearance, medium height and build, NS,

NB: When replying to advertisements give only your phone number and/or your email address. Do not give your postal address!

SD. Sociable and chatty. Interests include most types of music, current affairsome sports, the outdoors, days out and weekends away WLTM gent late 60S early 70 for friendship, companionship and possibly relationship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER Q7

DUBLIN SOUTHSIDE WIDOWER 70s

Own house and car. Very active, nice appearance. WLTM a lady who enjoys driving at home and abroad. Love fun times, dancing meals out, delightful living plus everything else that would make us both really happy. NS, SD and jolly good company!

REPLY T0 BOX NUMBER Q8

WICKLOW GENT MID 60s NS , GSOH and coversationist. Interests include music, reading, thetre. walking and the outdoors. WLTM lady of similar age. Am prepared to travel.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W1

MIDLANDS BASED RETIRED professional lady, 65, well- travelled, many interests including all types of music, travel, reading, walking and the theatre. WLTM tall gent 60-70 for relationship, weekends away and holidays

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W2

EAST CORK LADY WLTM kind, intelligent gent 68-75 to share life experiences and maybe create new ones. Must have a GSOH. Interests include the arts, reading, current affairs and history REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W3

NORTH CO DUBLIN LADY, 75 , slim, medium height WLTM an educated gent. Interests include travel abroad, theatre, art appreciation, walking, dancing, reading, classical and traditional music

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W4

SINCERE LADY separated many years, a young 74, living in Dublin Southside originally from Kerry. I'm fit and healthy, kind and of good appearance, sociable and friendly. I love the outdoors all year round.I enjoy music,reading,history,current affairs,many sports.Like to travel here and abroad.I love poetry and do a bit of writing I'm a nonsmoker,but like a glass of good wine and healthy food. Have simple tastes like coffee in nice surroundings and good conversation. WLTM a nice man with similar interests and a zest for life for companionship and perhaps more.. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W5

DUBLIN MALE, SEPARATED. 72, NS SD 180cm height, still reasonably fit and energetic. Like the great oudoors,

fine dining, cinema, theatre, walking etc. WLTM lady with similar interests who would like to be a companion for social events etc. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W6

NORTH EAST BASED GENT EARLY 70s NS SD WLTM lady of similar age from anywhere in the country to share days and evenings out. Intersts include, cinema, theatre, dining out, and many types of music.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER W7

NORTH WEXFORD LADY 65 NS, SD own house and ca, WLTM a kind and honest gentleman of similar age (ie umder 70) with similar interests I like walking in nature, travelling at home and abroad, eating out, coffee in nice surroundings, reading, social dancing etcv. Am seeking a long-term respectful relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B1

DUBLIN GENT 72 retired professional, 5ft 11in, good appearance, NS, SD. Many interests including music, dancing, walking, current affairs, reading, cinema, eating out, bridge, travel home and abroad etc. Sociable, kind and loving personality. WLTM warm hearted educated lady with some of these interests.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B2

CORK LADY 72 WLTM gent for outings and events, theatre etc and craic.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B3

I AM A RETIRED PROFESSIONAL WOMAN in my seventies living in South Dublin. I am fit and healthy and enjoying my retirement to the full. I play golf and enjoy going to the National Concert Hall for various events. I enjoy history, literature and philosophy and popular sciences events and various life-long learning classes I also enjoy good conversation on a range of topics including politics. I am divorced for over 20 years and have, I’m told , a nice smile. WLTM gent of similar age and interests

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B4

SOUTH DUBLIN WIDOW LATE 70s.NS SD WLTM gent of similar age to share the simple things in life..coffee, chats, walks. theatre etc. Also to soak up the sun on trips abroad and do the things that are not fun doing alone.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B5

VIVACIOUS SDOUTH DUBLIN LADY 60s WLTM gent late 60s early seventies, NS SD . Interests include music, eating out, travel at home and abroad. Looking for someone to share all the good things life has to offer.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B6

PROFESSIONAL LADY, TALL, SINGLE, RC WLTM a single gent 5ft 11-6ft with good dress sense for social outings . Many interests including world travel, concerts, reading, theatre, cinema, cooking, animals, charity work, current affairs, swimming, ballroom dancing , A big plus if you can dance. Must be of a generous nature and have a car. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A1

