Senior Times Jan/Feb 2019

Issue 97 January - February 2019

Times

NOW E3.00/£2.75

The magazine for people who don’t act their age

The Brendan voyage Profile of one of our most popular entertainers

2019 -

Centenary Of The First Dáil

To the islands

Three walks off the Irish coast

Nice guys don’t always finish last A tribute to Sonny Knowles

PLUS: Mary O’Rourke – Creative Writing - Competitions – Motoring – Travel – Gardening - Health - Meeting Place and much more...

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January/February 2019

8

Contents

57

77

2

Cosmetics:

60

The Brendan Voyage: 8 Nigel Baxter charts the life and career of one of our most popular entertainers, Brendan Grace.

Yoga is for all: The physical and mental benefits of yoga

50

Watch out, there’s a scam about: Lorna Hogg alerts you to some of the scammers out there waiting to steal your hard earned cash.

64

You’re never too old to learn: DCU programmes for the older students

68

What’s on in the arts: Happenings around the country in the next few months

70

Motoring: We test the Kia Ceed

71

Western Ways:

74

Golf: The rise in popularity of womens golf

77

Doctor on a diet: Delicious recipes from GP Dr Paula Gilvarry who lost five stone.

80

Meeting place:

83

Crossword:

86

Crafts:

88

News:

Winter wonders: 14 Peter Dowdall on how to keep colour in your garden in the darker months A well-researched chronicler of the Victorian period: 20 Lorna Hogg charts the life and work of novelist Elizabeth Gaskell Tips for retirement: Advice from the Retiremant Board of Ireland

26

Mary’s Musings: Mary O’Rourke’s always stimulating observations

32

Creative writing:

37

Good guys don’t always finish last: Aubrey Malone’s affectionate tribute to Sonny Knowles

44

Northern Notes:

46

Wine world:

49

To the islands!: Conor O’Hagan on three walks off our coast

51

On top of the world: A profile of mountaineer and motivation guru Pat Falvey

57

Publishing Directors: Brian McCabe, Des Duggan Editorial Director: John Low Editor At Large: Shay Healy Consultant Editor: Jim Collier Advertising: Willie Fallon Design & Production: www.cornerhouse.ie Contributors: Lorna Hogg, Dermot Gilleece, Maretta Dillon, Jim Collier, Peter Power, Matthew Hughes, Mairead Robinson, Eileen Casey, Debbie Orme, Connie McEvoy Published by S& L Promotions Ltd.,

Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6 Tel: +353 (01) 4969028.

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

News Now Ronnie Whelan launches Fighting Blindness’ guide to Age-Related Macular Degeneration of Bayer, are available by contacting Fighting Blindness by telephone at 01 678 9004 or by email at info@fightingblindness.ie.

Amongst the special guests speaking at the launch were Prof. Matthew Campbell, an AMD researcher at Trinity College Dublin, as well as Pat O’Donoghue and John Leonard, who live with AMD and are both members of the MIST (Macular Impairment Support and Togetherness) support group.

Ms Olivia Reilly, Marketing and Communications Manager for Pharmed and Macu-SAVE Ireland, which is responsible for distributing the Guide, adds:

At the launch Kevin Whelan, Ronnie Whelan and John Leonard With over 7,000 people newly-diagnosed with Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, each year, Ronnie Whelan recently launched Fighting Blindness’ new Guide to AMD for people affected by the condition, and their loved ones. AMD is the most common cause of sight loss in people over the age of 50 in Ireland and it’s estimated that

seven per cent of Irish people over 50 years of age are living with AMD. The number of people affected by AMD is expected to reach 288 million globally by 2040, however, it is important to underline that many of these cases can be managed through early diagnosis and monitoring. Copies of the Guide, which was developed with the support

‘Pharmed is delighted to be working in partnership with Fighting Blindness, a patient-led organisation with a vision to cure, support and empower. We are proud to distribute its exceptional new booklet ‘A Guide to Age-related Macular Degeneration’ nationwide which will no doubt be of significant benefit to people in the community who may be struggling with sight loss. We look forward to continuing our support and partnership moving forward into 2019.’

For more information on the work of Fighting Blindness, visit www.fightingblindness.ie.

For more information on the MIST support group for people affected by AMD, visit www.mistsupportgroup.wordpress.com

Launch of Burren book A book on The Burren by David Cabot and Roger Goodwillie was recently launched.

According to Irish Times environment writer Michael Viney, ‘The Burren should never become a plaything or be over-promoted in the interests of tourism,’ Writes David Cabot: ‘It is the jewel in the ecological crown of Ireland.’ With botanist Roger Goodwillie, Cabot has produced a definitive update to its enchanting, often puzzling, natural history.’

To become a member of the Burrenbeo Trust, go to www.burrenbeo.com. Or phone 091 638096.

2 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

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News

Brendan Courtney leads ‘first things first’ diabetes awareness campaign For the recent World Diabetes Day, Irish TV Presenter, broadcaster and fashion designer Brendan Courtney teamed up with Diabetes Ireland and healthcare company MSD, to raise awareness about Type 2 Diabetes, as part of the ‘First Things First’ campaign.

The First Things First campaign highlights the importance of getting the basics right when it comes to managing it, particularly as Type 2 Diabetes can lead to serious complications if left unmanaged.

Brendan Courtney, whose late father had Type 2 Diabetes, is encouraging people with Type 2 Diabetes and their families to take the time to really understand the importance of managing their condition: ‘I am delighted to be part of the First Things First campaign. It’s an initiative that I feel passionate about. My father had Type 2 Diabetes and did not take the time to properly manage his condition.

This campaign is about getting the basics right and ensuring you understand what HbA1c is

At the launch Ger Brennan, Anna Clarke and Brendan Courtney and the importance of lowering it. Also don’t forget you are not alone, make sure you get the support of your family and friends to help you.”

HbA1c is a measure of a person’s average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

To find out more about Type 2 Diabetes and Diabetes Ireland check out www.diabetes.ie.

Italian options from Riviera Travel Riviera Travel have a choice of three different escorted tours in Italy for May 2019.

Lake Garda, Venice and Verona tour from €889.00 per person sharing on 13th May departure.

• Full day tours to both Venice and Verona, full day exploring beautiful Lake Garda both on land and by boat, full day tour of the breathtaking Dolomites. Escorted by an experienced tour manager. Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located accommodation rated three to four-star superior, including all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner. Return flights from Dublin and transfers to and from your hotel included Sicily Tour from €1319.00 per person sharing on 14th May departure.

• Guided tour of Agrigento’s ancient Greek ruins in the Valley of the Temples, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites - entrance fees included. Visit Palermo, Sicily’s capital with its gorgeous medieval and baroque centre. Visit stunning Taormina, one of Italy’s most beautiful and stylish hilltop towns. Guided tour of Piazza Armerina’s Roman villa, remarkably preserved with stunning frescoes and ancient mosaics -

entrance fees included. Visit Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. Guided tour of Monreale Cathedral with the world’s finest medieval mosaics – entrance fees included. Visit Siracusa, one of the ancient Greek empire’s richest cities and home of Archimedes. Return flights from Dublin, plus all hotel transfers. Seven nights in 4-star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes, plus breakfast and dinner. Services of our experienced tour manager.

Classical Italy tour from €1159.00 per person sharing on 15th May departure.

• Guided tour of historic Rome, home to the Colosseum, the Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish steps and more. Guided tour of Siena, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities. Guided tour of Florence, 'Pearl of the Renaissance' with a timed visit to the Uffizi, one of the world’s finest art galleries - entrance fees included. Walking tour of Arezzo, one of Tuscany' most wonderfully unspoilt medieval cities.

Call your travel agent or Riviera Travel on 01 9056300 or visit their website rivieratravel.ie for more details.

The top ten Midlands Instagram attractions The most Instagrammed attractions in the Midlands have been compiled in a new survey.

For their research The Maldron Hotel Portaloise analysed the most popular locations in the Midlands using over 30,000 hashtags to see which spots in Co. Offaly, Co. Laois, Co. Longford and Co. Westmeath are posted most on Instagram by locals and tourists.

The Top 10, in list format are: 4 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

1. Clonmacnoise 2. Birr Castle Gardens 3. Rock of Dunamase 4. Emo Court 5. Lough Ree 6. Lough Boora Discovery Park 7. Sean's Bar 8. Charleville Castle 9. Lough Ennell 10. Slieve Bloom Mountains

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News Senior Citizen Guidebook from Home Instead Senior Care The Senior Citizen & Family Carer Essential Guidebook is ‘without doubt the most sought-after ageing resource in Ireland’. This year it takes the theme of planning for successful ageing and the free guidebook is filled with information aimed at helping older people and their families to . This latest updated addition introduces you to the company’s national network and have them share their expertise with you. We’ve updated the content to include new technologies that are designed to help seniors, including GrandPad, which helps our CAREGivers to deliver even higher quality care and helps older people to gain more control over everyday tasks and keep in touch with family and friends.

This guidebook is often referred to as a ‘bible’ for older people –‘ and it helps us honour our mission and truly enhance their lives. By sharing the experience and expertise we’ve accumulated through 14 years of operation in Ireland, we want to make it easier for older people, family members and healthcare professionals to learn more about ageing in Ireland’. Whether you want to learn more about applying for a free travel pass or the difference between nursing home or in-home care services, the guidebook can help.

You can get a free copy by visiting HomeInstead.ie or request a copy by phone by calling 1890 989 755.

Hidden Hearing now supplying novel hearing devices Hidden Hearing can now supply award-winning wireless IQbuds Boost, nationwide. These IQbuds are designed for the mild to moderate hearing loss market and the ultimate hearing aid on the market– allowing you to hear what you want to hear, control background noise and amplify conversations. They also allow users to connect hands-free with voice-enabled smart phones and audio players.

According to the World Health Organisation, while 70% of people with hearing loss fall into the mild to moderate category, only 10% diagnosed proceed with the purchase of any form of hearing assistance. One reason for this is dislike of wearing a hearing aid.

Award-winning new wireless earbuds that users can customise to their individual hearing loss and environments are now available in Ireland, exclusively from Hidden Hearing outlets countrywide.

The IQbuds Boost enhanced hearing device is from the Australian developer, Nuheara, who are world leaders in smart hearing devices.

Designed for the mild to moderate hearing loss market, the wireless IQbuds also allow users to connect hands-free with voice-enabled smart devices, like phones and audio players.

To find out more, visit www.hiddenhearing.ie or freephone 1800 370 000.

LETTER ‘Magic mushrooms’ from Monaghan Mushrooms to challenge vitamin supplements Leading Irish mushroom producer Monaghan Mushrooms has launched a new product for Irish consumers from The Mighty Mushroom Co called Immune closed cup mushrooms, which are now available nationwide via Dunnes Stores.

35 per cent of Irish people choose vitamin supplements to reach daily nutrient requirements instead of eating foods that are a natural source of vitamins, according to research carried out for Monaghan Mushrooms. The research also found that: Just under a third (32per cent ) reach daily vitamin D requirement through supplements rather than vitamin D-rich foods Over a third (37 per cent ) are more conscious of being deficient in vitamin C than vitamin D during winter months - 28% are unaware of any health benefits provided by vitamin D 80% of those who consume mushrooms are unware of any positive impact they have on health For more information on mushrooms and recipe ideas visit www.monaghan-mushrooms.com.

Irish Heart Foundation poll supports advertising ban on unhealthy foods and drinks to children Just over seven in 10 Irish adults are in favour of an outright ban on the advertising and promotion of unhealthy food and drinks to children, amid concerns over their role in Ireland’s child obesity crisis, a new poll for the Irish Heart Foundation has revealed.

The Ipsos MRBI research was released to launch a new parents campaign group as part of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Stop Targeting Kids campaign. The poll showed that 71% of respondents support a blanket ban on advertising of products such as sugary drinks, snack foods, chocolate bars and crisps to children under 16 with 26% against and don’t knows of 3%. It also found that 79% believe advertising is a very big or fairly big contributor to childhood obesity. Meanwhile, 89% rated childhood obesity a very big or fairly big concern in Ireland.

The poll showed that just over one-third of respondents were aware of regulations relating to marketing of unhealthy food and drinks to children.

Almost nine months after the launch of the Department of Health’s voluntary code on the marketing of food and beverages on non-broadcast media no guidelines for its implementation have been issued and its much-vaunted independent monitoring body has still not been established

6 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

I live in the grounds of the Knockmaroon House that you mention in your article 'On the Waugh Path' that is printed in a recent edition of 'Senior Times'.(September/October 2018 issue 95 pp16 and 18). It was the home of Bryan Guinness (Lord Moyne), whose first wife was Diana Mitford. They had two children, Jonathan and Desmond before they divorced; afterwards Diana married Oswald Mosley. Bryan's father, the first Lord Moyne, had bought Knockmaroon in 1884. I am told that it was a small but elegant Georgian house, which was later expanded; it ended up looking rather Victorian. The house now looks rather plain and is painted a faded pink. In 1904, a block of red-bricked 'Tudor style' houses surrounding a courtyard was built for workers on the land (I live in the laundry maids' house), and also a farm yard. The main entrance to Knockmaroon is across the road from the former main entrance of Castleknock College and the land is directly opposite Farmleigh, on the other side of Tower Road.

Glenmaroon (formerly known as Knockmaroon Lodge) is built on either side of Knockmaroon Hill, which drops down to Chapelizod village.

This house, with its bridge connecting the two sides, was acquired by the Honourable Arthur Ernest Guinness in the early 1900s. His three daughters Aileen, Maureen and Oonagh were known as the Golden Guinness Girls; Ernest gifted Luttrellstown Castle to Aileen. Ernest Guinness died in 1949 and the property was transferred to the Government in part payment of death duties. Later it was passed to the Daughters of Charity, who transformed the house into a care home and girls' school called Holy Angels. Afterwards it was also used for care of people with intellectual disabilities. This is the house that was sold recently and which is described and illustrated in your article.

I hope that you will not interpret this message as a criticism - it is merely a correction of the facts. Incidentally, I stayed for a couple of days many years ago in Biddesden House, near Andover, Lord and Lady Moyne's residence in England. In one of the rooms is a wonderful portrait of Evelyn Waugh that I stopped to admire many times. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the painter at the moment - as far as I remember, it was one of the well-known English artists.

Hopefully this information is of some interest to you. You can double check it all on the Internet.

Charles Gannon, Knockmaroon, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

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Entertainment

The Brendan Voyage

Early days with the Ginger Men

As Brendan Grace approaches 50 years in show business and prepares for a countrywide tour early in the new year, Nigel Baxter charts the life and career of this celebrated and much-loved entertainer Brendan Grace is, by his own admission, a man who does not rest on his laurels. Little wonder then that, with a new show entitled '48 Years in Comedy', he's already looking ahead to the half century.

His unforgettable appearance in Father Ted as Father Fintan Stack

On the day of his chat with Senior Times he is back in Killaloe but preparing for a return to America, his home now for many years. On the same day the news reports are showing Kanye West at the White House with President Donald Trump. It prompts the question as to whether in this day and age, comedy can hope to compete with reality.

‘It was in a hall in Swords in Co Dublin,’ he recalls of his stage debut. ‘And it went really well. I wasn't doing comedy at the time. I was mostly singing and playing guitar and very shortly after doing that show I got a record contract.’

‘Because the comedy I do is very simple and not based on current affairs... if you decided to do current affairs [material] you have to hope that the people you are doing the comedy to are up-to-date with current affairs. I do safe stuff, stuff that was funny 50 years ago.’ He cites some of the classics: ‘Laurel and Hardy can be just as funny now.’ But getting back to the original point and the sometimes zany carry-on in his adopted home, he does concede: ‘It's a crazy world. I often wonder...’

Closer to home, there have been some difficulties. In a recent interview with the RTE Guide around the new documentary Brendan Grace: Funny Man, he outlined how health issues have elbowed into his life in recent years. He had a stroke and also a leg incident, both of which, he says, may have given people the idea ‘that this guy had had a few bevvies’. So instead he built it into his act. Even losing some toes to gangrene as a result of diabetes has failed to call a halt to his gallop and when he speaks with Senior Times he sounds as clear as a bell. Yet talk of almost half a century in the business has obviously prompted some looking back at where it all began.

8 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

He had been in a band called the Ginger Men, but things escalated from there, to the extent that Brendan found himself scoring hit songs with Cushie Butterfield and later Combine Harvester. Did he ever feel there was a fork in the road - comedy down one lane and music down another?

‘I have had that choice all along,’ he says. But the comedy just seemed to come to the fore. Playing guitar and singing as well got me over a lot of humps. At the start comedy was only a trial. What one has to do is be prepared to learn and I learned from the real professional guys in the theatre days. I remember everything I was told about comedy and I took notice.’

It's fair to say it has worked out. From Bottler, through to riotous live shows, TV specials and his immortal turn on Father Ted as Fr Fintan stack (‘I've had my fun - and that's all that matters’) Grace is seared into the public consciousness, even as he approaches 40 years in the business.

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Entertainment

‘It surprised me that it lasted this long, for a start,’ he remarks. ‘I never expected it to last this long.

I do still enjoy it, I love doing it. Preparing for the show, I have always said that every show I do is a rehearsal for the next one. So preparing for the show has gone on for 48 years.’

By that logic, he may achieve perfection one of these days - something that might be worth considering when you learn that he has a string of concerts in the new year, kicking off on January 4 at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow, then on to the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge on January 11, the Springhill Court Hotel Kilkenny on January 12, The National Concert Hall, Dublin on January 15th, then on January 23 to the Dunboyne Castle Hotel in Dunboyne and a day later at the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells. On January 25th it's down to University Concert Hall Limerick - finishing January in the INEC Hillarney on the 26th. You can catch him on the Opera House , Cork, on the 27th & 28th February.

Bottler, his most famous creation

The show, of course, is just one aspect of the enterprise, with the 'meet and greet' afterwards much appreciated by his fans, and Brendan does not appear to differentiate between bigger and smaller venues. ‘I find that when I do a show, regardless of whether it's a concert or big venue or a small venue, I get the exact same buzz from it.’

10 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Entertainment

Brendan surrounded by admiring fans at the recent 50 Plus Show at the RDS

He has referred in the recent past to feeling ‘exhausted’ just watching some younger comics go through their routines, and likening himself to a storyteller.

‘A lot of them think it's going to happen overnight,’ he says, referring to comics who seem hell-bent on getting on TV as quickly as possible. ‘You have to get out there and work at it. It's like doing a painting or a sculpture or a carpenter with a piece of wood - you have to hone in on it.’

For all his years blowing the doors of venues and the sides off audiences, he has had the sinking feeling of ‘dying’ on stage a few times, but you sense, not for a long time. ‘I have had hecklers,’ he admits. The response seems to have been to get a laugh, which has invariably happened. ‘I have been very lucky. All different ages come to the shows. I have been able to get them to identify whatever I have done and I have always been content with stuff that I've done. I have never had a moment when I pinched myself, when I went 'jeez, I should have gone there'. As the old the Italian song goes Que Sera, Sera..

Brendan with wife Eileen. ‘The only reason my life is so fulfilling is because I have a great family.’

Life changing As it is, the move to America in the early nineties with wife Eileen and the children was life-changing. It coincided with the growing friendship between Brendan and 'the Chairman of the Board’, Frank Sinatra.

Brendan admits that the great singer developed ‘a soft spot’ for him, built on a foundation of a love of Irish comedians dating back decades. ‘He became a very, very dear acquaintance,’ Brendan says. ‘I am sure he had a very speckled life. The number of marriages he had, the number of affairs, he lived life to the full. I only met him at the latter end of his life. He was such a lovely person to me and my wife. We dined with him several times.’

Far from the erratic and often fraught domestic entanglements of Sinatra's world, Brendan's marriage and family life has been the rock on which his career has flourished.

Brendan with 'the Chairman of the Board’, Frank Sinatra.

Brendan admits that the great singer developed ‘a soft spot’ for him,

‘I have tried to instil in my kids and my grandkids, even though we are in a modern, fast-changing world, one of those [key] things is talent. They all have a talent doing something.

In fact, he says he now has no grand ambitions, but rather simply wants to keep trucking. ‘As long as I seem credible to people and they can laugh at me,’ he says. ‘It's not just more comedy, it's the storytelling. As long as that keeps up I have no great ambitions. i just want to make people laugh and get home to see my family’.

‘The only reason my life is so fulfilling is because I had a great family.’

As Bottler himself would say: Roight!

12 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Light Afternoon tea on

Gardening

Seasonal stalwarts Peter Dowdall on the reliability of winter shrubs and trees for much-needed colour

One of the lovely things about living in this part of the world is that the world outside never stays the same, we have seasons and it is the changing of the seasons that makes gardening here so much more than just a chore, it gives us a connection to the garden. At this time of year as the natural world outside is grinding to a halt and the clever animals are preparing for hibernation so too do we head for the cover of indoors and that most leisurely of gardening pursuits, the perusal of seed and bulb catalogues for next year.

It’s by making the most of and working with the seasons that we get the best from our gardens. Every garden needs its evergreens but a garden full of nothing but will offer little in terms of seasonal change and thus you will miss out on some of the finest if temporary displays in the garden. Imagine no walls clothed in the burning red of Parthenocissus, the Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper during the autumn. To miss the unfurling of the silver grey leaves of Sorbus aria Lutescens or Swedish Whitebeam in the spring is nearly to miss the season itself or what about a garden with no spring bulbs.

A garden full of evergreen presence without some herbaceous to fill in the gaps is not a truly happening garden.

Equally however if you rely totally on these ephemeral displays you can be left with a garden that offers little or nothing during these quiet winter months. For me a good garden needs a combination of both. It needs evergreen plants for year round interest along with the importance of these for local biodiversity, many of them providing safe places of refuge for birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife. So to the garden needs some of those that will come and give of their best during the year and then disappear again.

Evergreen plants have a habit of just being there without setting the garden alight with interest or drama but to think like that is to do your garden a disservice. When I say the word ‘evergreen’ I don’t want you to think immediately of dull conifers and laurel hedges. For there are some evergreen shrubs that while present all year round they positively sparkle during this season adding some glitz for Christmas and some elegant foliage colour for the entire winter.

Skimmia Magic Marlot is a truly dwarf shrub which has a beautiful compact, dense habit.

Grey green leaves are bordered with a creamy green margin and this perfectly formed little plant will cover itself in buds during autumn and hold onto these buds throughout the winter, opening up into scented white flowers during early spring. A male form of Skimmia, thus Magic Marlot will not produce berries but will pollinate any female Skimmias that may be in the garden.

Do not let the fact that he won’t produce berries stop you from introducing this beautiful little plant into your garden but do remember that he will stay small and low and so where you position him will be important. It looks fantastic in a gravel bed if your garden plays home to such a thing or alternatively, he will look perfect all alone in a simple terracotta pot.

Resist the urge to overdo it in a pot by mixing winter flowering pansies or Cyclamen with him, he will look much better alone.

Pittosporums too come into their own now. I have always loved one particular variety, and that is one called Garnettii . Most of the Pittosporums grown here are of the species native to New Zealand, Pittosporum tenuifolium and Garnettii is one of them. An upright shrub which

14 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

will reach a height of over 4m with a spread of up to 2m this stately evergreen brings an elegance and airiness into the garden. It does have some presence due to its physical size but its colouring which is quite light means that it is not nearly as overpowering as some of the dark green evergreens. Its glaucous green leaves are edged with a cream coloured variegation and they have the lovely added feature of taking on a pink/red hue during the winter, unusual for an evergreen to offer this type of seasonal change.

