carlowpeople highest, most frequent readership in carlow
.ie .ie t: 059 914 1877
November 19, 2019 June 28, 2022
FREE
12,000 copies
FREE
www.carlowpeople.ie t: 059 914 1877 www.carlowpeople.ie
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June 28, 2022
carlowpeople highest, most frequent readership in carlow
.ie .ie t: 059 914 1877
November 19, 2019
FREE
June 28, 2022
12,000 copies
Average home now costs €300k HOUSE prices have risen by 14.2% nationally over the last 12 months to April 2022, with the median price of a home in Carlow now hitting €300,000. This compares with the median — or mid-point price — for a house nationally, which was €286,000 in the 12 months to April 2022. The highest median prices were seen in Dublin, at €410,000 across the entire county. In local areas, Dun Laoghaire was the most expensive at €605,000
while South Dublin had the lowest at €395,000. Outside of the capital, the highest median prices were in Wicklow (€395,000). However, the rise in prices is slightly below increases reported last month — the highest increase in seven years — where it increased by 15.1% in the year to March 2022, a drop of 0.9 percentage points. This is the first time the rate of residential property price increases have decreased in
two years. The CSO said that Dublin residential property prices are 10.2% lower than their February 2007 peak, while residential property prices in the rest of Ireland are 3.2% lower than their May 2007 peak. Reacting to the latest figures, Trevor Grant, Chairperson of the Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors said that it was unlikely that property values would drop in the near future due to demand outstripping supply.
Подальша освіта та навчання Нещодавно прибув до Ірландії з України? Подальша освіта та навчання або FET пропонує широкий вибір варіантів освіти протягом усього життя для всіх, хто старше 16 років, і не відвідує середню освіту. Курси англійської мови для дорослих або підтримка інших можливостей освіти чи працевлаштування, допомога та підтримка доступні через Kilkenny and Carlow ETB. Будь ласка зв’яжіться Провідна служба освіти дорослих Рада з освіти та навчання Кілкенні та Карлоу (KCETB) shane.rooney@carlowadultguidance.ie 1A Meadowcourt, Burrin Street, Carlow, 059 913 3123.
Регіональна освітня та мовна команда (REALT) Доступ до початкової та другого рівня освіти Нещодавно прибув до Ірландії з України? Ви батько, який шукає підтримки у доступі до початкової або другого рівня освіти для своїх дітей? Для отримання додаткової інформації зв’яжіться з тимчасовим координатором KCETB REALT Мадайлін Мік Лохлайн. Електронна адреса: realt@kcetb.ie Тел: 087 1344558. Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Có-mhaoinithe ag an
AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Ряд програм додаткової освіти та навчання, які пропонують Кілкенні та Карлоу ETB, співфінансуються урядом Ірландії та Європейським Союзом.
“Supply is steadily increasing which should ease property price growth, but on the other hand, the increasing cost of raw materials and as well as growing labour costs may continue to add to the upward price pressures,” he said. “Prospective homebuyers are looking to know whether they should move now or wait it out, in the hope that prices might soften,” he added. Continued on next page
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Pictured on World Blood Donor Day is Rebecca O’Grady Transfusion Medicine Coombe Hospital. Picture Jason Clarke
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news in brief Appeal as car stolen from Carlow house GARDAI in Carlow are investigating a burglary and theft of a car from a house in The Willows, Carlow in the early hours of Monday morning, June 20. Shortly before 4am the front door of the house was forced open and a set of car keys taken from the property off the Hackettstown Road. The car, a black Volkswagen Golf, was then driven away at speed. Anyone who noticed anything suspicious or was in the vicinity of Hackettstown Road between 4am and 5am and has dashcam footage is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059 9136620.
Imagine broadband IMAGINE has extended its high-speed broadband connection area, providing immediate connectivity to over 24,712 homes and businesses in Co Carlow. Imagine’s latest news comes as the company continues to receive strong demand for its service, with the Irish provider continuing to win fans amongst its customers, with over 60% of new subscribers calling to be connected being referred from existing users of its service.