LADY, 69, VERY YOUNG AT HEART living in Dublin.Originally from Meath. NS, SD, Very witty. I would like to meet a nice guy who is interested in movies, plays, concerts, travel home and abroad, walks, swimming, dining out and relaxing . Yippee!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A2

SOUTH EAST GENUINE, SINCERE LADY, 70s, ND, NS, slim, kind, loving and caring, pleasant personality/ Interests include cooking, music, entertainment, dining out, travelling and sight seeing. WLTM catholic gent 70 - 75 with similar interests for companionship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A4

KEEN PHOTOGRAPHER WLTM those with similar interest in photography for meetings, outings etc.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A5

SEMI-RETIRED BUSINESSMAN 70s living in the Midlands. Tall, slim and of good appearance. Very kind and generous. Interests include most type of music, dancing, cycling and walking, eating out and short breaks. WLTM lady with similar interests. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A6

LADY 69 young at heart living in Dublin but originally from Meath. WLTM a nicer guy who is interested in movies, concerts, travel home and abroad, walking, swimming, dining out and relaxing.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A7

DUBLIN PROFESSIONAL GENT EARLY

70s. GSOH, NS, SD medium height, neat appearance. Interests include ,music, social dancing, travel home and abroad, current affairs, reading, theatre, cinema, eating out and sport. WLTM lady 65-with similar interests and zest for life.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A8

NORTH CO DUBLIN BASED LADY slim, 5ft 4in WLTM a superbly compatible gentleman. My interests are varied but include walking, dancing, reading, classical and 60S music, travel. Someone well educated and with a GSOH to boot would be appreciated. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A9

KILDARE MAN MID 7Os fit and slim and good appearance W;TM a lady 65-75 to share music, dancing and eating out REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A10

NORTH DUBLIN WOMAN LATE 60s WLTM social gent. All my life I have been

involved in sport, playing coaching etc. I play golf now. Major rugby fan, Have worked and still work as movie extra and sometimes appear in ads. Love to dance when the knees allow Moderate drinker, but like a G&T. The ball is in your court now. Cheers! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A11

RETIRED GENT living in D4 and a Dubliner, by birth, born in 1954. I worked for the UK and EU civil service in a professional inspection role throughout my career. My interests are various including keeping fit, going for a pint (moderately), dancing. I can play golf also. I read a fair bit too.WLTM lady of similar age and with similar interests for socialising and perhaps a relationship.REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U3

DUBLIN MALE, SEPARATED. 72

YEARS YOUNG. Young at heart, slim built and fairly fit, NS SD. Good conversationist, neat appearance, GSOH. Like the great outdoors, country walks and weekends away, Interests include traditional and classical music and fine dining. WLTM a nice lady with similar tastes and zest for life who would like some male company. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER U4

DUBLIN FEMALE EARLY 60s, ND seeking new genuine companions either sex. Interests include cinema, theatre, music and outings. Friendly GSOH. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER P1

CORK MALE 60s seeking female companion. Interest include walking, cycling, yoga and dancing . Also I enjoy concerts, film theatre and dancing. Enjoy cooking healthy food at home and eating out and the odd drink or two. Would like to share my interests with a suitable female. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER P2

MID WEST RETIRED PROFESSIONAL

LADY, slim and active with a wide range of interests including walking, travel, current affairs, cultural events, WLTM sincere gentleman of similar disposition. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER P3

MIDLANDS WIDOW EARLY 70s Down to earth with good witty sense of humour, WLTM smart, humble gentleman/ companion who likes good chats, laughs, coffee, music and culture. Preferably Midlands area or near abouts.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER P4

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T1

DUBLIN GENT 62 Single , healthy, respectful, neat dresser and young at heart.

Enjoy socialising, weekends away, sun holidays, concerts and sports and having the craic and always open to new adventures and most important of all a wonderful sense of humour. WLTM a lady who enjoys a full life and laughter. Ladies always remember if you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong. So why not put pen to paper!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER T2

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, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6

Or email: john@slp.ie

NOTE: When submitting advertisements ensure you include your surname as well as your christian name.

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 October 26th 2025.

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 , above, 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).