Pittosporum Irene Patterson is a smaller lady reaching only about 1m in height with a similar spread – a very unflattering way to describe a lady I agree but she does provide quite the display, providing bright white and green foliage all year round but it is now with the sun low in the sky that she positively glistens. I have one in my own garden that I planted in 1997 so she’s nearly 20 years now. It doesn’t need to be pruned as such but what you will find is that if she does begin to outgrow her allotted space then it will be difficult to cut it back as the growth will be towards the extremities with woody growth inside and pruning back into this growth is not an option.

Better then to give a light pruning each year and prevent her ever getting too big. Of course if there’s a flower arranger in the house then this won’t ever be a problem as she will be constantly being picked over for her foliage makes a wonderful addition to any cut flower arrangement.

So please think not only of the dreaded Leyland Cypress or any other dull evergreen when looking for some foliage to add interest and intrigue to your garden and to compliment the seasonal displays.

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Looking back in time

?

Guess the year Another teaser from Jerry Perkins limited autonomy from Denmark, with its own parliament sitting in its capital Nuuk. San Francisco mayor George Moscone and supervisor Harvey Milk are assassinated. The first direct elections to the European Parliament are held to elect 410 MEPs from the then nine member states. The first black-led government of Rhodesia, soon to be renamed Zimbabwe upon its independence, takes power.

released his debut solo album 'Off The Wall', Pink Floyd's 'The Wall' was released. AC/DC release 'Highway To Hell', the final album with late original singer Bon Scott.

In WORLD affairs. Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Tehran after 15 years in exile, leading an Iranian revolution which results in the country becoming an Islamic republic. The US and China establish full diplomatic relations.

Cambodia's genocidal leader Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge ruling faction are overthrown by Vietnamese-backed Cambodian insurgents.

French car maker Peugeot acquires Chrysler's European operations.

In New York, vigilante group the Guardian Angels are formed. Nazi criminal Josef Mengele dies by drowning after suffering a stroke in Brazil. The Sahara Desert experienced snow for 30 minutes. Saint Lucia announces its independence from Britain and the UK ends its military presence in Malta. Sid Vicious, bassist with punk bank the Sex Pistols died of a heroin overdose in New York, a day after being released from prison on bail. Dutch electrical giant Philips unveils a prototype compact disc for the first time. The Egypt-Israel peace treaty is signed in Washington DC. Maurice Bishop leads a successful coup in the Caribbean country of Grenada, which is later crushed by the US. The deadliest air accident in US history sees 271 passengers, and two people on the ground, die when an American Airlines flight crashes on takeoff at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Saddam Hussein becomes president of Iraq. NASA completed work on the first fully functional Space Shuttle. China launches its one-child per family rule. Sony releases the Walkman in Japan. McDonald's introduces its Happy Meal. Greenland is granted

A notable year for FILM saw 'Kramer vs Kramer' and 'Apocalypse Now' win big at the Oscars and the first big screen outings for 'Star Trek' and the Muppets. '10' and 'Alien' were other big releases, while 'The Dukes of Hazzard' debuted on the small screen.

In IRELAND it was a notable year. Cork hurling legend Christy Ring died. There was a papal visit. The Whiddy Island Disaster occurred, where 50 people died when French oil tanker Betelgeuse exploded at the Whiddy oil terminal at Bantry. Lord Mountbatten was killed, along with two others, when the IRA bombed his leisure boat off the Sligo coast. Charles Haughey replaced Jack Lynch as Taoiseach. The Central Bank opened its only recently closed office on Dame Street in Dublin. RTÉ launched RTÉ Radio 2, later renamed as 2FM. Gráinne Cronin became Aer Lingus' first female pilot. Currrent Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was born. And, Lullymore in Co Kildare experienced the lowest temperatures in Ireland in the 20th Century, at -18.8 degrees centigrade.

In SPORT Seve Ballesteros won the Open, Kilkenny and Kerry were crowned hurling and football champions and Diego Maradona broke into the Argentina senior football team, scoring his first international goal in a friendly against Scotland in Glasgow. Nottingham Forest won the European Cup, Liverpool were champions of England and Arsenal won the FA Cup defeating Manchester United in the socalled '5-minute Final', which saw three goals in a 3-2 victory scored in the final five minutes of the match.

In BRITAIN, the minority Labour government, led by Prime Minister James Callaghan loses a motion of confidence by a single vote, forcing a general election which ushered in the Conservatives and Margaret Thatcher as Prime Minister. Conservative Party Northern Ireland spokesperson Airey Neave is killed by a car bomb in the British House of Commons car park by the INLA. Scotland voted in favour of a Scottish Assembly, which is not implemented due to failing a condition that at least 40% of the electorate must support the proposal.

In MUSIC The Boomtown Rats score big with their single 'I Don't Like Mondays', based on a school shooting in San Diego in this same year.

Israel won the Eurovision Song Contest for the second consecutive year. Michael Jackson

16 16 Senior Senior Times Times l lNovember January - February - December 20192017 l www.seniortimes.ie l www.seniortimes.ie

Answer on page 45

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Energy efficiency

All you need to know about making your home more energy efficient Advice from Electric Ireland To date, Electric Ireland has given our customers over €3 million euro back on their electricity bills, just by using one of our approved partners when getting energy efficiency works carried out on their homes. Our Energy Efficiency Incentive scheme rewards you for improving the efficiency of your home by applying credit to your bill after the work is complete An average of €408.00 has been credited to customer’s bills as a result of energy efficient works completed.

Getting energy efficiency work carried out in your home will: • Make your home more comfortable • Reduce your energy costs: Insulating your attic and walls can save you up to 40% on heating bills • Improve your Building Energy Rating (BER), which can increase the value of your home.

Take a look at some real examples of the savings people have made through this scheme: Job

External Wall Insulation

Typical EEI SEAI Cost Credit Grant

Total % Discount Discount

€9,000

€472

€3,400

€3,872

43%

Attic Insulation

€700

€104

€300

€404

58%

Internal Dry Lining Insulation

€6,500

€400

€1,800

€2,200

34%

Boiler Upgrade With Controls

€2,200

€150

€700

€850

39%

Check out www.elctricireland.ie/energy-efficiency to see a full list of energy efficiency measures or visit www.seai.ie.

How can you make your home more efficient?

Improving your home’s Building Energy Rating (BER) is the smart choice for making it warmer, reducing energy costs.

If your house is poorly insulated, it could be losing up to 30% of its heat through the roof.

You can get your BER checked by an independent assessor, at a cost of around €125. You can find an assessor by searching the directory on the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland (SEAI) website.

Heat your home more efficiently - Timers, Programmers and Thermostats Use the timer on your boiler to ensure that you only heat your home when required and avoid wasting energy. Turning idown your thermostat by 1 degree can save on heating bills.

18 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

• Try making a small adjustment to your heating timer - Switch the heating system on later in the morning and off earlier in the evening • Close internal doors to maintain heating zones and distribution of heat throughout the main spaces • Turn off radiators in rooms which are not used often Save energy on hot water – lagging jackets and immersion timers By installing an immersion heater timer, you can set the immersion to come on for the minimum length of time so you have the perfect amount of water heated.

A hot water cylinder’s performance improves if it has a lagging jacket.

• Prioritise using the shower over a bath. A typical shower uses only 20% of the energy needed for a full bath Think about small power – Appliances, home entertainment and standby Whilst relatively small in energy usage, household appliances contribute to 7% of your energy consumption. When replacing appliances, always aim to purchase the most efficient product possible to suit your budget.

The cycle selected on a washing machine or dishwasher should have the lowest water temperature required for the items being washed. A full load in the washing machine or dishwasher is more energy efficient than two half loads.

It is best to always keep the fridge and freezer as full as is reasonably possible. Don’t let frost build up in the freezer as this increases energy consumption. Defrost the inside of your fridge and freezer at least every 6 months. Appliances on standby can use up to 20% of the energy that they would use when on, so make sure they are fully switched off. .

Unplug chargers and surge protectors when not in use.

Lighting your home – Energy Efficient bulbs and better habits Replacing your current light bulbs with LEDs can reduce the cost of lighting by 80%.

• Maximising your use of daylight, e.g. hold off switching on lights in the evening until necessary.

• Switch off all possible lights at night (if needed, select one as a nightlight to be kept on ).

Making your home more energy efficient can be as simple as changing a few habits and paying more attention to how you use energy. Or it could mean investing in building work or new technologies.. Electric Ireland’s Energy Efficiency Incentive and SEAI grants mean that improving how your home uses energy is efficient on costs too.

Travel

Elizabeth Gaskell is now recognised as a major Victorian author.

Well-researched chronicles of Victorian life

In the latest of her literary-themed travels around these islands, Lorna Hogg visits Manchester and Knutsford, Cheshire which have close associations with the celebrated Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell

Unitarian Assistant Preacher William Gaskell in Knutsford, and moved with him to his Manchester parish, Cross Keys, where he was assistant preacher.They lived near to the busy Oxford Road, within reach of some of the city’s great mills at Chorlton - surroundings whch had a strong influence on Elizabeth’s literary future.

Their daughters Marianne, Margaret Elizabeth (Meta,) and Florence joined them, followed by Julia in 1846. Elizabeth adored her family, and grieved deeply when her baby son William died in 1845 from scarlet fever. William Gaskell suggested writing a novel to take her mind off her misery – she had already published some short stories.

The Ancoats district of Manchester still has many old canalside mills, now converted to smart housing

Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the most important and underrated Victorian writers, was born the youngest of eight children, on 29th September, 1810, at 93, Cheyne Walk,Chelsea. Her parents were William Stevenson, a Unitarian preacher and Treasury official and his wife Elizabeth. The young Elizabeth encountered tragedy early. She and her brother John were the only family children to survive infancy – and her mother died when Elizabeth was only 13 months old.

Mary Barton (1848) was set in contemporary Manchester, the famed Cottonopolis, noisy and producing around 40% of cotton textile, but teeming with filthy and crowded slums. The story opened a nation’s eyes to the plight of ‘the careworn men, who looked as if doomed to struggle through their lives in strange alternations between work and want.’ It was published anonymously, and won the praise of contemporary literary greats, such as Carlyle and Maria Edgeworth, as well as becoming an enormous success.

The toddler was then sent to live with her aunt and her husband in the pretty vilage of Knutsford, in Cheshire. Her father’s re-marriage quickly followed, which diluted father/daughter contact. Her older brother John remained closer, sending her books, and visiting when he was off duty from the Merchant Navy.

With a growing family, plus Elizabeth’s growing fame, a larger home was needed. In 1850, she was able to write to a friend – ‘we’ve got a house, it certainly is a beauty......I must try and make the house give as much pleasure to others as I can’. She was aware, however, of the costs involved – jokingly writing that ‘My dear! – it’s £150 a year, and I dare say we shall be ruined. I’ve already asked after the ventilation at the new Borough Gaol..’

Elizabeth grew into an attractive intelligent girl, gentle, well educated and very popular. With an independent spirit, she did some family research, travelling to Edinburgh and Newcastle. In 1832, Elizabeth married the

The house, at 84, Plymouth Grove, (now painstakingly restored and open to the public) was then on then Manchester’s outskirts. It was a peaceful Victorian villa, complete with gardens, an orchard – and the

20 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Travel

Elizabeth Gaskell was sent to live with her aunt and uncle to the pretty village of Knutsford, Cheshire.

Elizabeth Gaskell researched her books thoroughly and was a frequent visitor to the Portico Library, Manchester.

place where her books were created, written on blue notepaper, whilst she gazed out over the garden.

By this stage, Elizabeth and William were a Victorian ‘power couple’ in a Manchester which was then an thriving intellectual centre as well as an industrial powerhouse. The Gaskells entertained journalists, the local famous conductor Charles Halle, social reformers such as Florence Nightingale and writers including Charles Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, John Ruskin and Charlotte Bronte. The latter famously once hid behind the drawing room curtains, as she was to shy to meet an enthsusiastic fan.

Elizabeth researched her books thoroughly. In 1850 she wrote to Dickens asking for advice about a girl named Pasley, whom she had met in her volunteeer work as a prison visitor. Pasley would inspire the character Ruth, (1853) in the book of that name. Dickens edited and published much of her work in his journal Household Words, although their professional relationship was somewhat fraught at times. Elizabeth also braved the disapproval of her husband’s Unitarian congregation over the coverage of illegitimacy and prostitution, especially in her novel Ruth. In other books, the coverage of issues such as trade unions, the conditions of the working poor and then unusual inclusion of regional dialects also drew mixed comment.

houses – visit King and Portland Streets. The ornate Royal Exchange, where 8000 cotton traders once did business, now houses asplendid modern theatre. Manchester Cathedral, The Town Hall,The Portico Library, (where Elizabeth researched), The sites of The Free Trade Hall and the Mechanics Institute all still stand. The city’s many banks were also housed in splendid buildings, mostly in and around King and Market Streets.

Ancoats district still has many old canalside mills, now converted to smart housing Chorlton district also retains mills and parts of original factories sited near the busy Oxford Road, within walking distance of Elizabeth’ first married home, in Dover Street. Don’t miss Manchester’s splendid Police Museum, complete with cells, or the 140 year old Sam’s Chop House and pub. In King’s Street.

Knutsford, in nearby Cheshire, also celebrates Elizabeth Gaskell and Cranford with a well mapped town walk. www.visitmanchester.com www.newmanchesterwalks.com www.gaskellsociety.co.uk www.elizbethgaskellhouse.co.uk Gloup_ad 90x132mm_Senior Times_FA.pdf www.knutsfordheritage.co.uk

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She was influenced by her own experiences and times . Cranford, (18513) included the debate on the coming of the railways. It was televised successfully, as was North and South (1854-5.) which drew on her upbringing in Knutsford and the changes she encountered with her move to Manchester. Aside from the overarching love story, the descriptions of disease ridden slum life, insecurity of employment, role of trade unions, struck chords with readers. This was also the time, of course, when Irish workers were fleeing to Manchester, from the Great Famine.

In 1855, Patrick Bronte asked Elizabeth to write a biography of his daughter Charlotte. Unusually for the times, she focused on the woman, rather than the writer, but was discreet over personal challenges. The Gaskells were financially comfortable at this stage, allowing for travel abroad with her daughters. In 1864, the serialisation of Elizabeth’s last novel, `Wives and Daughters’, began. However, on 12th November 1865, at the house in Hampshire which she had purchased for William’s retirement, Elizabeth died following a heart attack . Her family continued to live in Plymouth Grove until 1913, and in 2004 Manchester Hisorical Buildings Trust bought it, and after an excellent restoration, and now hosts tours and visits, Gaskell had a critical press during the century following her death.

Critics suggested that no woman could understand industrial problems, and that she knew too little about the cottton industry. However, from the 1960s onwards, critics realised that her descriptions of prevailing social and industrial issues and conflict, as well as the woman’s role and perspective, were more in tune with the times. She is now recognised as a major Victorian author. In 2010, a memorial was unveiled in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.

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Cottonopolis and Cranford Manchester is a thriving modern city, yet it is quite easy to walk in the literary steps of Elizabeth Gaskell. Many buildings (and street names) of her day remain. Explore the area between Piccadilly and Market Streets, across to Princess Street, in the present Civic and main shopping areas.

The city retains many splendid buildings which housed the cotton wareSenior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 21

Travel

Quinta do Lago Country Club

Prime Location Where the Ocean meets the Lake The perfect symbiosis between Sun, Golf and Sea Quinta do Lago Country Club (QDLCC) is a luxury resort, settled in the most famous and exclusive area of the Algarve, Quinta do Lago, the perfect destination for your holidays.

A place with long fine and golden sandy beaches to discover, where you can witness some of the most breath-taking sunsets you can imagine. A land with incredible nature, diversity of species and breath-taking landscapes, the best golf courses in Europe and fine dining restaurants.

Located in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, it offers a unique experience with a stunning view of the lake and the Atlantic Ocean, where you can enjoy a wonderful climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

The resort is only a few minutes from the best Golf courses of Europe and Portugal, 15 minutes away from Faro International Airport, less than 3 hours flight from the major European capitals and a 2 hours drive from Lisbon.

With 36 luxurious and fully equipped units, from one to three-bedroom apartments, QDLCC combines high standards of service with the warm Portuguese hospitality which provides comfort and refinement in every detail. Enjoying a privileged location, stunning views of the lake and the ocean from the spacious terraces, these apartments have been designed so that you can enjoy an invigorating holiday with all the comforts of home.

22 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

The QDLCC environment is characterized by its perfect symbiosis between Sun, Golf and Sea. Here you can enjoy the tranquillity and the natural beauty of Algarve, with a vast diversity of species and stunning landscapes, having in close proximity the best golf courses in Europe and exclusive beaches. A place designed to provide you calmness and well-being.

In the surroundings there are many possibilities for leisure and sporting activities: from bird watching, walking and horseback riding through the Natural Park, long beaches of golden sand to discover, boat trips, water sports, visits to historic villages, etc. The resorts prime location makes it the ideal starting point to explore the Algarve wonders. Fun for the whole family!

For the food lovers, there is always something for every taste. Along the beach you can find excellent fish and shellfish restaurants, that makes everyone fall in love with Portuguese cuisine. But first, at Quinta do Lago Country Club you can start your day in the best way. Our breakfast buffet with a wide variety of quality products will give you the energy to enjoy all the activities at your disposal.

Imagine a place overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where you cannot escape a “Mediterranean� feel all around. The exceptional location, the revitalizing scenery, the quality of service and a wide range of experiences such as Quinta do Lago golf courses and lakeside water sports centre make QDLCC a unique stay. Your home away from home!

1919 – 2019 Commemorate, Celebrate, Educate

2019: Centenary of the 1st Dáil

21st January, 2019 marks the centenary of the 1st public sitting of Dáil Éireann. There will be public and political interest in the occasion and it will be a key event in the Decade of Centenaries programme. Marking this event presents an opportunity to promote greater understanding and interest in our national parliament and to create broader pubic engagement with Irish citizens about the role of our parliament and the stability of Irish democracy.

The Dáil 100 programme will focus on a series of engagements and events across the themes of Commemorate, Celebrate, Educate.

Our purpose is to -

Commemorate the first public sitting in 1919 Celebrate 100 years of Irish democracy and Educate the general public, young and old about the role and importance of parliament The General Election of December 1918 saw Sinn Fein win 73 seats thereby providing them with a mandate, as per its election manifesto, to establish a “constituent assembly”. Once the scale of the party’s victory in the election became apparent, however, a change of mind occurred.

The decision was made that when the elected representatives met, they would indeed sit in and call themselves a parliament.

Preparations for the first public meeting were made and we know that a lot of those meetings took place in the headquarters of the Sinn Féin bank, 6 Harcourt Street. 6 Harcourt Street is now home to Conradh na Gaeilge.

Images courtesy of the NLI.

The first public meeting of this new national assembly took place in the Mansion House Dublin on 21st January 1919. The choice of location was significant in that it was a venue in central Dublin capable of accommodating a large crowd and with little association with previous regimes within the country. It was under the name of Dáil Éireann that official proceedings were published and it was as Teachtai Dála that individual members were recognised.

This first day’s proceedings confirmed in the eyes of those present that the assembly in which they sat was indeed a parliament, and a parliament of a fully independent state, of a Republic. As the Declaration of Independence ratified at that meeting expressed matters, ‘we, the elected Representatives of the ancient Irish people in National Parliament assembled, do, in the name of the Irish nation, ratify the establishment of the Irish Republic.’ The same document also stated that ‘the elected Representatives of the Irish people alone have power to make laws binding on the people of Ireland, and that the Irish Parliament is the only Parliament to which that people will give its allegiance.’

The proceedings of that first day were conducted in Irish. Cathal Brugha was nominated as acting Ceann Comhairle.

On Monday, 21st January 2019, Dáil Éireann will once again return to the Mansion House for a special sitting of both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. This special event will be televised live.

Tune in to Oireachtas TV. The channel relays the business of our national parliament to over 1.1 million homes across Ireland. The channel is delivering unprecedented public access to the work of the Dáil, Seanad and Committees.

It is available throughout Ireland on: Saorview Channel 22 Virgin Media Channel 207 Sky Channel 517 eir Vision Channel 504 Vodafone Channels 201

Cathal Brugha

Keep up to date on the Dáil 100 programme of events on the Houses of the Oireachtas website www.oireachtas.ie and coming soon, www.dail100.ie.

Remember to use #Dáil100 and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Connect with us

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 25

Retirement Planning

Weekends away in Westport and prepare for retirement!

Maretta Dillon on a new initiative from the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland and Hotel Westport

Afternoon tea is a guilty pleasure at Hotel Westport!

Retirement Planning weekends are open to couples and individuals looking to consider the changes that retirement can bring along with a clear plan for the next stage of living. Derek Bell, COO with the Retirement Planning Council of Ireland (RPCI) explains, ‘the idea behind this was because I was thinking about self-employed people and professionals. If I was in that category would I give up work for two days to come and do a retirement course? Probably not. Would I go away with my partner for a weekend to Westport? Probably’.

The RPCI have booked three weekends in January, April and November 2019 at Hotel Westport. ‘Big plus for the January weekend is that there is no single supplement’, adds Derek.

Too busy working to plan your retirement? Here’s an option that might suit. Head away for a weekend to Hotel Westport in Co. Mayo. Treat yourself to a two-night stay and the chance to learn about and plan for your retirement. Hotel Westport is a family owned 4 Star Hotel perfectly positioned within the extensive grounds of Westport House in the heart of Westport Town.

26 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

The weekend course is somewhat shorter than the normal planning for retirement course - but it will still cover the essentials. Programme leader Joe McDermott outlines what is planned for the weekend, ‘There will be a meet and greet on Friday night from 8.30 to 9.30pm when I outline the topics we are going to deal with. We will meet again on Saturday morning from 11.00am to 2.30pm and at dinner on Saturday evening at 7.30pm. On Sunday morning from 10.30am to 1.00pm’. Joe plans for about 24 participants in total.

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The pool at the Ocean Spirit Leisure Centre at Hotel Westport

Sessions will include changes in retirement (identity, routine, relationships); healthy living (diet, exercise, mental health); legal (wills and power of attorney); social welfare entitlements including pension rights and contributory pensions. Dietitian Aisling Snedker will come in and talk about health specifically diet and exercise.

Win a Fantastic Over 50’s Package at The Rose Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

Both Joe and Aisling have worked with the RPCI since 2008. Joe, a former teacher for 30 years, is now involved in mental and physical health and fitness for the over sixties. Aisling holds a BSc Hons in Home Economics, PGDip Nutrition and Dietetics, PGCert in Sport and Exercise nutrition and FAETC. She has been qualified as a clinical dietitian for 20 years.

On Saturday afternoon, everyone is free to avail of the leisure facilities in the hotel including the Ocean Spirit Leisure and Senses Spa. Alternatively, you can head into picturesque Westport. The recent purchase of Westport House by Hotel Westport means there are plenty of options for walks and strolls on the 400-acre estate. A 25% discount on entrance to the House is also included in the package.

On Saturday evening, after dinner in the hotel there will follow a short talk and film about retirement – this will be very light in tone. The practical session begins again the next morning, Sunday, before lunch and then home. Joe sees the Sunday morning session as about planning.

‘We will sit down individually & collectively and start putting some ideas on paper. We will set small tasks within the next period that will help with retirement plans. We want people to go home with some answers and some things to work on’.

Afterwards, those who attended the weekend course can still access the services of the RPCI who are happy to follow up with a phone call or a chat.

Eithne Cosgrove from Hotel Westport explains why they have become involved, ‘Those attending our retirement planning weekends will receive practical advice, address lifestyle changes, discuss financial implications of retirement and much more whilst also enjoying quality food, relaxation and good company from like-minded individuals planning for retirement. We are delighted to be the first Hotel in Ireland to offer Retirement Planning Weekends’.

Derek advises that this complete package can be booked directly with Hotel Westport. ‘The other thing that we were offering at the RPCI this year is gift tokens. People might want to buy a gift token for the weekend or for a course which is an ideal Christmas gift for a family member’.