Gardai warn of roaming gangs in Proud Carlow students receive TUS scholarships county
TWO proud athletes from Carlow are among 74 students who received sports scholarships from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). The TUS Sports Scholarship programme supports students who are at the forefront of their chosen sport from intercounty to international level, encouraging them to reach both their sporting and academic potential during their time at TUS.
The two recipients from Carlow are Jack McCullagh and Caoimhe Redmond (pictured), who both receive GAA scholarships. President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said: “We are committed to supporting young athletic talent here at TUS and it is fantastic to see such a variety of disciplines among our scholarship recipients. “Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic over
Recently arrived in Ireland from Ukraine? Further Education and Training Service Further Education and Training or FET, offers a wide variety of life-long education options to anyone over 16 years of age, and not attending secondary level education. English language classes for adults or support with other education or employment opportunities, assistance and support is available through Kilkenny and Carlow ETB. Please Contact Adult Education Guidance Service Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) shane.rooney@carlowadultguidance.ie 1A Meadowcourt, Burrin Street, Carlow, 059 913 3123.
Regional Education and Language Team (REALT) Accessing Primary and Second Level Education Are you a parent looking for support with accessing primary or second level education for your children? Please contact Madailin Mhic Lochlainn, KCETB REALT Interim Co-ordinator for more information. Email: realt@kcetb.ie Tel: 087 1344558. Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Có-mhaoinithe ag an
AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
A number of the Further Education and Training Programmes offered by Kilkenny and Carlow ETB are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
the past couple of years, these young athletes have not let it deter them, demonstrating such resilience and ambition to achieve their goals. “We are very proud of the achievements of our scholarship recipients over the past number of years who have gone on to achieve great success in both their competitive fields and careers, and we look forward to following the success of our students for years to come.”
Average home hits €300k
continued from front page Meanwhile, Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf refused to comment during a press briefing recently on where Irish house prices were headed in the near future. “I refrain from indulging in everyone’s favourite pastime,” he said. However, he also noted that demand for housing continues to outstrip supply and that situation was unlikely to change soon. While interest rates are also on the way up – with a number of non-bank lenders having announced rate increases in recent months as their own market borrowing costs rose in anticipation of European Central Bank hikes — Mr Makhlouf said that a lot of mortgage holders are currently on fixed-rate terms. Economists such as Goodbody Stockbrokers’ Dermot O’Leary and Austin Hughes at KBC Bank Ireland estimate that the pace of price growth has passed its peak for the current cycle, as households grapple with rising living costs and an expected series of interest rate increases.
GARDAI in Carlow are warning about organised burglary gangs roaming the countryside targeting vulnerable pensioners in their homes. Gardaí say they have noticed a spike in burglaries in the past two months, with a number of gangs based in Dublin identified as being involved in the rural crime wave. Burglary figures have now returned to pre-pandemic levels in a trend that is concerning gardaí. A number of Garda divisions, including Carlow, have seen a big increase in burglaries. The criminals have been using the motorway network to travel from their Dublin bases, often in high-powered cars. It comes as a pensioner was violently attacked at his home after advertising a scrambler on a buy and sell website. The victim, Martin Bagnall (72), required hospital treatment for a serious head injury. Mr Bagnall was beaten and struck across the head with bolt cutters after confronting a gang at the rural property near Celbridge, Co Kildare. Specialist gardaí arrested an “out of control” teen criminal as part of their investigation
and are carrying out searches for two other gang members. The incident happened at around 9.30pm at night, when the three-man gang broke into the homeowner’s shed. It’s understood his wife locked herself into their home for her safety and alerted emergency services. Mr Bagnall suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown. Sources said the teen is from the Ballyfermot area of Dublin and is suspected of involvement in dozens of car and motorbike thefts. Gardaí are continuing to hunt for the other men involved and suspect they are young criminals from the Clondalkin area. Local Social Democrat councillor Nuala Killeen said: “People are very concerned. “Some people in that age cohort have contacted me saying, ‘We don’t want to be living in fear in our houses,’ and it resonates with people when you hear of somebody living a peaceful life being attacked. We do have strong community gardaí, but resourcing has been an issue that some people have focused on in the area.”
