Love in a Skibb’s community time of Covid player Alan Foley with Dr Ray O’Neill page 45 pages 2-3

www.westcorkpeople.ie & www.westcorkfridayad.ie February 5 – March 4, 2021, Vol XVII, Edition 222 FREE

Old Town Hall, McCurtain Hill, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. E: [email protected] P: 023 8835698

TIME TO CHANGE NEW PEUGEOT 3008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT pages 20-22

PLUG-IN HYBRID, PETROL, DIESEL Twins, and best friends, Cathal (r) and Harry Walsh from Kinsale. 12-year-old Cathal won this year’s National Disability Authority’s ‘Someone Like Me’ art competition with his ‘Piano Man’ portrait, which shows Harry, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, playing the piano, something he taught himself to do during the 2020 spring lockdown. Pic: Finbarr O’Rourke

Investment by Fáilte Ireland is welcome CLARKE BROS LTD Main CLARKEPeugeot Dealer, BROS Clonakilty Road, Bandon, Co. Cork. support for West Cork tourism businesses Tel: 023-8841923(BANDON) LTD Web: www.clarkebrosgroup.ie ine Gael Senator Tim the year ahead. and its strategic priorities for the year Main Peugeot Dealer, HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Lombard has confirmed a “The first phase of the Scheme ahead. The event entitled ‘Survive to Clonakilty Road, Bandon, pages 24-37 new nationwide ˇ55 million opens for applications on the 11th Thrive’ provided industry with details Co. Cork. Finvestment by Fáilte Ireland that February 2021 to businesses including of Fáilte Ireland’s plans that will help will provide a welcome support outdoor activity providers, visitor support resilience and survival in the Tel: 023-8841923 for tourism businesses in West attractions not eligible for CRSS, car- short term and the recovery of the avan and camping providers registered sector in the long-term. All cars can be seen on Cork. The funding for the Tourism with Fáilte Ireland, and Cruise Hire Senator Lombard said: “Amongst Business Continuity Scheme was companies who meet the eligibility its key projects for 2021, Fáilte Ireland www.clarkebrosgroup.ie secured in Budget 2021 and Fáilte criteria. has also committed to the enhance- Ireland is responsible for develop- “The Government will continue ment of urban areas through the 31 Contact Ian Carey ing and administering the scheme. to assess the impact of the Covid-19 Destination Town projects across 087 2624747 Senator Lombard said: “The pandemic on the economy and ensure the country and two new funding scheme will support those tourism that appropriate supports are in place. schemes. [email protected] businesses that were not eligible We are now developing tourism strate- “The Outdoor Dining Grant for the Covid Restrictions Support gies for survival through the pandemic Scheme will improve the quality Scheme (CRSS) payment or previ- and recovery in the medium and long of outdoor dining spaces and offer ous Fáilte Ireland continuity grant term,” Senator Lombard concluded. reassurance around safety and com- schemes. The National Tourism Develop- fort, and the Urban Animation Grant “I am confident this will provide ment Authority also announced its Scheme will animate our cities and GARDENING a positive support for West Cork’s heavyweight domestic marketing towns with innovative lighting and art pages 41-44 tourism industry and will be key to plans, investment commitments in installations. helping it survive and strengthen in outdoor dining and urban animation

To support our healthcare workers and keep your friends and families safe, please follow the Level 5 stay safe Covid Guidelines to suppress the virus in West Cork. 2 February 5 – March 4, 2021 Love in the time of Covid It’s been a tough ten months; January felt like it would never end and the fin- out of this tough situation?’” unfortunately, as a result of this, A red flag in a relationship misery sells,” he says. “We need ish line seems to be moving all the time. Our lives have literally been turned for O’Neill is when a couple good news too. I tend to buy a upside down: Children are out of school, parents out of work and rising Covid has different attitudes towards newspaper or watch the news numbers have confined us back to our homes. Dealing with fear, uncertainty, something seriously critical on the TV; I stay away from the within the pandemic, such as Internet, as I just end up getting loss, and lack of space on a daily basis means that Covid is impacting all of vaccination or wearing a mask. upset by the online comments. our relationships in one way or another. Whether you’re single or part of a “For me it’s non-nego- We’re more than that and we’re couple or family, this pandemic has posed all sorts of challenges – from giv- tiable,” says O’Neill. “We better than that, which is what need to think of other people we need to remind ourselves of, ing each other space to socially distant dating – and left us all wondering just beyond ourselves and there are particularly when we feel bom- what will emerge from our so-called ‘bubbles’ when Covid is behind us? consequences if we don’t. I barded. We live in such a de- Dr Ray O’Neill is an assistant professor in Psychotherapy at DCU. He don’t mean the relationship is mand culture that we lose sight necessarily over in this scenario, of the important stuff. Yes there also works in private practice in Dublin and Beara. Dr O’Neill tells Mary but to question what is going on are vaccine delays but we are O’Brien he believes that because the pressure has been building for so long in such a decision. There is a lot still in a very privileged position with so few options available to us for any kind of release, we’ve hit that psy- of fear around Covid and that a) because there is a vaccine fear finds its place in anger or available and b) because it will chological block around the 20th mile that is so familiar to marathon runners. resistance and defiance. When happen sooner for you and I we recognise that this is about than it will for 85 per cent of the fear, then we can begin to talk it world’s population.” e have to we all feel very stuck without name our emotions or frustra- “It’s these trials in life that through.” The antidote to misery? “We remember those usual releases like being tions in a non-confrontational can either strengthen or break An interesting outcome of the need to have fun together. The that there is able to go for a coffee or a meal, way, they shift place. It is in the someone; if they break you, pandemic according to O’Neill best anti-anxiety medicine is “Wa finishing line,” Dr O’Neill meet up with friends, or get silence that we believe the worst is that it has revealed that some happiness, joy or entertainment. then to move on from that you says. “There is an end on the away for a weekend.” of ourselves and others. While get help, crutches, a plaster people who have suffered “Within families, make sure horizon and we are going to get If this frustration or anxiety the issues are still there, the cast, you don’t let yourself stay and taken responsibility for that everyone gets a chance to through this; we just have to is affecting your relationships, result is that we feel less lonely, broken as a person.” their mental health issues or propose a group activity, wheth- believe it will happen and run Dr O’Neill’s advice is to name less isolated. For better or worse, some managing their anxieties have er it’s a board game or cooking that little bit longer, or walk, what’s wrong. “Sometimes just “’How are you?’ is such a couples have already separated evidenced themselves as of- together. or even stumble, but we have saying ‘Look I’m having a bad simple but powerful thing to during this pandemic. “This tentimes being better equipped Appreciate the company you to keep believing and moving day’ or ‘I’m a bit annoyed with ask someone if you really mean kind of crisis can bring out at navigating a Covid world have, because single people towards it. you or with myself’ or ‘We’re it,” he continues. Just looking the worst in people but it can compared to those people who have had it very tough in this “January is dark and de- not getting on, am I the only directly at someone, perhaps also bring out the best,” says haven’t experienced any kind pandemic. “We might drive pressing on a good year but on one who’s upset, or angry or holding onto their shoulder and O’Neill, who reveals that many of debilitating depression or each other crazy at times in our a Covid year it’s very hard and exhausted?’ can help. When we saying those words can help. couples are actually separating difficulties in life before. family units, but that hug is with less conflict within the “I think the Irish people learnt priceless,” says O’Neill. current climate. “As a result a lot from the last recession, However it’s not all bad of having to continue to live which is the last time we had for singles. While dating has together or having to respect the to deal with real difficulty,” he become more challenging, ‘bubble’, many couples are han- says. “We learnt that it’s good, O’Neill says that an interesting dling separation in a healthier it’s better, to talk. And perhaps outcome of the pandemic in or more civilised manner that this time around because we online dating has been that most they might have pre-Covid,” he didn’t have the usual Irish timewasters have gone offline. CNM explains. crutch of the pub and alcohol This is good news for anyone Training Successful Practitioners Since last March our homes and we had to do things differ- looking for a relationship. “The have becomes schools, gyms, ently, for example over zoom, quick and easy culture has been pubs and working places. supports that wouldn’t have limited, which means it’s a lot These high energy levels can been accessible before suddenly more possible to find someone CHANGE CAREER cause exhaustion and, at times, became available to us. There interested in a serious relation- leaves us with very little room was a huge outreach for psycho- ship,” says O’Neill, who be- to breathe. Dr O’Neill empha- therapy and counselling services lieves that alcohol being taken Train to become a… sises the importance of couples in the first lockdown.” out of the equation also offers spending quality time together, If you are suffering from anx- more nervous, but genuine, real  and ideally outside of our office/ iety, Dr O’Neill recommends encounters. Nutritional Therapist school homes. minimising your news intake. “People are having to be a “Create space and time away “Misery likes company and lot more inventive and all these  Herbalist Attend a FREE from distractions – phones, TV etc. Don’t bring screens and  Online Event devices into the bedroom or to Acupuncturist the dining table. It’s small stuff  but it will make the other person Homeopath feel appreciated and minded. Sit  or lie down together or go for a Health Coach walk together. Sitting in front of  a screen together is lovely but Natural Chef it doesn’t really count, it is the viewing that is shared, not the relationship.” Postgraduate & Short Courses Part-time studies Communication is also key to a successful relationship. NEW Study in class or online “Everyone has their own experi- ence and their own side of the story and if you want a genuine Colleges across Ireland and the UK chance for yours to be heard, then we start in listening to the other persons,” he says. “The couples who tend to be 01 878 8060 www.naturopathy.ie more resilient and adaptive will ask ‘how do we make the most Continued on next page... February 5 – March 4, 2021 3

Love in a time of Covid..Cont’d from previous page ALBANY other possibilities have opened means there is more chance for curtains and everything else, up around dating as a result.” something authentic to emerge. we are always looking to each Courting is happening over I really think it’s possible for other. We have in this pandemic zoom chats, whatsapp and people to make even more of a buckled down to our individual similar platforms – “which isn’t connection in this scenario.” detriment because we get that SSkibbekibbereenreen a bad thing,” says O’Neill, “as Laughter again is really the community is important and it involves conversation and is a important here. “It’s the best what happens our neighbours good screening process. relaxant,” says O’Neill. “When in the next village and the next you’re laughing, you’re being county is important. When I see yourself, and when someone so much of the selfish individu- The opportunity this responds with a smile or with alism flooding the US and what laughter, you know they’re that’s done, I feel very glad to pandemic has presented meeting you. There is nothing, be here in Ireland. us with is the deferred including Covid, that should “We have been through na- gratification of meeting stop us from laughing, whether tional traumas, loss and depriva- it’s over a phone, screen or for tion as a country, for more years or going to the cinema the fortunate ones, in person.” than we care to remember, on together, sharing a meal O’Neill admits he is curious so many different levels. We’re or sleeping together, about what will happen after selfish sure, like all human be- this period in our lives. “How ings are, but I think we do mind which means there we live our lives is going to be each other, which is something is more chance for very influenced by what we’ve that should be celebrated at the something authentic to gone through,” he says. end of this pandemic.” “I think people will be We also need to acknowledge emerge. I really think exhausted and bored with the what we have lost. it’s possible for people dating apps and turn to things “Covid has prevented us from to make even more of like speed dating instead. carrying out the rituals around We stock all of these paint brands! There are opportunities and death and dying that Irish peo- Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Curator, Colourtrend, a connection in this positive outcomes in every cri- ple do so well and which show scenario.” sis. “There are lots of positives such humanity; the gathering as Tikkurila, Dulux, Fleetwood, Albany & Jotun from this pandemic and we may a community to support those not appreciate them until later,” who have lost, the handshake, Delivering all over West Cork & Cork City! “The long engagement tradi- says O’Neill. “It has made us the hug, the eye contact – that tionally offered an opportunity see that we can do things differ- for me is the biggest grief in CURTAINS • FABRICS • BLINDS • PAINTS • INTERIOR DESIGN to really get to know each other ent, whether that’s Christmas, this pandemic. That goodbye to HOME INTERIORS & DECORATIVE FURNITURE to see if you were suitable for getting married, or working someone we love is so critical marriage,” says O’Neill. “The from home. and for that to be taken away Cork Rd, Skibbereen (next to Apple Green) opportunity this pandemic has “One of the things I’ve liked is devastating. We need to ac- 028 23162 • [email protected] • www.fusionhome.ie presented us with is the deferred about the Irish response to this knowledge this, as and when we Opening Times: Mon - Fri 8am to 5.30pm | Sat 8am to 5pm gratification of meeting or going pandemic is that, for better or move back towards celebrating to the cinema together, sharing a worse historically speaking with together again… meal or sleeping together, which the twitching neighbours’ net Public consultations on development of a new QQI DAY COURSES COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 2021 agri-environment pilot QQI LEVEL 5 ✪ NEW Courses! GAIN NEW Art SUPPORTIVE SKILLS OR LEARNING UPDATE ✪ Business Administration with Online Solutions ENVIRONMENT project now open: EXISTING ONES ✪ Creative Innovation & Digital Media ork South West Deputy their landholdings. This isn’t a The pilot scheme’s re- ✪ Early Learning & Care Christopher O’Sulli- farmers issue, it’s a policy issue sults-based approach can help Hairdressing & Beauty MAKE A van is urging farmers that needs to be changed. identify the environmental and NEW START Cto make their views known “This new pilot programme biodiversity returns from specif- LOCAL Healthcare following the announcement of designed to incentivise farmers ic farm measures and allows a TRANSPORT Health & Wellbeing LINKS FOR a consultation process aimed at to deliver for the environment.” more focused use of funding. Horticulture shaping government policy on The Programme for Gov- Those with the best envi- STUDENTS EMPLOYER agri-environmental schemes. ernment commits to rewarding ronmental scores receive the Legal Administration LINKS Funding has been made avail- farmers for adapting to more highest payment. Medical Administration able for a new, results-based sustainable methods of farming The pilot will only be open to PATH TO Psychology & Social Studies agri-environment pilot project. and to the development of a farmers who have not partic- FURTHER COURSES The pilot will explore new ways new agri-environment scheme ipated in GLAS and are not STUDY OR Sports & Recreation RELEVANT TO of approaching environmental capable of delivering broad currently participating in other THAT LOCAL JOB OPPORTUNITIES actions, and will help govern- environmental and biodiversity agri-environment schemes. IDEAL JOB ✪ NEW Course! ment identify what value it can benefits that will align financial The application process is QQI LEVEL 6 bring to Ireland’s next national supports with climate objec- expected to open in the second ✪ Advanced Psychosocial Awareness Training agri-environmental scheme. tives. quarter of 2021. “This will help raise aware- “Protecting and maintaining A summary of the current ness of farming methods that our environment is a national proposal can be accessed at http://westcorkcampus.corkcollegeofcommerce.ie/ give the greatest environmental priority. Agri-Environment gov.ie. Online Applications can be made through the website and biodiversity benefits,” Cork schemes like GLAS have The closing date for the For more information please contact us. South West Deputy Christopher played an important role in receipt of views is Friday Feb- Telephone: 028-21644 Coordinator: Máire O’Sullivan O’Sullivan said. helping us to achieve our objec- ruary, 26, 2021. “For too long we have tives,” Minister for Agriculture, [email protected] or [email protected] incentivised farmers to get rid Food and the Marine, Charlie of habitat and biodiversity on McConalogue, said. West Cork Campus of the Cork College of Commerce @westcorkcampus 4 February 5 – March 4, 2021 Clonakilty Meals on Wheels helps cocooners feel less isolated Meals on Wheels is one of those services that encapsulates everything that is good in a communi- ty: Selfless acts and words of kindness. The small team of valuable volunteers who keep the Clon- akilty show on the road provide not only nourish- ment, but social support to the elderly and vulner- able in the local community. Meals have increased from 80 a week to 140 in the current pandemic. Rising Covid numbers and Level 5 restrictions means that so many more people are isolated and for some, the bi-weekly meal delivery on Tuesdays and Fridays is now the only contact they have with the outside world.

lonakilty Meals on smoothly. On Fridays, Gerard Wheels is under the O’Driscoll and Ann Kiernan umbrella of the Clon- give their time. Cakilty Community Care Society, Drivers Kieran Murphy, Bar- which has been in operation ry Kirby, Eileen Quinlan and for the past 50 years. Norma Denis O’Hea are responsible O’Sullivan answered the call for for dropping off the nourishing volunteers in her parish church two-course meals (a main and a newsletter 19 years ago and dessert) to clients in Clonakilty has been with Clonakilty Meals and hinterland. No driver is meals that people look forward two weeks at Christmas time a builder regularly drops off to be carefully and thoroughly on Wheels ever since. Bernie ever too hurried not to stay for to,” says Barry. “I’m a relatively but with demand so high, meal firewood, and Lidl in Clon- carried out at the end of every Harrington arrived on the scene a chat. new volunteer to the service deliveries continued throughout akilty recently contributed a day. a few years later. With the help “There’s always a surprise and my eyes have been opened. the seasonal period in 2020. number of food vouchers to “We took everything off the of a small but dedicated and en- in the bag too,” says Bernie There are so many people who Small Christmas hampers were the service. Allfresh fruit and walls at the start, as even the ergetic group of volunteers such “something like a packet of bis- are on their own and scared in also made up and given to each vegetable wholesalers donate hanging pictures have to be as Padraig O’Mahony, Marian cuits, a carton of eggs or some the current climate and desper- of the 44 clients. fresh produce regularly. Dealz, sanitised,” says Norma. Corcoran and Eileen O’Driscoll, kindling.” ate for company.” a business new to Clonakilty The two veg (sometimes they keep operations running “It’s the chat as well as the The service usually closes for town, has organised two col- three) and meat dinners are al- “It’s the chat as well as lections for Meals on Wheels. ways ready for 11am with every Local Reverends and church meal distributed by 12pm. “The the meals that people communities have also made phone starts ringing if we’re a look forward to. I’m a food donations. “Everything minute after 12,” says Bernie relatively new volunteer helps,” says Bernie “and we’re laughing. very grateful to those who have Catherine Hayes has been to the service and my helped us in such a difficult picking up meals from Clon- eyes have been opened. time for so many.” akilty Meals on Wheels for her There are so many “We’ve also had contribu- mum, Mary Hayes (77), from tions from individuals – mone- Ardfield, since 2019. “It’s a people who are on their tary, food and vouchers,” says fantastic service, as she can’t own and scared in the Padraig “which have all been cook any more and I’m working current climate and very welcome, as we’re unable fulltime,” says Catherine. “It to run any fundraising activities gives me some relief that her desperate for company.” this year.” dinner is looked after a couple Driver Barry Kirby West Cork HSE Community of days a week and she really Worker June Hamill has been enjoys them.” very supportive and encour- Three years ago Eileen Meals vary depending on aging. “She advised us on O’Driscoll joined the Clonakilty donations and whatever produce applying for a number of grants, Meals on Wheels team on a is available from sources such which we successfully qualified CE Scheme. After completing as FoodCloud, a social service for,” says Norma. “Last year the scheme, she successfully that connects businesses with we received a community grant secured employment in the surplus food to charities. Every from Cork County Council and kitchen of a local café but was Sunday evening, Clonakilty National Lottery Funding.” made unemployed last year Meals on Wheels collects food “There was a time at the due to Covid. She returned as a through FoodCloud from Tesco start of the pandemic, when we volunteer to Meals on Wheels in Ballincollig. “It’s a fantastic thought we’d have to close the after a three year hiatus. “I love service,” says Norma. service down,” says Bernie. it,” she says “and I’ll miss it Local businesses too have “There were so many guidelines wholeheartedly when I return to been supportive. Dunmore Ho- and new rules to adhere to and work. It’s like having a second tel Hotel has provided weekly we lost a few volunteers in the family and there is such great desserts when possible and a over-70 category – but June’s craic with the volunteers and number of other local business- help has been invaluable to us elderly clients.” es in the hospitality industry and we have thankfully man- To get in touch with Clon- have made food donations aged to keep things running.” akilty Meals on Wheels call 023 over the past 10 months. Local A toilet in the building has 8833107, Monday, Tuesday, butcher Haulie O’Neill donated been sectioned off for use as Thursday and Friday mornings meat to Fernhill House Hotel an isolation unit if needed and between 9am and 12pm. Con- for use in the cooked dinners Padraig has taken on the role of tact Norma on 087 2480759 or they provided to the service, chief sanitiser, a task that has Bernie on 087 6244081. February 5 – March 4, 2021 5 Kinsale pupil wins national art competition with heart-warming portrait that paints a picture of ability versus disability