Dates: January 25 and 26 / €279pp * No single supplement April 5 and 6 /€299pps / €399 single occupancy November 15 and 16 / €279pps * No single supplement Bookings are now open at Hotel Westport 098 25122 / hotelwestport.ie Established in 1974, the RPCI is a Registered Charity, a not for profit organisation, wholly independent of all financial institutions and with a voluntary board of directors. RPCI is based at 14/15 Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2 Ph: 01 478 9471 / www.rpc.ie Courses are held in Dublin and around the country on a very regular basis. Please check the website for more details.

28 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

The Rose Hotel, Tralee, Co. Kerry Telephone Number: 066-7199100 Website: www.therosehotel.com The Rose Hotel is a four star hotel located in Tralee town, close to the town centre with the backdrop of the Slieve Mish Mountains. Stroll through Tralee Town Park via the Rose Walk and visit Siamsa Tire, Kerry County Museum or browse around the shops in the town centre. The Aquadome, one of Ireland’s largest indoor water worlds & Tralee Bay Wetlands are located right beside us. We have 162 modern guest rooms, including 18 executive rooms, complimentary car parking & WIFI are also included.

We are offering one lucky Senior Times reader a chance to win a two night break away for one or two people.

We are delighted to offer a two night midweek Over 50’s package for the Senior Times competition, the prize will include, 2 DBB with complimentary tea/coffee & scones on arrival for one or two people sharing a double/twin room To win this break just answer the following question: What is the name of the international festival held in Tralee each August?

Email your answer to john@slp.ie Or send by post to: Senior Times Competition, The Old Schoolhouse, Blackwater, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Deadline for receipt of entries is 26th January 2019 The first correct entry drawn is the winner.

Funerals

A Respectful Tradition Busy Dublin Funeral Director Jonathan Stafford takes time to answer questions about best possible service families need from their Funeral Director as we move into a new year.

What do families need these days from their funeral director? In our rapidly changing world, how are funerals different, and what remains the same?

Good questions. Much remains the same. A meaningful funeral is still as deeply important to Irish familes as when my grand-father started arranging funerals for Dublin communities in the 1950s. Staffords head office is still at that same location on the North Strand. But alongside all that, funeral patterns are changing,and Staffords have also branched out considerably in our expanding city – most recently with two spacious new funeral homes in Portmarnock and Ballyfermot. This makes a big difference considering evening removals to the church are now a rarity.

So, funerals vary in size, shape, and preference. What facilities can you offer to make sure everyone is helped?

That question is at the core of every working day at Staffords. Families need good funeral options. Dealing with the death of a loved one is deeply painful. But once the family gather to make their arrangements, you can actually see the stress start to lift, Staffords ensuring that personal preferences are cartered for, including Reposing Chapels that create a meaningful gathering space for funerals both large and more intimate. Late reposals are also possible at all branches. People deeply appreciate our bright spacious chapels, used when perhaps a wake at home is not suitable. And while we also take on non-religious funerals in our large chapels, most of our funerals involve a church-based service.

30 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Staffords have had a very successful journey with the Q Mark, what does that mean in terms of customer service?

It’s about detail, our professional commitment to getting every detail right from the gleam of a limousine to the warm respectful attitude of a hearse driver. With customer service, the Q Mark is about the stuff the family won’t neccesarily tap into, highly efficient background systems to make sure every second of your family funeral runs smoothly. Our professional service to you is a delicate balance where Staffords offer personal one-to-one care backed up by the very best technology in terms of traffic management, pristine funeral homes, communication with hospitals, churches, musicians, newspapers, and more.

As leading Irish funeral directors, how can Staffords continue to improve their long-standing service to Dublin communities?

Well, along with professional standards, our families place great store on the connection they feel with the Funeal Director looking after them.

We feel privileged to go the extra mile when people are at their most vulnerable. That connection is real, and relevant - it’s there in the care we take when fixing a silk tie on a beloved late grandfather laid out for reposal, when the Funeral Director knows the same tie was a gift from his late wife. Or today in Donncarney when our Funeral Director was able to source out-of-season peony roses for a late beloved mother, and also suggest specialised tiny necklace-urns popular to hold ashes as mementos. People often comment that one of Stafford’s tagline is particularly apt: Trust our family to take care of yours.

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Mary’s Musings In her latest observations Mary O’Rourke considers, among other topics, Brexit, Angela Merkel, poetry, Robbie Henshaw, Michelle Obama and de Valera..

‘If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?’ – Shelley Hello and a happy new year to all the readers of this lovely magazine – good wishes also to all who work in producing the fine pages of each issue.

I’m going to begin this January on a lovely line of poetry: ‘If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?’ That is the plaintive but optimistic last line of a fine poem by Percy B Shelley, Ode to the West Wind, and he ends his ode with those words.

I am very attuned to that line because I always think once January/February comes in we are ahead for spring, and who knows what delights of summer lie ahead of us as well?

There is much talk at the moment about a Europe-wide consultation process that is going to involve all of us here in Ireland in deciding whether we will do away with the hour back and the hour forward every autumn and every spring. I’m in two minds about this: I quite like when we go back the hour and I equally like

when we move forward an hour, months later.

So let’s see how this consultation process works out. In the meantime let’s be positive: spring is a-coming and with it longer days, perhaps snow and frost, we’ll wait and see.

Women in high places have been making the news very strongly. In Germany Angela Merkel has announced that she is giving up the leadership of her own CDU party during this year, and that within the next year she will then resign as Chancellor of Germany. I’m always interested in her because of the pivotal role she plays in Europe and indeed will continue to pay for some time. I read a biography of her in which it was noted that in the German parliament she is called ‘Mutti’ which is a pet word for mother.

I smiled when I read that, because when I was in Dáil Éireann some of the men were inclined to call me the ‘Mammy’ of the Dáil. It used to annoy me until I heard what Angela Merkel was called, and then I stopped being annoyed!

32 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

In the UK we have Theresa May and her long battle for Brexit. I never thought that I would be writing in admiration of a British Prime Minister, but that is what I find myself doing. With all the twists and turns of Brexit she has kept her head high, she has made sense every time she has spoken, and despite the insults thrown at her on a daily basis by all those so-called Conservatives on her own side, she continues to reign in her feelings and to give reasoned, responsible replies. Every time I look at Jacob Rees-Mogg with his pinstriped suits and equally listen to Boris Johnson with his wild assertions, I am lost in admiration of what she is trying to do.

transport for all

Mobility Scooter Permit To travel on Dublin Bus with your mobility scooter you must have a permit. This is because some mobility scooters are too big to fit on Dublin Bus buses.

To find out if your scooter is the correct size, contact our travel assistant, who will check your scooter to see if it will fit on to the bus. They will also give you some helpful tips on bus travel.

To contact the travel assistant email travelassist@dublinbus.ie Phone 01 7033204

Mary’s Musings

I’m always interested in Angela Merkel because of the pivotal role she plays in Europe and indeed will continue to play for some time.

Every time I look at Jacob Rees-Mogg with his pinstriped suits I am lost in admiration of what Theresa May is trying to do.

By the end of March we will know the eventual outcome of Brexit, but in between there’s been all the webs and twists of an unlikely mystery story.

Angela Merkel in Germany and Theresa May share one thing; they are both long-time married to what appear to be two sensible, caring men. Coincidentally both women are the daughters of Christian pastors. Angel Merkel is married to Joachim Sauer. They have no family but he has children from a previous marriage. He is a professor of chemistry in a German university. Theresa May is married to Philip May, a businessman, and they have no children. So both unions have not had families, but both Angela and Theresa appear most satisfied with their steady, reliable partners.

And wouldn’t they need them? I have always thought that a woman in politics needs someone steady, be it husband, partner, very best friend, or whatever who will be in her corner no matter what is going on and who will give her sound and good advice at all times.

I smiled recently listening to Theresa May on a BBC phone-in when she was asked how she relaxes after a strenuous day in Number 10 Downing Street coupled with an equally strenuous afternoon in the House of Commons. She said: “When I go upstairs to my apartment [as you know they live upstairs in Number 10] Philip makes me a hot whisky and we have beans on toast.” How ordinary is that, how familiar is that, but for her how reassuring also is that?

I am reminded of another line of poetry from Rudyard Kipling’s If: ‘If you can keep your head when all about you/ Are losing theirs and blaming it on you’ That is the role Theresa May

I am reminded of another line of poetry from Rudyard Kipling’s If: ‘If you can keep your head when all about you/ Are losing theirs and blaming it on you’ That is the role Theresa May has played to date and I hope she will continue to serve the public. has played to date and I hope she will continue to serve the public.

I am looking forward to reading a lovely gift of Becoming, the autobiography of Michelle Obama.

Readers of this magazine will know that I spoke some time ago about Brian Kennedy and Katherine Lynch and myself who, on a monthly basis, do the book review on The Pat Kenny Show in Newstalk. Recently Brian Kennedy has had a major cancer operation. I am glad to know that the operation has been deemed successful and that Brian is out and about in full and optimistic form. He truly came back from the brink and we were glad on the last book review programme to send him best wishes for the future.

ally good read. I also read recently A House of Ghosts by W.C. Ryan, and if any of the readers want a spooky book this is surely it. It is set on an island in the middle of the ocean, where a storm is brewing and ghosts are wandering around. Some people see the ghosts, some people don’t. Murders are happening on a regular basis, and who is next?? It is like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple all rolled into one, but a truly good read.

Continuing with the theme of books, I am looking forward to reading a lovely gift of Becoming, the autobiography of Michelle Obama.

It has got very good reviews and even though I have it for a week or two, I am keeping it tight for when I hope to go away for a few days next month, when I’ll bring it with me and have a re

I am also lucky to have received a gift of a book token from Eason, and I am waiting to decide what books I’ll spend it on. I could not end this little piece about books without mentioning that I have also purchased the second edition of David McCullagh’s massive tomes on Éamon de Valera. Like de Valera or not, the

34 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

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Mary’s Musings

I loved Mayo footballer Cora Staunton’s title Game Changer, which is a great read.

We have our own rugby hero here in Athlone in Robbie Henshaw, who is a wonderful player.

He started in the Marist Brothers, with Buccaneers locally, then moved on to Connacht when he was in college, then to Leinster and now is a very valued member of the national team.

make a full life for themselves in their home country. We will miss him oh so much. I know that the IRFU have worked in advance and have ensured that Alan Farrell will be the new head coach when the day of departure comes.

Be that as it may, there is really only one Joe Schmidt, and we in Ireland are so lucky to have had him in charge of our national rugby players for so long.

book is a great read and will clear up and clarify many of the issues we were unsure about in the long tenure of de Valera’s life.

Ireland has had a great season of rugby successes. We look forward to the internationals which will be happening very shortly. That brings me to the issue of Joe Schmidt. What is Ireland going to do without the world’s best rugby coach?

I met him once and I was very impressed by his quiet, even shy demeanour, and yet the strength of purpose which he exhibits through his use of psychology, in that he assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each of his own players in the Irish team, but also of each of the players on the opposing team. I understand he is keen to go back to New Zealand after the World Cup at the end of 2019, and I can understand why. Both he and his wife have elderly parents in New Zealand and his young children are keen to go back also to link up with friends they had from long ago and to

Readers might wonder why I have such a huge interest in rugby. There’s a really simple answer to that: when Enda, my late husband, and I got married all those years ago he was hon. secretary of the Athlone Rugby Club, and indeed was in that post for 22 years. Athlone Rugby Club is now called Buccaneers but in those earlier days the weekly meeting was on a Tuesday night. So I have fond memories of Monday nights when Enda would be rushing trying to get his minutes of the previous week done and would be calling on me from time to time for advice about a particular point. So you see, my early marriage years were so bound up with rugby that, like it or not, I came to be absorbed in it and to enjoy it in every facet as I was hauled off to matches in Dublin, Galway, Limerick and all sorts of places. I always enjoyed myself and so rugby still brings with it happy memories now.

Talking of rugby, we have our own rugby hero here in Athlone in Robbie Henshaw, who is a wonderful player. He started in the Marist Brothers, with Buccaneers locally, then moved on to Connacht when he was in college, then to Leinster and now is a very valued member of the national team. Unfortunately he recently had an injury at a pre-match workout which has kept him off the field, but hopefully he will be back in action shortly again. All the young

36 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

players in Athlone look up to him and he is really good for the community. Robbie and the whole Henshaw family, who are very musically inclined, have brought out a CD for 2019 with Sharon Shannon, entitled The Secret Sessions, and the proceeds of this will go to the South Westmeath Hospice.

Now when spring comes , I am sure many of the readers will be thinking of holidays ahead.

Last year I went to Connemara with my niece Anita Lenihan and had a wonderful few days thinking back to happy memories of long ago and enjoying the wonderful countryside of Clifden, Connemara, Roundstone and all of the areas of beauty. This year we are planning a week in Valentia Island, again a lovely resort full of memories for me. Anita will come again, I hope, with me. She is a great companion, we enjoy the same things together and are both very avid readers, so I’m looking forward to that.

I will end this piece as I began on weather and spring again. Once the longer days come in, one’s thoughts turn to holidays, and even if it is only two or three days in a nice hotel somewhere (and there are some lovely hotels advertised in this magazine), it is something to look forward to.

2019 will have its share of joys and sorrows for every one of our readers. But that is the way life is.

I hope to speak to you all again in a few months’ time.

In the meantime, go safely.

Slán tamall.

Creative Writing Eileen Casey

End of year miscellany

Multi-talented Maggie Maggie O’Dwyer: This talented lady travels easily between painting and writing.

Two of The Jug series of works by Maggie 0’Dwyer

Dublin born Maggie Dwyer has a busy working life. Painting, writing, teaching and gardening, in that order. ‘Each day is different,’ she tells me in her beautiful studio, ‘right now is the busiest time of year – I have a small greeting-card business and I am preparing for my studio exhibition (for the last 27 years) which I have in December every year.’ Maggie’s style is sensual, strong on colour, pattern and line, usually focused on one object. It’s no surprise to learn that among her favourite artists are Freda Kahlo and Matisse. From the world of writing the list is endless.

Angela Carter is a particular favourite.

This talented lady travels easily between painting and writing. Since graduation from art college in 1974 her work has been exhibited widely and included in the Royal Hibernian Academy Exhibitions. Her writing has also been recognised. Her debut poetry collection (Templar Poetry), was short-listed for the Rupert and Eithne Strong award for Best First Collection (2010). ‘My painting and my writing feed into each other,’ she says, assuring me that both have equal weight in her creative life. Clearly, the painting came first however so I’m curious to know how writing came into the blend. ‘I was on a scheme for artists in the National Botanic Gardens and there was a writing segment involved. I got an opportunity to do a course directed by the poet Dorothy Molloy in UCD called ‘Unlocking the Creative’. She gave me a voice and changed my life. After the course, she invited me into a poetry workshop that she was setting up in UCD. That workshop grew into The Thornfield Poets.’

Maggie’s literary achievements are many but when her first pamphlet ‘Yes I’d Love to Dance’ was published by Templar Poetry, ‘it was a wonder to see my poems printed.’ Maggie, who is the very essence of creativity, insists that the process for writing and painting are exactly the same. ‘It’s never easy. Music is my ritual and windows are important.

The window in my studio, the window in my kitchen. I like to look out.’

And then I prompt? ‘Well, I wait and look and wait. I make my mark and then another and another until I reach a point where I am lost and put my head down on the table, that’s where it begins, losing myself sets me free.’ Another liberation Maggie finds is through the ageing process itself.

‘Growing older is definitely liberating.’

It’s not all work and no play for this creatively energetic lady. ‘I like playing with our cat Maudie, sharing food with friends and my gardening jobs of course, which I do once a week in a large garden in Killiney.’ Maggie describes communing with nature as a ‘sanctuary. It’s my space for the day and I love it.’ I ask her to describe her poetry and her art. Surprisingly, she finds it easier to describe the inspiration process for painting as opposed to poetry. ‘I’ve just finished a set of paintings for my studio exhibition. The inspiration was a jug that a friend gave me. I loved its simplicity, so I wanted to explore the simple elements of the jug and combine that with the strong lines of nature and pattern.’ The images are striking, articulate, aesthetically beautiful, her medium is oil pastel and graphite on canvas. Although Maggie finds it harder to describe the poetic process, the end result in both forms is to ‘say what I want to say, as clearly as I can. Most of my work is intimate.’ One thing she’s very sure about is that the ordinary, everyday rituals, the ones we don’t even think about, ‘are as important to life as breathing.’

In May, 2019, Maggie will be moving out of the studio she’s worked in for the last 27 years. That said, Maggie’s philosophy on life allows for the unexpected, the surprise element of ‘Everything changes.’ Already planning ahead for the future, her goal is to move on and see what opportunities open up. With so many talents, I predict a very bright future for this charming, elegant lady.

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 37

Creative Writing

The first of three from Orla

the sea, Curracloe beach in County Wexford being a favourite setting.

‘Breathing in sea air puts life into perspective’.

Orla Grant-Donoghue has just published her book of photography, haiku and micropoetry. ‘The Frayed Heart’ (Fiery Arrow Press) is the first book in what Orla hopes will eventually become three collections. Meeting this Dublin born writer, it’s easy to be drawn by her infectious warmth and her passion for poetry is clearly evident. Haiku is such a refined art-form, its three line structure challenging to say the least. It was a visit to Japan many years ago which prompted Orla to Orla Grant-Donoghue has just published her write haiku initially. ‘I was inspired by the beautiful book of photography, haiku and micropoetry. The Frayed Heart, Fiery Arrow simplicity of the zen gravel Press. (Photo by Vivienne Kearns). gardens in temples in Kyoto.

These contemplative spaces have a true sense of place and provide an opportunity to take time out, to observe and be one with my thoughts.’ Together we chorus the name of the best known Japanese Haiku Master: ‘Basho!’ ‘His work resonates with me’, Orla affirms, and reminds me of these gardens and how, observing a leaf or a cherry blossom can reach into our souls.’ Already, Orla has enjoyed success from the haiku form, her work forming part of an installation by artist Nickie Hayden in the Olivier Cornet Gallery earlier this year. ‘The Frayed Heart’ contains visual images also, a collaboration which is very important to this writer. ‘The images add another dimension to each piece within the book. I hope they provide moments to pause and contemplate, similar to sitting in contemplation of a gravel garden or waves crashing on a beach.’

Because Orla’s background is scientific (she holds a PHD in Chemistry from University College Dublin) which isn’t the usual route into verse, I ask if she’s always been a reader of poetry and how would she explain her attraction for all things poetic. ‘I have always loved the spoken word’, she assures me. ‘My mother shared her love of poetry with me from a young age’, a bond which is acknowledged in the dedication page of ‘The Frayed Heart’. I agree with her that early influences are hugely significant but still…the world of science and the world of poetry are poles apart, aren’t? She shakes her head and laughs. ‘Poetry has many similarities to science. Poets too are observers of life and ask those big questions about our existence. The very same questions scientists ask.

The answers may take a different form but the search to understand who we are is the same.’

Before we part, I ask Orla what her philosophy on life in general is. ‘My philosophy on life is inspired by those wonderful words by George Eliot: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been”.

This prompted me to query who her favourite poets are, that no doubt there’s a long and growing list. ‘Yes, there are so many fine poets. I’ve been lucky enough to be published with some of the better known ones, poets like Paula Meehan and Theo Dorgan.’ After a short pause, Orla lists the giants which have led the way for poets all around the world, not just at home, poets such as: WB Yeats, Patrick Kavanagh, Seamus Heaney, WA Auden, Basho (of course), Rumi and EE Cummings.

Holding down a full time position if one of our major universities (UCD) is demanding but to have written a full collection (as well as other writing credits), must mean that her creative process is highly disciplined. What is her writing routine? ‘Most of the poems featured in ‘The Frayed Heart’ were inspired by photos I had taken; pebbles on a beach, flowers, fallen leaves, sunsets. I love to work out a poem on paper and I carry notebooks everywhere. Sometimes a phrase will come to me and I’ll write that down and start shaping an idea or an emotion.’ It’s no surprise to learn that one of Orla’s favourite activies, outside of writing, is to walk by 38 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

The Irish actress and the future king of England..

Irish book publisher Poolbeg remain committed to producing books which have style, elegance and above all, the readability factor. ‘By Royal Appointment’ by A. 0’Connor doesn’t disappoint. Based on the little known story of the relationship between the Irish actress Nellie Cliffden and Queen Victoria’s eldest son and heir (Bertie), the novel tracks this dramatic duo through a timeline which rocked the establishment and caused a decade long bitter fued within the royal family.

Irish book publisher Poolbeg remain committed to producing books which have The story is set in 1861 style, elegance and above all, the readability onwards, a period of turmoil factor. By Royal Appointment by in an Ireland coming to terms A. O’Connor doesn’t disappoint

with the aftermath of famine and the growing reality of republicanism. Around this time, plans are put in place for Bertie (The Prince of Wales) to visit Killarney and Dublin in advance of a royal visit by the now very unpopular Queen Victoria. Part of Bertie’s remit is to conduct a charm offensive, where he tries to win back the affections of Victoria’s Irish subjects. Meanwhile, a search for a suitable bride for Bertie continues to occupy his parents (his father, Prince Albert had a strained relationship with his son). However, when Bertie arrives in Dublin, it’s the first time in his life he enjoys true freedom and he gives himself up to the delights of a decadent Dublin society.

Meeting Nellie Cliffden (a vivacious actress of the stage and a prostitute) is the undoing of Bertie. Nellie is so unlike any woman Bertie has met before that he soon comes under her spell. Because of Nellie’s background, the affair must remain secret. Word soon reaches Buckingham Palace, Victoria and Albert are understandably affronted. ‘By Royal Appointment’, unfolds the chain of events which follow when the scandal erupts, a chain of events which result in unimagined and ‘catastrophic consequences’. Writer A. 0’Conner is the bestselling author of twelve previous novels. ‘The Armstrong House trilogy’ has been translated into German and Russian and is an Amazon bestseller. ‘By Royal Appointment’ is O’Conner’s first venture into fictionalising an account of real events. The novel comes in a year in which a number of happy royal events have taken place and is a timely reminder that not all royal affairs end as fairy tales.

A very Happy Christmas and New Year to all Senior Times readers, wherever you are.

By Royal Appointment, by A O’Connor is available from all good bookshops, €14.99 The Frayed Heart (Fiery Arrow Press) is available from Hanna’s Bookshop, Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin and is priced at €15.00.

Maggie O’Dwyer’s website is www.maggieodwyer.ie

Health

Vaccination is the only protection Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. Flu affects people of all ages, with outbreaks occurring almost every year. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. Most people recover from flu in 2-7 days. 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.

In some instances, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death. Serious breathing complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Some people may need hospital treatment and a number of people die from flu each winter.

Flu is spread by coughing and sneezing. Anyone with flu can be infectious from 1 day before to 3-5 days after onset of symptoms. This means that you can pass on flu or the flu virus to somebody even before you know that you are sick.

Each year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains. The flu virus changes each year this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each year. This year’s flu vaccine contains the Swine Flu strain which is likely to be one of the common strains causing flu this winter.

The best way to prevent flu is to get the flu vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for all those 65 years of age and over

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 your pneumococcal vaccine.

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) is recommended for those aged 65 years and older and those over 2 years with long term medical conditions. This vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal disease including those most likely to cause severe disease.

Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection. The bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease live in the nose and throat.

A person who carries the bacteria can spread the disease by coughing, sneezing or even breathing.

Pneumococcal disease can cause serious illness including Pneumonia, Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) or Septicaemia (blood poisoning).

You only need to get pneumococcal vaccine ONCE after you reach 65. If you received your first dose of this vaccine before you reached 65 years of age you should receive a second dose at least 5 years after the first dose.