New trans-equality group make appeal
GROUPS in Carlow are being encouraged to join a new coalition, Trans Equality Together, which launched recently. Led by TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland), Belong To and LGBT Ireland, Trans Equality Together says its objective is to create an Ireland where trans people are “equal, safe and valued”. Speaking at the launch, Sara Phillips, Chair of TENI and Co-Director of
Trans Equality Together, said: “The aim of Trans Equality Together is to bring together the diverse array of organisations that work with the trans community directly and those that are our allies – to demonstrate to politicians, policymakers and the wider public the breadth of support that exists for trans rights and the challenges that we, as a community, are facing right now.” For more: www. transequalitytogether.com.
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Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the following position in the Further Education and Training Service within Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board.
Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board Invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following positions based in the Adult Learning Service – Carlow and Kilkenny
ADULT EDUCATION GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR – KILKENNY
1. ESOL
Candidates must have: •
Permanent Post
CELT/CELTA/Higher Certificate in Adult Literacy (including TESOL 1 & 2) or equivalent qualification
REF: 2022JUN068
2. I.T. TUTOR
We are seeking a highly committed Adult Guidance Counsellor to deliver information and guidance counselling programmes/services to our wide and varied adult client base.
Candidates must have: •
Relevant qualification in IT/IT tutoring
Candidates will also have: •
Applicants should have:
a qualification in adult literacy/adult education or equivalent and have undertaken literacy and numeracy training
n
A recognised professional guidance qualification.
•
experience of tutoring in Adult Education and/or working with young early school leavers
n
Experience in the area of guidance counselling.
n
•
experience of delivering accredited courses is desirable
Excellent communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
A panel may be created for the filling of other posts within the scheme which may arise. Closing Date: Monday, 27 June 2022 at 12 noon Further details and application forms available from www.kcetb.ie Adult Literacy Service, Kilkenny and Carlow ETB is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
Application form and further details are available on our website: www.kcetb.ie. Completed application forms should be submitted no later than 12 noon on Monday, 4 July 2022. Late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisting will apply. Kilkenny and Carlow ETB is an equal opportunities employer.
Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Có-mhaoinithe ag an
AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
European Union Investing in your future European Social Fund
Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
learning works
Có-mhaoinithe ag an
AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
learning works
Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board Invites applications from suitably qualified persons for the following positions which have arisen within the Adult Education Service.
IRISH LANGUAGE TUTOR PANEL (Evening Classes) Candidates must have: •
Relevant qualification/experience in Irish Language tutoring
Candidates will also have: •
experience of tutoring in Adult Education and/or working with young early school leavers
•
experience of delivering accredited courses is desirable
A panel may be created for the filling of other posts within the scheme which may arise. Closing Date: Monday, 27 June 2022 at 12 noon Further details and application forms available from www.kcetb.ie A number of the Further Education and Training programmes offered by Kilkenny and Carlow ETB are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.
AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
Coláiste Eoin, Hacketstown
Fixed Term Contract – 10 hours per week A panel will be created for the filling of other Cleaner positions in Kilkenny and Carlow ETB that may arise during the 2022/2023 school academic year. Please refer to: www.kcetb.ie for job application form and further details. Closing Date: Monday, 4 July 2022 (12 noon). Shortlisting may apply.
Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Có-mhaoinithe ag an
PART-TIME CLEANER
European Union Investing in your future European Social Fund
learning works
Kilkenny and Carlow ETB is an equal opportunities employer.