12-year-old twin boy competition’s aim of fostering are really grateful to lockdown, extremely impressed with the from Kinsale has been more positive attitudes towards as it gave him the opportunity to number of entries from schools announced as this persons with disabilities by discover his love of music and this year, not least because of Ayear’s winner of the National highlighting the similarities that gave me the time to explore and the challenges presented by the Disability Authority’s ‘Someone exist between all people. expand my love for art.” global pandemic. Like Me’ national art competi- “This is my twin brother County Monaghan’s Kille- “I would like to extend tion. Cathal Walsh, a sixth-class Harry, we are 12-years-old and evan National School’s First my deepest congratulations to pupil at Summercove National in Sixth Class. I decided to draw and Second Class pupils were Cathal Walsh, his teacher Jean School, won the prestigious Harry because he taught himself also named as recipients of a Roberts and the wider school competition with his ‘Piano piano during lockdown and coveted Judges’ Highly Com- community. Cathal’s entry is Man’ portrait, which shows his turns out he has a natural talent mended Award for their comic both an attractive and inspiring twin brother Harry, who was for it. He loves to play Queen, book entry which tells the story depiction of his twin brother born with a cleft lip and palate, Abba, jazz, pop and he plays of superheroes with different who clearly has an ambition playing the piano, something ‘Piano Man’ a lot,” said Cathal. and similar superpowers who to use his own experience and he taught himself to do during “He was the first-born twin together play a role in saving ability for the benefit of others. lockdown. and was born with a cleft lip the day against Covid-19, rep- “I would also like to For the first time in the five- and palate. He has had five op- resenting the different strengths commend Killeevan National year history of the Someone erations, first to repair his lip at and weaknesses of the pupils School for its Highly Com- Like Me Awards, the finalists, three months, then palate repair, and how their strengths are mended entry, as well as all of who were from 48 primary two palate correction operations often their own superpowers. the county winners who were schools across Ireland, gathered and, last year, he had bone graft The competition, which is selected from more than 1,800 online for a special virtual surgery. Thanks to the Cleft Lip organised by the National Dis- entries received from schools ceremony designed to over- and Palate Team at CUH (Cork ability Authority, attracted more right across Ireland. Taking come current Covid-19-related University Hospital), Cork, Har- than 1,800 entries from national part in this competition will go restrictions. ry and I look even more alike. schools across the length and a long way towards fostering Cathal’s winning entry was “He never complains and breadth of the country. more positive attitudes towards chosen by competition judges wants to be a dentist when he is Congratulating Cathal Walsh persons with disabilities from not just for its artistic appeal, older, as he is really interested on his success, Minister of State a very early age by highlight- but also for its heart-warm- in all the dental-work he re- with responsibility for disability, ing the similarities that exist ing story, which reflects the ceives himself. Both Harry and I Anne Rabbitte TD said she was between all people. Cathal (r) and Harry Walsh. Pic: Finbarr O’Rourke

LANDON ACUPUNCTURE Helping Restore Health to Body and Mind

also MALLOW & FERMOY LANDON ACUPUNCTUREBANDON (FIONNUISCE HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTRE)

Stephen Landon is a PAIN PROBLEMS practitioner of Acupuncture and General back/neck/shoulder/ Traditional Chinese Medicine knee pain, Tennis elbow, who uses his extensive training Carpel tunnel syndrome to create a treatment plan to fit the needs of each patient. RECOVERY Whatever your health and Stroke rehab, Bell’s palsy, wellness goals may be, he will Chemotherapy or Radiation offer guidance and support with side effects compassion to help you thrive in a holistic, natural way. DIGESTIVE DISORDERS Constipation, Diarrhoea, Heartburn, Nausea Tel: 087 4667467 GENERAL WELLNESS Email: [email protected] Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Insomnia www.landonacupuncture.ie m Whatsapp: 087 4667467 REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Infertility (Male/Female), Menopause, Q Instagram: landonacupuncture Painful/Irregular menstruation, etc. E Facebook: Landon Acupuncture *this list is not exhaustive (see website for more info)

Member of the Acupuncture Council of Ireland and approved by Aviva, ACUPUNCTURE •CUPPING • MOXIBUSTION VHI, Laya Healthcare and HSA for Out-Patient insurance purposes. 6 February 5 – March 4, 2021 Sure look… Letter from the Editor Welcome to the February edition of West Cork People, sure that your interlocuter gets the message that this conversa- I know I say this every year but thank God January is over. We’re all tion is finally truly over. exhausted from the long slog that has been the past 10 months and Some sayings are so subtle January, a dreary month anyway, has felt like a particularly long and that they mean the exact tough start to 2021! Mary O’Brien opposite of what is said, such Editor A as “I will, yeah”, or “Yeah, I mentioned at the beginning of the feature with Dr Ray O’Neill, right!” “Good luck with that,” how dealing with fear, uncertainty, loss, and lack of space on a daily WEST CORK can mean just that, but is mostly basis has had a huge impact on us all. Dr O’Neill, an assistant pro- LIFE used in cases where even luck fessor in Psychotherapy at DCU believes we’ve hit that psycholog- won’t help. ical block around the 20th mile that so many marathon runners run Tina Pisco As we enter week whatever into. He reminds us that there is an end on the horizon even if the of Lockdown III, there is one finish line seems very far off: We just have to pick ourselves up and saying that reigns supreme and dust ourselves off if we falter and keep moving towards it. that is ”Sure look…”, often hough I have lived for accompanied by a shrug and a So much of what he talks about rings true. He mentions the impact Sheila Mullins nearly twenty-nine years deep sigh from both speakers. that too much news intake can have on our anxiety levels (particu- in West Cork, I have A shake, or nod of the head are larly bad news, which there is plenty of right now and especially on Creative Director Tmostly managed to retain my both suitable. “Sure, look…” is social media). Fortunately we’re in the business of good news, so mid-Atlantic accent. I have appropriate to pretty much any you’ll find plenty of relief inside these pages. however, invariably picked situation where words fail you. up on local sayings, and turns Lockdown III is a perfect exam- He talks about how fun and laughter are some of the best antidotes of phrase. I have often been ple of a situation where words to misery and anxiety. Dr Jeff has served up a healthy dose of laugh- accosted by a waiter in London, fail us to describe what we are ter this month in his column and Louise is in the business of making or New York and asked: “Are going through both collec- us all feel good about ourselves so be sure to read both. you from Ireland” because I tively, and individually. “Sure accepted their offer of a coffee Look…” encompasses it all – He discusses the Irish response to this pandemic and how because refill with “Thanks a million”, the good, the bad, the comic and we get that community is important, we have minded each other. In- Ronan Ryan or answered “I’m grand, the tragic. It leaves any certainty side this issue, you will find lots of heartwarming stories of selfless Sales Consultant thanks” when asked if I needed hanging, and is both comforting acts of kindness and people finding positives out of this pandemic. anything more. and dismissive. It can convey outside for the Saint to bless. The daffs are pushing through Irish sayings are one the both disgust and acceptance in West Cork People the black mud. There are tiny As well as that, you’ll find lots of great advice to get you outside in many delightful charms of the equal measure. It both implies Old Town Hall, buds here and there. There is the Spring garden, motivation from Tania on how to lose the Covid Emerald Isle. They also tend resignation, and the faith that McCurtain Hill, more daylight every day. Soon belly and our new columnist, dog trainer, Liz Mahony shares her to creep into your vernacular things will change. It carries Clonakilty, Co. Cork. it will be time to get the tunnel tips for preventing lockdown bad behavior in our pets. From farm- no matter where you original- both hope and a sadness for ing and the environment to history and sport, we’ve got it covered. www.westcorkpeople.ie ly learnt English. Not only which there are no words. set up, the seeds sown and the raspberry canes cut. Four more are they witty, they also often “Sure look, it’s been a pretty I hope you enjoy the read. covey a layered multitude of mild winter so far.” “Sure look, weeks of Level 5 and who Contributors knows? We might even be able Kate Arbon meanings. My favourite, which Spring is on the way.” “Sure Until next month, I have written about before, look, I can’t remember what to visit each other again. In the Karen Austin meantime: Stay home. Stay is being told: “If I were you, I a pint in a pub tastes like Mary Hannah Dare wouldn’t start from here,” when anymore.” “Sure look, so many safe. Wear a mask. Wash your asking for directions. Another is people have it so much worse.” hands. We’ll get through this. Tina Pisco asking someone: ‘Is it your- You can use it to excuse We’ve been here before. Louise O’Dwyer Sure look… self?” when meeting up after a pretty much any Lockdown John Hosford long absence, or better yet “Are behavior, from eating a pint of Sean Creedon you still here?” to someone who icecream in your pyjamas at is clearly not a figment of the two o’clock in the afternoon, Tania Presutti collective imagination, only to to taking up crochet. Worried St Vincent de Paul, Clonakilty Noah Chase about the vaccine roll-out? have that person answer “No. Shane Daly I’m long gone.”. Sure look… Hoping that we’ll My daughter, who moved be able to travel this summer? thanks the local community Pauline Murphy back to Ireland after twelve Sure Look… Going stir crazy St Vincent de Paul, Clonakilty would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the local Kieran Doyle years away, recently admitted trying to work remotely AND community who have generously donated over €70,000 over the Christmas period. Sherna Malone that she had started saying homeschool at the same time? St Vincent de Paul assists such local projects as education, fuel and living expenses. The Tommy Moyles goodbye five times in succes- Sure look… COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our most vulnerable neighbours across our community. sion, having rediscovered that February 1 marks St Brigit’s As a trusted non-profit organisation SVP serves those most likely to be hurt by the current economic Jean Perry it is the only way to end a long Day. The start of Spring. The crisis. These donations from the local community will help to improve the situations that those Fiona Hayes conversation. Bye, bye, bye. renewal of the land. Crosses facing financial hardship are experiencing. Grace O’Sullivan MEP Bye, bye, is the only way to en- made of rushes and a scarf left Rosari Kingston Dr Jeff Featherstone Pat Culhane West Cork students receive Trinity College entrance awards Paul Lordan our West Cork students – accepted into the first year of Trinity, 527 students qualified University, as they usually do. from their secondary school April Danaan Anna Ferguson, Sacred a full-time undergraduate de- for an award, up from 452 in Since we revised the Entrance with a minimum of 500 points Eugene Daly Heart Secondary School, gree programme who achieves 2019. The students come from Exhibition Awards in 2018 in the Leaving Certificate (or James Waller FClonakilty; Lucy Gilmartin, Pre- the highest points among Trinity a record 455 different schools, as part of our commitment to its equivalent second level final sentation Convent, Bandon; De- entrants from their secondary 438 schools on the island of Ire- boosting diversity we are seeing examinations) are eligible for Jacques Brennan nise O’Brien, Grammar School, school, above a minimum of land (up from 403 in 2019) and an ever-growing number of an Entrance Exhibition Award. Bandon; and Eimear O’Regan, 500 CAO points. Many former 17 schools from overseas. schools represented and, this This includes bonus points for

Community College, Schull – awardees have gone on to make For the first time, the awards year, all 32 counties on the is- Mathematics. Advertisers Please Note: West Cork People does are among 527 students from a significant contribution to the were delivered virtually. Trini- land of Ireland. We congratulate Previously, any students not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any every county in Ireland and economic, cultural, and political ty Provost, Dr Patrick Prender- each student and wish them well receiving 560 or more points advertisement. We reserve the right to refuse or amend any advertisement, notwithstanding where, 15 countries in the EU to have life of Ireland and beyond. gast, said: “We are delighted to in their studies.” (excluding bonus points) were when or by whom accepted for publication, more- over we reserve the right to discontinue with the been awarded special Entrance Past Exhibitioners include Ta- welcome these talented students Changes made to the awards awarded Entrance Exhibition publication of any advertisement previously pub- lished. Please note further that we cannot accept Exhibition Awards from Trinity naiste and former Taoiseach Leo to Trinity and only wish that scheme in 2018 meant that stu- Awards, which meant that there responsibility for one or more incorrect insertion College Dublin this year. Varadkar. they and their families could dents who achieve the highest could be up to 20 students from and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do The awards go to the student Of the 2020 new entrants to come to celebrate with us at the points among Trinity entrants any one school. not detract from the value of the advertisements. West Cork People February 5 – March 4, 2021 7 ADVERTORIAL : BANTRY CREDIT UNION PCP Finance Plan vs Credit Union Car Loan:

Ques%on Credit union car loan PCP What’s the Difference? Do I own the car? Yes. From the minute you buy it. No. You are hiring the car un9l you make the final payment. By Finbarr O’Shea “The main difference between a PCP and a personal Do I have to pay a No. Yes. Typically 10-30%. QFA, Manager, Bantry loan is that with a personal loan deposit? Credit Union you borrow the money, pay for Are there any extra fees? No. Never. Yes. There are oIen your car, and own it immedi- documenta9on, administra9on and few clicks on the inter- ately. With a PCP you don’t comple9on fees. net will quickly show own the car: you are essentially Can I make addi9onal Yes. Always. No. The payments are fixed. You that Personal Contract hiring it for an agreed period payments? can’t pay extra each month. And APlans (PCPs) are a topic of of time, typically three years. you will be charged a fee if you concern to lots of commenta- You only own it if you pay the need to restructure. tors. All the main newspapers GMFV (guaranteed minimum have published articles on them. future value). This is important Is there a balloon No. Yes – anything up to 50% of the these terms and conditions, very payment at the end? value of the car. So have the main car-review helpfully dividing them into because if you run into financial and consumer-focused websites. three sections – Starting a PCP, difficulty during your agree- Can the car be No. If your circumstances Yes. If you don’t make the There’s even a website called During a PCP and At the end of ment you wouldn’t be able repossessed? change and you can’t afford the repayments the car can be mypcp.ie, which is hosted by a PCP. to sell the car unless you had repayments, the credit union repossessed. The finance company Renault. A key issue for anyone permission from the finance will work out an alterna9ve and can take the car back without a affordable repayment plan with court order if you have paid less A reliable source for accurate considering car finance is company – as they are the legal you. than one-third of the PCP price. information on this and so many flexibility. On this issue the owner of the car.” other topics is ccpc.ie. It’s the CCPC states: “PCPs are among Remember, those are not my Can I sell the car? Yes. At any 9me. Remember – No. Remember – you don’t own it. website of the Competition and the least flexible forms of car words. They are the words of you own it. You are hiring it. Consumer Protection Commis- finance. Because the repay- Ireland’s statutory consumer Is there a cap on the No. Remember – it’s your car! Yes. Your contract includes a sion (CCPC). This is Ireland’s ments are fixed for the term of watchdog. mileage I can do? mileage limit. Going over this can independent statutory body the agreement, you can’t usually To put flesh on the bones so affect the final value of the car and for enforcing competition and increase your repayments each to speak of this conclusion, I’ve incur an excess charge. consumer protection law. compared the main features of a month if you want to and if you Does it maTer where I get No. You can do it yourself or go Yes. You are obliged to s9ck to a The CCPC says that “PCPs PCP and a credit union car loan. want to extend the term, you the car serviced? to your friendly local garage. strict service schedule at an official are very complex compared The results are presented in a may be charged a rescheduling dealer. If you don’t, you will be to other types of car finance” fee.” Q&A format in the table below. penalised. and that “it’s important to The CCPC also compares a if you want to find out more, Is my loan insured? Yes. Your loan is insured in the No. If you want insurance, you understand all the terms and PCP with a personal loan. Its just call your local credit union. event of death at no cost to you arrange and pay for it separately. conditions before you sign up”. conclusion is worth quoting in We’ll be delighted to help you! (subject to T&Cs). The CCPC sets out in detail full:

7% (7.23%)* Limited Time Offer 1st Jan - 28th Feb 2021

60 MONTHLY TOTAL AMOUNT AMOUNT TERM APR REPAYMENTS PAYABLE

€10,000 5 year 7.23% €198.02 €11,878.79

Information correct as of 20/11/2020

ENQUIRE ONLINE OR IN PERSON TODAY Phone: 027 50535 Email: [email protected] Visit: bantrycu.ie #SupportWestCork

IMAGINE MORE *This is a limited time offer. This rate is applicable to completed car loan applications submitted to the credit union from 1st Jan - 28th Feb 2021. For a €10,000, 5-year variable interest rate loan with 60 monthly repayments of €198.02, an interest rate of 7.00%, a representative APR of 7.23%, the total amount payable by the member is €11,878.79. Information correct as at 20/11/2020 Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Bantry Credit Union Limited is regulated by the Central BankofIreland. 8 February 5 – March 4, 2021 We need true leadership to get us through 2021 Since we started hearing about Coronavirus this time he public needs to see constituents who are unclear if but they would be much easier akilty, Bandon and Skibbereen, last year, life has been turned upside down. Thousands a coherent strategy that they are an essential worker or to understand and accept if which have been there for gen- they can get behind. not. The failed re-opening of they were evidence-based erations, through recessions and of families have suffered losses, local businesses have TInstead, the government is con- special schools demonstrates and communicated properly. even World Wars, which are in had to close and the basic connections we took for tinuing with an approach, which the absence of planning, and the We had the highest incidence danger of closing permanently granted have become vital. The most important thing results in rolling lockdowns Minister for Agriculture and the rates of Covid-19 in the world without strategic support from right now says Cork South West Social Democrats TD – lurching from one crisis to Marine has only just agreed to a throughout January and the the government. Holly Cairns the next. They keep altering fishing task force, an interven- Government still refused to Finally, the government is that the Government gives us real hope their Living with Covid levels. tion I have been calling for quarantine people entering the needs to plan for recovery. The by providing true leadership. Every week I open emails from since last March. country and they refused to pay pandemic has underlined the Due to the absence of a nurses on placement and other importance of local sustainable coherent strategy to suppress healthcare students. Families economies. We need greater the virus, we are continuing to and communities are making investment in our towns and vil- go in and out of lockdown. This incredible sacrifices for the lages, we need more producer HOLLY CAIRNS TD course of action becomes neces- common good, but these efforts organisations and cooperatives Cork South West sary when there are soaring case are being frustrated by a lack of to link producers and consum- Progress | Equality | Democracy | Sustainability numbers. However, it is clearly leadership. ers, and we need accelerated not socially or economically Small business and family broadband to enable more peo- My constituency offices in Bandon sustainable. Countries such as enterprises need to be reassured ple to work and study remotely New Zealand or South Korea that they will be fully supported and for new businesses to open and Skibbereen are closed during the show us that it is possible to through the coming months. in West Cork. pandemic but please get in touch if return to normality. Instead of Sudden lockdown announce- Coherent and evidence-based there’s anything I can do to help you. treating health and the economy ments, changing support planning will show us all the as opposites, their governments schemes, and a lack of clarity way forward. It will reassure pursued clear strategies, which on rates and other issues add to people that health and the have enabled the re-opening of the stress and uncertainty faced economy are two sides of the m 086 3615830 society and the economy. They by shops, hotels, restaurants, one coin. And it will give us all k [email protected] are clearly two sides of the and other businesses which are hope. same coin. the backbone of the rural econo- D @HollyCairnsTD We all acknowledge that my. There are businesses on the E Holly Cairns TD hard decisions are required, main streets of Bantry, Clon-

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

From 1 January 2021, you may Depending on the item’s registered with Revenue and au- The Higher by 1 February 2021 and com- Shopping online have to pay extra tax when hav- value and where it was made tomatically charge the relevant plete your HEAR application by from the UK after ing your online shopping deliv- (place of origin), you may have taxes as part of the purchase. Education Access 1 March 2021. Copies of your ered from the UK (this does not to pay: Check your receipt (this is usu- Route (HEAR) supporting documents must Brexit include Northern Ireland). This • Value Added Tax (VAT) ally sent to you by email) to see reach the CAO by 15 March is because the UK has left the • Customs duty if you have already paid Irish I attend a DEIS school and 2021. Late applications are not I ordered something online European Union (Brexit) and How will I know if I owe VAT or customs duty. want to go to university. My accepted. from a UK website – will I the transition period that was in these taxes? If your package is If the UK business is not reg- family are not well off. Is You should start preparing have to pay extra charges place ended on 31 December valued at €22 or less (including istered with Revenue, the postal there anything to help me go your HEAR application as soon when it arrives? 2020. the transport, insurance and service or courier will send you to college? as possible. You will need to handling costs), you do not a bill before delivering your The Higher Education gather supporting documents, have to pay any VAT or customs package. This is because the Access Route (HEAR) helps such as information from the duty. postal service or courier com- school-leavers who may Revenue Commissioners, a However, if your package is pletes all the relevant customs not traditionally go on to statement of income from the valued at €23 or more (includ- declarations, including where third-level education access Department of Social Protection ing the transport, insurance and the product is manufactured. it. Under the HEAR scheme, and whatever other documents handling costs), you have to pay You will usually be charged an third-level places are allocated are required in your case. VAT. The standard rate of VAT administration fee for this ser- to school-leavers on a reduced You can get more infor- for most items bought in Ireland vice, which can be a minimum points basis. For example, a mation in at accesscollege.ie. is 21 per cent. of €10 to €15. HEAR student with 356 points Your school can also provide If the items were made in the Are there any other changes might get a place on a course information and support. You UK and are valued at €150 or to my consumer rights when I that usually requires 366 points. can get more information about more (not including trans- buy from the UK? As a result Participating colleges also HEAR on citizensinformation.ie port, insurance and handling of Brexit, there are changes provide extra supports for charges), you do not have to pay to your consumer rights when HEAR students. During the COVID-19 customs duty. buying online from businesses When you apply to the Cen- pandemic, you can find However, if the items in the UK. You will still have tral Applications Office (CAO) comprehensive integrated were not made in the UK and consumer rights but they will for a college place, you must in- information online at citizen- We are here to support are valued at €150 or more be set down in UK law and not dicate on your CAO application sinformation.ie/covid19/ and (excluding transport, insurance EU law. It is very important to that you wish to be considered you can get daily updates on you in West Cork and handling charges), you check the terms and conditions for HEAR. To qualify for what’s changed on Twitter may have to pay customs duty. on the seller’s website to find HEAR, you must meet certain at @citizensinfo. Phone Bantry Mon- Fri, 9-5pm on 0761 07 8390 The amount of customs duty out your rights around: indicators or criteria related to Know Your Rights has been • Returning the item if you compiled by Citizens Informa- Providing you with free and confidential information, you pay depends on the type of your financial, social and cultur- change your mind tion West Cork which provides advice and advocacy on product you buy. al circumstances. For example, You should be aware that the • Cancelling the item before it is your family income must be a free and confidential service • SOCIAL WELFARE • EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS value limits are for the whole dispatched below a certain limit for your to the public. • HOUSING • FAMILY MATTERS delivery, not just one item. • Complaining if something family size. Other factors are WEST CORK HELPLINE • HEALTH • INCOME SUPPORT How do I pay these charges, goes wrong taken into account such as hav- 0761 078 390 [email protected] and who do I pay them to? Read more about buying ing a medical card, attending a Email [email protected] You may have already paid online from the UK after Brexit, school in the DEIS (Delivering Information is also available National phone line 0761 07 4000 9am-8pm, Mon-Fri Irish VAT and customs duty including what to do if things Equality of Opportunity in online at citizensinformation.ie citizensinformation.ie during the checkout stage of go wrong at/www.citizensin- Schools) programme and living and from the Citizens Informa- formation.ie/en/consumer/ in a disadvantaged area. tion Phone Service, Funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board your online purchase. This is because some UK retailers are shopping You must apply to the CAO 0761 07 4000 February 5 – March 4, 2021 9

ThankFRONTLINE WORyou!KERS

Let’s get through this together and support each other by observing all the guidelines around Covid-19.