If you are under 65 you may need a second dose if

those with long term medical conditions e.g. heart or lung disease

You have no spleen or your spleen is not working properly,

all frontline healthcare workers including carers

You have a medical condition causing a weakened immune system.

Vaccination should ideally be undertaken in late September or October each year. Flu vaccines have been used for more than 60 years worldwide and are very safe. Flu vaccine contains killed or inactivated viruses and therefore cannot cause flu. It does, however, take 10-14 days for the vaccine to start protecting you against flu. The vaccine and consultation are free to those within the recommended groups who have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’.

GPs charge a consultation fee for seasonal flu vaccine to those who do not have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’.

More information is available GP, Public Health Nurse or pharmacist. www.immunisation.ie provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you may have about flu.

40 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

You cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine as it does not contain live bacteria.

You can get the flu vaccine at the same time as your pneumococcal vaccine.

The vaccine and consultation are free to those within the recommended groups who have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’. GPs charge a consultation fee for seasonal flu vaccine to those who do not have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’.

More information is available from your GP or Public Health Nurse. www.immunisation.ie provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you may have.

Facts about flu.

Flu causes death and hospitalisation every year.

Flu vaccine is the best protection against flu for at risk groups and health care workers.

You need to get flu vaccine every season as the viruses change every year.

Flu vaccine contains killed viruses - it cannot give you flu.

Healthcare workers are up to 10 times more likely to get flu.

Healthy people can have flu without any obvious symptoms and pass it on.

FLU VACCINE IS A LIFESAVER. GET YOUR FLU VACCINE NOW.

www.hse.ie/flu Order code HNI01089

Study

His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Most Reverend Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Petroc Willey, Professor of Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, pictured with Máirín Ní Shúilleabháin, National Co-ordinator of the Catechism of the Catholic Church Adult Studies in Ireland at our Summer Conference in Knock, 2018

Providing nourishment for the soul Caoimhe Frain talks about a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for people in retirement - studying the Catechism My name is Caoimhe Frain. I started to study my faith a few years before I retired and am now involved in organising Catechism studies locally in Sallynoggin/Glenageary Co. Dublin, where I live.

There are people studying the Catechism in parishes throughout Ireland. Some hundreds have completed the study in the last decade. I am a member of the National Steering Committee of the CCC Adult Studies and I write on their behalf. We were invited to submit an article by Senior Times magazine after a visit to our stand at the World Meeting of Families in the RDS in August.

There is no money involved. There is great camaraderie in the groups.

There is a sense that you are doing the right thing – doing what you can, to search for this pearl of great price – a treasure for which you would give up everything. The study of the Catechism provides nourishment for the soul. The study of our faith is an important part of our Christian vocation along with the other essentials – prayer, Sacraments and community. Many older people will already be praying and receiving the Sacraments but may not perhaps have considered the importance or value of study, in drawing close to God.

We are convinced that there is life after retirement, that older people have wisdom, life experience and plenty of time. Catechism study groups provide an opportunity to learn the faith and to make many new friends.

We must try to guard the deposit of the faith and we do want to pass the faith on to others – but we must know the faith ourselves before we can pass it on!

Learning may prove a challenge initially but anything worthwhile is worth the effort. Ideally you would commit to the study, once a week from September to Christmas and January to Easter. Should it happen that family situations arise, that prevent you continuing, you may take a break and join in again later.

There is time for prayer at the discussion sessions. We start each session with the reading of the Gospel and end with the Prayer of the Church.

42 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

The study is done with the blessing of the bishops. It is essential to have a priest spiritual director in each study group. Many retired priests really enjoy this novel opportunity.

When you start the study you will never look back. You will meet people from all over the country as we have a yearly gathering of all participants.

Since I became involved with the study of the Catechism, I tell my children and grandchildren what I received from my parents and teachers. I

Study have the confidence to express the faith in language suitable to their age. I also enjoy lively conversations (between young university students and older people who have not been at school for years) at the Catechism sessions and sometimes WHAT POPES SAY... tell myTHE husband when I return home the amazing new things I learned. reading of thisthe article you would like to join a group or even “TheIf after Catechism Catholic Church wish tothe start up a new group contact: presents faithful with theplease perennial

teaching of the Church so that they Máirin Ní Shúilleabháin at 087 795 0325 can grow in their understanding of the faith.email ButMáirín it especially seeks to draw our at mairin991@gmail.com contemporaries – with their new and varied – more to thebyChurch, aswebsite she Youproblems can find out visiting our www.catechism.ie. seeks to present the faith as the meaningful answer to human existence at this moment of history”

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ADULT STUDIES

Comments about the study

11 October 2017 “The Catechism, when studied and unpacked, can Pope Francis (Dublin, August 26th 2018) invigorate all those involved in faith development ‘The transmission the faith in itsmomentum. integrity and beauty represents processes, giving ofthem new Catechetical a significant challenge in the context of Ireland’s rapidly evolving programmes for adults, well as children, for home as “Read the Catechism of asthe Catholic society. Genuine religious formation calls for faithful and joyful well as parish, depend for their direction on the universal Church andwhorediscover the not beauty teachers are able to shape only minds but also hearts in Catechism of the Catholic Church in the first of being being church, the loveChristian, of Christ andof in the practice of prayer’. place…” ofShare livingthe as Good part of the National great ‘we’Directory that News: for Catechesis Br.formed Jeremyaround OFM Cap. (Ards, Co. Donegal, facilitator) Jesus him to evangelise in Ireland (Irish Episcopal Conference), 74 the world” Not knowing what to expect, I began the study of the catechism following recommendation and it has provided “I joined the acourse to deepen my knowledge of thedepth Faith.and One of 15 Julyfaith.

2012 to the of my It isthat great hear the insights the meaning images used inpractice our conversation was thetoCatechism is like and reflections on the text thatinthe participants haveEvery studied for an oil-well, suddenly discovered the back garden. week the session. we plumbed its riches, drawing on the wealth of Sacred Scripture, Tradition and the Magisterium in its pages, eager to share it with “May the Catechism serve the (Cork, student and renewal mother) the Gill Church andformer the world.”

to which the Holy Spirit ceaselessly calls John, Catechism Course Student, Derry my City I began studying the when the Church of God, theCatechism Body of Christ, on children were young and in response to their probing questions her pilgrimage to the undiminished light about God and faith.

I wanted prepareto myself toand answer their well, and group thattogathers reflect study thequestions Catechism gathers of“Athe Kingdom”

also, to prepare in turnthey to love, live, their by faith.

I found in faith; they gatherthem because areand firsttogathered the Holy thatYes, my Catechism met thisgives need,usand more.

Spirit... the study ofstudies the11 Catechism an anchor in a world October 1992 where everything is questioned and where there is no agreement Pat (Navan, facilitator) about fundamental principles or standards. The Catechism Studies equips people with a language that enables them to engage In September of this year I started – with a parish-based group confidently with others in discussion of matters of faith and its of about twenty people – to systematically study the Catechism ForisFurther Information visit dimensions. That a very beautiful task that you have – to faciliof the Catholic Church. My Catholic Faith has always been tate, to make easy, the action of the Holy Spirit in the life of another.” important to me but the origin and reason of much of its teaching was to me.

Through my I have come to appreciate Most Revunclear Brendan Kelly, Bishop ofstudy Galway, the richnessand of this text and consequently, my Faith. Knowing the Kilmacduagh Kilfenora B.A. truth of all Máirín this, callsNíforShúilleabháin a response from meDiv. – how do I live the rest of my life?

Co-ordinator, Adult Studies - Catechismthrough of the Catholic Church “As facilitator I work systematically the text of the MOB 087 795 0325 EMAIL catechism@corkandross.org Catechism with a group of adults in the presence of our priest Kate (Galway, facilitator) spiritual director. For me, discussing matters of faith with adults is most andCatechism enriching.but Wehad explore text, try toit I had exhilarating read parts of the neverthe gone through understand it and apply it to our lives.

We learn from one another. systematically as I am doing now, in a study group. The prayers I really enjoy it.”the liturgy, and scripture have come alive and taken of the Mass,

www.catechism.ie

on newStudy significance. presence of the spiritual director is of Caoimhe, Group The Facilitator, Dublin prime importance and people are very happy to have this venue to be able to ask their questions and to get answers that are “Myorthodox. priesthood has been deeply enriched by this Catechism study. From preparing my Gospel reflections each week, to reading theshona Catechism andgo learning from thebeannacht shared insights Nollaig dhaoibh léir agus gach don of the athbhliain! group members, I’ve been blessed as a spiritual director to see people grow in their appreciation and understanding of the faith.

Indeed, for many, this Máirín Ní Shúilleabháin B.A.has Div.been life-changing.”

Co-ordinator, Adult Studies - Catechism of the Catholic Church Fr. Shane O’Neill, Study Group Spiritual Director, Waterford MOB 087 795 0325 EMAIL catechism@corkandross.org

WHAT THE POPES SAY...

“The Catechism of the Catholic Church presents the faithful with the perennial teaching of the Church so that they can grow in their understanding of the faith. But it especially seeks to draw our contemporaries – with their new and varied problems – to the Church, as she seeks to present the faith as the meaningful answer to human existence at this moment of history” 11 October 2017

“Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and rediscover the beauty of being Christian, of being church, ‘Guarding of that faith is the of living as part ofthe the deposit great ‘we’ Jesus formed around him to evangelise mission which the Lord has entrusted to His the world”

Church and which she fulfils in every age’ 15 July 2012

POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II

FIDEI DEPOSITUM “May the Catechism serve the renewal to which the Holy Spirit ceaselessly calls the Church of God, the Body of Christ, on her pilgrimage to the undiminished light of the Kingdom” 11 October 1992

19/07/2018 09:11

For Further Information visit

www.catechism.ie Máirín Ní Shúilleabháin B.A. Div. Co-ordinator, Adult Studies - Catechism of the Catholic Church MOB 087 795 0325 EMAIL catechism@corkandross.org Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 43

Adult Studies Brochure 0718.indd 1

O

Obituary

Nice guys don’t always come last Aubrey Malone salutes the great Sonny Knowles

The Window Cleaner is gone. Was there ever a man more unprepossessing, more unaware of his popularity? A remnant of an era where people sang because they loved it rather than looking for a contract from someone like Simon Cowell without knowing a crochet from a hatchet, he became one of the most loved cabaret performers of his generation.

I had a particular connection with him because I used to go and see him with my girlfriend every Friday night when he was performing in Molly Malones off Capel Street back in the day.

We’d be sitting there with our drinks waiting for the magic point of the night, the point where he sang one of his signature tunes, Three Good Reasons Why I Love you. He was better known for I’ll Take Care of Your Cares For You but this was the one we always preferred.

It gave you a chance to move to it, and get up on your feet if you wanted to.

‘One,’ he’d sing, and the finger would go up, ‘For the special way you care.’ Then a second finger: ‘Two, when I call you’re always there.’ Third finger:, ‘Three , for all the things you ga-ave to me, that’s three good reasons, three good reasons

why I lo-ove you.’By now we’d all be doing the 1970s equivalent of the Mexican wave. He had us in the palm of his (window cleaning) hand and he knew it.

There was a happy-go-lucky atmosphere at soirees like this. It was long before the era of the super-venue, or even the superstar. You weren’t at The Point, you weren’t at Vicar Street. You were in Sonny’s kitchen, being serenaded by him. Even though he might be wearing a gold jacket and with more rings on his fingers than Elvis, there was no real distance between performer and audience. And no showing off.

Like most good singers, he didn’t think he had much of a voice. Leonard Cohen once said, ‘I can just about carry a song.’

Bruce Springsteen described himself as having the voice of a barman. Bob Dylan has been described as sounding like a hound dog caught in a barbed wire fence. Tom Waits is a rhinoceros growling under water. Ronnie Drew sounded like pebbles rattling around in your mouth.

You don’t hear people talked about in these kinds of terms anymore, even ordinary singers

44 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

like Mickey Bubbles (or Michael Bublé as some people call him). Sonny, like the icons above, was a humble man. He didn’t think he deserved to be where he was and that made us love him even more. Joe Dolan was like that too.

They came from a simpler Ireland, from a time where you did your job – like Dickie Rock in Unidare – and scrubbed yourself up afterwards in case a gig might come along somewhere like The Hitching Post in Leixlip.

Then yourself and your fellow band members would barrel into your sister-in-law’s Mini-metro and hit the road. You’d be lucky if you got paid but you didn’t mind. The audience were thrilled to have you. And you sent them home sweatin.’

Sonny was born in the Liberties. His father died on the day of his First Communion. His mother passed away seven years later from a stroke.

Being an orphan while still in his teens might have traumatised other souls but Sonny was made of sterner stuff. He sucked up everything life threw at him and never stopped smiling, even if he was crying inside. He was raised by his elder brother Harry, a trombone played with the RTE Concert Orchestra. Sonny went on to develop an interest in the saxophone as a result of his influence but if you told him as a young man that he’d have a cabaret career spanning five decades he’d have called for the men in the white suits to take you away.

Obituary He trained as a tailor before being bitten by the showbiz bug, performing with the Pacific Showband and the Earl Gill Showband before teaming up with Dermot O’Brien and his band The Clubmen for two years in the late sixties.

After that he went solo. ‘I had enough of life on the road,’ he said. Devoting himself to residencies in places like The Old Shieling and The Braemor Rooms, sometimes he performed in three venues on the same night. It didn’t take much out of him because he never saw it as a job. ‘He was the only one who didn’t know he was famous,’ said his friend Ronan Collins, ‘For him a gig was just like a sing-song, having a night out.’ He never took his name out of the phone book. You didn’t have to go through a herd of agents to get to him; that was his charm and his attraction.

I never heard anyone saying a bad word about him. The phrase ‘An era died with him’ has

been over-used but in this case it’s applicable.

He was our Tony Bennett, a man with a heart as big as all outdoors.

It won’t surprise you to learn he did a lot of work for the Irish Cancer Society and other charities.

A family man to his fingertips, it broke his heart when his children moved out to Australia. He visited them frequently and for a time considered moving out there for good. ‘There are more of us there than here,’ he said, and two of them even lived within an asses roar of one another in Perth. But he wasn’t to be persuaded. Why? ‘Because too many people know me in Ireland,’ he explained. Benedict Kiely once said he was stopped 17 times between The White Horse pub and the old Evening Press offices by people he met on the street asking him to go for a drink with them. Sonny liked to say that if

he went out to buy a newspaper at ten o’clock in the morning, he wouldn’t make it home in time for dinner because so many people wanted to engage him in chit-chat.

A remnant of Dubbelin in the Rare Old times, he was revered by so many people he could have run for President and had a fighting chance of making it into the Aras. Or maybe he’d have been more suited to Lord Mayor.

The world is a poorer place for the passing of the smiling crooner with gold in his throat. He lasted until 86, having licked The Big C twice.

He was married to his wife Sheila for 62 years.

With Big Tom and himself now gone up to that big cabaret hall in the sky, who’s left to plough our fields?

Or clean our windows?

Competition results from last issue GUESS THE YEAR Page 16 1979 Break at Eccles Hotel, Glengariff Derry Walsh, Dublin 11 Break at a Neville Hotel Ann Caulfield, Limerick

Crossword - Three copies of A Soldiers Wife Patrick Kavanagh, Mullingar, Co Westmeath Anna Dooley, Birr, co Offaly Marion Meyer, Glengormley, Co Antrim Three copies of Neven Maguire’s Home Economics for Life Theresa Finnegan, Oldcastle, Co Meath Elizabeth O’Mahony, Glenageary, Co Dublin John Mahon, Rathdowney, Co Laois

Poolbeg childrens books Emily and Kate McNamara, Dumshambo, Co Leitrim Michael McDonald, Dublin 6W Mary Marshall, Knockboy, Co Waterford

JANUARY / FEBRUARY OVER 50’S MIDWEEK BREAKS Enjoy a midweek break in Tralee this January/February to include one of our complimentary Literary Evenings:

Literary

Evenings 2019

Wednesday 16th January

An evening of Poetry with Kerrie O’Brien

Wednesday 23rd January

2 Dinner, B&B €107 pps 3 Dinner, B&B €156 pps

Novelist Carmel Harrington talks to Radio Kerry

Single Room Supplement €28 per night

Holocaust Survivor Tomi Reichental

Our packages also include complimentary Tea/Coffee & Scones on arrival

Wednesday 30th January Wednesday 6th February

Poet & Playwright Stephen James Smith

KERRY HOSPITALITY AT IT’S BEST The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4.

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Northern

By Debbie Orme

Notes

A step back in time

Ballealy before and after restoration.

I love the National Trust and its beautiful properties. I don’t know how many times I’ve visited one of the beautifully restored properties and thought ‘I’d love to stay here for a night. It would be like going back in time.’

Well, recently I discovered that you can go back in time! When I googled ‘historic properties to rent in mid-Antrim’ I was amazed to see that there was a mid-nineteenth century former deer-keeper’s cottage only five miles from me for rent!

I also discovered Irish Landmark Trust - a non-profit organisation that finds interesting and unusual properties that are in need of conservation, and gives them new life. Since 1992, Irish Landmark Trust has been turning historic buildings into truly special self-catering holiday accommodation and the current range of NI properties includes lighthouses and schoolhouses, castles and gate lodges!

‘Our primary aim,’ says the Trust’s CEO, Mary O’Brien, ‘is to conserve and sustain iconic buildings. That’s why Irish Landmark properties are living buildings, not museum settings. Irish Landmark always respects the history and architectural integrity of the structures we conserve, but we also ensure they have all the contemporary comforts you want in a holiday home.

46 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

The latest addition to the Landmark Trust NI

‘Over the past two decades, we’ve conserved and taken care of 31 quirky, eccentric, and distinctive buildings across Ireland. Irish Landmark uses only the best artisans, builders and craftspeople, and we give them scope to revive traditional skills that might otherwise be lost.

‘Conservation projects like ours can lift the morale of communities, and the tourist revenue from Irish Landmark guests brings cash infusions and new energy to these areas. Keeping the buildings truly relevant means offering the romance of a medieval spiral staircase, along with a modern kitchen and a shower that works.

‘Public and private owners typically agree to let us take properties on 50-year leases that allow us to make them suitable for holiday accommodation. Once a lease expires, the property reverts to the owner.’

Ballealy Cottage – the deerkeeper’s cottage in which I stayed – is a prime example of a property that has been lovingly restored. The ‘olde worlde’ feel of the cottage, which was situated in the most beautiful countryside - complete with deer roaming around - has been capitalised on and has created a holiday home that is perfect for when you need a little solitude and r’n’r.

Northern Notes

Older volunteers celebrate Sam Henry inspires a new good deeds generation of storytellers

The Causeway Yarnspinners recently explored the Sam Henry collection through stories, songs and poetry at a recent event held in Kilrea Town Hall.

Iris Shannon, who was nominated by East Belfast Mission, receives her Older Volunteer of the Year award from Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey.

Older volunteers are providing so much value in their support for community groups across Belfast that judges for the Age-Friendly Older Volunteer Awards are ‘seeing double’ in almost every category.

Joint winners in three out of the five categories were recently announced in an awards ceremony at Belfast City Hall, and included winners of the prestigious Older Volunteer of the Year, Making a Difference and Good Neighbour Awards.

Iris Shannon, nominated by East Belfast Mission, and Athletics Northern Ireland’s John Glover, each received an individual Older Volunteer of the Year award. The awards were presented by Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey.

Iris volunteers in the Hosford Homeless Project Going Green co-ordinating groups on Health and Wellbeing, Gardening and Community Arts. East Belfast Mission said that through her excellent interpersonal skills ‘she has made a great impact on our clients, raising their self-esteem and confidence through understanding what it’s like to walk in another’s shoes’.

John Glover was unable to attend the awards, but his wife was nominated by Athletic NI, after 50 years spent participating and helping others enjoy the sport. He still enjoys running, cycling and hammer throwing but in the last year alone could also be found acting as volunteer announcer, course measurer, competition organiser and coach.

They describe him as ‘an invaluable member of the athletics community.”

‘People are one of Belfast’s most important resources,’ said Lord Mayor, Councillor Hargey, ‘and that applies whether they are economically active or not. Many community groups could not exist and make the differences they do without the constant support of volunteers like yourselves.'

‘You are all doing a really worthwhile job, giving up your free time to help others. While it is wonderful to be able to recognise some of you here today I also want to thank those who aren’t here and who volunteer in any capacity. We really appreciate the work you are doing across the city,’ added the Lord Mayor.

The Yarnspinners, who are a local story-telling group, revealed new information about people in Sam’s photograph’s, recited new poetry about local places of interest and sang songs from the prestigious collection.

Gordon Craig, Sam Henry’s grandson, was among those in attendance.

Sam was born in 1878 in Coleraine. He was an avid folklorist, historian, photographer, ornithologist, naturalist, genealogist and musician. Through his work he formed relationships with an older generation and recorded aspects of their lives that are now all but forgotten.’ In my contact with the old, who have all now passed away,’ he wrote, ‘I had the rare privilege of sharing their folk lore and their old songs.’

Henry is perhaps best known for his ‘Songs of the People’ series, which ran in the Northern Constitution between 1923 and 1938. It published songs known, played and sung by people across Northern Ireland.

To find out more about the collection and the project, visit the ‘Connecting With The Past’ exhibition in Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady which is open until Saturday 26th January.

This project is funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund and administrated by the Museums Association.

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 47

Northern Notes

Success of Mum at work on-line business group

At Senior Times we love to hear about successful mums, who have managed to combine raising their family with pursuing their own dreams. Yet ten years ago, Magherafelt mum Sinead Norton’s life was anything but a dream.

‘Even though I had had my first four kids relatively young, I had still managed to carve out a successful career in sales,’ she told Senior Times. ‘Then, ten years ago, when I was now a single mum looking after four kids, I was unexpectedly made redundant. Once I’d got over the shock, however, I decided to start utilising the skills that I had developed over the years and set up my own business instead of being reliant on someone else for my income again.’

Sinead established Swift Cleaning and Ironing Services and, within a short time had a staff of five and a turnover of £200,000, but by this time she had spotted a gap in the market for laundering wedding linens and so she decided to set her sights on working directly with hotels to maximise events. Within a year of opening, Sinead’s company was contracted to thirteen local hotels.

‘We still use our professional laundry equipment,’ she continues, ‘but now Swift Wedding Services launders its own stock, which is worth in excess of £60,000. This has allowed us to supply and dress more than 3600 weddings and events in the last six years.’

By this time, Sinead had married for a second time and had welcomed another three kids. Having overcome challenges in her own career, she decided to try and help other mums, who were looking to create or grow their own businesses.

‘My passion,’ she says, is for helping mums to make their way in business and I wanted to support and encourage them to build their businesses.’

The result was Mums at Work, an online group of like-minded mums, which in its first year of business has now grown to an amazing membership of 3000!

‘I know more than most how isolated the working mum can be,’ says Sinead, ‘and time to yourself is very limited. It’s important to take the time to find help and advice on how to build your business and market yourself.’

Ranging from full-time employed mums looking to start a business, to successful female entrepreneurs, the member profile of Mums at Work is as diverse as the mums themselves and the regular meet-ups are vibrant events.

What’s her secret?

‘It’s all about a rota system,’ she laughs. ‘As any mum with a family of ‘steps and stones’ knows, the older ones tend to look after the wee ones, so it’s not as difficult as it sounds. When I was a child, it was grandpar 48 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

ents, who looked after kids while mums worked, but they have now empowered themselves to have more active lives and so this invaluable childcare resource isn’t as readily available as it once was. Mums now have to sort out for themselves how to manage a career and childcare.’