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June 28, 2022
Struggling homes to get €127 fuel bill cut custOmeRs are in line for a €127 saving in their electricity bills later this year, under new legislation agreed by the Government. The Cabinet has signed off on plans to allow the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to set the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy on bills to a negative rate. It was originally believed the rate would be set to zero, saving customers around €52 a year. However, the new legislation will allow the CRU to set the levy at a minus rate, leading to expected reimbursements of €75 for electricity customers. It comes as the number of households in energy poverty is estimated to be 29% — that is according to a startling new report published by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). This level exceeds the highest previous recorded level of energy poverty, which reached 23% in 1995. Energy poverty in this study is defined as households spending more than 10% of their net
Leah Quish (9) at the launch of Round Up for Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin Hospital. Pic: Andres Poveda Helena Vendramini (front), with Tameen Alwaili, Naoimi Areghan, and Theo Lyons as they celebrate YMCA Dublin’s 173rd Birthday at the Y centre, Aungier Street, Dublin. Pic: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland income on energy excluding motor fuel. Energy inflation from January last year to April this year increased the cost of household consumption by €21 per week — and if motor fuel costs are included the weekly increase rises to nearly €39.
In the event of energy costs continuing to rise by another quarter, the report says the share of households in energy poverty would rise to 43%. The future of fuel prices will depend on many factors, including the war in Ukraine,
said Dr Barra Roantree, ESRI, and co-author of the report on energy poverty and deprivation. By winter, the average household could be looking at a rise in energy costs of €37 per week, he said.
Solar panels to be exempt from all the red tape ROOFTOP solar panels on homes and other buildings could soon be exempt from planning permission. This means homeowners — regardless of their location — will soon be able to install solar panels on their roofs without all the red tape. Solar installations will be able to cover the entire roof of a house, subject to minor setback distances from the edge of the roof. The exemptions would include rooftops of homes and buildings like community and educational buildings, places of worship, health buildings, libraries and farms. There will also be exemptions for certain wallmounted and free-standing solar panel installations, proposed to be increased to 60 square metres. Minister of State for Planning Peter Burke has published proposed revisions, saying: “These draft regulations will help facilitate the rollout of rooftop solar energy across the country. They will enable individuals,
communities, businesses and farms to play their part in creating a future fuelled by renewable energy and acting against climate change. “They will help people and businesses to reduce their energy bills and increase Ireland’s energy security, a major challenge given developments in Europe and the need to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels,” he added. Welcoming the proposal, Green Party senator and Minister of State Pippa Hackett said: “We know we need to transition from fossil fuels and solar is part of the solution. I am very excited by solar as any individual and community with rooftop, or ground space, can participate in the energy revolution, be supported by the Government to do so, benefit from the energy produced and sell excess back to the grid. “My Green Party colleagues and I have been pushing these changes and thank Minister Burke and the Department of Local Government.”
Minimum wage is set to be scrapped Artist Colin Davidson, winner of the RCSI Art Award 2022 for his artwork ‘Glen’, a 3D portrait of the songwriter Glen Hansard (right). Pic: Maxwells
HSE to consider return of face masks THE chief executive of the HSE has raised the prospect of reintroducing mandatory maskwearing on public transport and other public places following a spike in Covid-19 hospitalisations. Paul Reid said the rise in cases has sparked concern about a new wave of the virus spreading through at-risk sectors of society over the summer months. The latest figures reveal that 537 patients are in hospitals around the country with Covid-19 — a threefold increase from the 180 patients in hospital on May 31. Of those in hospital with the virus, 27 people are in
intensive care units (ICU). The test positivity rate has nearly doubled over the last few weeks to just under 30%, up from 16.4% at the beginning of June. Mr Reid said the HSE is now actively considering making a recommendation to Government for the return of masks in certain settings. “Yes, I think any time we get a trend like we’re getting at the moment it has to trigger considerations for reduced transmission,” Mr Reid said. “We’re strongly watching what’s happening. Our immediate priority is hospital cases,” he added.