#To g e Th e rSTro n g e rWe ST Co r k

interior growing design BANDON CO-OP INFORMATION WEBINARS dog training gardening

Keep an eye on our social media accounts for details of upcoming webinars on a range of topics!

Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co. Cork t (023) 882 9000 Opening Hours: Farm Lane, Kinsale, Co. Cork t (021) 477 4080 Monday - Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm, Enniskeane, Co. Cork t (023) 884 7866 Saturday 9am - 5pm.

Like Us Follow Us Follow Us www.bandoncoop.ie

0121_Bandon_Webinars_and_Thanks_West_Cork_People_Ad_d1.indd 1 26/01/2021 11:13 10 February 5 – March 4, 2021

The Party Whip means TDs must stand united with Animal legislation their party when it comes to voting on motions, bills and legislation, even if the individual TD has often feels the a conscientious objection to it or may represent a constituency who favours a move in the opposite ‘Whip’ of our direction.

comes to voting on motions, Alas, what does it tell us, political parties bills and legislation, even if the when animal welfare bills never individual TD has a consci- seem the preserve of the big two whatever lions they had left. entious objection to it or may parties? Who are they protect- It is not just eastern philoso- Whip. initiative), there are still three represent a constituency who ing because it certainly is not phy or religions like Buddhism Coursing, another enigma of functioning in Donegal, Kerry favours a move in the oppo- the vulnerable? Has the Green and Hinduism that have left Irish society, is also an industry and Laois despite the watchful site direction. Though there is Party, drunk on the fumes of their followers with teachings that seems to get special protec- eye of the Greens in govern- a place for the ‘Party Whip’ power, forgotten how it pushed regarding the kind treatment of tion by some parties. Recently, ment. We’re more Roman than system, it highlights the limita- for the closure of mink farms? animals. Christianity has left Mick Barry, Paul Murphy and we think. Oh Gandhi – what tions of the political process in Now firmly ensconced in gov- its mark too. In Proverbs 12 other TDs in the opposition would you say? democracies. ernment, we still wait for their verse 10 in the Bible, we are benches have brought a Bill Another feature of the One of the problems with words to become deeds. They told, ‘A righteous man regards before the Dáil, the ‘Animal pandemic has seen a strato- this unwritten law is that if a were ‘whipped’ into handing the life of his animal, but the Health and Welfare (Ban on spheric rise in the stealing of government (holding the ma- over the greyhound industry HISTORY & tender mercies of the wicked Hare Coursing) Bill 2020’. It dogs. Anyone who has had a jority) loses a vote, then it has hundreds of millions more, de- are only cruelty.’ In more recent is a well-researched, scientific dog will know the heartbreak lost its moral right to continue spite genuine ongoing cruelties, POLITICS centuries, Christian mystics and evidence-based Bill, which it has caused owners. Those to govern? Why so? It doesn’t as expounded by Ms. Cairns. have demonstrated a respect for highlights the inherent damage who do not have a dog may need to be this way, except for Our system needs an Kieran Doyle and affinity with animals, such Coursing does to the Irish Wild not understand it, but let’s not that word again – tradition. It overhaul. As it stands, TDs in as Saint Francis of Assisi. Saint Hare. Five thousand hares are pretend those emotions are not would strengthen the mecha- government are not allowed, in John Bosco’s writings reveal he captured a year, 600 seriously relevant for many. It has been f the pandemic has high- nisms of our democracy if we a Dáil vote, to disagree with the was protected by a dog called injured and 75 die, despite dogs going on with impunity for over lighted one thing, it is that trust our politicians to engage Party Line. What is so wrong Grigio in his times of most being muzzled. The survivors, a decade, chiefly because the Ireland is a dog-loving na- in the debate, react according if you disagree with the Party need. It seems the humanists, traumatised, are sent back to the government has limited and Ition. Ireland is world-renowned to the will of the constituen- Line on matters of conscience mystics and saints all agree on wild and it is immeasurable to archaic protective legislation for its famous breeds like the cies, and allow our TDs to or have an informed opinion something. know what long-term damage for animal welfare. In the last Irish Red and White Setter, or come at the debate, with their or represent a constituency that However, underneath this has been inflicted on them. Yet ten years, 17,000 dogs have the Kerry Blue and of course, own intellectual musing and may be diametrically opposed pretty painted image of our ani- the Bill’s chances of success been stolen and another 40,000 the Irish Wolfhound. Mahatma informed opinions on particular to what your party is introduc- mal loving nation, lies an ulcer. are slim, not because it is a bad reported missing. Peader Toibin, Gandhi, a giant of humanity, Bills. If the sitting government ing? The Whip is king. I believe Like most ulcers it is kept under piece of legislation, but because Aontu TD, is currently bringing non-violence, and a lawyer of gets a bloody nose now and it is not a democratic way of wraps, away from the prying the big boys in government a Bill to the Dáil that makes great intellect, enriched the then, it just means the wheels of conducting business, every time eye. One of these is the grey- parties are more interested in dog stealing punishable with ten world with many a great quote democracy are working. I’m not a bill comes for discussion. hound industry. This abusive maintaining a vote from those months in jail, whereas of now, or philosophical musings. It being disingenuous here. There To conclude, any time animal use of dogs has been covered in vested groups rather than doing there is no punitive measure. may come as a surprise to many is a need for Whips on issues of welfare issues are brought to the detail in the press and on tele- the right thing. But hey – it’s When one broadcaster on the readers, but he famously said, budgets, emergency legisla- fore, they usually end up being vision. RTÉ Investigates high- tradition, right? national airwaves, insinuated “The greatness of a nation and tion and votes of confidence. labelled as minor issues when lighted the mass slaughter of up Tradition is a great word, and this was over the top, he was its moral progress can be judged But the Whip system destroys more serious ones need to be to 6,000 greyhounds a year, “for you can defend almost anything met with an avalanche of be- by the way its animals are treat- what real democracy was set tended to first. I say life doesn’t spurious reasons, ranging from by using it in a sentence. reaved dog-owners texting into ed.” I’ve often marvelled at the up for – giving all members of function like this. Imagine if we a decline in performance to not Tradition should never trump the show, in favour of Toibin’s magnificence of Roman archi- the legislative body a real say, throw all our taxpayer’s money being fast enough to compete progress and morality. A whole initiative. tecture, education and civic so- so that we, the people, all have at hospitals until they finally fix on the track.” €280 million has article alone could be dedicated What Peader Toibin, Paul ciety. When you apply Gandhi’s a voice too. Why is it so, that the health system. What hap- been given to the greyhound to the never-ending scourge of Murphy, Mick Barry and Holly qualification to the Romans, it if party or TD in opposition, pens to everything else in the industry by the tax-payer since puppy farms – an anathema to Cairns all have in common is places them in a shadowy light. produces a well-constructed meantime? Problems in society 2000 and what have we got for any dog-loving individual. We the face of a mutual enemy Once they wiped out most of piece of legislation, it would be must be dealt with concurrently, our investment? There are a lot still have mink farms in the called the ‘Party Whip’. Essen- Europe’s lions, tigers and bears construed as a sigh of weakness no matter how large or small of schools that could be built country. They exist so people tially this means it is difficult to for their bloodletting sports, in the government of the day to they are. It is because animal for that. When Holly Cairns can still wear fur – yes in the change anything in the political they just kept going, creating accept it? If anything, it should welfare is often ‘last’ on the list, TD bravely dared to lance this 21st century. Even when we do arena unless you get the support one of the bloodiest sports of be a sign of strength of our Dáil, that it needs highlighting now boil, she was met with threats, agree on legislation to phase out of the bigger parties. The Party all time – the Gladiator games and the people we all elect as its and again. We will never solve misogyny and the impregnable our mink farms (mainly due to Whip means TDs must stand and the feeding of Christians to members. any of its ills otherwise. wall of the opposition’s Party EU legislation and not our own united with their party when it How to recognise the signs of a scam and what to do after With fraudulent behaviour at an all-time high, it’s im- verify if the communication or message is real or not. If you have any portant to take time to familiarise oneself with the signs concerns please contact your local Citizens Information Centre; we remain open and are here to answer any questions you may have.” of a scam and how to deal with it. Scammers are cunning and believe that they are above the law, this is why we must be one step ahead of them at all times and know the ome scams, are of course, more obvious than others, but it’s the signs, and how to protect ourselves from scams. new creative attempts to rob us of our money that we must all be Be very cautious of: Unsolicited contact from a company out of the on the lookout for. Phishing is a cyber-crime that uses disguised blue; A deal that seems too good to be true; Sharing personal details; Stext messages and email as a weapon. The goal of the scammer is to Being pressured to respond quickly or transfer money quickly; Being trick you into believing that the message is something you want or asked to pay by an unusual method, for example through a transfer need and is from a source they know or trust: For example, a request service like Western Union or virtual currency like Bitcoin; Mis-spell- from your bank with a click to a link or a downloadable attachment or ings or grammatical mistakes; Unusual email addresses. a notification to pay customs duties on a home delivery. For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy Speaking about the increase of scamming ploys and what we can issue, they can call a member of the local Citizens Information team do to protect ourselves, Anne O’Donovan, West Cork’s Citizens Infor- in West Cork on 0761 07 8390; they will be happy to assist and make mation Manager said, “There is a big increase in the number of people an appointment if necessary. The offices are staffed from Monday to contacting us about scams. Some can be quite obvious, while others Thursday from 10am to 5pm, and 10am to 4pm on Friday. Alternative- can be very difficult to recognise. ly, you can email on [email protected] or log on to www.citizensinfor- “If in doubt, do not open the message or email, click on the link, mation.ie for further information and contact details. or engage in any way and don’t hesitate to contact the company to February 5 – March 4, 2021 11 The power of letters By Clonakilty Taner Kılıç, Write for Rights and raped her and threatened Amnesty Group 2017. Taner was the chair to kill her children. She was of Amnesty International released in 2016. The IRCT New Weekly mnesty Turkey and was arrested (International Rehabilitation Internation- in 2017. He spent over Council for Torture Victims) al’s ‘Write a year in prison for his congratulated the judge in ques- Wax Clinic Now Open Afor Rights’ campaign peaceful human rights tion for taking the independent takes place annually activism and was released international experts report into around December 10, conditionally in 2018 but had consideration in the investi- which is Human Rights Day. to face trial again in July 2020. gation and documentation of WAS NOW Writing for Rights action- This court sentenced him to six torture. on-the-ground continues on years and three months impris- “I am alive today, after 33 throughout the year, aiming to onment. arrests, because members of bring about change to the lives “International support is the Amnesty International spoke €70 €50 of people or communities that most powerful tool that women out for me” – Jenni Williams, have suffered or are at risk of like me can get. Every single Write for Rights 2011. Jenni human rights violations. Among signature for the petition to get Williams is a founder of Women the many actions that take place me free, made a difference.” of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA, Available at Hidden Hearing as part of Write for Rights, – Teodora Vasquez, Write for 2002). The organization focused Amnesty raises individual cases Rights 2016. Teodora was freed on public mass protests against Unit 1, Clonakilty Primary Care Centre, with decision-makers who can in El Salvador in 2018, where Robert Mugabe, and grew to change the situation, gives vis- she was serving a 30-year sen- 70,000 members in the follow- The Waterfront, Clonakilty. ibility to those cases by organiz- tence since 2008. She had suf- ing years. By 2008, Williams fered a miscarriage (in the ninth had been arrested 33 times by ing protests and public actions, Using the latest e ortless and comfortable process, your and brings international atten- month of pregnancy), which the Mugabe government for her led to the false accusation and actions with WOZA. Hidden Hearing expert can remove wax as part of your earwax tion through media and internet consultation. People tell us the e ect is life-changing. exposure. Another major part of conviction for homicide under Dear WCP Reader: Clon- the Write for Rights campaign the anti-abortion laws of El akilty Amnesty Group is grate- consists of a letter-writing mar- Salvador. ful for your interest in the Write As an essential service, we remain open for all your athon and involves millions of “I feel joy, and so much for Rights campaign. You can hearing healthcare needs in the safest hearing people around the globe.As in emotion. To everyone who has find further information about healthcare clinics in Ireland. past years, you can be a part of stood by me, I give my heartfelt the campaign at (www.amnesty. West Cork’s contribution to the thanks. Without this support, ie/write-for-rights). international Write for Rights my freedom would have been Clonakilty Amnesty Group campaign even in this difficult almost impossible.” – Yecenia can be reached as follows: Sue EARWAX - a Covid time. Armenta Graciano, Write for on 023 884 5056 or Derry 086 naturally occurring In the West Cork People we Rights 2015. In July 2012, 222 7616 (our monthly Group substance in the provide readers monthly with Yecenia was taken by police in meetings in O’Donovan’s Hotel ear canal which case material, for them to take Mexico and tortured to get her are cancelled due to Covid until helps to keep ears letter-writing action. But this to confess to involvement in an further notice). healthy and prevent month, for a change, we wish alleged murder. The police beat infection. to show you the impact of past Write for Rights campaigns, as Every single expressed in the words of four signature for the of those who benefited from petition to get them. This shows what your In most cases, earwax letters can achieve. me free, made a works its way out of the “To everyone who sent me difference.” ear on its own. However, countless letters from around Teodora Vasquez if it is blocking the the world, I want to express my ear canal and causing deep gratitude. While in prison, hearing loss, it may these actions lifted my spirit.” – need removing.