Senior Times, in association with the publishers, The O’Brien Press, is offering four copies of Great Irish Wives as the prizes in this issue’s crossword competition. Throughout history, the stories of women’s lives and work have been overshadowed by those of men. Wives, especially, disappear, unacknowledged as patrons and champions of their husband’s work, as collaborators, muses, carers and managers of the family domain. Great Irish Wives shines a spotlight on ten such wives: Matilda Tone, Mary O’Connell, Constance Wilde, Charlotte Shaw, Emily Shackleton, Annette Carson, Sinéad de Valera, Margaret Clarke, George Yeats and Beatrice Behan. The men in this book are household names, from Wolfe Tone and Daniel O’Connell to Oscar Wilde and Brendan Behan, and they all have one thing in common: they married women who enabled them to pursue their dreams,

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Email:

Send your entry to Senior Times Crossword Competition, Senior Times, PO Box 13215, Rathmines, Dublin 6.

first four entries drawn are the winners. Deadline for receipt of entries is 25th October 2025

Crossword

Number 137

Crossword

ACROSS

1 No gates on this theatre platform! (5)

4 Male deer or male’s pre-nuptial party? (4)

6 Definitely not Yes! (2)

8 Exclamation often followed by ‘dear’ (2)

9 Anne Brontë wrote ‘___ Grey’ (5)

12 Beckon with hand (4)

18 Donald Trump is making it great again! (7)

19 Dickens’s miser (7)

20 Bathroom adjoining a bedroom (2,5)

21 Implement used to row a boat (3)

22 Compulsory contribution to state revenue (3)

24 Stern - austere (6)

25 Airport north-east of London (8)

27 Counterfeit - sham (4)

30 Not asleep (5)

32 Alternatively (2)

33 Pale purple (5)

35 RTE’s journalist, ___ Hannon (5)

37 Paul Durcan or Eavan Boland (4)

43 US film star, __ Gardner, found in an avalanche! (3)

44 Metal pin for holding meat in position (6)

45 Officer in charge with funds (9)

46 Dublin street or capital of Bahamas (6)

50 US jazz pianist, ‘Count’ ___ (5)

51 Former Taoiseach, ___ Ahern (6)

52 Strain or melodic phrase (4)

53 Singers ___ Keane or ___ O’Riordan (7)

57 More simple or user-friendly (6)

59 One who holidays in a tent or motor home (6)

60 Create with yarn and a metal hook (7)

61 Dry white wine from Verona (5)

63 Performer such as Brendan Gleeson (5)

65 Partial or lunar, obscures a celestial body (7)

68 Rebellion or insurrection (6)

70 Swap or trade in exchange (6)

73 Starred in 'Modern Times', Charlie ___ (7)

74 Island, found in a factory or refectory? (4)

75 Can an artist paint this sea channel? (6)

76 Young trainee in military services (5)

82 Played Laurence of Arabia, Peter ___ (1'5)

83 Widely known person - in a rebel city? (9)

84 Colourful small shrub, often given at Christmas (6)

85 Place equipped for physical training (3)

88 Anglo-Irish writers, Somerville & ___ (4)

90 It’s A,E,I,O or U (5)

91 Were Vladimir & Estragon waiting for him? (5)

92 Roman number eleven, found in an exit? (2)

93 What those on X (formerly Twitter) do (5)

97 Beethoven’s birthplace in W Germany (4)

98 President, succeeded Sean T O’Kelly (2,6)

100 Large Atlantic fish with pink/orange flesh (6)

101 Cry or hiss to express contempt (3)

106 In nautical terms its towards the stern (3)

107 Liverpool-based association football club (7)

109 Reproduce or copy (7)

110 Capital of Corsica (7)

112 Musical instrument & national emblem (4)

113 Plant fibre .. often ‘the last ___‘? (5)

114 In Roman numerals, 92 Across minus 5 (2)

115 For example .. (1.1.)

116 We will do this for our next president (4)

117 Search for underground water using a rod (5)

There was Oliver Hardy & ___ Laurel (4)

Overwhelming feeling of wonder (3)

She wrote the ‘Famous Five’, ___ Blyton (4)

A space to sit on & have teas? (4)

Author of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ Jane ___ (6)

Colourless gas, is a screen for radiation (5)

Ukrainian port city on Black Sea (6)

Navigation system using satellites (1.1.1.)