THE minimum wage is set to be phase out over the next four years, under plans to bring in a ‘living wage’ by 2026. Plans announced by Tanaiste Leo Varadkar would see the living wage labelled as 60% of the median wage in any given year, with the minimum wage rising each year until it catches up with the living wage. Currently, the living wage is €12.17 an hour while the minimum wage is €10.50 an hour. Under the plan, from 2026 the minimum wage would be scrapped and the living wage would be the lowest wage payable to employees. The plan comes following a report from the Low Pay Commission, which Mr Varadkar sought last year. Mr Varadkar says that a public consultation will get underway, with final decisions being made in September before changes are made to the scheme in January next year. He said the €12.17 rate is an objective basis for calculation”.
June 28, 2022
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‘Bin It’ roadshow hits schools
THE Gum Litter Taskforce are calling on the people of Carlow to bin their gum responsibly as they launch the Bin It school roadshow. Ireland has achieved a 70% reduction in chewing gum litter since 2007, according to the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT), the National Awareness Campaign to make gum litter an issue of the past. The study shows gum litter now accounts for only 8% of all litter compared with 2007, when the campaign was launched. As part of the Gum Litter Taskforce the ‘Bin It!’ education programme will travel across the country, including a visit to Carlow, and deliver 60 performances a year to primary schools nationwide, with the ambition to visit 180 schools by 2025. The ‘Bin It!’ school roadshow encourages students to responsibly dispose of litter, and particularly gum litter, through actor-led workshops. The latest cycle of the campaign will see the programme shift its focus from secondary school students to students in fifth and sixth class, and a return to inperson workshops, and kicks off in September.
Ribbon cut on new €12m Penneys store HUGE crowds turned out to celebrate the official opening of the new Penneys store in Carlow Town recently. The new 28,000 sqft, €12m store will now employ over 100 people from the local area, and is the first major milestone for Penneys as part of the €250m investment the retailer has committed to Ireland over the next 10 years. Penneys Carlow will operate on 100% renewable energy and is the first Penneys store in Ireland to have solar panels on its roof, supplying the electricity needs of the store. At the opening of the store (pictured) were Damien O’Neill, Head of Penneys Ireland and Northern Ireland, Lorraine Culligan Group Director People and Culture, Primark, Sandra Quinlan Store Manager, Penneys Carlow and the new Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Councillor Brian O’Donoghue. The group were joined by Martina Farrell, wife of the late John Farrell, who was the former store manager and
worked at Penneys Carlow for over 20 years, John sadly passed in 2021. The Farrell family were also there to see John’s former Penneys colleagues unveil a granite bench in the grounds
Дальнейшее образование и обучение Недавно приехали в Ирландию из Украины? Программа дополнительного образования и обучения, или FET, предлагает широкий выбор вариантов непрерывного образования для всех, кто старше 16 лет и не посещает среднюю школу. Уроки английского языка для взрослых или помощь в других возможностях образования или трудоустройства, помощь и поддержка доступны через Kilkenny and Carlow ETB. Пожалуйста свяжитесь Консультативная служба по обучению взрослых Совет по образованию и обучению Килкенни и Карлоу (KCETB) shane.rooney@carlowadultguidance.ie 1A Meadowcourt, Burrin Street, Карлоу, 059 913 3123.