Mums at Work is like a Monday morning meeting, where you set your objectives for the week and chat to others about how you’re going to meet those objectives. It’s not about selling your services to others, it’s about a referral network. We also have coffee mornings every six weeks in every area in Northern Ireland and these are very well attended.

Mums at Work isn’t just confined to Northern Ireland, however. Sinead already has members living in other countries: mums, who work at home and who are networking online. With members living as far away as Dubai, the group is definitely ‘going global’.

‘I honestly don’t think that many mums realise how much they have invested in their jobs,’ Sinead continues. ‘There are still many mums who are in the same position as I was ten years ago, where I had built up so much knowledge of a particular business, but wasn’t utilising my experience and skills by building up my own business. That wake-up call when I was made redundant was the kick up the backside that I needed to get myself going.

‘So many mums feel undervalued in what they are doing – regardless of how qualified they are. We even had one mum, who was a barrister, but wasn’t enjoying what she was doing at all. She eventually left her job and began life skills coaching, which she is absolutely loving, and which is making her feel fulfilled in what she is doing. This sense of fulfilment is transmitted to home life and makes for a much happier environment all round.’

The Mums at Work success stories have already come thick and fast.

One mum – Kim Constable – launched an online bodybuilding vegan programme – and is now earning a six-figure income, while another mum, Sonya McAllister went online to give people advice about how she was managing to lose weight. The result was the We Slim Together group, which has now been franchised out across Northern Ireland.

You may think that having seven children would be challenging. You may think that running a highly successful business would be challenging. But if there is one thing that Sinead Norton loves, it’s a challenge.

Wine World

Thumbs up for Festive fiz!

Mairead Robinson suggests some tipples to celebrate the season that’s in it.

While Christmas does seem to come around with rapid regularity as the years speed up, the one good thing about this time of year is that it is an opportunity to spoil yourself and celebrate with family and friends.

Traditionally it has been with bubbles, and this is even more the case these days with so many sparkling wines available at prices way below that of classic champagne. In the last issue we highlighted from Graham Norton, and these are gaining great popularity particularly his Spumante which is deliciously dry and made with Glera grapes from the home of Prosecco. Currently on offer at E17.95 from Tesco, this is the one we will be starting the Christmas celebrations in our house this year.

Graham Norton’s lighter, sweeter Prosecco Frizzante is normally priced at E12 and is currently great value at just E10 available now in Centra and Super Valu.

I am always pleased to recommend good wines from Chile, as often the perception of Chilean wines is simply ‘cheap and cheerful’ while over the last few years the quality of their wines has increased. Carmenere is their

Carmenere is a lovely food wine, and one that can certainly work well with your festive fare. My choice is the Gran Reserve Carmenere from Koyle, who recently launched in Ireland and produce exceptional wines from the Colchagua Valley using biodynamic methods.

signature grape, but unfortunately as it began to gain popularity worldwide, vast amounts of mediocre carmenere began to flood the market. However in recent years due to investment in research and development the quality of many Chilean wines has increased substantially.

Carmenere is a lovely food wine, and one that can certainly work well with your festive fare.

My choice is the Gran Reserve Carmenere from Koyle, who recently launched in Ireland and produce exceptional wines from the Colchagua Valley using biodynamic methods.

Colchagua is situated at the foot of the Andes mountains, and an area I have visited on a

number of occasions and is home to some great wines. The name Koyle comes from a native Chilean plant which grows in the oak forests and produces a purple flower and delicious fruit. The winery was started by Don Francisco Undurraga in 1885 and is now in the hands of the sixth generation of that family.

The grapes are hand harvested, vinified in small lots and then aged in French oak barrels.

The result is an outstanding Carmenere. They also produce an intense Koyle Costa Cuarzo Sauvignon Blanc from grapes planted on slopes on granite and quartz soils. Fermented in stainless steel tanks it is then matured on its lees to open up the flavours before bottling.

And if you fancy something really different and special this festive season, check out the Koyle Don Cande Muscat. Once again hand harvested grapes and then vinified at a very low temperature to retain their citrus, grape and peach notes. It is a fusion of high-tech winemaking techniques and old bush vines Muscat.

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 49

Wine World

Now Ribero Del Duero is of the best wine producing regions in Spain, and the quality of their wines has been gaining increased praise over the last number of years. It is a beautiful part of the country and has seven km of land bathed in the Duero river making it an exceptional terroir and is well worth visiting while in Spain. Bodegas PradoRey’s history dates back to 1503 and they combine tradition with innovation to produce some of the best wines in the region.

The winery was built in harmony with its natural surroundings. It is embedded in a hillside, partially underground, following the centuries-old tradition of the surrounding towns, to maintain constant conditions of temperature and humidity for ageing wines. Inside, the winery has an innovative barrel stacking

system using metal sleepers that form an original and effective honeycomb structure. The winery also has an automated barrel washing line and a hall with 21,000 litre French Nevers oak vats to complement wine ageing in traditional 225 and 300 litre French, American and Central European Barrels. Pradorey Origen Roble is a delicious red wine made with 95% tempranillo, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot. For something quite different, try the PradoRey Rose, which is 100% tempranillo, best served slightly chilled and gorgeous with your starters.

It carries quite a punch at 14.5%, so a small glass to start!

Finally the PradoRey white wine from Rueda is made with 95% Verdejo with 5% Sauvignon Blanc and is a delightfully aromatic wine, light food friendly, and also as lovely aperitif.

ANOTHER NEW IRISH GIN! I am always impressed with the quality and variety of gin being made here in Ireland with an exotic twist. The latest one to come to my attention is Chinnery Dublin Dry Gin, which is enriched with ten botanicals including the wonderful flavours of Osmanthus flower and Oolong Tea. Distiller David Havelin has spent quite some time in China from where the background story begins, and he is soon to return there with his new product, which will undoubtedly be a great hit. The label depicts a Georgian Dublin townhouse with Chinese dĂŠcor behind the windows, both a nod to Mr Chinnery whose name graces this new gin.

In 1800 Georgian Dublin was enjoying the fruits of sea trade with Imperial China. The ships that delivered silk, spices, porcelain and tea to Europe also conveyed the adventurous to the Orient. Among them was George Chinnery.

His is a great story and this is an excellent gin worthy of his name. Well worth checking out either for yourself or as a gift for somebody who really appreciates a superior gin.

50 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Fit The indoor & outdoor activities supplement

Edited by Conor O’Hagan

Walking

To The Islands!

Conor O’Hagan plots the routes for walks on three islands around the Irish coast, Arranmore, Dursey and Inishbofin

Dursey Island Mid-winter may not seem the most obvious time to head for Ireland’s storm-tossed extremities, but after the indoor excesses of the Festive Season, many of us are only desperate for the rigours of a bracing walk. Air just doesn’t get any fresher than you’ll find on these three looped walks. They may not be the easiest to get to, but chances are you’ll have them to yourself. No giftwrapping, no mistletoe, no paper crowns – just the majesty of ocean and cliffs – plus the company you bring with you. Dress appropriately!

Dursey Island Dursey Island is located at the tip of the Beara Peninsula in Co. Cork.

Access to the island is by the only cablecar in Ireland, which takes six people or one large animal at a time! The island has very few inhabitants and no shops, pubs or restaurants - thus offering a unique experience of undisturbed tranquility. Dursey is famous for its magnificent selection of bird species and is a birdwatchers’ heaven. The island has a stark and appealing beauty, with rugged indented coastline, lofty cliffs, open

bog and a patchwork of fields divided by dry stone walls and ditches.

The landscape is almost treeless since few parts of the island are not exposed to strong winds and salt spray. The landscape is dotted with antiquities ranging from standing stones and early monastery to an impressive signal station from the Napoleonic era. [The cablecar operates only certain periods of the day - please check timetable at www.durseyisland.ie/cable-car-timetable.html and allow at least 5hrs for your trip.]

Start from Castletownbere (or Castletown Berehaven) on the R572 on the southern side of the Beara Peninsula. Follow the R572 for 15km to reach a junction with the R575 near Bealbarnish Gap – turn left here following the signs for Dursey Island. Another 7km will take you to the Cable Car at Ballaghboy.

Starting from the cable car, follow the purple arrow along the roadway which travels the southern side of the island. You are also on the long-distance Beara Way marked with yellow arrows and the familiar trekking man logo. After 1km you reach Ballynacallagh the first of three villages on the island. Continue along the roadway.

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Walking

Arranmore

Arranmore Island Loop Three miles off Burtonport, on Donegal’s west coast, Arranmore, Árainn Mhór is the second largest of Ireland’s inhabited islands, with a population of just over 500. The island is part of the Donegal Gaeltacht.

Arranmore is served by two ferry services, a conventional ferry and since 2007, a fast ferry service taking just five minutes. Both services run daily all year. Stunning views across adjoining islands and Arranmore itself and the vast Atlantic reward a relatively easy walk of 14km; a fine outing for Easter Weekend!

Follow the roadway for a further 1km to reach the village of Kilmichael where it is said that monks from Skellig Rock founded the ancient church - now a ruin. Stay on the roadway.

Continue along the roadway for a further 3kms - and enjoy the spectacular views of the Beara Peninsula on your left. To your right runs a range of steep hills along which you will return - the Signal Station is at the highest of 252m. Within 100m of the end of the roadway, you turn right at a stone wall onto the hillside section.

Trailhead : Cablecar, Dursey, Co. Cork Services : Castletownbere (22km), Allihies (12km) Distance: 14km / 3.5hrs-4hrs Difficulty: Moderate Terrain: Roadways, paths and tracks.

Minimum Gear: Walking boots, raingear, snack and fluid 52 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

The walk around Arainn Mhor (Arranmore) is signposted as Sli Arainn Mhor (part of Bealach na Gaeltachta which is a National Waymarked way) and begins and ends at the Ferry Port. The views in all directions along that walk are stunning and the western half of the route is particularly remote.

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Walking

Inishbofin

blue (and purple and red) arrows. The red and purple arrows are for Starting from the pier on arrival on the island, the loop joins the surfaced road and turns left. After approximately 200m the walker reaches a T-junction from where the loop ‘proper’ begins. The mapboard is located at the small Community Centre on the right of the T-junction - but the loop turns left. Follow the surfaced roadway for almost 1km (passing the school on the left) and reach a junction where you turn left. Continue along this surfaced road as it descends towards the sea but watch for a right turn after 400m.

Turn right towards a cluster of houses but, after only 30m, veer left onto an old green track which takes you to the graveyard on the south coast.

Joining surfaced roadway again, turn right. Follow the surfaced road for almost 1km to reach a crossroads where you turn left. The next 3km of roadway runs parallel to the coast before taking a sharp right and climbing steeply across the eastern shoulder of Cranagarn. Your surroundings now change significantly as you travel in a northerly direction across this isolated section of the island. There are fine views of the west coast on you left - on your right is a mix of sand/stone quarrying and turf cutting by hand. A 3km walk takes you to the southern slopes of Frenchmans Hill. At a T-junction, you turn left.

The loop descends now to join the shores of Lough Shore and pass a memorial which marks the islands connections with Beaver Island Canada. Shortly afterwards the loop leaves the surfaced road and turns right onto a bog road. (The lighthouse at Binrawros Point is approximately 2km along the road - if you decide to visit it be careful to leave yourself enough time and to return to this point after your trip.). The bog road crosses Pluchog before joining surfaced roadway and beginning a long descent to the trailhead.

Distance: 14km Terrain: Quiet country roads, bog roads, hillside tracks Grade: Moderate Ascent: 190m/260m Estimated Time: 4hrs - 5hrs Trailhead: Pier at Arran Island, Co. Donegal

Inishbofin Middlequarter Loop Inishbofin lies 10km off the coast of County Galway. Please refer to 42a the Westquarter loop for further information about Inishbofin.

Starting from the mapboard at the top of the pier, turn left and follow the 54 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

other loops. After approx 200m you reach a junction with Pound Road turn right here and ascend to reach a crossroads. Note that the red loop turns right at the crossroads - you turn left following the blue and purple arrows.

Follow this road past the school and after nearly 1km you reach a 3-way junction where you turn right. After 100m cross a stile and join a gravel roadway. After approx 200m you reach a bog roadway on your right - note that the purple (Westquarter) loop proceeds straight on here - but you turn right. Enjoy the trek to Middlequarter for 1km before the roadway begins to peter out. Near the end, the loop leaves the roadway and turns sharp right and uphill. The next section takes you onto a ridge marked with stone cairns and eventually a communications mast. From here you have superb views of large sections of the island - including a recently-built airstrip!

Continuing to follow the blue arrows as the loop descends from the communications mast to two water reservoirs and then takes you around the end of the airstrip. After a mix of roadways and open ground you rejoin an old roadway at a gate and stile. Now back on terra firma, the loop reaches a T-junction where you rejoin the red loop briefly, turn left, and almost immediately turn right to descend to a T-junction where you turn right.

Now follow the blue red arrows for 150m before turning left and descending to the quay area where you turn right. Follow the road for 500m past the church and back to the pier.

Distance: 5km / 1.5hrs - 2hrs Ascent: 90m / 100m Grade: Moderate Minimum Gear: Hiking boots, raingear, snack and fluid.

Terrain: Minor roads, laneways, bog roads and green roads.

Health and well-being

Confessions of a low-energy person

The greatest obstacle most of us face in reaching fitness, writes Conor O’Hagan – at any age or stage in life – is recognising the difference between fatigue and lethargy;

A confession. I’m not what you’d call a high-energy person.

I have never, in my life to date, leapt out of bed (except on the one occasion in Sardinia, but there was a scorpion on the loose). My natural state is lethargy and every single session of exercise I have ever undertaken has required an effort of will – even though, when it came to it I enjoyed virtually all of them. I don’t know if Kathryn Thomas has the same problem, but if she does, she’s hiding it well.

The reason for this revelation (I don’t bare my soul for the hell of it) is that early in January, having endured the traditional madness that is Christmas, Ireland will plunge headlong into the less traditional but equally compulsory madness that is RTE’s Operation Transformation. Love OT or hate it, it’s hard to avoid – so maybe you shouldn’t try.

Operation Transformation and its many reality TV cousins involve a lot of exposure to flab, and people struggling to embrace a more active lifestyle. By and large, I’ve steered away from the subject of weight in this column. I’m not an expert and I speak as someone who carts around a good couple of stone of excess famine insurance. Although walking is pretty much unchallenged as the best way to lose it, personally I’m not comfortable with the current tight focus on weight as the measure of health. But one thing that comes through loud and clear when fat people get the OT treatment is the role of psychology, and that in the battle for health and fitness everything changes when you start enjoying the process. For most people it’s the tipping point, where willpower at last ceases to be the only driver. And that’s fertile ground in any fitness context.

Back to the TV. There’s an ad campaign you may have seen, using the tagline ‘The Joy of Movement’. It has the ring of a slogan for mass calisthenics or some unsavoury political movement, but it does convey something important – that exercise doesn’t have to be something you do because you have to. Except that for many of us it is. The pleasure of running around for no reason at all is something we forget as our lifestyles polarise around work and leisure, and, partly because the lan-

guage of fitness is laced with concepts of morality, duty and judgement, the association between activity and pleasure can be hard to regain.

Our first thought is that we’ll get tired, which we don’t like. The second is that it’s cold outside. And so on, and so sedentary.

In my opinion, the greatest obstacle most of us face in reaching fitness – at any age or stage in life – is recognising the difference between fatigue and lethargy; and the best way to underline the distinction is to enjoy being active.

With Christmas and the winter solstice behind us, according to www. timeanddate.com the last day of January will be 77 minutes longer than the first; confirming that, as we are fond of saying (though usually not so much in January), there’s a grand stretch in the evenings just now.

There’s an even grander stretch in the mornings, which is something I can’t quite get my head around, but that’s what the numbers say. The darkest days are over.

My point, and you saw it coming a mile off, is that with more daylight comes greater opportunity to really enjoy walking and consequently more chance of success in whatever you’re hoping to achieve through it, if anything.

Don’t wait for the clocks to go forward; take advantage of the longer mornings and evenings by walking; slow or fast, near or far. Do it just to remind yourself that there’s pleasure to be had from movement (joy might be pushing it a little).

Energy isn’t something you find or lose, it’s something you expend. If that sounds a little pedantic, it’s probably because I am pedantic - but haven’t you ever dragged yourself off the sofa, convinced that you’re too tired to move, to go for a walk, only to find that the Gods of energy have smiled upon your endeavours, and you’re enjoying yourself? I can’t be the only one.

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Volunteering

Ethical Volunteering with VMM International

Eilis McDonald, positive discipline mentor, in Nkonkonjeru, Uganda

‘As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.’

– Audrey Hepburn

Enjoy ethical volunteering on a short term placement with VMM International: a registered charity which has recently celebrated its 50th birthday and the success of sending thousands of volunteers all over Africa.

Now is the time to consider using your experience, wisdom, generous and youthful heart to continue to make a difference!

Short term placements are available in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi for retirees and professionals. VMM will organise your volunteering and as we have comprehensive compliance with the Comhlámh Code of Good Practice as volunteer sending agency, we know best how support you before, during and after your placement.

All placements are tailor made to match you: your skills and to meet the greatest needs of our partners and their communities.

Our programmes include: Human rights, social care, podiatry, research, child rights, criminology, teaching and teaching assistants, agriculture, special needs assistants, physiotherapists and more.

Take a moment to view our short term volunteer brochure: www.vmminternational.org For further information and a bit of inspiration, please contact Fiona, on: +353 (0) 892 523 285 fiona@vmminternational.org 56 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Electricity being installed in St Noas primary school, Uganda as a result of VMM volunteer donations

Motivation

On top of the world Pat and team at the North Pole

Colette Sheridan profiles life and extraordinary times of climber, motivator and inspirational speaker Pat Falvey Explorer extraordinaire, businessman, motivator and inspirational speaker, Pat Falvey, has recently published his autobiography, Accidental Rebel. In it, he charts the highs and lows of his life and his philosophy which is to think big and refuse to accept society's restrictions. Pat, one of Cork's most famous 'norries' is proud of his north side roots and the resilience of its people, often in the face of adversity.

Pat says his grandmother ‘bate positivity into me as a young child. She was ahead of her time. Now, I'm one of the top motivational speakers in Ireland and l lecture all around the world, talking about my grandmother's philosophy. She could neither read nor write. But she articulated her philosophy by saying I had to work hard. She set me up when I was six with a pram to collect second hand clothes, going from door to door.

Born on Baker's Road in Gurranabraher, Pat went to live with his grandmother from the age of six to twelve on Orrery Road, close to his parents' home. (His mother didn't want her own mother to live alone.) Now aged sixty-one, Pat looks back on his formative years and credits his parents, and in particularly his maternal grandmother, Mary B O'Callaghan, for instilling in him a strong work ethic. Astonishingly, his grandmother had him out working at the age of six, paying him to collect old clothes from households which she would sell at markets.

Believe it or not, by the time I was twelve, I had £750 in the bank. At the time, it cost £3,000 to £4,000 to buy a house. My grandmother was an amazing person. She made me put the money into a piggy bank and then in the bank.’

‘My grandmother was a carter, selling clothes from a cart. Later in life, she had a Hiace van driving to Macroom and places like that to sell. She was a matriarch who taught me the art of confidence. She had me going around the streets of north side Cork, home to five thousand council houses.’

When Pat was aged twelve, his grandmother wanted him to attend Farranferris seminary. ‘Not alone did she want me to be a priest. She thought I'd make a great bishop. My mother took me back home. She didn't want me to go to Farranferris so I went to the North Monastery.

‘My grandmother always called me her bar of gold. She made me an entrepreneur, right from the start. One of the things she told me was probably what made me the person I am. I was pushing a pram of clothes, passing the Opera House. Three Americans wanted to take photos of poor Irish children. I was on my way to the Coal Quay market Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 57

with my wares when the Americans asked if they could take my picture.

So that was my first modelling job! I put out my hand and got money from them. One of the Americans said that poor Irish children are far happier than American kids. That really struck me. So later, I asked my grandmother if we were better off poor. She gave me a clatter as only a grandmother could do. She dragged me into the house and put me in front of four iconic pictures. They were pictures of the Sacred Heart, the Pope, De Valera and JFK. My grandmother said I was as good as JFK. So at twelve, I started to believe I was as powerful as him.’

Pat on top of Everest in 1995

At fifteen, Pat left school – ‘to become a millionaire. I didn't really know what money could do. But ingrained in me was the art of salesmanship.’ Following in his father's footsteps, Pat worked as a bricklayer and developed a construction business. By the age of twenty-three, he had achieved his ambition of becoming a millionaire. However, the 1980s recession all but destroyed his business and brought him to the brink of suicide.

‘In the building business, I had done very well. I was a bit of an obnoxious asshole on the basis that I was ruthless. When you're young and like that, you're kind of heartless. The best thing that ever happened to me was that I got a kick in the arse. It brought me back to my background which my grandmother told me never to forget. I had jumped beyond my station. I expanded too fast. I didn't listen to advice. In 1986, when the mortgage rate was 18%, I had £2m borrowed and the interest rate was 36%. That's when I tried to take my own life. Then I had a twist. I started to admit to my family and the banks that I was in trouble.’

On top of Everest When Pat emerged from the darkness, he was ready to dream big again. When, for the first time at the age of twenty-nine, Pat stood on top of Carrauntoohill, Ireland's highest mountain, he subsequently announced that he was going to climb Mount Everest. True to his word and his grand vision for himself, he stood on top of the world's highest mountain, nine years after his declaration. He went on to become the first person in the world to complete the Seven Summits twice, by climbing Everest from both its north and south sides. He was the first person to lead an Irish team across Greenland.

Pat is all too aware that luck was on his side during his years as an extreme adventurer when thirty of his friends and colleagues lost their lives in some of the world's most hostile and spectacular environments.

Now based in Killarney, Pat is conscious of his good fortune. ‘I'm a solid believer that when you come from an area like I did, it's important to give back. People make derogatory statements about Cork's north side. I really get mad at the fact that what these people are doing is judging 58 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

a whole community. Basically, northsiders are some of the smartest, quickest people. But people knock their confidence. I do a lot of work on the north side. I go to schools there, instilling positivity, particularly in regenerated schools. I had a project where we brought four kids to the Antarctic, two of whom were from Knocknaheeny,’ Pat, who says he was semi-literate until he was thirty, has now written seven books with the help of ‘a good editor.’ He recalls the first time he went to the Himalayas. ‘I went there to find myself and I wanted to become a dropout like the hippies in Kathmandu. I was this capitalist who was now about to turn. But my mentors, who were Buddhist monks, said I would be a thundering disgrace if I did that. They said I had talent and that I was on planet earth to enhance my talents and not throw them away. They said to me that life isn't a rehearsal; it's a performance. It is up to me to do the best I can.’

Although Pat can command a fee of €22,000 for motivational speaking and had to turn down an offer of $40,000 in the US as he was going to the Himalayas, he is ‘still the same Pat Falvey. I'm a bricklayer that learned a load of lessons.’

Right now, his greatest ambition ‘is to become the best grandfather that I can, maybe because I don't think I was the best father.’ Clearly, this adventurous summit climber is now fully grounded.

Accidental Rebel by Pat Falvey is published by Beyond Endurance Publishing at €24.99.

Cosmetics and Grooming I have often extolled the de-stressing benefits of a professional treatment in a suitably tranquil environment and while there are good spa facilities in many of our top hotels, I have yet to find one to better my experience at Angsana Spa at Killarney’s Brehon Hotel.

Beating the winter blues Mairead Robinson suggests seasonal gifts and treatments to lift the spirits.

If you know somebody who has had a difficult year, and really needs some uplifting pampering, then think no further than the gift of a holistic spa experience. It will without doubt be the gift that brings most joy to the lucky recipient.