Bantry Bay Lions Club Diary – CALL 1800 882 884 to book your February 2021 earwax removal appointment Past President of Bantry Bay Lions Club, Doctor Fran- Next available dates: cis Greaves, was awarded a certificate of recognition for Tue 16th Feb and Tue 16th March recruiting and retaining Lions Apply online at www.hiddenhearing.ie members during the Lions Clubs International Centennial Terms and conditions apply. Year (2018-2019). This award is usually presented well after the fact. Better late than never, as they say! FREE The Bantry Bay Lions Club normally meet at the St Goban’s HEARING TESTS Centre at 7pm on the second available Thursday of the month but due to Covid 19 restrictions they now hold meetings via Zoom. To learn more about the Bantry Bay Lions you are cordially invited to visit their website at www.hiddenhearing.ie www.bantrybaylions.com. Freephone: 1800 882 884 Provided by John Dervan, Quote ref: AWUG-1 PRO – Bantry Bay Lions Club 12 February 5 – March 4, 2021 Resuscitation Annie “The challenges of CPR has become a mandatory many theories for over a century learning more about her element of many workplaces and she continues to live on in annual regime. Many of us popular culture today – Michael story and her impact have signed up voluntarily to Jackson’s famous song ‘Annie, as a cultural icon have complete the course; we all are you ok?’ is based on the given her even more know the benefits of gaining the unknown woman of the Seine. significance….” knowledge. However, what we L’Inconnue, who is estimated Megan Phelps may not know is that the face to have been about 16-years-old used on the CPR doll is that when she died, may have been a of a real person and, not only suicide. Nobody knows for sure, nyone who has ever does she have a name but she but there were no marks on her taken a CPR course THE HISTORY also has a fascinating history. body, and many concluded she will be familiar with The face in case belongs to the took her own life. After she was Athe plastic mannequin used to & POLITICS ‘L’Inconnue de la Seine or (The pulled out of the Seine, she was teach the life-saving technique. CORNER transported to the Paris mortu- Shane Daly ary, and put on public display alongside the bodies of other unknown dead for the purpose Shane Daly is a History of identification. This was Graduate from University common practice at the time. West Cork College Cork, with a BAM However, nobody identified the Supported Employment Agency in History and an MA in Irish teenager. The pathologist who History. performed her autopsy was so Are you looking for work? taken with her serene expres- Left: ‘L’Inconnue de la You may be eligible for this service. sion that he had a model maker create a plaster ‘death mask’ of Seine. Above: Asmund Please contact your local office Unknown Woman of the Seine)’ her face. The mask was replicat- Laerdal and Bjorn Lind for more information – more colloquially known as ‘Resuscitation Annie’ in recent ed and sold. In fact, the Lorenzi demonstrate CPR on the Bantry (Head Office) model makers, who according original Resusci Anne. 086 8126324 and 086 8079953 times. She died in tragic circum- stances and has been the focal to the paper authors made the Skibbereen 086 8158786 point of the lifesaving technique original death mask, still sell Bandon 086 8101795 copies of it today under the title since she was found drowned the 1960s would be reluctant to Kinsale 086 6007964 ‘Noyée (Drowned Woman) de in the River Seine in Paris in practice CPR on a male doll’s Clonakilty 086 8395058 and 086 6031335 la Seine’. Before long, L’Incon- the 19th century. She captured lips. Making the CPR manikin the imaginations of the Parisian nue’s alluring, deathly likeness was reproduced in facsimiles changed the course of the Laer- public in the 1800s; her life and dal company from producing death has been the subject of sold in souvenir shops across Paris, then Germany, and the toys to medical devices, as it rest of Europe. The mesmeris- describes on its website, where ing mask of this unknown dead Resusci Anne is still available remain forever young, while her girl described by philosopher for purchase. The company es- sister grew old. and author Albert Camus as the timates that 300 million people Enrolments now being taken 2021/2022 In the late 1950s, when medi- “drowned Mona Lisa” became around the world have been cal students were just starting to a coveted cultural icon. In time, trained in CPR, most of them learn and practice CPR, Archer L’Inconnue’s frozen half-smile with the help of Resusci Anne. Gordon, a member of the Amer- rested on mantels and hung One of those people it seems ican Heart Association’s CPR in drawing rooms all over the was Michael Jackson, who Committee, realised that a CPR continent. She was positioned in included the refrain ‘Annie are dummy could save medical artists’ workshops, gazed upon you okay?’ in the song ‘Smooth students from the unnecessary as a mute, motionless model. At Criminal’ after he was inspired pain and potential rib damage of some point, L’Inconnue turned by his own CPR training, practicing CPR on each other. Gaelscoil Dr. Uí Shúilleabháin into a kind of morbid meme for according to the BMJ paper. To manufacture such a thing, early 20th century writers, who This line is also used in CPR he and a Norwegian colleague contrived countless dramatic training when trainees check for Skibbereen Town sought the help of Norwegian histories for this mysterious a response in the patient. toymaker Åsmund Laerdal. It figure engulfed by ill fortune But what about the ethics • Small mixed school in town with a turned out, Laerdal had seen a and the weight of water. of making reproductions of reproduction of ‘L’Inconnue de country feel. Death in water was a very a deceased person’s face and la Seine’ on the wall of a rela- romantic concept. Death, water, selling them without consent? • Brand new school with modern facilities. tive’s house, and he decided to and woman, was a tantalising In an editorial published in the give the CPR manikin the same • Easy access to town & outskirts. combination; because of this, same issue of BMJ, writer and face. Thus in 1960 when the there were many stories or ethicist Julian Sheather notes • Mixed school with small class sizes Laerdal company built the first apocryphal tales about the un- that although putting bodies promoting bilinguilsm. CPR manikins, ‘L’Inconnue identified young woman. One of on display and passing around de la Seine’ became ‘Resusci • Easy access with adequate parking the more harrowing is that she death masks were common Annie’, the CPR dummy, or was one of two sisters, identical practices in the 19th century & drop off facilities. ‘Resusci Anne’, as Laerdal twins, who’d been born in Liv- when ‘L’Inconnue de la Seine’ • Large indoor hall, outdoor refers to the doll on its website. erpool more than a century ago. died, those practices would be Before making CPR manikins, basketball court & pitch. One of them, it was said, had ‘ethically troubling’ in the more Laerdal had manufactured a doll embarked on a love affair with modern world. Today the Laerd- • Landscaped garden classroom. named Anne. Perhaps this is a rich suitor and eloped to Paris, al Company estimates that two why the name stuck. • Next to (Naíonra) playschool & third never to be seen again. Many million lives have been saved Laerdal felt it was important level college. years later the other sister vis- by CPR. that the manikin should be a ited Paris on holiday. Walking female, suspecting that men in Call (028) 21192 or email [email protected] down a street she was shocked to see the mask of the drowned L’Inconnue hanging outside many workshops and shop Michael Jackson included the refrain ‘Annie are visit to enrol your child. fronts. She instantly recognised www.gaelscoil.net the girl as her long-lost twin, you okay?’ in the song ‘Smooth Criminal’ after he condemned – or blessed – to was inspired by his own CPR training. February 5 – March 4, 2021 13 Wild food in ancient Ireland seeds, dated by radio-carbon food and its wild variety is used to the eighth or ninth centuries today by many famous chefs. have been excavated at Scotch In Irish folklore wild garlic Street, Armagh. An 11th century was a metaphor for sharpness pit in Winetavern St. Dublin or bitterness. Chomh searbh contained a large variety of wild le craomh – as bitter as wild fruit, including rowanberries, garlic was a Donegal saying. blackberries, wild apples, sloes, Nevertheless, cloves of wild hips and haws. Acorns, normal- garlic were sometimes planted ly valued as food for pigs, were in the thatch over the door in consumed by humans when Irish cottages for good luck. other more palatable food was Its importance as a food can be in short supply. gauged by the old Irish Brehon FACT The importance of bilberry is laws, one of which was a fine clear. Seeds from the fruit (Irish of the value of two and a half & FOLKLORE fraochán, anglicised fraughan) milch cows for taking wild gar- are common in the excavations lic, seaweed or wild apples from Eugene Daly of Viking and Anglo-Norman private land without permis- Dublin. The townland of sion. In more recent times, in A retired primary teacher, West Frehanes in Rosscarbery parish, nineteenth-century Ireland, wild Cork native Eugene Daly has West Cork, is derived from fra- garlic was often used to flavour a lifelong interest in the Irish ochán. The last Sunday in July butter instead of salt. In Irish SUNDAY ROAST JOINT OF THE DAY language and the islands (both was up to recent times known folk medicine wild garlic was his parents were islanders). as Bilberry Sunday, Fraughan highly valued as a preventative with all of the trimmings & Apple Pie He has published a number of Sunday or Garland Sunday. In of infection, as well as a cure Feeds a family of 4 -6 for just €55 local history books and is a Irish folklore there are vivid for coughs, cold and flu. It was regular contributor on folklore descriptions of people dancing, also believed to clear the blood Order 10am-4pm Mon-Fri & 9am-12pm Sun to Ireland’s Own magazine. singing, making garlands, story- of impurities and wounds of Eugene’s fields of interest telling and gathering fraughans infection, and to cure toothache. Collection available 1pm – 6pm span local history, folklore, or bilberries at lakes, holy wells, Edible seaweeds were also ORDER ON 023 8836400 Irish mythology, traditions and or more usually on hills or collected by people along our placenames. mountains. The last Sunday in shores and on the offshore July is still, of course, a day for islands. The inedible seaweeds Twist To Go - Evening Meals To Go climbing mountains or hills, the were an important fertiliser by from 1st Feb good deal of the coun- most famous being Croagh Pat- the sea and on the islands. On tryside of ancient Ire- rick, Co. Mayo. Another plant the islands of West Cork each land was once covered related to the bilberry is the householder had a portion of Awith trees and scrub with hazel cranberry, which grows in bogs; the shore designated to them, one of the most important pro- it is known in Irish as mónán as well as offshore rocks and viders of food. The nutritious or mónóg, which comes from skerries. Seaweeds used in hu- nut (cnó) of this tree can be móin, the Irish for ‘bog’. man diet supply iodine, iron and kept for up to a year and must It is likely that a wide range other trace elements. In modern therefore have been a valuable or wild herbs and roots were times the best known edible sea- winter food. It is clear that there eaten in ancient Ireland, particu- weed is Carrageen Moss, full of Messages for The Mercy was a trade in hazelnuts. The larly in times of famine, and by useful medicinal and nutritional ‘Annals of Ulster’ record that landless people on the margins goodness. In ancient Ireland s we head into another every day. We are also giving people the in the year 1067 nuts were very of society. Among these certain- the most prized was duilesc month of Level 5 restric- Speaking about the request option to send a donation with abundant. That year was known ly were wild garlic (creamh), (duileasc in modern Irish), tions, hospitals around for messages, Interim CEO of their message to allow us to as the ‘year of the white nuts’ Athe country are continuing to the Mercy Hospital Foundation, continue supporting the staff and also known as ramsons; water- generally anglicised ‘dulse’. It (bliain na cnó finn). cress (biolar); nettle (neantóg), appears that it was hung up in treat high numbers of patients Julie Harris said “The incredible patients of the Mercy University The wild fruit most frequent- and wood-sorrel (seamsóg). a sheaf, from which a handful for Covid-19. While we can staff at the Mercy University Hospital.” follow guidelines to help keep Hospital have been working so Messages can be sent to staff ly mentioned in our sources The roots of a number of was taken as required. One cases low and in turn help our hard throughout the pandem- by going online to www.mercy- is the wild apple (fiaduball in wild plants were eaten; of these verse in the tale Cath Fionntrá healthcare workers, the Mercy ic. They are going above and fundraising.ie. While messages old Irish; úll fiáin in modern the most prized seems to have (The Battle of Ventry), praises University Hospital Foundation beyond every day to keep us can be sent without making a Irish). Because of this the wild been pignut (cúlarán in Irish, the sea produce of the islands of is asking people to go a step all safe and we want them to donation, the Foundation says apple-tree is included among also known as cnó arcáin, cnó the south-west of Ireland. One further and send a message of know just how much they are that all donations, big or small, the ‘seven nobles of the wood’ milis, cnó talún etc), bitter vetch verse goes like this: Iascach support to front-line staff at the appreciated. We are asking peo- make a huge difference at the i.e. the seven most valuable (corra meille) and silverweed mara muiride/a críchaib Baí is Mercy University Hospital. ple of all ages to send in words Mercy Hospital and support ar- trees. The other six are oak, ash, (brioscán). Wild garlic is a fre- Béire, /medbán Faíde fírglaine. This can include messages of of thanks or encouragement or eas from cancer care to the new hazel, holly, yew and pine. quent plant of woods and damp /duileasc a cuanaib Cléire thanks, encouragement, photos drawings that might help staff Covid Triage area of the Mercy Archaeological evidence shady places. It was a valuable (sea-fishing of the sea from the or drawings to help support staff through this difficult time. We Hospital which is helping staff to confirms that many kinds of food source and was prized for regions of Dursey and Beara, la- through this new surge of cases hope that this will be a big boost treat Covid-19 patients. wild fruit were consumed. its medicinal properties. Garlic ver of truly clean Whiddy, dulse and let them know how much to staff morale and will give the For further information or Blackberry and elderberry is rightly regarded as a great from the inlets of Cape Clear). they are appreciated. public a chance to directly thank to send in your messages of Messages have already begun those who have been working support, visit www.mercyfund- flowing in from the public and at the front-line of this crisis. raising.ie. It is likely that a wide grateful patients. Some of the youngest supporters so far are range or wild herbs James and Matthew Egan, aged and roots were eaten 10 and 7 (pictured). The Ball- inlough brothers’ aunt, Eibhlín, in ancient Ireland, works at the Mercy Hospital and particularly in times is one of many staff members of famine, and by who have seen messages of support from the public over the landless people last week. James and Matthew on the margins of took the time to make colourful society. Among these posters to thank all the staff at the hospital and their posters, certainly was wild along with other messages from garlic (creamh). the public, are on display in the hospital canteen for staff to view 14 February 5 – March 4, 2021 Remembering the victims of the Upton Ambush 100 years on

Shortly after 9am on February 15, 1921, a train heading westwards from Cork City, pulled in to Upton railway station, midway between Cross- barry and Innishannon. One of its carriages was carrying members of the dreaded Essex Regiment and IRA Brigade Commander Charlie Hurley was lying in wait with an ambush party and a plan of attack. However things went drastically wrong for Commander Hurley, as amateur historian Pauline Murphy explains.

ommander Hurley had extra manpower the British had, positioned himself on and the number of civilians the pedestrian bridge getting caught in the cross- Upton station and Cpt Tom Kelleher at its original memorial. Cthat spanned the railway line. fire, Commander Hurley called Volunteers Flor Begley, Sean for an immediate retreat. Phelan, Patrick O’Sullivan and As Hurley jumped from the There were no British soldier waiting room and was brought as being ‘an impressive one’ as long enough to be brought to John Butler were in the waiting bridge a bullet hit his face. casualties that day but there to the South Infirmary hospital, he was a popular figure in the the South Infirmary but died room of the station; Paddy Under a hail of bullets Tom were civilian deaths: where his leg was amputated. area. He left behind a wife and two days later. He was buried O’Leary stood at the wicket Kelleher managed to get to James Byrne was a 45-year- He died four days later. seven children. in Ballymartle and left behind a gate outside; Sean Hartnett was his commander and carry him old man from Louth. Married Thomas Perrott was a John Sisk was a 48-year- wife and five children. at the wall of the signal cabin away to safety. Dan O’Mahoney with five children, he lived 56-year-old painter from Thorn- old signalman from nearby William Finn was a 25-year- and Batt Falvey was positioned was also hit and carried away at No.5, St. Clare’s Terrace, dale, Douglas Road. He was Ballymurphy. He was caught old merchant seaman from in the goods store with Neilus by Denis Doolan; O’Mahoney Dublin and had just started a killed outright at Upton station in the crossfire between the Rosscarbery. He was on his way Begley. Tom Kelleher and would die some years later as a new salesman job for the shoe and his funeral to Douglas IRA and British soldiers and west to attend the Baltimore Denis Doolan hunkered down direct result from the wounds he company Cridland & Rose. cemetery was noted in the press took two bullets. He survived Fishery School when he was behind the wall at the goods received at Upton. On his first business journey shot dead. yard, whilst Dan O’Mahoney Three of the IRA party were south to Cork he was killed Mary Hall was a 32-year- and Denis Desmond were killed at Upton: Lieutenant instantly when he was struck by old servant who worked at behind the wall by the post Patrick O’Sullivan was hit but a bullet while sitting in the train Ballycurreen House in Cork office. Paddy Coakley took up escaped by crawling through a carriage. City. After a busy Christmas in a position at the window on the drain. He made it to a safehouse John Spiers was a 58-year- the big house, Hall was granted top floor of the Railway Bar. but with wounds so severe that old widower from Tyrone who a few weeks off and was on her Before arriving at Upton the he was quickly taken under- had lived in Cork for over 20 way home to Castletownbere to train had made a stop at Kinsale cover to the Mercy Hospital in years. He worked as a travelling spend her break with her parents Junction, where unbeknownst to the city. The 37-year-old coach salesman for the Warden & Co on their farm. She never made it the IRA, a troop of British sol- builder from Bandon died in tea company. After his death back to Beara but was killed by diers boarded. Sean Hartnett’s hospital days later; 22-year-old in Upton, Spiers was buried in a bullet while sitting in the train brother Bill, who was at Kinsale Batt Falvey, a farmer’s son Douglas cemetery, leaving three carriage. Junction, hopped on his bicycle from nearby Ballymurphy, was children behind without their The railway no longer goes and sped towards Upton to warn killed instantly when a bullet parents. through West Cork and the the ambush party that they were struck his head; 21-year-old Charles Penrose Johnston station at Upton has been silent outnumbered. Unfortunately, Sean Phelan, born in Liverpool was a 55-year-old coal mer- for several decades. But the the train proved faster than to Irish parents, was shot as chant, originally from Cork but area hasn’t changed much since Bill’s bike and by the time he he tried to escape through the living at No.104, Upper Rath- that dark day 100 years ago; the reached Upton the disastrous waiting-room window. mines Road, Dublin. He was station house remains, as well as ambush had played out. Falvey, O’Sullivan and on a business trip to West Cork the Railway Bar, along with the As the train pulled into Upton Phelan were buried side-by-side when he was killed instantly on old post office and outbuildings. the IRA launched its attack by in the Republican plot at St Fin- the platform. No doubt, the ghosts of those shooting into the carriage they barr’s Cemetery, Cork City. Richard Arthur was a slain there also remain. thought was carrying only sol- In the years after the Upton 41-year-old ticket inspector diers. However, the soldiers had Ambush a small iron cross was from St Lukes, Cork City. Left: The cover of an Italian mingled with other passengers erected at the site. It was re- The Tipperary native was an magazine from 1921 that and this proved deadly for the placed in 1968 with a limestone employee of the South Coast reported on the Upton unfortunate civilians. cross commemorating the three Railway for over 20 years. He ambush. Upon realising how much IRA Volunteers who died there. was hit in the leg in the station

Selection under the MSPI is seen as a major accolade in the creditation for Cork Public Museum, MSPI Assessors noted: “The Cork cultural sites receive sector. Cork Public Museum and Fota House each achieved an ac- on-site collections are generally well-cared for and well organised, creditation certificate for excellence in caring for their collections; while the curator’s enthusiasm, passion and drive, both for the accreditation from the as well as museum management, visitor services, and education museum and its contents, is very evident.” and exhibitions programmes. Fota House, run by the Irish Heritage Trust, continues to apply Heritage Council Cork Public Museum’s Interim Accreditation, and Fota House’s and invest in the standards underpinning the MSPI programme. In Maintenance of Full Accreditation followed an extensive assess- recommending Maintenance of Full Accreditation for Fota House, wo Cork cultural sites, Cork Public Museum and Fota ment process carried out by national and international experts. MSPI Assessors noted: “Particularly evident is a strong emphasis House, are among 11 to have received accreditation under The rigorous assessment required the sites to meet internationally on the quality of visitor experience and a high standard of volunteer the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) from recognised MSPI standards across seven areas, including man- management, both of which are contributing greatly to the sus- Tthe Heritage Council, as the sector prepares a fightback against agement and governance, collections management, and public or tainability of Fota House. These strengths are supported by a core the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The certificates were visitor services. of excellent collections, management and care, underpinning the presented at a special online ceremony this week. Accreditation Cork Public Museum, located in Cork city, has a collection of richness of the offer at Fota House.” certificates were awarded in 2020 but last year’s ceremony was exhibits that relate primarily to the historical and archaeological For further details on the Museum Standards Programme for delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions. heritage of Cork city and county. In recommending Interim Ac- Ireland, visit heritagecouncil.ie. February 5 – March 4, 2021 15 ADVERTORIAL : BANK OF IRELAND Bank of Ireland supports customers in managing uncertainty and currency risk post-Brexit Brexit has impacted the currency markets since the UK’s June 2016 refer- endum. This, coupled with the tentative emergence of the global economy from the ongoing pandemic, has led to heightened uncertainty for many Irish businesses, many of which are still unprepared for dealing with the fallout from Brexit. Keith Bracken who works as Bank of Ireland’s Regional Treasury Manager for the South West region has been helping businesses to manage this uncertainty. He talks to West Cork People about how businesses can manage currency risk in a volatile market and gives an insight into some of the ways in which Bank of Ireland are supporting companies from every sector and scale.