Региональная группа по образованию и языку (REALT) Доступ к начальному и второму уровню образования Недавно приехали в Ирландию из Украины? Вы родитель и ищете поддержку в доступе к начальному или среднему образованию для ваших детей? Пожалуйста, свяжитесь с Мадайлином Мхиком Лохлайнном, временным координатором KCETB REALT для получения дополнительной информации. Электронная почта: realt@kcetb.ie Тел: 087 1344558. Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Có-mhaoinithe ag an
AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the
EUROPEAN UNION
An Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Ряд програм додаткової освіти та навчання, які пропонують Кілкенні та Карлоу ETB, співфінансуються урядом Ірландії та Європейським Союзом.
of the Kennedy Avenue store dedicated to him, a wonderful lasting reminder of just how much John meant to so many. Martina cut the ribbon to officially open the new store. Carlow Town. Manager
Sandra Quinlan said: “We are super-proud of our new Carlow store and of the team for all their hard work. “We’ve been a long time waiting for this, and we are delighted to be back.”
Tubridy praises winning pupils
TWO gifted Carlow pupils were among competition winners in a national art competition. Amelia Walsh and Cormac Phelan, from Our Lady’s National School in Nurney, Carlow, joined other winners at the Barretstown fun camp, Kildare, for the presentation of prizes of the national final of the ‘Imagine the Future’ competition. Amelia won the junior infantsfirst class category while Cormac was awarded second place in the second class-fourth class section. Ryan Tubridy, one of the
competition judges, said: “I had no doubt Ireland’s primary school kids were going to impress. “In fact I was even more amazed than I expected. I love to see the imagination of our young people at work and combining it with the world of possibility enabled by new technology led them to create some really special work. “Each entry told a unique story and I want to congratulate them all and of course pay tribute to the hard work of their teachers in primary schools all over the country,” he added.
10 years of cancer support
EIST Cancer Support Centre celebrated the official opening of its new centre at 46 Idrone Park, Tullow Rd recently. Eist was co-founded by Ann O’ Neill and the late Mary Smyth, two incredible women, who along with a team of dedicated advocates, recognised a great need to provide emotional support and practical help to anyone affected by cancer. It was fitting of the occasion that
Mary’s daughter cut the ribbon to mark a new era for Éist Cancer Support Centre. Eist also celebrated its 10th anniversary recently, of providing expert support and help to the community of Carlow and the surrounding areas. For more, see: www. eistcarlowcancersupport. ie; 085-8661499/0599139684, or email info@ eistcarlowcancersupport.ie
House sales are lowest in the State
THE habits of housebuyers across Ireland has been revealed in new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), and Carlow emerges as the county with the lowest number of house sales. The ‘Characteristics of Residential Property Purchasers — Prices, Ages and Incomes at Local Electoral Areas (LEA)’ also reveals the median age of buyers is 38. Of the 45,280 dwellings purchased in 2019, the period covering the report, the area with the highest number of total transactions was HowthMalahide, in Fingal at 770. Of these, 530 were classed as joint transactions and the remaining 240 as sole transactions. In contrast, areas like Muinebeag, Carlow, Belmullet, Mayo, and Ballybay-Clones, Monaghan, jointly had the lowest number of transactions at 70. The median income for solo buyers across all areas was €42,600, while the median income for joint buyers was almost double at €81,500.