I have often extolled the de-stressing benefits of a professional treatment in a suitably tranquil environment and while there are good spa facilities in many of our top hotels, I have yet to find one to better my experience at Angsana Spa at Killarney’s Brehon Hotel. ‘Calm your mind and draw on the serenity of your surroundings’ is the message from this Thai inspired spa, and it certainly offers the opportunity to do just that. Situated in the lower ground floor of the hotel, this is an oasis of calm and healing with treatments that are first class and an atmosphere conducive to recharging and revitalizing – and most importantly – relaxing. I loved my signature de-stress treatment as the difficulties and challenges of previous weeks melted away and I found myself nodding off during a blissful head massage! Later as I reluctantly left the relaxation room, a lady who had been sitting there remarked to me ‘I think this has to be the best spa in Ireland’- she could well be right! There are several spa day packages and spa breaks available – details on www.brehon.com – and whether for yourself

or a loved one, there could be no better way to start the New Year.

There is no doubt that the winter weather is very hard on our skin, and I always recommend that you ensure moisturising morning and night, use a serum and a weekly moisture mask.

Some of the best treatments to keep your skin plump and youthful come from the Eminence organic skincare brand, and I am a big fan of

60 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

their Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. It contains natural retinol alternatives to mimic the effect of retinol for brightness, softness and a dramatic increase in collagen, without the side effects. Studies have shown that it is even more effective than conventional retinol!

It was recently voted Best Face Moisturiser by the Dayspa Professional Awards 2018. Use twice per day, morning and evening. Another beautiful gift idea, and it costs E64 .

Cosmetics and Grooming

Another luxury product from their Age Corrective Collection, is their Bamboo Firming Fluid which instantly hydrates, strengthens and delivers a visible firming action. It was the winner of the Favourite Firming Fluid category in the 2018 Dermascope Awards, as it leaves the skin instantly feeling tighter and looking more elastic. Priced at E63, apply two pumps to cleansed skin once or twice daily and leave on. More information on www.eminence.ie Now if you are a keen gardener, chances are your nails might be in need some TLC, and unless you have been having regular manicures and find yourself instead using a lot of detergents, you will be interested in a new range of nail care products from Mavala. Cuticle Oil is vital to prevent hard, cracked and unsightly skin around the nails, and a nail hardener is vital to protect the tip of the nail from breaking easily. Mavala Scientifique K+ contains a scientific ingredient that improves the cohesion of keratin fibres, allowing the nail layers to bond together. Result – no more chipped nails. Nailactan is a cream for damaged, dry, brittle, fragile nails that nourishes and restores flexibility to the nail. Investment in a Nail Buffer Kit will stimulate blood circulation in the nail bed which encourages a good nail growth. So, you can give your nails some love this winter by

checking out the Mavala range at pharmacies nationwide.

Gift sets are always popular at this time of year, and generally they range from a couple of euro to over a hundred euro in price. These can be great value as they often include some extra small samples of products from the range. A general rule is to make sure that you are getting value and not paying for fancy packaging!

Polish brand Ziaja have some lovely face and body care sets this year, made as always using goat’s milk, and they range in price from E10 to E20, so are very affordable.

Boots Chemists always carry a good range of gift sets across many products for both women and men. And talking about men, Payot make an excellent exfoliating gel and an energising care gel to awaken the complexion, while Lierac’s Anti-Wrinkle Repairing Fluid is another popular men’s skin care product.

Available in pharmacies nationwide.

Finally, there are much more ways to ensure the man in your life smells sweet than the classic aftershaves! Check out Delarom Homme

Eau Sport, E44 for 50ml And finally after the joy of Ireland’s Rugby success against New Zealand, you could check out the great collection of shirts and shoes from Brent Pope, who as well as being one of our top rugby pundits, is a mental health advocate and charity worker and is also a serious fashion guru!

Finally a great stocking filler idea that will not cost the earth, and also enjoys the added benefit of being Irish made. The gentle and light fragrance of Emma’sMMA’S So Naturals candles create the perfect mood-enhancing home. They are made from Eco Soya Wax blended with essential oils are so much nicer than paraffin candles which give some people headaches. Prices are from just E5 so are a very acceptable and affordable gift. They are also so beautiful that you can certainly afford to treat yourself. You can find our more at www.emmas.ie Enjoy the season that’s in it, and don’t forget when giving gifts to family and friends, to spare a thought for ‘self-gifting’ this year. You deserve it!

A very happy and healthy 2019 to all our readers.

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Health and fitness

Golden Yoga is designed for people over 60 years of age, and/or those who have physical limitations, who wish to start practicing yoga

Yoga is for everybody!

Sharon Brady and Aiveen McFarlane on the proven mental and physical benefits of yoga.

No matter what your age, fitness level, or flexibility, yoga can be adapted to suit you. It is best to slowly develop your yoga practice, looking for a class that suits your body and ability and building it up over time.

Benefits of yoga Some benefits are listed below: • Balance, stability and muscle tone Yoga increases balance, stability, and muscle tone, which deteriorate with age. Improving balance, stability and muscle tone reduce the likelihood of falling.

• Flexibility and joint health Yoga increases flexibility and is also great for aching or stiff joints.

• Lung health and capacity Yoga practice improves lung capacity and strengthens lung function. Its physical postures (Asanas) and breathing practices (Pranayama) both benefit the lungs.

• Reduced anxiety By focussing on considered movements, by moving with the breath and by finding a place of relaxation in the physical practice, yoga is hugely beneficial in relieving anxiety and stress.

•Bone health Yoga slows down or prevents bone density loss because it uses the body itself as the weight being borne and thus is more kind than other forms of weight bearing exercise.

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Sharon Brady and Aiveen McFarlane who run Golden Yoga in Temple Bar

Health and fitness

Golden Yoga is designed for people over 60 years of age, and/or those who have physical limitations, who wish to start practicing yoga

‘Golden yoga’ Golden Yoga is designed for people over 60 years of age, and/or those who have physical limitations, who wish to start practicing yoga. Chairs, bolsters, blocks and blankets are used to ensure that students get the maximum benefit from their yoga class.

Classes begin focusing on the breath and calming the mind. We pay attention to our physical alignment and notice tactile sensations.

We warm up joints and mus’pranayama’ (yogic breathing techniques).

Classes conclude with a deep, restorative relaxation.

Regular students attending Golden Yoga classes at Samadhi Yoga Dublin in Temple Bar, Dublin have said: The Golden Yoga classes are very calm and welcoming. Aiveen and Sharon are very focused and encouraging in their delivery and they ensure that each pose is explained. Also, they are mindful of any injuries / problem areas that may be present and adapt poses to suit the needs of the student. The classes are a true pleasure - a great way to start your weekend. (Clare)

Calm, caring and strengthening instruction from the teachers (Bairbre) My balance has improved and my back feels straighter and stronger since starting the Golden Yoga classes (Nuala) It is never too late to start yoga, so why not give it a go!

Sharon and Aiveen (Golden Yoga Teachers, Samadhi Yoga Dublin) Notes:

• If you have serious medical issues, talk to your doctor before starting yoga.

•Always advise your yoga teacher of any medical conditions or injuries before class.

Sharon and Aiveen currently teach Golden Yoga in Samadhi Yoga Dublin, Cows Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2. For further information, please contact Samadhi Dublin at (01) 672 9801 or info@samadhi.ie. You can also check out Samadhi Dublin’s website and sign up to their weekly newsletter at: www.samadhi.ie Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 63

Financial security

Watch out there’s a scam about!

There’s an army of unscrupulous characters out there ingeniously trying to get their grubby hands on your hard-earned money. Lorna Hogg alerts you to some of the more common confidence tricks.

The word `scam’ is now an all too common part of everyday life, as an unpleasant side effect of life online. Scams continue to permeate increasing aspects of our lives.

When it comes to our 24/7 holiday deals, tax payments, banking, shopping, dating, travel plans, and even charity donations, we’ve been joined online by 24/7 fraudsters. So, how can you protect yourself and your money – and avoid the wrong kind of online interest?

Mairead was delighted when she opened a Revenue email, which told her that she was entitled to a tax rebate. She discovered that she could claim €645. 27c. All she had to do was to open the accompanying attachment and send in her tax details to claim. Unsure, she rang a friend, who alerted her at once to a scam. Mairead called her accountants and bank. She was told that the email was not from Revenue, despite its familiar logo, but was a

well produced international scam. Had she opened and followed instructions on attachment, the scammers could have had access to her financial details. She later discovered that there have been Irish victims to this scam.

Tom and Sinead were very interested in holiday rental villas, after hearing of friends’ experiences. Tom went online to check holidays with some of the major tour groups, and was delighted to later receive an email,which he assumed to be from them or a linked company.

It contained details of holidays in the area he had researched.The pictures were the same as those on the tour operators, and the deal was very good – with the option of reduced fare flights included. As the ‘middle man’ would be cut out, he would deal directly with the local suppliers. He snapped up the deal, paying by bank transfer as requested, to cut out bank charges. However, to his horror, once the money had gone through, there was no trace

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of any holiday company – or flight bookings.

His bank told him that he had fallen for an all too common scam.

Mary takes online security carefully and never gives out her bank details or passwords online or on the phone. So, even when she had a phone call from a different bank, concerned by some payments relating to her own account, she politely insisted on personally calling her own bank. There was a click on the line as the call ended, but oddly, she did not hear the usual tone of a clear line. However, she continued, dialling her own bank and was quickly put through to security. She gave her account number and password as requested, and was assured that the matter was in hand.

She was surprised and shocked some days later, when her bank called her to say that there had been ‘unusual activity’ on her account.

Scammers had made the initial call to her. They had not rung off after the call, but stayed on

Financial security the telephone line afterwards. They had then pretended to be speaking from her own bank, and taken down her account and password details. The prompt action of Mary’s bank had averted a scam – but she still had to close her accounts and change her bank cards.

Susie had been on her own for some years, and having recently retired, was finally tempted to try online dating. With seemingly endless new sites to try, she finally contacted a widower, John, who said he was Irish, but based in Dubat. They got know and like each other over a few months, and he was enthusiastic to fly over to see her, despite his family commitments. After several postponements, he told her that family illness had arisen, and that there were problems with health insurance issues.

He became more upset with each cancellation, and finally Susie suggested that she gift him a flight to come over to Ireland. After weeks of persuasion, with considerable emotion he accepted the offer. She sent over €1000 towards a flight – advance booking was too complicated, as he was unsure of dates.

When all contact ceased and John disappeared offline, Susie told one friend, still thinking that she was in a relationship. When the scam was explained to her, she was humiliated and shocked as well as upset at the loss of her money. The discovery that ‘John’ was a fraudster, and had duped her with pictures and emails, left her too embarassed and upset to worsen her hurt by telling anyone, let alone reporting it.

Scanning the scammers..

Be wary of unexpected wins or congratulatory notes, especially if you have to think about when and how you entered any competition, purchase or draw. Be especially wary asked

to release personal details e.g. bank account, to collect your prize. Scammers work on the premise that we’re so happy to have won or been given a prize, that we don’t always check how or why.

Be wary of any call claiming to be from your bank or utility provider – genuine callers will understand your concern. Being cautious can protect you. Also, be careful of calls claiming to be from major stores, suppliers or brands with whom you may have had contact, requesting personal information.

A deal, offer or prize is suspect if speed is of the essence, whether to accept, contact or buy.

When it comes to payment, be careful about how you book or buy. Ensure that you are on the official website. Avoid links in connection with payments.

If you’re booking a villa or holiday home, Google the company or address, and check on Google maps to see that it actually exists.

Do an online search, and look at consumer reviews and warnings. If in doubt, call the main holiday provider, rather than relying on a `local agent’. Pay by credit card whenever possible.

When you pay online, always look for the padlock symbol and/or HTTPS in the address , to ensure safe transfer.Be careful when dealing with vendors of tickets for cup final tickets,

popular concerts and large venue/ crowd pulling events. Even if a ticket is valid, it may have been sold on the black market, and could be in a reserved block, previously assigned to one name. Your ticket might allow entry to the venue – but not to the seat.

Don’t use public wi-fi facilities for financial transactions.

Think carefully about ticking links on completely unknown emails, or attachments – they could contain viruses which allow fraudsters to spy on you. Also, be wary of ticking online boxes for deals, prize entry or online competitions.

Your details could be sold on to another user.

Report scams to the Garda, who also have an excellent website on the subject. Also, report any suspicious activities – you could protect or help someone else.

Finally, some of the best advice for avoiding online fraud has, ironically, been around for years `If it sounds too good to be true – it probably is’.

Visit: www.garda.ie/en/crime/cyber-crime/ www.eir.ie/online-safety www.ccpi.ie www.eccireland.ie www.getsafeonline.co.uk

Calling all clubs, societies and meet up groups We want to hear from you and send you Senior Times magazine and invite you and your group to our events We want to hear from people like Ann Sharp who runs a group in Crumlin. Ann’s group will now be receiving a free subscription to Senior Times magazine. So if you run a group and want to get a free subscription to Senior Times, contact Karen on 01 496 9028.

‘Great to hear from you and also to receive your magazine - loved reading it. About our club, The Crumlin Senior Citizens - It started out from one of our Governments projects in the Dublin 12 area called Crumlin Development Project and was up and running for about 18 months with other services in the area like a Boxing club and youth clubs. When they pulled all the services out of Crumlin I decided to carry on with the Senior Citizens Club as voluntary work. We are now over 10 years up

and running meeting every Thursday with different activities every week plus a few games of bingo We also have an Xmas dinner party for them and take them 3 times a year on day trips and also two weekends away.

We also wrote two books of short stories on the woman’s lives and on both occasions had a big launch with all their families and local dignitaries. All these woman are over 65 and up to 92 and fantastic women!

As I said they love their club as we all do. All the work Is done voluntarily’.

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 65

Further education

The Love of Lifelong Learning Programme which changes each Semester offers a selection of dedicated modules designed with the older learner in mind

You’re never too old to learn something new

Christine O’Kelly advises

It is not unusual to see older people on campus in DCU. For those interested in education, keeping the mind and body active, there are a wide range of modules from the undergraduate programme available to undertake without the need for exams or assignments. Fancy a course in Continental Philosophy, What makes Books Great or an Introduction to the Political Economy? These and many more are on the DCU Age-Friendly website and are open for registration until January 28th when the new Semester starts.

The Love of Lifelong Learning Programme which changes each Semester offers a selection of dedicated modules designed with the older learner in mind. These short competitively priced courses delivered by DCU lecturers, provide opportunities to “dip a toe into the water” and experience a university campus.

These are posted on the website in January and commence mid-February.

An online programme offered by DCU Connected provides options for those who are unable to attend the campus and are fully supported by DCU staff. If you are interested in brushing up on your “cupla focal”, then our free MOOC (massive open online learning course) Irish 101 might just be the ticket to reconnect with the Irish language and it is of appeal around the world to the Irish diaspora.

Another element to the Age Friendly Initiative is the MedEx (Medical Exercise), a unique

chronic illness rehabilitation service which has grown dramatically over the past six years in DCU to become one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe. It delivers exercise-based programmes, with parallel educational and related supports, to individuals with diverse chronic illnesses. Hosting over 500 visits per week, the MedEx programmes transform the lives of participants and their families.

A new development in DCU is the Love of Lifelong Learning Association (aka3LA), formed by older people for older people it provides opportunities for social opportunities – coffee mornings and informal get-togethers and members of the association act as ambassadors for the age friendly office who frequently host visiting delegations from the 43 strong global network of age friendly universities led

by DCU. In addition to educational, health and cultural opportunities, many older people take part in research projects often with an intergenerational focus, from music to technology and more, using their expertise and learning to contribute to and inform research..

The rationale for DCU’s Age Friendly initiative is informed by the fact that older people are now living longer and tend to be healthier than previous generations. It is recognised that people need to have access to meaningful forms

66 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

of engagement in society at a time when they may be retiring from employment and/or be less engaged with family.

Current national programmes which seek to address the issues and needs of an ageing population tend to focus narrowly on healthcare and medical services. DCU Age Friendly University, aims to adopt a more holistic approach which provides opportunities for physical, cultural and educational programmes designed to promote and preserve health, and will harness opportunities for those who wish to develop “encore” careers or engage in developing their social entrepreneurial skills.

Through the development of its new programmes and research over the coming years, DCU hopes to create an environment which is respectful of all and caters to the needs of all ages in society. From this will emerge a model of best practice which can inform and shape public policy nationally and internationally in this area.

Christine O’Kelly is Age Friendly Coordinator at Dublin City University Tel 01700 8933 Christine.okelly@dcu.ie www.dcu.ie/agefriendly

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Pets

Grenville and Rose with Milo

Caring and dog sharing Lorna Hogg on the growing trend of sharing your pet with others We all know that pets are good for us.

All that love and care is repaid countless times over. They are also ideal personal trainers - that thirty minute daily walk is ensured – whether or not owners feel like it. Some people, however, unselfishly and realistically accept that that they cannot provide the 24/7 care that a pet needs. So are they doomed to a dogless life, due to commitments, illness or location? Not any more.

Foster care, dog walking and pet sitting have become familiar parts of our relationships with pets. However, much as many devoted dog owners dream of a weekend abroad, or longer holiday or trip, their concern about a pet’s safety, welfare and happiness keeps them at home. Which is how dog share can fill the gap.

Dog share can ensure that owners know that their dog is being cared for by someone who loves their pet as much as they do – without legally owning it. The carer may have known the dog since puppyhood, and will provide the sane level of one to one care and absolute safety that an owner does. The same level of concentration on diet, exercise and attention will be provided - for days or weeks.

Tom Tom is a Dubliner, who jokes that he has ‘retired from work – to a whole new career’. Now single, he has always loved dogs, and provided weekend care for many, but due to business and then family commitments, has been unable to own one. Now, he has a growing circle of of happy owners, who can enjoy days out family holidays and trips – with their beloved pooch receiving five star attention from Tom. Tom cares for one animal, or maximum two dogs which are known to each other, at one time. This allows him time to chat and play with them on walks, keep them on leads whilst out

and about, and never leave them alone in cars or waiting outside a supermarket. ‘I find that owners are actually most concerned about the security aspect – they don’t want their animal at any risk at all. These days, `dog-napping’ is big business in Ireland’. Tom also knows ‘the little likes and dislikes of each dog, the personalities which work together when they’re playing, what they’re scared of, and when they are happiest.’

Grenville and Rose In the UK, Grenville and Rose have also developed a one on one caring style for for her dog Milo, a springerpoo who works part time as a PAT dog . Known to Grenville since puppyhood, Milo stays in his second home for periods of one night up to two weeks. On arrival days, there’s no sad eyed dog here, gazing out of the window at the departing owner. Milo enthusuastically charges up the front path, eager to investigate any treats in the kitchen, and to check that his basket is exactly where and how he likes it. Well, he will need his rest. The following days will be filled with long country walks, coffee mornings at dog friendly cafes, greeting the neighbours (plus their dogs,) and entertaining the human visitors who pop round to see him. So, when Rose returns, without so much as a farewell tail wag for an exhausted Grenville, Milo happily charges back down the path, on his way back to No. 1 home.

No. 1 in the relationship It’s important that the owner remains No. 1 in the relationship with the dog, as carers can become emotionally involved. Ultimate decisions, caring choices, future plans, health care for the animal remain with the owner.

The dog also has to understand that the owner is the ultimate source of authority – commands from the owner override those from the

68 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

carer, especially when both are with the dog at the same time.

Size matters. A large or strong/strong willed dog may be too much of a loving handful for an older or indeed, younger carer, who might be better suited to a small, gentle or quiet dog.

The owner pays health and insurance bills, and provides the dog’s food. It’s also important to provide full details of the dog’s vet, plus emergency care. The carer takes full responsibility for the safety and care of the dog, e.g. keeping the dog on the lead when necessary, never leaving it alone outside a public place, e.g. tied outside a shop, or locked alone in a the car.

The carer also ensures exercise, no matter what the weather is like, or how tired the carer might be.

The owner’s ground rules for the dog should be accepted and followed, even if privately questioned by the carer, e.g. about treats/ sweets, jumping onto beds, licking, obeying orders and spoiling. If not, everyone ends up with a very confused dog.

It’s important to ensure a good match between the carer’s circumstances as well as personality. A nervous dog, used to peace and quiet in a small space may not fit in with a friendly but noisy family, and nervously retreat to its basket. Equally, a dog which thrives on company and bustle, may feel lonely and bored with the loving care of a single carer.

Remember that dogs have to seek out ways to express their unhappiness to us. So, watch out for signs that any caring relationship may not be working - for the dog. Reluctance to go into the carer’s home, retreat to a basket or quiet room, excessive scratching or licking, unusual misbehaviour, e.g. becoming snappy over a basket or toys, can all be stress signs.

Culture

Maretta Dillon previews what’s on in the arts around the country in the next few months

Christmas is always associated with pantomime and there is plenty happening in that regard at venues big and small around the country. If you are looking for something else or in addition, then How To Catch A Star is definitely worth considering

Made in Cork Crawford Gallery in Cork looks to its own as it celebrates the work of six contemporary local artists excelling in craft. The recent exhibition, Made in Cork: the Arts and Crafts Movement from the 1880s to the 1920s examined the Arts and Craft movement and its influence in Ireland. Building on that knowledge, Earth, Wind, and Fire: Made in Cork Contemporary picks up on the theme. The new exhibition will demonstrate the nature and extent of the stimulating, exhilarating, and exciting work that is being made by Cork based artists in the twenty first century. (more from crawfordartgallery.ie) Christmas is always associated with pantomime and there is plenty happening in that regard at venues big and small around the country. If you are looking for something else or in addition, then How To Catch A Star is definitely worth considering. Based on the beloved book by Oliver Jeffers, it is created by

Branar Téatar do Pháistí, one of Ireland's leading theatre companies for young audiences.

They like to see themselves as, ‘creating big stories for little citizens’. This nonverbal adaptation of Jeffers’ book shows off their signature style of story-telling. For audiences aged 4 and up (including adults), it reminds us all to follow our dreams. (booking from theark.ie) First Fortnight is a mental health arts charity that began as a kitchen conversation 10 years ago and has grown from one event to more than 150 events nationwide. The festival aims to challenge mental health stigma by using arts events to create open discussion and understanding of mental health problems. Check out the complete programme on firstfornight.ie and find an event where you are.

Music features strongly in various programmes at the start of the year. Irish Chamber Orches-

tra and guests reflect on 100 years of the Irish Republic through poetry, music, and song in The First 100 Years at Mermaid Arts Centre; Swansong: Intimations of Mortality is the theme for Music for Galway’s classical performance event; Scottish songstress Siobhan Miller and the honeyed tones of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh combine in a Music Network tour; Tradfest in Temple Bar is a welcome sight at the end of January.

Finally, a word for Stan & Ollie. In 1953, the duo embarked on a regional tour in the UK as their star is waning and interest in them is melting away. But a series of TV and celebrity appearances remind people of just how good and unique they really were. Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly inhabit the roles of Stan and Ollie as one of comedy’s most famous double acts as they enter their twilight years. Nationwide from January 11.

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 69

Music features strongly in various programmes at the start of the year. Irish Chamber Orchestra and guests reflect on 100 years of the Irish Republic through poetry, music, and song in The First 100 Years at Mermaid Arts Centre

Culture

Events around the Country December 2018/ February 2019 EARTH, WIND & FIRE: MADE IN CORK CONTEMPORARY Visual Arts Showcasing six Cork-based contemporary artists whose artistic practice exemplifies excellence in craft.

From Nov 23-Feb 17 / Crawford Gallery Cork.

Admission free / information: crawfordartgallery.ie THE SIGNALMAN Theatre Charles Dickens’ ghost story from 1866 tells of a lone Signalman haunted by visions of a terrifying spectre.