e look after both sterling might weaken but it’s businesses to have a Treasury personal and very uncertain, as there are so Policy in place, which means business cus- many factors that influence the the level of risk inherent in the “Wtomers,” says Keith. In terms of exchange market.” business is looked at and such a personal customer, exposure Bank of Ireland can help things as risk exposure level is to currency risk might involve companies to mitigate the im- decided upon in the policy. next 12 months. “It is, in effect, ing at new markets, sourcing “Our economy was doing re- for example the sale of a house pact of exchange rate changes. ‘today’s rate, in the future’,” cheaper products and so on. If ally well before this pandemic; in the UK. All of a sudden the “We are open to any company explains Keith. I was to pick one good thing we were outperforming all our customer in Ireland has expo- calling us and talking about to have come out of Brexit, it’s peers in Europe, and my hope sure to sterling because they are where their exposures lie from a “The fact the UK has of- Foreign Currency Accounts that Irish companies are now is that as soon as this pandemic converting the funds from the currency point of view,” empha- ficially left the EU means “If you’re a business that’s looking beyond the UK market. ends, we will be one of the getting paid in sterling and As a result, they have sourced fastest countries to rebound. sale back to euros. They want sises Keith. that all our customers are as strong a sterling as possible How does this work? also have outgoings in sterling, good markets for their products “Possibly a glass half full atti- to get as much euros as possible legally entitled to ask for then we would suggest having elsewhere and are exposing tude,” he says laughing “but this after the currency conversion. Examining your currency risk the price of anything pur- a sterling account to cater for themselves to less risk.” pandemic is temporary, Irish the inward and outward flow of Keith is hopeful that the businesses have a lot to offer “Another example of a per- exposure chased in the UK in both sonal customer with exposure to The first step is managing the currency.” This means you Irish economy can bounce back and we are here to offer support currency risk is someone who currency risk and to do this it’s sterling and euro curren- don’t have to convert from one quickly after this pandemic. in as many ways as we can.” has been working in the UK, important to understand and cies and pay or receive in currency to another and back For more information related renting property there, and has quantify the exposure your the cheaper currency. By again before transferring funds. to trading abroad including built up their savings in sterling. business is open to. “We would It’s called a natural hedge,” says “Our economy was rates and market news, our FX getting two prices you Keith. “We cater for all of the product suite and also up to date They may have decided to come ask the customer what level doing really well before home because of the pandemic of risk their company could can clearly see the effect major currencies in the world information regarding Brexit go or for work reasons and need to tolerate and then look at factors of exchange rate dif- (21 in total). You’d be amazed this pandemic; we were to bank of Ireland.com. convert these savings to euros. such as cashflow and where the ferences, a mechanism, how entrepreneurial Irish com- outperforming all our I deal with a lot of customers company is sourcing and selling panies are; many of them are peers in Europe, and my Bank of Ireland and its West which has helped many dealing with far-flung corners of Cork branches are committed in this type of situation,” says product,” explains Keith. If a hope is that as soon as Keith. company has a contract agreed businesses.” the world.” to supporting customers during Since the Brexit vote in 2016, in sterling and is receiving this pandemic ends, we these challenging times. sterling has weakened, which in sterling, we will help that FXPay will be one of the fastest FXPay is Bank of Ireland’s has worked out well for anyone company in hedging sterling Dual Invoicing countries to rebound.” Keith Bracken, sourcing product from the UK. cashflow.” After deciding on the level of fully mobile FX pricing and Regional Treasury Manager, While Keith is positive about risk that the company can tol- international payments web ap- Bank of Ireland Global Markets. the year ahead, there is still the What level of risk can you erate, the next step is to look at plication. It provides customers T: 087 7420746 potential for a lot of volatility. tolerate? Dual Invoicing, which is one of with live FX rates and it’s easy “There are lots of opportu- E: [email protected] “Up until now we have been “Our main aim is to make sure a number of ways that currency to use. There are no standard nities out there for businesses payment fees and interna- and in Bank of Ireland we cater preparing customers, personal that the company is preserving risk can be managed. Denise Hayde, tional payments can be made for industries across the board, and business, for the volatility its profit margin. If the company “The fact the UK has offi- Premier Manager securely. “You can log on from so what we are seeing behind that was bound to happen with is getting paid in sterling they cially left the EU means that Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Bantry. anywhere and get a live market the scenes is pretty amazing. any kind of a Brexit deal or should be hedging that cashflow all our customers are legally Mobile 087 7105466. indeed in the case of a no deal and locking in today’s rate, entitled to ask for the price rate, which updates every 20 While we have had quite a lot of scenario. Thankfully a Brexit which allows them to lock of anything purchased in the seconds,” explains Keith. “It’s concerned calls from custom- deal did get over the line. While in their profit margin in the UK in both sterling and euro a very important tool for a ers due to Brexit, there are so markets were expecting sterling background, which means the currencies and pay or receive in company if they’re pricing their many supports within Bank of to strengthen if there was a deal; company is exposing itself to the cheaper currency,” explains product in another currency.” Ireland that more often than the recent national lockdown in less risk in the future.” Keith. “By getting two prices not we have the answer for that the UK is expected to further “Irish people in general tend you can clearly see the effect Other supports concerned customer.” weaken the UK economy which to have a glass half full atti- of exchange rate differences, a Bank of Ireland supports com- Keith feels that the fact that is reliant on the services sector. tude,” says Keith. “For example mechanism, which has helped panies from every sector and a Brexit deal has gotten over In response to the outlook, on the day of the Brexit vote, many businesses.” scale, from small business to the line, albeit a bare bones the Bank of England may add very few of our customers had multinational. The Markets and one, is a huge plus, because the further stimulus to support the looked at the worst case scenar- Forward Contract Treasury team have a wealth of alternative would have meant UK economy and interest rate io; in fact many companies had Bank of Ireland also offers expertise across areas such as taking a huge step backwards. markets have already priced in deals agreed in sterling with no a product called a Forward market rates, funding, treasury “The fact that the vaccine is a cut to 0% this year while the hedging in place. This meant Contract, which allows the and economic trends. now being rolled and that by According to Keith, Irish the end of March there could be debate around negative rates there was a real rush to lock in company to lock in the sterling Bank of Ireland is regulated by the businesses are “really good at nine vaccines available is very in the UK is set to continue. cashflow after the vote.” euro exchange rate at today’s Central Bank of Ireland. If this does happen then the Bank of Ireland encourages price as far forward as for the thinking outside the box; look- positive. 16 February 5 – March 4, 2021 Rethink Ireland opens applications for Social Enterprise Development Fund 2021 ocial enterprises from across Ireland are being encouraged to Speaking in advance of the opening the CEO of Rethink Ireland, apply for the Rethink Ireland Social Enterprise Development Deirdre Mortell said: “Ireland has a strong and proud social enter- Fund 2021. In 2021 the fund offers (up to) 16 awardees cash prise sector; throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen social Sgrants and a place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme. enterprises play a key role in supporting communities. In addition, the fund is offering the best social enterprise in each “Now more than ever, the role of Rethink Ireland in helping local authority where no social enterprise won a cash grant, a place social enterprises to strengthen their impact is critically important. on their Genesis Programme. We have supported a diverse range of social enterprises from all The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €3.2 million Fund over the country since the Social Enterprise Development Fund was being delivered from 2018-2022. The fund was created by Rethink introduced in 2018 and we look forward to working with more this Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and is funded year.” by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community For more information visit rethinkireland.ie Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund. Helping Polish people to become part President Higgins meets Wojciech Bialek (to his right) and of their Cork communities other members of the Polish community. Together-Razem, which and activism. lack of proficiency in English Wojciech says that the Polish were born in Ireland but at our organisation as much as you supports the integration “The catalyst to start Togeth- and, at the same time, they find and Irish have lots in common: the same time we want them can – every euro counts. er-Razem was the need to help it difficult to maintain their “We love the Irish nature and to maintain their heritage, “Also please get engaged in of the Polish immigrant Poles in Ireland who found national identity. sense of humour. We have the community in Cork, their mother tongue, culture Irish structures; become part of it difficult to settle in a new “Together-Razem operates same Catholic roots and were and traditions. Therefore, it is your local GAA club, join your received Rethink Ireland country,” he explains. “When in a similar way to the London also living under oppression very important that all people local choir or engage in local funding last year, Wo- I first arrived, I realised that Irish Centre. We help Polish for centuries. We fought for our support diversity and respect fundraising events. Become this country has become an in- people in Cork to navigate their independence in a similar way our traditions and language. We active and engaged citizens and jciech Biale, the founder creasingly diverse society, with new life in an English-speaking and gained our independence and CEO of the Togeth- feel welcome here and wish to who knows, maybe there is a fu- different nationalities shaping its country by providing advice, almost at the same time. In fact, maintain good relations with our ture Polish Lord Mayor of Cork er-Razem Centre, speaks population. Polish people were, support and education in order we published a magazine last Irish friends.” down there in West Cork!” to West Cork People and still are, the largest popula- to integrate them with the Irish year to mark our same rocky To Polish readers he says: Together Razem welcomes tion of non-Irish nationals here. community. On the other hand, road to independence. You can about his work. “Let’s get more active. Do not any enquiries from Polish or According to the last Census we also work tirelessly to culti- read it in Polish or English on forget that we, as a Centre, are Irish people who are passion- the number of Polish nationals vate the language and traditions our website.” here for you but we also need ate about Poland and social orn in Poland, Wojciech living in Ireland has reached of their mother country.” However, some differences has been living in Midle- your support. Fundraising is change and have a willingness nearly 123,000, with nearly 50 The Social Enterprise Fund exist too which can cause mis- important for charities like to join its Board of Directors. ton for the last 15 years per cent aged between 30 and helped Together-Razem to understandings, such as Poles Band is an experienced social ours to survive – Polish people www.together-razem.org 40-years-old. There are 32,000 draw up a strategy in terms of being very direct in their dealing thinks that foundations here worker and addiction counsellor. Poles living in Cork City and increasing its social impact. “It with people, which can be read Inspired by his father, who was have ongoing state support, as County, amounting to a quarter opened up new opportunities by Irish people as rudeness: is the case in Poland. They do €100m Brexit actively involved in the Polish of the total Polish population for growth and development,” “We do not like ‘brushing things Solidarity movement in his local not understand that we fight for Scheme boost for living in Ireland.” Wojciech says. “It inspired our under the carpet’ as the Irish every penny in order to provide factory in the 1980s, Wojciech Many Polish people struggle hopes and gave us innovative tend to do!” Agri-food Sector has always been passionate services. As a Centre we strug- with adaptation-related issues ideas to bring a new lease of life Wojciech has this message gle financially so please support Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan about democracy, social rights caused to a large extent by their to our charity.” for Irish readers: “Our children is encouraging West Cork food and dairy producers to apply for a new government investment grant aimed at easing the Brexit blow on the Agri-food industry. Active travel jobs announcement The government on Wednes- day opened the first call for appli- cations under the €100m Scheme welcomed by cycling and for the Agri-food sector. “Artisan food producers have helped put West Cork on the map pedestrian advocacy groups - from artisan chorizo, cheeses to inister for Transport, operates at an adequately senior cation and community liaison. black pudding - we have the best in the world,” Deputy O’Sullivan Eamonn Ryan and level in order to deliver what They will form part of a team said. “The aim of this funding Minister of State Hil- Eamonn Ryan refers to as ‘high nationally who will support the is to help bud sinews remain Mdegarde Naughton TD have an- quality infrastructure,” said delivery of almost 1,000 kilo- sustainable, competitive and nounced funding for up to 248 Ruth Bullogh from CycleSense, metres of improved walking and innovative and will help ensure new jobs to implement Active Skibbereen. cycling infrastructure by 2025. our agri-food sector continues to travel infrastructure. They plan In the government press re- Allison Roberts of the Clon- grow in both existing and new to employ 218 staff across local lease issued in January, Minister akilty Bicycle Festival said “My markets. It means keeping jobs, authorities with an additional 30 Ryan also stated: “Develop- hope would be that this new and creating more jobs.” The scheme is open to large, proposed for Regional Cycling ing high quality walking and cohort of staff will help to inject medium or small enterprises, Design Offices. The announce- cycling facilities will encourage new thinking and ideas into the engaged in the processing and ment has been celebrated by more people to switch to active council and support local area marketing of primary meat and cycling and pedestrian advocacy travel and will contribute to engineers and local advocacy dairy products to apply. groups around the country. tackling climate change. Really groups and will be more than Up to €70m is available under What will this mean for good design is what is needed to happy to liaise in that process.” the first call, which is being ad- West Cork? West Cork cycle connect communities and make There is huge potential for ministered by Enterprise Ireland. advocacy groups haven’t seen walking and cycling attractive, connected communities where As with any public funding, detailed terms and conditions will the detail of this yet, but if safe and accessible to every- people of all ages and abilities apply to this scheme, which will implemented correctly, this one.” can walk and cycle safely, to be awarded by Enterprise Ireland certainly has the potential to be These new staff are to be school, to work, to shop and for on the basis of a competitive call. a game changer. recruited to develop walking enjoyment. A webinar for applicants “We believe that it is crucial and cycling activity and will Build it (properly) and they hosted by Enterprise Ireland will that these positions are used work across a range of areas in- will come! be available on February 9 and to build a suitably qualified cluding design and construction companies can make enquiries to multidisciplinary team that oversight as well as communi- [email protected]. February 5 – March 4, 2021 17 The future is bright with new remote work strategy

The new remote work strategy was published this January after two public • Some SME’s may not have in the report that ‘the pandemic devil will be in the detail and all the resources to provide the has changed our world. It has stakeholders should be consid- consultations on Remote Work – the main points are as follows: equipment for people to work also changed the world of work ered when pinning this down. New legislation will be drawn up to give employees the right to request remote from home. forever. Millions of people and One thing is for sure, the Fu- work; The right to disconnect with be established for all employees; Investment • Training will need to be con- businesses around the world ture of Work looks a lot brighter will take place in Remote work hubs throughout the country; Tax and allowances sidered for leaders, managers had to change overnight moving for everyone than it did 12 and employees alike to work from the office to home work- months ago – every cloud has a for remote workers will be reviewed; The National Broadband plan will be in this new way. Communica- ing and from interactions that silver lining! accelerated to meet the demands of remote working throughout the country. tion, trust, collaboration and occurred in person to interac- Looking forward, remote Karen O’Reilly of Employflex, a flexible work agency, welcomes these new measuring results are com- tions that occurred mainly on- working is not the same as policies enthusiastically and says that noone could have predicted 12 months pletely different in a remote line. This shift might have taken working from home in a pan- work scenario. decades if it had been planned. demic and we should antici- ago that this seismic shift on attitudes towards flexible and remote work would • There will be resistance from Instead it took days.’ pate a much better working day happen so quickly. companies who favour the tra- What we have now is the for everyone in this bright new ditional presentee-ism model first stick man for our remote future of work’ e have been lobbying gusto; thereby a healthier bottom line of bums on seats. work policy – as they say, the for years for the right • Relieving the burden on con- • Employees will gain by • If work can indeed be done to request flexible gested cities and alleviating reclaiming their autonomy at anywhere, our labour force Wwork to bring us in line with the housing crisis, pollution work and getting that work/ is at risk, competing with CHRISTOPHER the UK. The challenge now is and traffic congestion life balance right. (Remember other countries, where the cost for companies to embrace this • Narrowing gender inequality that remote working in the fu- of hiring and pay rates are and to view it as a positive step in the workplace and allowing ture does not equate working considerably cheaper. Why O’SULLIVAN T.D. towards improving the quality parents to continue their from home during a pandemic pay for a software engineer of employees’ lives. It has been careers in a more flexible – indeed the future remote in Ireland when their Indian If I can be of any proven that people working friendly working environment working model will be a com- counterpart can do it for a assistance to you remotely or in a hybrid model • For employers – saving on plete breeze in comparison!) quarter of the price? please do not hesitate All of these aspects will need of part office/part remote can real estate and office over- The new strategy, while very to be taken into consideration to get in contact. be as productive – it is vital that heads with less staff turnover welcome, is not without it’s when shaping the final policy. companies develop the right and studies have shown, challenges and will not suit all CONSTITUENCY Our candidates, who are 85 policy and procedure around increased productivity and businesses. this now and ensure that both per cent women welcome this OFFICE: managers, leaders and employ- new policy and we sincerely 40 Ashe Street, ees are trained in this new way hope that it can help alleviate of working. the female brain drain from Clonakilty. We have an opportunity now the workplace. The amount of (Closed to the public until to market ourselves internation- women we speak to who feel Covid-19 restrictions are ally as a country that embraces they are forced out of the work- lifted) place because their employer remote work and has an educat- ed and talented fluid workforce offers no flexibility is astound- to match that. ing. It is really incredible, in We can answer the cry from this day and age that compa- tumbleweed towns across Ire- nies would risk losing superb land who have seen their young talent because of their lack of people migrate to the cities for understanding when it comes to work, by distributing remote offering flexible work to every- work throughout the island and one in the workplace. Diversity and Inclusion policies are just breathing life back into these k [email protected] forgotten towns and villages. lip service if flexibility is not on There are so many advan- the table to allow primary carers m tages for all stakeholders to to continue with their careers’ 023 8811011 implementing this policy with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar states people Farming Digital potential of a sustainable natural economy he role of digital in and VistaMilk, will talk about the future.” of annual conferences aimed securing a green rural value-creating decision support Professor Boyle said: “The at identifying solutions and economy is the focus tools. This will be followed by challenge of our times for or- helping create new opportuni- Tof a joint virtual conference a presentation on the digitalisa- ganisations like SRUC and Tea- ties for rural economies. This being held by Scotland’s Rural tion of the Dairy Value Chain gasc is to support the creation Edinburgh-based conference College (SRUC) and Teagasc by Professor Richard Dewhurst, of ‘sustainable food systems’. examined the potential of rural on Tuesday, February 9. Head of the Dairy Research “Every node of the food system, areas and resources to deliver It will bring perspectives and Centre at SRUC. Dr Hannah right from the production of on a wide range of economic, insights on the role of digital Rudman, Senior Challenge food to its digestion in our gut social, and environmental chal- technologies to secure a green Research Fellow and Data and the valorisation of waste lenges and opportunities bene- recovery in the wake of the Policy Lead at SRUC, will streams, has to be the focus of fitting all citizens of Ireland and coronavirus pandemic. Profes- show how new technology is our research and innovation. Scotland. The 2019 conference, sor Wayne Powell, Principal being deployed in the natural “Data creation and its manage- held in Dublin, addressed the and Chief Executive of SRUC, economy sector and the real ment is a critical platform to major environmental, consumer and Professor Gerry Boyle, benefits it achieves, and Dr John realise this goal and we hope and economic challenges facing Teagasc Director, will jointly Hyland, from Teagasc, will talk this conference will help to pasture-based livestock systems chair the event, which will about delivering farm advisory clarify how digitisation can help in Scotland and Ireland. include four 15-minute sessions services in the digital age. us to achieve our vision.” The 2021 virtual conference delivered by researchers from Prof Powell said: “We are Teagasc and SRUC have will take place on Tuesday, Feb- technology are unearthing solu- an opportunity for Scotland and both institutions, and an open living in a time of immense collaborated on issues of mutual ruary 9, from 11am to 12.30pm. tions that can help tackle food Ireland to showcase how digital discussion. technological transformation, interest and concern for many For more information and to security, energy shortages and solutions can be used to secure In the first session, Professor which is changing how we years. This process culminated register, visit: www.teagasc.ie/ climate change. “This virtual a sustainable natural economy Donagh Berry, from Teagasc live our lives. “Science and in 2018 with the first of a series sruc. webinar conference provides – which is part of our vision for 18 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Farming Grass-growing season off to a good start Rain gives us a break from the back to a straw pen in case there mist on occasion but from a are any early arrivals. farm perspective there’s a posi- Housing tive to it. Damp mild weather at I must go through the list of pre- this time of year is welcome, as dicted calving dates and group it really gets the grass-growing the rest up accordingly. The season off to a good start. You extension to the cow house will have to pick out the positives of be very useful that way. Instead situations like that and the pick of all the cows running as one up in grass growth rates is no- group, I’m now in a position to ticeable. It’s only early February put them into pens of eight. and you have to be prepared It’s the first winter in my FARMING for any conditions that could farming career that every arrive between now and May. In animal was housed. Even the IN WEST CORK recent years we’ve experienced bulls got to stay in this year. blizzards, storms and even last They’re both coming up on two Tommy Moyles year the early stage of drought years of age and will be heading between now and the end of for grass sometime over the In his farming diary, West Cork April. next few weeks. For babysitting Normally packed, the seats in the calf ring remain empty at Bandon mart as Covid 19 suckler farmer and columnist On the home front, farm life purposes, the last two cows to with the Irish Farmers Journal, is boring at the moment. There’s calf will be going with them. restrictions mean selling is done via online methods only. Pic: Tommy Moyles Tommy Moyles covers the lay a very predictable routine that They’re both placid enough of the land across all agri and revolves around feeding and bulls but for ease of movement so there won’t be many of his and future sales are likely to be Calf prices start strong every farming enterprises – news, checking stock and and right and keeping them in check, daughters retained. Off the top a combination of old and new. year but taper off once the views and people in farming now that makes it very enjoy- there is nothing to beat a pair of my head I think there’s two. It’s had a few teething problems numbers start to emerge in Late across West Cork and further able. All the more so because of experienced cows. The plan They proved to be very easy and maybe it’s a coincidence February and into March. It afield. with the first cow due to calf would be to get them across the to deal with compared to their but prices have lifted across a will be interesting to see how it in about three weeks time you road and out of the way of cows comrades. There will be less lot of stock classes since it’s plays out this year. In association know that lull could be broken and calves that will be going heifers go for breeding on the introduction. In other mart-related news, with at any time. to grass. Heading in the other back of this and the fact that I’ll admit it’s a bit unusual Tom McCarthy, the manager In the event of that happen- direction will be the group of there was a higher percentage of to see the ringside empty at the of Bandon and Skibbereen ing, things are ready. Pressure younger weanlings. bulls last year. The flip side of calf ring in Bandon. For the marts is moving to pastures was taken off slurry, and sheds that is you know at some point first few months of the year, the new. He is taking up a new role alving has kicked off or are in order, except to tidy away Breeding in the next few years that will place is packed out the door. It’s with AXA insurance after 15 is on the verge of doing a few small bits. I’ve held off It’s coming up on selection time balance itself out. a surreal scene now. years working for Cork marts. so on many farms over moving the heifers into the for the replacements too. They This hasn’t had a negative Initially joining Cork marts as Cthe next few weeks and, while calving shed just yet. They’re will be due their first BVD Mart sales impact on calf prices so far. manager of Macroom mart in driving about, you will notice in their own pen all winter and vaccine and I use the behaviour The latest Covid 19 lockdown While they always get off to a 2005 before he took on the role cows re-emerging from their will be left there a little while in the yard around then as a means all mart sales are strictly strong start, prices for Friesian in Bandon in 2007 and com- winter quarters. It feels like long. The older cows won’t be good gauge of the tempera- online. The move to online sales bull calves and Hereford and bining that with the manager the last three weeks have been too far behind them once calv- ment. I mentioned previously will be a lasting legacy of Covid Angus calves are all up. Con- job in Skibbereen in 2011. With shrouded in mist. Out in Ard- ing starts so the first dozen or so that some calves from a young on the mart trade. Attempts at tinental calves from the dairy Bandon regarded as the premier field it has been so anyway, but of those will be put in a group bull we used in 2019 were a bit online sales were trialled a few herd are at a similar price to last calf sales in the country there that’s the joys of coastal living. of their own and given access on the flighty side. Luckily he years ago but never kicked off. year but they were always at the will be a lot of interest in seeing had a bull to heifer ratio of 2:1 Coronavirus changed all that top end of the market anyway. who his successor will be.