A new platform for local artist
LOCAL artist Chloe Brennan has been officially announced for the 2022 Platform 31 scheme for Carlow. Platform 31 is designed to support 31 artists — one from each Local Authority area in Ireland — to reflect on and develop their practice or make work in a new way, while being connected with and supported by peer practitioners, advisors and mentors. For over 35 years Local Authority Arts Offices have collaborated directly with artists to ensure the arts thrive in all communities. Working in a grass roots and foundational way has allowed Arts Officers to identify and to respond to the needs of artists, keeping the arts and cultural agenda focused and relevant in changing environments. Chloe holds a Bachelor in Fine Art (distinctions) and a Masters from the Department of Fine Art Media, both from the National College of Art and Design. For more information on the scheme, see: www.platform31. localartsireland.ie/
June 28, 2022
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ninenottomiss book review book of the week tv show of the week with Audrey Bracken @fable_books
Bessborough: Three Women. Three Decades. Three Stories of Courage. by Deirdre Finnerty
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield Miri thinks she has got her wife back, when Leah finally returns after a deep sea mission that ended in catastrophe. It soon becomes clear, though, that Leah may have come back wrong. To have the woman she loves back should mean a return to normal life, but Miri can feel Leah slipping from her grasp. Published by Pan Macmillan, this is the deliciously strange debut novel from the critically acclaimed author of salt slow. Our Wives Under the Sea is a story of falling in love, loss, grief and what life there is in the deep, deep sea… At its heart, Our Wives Under the Sea is a tender love story that straddles two worlds. With evocative and lyrical prose, Armfield has spun a fantastic tale positively soaked with eerie atmosphere. An ominous feeling pervades the novel with Armfield deftly weaving both Miri and Leah’s points of view skilfully throughout. Miri’s perspective is grounded in the everyday, whereas Leah’s is told in a series of dreamlike, claustrophobic flashbacks of her time trapped in a submarine at the bottom of the sea. The mysterious Centre for Marine Inquiry looms in the shadows; a malevolent and unnerving presence throughout. Armfield shows great skill and dexterity in sketching her characters, managing to convey a lot with little. The exchanges between Miri and her mother, although not part of the main action, are pitch perfect and their strained relationship injects a little humour. Not for those who aren’t willing to engage in a little suspension of disbelief, but a sublimely beautiful book that moves inexorably towards an inevitable, perfect end. This spectacularly disturbing book will crawl under your skin and linger for a long time to come.
FOR over 70 years, Bessborough House, a grand country mansion on the outskirts of Cork city, operated as one of Ireland’s biggest mother and baby institutions. Women and girls who walked up its stone steps were warned never to reveal their true identities and gave birth to babies they lost to adoption. In this startling account, a trio of remarkable women confined there in the 60s, 70s and 80s, tell their truths. Their vivid accounts take us right inside the walls of the institution but also give us a deep insight into how their experiences impacted their lives afterwards.
stream of the week
HOROSCOPES
film of the week
this is for ukraine Virgin One, 9.00pm, Wednesday June 29
jurassic world Cinemas nationwide
THIS new documentary follows Irish band Aslan as they bring together members of the Ukrainian community to form a choir to record a charity single. Aslan and the new choir will perform their take on the band’s 1986 hit ‘This Is’ with all money raised going to charities in Ireland and Ukraine to support their ongoing work to assist those impacted by the unfolding Ukraine Crisis. As part of the ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ media coalition campaign, this one-hour documentary will also tell the stories of newly-arrived Ukrainian immigrants to Ireland.
SEVERAL years after the events of ‘Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom’, a locust infestation is beginning to ravage the world’s food supply and threaten extinction for mankind. Dinosaurs are now being rehoused in an enclosure in the Dolomites by BioSyn, a massive conglomerate that is somehow linked to the locust infestation. This franchise feels like it has roamed the earth for as long as the dinosaurs — which was 175 millions years. The sooner it becomes extinct the better as the longer it continues, the further away from Spielberg’s genius original it becomes.
RECIPE of the week
album of the week
Aries- This week is a 7 Do the groundwork to realize a vision. Strategize and review priorities. Postpone travels, and take care of business behind the scenes. Taurus- This week is an 8 Friends help out. Collaborate on the structural and logistical details. Make sure you’ve handled the basics before elaborating. Gemini- This week is an 8 Navigate a professional challenge by focusing on organization, discipline and coordinated action. Work completed now can have long-term benefit. Cancer- This week is an 8 You can get what you need to take a trip. An older person makes an interesting proposition. Don’t overlook what loved ones need. Leo- This week is an 8 Investments made now can have long-term benefit. Strengthen by reinforcing foundations and supports.