From Dec 3 – 15 / The New Theatre, East Essex Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Information and booking: thenewtheatre.com HOW TO CATCH A STAR Theatre for children Once there was a boy who dreamt of having a star as a friend. Based on the book by Irish author Oliver Jeffers.

Dec 5-30 / The Ark, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Information: theark.ie I HEAR YOU AND REJOICE Theatre Pat Farnon, a cobbler and all-round contented man, embarks on a journey with some unexpected surprises.

Dec 5 – Jan 18 / nationwide tour Information and booking: locoandrecklessproductions.com IN CONVERSATION Talk In conversation - sociologist, Professor Mary Corcoran and visual artist Amanda Jane Graham.

Dec 8 / The Dock, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim Information: thedock.ie

First Fortnight is a mental health arts charity that began as a kitchen conversation 10 years ago and has grown from one event to more than 150 events nationwide

VLADIMIR & ANTON 'THE VIOLINISTS' Music Musical maestros and brothers, their style combines classical music with the playfulness of traditional folk.

From Dec 10 / family concerts at National Concert Hall, Dublin and nationwide Information and booking: the-violinists.com FIRST FORTNIGHT Festival Uses arts and culture to challenge mental health stigma – wide range of arts events and performances.

January 2019 / nationwide activity Information: firstfortnight.ie THE WHISTLE BLOWER OUT OF TIME TOUR Music / Cinema Cormac Breathnach’s unique view of the trial around the Sallins Mail Train Robbery Case in 1978.

Jan 5-Mar 22 / island wide tour Information and venues: whistleblower.ie COLETTE Film Keira Knightley takes on the role of French writer, Colette, who scandalised Belle Époque society.

Jan 11 nationwide STAN AND OLLIE Film Steve Coogan and John C Reilly as comedy’s most famous double act, entering their twilight years.

Jan 11 island wide.

70 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

MUIREANN NIC AMHLAOIBH, SIOBHAN MILLER, DAMIEN MULLANE & ANNA MASSIE Music Scottish songstress Siobhan Miller and the honeyed tones of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh combine.

Jan 16-26 / nationwide Information and booking: musicnetwork.ie THE FIRST 100 YEARS Music / Poetry Irish Chamber Orchestra and guests reflect on 100 years of the Irish Republic through poetry, music, and song.

Jan 17 / Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow Information and booking: mermaidartscentre.ie MIDWINTER FESTIVAL Music Swansong: Intimations of Mortality is the theme for Music for Galway’s classical performance event.

Jan 19-21 / Town Hall Theatre, Galway Information: musicforgalway.ie TRADFEST Music Dublin's annual toe-tapping musical extravaganza: festival of trad, folk and world music is back.

Jan 23-27 / Temple Bar, Dublin 2 Information and booking: tradfest.ie Finally, if you would like your event to feature in our list of What’s On please email: events.country@gmail.com

Motoring

A car for the Community Breda Corrigan tests the New Kia Ceed

Keen to capture a share of the lucrative European family car market, the first-generation Kia Ceed (launched in 2006) was designed in Europe, built in Europe and sold exclusively in Europe. The second-generation (launched in 2012) adopted the same principles as its predecessor, and now, the recently launched third-generation, continues to follow this tradition. In fact, even the Ceed name is testament to how dedicated Kia are to looking after the motoring needs of its European customers, as the name is derived from the term ‘Community of Europe with European Design’. While the first, and second, generation models did have an apostrophe between the third and fourth letters of its name, the new model has dropped the apostrophe.

Good looks and increased interior space With its dazzling looks, the new Kia Ceed invites you to take every journey as an expedition to more enjoyment. At the front, there is the familiar ‘tiger nose’ grille and castellated upper windscreen, while the swept-back headlight design and lowered, widened, front air intake is reminiscent of Kia’s stylish and sporty Stinger GT. Inside the new Kia Ceed everything is designed around the driver. The seamless horizontal layout of the instrument panel creates a roomy

atmosphere. The new Ceed is based on Kia’s new K2 platform, which allows its width to increase by 20mm, while its roofline dips by 23mm for a sportier stance than its predecessor. The increased width provides occupants with more shoulder room than ever before, while a 16mm lower seating position provides greater leg and headroom too. The wheelbase remains the same as its predecessor, although the cabin has been shifted back by 68mm, giving the Ceed a ‘cab-rearward’ profile that improves occupant protection in the event of a collision while also improving visibility around the A-pillars. Boot space has also increased, with 395-litres available with the rear seats in place. This is 15-litres more than its predecessor and is very impressive indeed.

However, lower the split-folding rear seat backs and the available space increases to a generous 1,291-litres.

Specification levels Four trim levels are available in the new Kia Ceed – K2, K3, K4 and K5.

Standard equipment across the range is very generous, with even the entry-level ‘K2’ specification coming complete with 16” alloy wheels, body-colour mirror casings and door handles, electric front & rear windows, auto lights with high beam assist, LED daytime-running-lights, front fog lamps, rear spoiler with high-mounted brake light, leather Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 71

Motoring

steering wheel and gear knob, arm-rest storage box between the front seats, split-folding rear seats with ISOFIX anchorage points, audio with RDS and DAB, Bluetooth with voice recognition, 7” touchscreen with rear view camera, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay compatibility, wireless phone charger, remote central locking, cruise control, lane keeping assist system, driver attention alert, forward collision avoidance (car & pedestrian), tyre pressure monitoring system, manual air-conditioning, multiple airbags, manual speed limit assist, ABS, hill start assist and electronic stability control.

Step up to the ‘K3’ specification and you will additionally get a chrome beltline, LED rear fog lamps, LED rear lamps, chrome interior door handles, high-gloss centre fascia, cloth & leather-effect upholstery, additional cup-holder, TomTom navigation & WiFi, steering wheel remote control and rear parking sensors, while ‘K4’ builds on the ‘K3’ specification by adding 17” alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, auto wipers, electric dimming rear view mirror, an 8” touchscreen and dual-zone air-conditioning with an auto window defogger.

Range-topping ‘K5’ specification completes the comprehensive new Ceed line-up with the addition of LED headlamps, heated steering wheel, heated front & rear seats, ventilated front seats, sliding arm-rest, leather upholstery with memory function on driver’s seat, smart key with push button start, blind spot collision warning and an electronic parking brake with auto hold functionality.

Tighter body control in the new Ceed leads to greater driver confidence under cornering and greater stability at higher speeds too. Front suspension is by MacPherson struts and an anti-roll bar. A multi-link arrangement with trailing arm and anti-roll bar are employed at the rear. Kia has tweaked the front spring rates, ratcheting up stiffness by 40%, and the torsional rigidity of the front stabiliser has been reduced by 22% – the aim of these modifications being greater mechanical grip and more incisive handling, causes also helped by the car’s wider axle tracks.

Engines and transmissions

The new Kia Ceed is a very easy car to drive, while excellent ergonomics ensure that all of the major driving controls are within easy reach of the driver. The light controls and large windows help make maneuvering through town as easy as possible – helped in no small part by the standard reversing camera on all models and rear parking sensors from K3 specification upwards.

The new Kia Ceed is available with a choice of 2 turbo-petrol (T-GDI) engines (a 1.0-litre with 120bhp and a 1.4-litre with 140bhp) and 1 turbo-diesel (CRDI) engine (a 1.6-litre with 115bhp). The 1.0-litre T-GDI engine is available with K2, K3 and K4 specification levels, while the 1.4-litre T-GDI engine is reserved for the K5 specification in 6-speed manual guise, or K3 specification when specified with Kia’s smooth 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. The 1.6-litre CRDI engine is only available in K3 and K4 specification levels.

The cloth and leather-effect seats in my test car were very supportive and there is ample adjustment available on the driver’s seat to ensure that even tall drivers can get comfortable behind the wheel. Thankfully, back-seat comfort hasn’t been forgotten – space in the rear seats is very nearly as generous as is the front. As a result, there’s enough room for a six-foot-tall passenger to sit behind an equally tall driver and the soft central seat and almost flat floor means there’s space for three adults to sit side-by-side.

Test car

Pricing

My test car was a new Kia Ceed ‘K4’ 1.0-litre T-GDI (120bhp turbo petrol engine) 5-door hatchback, 6-speed manual finished in stunning Infra Red metallic paint. The peppy 1.0-litre engine provides 120bhp and 172Nm of torque for quick acceleration, while the 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in just 11.1-seconds. A top speed of 192km/h is possible (where permitted) and fuel consumption as low as 5.4l/100km is achievable on an extra-urban driving cycle. With Co2 emissions of 127g/km, annual road tax is just E270, while the diesel engine produces as little as 99g/ km.

Ex-works prices for the new Kia Ceed start at a very reasonable E22,695, while my test car specification is priced at a very competitive E25,695.

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Kia’s standard 7-year/150,000km warranty provides all the reassurance needed for peace-of-mind motoring for the years ahead. Overall, the new Kia Ceed is a very likeable and spacious family car, is very well equipped, and provides excellent value for money.

Visit www.kia.ie for further information.

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Western Ways George Keegan on happenings along the Western Seaboard in travel, arts, food and entertainment

Five parks a national treasure

The Gap of Dunloe in Killarney National Park. Killarney National Park, situated to the South and West of Killarney town, covers over 10,000 hectares and has been developed from two enormous estates, Muckross and Kenmare. It also surrounds three of the world famous Killarney lakes.

Travelling along the Wild Atlantic Way you will encounter five of the country’s six existing National Parks. The route which is 2,500km long stretches from Innishowen in Donegal to Kinsale in West Cork. Each of the parks has its own particular attraction whether it is to go hiking, cycling, hill walking, watch animals and birds in their natural environment, visit historic monuments, or even to go kayaking.

History of The Parks In 1969 the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) made a recommendation to all governments that they agree to implement the term National Park where areas shared a list of certain characteristics.

This policy was agreed and has continued to be endorsed by all Irish governments over the years.

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Speaking to Senior Times, Josepha Madigan TD, Minister at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who was appointed in late 2017 said, ‘Ireland’s National Parks and Reserves are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the world. These Natural heritage sites embody a nexus where both the tangible and intangible aspects of our history, environment and culture coalease and are thus a key component in framing our cultural identity and experience. Each National Park and nature reserve contains unique habitats, flora and fauna, as well as dramatically different landscapes, offering unique and different visitor experiences.We want to encourage people to get out into the wild so we will create more walkways and trails that do this safely not just for the people but for the land too’.

The fact that these parks are open to the public all year round and

Western Ways

Burren National Park, a smaller but fascinating area of some 1500 hectares in the south eastern corner of the world famous Burren containing many habitats for which it is well known such as limestone pavements, hazel scrub, ash woodland, turloughs and much more.

free of charge is a major plus for individuals and families who enjoy the outdoors. Visitor Centres however close for winter months, and most guided tours are suspended. All re-open either mid March or early April.

Kerry to Donegal We begin our tour of the five parks in the ‘Kingdom’ of Kerry Killarney National Park: situated to the South and West of Killarney town covers over 10,000 hectares and has been developed from two enormous estates, Muckross and Kenmare. It also surrounds three of the world famous Killarney lakes. The area is renowned for its wonderful scenery which embraces extensive native woodland, lakes, rivers, bog and heath land. All of Ireland’s native mammals can be found here plus ten different bat species and up to 150 bird species have been recorded. The red deer in the Park are generally accepted as being the only pure native deer in the country. There are close to 100km of paths /trails suitable for all levels of fitness.

The Muckross Estate Presented to the State by the owners in 1932 and the Government passed the Bourn Vincent Memorial Park Act creating Ireland’s first National Park. There are five major sites within the Park, Muckross House and Gardens, Muckross Abbey (a former Franciscan Friary founded by Donal McCarthy Mór in mid 15th century), Killarney House and Gardens, Ross Castle and Knockreer House (now used as an Education Centre).

Knockreer Gardens: Within walking distance of Killarney town these lovely gardens are open to the public and offer outstanding views of Lough Leane and the mountains.

The pine martin known locally as the ‘martin cat ‘ is easily recognised by its bushy tail and cream throat marking, but is elusive and rarely seen mainly due to being nocturnal. It is mostly found in the West and the Burren in particular.

Killarney House and Gardens: was re-modelled as a residence around 1915. Both the house and gardens have been carefully restored.

Visitors can take a tour of the historic rooms containing a large number of original items from the period. The new interpretive exhibition centre here is known as a gateway to the National Park.

Burren National Park A smaller but fascinating area of some 1500 hectares in the south eastern corner of the world famous Burren containing many habitats for which it is well known such as limestone pavements, hazel scrub, ash woodland, turloughs and much more. Dromore Woods (400 hectares) which became a nature reserve in 1985 is near the village of Ruan and a great attraction for nature lovers. Here you may encounter foxes, pine martins and a healthy population of red squirrels. The pine martin known locally as the ‘martin cat ‘ is easily recognised by its bushy tail and cream throat marking, but is elusive and rarely seen mainly due to being Senior Times l January - February l www.seniortimes.ie 75

Western Ways

Lough Inagh in Connemara National Park. It has Many walking paths and trails and is home to the famous Connemara ponies.

nocturnal. It is mostly found in the West and the Burren in particular. Another must see location is Mullaghmore Mountain with its unique shape.

Standing close to it the viewer can experience a quite special and rare feeling of inward peace.

Connemara National Park near Letterfrack in Co.Galway and situated in the shadow of the famous Twelve Bens mountain range. Many walking paths and trails and home to the famous Connemara ponies.

Ballycroy National Park: another excellent area for bird watching with 11,000 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog. The Visitor Centre has a very impressive interactive exhibition relating to the Park. A loop nature trail takes you around the Centre with wonderful views. There is a new 2km Claggan Mountain Coastal Trail along a boardwalk , a short drive from the Centre. Ballycroy is also home of the Mayo Dark Sky Park.

Glenveagh National Park and Castle the final destination on our tour brings us to a very beautiful wilderness with rugged mountains and crystal clear lakes in the heart of the Der-

Glenveagh National Park in the hills of Donegal, home to Irelands only golden eagles.

ryveagh Mountains of North West Donegal. Another region containing a large red deer herd and the only area of the country to find golden eagles. At the heart of the Park is Glenveagh Castle a 19th century mansion (1867-1873) originally a hunting lodge with spectacular garden.

The stone chosen for the building was granite which though plentiful at that time was difficult to work with and didn’t allow for much detail. In Glenveagh Park a shuttle bus to both house and gardens operates for visitors (during season). There are tours available of each attraction.

Walking trails available ranging from 1km to 8km.

Useful websites: www.ballycroynationalpark.ie www.burrennationalpark.ie www.connemaranationalpark.ie www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie www.killarneynationalpark.ie www.wildatlanticway.com www.heritageireland.ie

Salmon from Donegal presented on global stage In November 2018 Good Food Ireland placed Irish salmon from the award winning Irish Organic Salmon Company based in Co. Donegal on the global stage in Kentucky USA. The culinary event named ‘The Taste of the World’ was a part of the prestigious Breeders’ Cup World Horse Racing Championships attended by more than 1300 invited guests comprising breeders, owners and trainers from around the world participating in the Championships.

Representing Ireland were Good Food Ireland chefs Ed Cooney, The Merrion Hotel and Maurice Keller, Good Food Ireland Ambassador who served citrus cured organic Irish salmon with Blath na Mhara Dillisk mayonnaise, avocado purée and soda bread croutons. This is the 8th year in succession Good Food Ireland has been invited by Breeders Cup Director, acclaimed chef/restaurateur Bobby Flay, to represent Ireland’s food produce and cuisine, joining top chefs from 14 countries.

76 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Golf

Sex no handicap

Golf’s battle of the sexes has a rich and absorbing history, writes Dermot Gilleece It can be traced back to the early years of the last century when we had the ludicrous situation of women being denied the right to vote, while seeming to enjoy the freedom of the fairways, albeit in their own clubs.

It was a situation in which women developed their own views on what was becoming a growing sporting outlet, with its own distinctive attire.

Golfing notes in The Irish Times of August 7th 1909 inform us: ‘To play golf well, a lady must be free from the extreme demands of fashion, and a golf course is certainly not a place to air Parisienne creations. Personally, I have rather a fancy for the orthodox girl’s costume and do not see that it is unbecoming.’

The writer proceeded, however, to express what might be described as a decidedly schoolmarm opinion on participation in the royal and ancient pursuit. ‘Golf in excess for anyone,’ she continued, ‘is a form of mania and a particularly catching mania too. No woman should forget her ordinary duties in the search of golf, and yet I fear a good many do.

‘To me, there is something more pleasing about the golfing than the hockey lady. Nor can I see that the golfing woman is nether useful nor ornamental. When golf, however, is made an excuse for bridge and other weaknesses, then there is something in the allegations against the game. Let the lady remember that the best lady golfers are not always the ones who play most.’

Meanwhile, an implied criticism of golfing males came in a piece in The Irish Field of May 2nd, 1914, which informed us that the Telephone Department of the GPO, London, ‘says that the blocking of telephone lines on Saturday mornings which leads to so many complaints, is due to golfers conducting their business by telephone.’

On a more general level, The Irish Field from 1906, posed the critical question: ‘Should wives play golf?’. To which it deviously responded:

‘Other men’s wives, yes, our own, no! Dead men, they tell us, hear no tales, or they would know that they are always heroes to their widows.

But you cannot expect a man to put off playing golf with his wife until after he is deceased. The argument is briefly this: no man is a hero to his wife for the simple reason that she is constantly seeing the worst side of him.

‘And in view of this, the danger of playing golf with one’s wife becomes awfully apparent. Any man who has braved it, and has actually played in mixed foursomes with his wife will, if he sticks to the truth, admit that his temper was never worse nor the mental irritation which belongs to the game, more clearly accentuated. In a word, the short cut to destruction is to play golf with your wife.’

Journals of the day suggest that these were significant social issues during the early decades of the last century. Indeed they were treated so seriously as to warrant, on one celebrated occasion, a lengthy Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 77

Golf

To the fore among emancipated women golfers of the early part of the 20th century was Ireland’s May Hezlet who achieved extraordinary success in the early 1900’s and was a great advocate for change.

Gloria Miniprio, the woman responsible for bringing trousers to womens golf

sermon delivered by the famous Jesuit, Father Willie Doyle, in Gardiner St Church in Dublin in March 1928. It was considered important enough to merit a report in The Irish Field later that month.

In addressing his congregation, Fr Doyle began: ‘I have sympathy with the wife who has married a golf fiend unless she happens to be a golf fiend herself, which a woman with a family to look after has no business to be. Of course, golf in moderation is a harmless and innocent occupation, except for the bad language [Oh drat!] to which it gives issue when a man misses his stroke. But if a man starts thinking and talking and dreaming golf, when he makes golf an idol, oh! oh!, then he becomes an unmitigated bore and a nuisance. And such a husband becomes a perfect brute, for every moment is given to his new found love, and he leaves his wife lonely and neglected.

Celebrated Jesuit Father Willie Doyle’s sermon in Gardiner St Church in Dublin in March 1928 was considered important enough to merit a report in The Irish Field later that month. In addressing his congregation, Fr Doyle began: ‘I have sympathy with the wife who has married a golf fiend unless she happens to be a golf fiend herself, which a woman with a family to look after has no business to be..’

‘On the other hand, if a wife wants to keep her husband from golf, from girls and from business, she must seek more effective means than reproaches and tears – she must make the home clean and neat and comfortable. A tidy, comfortable house supposes an active wife.’

While female readers jump up and down with rage, let them note that the reverend father concluded: ‘The wife sometimes convinced herself that she was the head of her little world and she threw herself into a flutter about the most trivial matters and the husband withdrew to the more peaceful region of club and/or the public house.’

To the fore among the emancipated women golfers of the early 1900s was Ireland's May Hezlet, who achieved extraordinary competitive success around the turn of the century and was also a great advocate for change. As she wrote: ‘The aim of all lady golfers of the present day must be to abolish the absurd but popular belief, which must have started somewhere, that 'a golfing girl' is a weird and terrible creature clad in the most extraordinary garments, striding along with self-possessed walk and oblivious to everything but her beloved game.’

Her views for the most part were balanced and fair. Indeed her confidence as an independent voice seemed to preclude the need to harangue the opposite sex. Men, on the other hand, appeated less secure. Indeed some of them felt it necessary to do their own preaching, pre-dating the notorious homily of Fr Doyle.

For instance, The Irish Golfer of December 9th, 1903, carried a piece which ran: ‘If complaining wives could look reasonably from the man’s point of view as his absorption in golf, they would see that the game was one of the greatest factors ministering to their happiness.’

It went on: ‘The men have a hard and strenuous life. Money has to be earned by a drain of mental and physical strength to which the majority of women are happily not exposed and of which it would seem few are conscious. Relaxation of some kind must be enjoyed which recuperates 78 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Gals to the fore at the inaugural Mission Hills Womens International Golfing Day in 2016

and fortifies, even in addition to the soothing joys of the family circle.

“It needs no Pecksniff to preach even to these complaining wives the advantage of a wholesome connection with a manly outdoor diversion like golf, whose associations are all clean and beyond reproach, instead of being allied with other social amusements, the pursuit of which either causes a deterioration of a degradation of the character.’

In the face of such pomposity, it is little wonder that relations between the sexes on matters golfing, continued to deteriorate through the years, to the point where outright war was declared in the 1980s by the emergence of the Women in Golf pressure group.

Curiously, worsening relations happened to coincide with a coming together from a fashion perspective. With the onset of the World War II, women in trousers became commonplace, especially in the British armed forces, with the result that when the world was at peace once more, the idea of such attire on a golf course was universally acceptable. Indeed nowadays, shorts are de rigueur in women's events, especially on the professional circuits. And attitudes have mollified, though not before time.

EX OVE HI R BIT 70 OR S

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Senior Times l January - February l www.seniortimes.ie 79

Cookery

Doctor on a diet Delicious weight-loss recipes for a healthy appetite from Doctor Paula Gilvarry

Duck breasts with orange and ginger sauce Duck meat can be very dry if you cook it without the skin and fat, so I remove them after cooking. The trick to getting the skin really crisp is to leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight, then put it under an electric fan (if you have one); otherwise leave it in the fridge until ready to cook. Score the skin and fat before cooking.

Serves 2 or more 2 x 175g duck breasts juice of 1 large orange or 100ml good-quality orange juice 1 tsp ginger purée 2 tsp plum sauce or plum conserve 1 ripe plum, stoned and halved wilted pak choi, to serve boiled basmati rice or udon noodles, to serve 1. Heat a heavy-based non-stick frying pan on a very high heat until smoking hot. Don’t add any oil to the pan.

2. Using a sharp knife, score the skin and fat on the duck breasts. Add to the pan, skin side down, and cook for 5 minutes without moving them so that they brown well. Working very carefully (wear oven gloves), frequently pour the excess fat into a dish. Once the skin is golden brown, turn the breasts over and sear the other side for 5 minutes, until browned.

3. Transfer the duck to a rack set in a baking tray or roasting tin. Put the tray in the oven and cook for 10 minutes for medium rare or 15 minutes for well done. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

4. To make the sauce, wipe out the pan, add the orange juice and ginger and bring to the boil. Allow it to bubble down to reduce, then stir in the plum sauce or conserve.

‘Paula’s cooking is delicious. This is a book for every kitchen’ Neven Maguire

80 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

5. Add the halved plums to the pan you cooked the sauce in, cut side down. Cook over a medium-high heat for a few minutes without touching them, until they’re nicely caramelised.

6. To serve, carve the duck into thin slices and drizzle the sauce over each portion.

Serve with a caramelised plum half, lightly wilted pak choi and basmati rice or udon noodles.

TIP: You can find plum sauce in Asian markets. Use any leftover duck to fill an omelette wrap for lunch the next day.

Roast aubergine rolls

These are great as a snack between meals, but if you bake them with a fresh tomato sauce and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese, they make a more filling lunch dish.