Network Ireland West Cork president commits to creating awareness of Embrace Farm charity atherine O’Sullivan, of Cork families that use their “The West Cork economy newly elected president support service. I look forward is boosted primarily by the of Network Ireland to working with Embrace Farm; agriculture sector including KWest Cork has chosen Embrace they provide an amazing service farming, fishing and agri food,” Farm as her charity for her year and support to the agricultural says Katherine. “Of course, we as president. Katherine grew up sector and I hope to not just also are proud to welcome our on a dairy farm in Dunmanway raise funds for them but to cre- many visitors annually which and the mother-of-three contin- ate awareness for their efforts in supports our tourism. However, ues a farming tradition with her highlighting the importance of in the current climate of Covid husband, Mícheál in Durrus. farm safety and the devastating and Brexit it is important to Founded in 2014, Embrace impact of farm accidents on support our core industries with Farm provides a bereavement families.” agriculture being high on the support group for farm families. Network Ireland West Cork list for West Cork. Many of our It helps families who have lost a support women in business members have connections to loved one or who have suffered across all sectors and are also agri food sectors as suppliers, serious injury in a farming ac- committed to supporting the customers, as well as employees cident. Katherine said “I chose farming and food industries; of varying contributors such Embrace Farm as my charity both are significant contributors as Carbery Group as just one as I was deeply moved when to the economy of West Cork example.” Katherine said. I watched a feature on them with the number of women on TV in June 2020 and I was involved in these sectors con- amazed to learn of the number stantly growing. February 5 – March 4, 2021 19 people Farming Caroline rewarded for being a top performer Interview by earlier to try and have the bulk there are a lot of people and of the calving out of the way animals wanting feeding. With Tommy Moyles before Joe and the machinery home-schooling you don’t have men get busy at the contracting. that two or three hours catch-up he Overall Winner of the The busy period for them is time in the morning – register- Grassland Farmer of the from early March to mid-Oc- ing calves, bedding the cows Year 2020 is Caroline tober. The first job is sowing and feeding calves – that you’d TWalsh, Ballinascarthy, Co. maize. Grass silage is harvested have when they’re in school. Cork. The competition run by all summer and the maize is Those three or so hours that Teagasc, The Irish Farmers harvested in the autumn. were vital around the yard in the Journal, Grassland Agro, AIB At the end of January we spring are completely and utter- and FBD Insurance is now in its have 50 per cent calved. Ev- ly lost. But it is also important fourth year and rewards the top erything is going great thanks that home-schooling is done grassland farmers in the country be to God. It’s busy but as long or they’ll fall behind. We try to who are growing and utilising as everything is going ok it’s get school done in the morning more grass on their farms. The manageable. between 9.30am and 12:30pm awards are supported by the if we can and then all the time Department of Agriculture, Balancing the farm and home after dinner is free to get back to Food and the Marine and has an schooling the grindstone. overall prize fund of €30,000. The five children are home Caroline was announced as from school so every evening winner during an online awards ceremony on Tuesday, January 19. She won the dairy award and the overall award for top performance in grassland man- Caroline pictured with her family in 2018. agement. The judges noted her focus www.johnhayestractors.ie a second hand parlour. I hope to milk about 64 cows in the diet.” over the last few years has been Donour, Castlefreke Clonakilty P85 YX49 My husband, Joe, runs a here this year. Milking should on increasing the amount of contracting business with his take less than 45 minutes each Winning Grassland Farmer T: 086 230 5144 k [email protected] grass grown on the farm and brother Paudie and their father then. of the Year 2020 improving the quality of that Patrick. They were milking here It was a great achievement. I Supplying New and Second Hand grass. Her focus on profit has up to about 10 years ago but, as Cow Performance suppose with Covid, it was Tractors, Loadalls and Machinery actually seen Caroline reduce the contracting got busier, they We sold 485,000l of milk in a bit different because it was cow numbers from a peak of found it hard to keep on the 2017 and we sold 430,000l last announced on zoom. I thought 80 cows in 2018 to 64 cows for dairy herd. In 2014 we made the year but because of the changes it was a practice run we were 2021 decision to move to Joe’s home we made in numbers and the doing on zoom that morning in

farm and began milking there cows diet, there was a lot more case there were any technical The farm in 2015. It was a bigger farm money in my pocket after last issues that afternoon. Once he I was born and raised on a dairy than what I was renting, so we year. made the announcment, I was farm in Ballinadee, which is be- moved the cows there. There I’m aiming for 540kgs of like ‘ok we’ve done the practice ing run by my father and broth- was an old parlour on the farm milk solids for 2021. The run’, so when he said ‘Congrat- 25 years of Experience er now, and all I ever wanted to but we built a larger building protein averaged 3.39 per cent ulations Caroline’, I couldn’t be was a dairy farmer. I started and installed a second hand 16 in 2018, it was 3.48 per cent in believe it. and Commitment to Excellence on my own in 2009 when I unit parlour and bulk tank. 2019 and I reckon it’ll average Farm Activity applied for new entrant quota Main Dealer for I’ve pulled the cow numbers at around 3.6 per cent in 2020. Everything is up the walls at the and I leased a 28.5 acre farm back a bit since 2018 when I’m putting this down to im- moment. Calving usually starts next to home. I started milking there was 80 cows milked here. proved genetics and more grass around January 14. We start there in 2010 with 40 cows and Agent for

Teagasc re-introduce COVID-19 OFFERING A FAST AND EFFICIENT OUT OF HOURS telephone helpline for farmers HYDRAULIC HOSING & REPAIRS SERVICE eagasc has confirmed helpline to support farmers. The production, caring for animals, that the telephone help- coming months are amongst the and maintaining food supplies. line to assist with queries busiest periods on many farms, The helpline is staffed by expe- AS A Tin relation to COVID-19 issues and Teagasc are conscious rienced Teagasc advisors and FARMER, is re-opening for all farmers. of the extra demands that the is open to all farmers to help ARE YOU The service provides farmers current restrictions are placing them with the day-to-day issues AND YOUR with advice on the range of is- on farmers as they continue facing them during the current FAMILY sues that they may face as they their essential work in crop COVID-19 restrictions”. PROTECTED? continue to do their essential The information line phone work in maintaining the food number is 076 1113533 and it supply chain. The service was is open from 9.30am to 1:00pm Is your family initiated during the initial period and from 2pm to 5pm Monday protected in the of COVID-19 restrictions, and to Friday. FARM BUSINESS BROKER event of your is now re-introduced as an extra As always, the Teagasc Life Assurance • Retirement & Investment advice death? support available to farmers website www.teagasc.ie is a during the current restrictions. prime source of information on Income Protection Cover • Inheritance Tax planning & advice How would This helpline is open to all the full range of issues facing you survive if farmers. farm businesses. Teagasc clients Barrack Street, Bantry • (027) 52233 you become Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc should continue to use their Bridge Street, Dunmanway • (023) 8845185 ill or have an Director of Knowledge advisors’ mobiles and office Bridge Street, Skibbereen • (028) 21272 accident? Transfer, commented, “Teagasc numbers to contact them as are re-opening this dedicated usual. 20 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Arts & Entertainment Rhyme and Rhythm in Painting: Reflections on Dawn by Odd Nerdrum

THE SHAPE OF THINGS James Waller

James Waller is an Australian born artist and poet based in reference to poetry, however embraced the aesthetic of Rem- West Cork. Through this col- these things are integral to all brandt and the 17th century ba- umn James explores the world art forms, painting included. roque. His work is astonishingly of art, introducing the reader to In my last article I wrote about powerful, as much in delivery major works of art and artists the spiral form as underpin- as in concept and composition. and reflecting on what makes ning Matisse’s The Sorrows of Dawn, painted in 1989, shows them so engaging. the King. This time I’d like to four identical figures, sitting in discuss what I call a ‘lightning an Icelandic-inspired landscape, bolt’ composition, as demon- heads tilted to the sky as if in Dawn by Odd Nerdrum t the beginning of the strated in a painting titled Dawn song. It is a strange, yet magne- French classic, The Lit- by the Norwegian painter Odd tizing image. It makes me think tle Prince, by Antoinne Nerdrum. In Dawn we shall of how a choreographer might strong linear rhythm; their noses beautifully with Nerdrum’s light dawn. Adu-Saint-Exupery, the prince see how The Little Prince’s deploy dancers on a stage, and are echoed by the pinnacle program of rhyme and rhythm. As a fun activity you might discusses his drawing no.1 and drawing no.1 and drawing this is indeed a good way of ap- shapes of the rocks; the shape of The dark capes and caps are in try creating a drawing game, his drawing no.2. He becomes no.2 relate, that is, we shall see proaching Nerdrum’s figurative the second head from the left is synch with the silhouettes of the whereby one person draws a exasperated by the grown ups strong elements of rhyme and arrangements. echoed by the shape of the rock mountains; the skin-colouring shape, and everyone else comes who think his drawing no.1 is rhythm, and how these elements Dawn is, as I mentioned directly above it (here we might is in synch with the creamy yel- up with as many drawings (of a hat. Of course, it is in fact an empower the painting. I’ll earlier, a ‘lightning bolt’ compo- spy a similar relationship to the lows and blues of the sky; the things) as they can that rhyme elephant being eaten by a boa conclude the article with some sition. This means that there is Little Prince’s drawing no.1 and dark monochromatic browns of with that shape. For those more constrictor, as his drawing no.2 ideas for drawing games and a series of diagonals that zigzag 2). The dark cloaks are, equally, the landscape allow us to focus ambitious artists you might try demonstrates. Both drawings activities, and some suggestions vertically down through the echoed by the mountains, whilst our attention on the relationship experimenting with different are the same shape, that is, they for the more ambitious painterly picture plane, starting with the the mountains and the com- between the figures and the sky. compositions, where you delib- rhyme. Placing no.2 near no.1 readers. comma-like ‘clouds’ and ending ma-like clouds echo the angle All of the above – both the erately introduce elements that one is struck by the rhythm the Odd Nerdrum (b. 1944) with the ‘staffs’ at the bottom. of the faces, from jaw to chin linear and chromatic echoes – rhyme with your main subject. two snaky slopes create with is a contemporary figurative The figures, being identical, to nose. make the painting extremely Happy creating! each other. painter, who, as a student in the but of different size echo and The arrangement of the powerful, causing the image to When we speak of rhyme late 1960s rejected the trends amplify each other; the curve of palette – that is, the colour visually resound, as a song of and rhythm it is usually in of modernism and instead their backs rhyme, generating selection – synchronises colour and form, rising to the West Cork musicians in ‘Resound’ West Cork musicians raise that we should acknowledge the their voices, with the clear importance of music in our day- to-day lives, promote those who message that the region’s are continuing to persevere in resilient music communi- these trying time. The creation ty is still here and looking and sharing of music is so very forward to the time when much at the core of our culture they can share their music and society and is particularly so here in Bantry.” with you once more. It is hoped that Resound will help to promote and share work ith so many missing of musicians living and working the chance to share in West Cork on a much broader songs and stories, scale as well as the incredibly WWest Cork Music has an- beautiful and vibrant place nounced Resound, a programme Bear Bojak in Bantry House. where we live. By doing this, of original music by locally West Cork Music hopes to based artists. Filmed in Bantry or lament. Music in the commu- from their music. build an interest both in the House over four days in early nity has always captured mo- West Cork Music’s Clodagh musicians’ work and in the local December, the performances ments of our history, expressing Whelan says, “I think everyone community. will be available on westcork- and reacting to our situation and this year has felt the void, not Musicians who participated music.ie/resound and social me- providing a sense of solidarity. being able to connect with peo- in Resound include Bean Dolan, dia, every Monday and Friday. Bantry has a vibrant local ple, sit around and share songs Irene Dunne, Dolce Ross It’s an unusual time when the creative scene and each year and stories. Resound attempts Keogh, Alan Brooks, Aoife local community has been sep- visitors are astounded by the in some small way to hold that Doolan, Brendan Connolly, arated from the musicians in its amount of talent in the commu- space, to reassure that this is a Alan Mahn, Stuart Wilde, Beth midst. At no other time has the nity. With restrictions in place temporary situation - that we’re Cummins, Bear Bojak (Chris collective creation and sharing and venues closed for much of still here, behind the mask, McDonald, Gemma Greany, of music not been a central part the year, these local musicians beyond the closed door and that Gráinne McCarthy and Joe of our society, whether in times have had no means of sharing we will be back together soon. Bracken), Frank Wieler, Polly Bean Dolan and Irene Dunne All pics: Joe Chapman Photography of joy and sorrow, celebration their work or earning an income It is more important than ever Barrett and Eoghan O’Keefe. February 5 – March 4, 2021 21 people Arts & Entertainment Painting from the heart This pandemic has public thing I did, and I gained other people.” credibility, as well as confi- As a result, she has found her changed perspec- dence,” she says. work now feels a lot freer; she tives for people from In 2007, she painted Olympic is using more colour, her strokes all walks of life. For triple jumper, Jonathan Edwards; are bigger and swifter; and the and her commissioned portraits resulting semi-abstract paintings award-winning portrait include footballers for the and mixed media artworks of artist Áine Divine it’s Hibernian Historical Society and flowers and still life’s – subjects been a catalyst for do- winners of the British Open Golf she would only have occasional- Championship. ly dabbled in before – are tend- ing whatever makes her One of her self-portraits was ing to extend beyond the page. heart sing. selected for exhibition in the “It’s a bit like open water Royal Watercolour Society’s swimming,” she explains “that o longer tied to the annual contemporary art show at feeling of wild freedom you studio from 9-5, she has the Bankside Gallery in London get; it’s a response to our loss of been working more and in 2014 and won the Heather- control over other things.” Nmore in mixed media, painting leys Studio Award. She won She describes her approach to what’s to hand around her, and the Winsor and Newton awards portraiture, as being an intuitive sharing her teaching videos for for her portrait of ‘Matthew’ in response. “Rather than exca- free on YouTube. the same show in 2013, and for vating an eye in huge detail, it’s “As Julia Cameron said, ‘Carolina in Gold’ in 2015. She about trying to find the eye by ‘Serious art is born from serious has also painted Vincent Browne being attentive. The face tends to play’,” shares Áine. “This is a and more recently Ryan Tubridy emerge,” she explains. significant thing and not just in for the Watercolour Society of From her own portfolio, Áine the life of an artist, in the life of Ireland’s annual exhibition. says her favourite piece is her anybody, through any medium. Today Áine is enjoying a painting of Neil Hannon, which “Mixed media is something change of pace; the slowing she completed in four hours in I’ve turned to in all the years down that has come with front of the camera in the final of I’ve been painting and drawing lockdown. “There is more of an Portrait Artist of the Year. “I felt in order to keep myself excited honouring of my own flow,” she present in every second of that about my work and inspired.” explains. “I found it tough early process, completely at home, A finalist in the 2014 Sky Arts on in the pandemic because I and not a bit concerned about the Portrait Arts of the Year, Áine value interaction with people outcome.” will be familiar to many; if not and that creative community Áine is a proud mother of for her television appearances in person is irreplaceable. But three beautiful daughters; the – in 2005 she painted Mo Mow- I found that there is a different two youngest who live at home, lam for BBC 1s ‘Star Portraits’ – connection possible through Erin and Lily, regularly sit for then for her West Cork roots. online.“ her paintings. She videos these Áine has lived in Scotland for It is this online connection sessions for use in her portraiture the past 24 years but she grew up that pulled Áine out of the classes to break down the pro- on a farm in Kilbrittain. feeling of apathy or dullness that cess of painting in watercolour After graduating from Cork’s has affected most of us at some for her students. Crawford College of Art and point over the past 10 months Everywhere she goes she aims Design in 1991, encouraged by of living a restricted existence. to capture a creative process (on her mother, a schoolteacher, she “That, along with cold water video) for use in her classes. swimming,” she says. “Last year when I came home, gained a Higher Diploma in art to work from life is the way to more about people in that inti- she says. “Not for any financial As a Sky Arts Portrait of the my parents were the subjects,” teaching. On moving to Scotland keep the life in the painting,” she mate space than any words could gain but to be seen by a wider Year finalist, she was invited she says. she continued teaching in sec- explains. tell you.” audience.” to paint the TV presenter Clare “Commissions are harder,” ond-level education for ten years “The person’s story doesn’t Guided and coached by men- In the meantime she will con- Balding over lockdown. “I found shares Áine. “When you know before deciding that teaching for matter so much, as long as you tors in her Remarkable Women tinue to do best what she loves it quite a taxing experience, you have a particular outcome exams was not her vocation. have that connection that comes group, Áine is tuning into what and see where it leads her… managing cameras and tripods to achieve and it needs to be Gaining recognition for her with sitting or standing with she really wants to achieve and downloading stuff, and that pleasing to the person, it changes painting of Mo Mowlam in someone for any length of time. in the future. “Bigger, bright- www.ainedivinepaintings.co.uk was really what prompted me to the process a little bit.” 2005, which now hangs in The “The best models are those er paintings in a bright open make the unconscious decision She usually starts a portrait National Gallery of Ireland, who sit in an alert state without gallery space somewhere like to concentrate on doing what I from life, before going on to Áine’s career in portraiture took it being effortful. You find out New York. That’s what I see,” off. “That was the first real like, rather than trying to please work from photographs. “Ideally Levis’ Corner House Ballydehob has secrets to share ince 2015, Secret Song in in 2020. Now, with help from Anna Mieke, Daoirí Farrell, John year it sells out. This year, they (and failing) to find out who is Levis’ Corner House has The Department of Culture and Blek, Susan O’Neill, Ger Wolfe, are asking for a bigger leap of playing. One year the rumour been filled with excited Culture Ireland, they will be Ye Vagabonds, Mick Flannery, faith in also supporting their first was strong in the village that Spunters and artists, and no one able to mount a very special Joan Shelley, Bridget Kearney, ticketed online event. Bruce Springsteen was playing, gets to know in advance who’s belated edition over Valentine’s Rose Cousins and Moxie to Levis’ welcome established another year Lisa Hannigan came playing. weekend. name but a few. artists, and artists who are ‘un- as a punter, and had a few people Secret Song is an annual One Secret Song is a celebration Secret Song Festival is known’ or unsigned. All amazing confused, assuming she was Day Live Music and Spoken of all artists and all the gigs that exactly as it is titled – a Secret. talented original performers. This in the line-up. In short no-one Word Festival that takes place in take place in Levis’ throughout On the day, everyone moves year’s line-up is made up of knows what’s going to happen, Levis’ Corner House, Bal- the year. Although this year will from room to room, to the back household names, and yet to be and its wonderful” Joe O’Leary, lydehob. have a different approach whilst garden, from the Parlour, to the discovered gems. Secret Song Levis Corner House Owner and Secret Song traditionally doors to the public have to re- ‘Outback’ without knowing who will be presented over two Secret Song Co-Curator. has taken place every October, main closed, a special line-up of is playing. They have even had evenings from 8pm Saturday, Tickets are €15 per night, or with up to 20 acts performing artists will make the journey to ‘a gig’ in a cupboard. The per- February 13 and Sunday, Febru- €25 for a weekend ticket. There throughout Levis’ Corner House. Ballydehob to perform in Levis’ formers themselves do not know ary 14. Each night will have five are also some special Secret Every room in the building and for an online edition. who else is playing until the day. different artists playing. Song bundles, all can be found nooks of outdoor areas are pro- Previous artists for Secret Every year audiences take a leap “The guessing is glorious, and here: www.leviscornerhouse. grammed with music throughout Songs have included: Jen Grant, of faith and purchase tickets for this year we are going to miss bandcamp.com the day. Due to the pandemic, Rozi Plain, Stephen James the day, without knowing the customers in the bar interrogat- Secret Song did not take place Smith, Niamh Regan, Ports, names of the performers. Every ing us in the run up… trying 22 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Arts & Entertainment West Cork’s venues part of Live Venue collective Over 2000 people were cial promoters and producers to es, which may subsequently for this funding, 23 of the 28 vital collective experiences of hope in a time of darkness and hired, 405 live shows employ artists, musicians, per- have to be curtailed, cancelled, members of Live Venue Col- culture, learning and expertise. It despair for so many in the live formers, technicians and other or postponed due to COVID-19. lective applied as a group to the is crucial these supports continue music sector. The funding has hosted, and 416,000 audi- support staff in live performanc- As part of the application live performance support pilot for as long as restrictions on financially lifted venues, artists, ence members engaged, scheme. The application was these businesses remain. technicians, crews and employ- thanks to the pilot live successful, and the 23 Live Ven- Throughout the 23 venues, ees from the brink and positively performance support ue Collective members received each committing to 16 perfor- impacted the mental health of all €1.1 million in total. Overall, 59 mances, there was a huge variety who engaged with the scheme. scheme, launched in organisations benefitted from the in shows from outdoor shows Simultaneously, it helped create December 2020, by the scheme. for 15 people, to streamed events truly world class musical mo- Department of Tourism, Comprising of small to with no live audience. Each ments that will forever document Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, medium-sized independent live show was lovingly created in this unprecedented time in Irish music venues, the Live Venue collaboration and conjunction history. Sport, and Media and Collective was established in the with each venue’s regular music Among the 655 artists who Minister Catherine Mar- summer of 2020, in the wake and production community. The participated in performances tin. The scheme provided of the devastation caused by collective of 23 venues worked under the scheme last year were an incredibly progres- Covid-19 to music venues all unilaterally, diligently, and musicians David Kitt, Mary over the world. relentlessly to curate, produce Coughlan, Mick Flannery, Lisa sive and timely financial With the commercial events and present a total of 405 shows Hannigan, and Liam Ó Maonlaí lifeline to so many in the sector either shuttered or under of the highest cultural and from Hothouse Flowers, and commercial events sector. severe restrictions since March, technical quality, involving 2110 bands including Scullion, Ham Ireland’s culturally vital, but employees, 655 artists, 965 live Sandwich and Saint Sister as new report by the Live financially fragile, music eco- audience members, and resulting well as comedians Karl Spain Venue Collective, a system was, and still is, under in 24,000 minutes of digital and Neil Delamere. group of venues and serious threat. content. “I believe now that with Aproducers, reveals how the Thanks to the support from The feats recorded in the the strong backing of Minister scheme funds benefitted not just Minister Catherine Martin and report are a testament to the ded- Martin and The Department musicians, but also technicians her department, each of the ication, hard-work and integrity through the Live Performance and crews across the country. successful applicants were able of the collective. Support Scheme, we’ve risen Three West Cork venues took to once again, for the moment The collective now anxiously up out of those cracks to show part in the initiative: DeBarras, at least, promote and produce await the next expended phase in the true value of music, culture Clonakilty, Levis’ Corner House shows hiring artists, performers, the supports for the live sector, and community,” Levis Corner in Ballydehob and Connolly’s technicians and other support as committed to by Minister House, Ballydehob. of Leap. staff in their respective com- Martin. The positive impact www.livevenuecollective.ie Under the scheme, €5 million munities and present a series of and progressive nature of the Facebook and Instagram: was allocated to assist commer- Susan O’Neill unique and culturally significant pilot live performance support @LiveVenueIre performances, preserving our scheme has been a glimmer of Cork County Council launch Spring series of online writing workshops