Person deported from country (5)

Do Avoca grocers sell this green fruit? (7)

Nest of a bird of prey (5)

Where arms are manufactured or stored (7)

Brendan ___, wrote ‘The Quare Fellow’ (5)

Evergreen tree with poisonous red berries (3)

U.S. state, capital Montgomery (7)

Bond said martinis should be “ __, not stirred” (6)

Oil producing Arab country & peninsula (5)

No web around for writer, Elizabeth ___ (5)

Politician & 4th president, ___ Childers (7)

Can a mere Rev enjoy this Dutch master? (7)

That is to say .. in other words (1.1.)

Not false, worthy of being depended on (4)

Food such as carrot, cabbage or parsnip (9)

Take a lit cab to this northern Europe sea (6)

41 Quasi non-governmental organisation (6)

42 Group of volcanic islands in N Atlantic (6)

47 Irish nationalist, Charles ___ Parnell (7)

48 Halt at this sign! (4)

Smallest county in Ireland (5)

Not she! (2)

55 Its lead vocalist was Phil Lynott (4,5)

56 Not you! (2)

58 Jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong, aka ___ (7)

62 This saint lived in a Glendalough cave (5)

Gangster aka Scarface, __ Capone (2)

64 Small wave or ice cream flavour? (6)

66 Established beyond doubt (6)

67 Christopher Robin’s sad donkey friend (6)

68 Would Sir toot at this savoury rice dish? (7)

69 Waves breaking on the shore (4)

Intransigent, impervious to pleas (7)

72 Second note of the tonic solfa (2)

77 Spanish painter of religious works (2,5)

78 Journey around a particular place or area (4)

79 Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mother ___ (6)

80 Michael Caine played him in 1966, ___ (5) 81 Containing nothing (5) 86 Blow causing opponent unconsciousness (1.1.)

87 Soft container, carries workman’s implements (4,3)

89 Member of the Seanad (7)

Former Taoiseach, Enda ___ (5)

Gaugin’s famed island in the south Pacific (6)

Ladies’ short jacket or Spanish dance (6)

Area of sand sloping into the sea (5)

Upright in posture (5)

River flowing through heart of Paris (5)

Nark, rile or irritate (3)

Look with fixed eyes (4)

(4)

Snooze or drowse (4)

Beverage often made using a small bag (3)

(3)

Crafts

Completing the line..

A long long time ago - January 4th 1960 to be precise -I arrived in Termonfeckin as a Macra na Tuaithe member in order to attend a six weeks E.S.B. Scholarship Course in An Grianan, consisting of lectures, educational films and specialised instruction on the use of electricity in the following subjects: cooking, laundering, house- keeping, dairying, gardening, dressmaking and handicraft. Weather permitting we all went on walks to the strand on Saturday and Sunday afternoons escorted by our teacher Miss Delaney and on the first walk she took us to see Port Oriel caravan park informing us that some chalets had recently been erected there also.

During that time I met my future husband Micky McEvoy and we were married in Clonegal Co Carlow on June 24th 1963. We often walked through our fields to the strand on summer evenings and always paid a visit to the shop at the nearby caravan park for ice-cream before returning home. On one such occasion the park manager introduced us to a lady from Belfast, Florence Crawford, who was staying in a chalet for a few weeks with her daughters Daphne and Yvonne and Yvonne’s husband and family. The manager informed us that they would like to buy farmer’s butter and fresh buttermilk and free-range eggs for the duration of their holiday before moving on to stay in Skerries for a while where Florence or her late husband had some management connection to Walls ice cream. This annual holiday tour we were told always ended up by visiting a Burgess family in Tullow and Kildavin/Clonegal Co Carlow.

Shortly after our first meeting at the shop as I was seated on my favourite chair on the lawn doing some embroidery Florence and Daphne arrived for butter and eggs, they seemed interested and asked why I was stitching a cut work design on a tray cloth. Having explained that it was in preparation for a class that I would be directing soon seemed to satisfy their curiosity and they picked up the butter and eggs and returned to Port Oriel.

Next day Florence, Daphne and Yvonne arrived just as Mickey was starting the evening milking. Florence handed him what she said was a special tea towel from Malone Rugby Football Club of Gibson Park in Belfast and handed me an embroidery kit that she had never got started on for use in any future classes that might come my way. According to the tea towel Florence’s late Husband Ernie Crawford was the most capped member having represented Ireland on 30 occasions, and I demonstrated stitches on the embroidery kit in classes many times. As a crafter I have had the pleasure of meeting some kind, interesting and very generous people. Shown here are photos of the tea towel and the unfinished embroidery kit.