Serves 6 3 aubergines olive oil cooking spray salt and freshly ground black pepper Fillings: Feta cheese, chopped dates and chopped walnuts Hummus, chopped tomatoes and rocket Pesto, goats’ cheese and toasted flaked almonds Grated carrots, wholegrain mustard and baby gem lettuce Roast red peppers, baby spinach and hummus 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. 2. Cut the ends off the aubergines, then cut them lengthways into strips about 4cm thick. Spread the aubergine slices in a roasting tin, then spray with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Turn the slices over and spray those sides with oil and season again.

3. Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time, until they are dark golden and soft.

4. Allow to cool a little, then top with your chosen fillings and roll up from the short end. Skewer with a cocktail stick to ensure they stay rolled up.

Chickpea and freekah salad

Freekeh is an ancient grain made from green durum wheat that is roasted and rubbed to create its distinct flavour. It’s similar to barley or couscous, but nuttier.

Serves 4 360ml water 60g freekeh 1 x 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed 85g feta cheese, cubed 55g salami, chopped 1 ripe avocado, halved, stoned, peeled and cubed or sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 tbsp olive oil a handful of chopped fresh mint a handful of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley salt and freshly ground black pepper 1. Pour the water into a medium saucepan and bring to the boil, then add the freekeh. Bring back to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan and cook for 20 minutes, until most of the water has been absorbed and the freekeh is tender. Put the freekeh in a sieve and run under cold water to cool it down quickly. Drain well and set aside.

2. Put the chickpeas, feta, salami, avocado and garlic in a bowl. Drizzle with the oil and toss lightly to coat, then stir in the freekeh and herbs.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the fridge for up to 4 hours.

Recipes are from Doctor on a Diet by Dr Paula Gilvarry, is published by Gill Books at €19.99 / £17.99. Dr Paula Gilvarry is a retired medical doctor working in community medicine.

Together with her husband, Damien Brennan, she previously ran the highly acclaimed Reveries, a restaurant in Rosses Point, where her innovative Irish cooking garnered national awards. She currently runs The Yeats Experience with Damien from their home at Broc House in Co. Sligo. She lost five stone in one year through diet alone!

Doctor on a Diet is for anyone who wants to lose weight and keep it off, without sacrificing taste or flavour. The recipes even allow for treats and a daily glass of wine!

Win three copies of this book! See crossword at end of magazine

Burglary Burglary has been getting a lot of attention lately. It seems like every day we hear there are more stories in the news about people whose homes or cars have been broken into and valuable or sentimental items stolen.

A very normal response to these stories is fear and concern for one’s self and loved ones. The good news is that there are steps that you can take to help make you and your home safer. While it is not possible to completely prevent burglary and theft, the following steps can make you and your home an unappealing target for would-be burglars.

•

Always keep your doors and windows locked.

•

Keep lights on in the evening. Use timers when you are away from home. Timers can be purchased at hardware stores.

•

Store keys and other valuables out of sight and away from windows and your letterbox.

•

Equip your home and car with an alarm system. Set your home alarm even when you are in the house.

•

Keep hedges and shrubs trimmed to prevent them from providing a hiding place for someone who is trying to break in through a window or door.

82 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

•

Consider lights for the outside of your home so that anyone prowling around can be seen from the street or by a neighbour.

If you have continued concerns about the safety and security of your home, you can contact the local Garda Crime Prevention Officer for advice on additional precautions you can take. Making your home more secure will hopefully give you more peace of mind.

If you have been the victim of burglary, or any other crime, you can ring the Crime Victims Helpline for support and information. The Crime Victims Helpline 116 006 is a free and confidential service that provides emotional support and information to victims of crime.

Our hours are: Monday, Wednesday and Friday

10.00 to 17.00

Tuesday and Thursday

9.30 to 18.30

Saturday and Bank Holidays

14.00 to 16.00

Sunday

Closed

Further information can also be found on our website at www.crimevictimshelpline.ie

Meeting Place UK MALE MID-60s, Irish descent and a regular visitor to Ireland. Semi-retired professional, single, never married, no children. Presentable, romantic, affectionate, positive outlook, GSOH, NS. Interests include travel, the great outdoors, current affairs and sport. WLTM lady for romance, travel and shared adventures. Any area, age or status – all replies answered.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E1 NORTH CO DUBLIN LADY, 65, widow, considered attractive, blonde, 5ft 5in, medium build.

WLTM nice gentleman of similar age and situation for friendship/relationship. Interests include reading, music, cinema, dining out occasionally and love walking. Caring with a positive attitude and GSOH. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E2 HAPPY DUBLIN MAN 60s, never married, country origins. Respectful, joyful, caring. Interests include watercolour painting, walking.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E3 RETIRED CO MEATH PROFESSIONAL LADY, 80, widow, GSOH, seeks a warm and friendly educated gent for friendship and companionship, preferably from midlands. Age range 75-80.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E4 SOUTH DUBLIN GENT, MID 60s, retired public servant, height 180cm, medium build, good appearance. GSOH. NS, SD, healthy lifestyle. Interests include ballroom dancing, music (play instruments), current affairs, travel at home and abroad, eating out, cinema, concerts, bridge, reading, gardening, walking sport. WLTM cheerful lady nid-50s to late 60s to share some interests.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E5 YOUNG-LOOKING DUBLIN MAN, 65, 5ft 9in, NS, SD. Slim, likes to keep fit. Enjoy reading, walking, dining out and current affairs.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E6 LITHUANIAN WOMAN, 57, LIVING IN CAVAN, 5ft 6in, NS, ND, WLTM sincere gent aged 60 or more, willing to move if necessary.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E7 DUBLIN GENT, YOUNG 65, never married, 5ft 6in, medium build, NS, retired, kind and caring, good company, very approachable. Interests include outdoors, walking, reading, yoga, music, countryside, travel. WLTM lady 55-65 for friendship, possible relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E8 NORTHSIDE DUBLIN WOMAN, 60s, with some hearing difficulties WLTM a genuine single/widowed gentleman late 60s, early 70s.

NS, SD. Recently retired from civil service.

Country origins from farming background, no ties, loves country life, reading, art, traditional

and classical music. Would like to share life with someone who values the simple pleasures and joys of everyday life; Midlands/Dublin preferable.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E9 RETIRED DUBLIN WIDOWER, 60s, NS, SD, GSOH. Interests include swimming, theatre, travel, current affairs, (living the days instead of counting the years). WLTM lady late 50s-early 60s with similar interests for friendship and let’s see how it goes.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E10 PETITE SOUTH DUBLIN BRUNETTE, 50ish, with soft brown eyes, WLTM affectionate gentleman for friendship who knows how to treat a lady. Must be interested in ballroom/jive/salsa, theatre, cinema, walking and travel, REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E11 UK CATHOLIC LADY LIVING IN CORK, married with family. Interests include dressmaking, crafts, reading (especially religious titles).

WLTM other ladies for coffee and friendship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E12 CHEERFUL MAN, 60s, LIVING IN DUBLIN but country origins, never married. Joyful, retired, positive, sincere, healthy, respectful. Regular walker, landscape painter, seeks romantic permanent relationship with interesting lady.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER E13 DUBLIN FEMALE 65, 5ft 3in, slim, relaxed outlook, young at heart, would love to feel happier.

Interests include social dancing, history, genealogy. WLTM a genuine man to enjoy the usual things such as eating out, cinema, theatre.

Looking for someone easy to talk to, have fun and bring a little anticipation and spark into life.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBDER E14 NORTH DUBLIN MALE, 80, looks years younger, widower, NS, SD, no ties, medium height, WLTM lady for friendship/relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C1 DUBLIN LADY, 65, RETIRED, WLTM respectful gentleman with similar interests which include cinema, history, reading and travel. Interested in friendship and possible relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C2 ROMANTIC CO DUBLIN MALE, LATE 70s, WLTM nice lady 50s-60s with romance in mind. Interest include cinema, theatre, current affairs and coffees for a chat. Young at heart and good sense of humour.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C3 SOUTH CO DUBLIN LADY, MID 50s, NS, SD, happy, easy going, GSOH. Interests include nature, animals, dogs, theatre, outings, concerts, afternoon tea, dining out. I lead a very busy life

but there is room to share quality room with a decent, kind, intelligent gentleman 55-60 with common interests who is similarly seeking friendship, companionship and perhaps a lasting relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C4 SLIM, LAOIS-BASED FEMALE, 52, SELF-EMPLOYED, well-travelled, seeks respectable gent, 50-60, for companionship.

I’m 5ft 7in, attractive, single with no children. My Interests include walking, swimming, weekends away, yoga, meditation and social dancing.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C5 NORTH MIDLANDS GENTLEMAN, LATE 60s, NS, SD, kind, caring and considerate with GSOH, likes country music, dancing, gardening, eating out and weekends away. WLTM a mature, romantic lady who values the simple things in life, aged 55-65 for lasting relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C6 NORTHSIDE DUBLIN FEMALE looking to meet males or females for trips away at home and Europe. Age range 65-75 REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C7 DO YOU LIKE TO SOCIALISE? If so let’s stay vibrant with an enthusiastic group of friends by creating a singles group for Limerick and surrounding counties. Activities could include theatre, eating out, days away, walking trips etc. Your contact and input welcome.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C8 TRAVEL COMPANIONS. Would you like to join a newly formed broadly based geographically SOLO group interested in travel? (At home and abroad). Would include theatre trips, walking/hiking holidays etc. Your input would be welcome. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C9 ARE YOU THAT ‘SPECIAL LADY’?

You replied to my advert B1 in the last issue of Senior Times but you did not leave your contact details. Look forward to hearing from you!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C10 SOUTHSIDE DUBLIN GENT, 65, NS, SD, caring, romantic, sincere. Interests include reading, writing, travel, eating out and cinema. WLTM lady of similar age and interests for friendship and possible relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C11 RETIRED DOCTOR, WIDOWER, 60s, NORTHSIDE DUBLIN. Interests include travelling, walking, golf, cinema and eating out.

WLTM lady with similar interests.

REPLY TO BOXC NUMBER C12 MIDLANDS LADY 60s EDUCATED, honest and considerate, loves life, chats, laughs, current affairs, music and travel. WLTM a tall

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 83

gent, preferably 50s to 60s for good times and relationship. Its now or never! So if you are that special person I would like to hear from you!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER C13 DUBLIN BUSINESSMAN, SEMI-RETIRED, LATE 60s. NS, tall, medium build, kind, considerate, good manner, good appearance, many interests. Would like to invite into my life a special, kind, interesting, romantic, affectionate, mature woman who like me is fed up with airports and would be available for trips and short breaks exploring places of interest in Ireland.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B1 YOUNG LOOKING DUBLIN WOMAN, 60, looking for a kind and honest 60-65 man to enjoy the simple things of life with. Interests include dining out, cinema and walking.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B2 DUBLIN MAN, YOUNG 72, likes the simple things in life, a joke and the craic. Seeks a similar broadminded woman to spend time with and see how it goes.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B3 KERRY LADY, 50, TALL, SLIM, well-travelled and sincere, no children. Interests include walking, reading, theatre, concerts, museums, history, pets, gardening, Sunday drives and lazy coffee mornings. NS, SD, GSOH. WLTM kind hearted, warm, sincere gentleman to share and enjoy life with.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B4 SEPARATED CO LOUTH LADY, 61, WLTM men or women for social friendship, cinema, meals out, concerts etc. Age group 58-65. NS. Interested in those from Louth, Monaghan and Dublin.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B5 CO DUBLIN KIWI/IRISH LADY, late 50s.

NS, GSOH, positive outlook, kind, trustworthy.

Enjoys walking, travelling, rugby. WLTM a gentleman for friendship, possible serious long term relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B6 NORTH DUBLIN MALE, 80, looks years younger. Widower, no ties, NS, medium height.

WLTM lady for friendship/relationship.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B7 MEATH WOMAN, 50s, recently divorced, good looking, glamorous, vivacious, works in Dublin, no ties, travel a lot. WLTM educated, genuine, attractive male, 50s, for chat, friendship, possible travel companion. Loves outdoors, fine wine, weekends at home and away. Online not for me. Independent males only! REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B8 RETIRED MIDLANDS GENTLEMAN WLTM interesting lady for friendship and travel. Likes travel, fishing, gardening, current affairs, politics and sports.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B9

LATIN CO CLARE LADY, 65, WLTM my other half.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B10 MATURE, CHEERFUL, UNASSUMING compassionate, personable, warm lady, retired professional. WLTM educated, refined gent.

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REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B13 ATTRACTIVE RETIRED CO LIMERICK WOMAN, 60s, WLTM cheerful, friendly, commonsense male companion to share leisurely walking, holidays, laughter etc. NS. Based on Kerry border.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B14 NORTHSIDE DUBLIN MAN, romantic, discreet, broadminded WLTM lady 50s to 60s.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER B16 TALL, SLIM, ATTRACTIVE CORK FEMALE, friendly Leo, 50s, WLTM Mr. Motivator, someone who wants to start to live and enjoy life again. Interests include eating out, social drinks, music, concerts, theatre, travel, walking and much more. Must be loving and kind. GSOH essential, with positive outlook and a nice smile.

Can’t wait!

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A1 DUBLIN MALE, 69, loves a non-hurried pace of life, WLTM a loving, caring female to share and enjoy retirement years. Looking for my soul mate and soul mates don’t have to live together. Ideally age range 65-75.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A2 ATTRACTIVE, TALL, MEATH LADY, 62, educated, kind and caring. Interests include walking, theatre, eating out, current affairs, music and travel. WLTM a loving, caring, genuine gent to share interests and good times together.

Preferable age range 50s to 60s. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A4 WEST MEATH BASED ENGLISHMAN, 79, WEST widower, NS, SD. Interests include driving, reading, pets, sport, all types of music.

Keen sense of humour, WLTM a lady of similar age and interests for friendship and companionship. REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A5 ACTIVE, RETIRED CO LIMERICK WOMAN, CHEERFUL and chatty seeks friendly male companion to share days out, holidays and enjoy life.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A6 SOUTH DUBLIN PROFESSIONAL GENT, late 60s, NS, 5ft 11in, medium build, kind, considerate, private, good appearance, good manners and respectful, easy going. Interests

84 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

include the arts, cinema, music, reading. Would like to invite into my life a special, kind, thoughtful, funny and true, romantic, affectionate mature woman who is available for trips and short breaks to explore places of interest in our beautiful country.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A7 MUNSTER LADY, QUIET, HONEST, kind, sincere, semi-retired. WLTM single, caring, trustworthy gentleman. Ideally GSOH, modest drinker with a healthy lifestyle to share happy times and, initially, friendship. Age range 60-65.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A8 SINGLE MIDLANDS LADY, no ties, working, many interests. WLTM retired, single gent or widower for theatre, concerts, walks, etc.

Midlands or Dublin area. Age range 65-75.

REPLY TO BOX NUMBER A9

TO PLACE AN ADVERTISEMENT

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Three copies of Doctor on a Diet to be won Senior Times, iSenior Times, in association with publishers Gill Books, are offering three copies of Dr Paula Gilvarry’s book Doctor on a Diet, in this issue’s crossword competition.

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86 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

Send your entries to: Crossword Competition, Senior Times, Unit 1, 15 Oxford Lane, Ranelagh, Dublin 6. The first three correct entries drawn are the winners.

Deadline for receipt of entries 30th January 2019

Crossword Crossword Number 97 by Zoë Devlin

ACROSS

DOWN

1 6 8 10 15 16 17 18 19 22 24 25 26 28 30 31 32 34 35 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 50 52 54 56 57 58 62 65 69 70 71 72 75 77 79 80 82 83 85 86 88 89 91 92 93 96 97 98 99 101 103 104 105 106

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 20 21 23 27 29 33 36 37 39 40 41 45 46 47 48 49 51 53 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 68 73 74 75 76 78 81 84 85 87 88 90 94 95 100 101 102

Very rich flaky crescent-shaped roll (9) Close friend (3) Mischievous fairy (3) Helper (9) Social insect (3) Subject matter or topic (5) Opera by Georges Bizet (6) Can one get a sore knee using this oil! (8) Informal debt instrument (1.1.1) Emphatic or aggressively self-assured (9) American aviator ___ Earhart (6) Can one edit this regime of eating? (4) Playing card or US President? (5) Moral principle that inhibits action (7) Social division of people (5) Declared or affirmed - or got worse! (5) Recant or pull back (7) Trap made to catch fish or insects (3) Request to be present (7) Instrument played by James Galway (5) Small light boat, propelled with paddle (5) Thief or housebreaker (7) Shangri-la ... nirvana (4) See 23 Down.

Long narrow strip of water made for boats (5) The ___ of the Taoiseach is in Upper Merrion St (10) Blow that renders an opponent unconscious (1.1) Bone also known as the clavicle (6-4) No wee threats are made to this darling (10) Licensed medical practitioner (2) Member of Dáil Éireann (1.1.)

Don’t plant oboes beside this item of cutlery (5-5) Showy red-leaved Christmas houseplant (10) Archaic form of ‘you’ (2) Large breed of dog with acute smell (10) Straight, thin projectile - found in Harrow? (5) Doughy white bread from Waterford (4) One of two organs in the chest (4) Daybreak .. cockcrow (7) Suggestive of the supernatural (5) Separate part of a whole (5) Flexible .. bouncy .. stretchy (7) Feel remorse for this French street (3) Container for spraying substance under pressure (7) Daily record - written in a dairy? (5) Happen again (5) Jumper (7) River and battle in Co Louth (5) Christmas or credit, it’s a piece of paper (4) Sand or House ___, it’s a little bird (6) Creature with lots of legs - could make a decent pie! (9) US film star, ___ Gardner (3) Herb that’s quite arrogant! (8) Cry of sorrow and grief (6) Isolated .. not together (5) Human face or drinking vessel (3) Washing powder (9) Located at a great distance (3) Cereal made into porridge (3) Vehicle or play and film ‘___ Named Desire’ (9)

Purging of emotional tension - or cats’ hairs? (9) Lyric poem (3) Direct the course of travel (5) Depository containing historical records (7) When men trot, they’re in agony (7) Unstable, shaky .. like a pious racer? (10) Sixth note of tonic sol-fa (2) It’s information technology, in short (1.1.)

Michael Longley or Seamus Heaney (4) Suffer anguish (7) Structure that provides protection from danger (7) Close observer or witness (9) A French farewell (5) Musician who blows his own wind instrument (9) Deteriorate .. grow worse (10) Of highest quality .. excellent (5-5) & 42 Across. Novel by James Plunkett set in 1913 (8,4) & 84 Down. British author of espionage novels (4,2,5) Secret plan or vegetable patch (4) In a state of slumber (6) Ability acquired by training (5) Large entrance hall (5) Select by vote (5) Part of a tool with a cutting edge (5) Extinct species of deer, the Irish ___ (3) Vegetable plant with large fleshy yellow root (6) Prominent rock or pile of rocks (3) 40th US President, ___ Reagan (6) Beverage made from cacao beans (5) Start or commence (5) Type of number not divisible by two (3) Playing card with a single pip on its face (3) Tool with flat blade attached at right angles (3) US singer and film star, Doris ___ (3) Large open container for water (3) Free .. liberated .. not tight (5) Poet & playwright, John Millington ___ (5) Gardener who looks after runny mares? (10) Rising economic condition for a tipsy roper! (10) Expensive fur of the marten (5) Badger or pester persistently (5) Comes before the chicken (3) Interior angle where two walls meet (6) Translation displayed at bottom of TV or movie screen (8) Person related to some ancestor or race (10) System of withholding tax (1.1.1.1.)

Right side of ship or aircraft (9) High ranking police officer (9) Former Man. United player, ___ Giggs (4) Craftsman who makes wooden objects (9) See 27 Down In a condition of biological rest (7) Childhood disease caused by lack of Vit D. (7) Member of Seanad Eireann (7) Leavening agent used in making bread and beer (5) Visual representation or picture (5) Game played by Padraig Harrington (4) Continuous portion of a circle (3) Form of address for a man (2) Move, change location, proceed (2)

Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie 87

Crafts&Poetry 1

2

Connie McEvoy 3

Sharing my New year cards..

There are some New Year cards in my collection that I would like to share with readers of Senior Times, despite the fact that these are in rather poor condition the greeting/ verses are amusing and sometimes it may require extra time to understand logic of yore. I have been informed by family members on occasion that my logic is difficult to understand-but anyway here goes.

1. Little girl card with beautiful edgingA happy New Year.

May the New Year come in with a song Lightly and merrily tripping along, Only with comfort and happiness laden, Radiant and sunny as this little maiden, Bright as her eyes, and as free from all tears, And followed by other right happy New Years!

2. Cat on ball-tiny print on right of ball reads Helena Maguire and to the left I wish I were at the other end, underneath A happy New Year to you. Verse on reverse reads as followsI’ve come from far Grimalkin Land, My pretty treiks to showAnd every bright and pleasant thing To wish you don’t you know.

The cream I love grew scanty there, So cash I needs must makeBear that in mind, and O be kindJust for the Season’s sake!

Helen Marion Burnside.

3. Man unsaddled card greeting is – A Happy New Year to you and bears the signature E Kennedy back and front, this rhyme goes as follows Here do we see a man of large girth, ‘Like Mahomets coffin’ ‘twixt heaven and earth, Head foremost he goes amongst tadpoles and eels, To save him, he must be pulled out by the heels, ‘Tis sad we are ignorant as to his fate’ If he ever got home no doubt it was late, Perhaps too his wife, with visage most sour, Curtain-lectures her spouse and scolds by the hour.

4. At the Nare- front signature: C E Herne, this is my favourite back and front!

Joy dawn for you with New Year’s Day. Oh ever and ays’ tis the same sweet song That the waters sing as they dance alongWhether they sweep by rocky steep, Or reflect by the suns of some land afar, Whether they speed by English mead,

4

5

Or thundering rush at the harbour bar, Their roar and chime to the end of Time Must be lost at last in the boundless sea, As our little life with it’s roar and strifeWill be lost in the sea of Eternity.

Helen Marion Burnside.

Message on Bacon card readsA small volume of ‘Bacon’ I send Your New Year from care to defend.

6. The mouse on cheese card seems to have a connection to above as when opened five kittens playing on a rope are depicted and Helena Maguire is credited as being the artist.

Greeting readsA happy New Year. May this Season ( I won’t quote a motto from Milton Or mount on the stilts ) be precisely the ‘Stilton’. F L. Raphael Tuck & Sons were named printers of all cards except the little girl and bacon cards-these bore no printer information, I have arranged this selection on a fairly large chocolate box top that was in the small suitcase that has been protecting them for years. It depicts a painting of a girl holding a baby in her arms while they look at a cock and hens in a yard, the signature A Thamm is clearly visible at bottom left of the painting, there is a torn sticker on the reverse of top but I can see Degi written in an oval shape and Gemalde Nr. & below Schwabisches Stadtchen and below that A Thamm. As we advance to the start of 2019 in the knowledge that these cards were probably sent at least 100 years ago and some Irish citizens will reach one hundred years of age during the following months I sincerely hope that some happy memories may be evoked by seeing the above and photo of them below.

88 Senior Times l January - February 2019 l www.seniortimes.ie

6

Wintertime Little Christmas is over once more And the festive lights are gone It’s back to the dreary and drab old hues That we’ve had since the sun last shone Still days are getting longer now Soon things will be back to normal Robin’s song in the holly bush May seem quite informal Yet he struts his stuff with gusto As he sits upon that bough I gaze in admiration as in sunset’s crimson hues Bare trees will stand majestically Till moonlight later changes the set for all of us to view The season may still be winter yet should merit our endless praise.

Connie McEvoy.

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