ork County Council’s Things We Lose and The Things Also on offer is ‘Travel Writ- inspiration and getting started Library & Arts Service We Leave Behind” as well as ing Workshop 2021’. With over to re-writing and editing your is delivering a new series the bestselling novel ‘The Dead a decade of experience writing finished stories. Although the Cof free online writing workshops House’. Billy’s latest short story for major Irish newspapers and workshop will focus on fiction, for Spring 2021, designed to collection, ‘The Boatman and magazines, as well as broad- there will be an emphasis on support creative writing through- Other Stories’ was released in casting, Conor Power will help writing what you know and out the county. Six online January 2020. Billy is the winner participants grasp the basics of self-expression, allowing each courses begin in mid-February, of a Bord Gáis Energy Irish how to approach a travel article, participant to find their own catering to a variety of ages and Book Award for the short story, some of the secrets of the craft voice and learn to write the kind styles including adults, teens, and a two-time recipient of the and trade, where travel writing of stories that most appeals to are interested to apply for these administrative area. Participants songwriters, crime-writers, Arts Council of Ireland’s bursary stands today, how to pitch your them. Writing stories can be a wonderful opportunities.” will be selected by the facilita- fiction and non-fiction. These award for literature. Participants ideas and how to improve your powerful channel for imagina- All workshops are free, but tor and their decision is final. workshops will continue the will join Billy for six online work. ‘Travel Within 5km of tion, creativity, and emotion, places are limited. Applications Closing date for applications is success of online workshops and group sessions that explore your Home’ will be the theme making this workshop a timely are open to people aged 14 to Sunday, February 7. collectives hosted by the Council the craft of writing short story of the opening sessions and will and important offering for young 17 or over 18 depending on For further information, visit throughout 2020, to foster fiction. include collaborative work on people. the course and limited to those www.corkcoco.ie creativity in the community for Following the success of mul- travel within 5km of where you Mayor of the County of residing in the Cork County Cork County residents. tiple collectives and workshops live, helping writers to express Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan ‘Three Cords and the Truth’ delivered with support from themselves even within the Foley welcomed the new online is the fantastic new song-writing Cork County Council in 2020, current constraints. workshops saying, “The changes UCC Film graduate in contention for workshop from songwriter, art- the Council’s Writer-in-Res- Crime writer, Alex Barclay to life as we know over the Oscar nomination ist, winner of the ‘International idence Poet Matthew Geden will deliver ‘CSI: Cork’, a crime past year, and the opportunity it Song-Writing Competition’ and returns with ‘One World: Our writing workshop for writers has provided for reflection and A short film by a Kerry writer, director, and University College Cork graduate is in contention for an Oscar nomination, after securing a place “Other Voices” alumnus Jack Environment’. Participants will of all levels, aimed at inspiring sometimes solace, will leave its on the Academy Awards’ 2021 longlist. O’Rourke. Jack describes the have the opportunity to work mystery and intrigue. The former mark on us all. In the months Shaun O’Connor’s ‘A White Horse’ tells the story of a scared and craft of song-writing as “like get- with Matthew in ten online journalist will help participants and years ahead, creativity and confused young girl in 1970s Ireland who enters a phone booth and ting into a cage with a lion – it’s group sessions that explore the bring out the best of their cre- storytelling will play a vital role rings home. Her parents are waiting for the call, and the conversation exciting and scary equally. You world we live in through poetry, ativity and share the many tricks in shaping our understanding slowly reveals a hidden truth. have to face who you are.” With looking at classic and contem- he has picked up over the course of the challenges our commu- ‘A White Horse’ stars Cora Fenton (The Young Offenders) and new- this course, Jack aims to offer porary poems that examine of her career. nity has faced. By providing comer Amber Deasy, and was made with the Screen Directors Guild of a safe space for eight artists to aspects of our surroundings Cork County Council is these workshops, Cork County Ireland ARRI Take Award. Filmed in Cork city and county, the story share songs and ideas. including nature poetry, the delighted to present Colin O’Ma- Council is showing its commit- explores how mental hospitals were once used as catch-alls for people Billy O’Callaghan will present urban landscape, the weather, honey’s Prose in the Pandemic ment and support to everyone considered ‘troublesome’ or ‘abnormal’. ‘The Art and Craft of the Short climate change and travel. Each aimed at those aged between 14 in the community who wishes Among the accolades garnered to date, ‘A White Horse’ won the Story’. Billy is the author of workshop will also include class and 17. This writing course is to develop their creativity and award for Best Irish Short at the Foyle Film Festival in November 2019 three short story collections: “In exercises and group critiques of a broad introduction to writing contribute to our rich cultural - recognition that has led to a coveted place on the longlist for the 2021 Exile”, “In Too Deep” and “The each other’s work. fiction, covering everything from heritage. I invite all those who Oscars. February 5 – March 4, 2021 23 people A flavour of West Cork Tarting up mashed spuds

I must say we were impressed. utes. Season with a little salt, Put 2cms vegetable/cooking The perfect way to tart up then stir in the chopped garlic oil in a frying pan. The pan mashed spuds and cook for one-two minutes should not be too shallow – the The ingredient list is short longer. oil should not come more than – left over mash, onion, garlic, Tip the cooked onions mix one third up the sides. Heat the some kind of melty cheese and onto the mashed potato, then oil then slip four or five potato breadcrumbs. mix together and add in the cakes in at a time. Keep the heat A FLAVOUR OF I used panko breadcrumbs grated cheese. Mix well with on medium. If the potato cakes WEST CORK (which had been sitting pa- your hands, giving it all a good are browning very quickly tiently in our pantry). Panko squish together. Form the potato reduce the heat. After a couple RECIPE are Japanese style breadcrumbs mix into small balls then flatten of minutes flip the potato cakes made from crust-less white slightly. I didn’t add any salt, as over and cook the other side. Karen Austin bread. These breadcrumbs are the mash was already seasoned You’ll need to cook these in flakier and drier than normal but taste your mix to check a couple of batches so have a breadcrumbs and, as a result, Line up three bowls: One warm plate ready to receive t’s a sure sign of going stir absorb less oil; think of trying to with flour, one with beaten them. crazy when you get super mop up a spill with a dry cloth – egg, and one with the panko Perfect with some salad and excited about potato cakes. it’s not very absorbent. Because breadcrumbs. Taking the potato salsa or just plain mayo for IThis past month has left me they are so dry they cook up balls one at a time, turn them dunking. feeling almost rudderless; apart super crispy and they have an first in the flour, then in the egg from our Monday shop painting incredible long shelf life – I and finally in the breadcrumbs. We hope to see you one all one stints there’s very little structure guess as there’s no moisture Turn until the breadcrumbs day soon. to our days except for meal- there’s nothing to spoil but for cover the potato. Do this to each Happy February! times sure they will keep happily in a potato cake. At this stage you Karen It’s a tricky time of the year sealed bag in a dry place so they could pause and put the potato when the days are long and Lettercollum Kitchen Project are pretty handy. We sell them cakes in the fridge for later but grey. The bright days are fine 22 Connolly Street, Clonakilty in our shop, which is currently it’s perfectly fine to cook them – I hop up and get going; but www.lettercollum.ie closed until the end of February, immediately on the wet ones I have to keep [email protected] but the little Asian shop in reminding myself that there’s no Spiller’s Lane also have a good such thing as bad weather, just supply. bad clothing. Any cheese that can be grated Try telling that to the chick- and melts will work in this ens though who are miserably recipe. I used smoked scamorza, huddled in their muddy run, which is a mild semi-hard moz- fed up with wading in muck, zarella-type cheese but cheddar, having eaten anything that had emmental, gruyere or gouda a semblance of green already. will all bring their own creamy They are missing their daily addition buckets of yummy food scraps that usually come back from the shop. The time is coming when Crispy Potato Cakes See they are going to revolt and hop Serves 3-4 people the fence of the chicken run, as you it looks so delightfully verdant Ingredients: on the other side. • 450g mashed potato • 1 onion – peeled and chopped soon! Our new glasshouse is up We’ re painting & spring cleaning in preparation and ready to go, the seeds are • 2 cloves garlic- peeled and ordered and in a couple more finely chopped for reopening as soon as we can :) weeks, it’ll be time to start sow- • 150g smoked scamorza or ing again. I’m very excited but other melty cheese - grated super cautious about beginning • 150g panko bread crumbs in the garden too early though, • 50g flour as very cold spells can negate • 1-2 eggs any head start. • Oil for frying One thing I have been enjoy- ing is playing in the kitchen. Method: to be creative. We had a Working my way through all Heat a small frying pan and add 22 CONNOLLY STREET, CLONAKILTY, WEST CORK mound of left over mashed the odd food in our pantry and 2tbs olive oil and the chopped Tel: 023 8836938 [email protected] www.lettercollum.ie potatoes last week and I made trying out new recipes. Con- onions. Cook on a medium heat these crispy potato cakes. verting left overs is a great way without browning for five min- Baan Sujittra Michelin Star shines on West Cork AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE est Cork celebrated in January (as much as you can IN WEST CORK celebrate in lockdown) as Dede at the Customs House 30 & 31 Ashe St, Clonakilty in Baltimore,was awarded a Michelin Star in the 2021 WMichelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland just published. www.baansujittra.com E The popular West Cork establishment is the only newcomer to join what is now an 18-strong list of Michelin Star restaurants in the TAKEAWAY ONLY Republic of Ireland. Thurs-Sun from 5pm No stranger to the Michelin Star, head chef Ahmet Dede was Phone 023 8834604 awarded One Michelin Star in the 2019 edition of the Guide when at the Mews restaurant, Baltimore, an accolade he retained in 2020. GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE! Other Cork restaurants to retain their star status in the 2021 Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland are Bastion in Kinsale and Chestnut in nearby Ballydehob and Cork City centre Japanese restaurant Ichigo Ichie. 24 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle Put the kettle on filled so it can steep overnight and Ginger for it’s warming it – something that hydrates you and be ready for me the next properties, as well as the blood down to your cellular structure. morning. cleansing beetroot. It really is I can hear the wheels turning You don’t have to do this such an underrated vegetable in your head. What kind of tea – however if you are like me, and there are so many ways to should I make? the mornings can often be too get this into us. If you want to feel good with busy and my own needs get But we can do a beetroot energy (peppermint/chamomile/ lost in the melee of tasks to be session another time! ginger); lose weight (dandelion/ NATURE TALKS done with children, animals I drink about a cup of this nettle/cleavers); keep warm April Dannan and household stuff before I get herbal concoction to start off my (ginger/ginseng/rooibos/cinna- down to work on anything that day, however, as a regular sized mon); detox and cleanse (rose/ pertains to me. teapot holds about three to four dandelion/red clover/burdock); April Danann is a food influ- When my little teapot is cups of herbal tea, I have lots de-stress (ginseng/chamomile/ encer, creating new trends in filled to the brim with cooled, left over for the rest of the day. milk thistle/fenugreek). healthy sustainable living as well-steeped herbal tea, it is What I find easy enough if I am This is by no means a full list part of her clinical practice as ready for me to add it to nearly going out on delivery or to the – use what you have on hand or a Naturopath Herbalist Herbal anything! And I don’t have to market or need a drink to take can pull out of the hedgerows. Nutritionist Intuitive. She lives think about it as it is one less with me on the go, is to pour all Use anything you currently in West Cork where she is a thing on my to-do list. of the herbal tea into a flask, top have in the press; we all have natural bee keeper and can often Usually most every morning it up with apple cider vinegar, packets of herbal tea hanging be found in the hedgerows. the first thing I do is pour a cup lemon juice and so on, and sip it around, find something that of this cool room temperature as my very refreshing drink. appeals to you (it might have actually begin my day herbal tea and top it up with ap- You can also drink it cup by fruit, spices and other herbs ‘planning the day’ the night ple cider vinegar, a squeeze of cup or re-heat it if you prefer added, it’s all good!) and boil before. Late in the evening lemon and sometimes a spoon hot tea. It really does taste quite the kettle – your body, mind and Ibefore I go to bed, I put the ket- of one of my smoothie powders. good. And if you try it, you spirit will thank you. tle on and get my herbal teapot This week I am using Beetroot will find that your body craves

Your gut microbiome has a direct influence on your health diverse probiotics and prebiotics are needed to sustain a healthy microbiome in the gastrointes- tinal tract and throughout the whole body. Your bowels contain as many as 100 trillion bacteria with up to 1000 species playing a cru- cial role in gut health. Various strains of probiotic are available as tablets, capsules and liquid drinks, however the strains of Amanda Roe probiotic are limited within The above drink has: carrot, purple sprouting broccoli, broccoli, parsnip, brussel sprouts, two different cabbages, celery, Trauma therapist manufactured products. Diverse cucumber, and cooking apple & Mind coach probiotics are necessary for maintaining a healthy microbi- It’s easy and cost effective variety as possible – spinach, Biodiverse Probiotic husks are all good forms of ome. The most varied form of to make a bio diverse probi- chard, cabbage, turnip, carrots, Vegetable Drink prebiotic. Adding pre-soaked here is extensive research probiotics is found in vege- otic vegetable drink at home. cauliflower, beans, parsnips, chia seeds or psyllium husk • Select a wide variety of confirming that the tables. Each vegetable hosts You need a wide variety of broccoli, cucumber, lettuce, to the Biodiverse Probiotic vegetables – the more diverse health of your gut mi- different varieties of probiotic vegetables; organic is best, celery, beetroot and their leaves, Vegetable Drink is a great way the better. Tcrobiome has a direct influence so consuming a wide variety or homegrown. If that is not fresh herbs, watercress and to consume additional fibre at • Slice a small amount from on your mental, emotional and of raw vegetables and herbs possible, go to your local farm- other sprouts are all suitable, the same time. each vegetable and then chop physical health. Good levels of provides the diversity needed. er’s market. Choose as wide a however DO NOT USE RAW Note: Chia seeds and Psylli- POTATO. If you find the drink these into smaller pieces. um husk absorb approximately is too bitter, add a slice of green • Take a slice of cooking apple 10 times their own volume of cooking apple. You could also and dice into small pieces. water ie hydrate approx one use a small amount of fruit that • Add a few leaves of fresh tablespoon per glass of water is in season. herbs (optional). and stir whilst it soaks to stop it Some people have problems • Place all these ingredients into clumping together. Take Back Your Health with vegetables from the night- a blender with about half the If you decide to add this drink shade family, which include volume of water. to your daily routine, I would Mental and Emotional • Whizz to puree consistency Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, tomatoes, peppers, aubergine love to hear what benefits you and potato; if you know that – you can add more or less experience, so do send me an Addiction, Worry, Anger, Grief, Fear, Panic, you have a problem with these water if you prefer email to amanda@marketstclin- Gut Health and Eating Disorders do not use them in your drink, • Drink 6-8fl oz per person daily ic.com and let me know how before a meal. Emotional eating, Cravings, Weightloss, IBS if you are unsure it is probably you get on. In addition to adding this Control issues, OCD, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia. best to avoid them. It is most beneficial to make Bio diverse Probiotic Vegetable Amanda Roe is an Acupunc- this drink fresh and consume it Drink to your diet you should turist, Clinical hypnotherapist Natural Hormone Balancing consider adding additional Fertility, Pregnancy Care, Fatigue, Insomnia within 30 minutes of blending. and Life and Health Coach. For sources of fibre. Fibre (also Dysfunctional Bleeding, Anemia, Menopause. If you are busy you can chop more information or to book the ingredients in advance, known as prebiotics) is the food a session call or text 087 633 Solutions for Children, Teens, Adults and Parents mix them all together, and that intestinal bacteria need to 1898. freeze them. You can then take be healthy. Soluble fibre found Amanda Roe 087 633 1898 / [email protected] enough out each day and blend in vegetables, chia seeds, flax/ as needed. linseeds, oats and psyllium February 5 – March 4, 2021 25 people Health & Lifestyle Fasting Mimicking with Patrick Holford Patrick’s approach to Fasting short, it anti-ages you and resets more variable and depend a bit 4 and 5 but even more so in the To find out more read Patrick’s Mimicking is described in his your metabolism to fat-burning on how you exhale. Anything following week after the 5 Day book The 5 Day Diet and come book The 5 Day Diet, and that’s mode. Your metabolism switch- above 20 really means you’ve Diet when you transition back to the webinar – and bring any what he is going to be focusing es from primarily running off gone ketogenic, burning fat and to a slow carb or low GL diet. questions you have and Patrick on for this Webinar. glucose to running off ketones, turning it into ketones as your I’ll be explaining how to will answer them. Below is his description of made in the liver from your main fuel as opposed to running use this 5 day process to not The Webinar costs €10. For how the diet worked for people body fat. You become a fat on glucose and storing excess only burn fat fast but reset your more details, sign up to our who attended his Retreat Centre burner, not a fat storer. as fat. metabolism and rejuvenate Newsletter at www.organico.ie/ in Wales and followed the diet While the 5:2 diet and 18:6 The diet has to be low your cells and give your energy newsletter. We also have copies HEALTH for five days. (that’s 18 hour carb fast having calorie (800kcals), low carb a boost in my webinar for Or- of the 5 Day Diet for a reduced Hannah Dare dinner at, for example 6pm, and relatively high fat, with ganico on the 25th of February cost of €10. and nothing till lunch at noon) a tablespoon of pure C8 oil, at 7pm.” Organico Bantry How to Burn Fat Fast “You might think this is a bold are good they won’t trigger which is the sub-fraction of claim but a trial of a five day autophagy. It takes, on average: coconut oil that makes ketones ‘fasting mimicking diet’ with 12 hours to register ketones in fastest. Also, it has to be meat e are excited to be 18 people in Autumn 2020 the blood (ketosis); 18 hours and dairy-free since these foods hosting another showed that energy scores to become ketogenic and start switch off autophagy. Certain Live Webinar on almost doubled, brain fog lifted, fat-burning; 24 hours (day2) to foods such as kale, broccoli, WFebruary 25 on the fascinating kickstart autophagy, recycling olives, cabbage, blueberries pains and aches reduced by 50 subject of Fasting Mimicking, per cent. Between 18 people, old proteins; 54 hours (day3) switch on this self-healing pro- with Patrick Holford. they lost 37.5kg (6 stone 5lbs). for insulin levels to hit their cess. So too do certain nutrients Fasting Mimicking is a very This was largely fat loss and lowest, increasing sensitivity – vitamin C, niacin, omega-3 interesting idea; basically it’s maintained in the weeks after thus reversing insulin resis- DHA and hydroxycitric acid how to achieve the benefits the diet. tance and resetting your blood (HCA) found in Garcinia Cam- of fasting without actually That equates to an average sugar control and cravings; 72 bogia, a type of tamarind. starving yourself! I have tried it of 5lbs per person – but bear in hours (day 4-5) - IGF-1 drops, By switching your metabo- myself and it really does work. mind some were not doing it to generating new immune cells lism from burning glucose to My sister Rachel and I both lose weight, and the more you and stem cells ketones you not only burn off completed a fasting mimicking have to lose, the faster it comes During the 5 Day Diet fat fast but also trigger autoph- week last year. I loved it – I felt off. The greatest loser was Ni- Retreats, which are seven days agy, which means you make really energised and alive by teen, a diabetic, who lost almost long, because you transition more stem cells, rebuild healthy the end of it and gave up (and 10lbs. The next best was Lucy, into the ‘maintenance’ low GL mitochondria, your energy fac- stayed off) caffeine, which has age 24, who lost nine pounds. diet and we show you how, we tories. You experience this as a been really positive for me. These people were at my 5 measure your glucose, which boost in energy usually on day The diet we did was similar to Day Diet Retreat in the Black falls over the five days. You Patricks, but his recipes are far Mountains of Wales so had my want to get your glucose under tastier! I’m really looking for- support and encouragement. 5 mmol/l, possibly around Deepen and develop your own home ward to my next session, now I did it as well and lost 8lbs. 4mmol/l. We have a number practice or train to become a yoga teacher. Certification from Yoga Alliance that I’ve seen his recipes. What is the Five Day Diet and of diabetics and pre-diabetics is internationally recognised, allowing Fasting Mimicking (actually why are the results so spec- so our ‘average’ blood sugar is graduates to teach worldwide. diets in general) are not neces- tacular? The Five Day Diet is higher since many have blood sarily for everyone – the bene- what’s called a ‘fasting mimick- sugars above 8 until the 5 Day fits can be immense, but it’s not ing diet’, abbreviated to FMD. Diet magic kicks in. necessarily suitable for every The reason it’s called ‘fasting Ketone levels continually body type. Hence we wanted to mimicking’ is that, in a total rise. You want to get blood host this Webinar with Patrick five day fast you can trigger a levels above 2 and ideally in to explore the benefits and cellular repair process called the 3-4 range for maximum allow you to ask him questions ‘autophagy’ that makes new en- fat burning. On breath tests CRAIC ‘N YOGA directly, to establish if it’s the ergy factories called mitochon- you can pretty much multiply right thing for you. dria in your cells, stimulates by 15. For example, a blood ONLINE 200HR This Webinar will also inter- the production of stem cells, level of 3 is roughly equal est you if you’d like to know reverses some autoimmune dis- to a breath level of 45 on the TEACHER TRAINING more about ketosis and the eases, gobbles up cancer cells, KetoScanMini breathalyser. benefits of burning ketones and viruses and harmful bacteria. In Breath ketone levels are a bit fat rather than carbs. COURSE 20 February - 11 April 2021