the boys (season 3) Amazon Prime LOCK up ypur daughters, folks, The Boys are back. This fun and irreverent take on what happens when superheroes—who are as popular as celebrities, as influential as politicians, and as revered as gods—abuse their superpowers rather than use them for good. Intent on stopping the corrupt superheroes, The Boys, a group of vigilantes, continue their heroic quest to expose the truth about The Seven and Vought—the multibillion-dollar conglomerate that manages the superheroes and covers up their dirty secrets. It’s the seemingly powerless against the super powerful sort of thing.
shop of the week
summer pasta www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/ mediterraneanstylep pa_88356
big time Angel Olsen
THIS summer pasta dish is packed with tasty ingredients and suitable for vegans and will work really well as a mid-week dish that you can take out into the garden. The ingredients are all simple and readily available and you can add and subtract (to a point, you don’t want mush) as you wish. The key is to cook the tagliatelle according to the packet instructions and drain, leaving a little of the cooking liquid in the bottom of the pan. Return to the pan, add the sauce and stir to coat.
During Olsen’s process of coming to terms with her queerness and confronting the traumas that had been keeping her from fully accepting herself, she felt it was time to come out to her parents, a hurdle she’d been avoiding for some time. “Finally, at the ripe age of 34, I was free to be me,” she said. Three days later, her father died and shortly after her mother passed away. The shards of this grief— the shortening of her chance to finally be seen more fully by her parents—are scattered throughout this wonderful album about love and loss.
festival of the week
wine of the week
Virgo- This week is an 8 Collaborate with your partner to realize a shared dream. Strengthen infrastructure. Find an inspiration that sings for both of you. Libra- This week is an 8 Keep your fitness goals. Disciplined action builds long-term strength and health. Demands for your attention abound. Scorpio- This week is an 8 Keep practicing to improve your game. Focus on technique, and learn through repetition. Get coaching from a trusted expert. Sagittarius- This week is an 8
Make repairs and renovations. Coordinate with your family for shared priorities. Get creative.
garden variety at aldi www.aldi.ie
comeragh wilds festival July 7-10, www.comeraghswild.com
WITH summer here, some of the time at least, there are more opportunities to spend time sitting and lounging in the garden or spending time ambling about and doing it all up. Aldi have just about everything you need in stores this week, from Patio Heaters (€59.99) and Rocking Sun Loungers (above, €79.99) to Edging/Lawn Shears (€11.99) and Solar Ivy String Lights (€9.99). They even have a Walk-in Greenhouse (€44.99) for when you really want to hide away from the rest of the world!
THE Backyard Band share a stage with the legendary Mary Coughlan at this year’s Comeraghs Wild Festival in neighbouring Waterford. The popular local band will be on stage from 8pm at the enchanting Crotty’s Lake in the heart of the Comeragh Mountains on Friday, July 8. Mary Coughlan and her band will be live after 9pm for what promises to be a sell-out show and one of the most popular events of this year’s Comeraghs Wild Festival, which runs from July 7 to 10.
Mimo Moutinho Portuguese Alvarinho 2021 and Pierre Jaurant Saint-Chinian 2020 (8.99) www.aldi.ie.ie YOU will be hard-pressed these days — excuse the pun — to get a decent bottle of plonk for under a tenner. And summer is when you really need to stock up as friends and neghbours pop round in the evenings. Aldi have two new bottles of good value wine on sale currently, one from Portugal, the other from France. So take your pick, or, grab a twenty euro note from the cash machine and pick up both!
Capricorn- This week is an 8 Capture brilliant ideas as they inspire you. Intellectual discovery provides a thrill. What you uncover now has long-term implications. Aquarius-This week is a 9 Abundance is available. Gather up more than you spend for a positive balance. Make agreements, and sign contracts. Pisces- This week is a 9 Take ground with a personal project. What you do now can have long-term benefit. Provide the leadership to take it to a new level.
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We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by
Freemans Jrn 18/03/1829
Freemans Jrn 30/03/1874
Irish Ind. 19/03/1949
Irish Press 09/03/1979
Freemans Jrn 21/03/1857
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