Contact Áine 089 460 6485 [email protected] Facebook: Craic ‘n Yoga Instagram: @craicnyoga Áine O’Driscoll is trained with Wellness Connection in South Africa and is a Yoga Alliance 500hr RYT (registered yoga teacher). CRAIC ‘N YOGA RE-TREAT YOUR MIND AND BODY with a luxurious stay at Bantry House Accommodation includes private en-suite double/twin bedrooms; Yoga in the magnificent library; A boat trip to explore Whiddy Island; Delicious and locally sourced food; Afternoon tea served by the fire in the library at Bantry House. For more info please email [email protected] 12-14 March (Covid regulations dependant) 26 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle A little light relief…just Living with epilepsy what the doctor ordered International Epilepsy Day is taking place on Feb- ‘staying alive’ in a high falsetto The level of sophistication and to a collapse and a shock is simulation is amazing. Yes, ruary 8 this year. This is a global day of epilepsy needed from the AED. You rather like a flight simulator, awareness that provides the opportunity for people have seen all this on Casualty. which I would love to try one with epilepsy to share their lived experiences of All really important and life day. saving. Anyway, in Dr Gordon’s the condition. They do this in order to raise aware- Things then turn awkward… day you had to do an Obstetric ness within their communities in an effort to re- the plastic man is on Inchy- exam and deliver a baby by duce the stigma that can still often be unfortunately doney Strand, he is in the water, forceps. The Mark 1 plastic he has had a probable heart woman was there on a delivery associated with the condition. Victoria Brook, who attack, and been hit by a pass- table and the baby was slow to lives in Bandon, speaks to Sheila Mullins about ing speed boat, and may have a appear. Time for forceps and, the impact epilepsy has on her life. neck injury. He is hypothermic, under the eagle eye of a bored DOCTOR’S has a pacemaker and you and examiner, the poor student riginally from York- her excellent medical team in ORDERS the paramedics arrive just as assesses, administers an anaes- shire, Victoria was Cork and by Epilepsy Ireland sheet lightning lights up the thetic, catheterises Mrs Tupper- 35-years-old and living has proven vital in helping scene. He wears a bracelet say- ware and applies the blades of Dr Jeff Featherstone Oin Spain when she had her first Victoria to cope with the stress ing he is allergic to the common the forceps to the baby’s head seizures (after two seizures you of her illness. “In Spain the cardiac drugs that you happen and gently applies traction. Victoria Brook with are officially diagnosed with neurologist was very abrupt Dr Featherstone is a high- to have. Calling the Undertaker All good so far. The baby does her parrotlet Chilli, an epilepsy). After five years of and I was just sent home with ly experienced medic and is not an option. not budge! More pressure and emotional support bird. EEGs, Pet scans and MRIs, drugs,” she explains. “Here in award-winning doctor who After two full days training, the poor student sweats and she finally had a video EEG Ireland, getting diagnosed isn’t works in a busy GP practice in I passed; all good fun, and it puts his feet against the legs mouth! A seizing person is that is not routinely offered as easy but the after support is West Cork, as well as at Mercy put me in mind of the books I of the couch and leans back. more likely to smash their teeth University Hospital and Cork but which pinpointed the part fantastic. I can ring up Epilepsy had read as a pimply teenager The plastic baby is suddenly on it or bite you by accident! University Hospital, as an A&E of her brain affected during a Ireland at any time, for any considering medicine. ‘Doctor released flies over his head and If you don’t know the person doctor. seizure and allowed doctors to reason, be it for practical or at Large etc’ by Richard Gor- Mrs Tupperware falls off the and their medical history, or if better treat her condition. Many emotional support, and they are don. It sounded great fun and couch and the poor student ends the seizure lasts much longer more seizures followed but, there for me.” actually after nigh on 40 years up on the floor. than normal, then you should ovid fatigue is hitting now 15 years, and 14 different Victoria still feels that hard. We are doing ok is. No regrets at all. The examiner now sighs, call an ambulance. The person medications, later Victoria feels research, care services and and will come out of We use mannikins in the hands the forceps blades to will be very disorientated when her epilepsy is under control. education around epilepsy is Cthis. We may in fact appreciate hospital for all sorts of training. the student and says, “Now hit they come around so give them “I haven’t had a grand mal hugely underfunded: “Diseases what we had and learn lessons. Better to make a mistake with the father with these and you plenty of time and reassurance seizure in 18 months or so,” like breast cancer have huge I want to lighten the mood a a plastic dummy than the real have killed the whole bloody until they have recovered.” she says. “Unfortunately I do public awareness campaigns little and hopefully raise a smile thing. When I was learning family!” FAIL! The student As Victoria concludes her still suffer from episodes of but there isn’t the same for ep- or two. We all could do with a how to pass a colonoscope, the eventually became an expert phone interview, a squawk ‘speech arrest’ where mid-sen- ilepsy. Nearly 40,000 people in laugh! mannikin came with all sorts of Obstetrician. is heard in the background. tence my words become mum- Ireland have the condition and I have recently had to renew grunts and groans if I happened Not a single mention of “That’s my parrotlet Chilli!”, bles. I can hear it happening it can strike at any age but there a training certificate. The one to be a bit too rough. Training Covid! she says laughing. “He’s actu- (and see the expression on is still a lot of misunderstand- to prove I am a good guy to to use a laparoscope involves ally registered as my emotional people’s faces) but I can’t stop ings and stigma around it.” have around if you have just using the equipment to build support animal and when I first it.” Victoria is happy to tell collapsed clutching your chest. a tower of bricks to moved to Bandon and didn’t improve hand eye Her epilepsy also means that people about her condition and It is the BLS basic life support know anybody – and was get- co-ordination. Victoria struggles with navi- has a caresheet pinned up in the and ACLS advanced cardiac ting lost all the time – he was gation and as a result cannot staffroom so that her co-work- life support. All hospital doctors such a comfort. He helps me drive. “I am allowed by law to ers know what to do if she ever have to do this every two years. to chill out and gather myself drive but I even get lost around has another grand mal seizure. Basically a plastic man or when I’m stressed.” Bandon!” she exclaims. She offers this advice for woman, the mannikin is the International Epilepsy Day Death from a seizure is readers if somebody has patient and is wired up to an is on February 8 and there is called SUDEP (sudden un- a seizure in front of them: ECG machine and the examiner also an Irish Epilepsy Day on explained death in epilepsy). “Timing the seizure is the most comes up with increasingly March 26. Epilepsy Ireland is Victoria’s brother also had the important thing so that medical complex scenarios, while the committed to working for, and condition and tragically passed staff know how long it lasted. poor student has to remain calm to meeting the needs of, every- away during a seizure, so she Support the person’s head and inspire confidence, and one with epilepsy in Ireland says there isn’t a night that she and make sure they are given bring the mannikin back to life. and their families and carers. It starts up nice and friendly; an doesn’t worry about having a plenty of space – preserve See www.epilepsy.ie for more inhaled foreign body a Heimlich nocturnal seizure that would their dignity by ensuring that information and local contacts. manoeuvre, mouth-to-mouth cause her to suffocate; she onlookers don’t crowd around resuscitation and cardiac com- sleeps in the recovery position. them. It is an old myth that you pressions to Barry Gibb singing The support provided by should stick a spoon in their

uring the pandemic, mental health. Hearing loss hearing speech difficult and lip between). You can complete the there has been a huge adds to the risk of being feeling reading impossible and may survey online or, if you prefer, Research increase in the use of isolated and lonely due to the increase frustrations. A team at ask for a paper copy in the post. Dvideo calls as a way to stay con- impact of hearing difficulties University College London are It should take roughly half an on video nected with others and improve on social interactions, and so, finding out how and to what hour. There will also be a small wellbeing. finding ways to communicate extent older people with hearing number of in-depth interviews Staying connected is espe- remotely with others is vitally loss have been using video calls, to find out more detail about calls and cially important for people aged important. Although there has focusing on ease or difficulty of people’s experiences; you can 70 and above who have been been a marked increase in video use and any effects on feelings volunteer for an interview via advised to self-isolate for long calling during lockdown, for of loneliness and isolation. the survey.. hearing periods of time. There are seri- those with hearing loss, technol- The UCL team would love If you’re interested, and over ous concerns about the negative ogy may not be ideal. Lack of you to take part, whether you use 70 with some level of hearing impact of the pandemic and confidence in using technology, video calls frequently or hardly loss, please go to www.ucl.ac.uk. loss lockdown on mental health and, or lags between audio and video at all and whether you love them in particular, on older people’s and sound distortion can make or loathe them (or something in February 5 – March 4, 2021 27 people Health & Lifestyle Acupuncture: an essential service that continues through lockdown

Through the healing Electro Acupuncture. “This is a fantastic treatment for knee and balancing effect of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid acupuncture on body, arthritis, cartilage and ligament mind and emotions one problems,” he explains. “Electro acupuncture is a may begin to live, rather very effective natural healing than merely survive. modality that can be used for many acute or chronic musculo- urrently, the use of skeletal problems.” acupuncture is growing He is also a practitioner of at an exponential rate Traditional Chinese Medicine; Cglobally. The World Health Or- TCM can be a productive com- ganisation (WHO) supports its ponent of an integrative health use in treatment alongside and approach, which many people for conditions such as cancer, find to be beneficial to their ing from outside your body to arthritis, fertility, pain, migraine mental and physical well-being. inside. If wind invades this area and many more. In fact, it is “I provide an effective and of the body, you often see symp- becoming a common topic of customised treatment strategy toms such as dizziness, blurred discussion amongst doctors and for each patient. Whatever your vision, the common cold, flu, GPs, particularly in a peer to health and wellness goals may neck pain, migraine (with pain peer review setting, this includes be, I offer guidance and support moving to different parts of the doctor referrals. with compassion.” head) etc.” Stephen loves what he does, Experienced accupuncturist With a few cold months still up your collar to keep the back and feels very fortunate to now Stephen Landon is delighted to ahead of us, Stephen offers of your neck and upper back be working in West Cork. He now be practicing from Fion- some quick advice: “Protect covered. looks forward to helping you nuisce Holistic Health Centre what is known in Traditional “This region of the body is thrive in a holistic, natural way. in Bandon, where he joined the Chinese Medicine as your a particularly vulnerable area, You can get in touch by other practitioners at the clinic ‘wind-gate’! This is one of the where wind is known to enter. Left: Some points used to calm and relax the mind/body, calling or whatsapping: 087 in December 2020. simplest and most effective Wind is the cause of a hundred 4667467 or visit As well as traditional accu- ways to stay well in the colder aid digestion and disperse anxiety. Right: Stephen treats a diseases in TCM. Essentially, www.landonacupuncture.ie. puncture, Stephen also offers months. Wear a scarf or fluff patient at Fionnuisce Holistic Health Centre. something (a pathogen) is mov-

Lá Fhéile Bríde Bealtaine, and Lughnasa and started in the garden as the sap Brigid’s well near Buttevant in are approximately twelve begins rising in plants and the Co. Cork, as well as an account weeks apart. The cross-quarter first green shoots appear. of St Brigid’s well in Lough days are Nollaig, St Patrick’s But who was Brigid? If we Hyne. This latter well is associ- Rathbarry National School is now day, St John’s day and St Mar- read Irish mythology, we find ated with cures for cattle. ENROLLING FOR SEPTEMBER 2021 tin’s day. Taken together, they out she was a member of the Another saint to be honoured T: 023/8840651 e: [email protected] divide the year into approx- Tuatha Dé Danann and was the this month is St Gobnait and www.rathbarryns.com E imately, six and a half week daughter of Dagda, a god, who her feast day is on February HERBAL segments, which is very useful is also associated with agricul- 11. Unfortunately, this year be- for planning a project. ture, and fertility, the move- cause of restrictions on gather- HEALING Imbolc is February 1 and is ment of the seasons, as well as ings, the ceremonies associated also the feast day of St Brigid. wisdom and magic. Cormac’s with her will not take place. Dr. Rosari Kingston Brigid is also known as ‘Muire glossary (10th century) tells However, the people of Bally- Sherkin Island na nGael’ (Mary of the Irish) us poets adored the goddess, vourney may still do the rounds Winners Dr. Rosari Kingston PhD, M.Sc and she protects the hearth of Brigid, and that she had two at this very illustrious site. She (Herbal medicine) is a medi- the home. St Brigid’s cross sisters also called Brigid. One is associated with bees and is cal herbalist practising in Dr. is made by children in many was known as Brigid the healer the patron saint of beekeepers. O’Reilly’s integrative clinical schools, or at home during and the other as Brigid the Since bees are so vulnerable practice in Clonakilty, Co. Cork lockdown, and they hang over [iron] smith. She can therefore at present, and we depend on as well as Church Cross, Skib- the fire, or the lintel of the door. be seen as a triple deity but them so much, perhaps it is bereen. Dr. Kingston’s area of Thus positioned, it protects was venerated as one goddess. time for all of us to remember research are the healing modal- the house for the coming year. This triune aspect of a god or this holy woman from the sixth ities present in Irish vernacular Her feast day announces the goddess is a common archetype century, who is also reputed to medicine and she incorporates return of spring, and being the in the history of religion, and have prevented the plague from them, where possible, into her goddess of fertility, healing and it is not surprising then, that so entering her district. clinical practice. In her clinical ironwork, this day reminds us powerful a goddess could not In this month of February, practise she specialises in infer- that the work of propagation, be ignored by Christianity but as we plant the first seeds, tility and digestive issues. preparation and planting needs was instead assimilated into turn over the first sod, and Geraldine Fleming www.rosarikingstonphd.com to begin. This day also confirms the saint, we now know as St. clear the winter’s debris, let us LIC I.S.H. that the days are getting longer Brigid. remember Brigid and Gobnait, HOMEOPATH with plenty time now to work Brigid is also associated who looked after the basics we A safe, gentle and effective form of complementary am interrupting my series outdoors. When the day is fine with healing wells and Amanda need in our life – bees, plants, medicine. Suitable for all ages and useful in the treatment on infertility this month, and sunny, there is a touch of Clarke’s blog, (holywellscor- domestic animals, and crafts. of many conditions from acute to chronic complaints. February, to write about one summer about it, and green kandkerry.com) has a most Iof the Irish quarter days. These fingers become itchy to get informative account of a St Appointments 086-6773288 four days are, Samhain, Imbolc, Consultations available over Zoom. 28 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle Are supplements really the answer? using supplements, whether of benefit (Bahrami et al, 2020) Supplementation to deal with a vegetarian or vegan, then are not the whole solution and prescribed or available over-the- (Liao Y, 2019). There are even a specific symptom supplementing would be a most people would benefit more counter. It is unlikely that this studies showing support for There is no doubt that many good idea. But many meat with changes to their lifestyle will cause any harm, but it can taking Vit D3 to help with supplements can really help eaters are also deficient, so and diet. become very expensive, with Covid-19 and respiratory some people. Magnesium, B there must be other mech- However if you are going to limited benefit. infection (McCartney & Byrne, vitamins, Calcium, Iron, Di- anisms possible. One is supplement here are some tips I am going to talk about two 2020). gestive enzymes, antioxidants, an autoimmune condition to make better choices. areas: General supplementation If, for whatever reason, you to name a few, can all be really whereby the person is pro- • Understand why you are and supplementation to deal don’t eat a wide variety of helpful. ducing antibodies to intrinsic taking a supplement. with specific problems. vegetables, you should add a However there are a number factor, which is needed to • If you are taking a supple- multivitamin as well. issues that I have with just absorb B12; gastrointestinal ment for a specific condition General Supplementation Many people are advised to supplementing and hoping for complaints or even lack of and notice no difference Eoin Roe If we take this to mean supple- supplement with Omega 3,6 the best: stomach acid will impair the in that condition, consider menting to cover the basics and and 9. This is often unnecessary, 1. Are you really helping by absorption of B12. stopping, or go back to your Chiropractic assume that you are eating a as Omega 6 and 9 are prevalent just supplementing, even if it 2. In many cases the bacteria practitioner to discuss chang- well balanced diet, you should in most diets already and it is makes you feel better, if you in our gut are competing for ing dose, or using a different consider supplementing with the Omega 3 that is lacking. The don’t understand why you are B12. Therefore someone with formula. t is very common for people Vit D3 (especially in the winter best dietary source of Omega deficient in the first place? a significant Dysbiosis (mi- • Try to find out what is the to try and overcome a in Ireland) and Omega 3, both 3 is oily fish like mackerel and 2. Most people do not look at crobial imbalance) can have best most bio-available form particular health concern of which have some evidence salmon. their diet or gut health before a problem with absorption of the supplement you wish I supplementing – a healthy of B12. to take. microbiome is more import- 3. What is a safe dose and • Pay more attention to your ant than supplementing, in which form should you be overall gut health. Increase fact many supplements will taking. With the possible fibre in your diet and eat not work unless there is a issues with gut microbiome as many different kinds of health gut microbiome and B12 absorption, it may vegetable as you can. If you 3. Many people who are taking be better to think about using are concerned seek help supplements are just not a spray, liquid, or supple- taking enough to make any ment that dissolves in the IMPORTANT difference mouth and bypasses the gut Before taking any supplement 4. Many of the supplements on altogether. please check that it does not Relief from Chronic Pain, the market are not in their 4. The form of B12 is import- interfere with any medication most beneficial form. ant. Many supplements are you are taking, if in doubt check Restoration of Nerve Function, made from cyanocobalamin with your GP or the person who Muscle Strength & Joint Mobility If we use B12 (cyanocobal- because it is stable but meth- prescribed you the medication. amin) as an example to work ylcobalamin and adenosylco- Clinic in Skibbereen through the four points above; balamin are two better forms Eoin Roe is a Chiropractor and Tel 087 958 2362 1. There are many reasons that of the supplement, as they Functional Medicine practi- someone may be deficient are in the active state and tioner based in Skibbereen. If www.eoinroechiropractic.com in B12. As the majority of immediately available for the you would like an appointment B12 in our diet comes from body to use. please call 087 9582362. animal products, if you are In my opinion supplements Modelling imperfection this past year? Have we really and skills to a wider community having that space in the mind, in takes, to be a little bit imperfect myself and others, and that feels learned to go easy on ourselves with my online drop-in sessions, turn, seems to create more time. in every way. So, I made anoth- so much more than enough. and others? We might have as I knew then that the skills of I also began cutting out any- er intentional decision, this time Just as the house or workspace ideas about how ‘productive’ mindfulness could help keep us thing, whether personal or home to drop my own expectations of doesn’t have to be perfect, we should be, or maybe used to steady during uncertain times or work-related, that was not myself, to go easy, and continue neither do we have to strive to be, but are we making enough and indeed, they continue to absolutely essential to do in any to do only what was necessary do things perfectly. When we space for ourselves to rest, to do so. given day, and cleared as much each day and to leave the rest. can allow life to be as it is, even spend time with loved ones, and So, like many others, I found time and space as possible for As a result, my house is much if it’s hard, there’s a great free- are we giving ourselves time to myself ‘doing’ less in terms things like fresh air, swimming, messier than it used to be; my dom in it and we end up being MENTAL HEALTH notice how we feel about that? of what we might view as walks, time with my elderly dad paperwork often piles up. There present where we are, totally… There is, and always will be, productivity, but ‘being’ more and our dog, connecting with are cards that will be sent late at least some of the time. & MINDFULNESS something to be done, always with the people in my life that close friends and a wonderful and overdue calls to be made. Online meditation sessions Susan O’Regan some chore or task, however needed caring for. To let go of community of people practicing But I do what I can, when I can, via Zoom continue on Monday, big or small, waiting to be the way we used to do things, to meditation online. Like so many bit by bit, moving slowly and Wednesday and Friday at 8pm, completed. Can we choose conserve energy for the things others, I will never forget the steadily. I take time to celebrate please do consider joining in, Susan O’Regan teaches mind- certain things and leave others that really matter, including rawness of last year, with the small or big achievements with whether you have tried mind- fulness and self-compassion for another day? Eckhart Tolle ourselves, is not always easy. In many precious, joyful moments a walk or a swim, even a few fulness meditation before or are courses and workshops through- says, “Wherever you are, be fact, it can feel very hard, and and memories, alongside the minutes standing outside the new to it. These small group out West Cork. there totally”. Can we apply involve a long, slow process of many poignant ones and the back door taking fresh air in. sessions are personal, down- For more information contact: this to our work, rest and play re-adjustment and re-prioriti- people I shared the year with. Life has become necessarily to-earth, informal and donation susanoreganmindfulness@ by prioritising tasks and doing sation. We are in the habit of Yet, I sometimes found much simpler and more acutely based. Individual sessions are gmail.com Mob: 087 2700572. them one at a time, being fully constantly doing, doing, doing myself bothered by a niggling meaningful. When I notice my- also available. with what we are doing? a lot of the time, therefore it sense of somehow not keeping self feeling I ‘should’ be getting For more information on I decided instinctively and can be challenging to make that up, of falling behind, not doing on with ‘more important’ tasks upcoming workshops and hile we may agree intentionally, in March, that the transition to simply being where enough. I can imagine that this or attempting to barrel through a online courses please like my that this latest lock- most important thing was to you are. feeling of not doing enough or ‘to-do’ list, I take a pause, a few Facebook page (Mindhaven) down is necessary, it slow down, look after myself For many months, I really somehow failing will resonate conscious breaths and I remem- or feel free to get in touch by Wis still very hard on us all. Life and be there with those that I and truly practiced what I with others. One of the key ber that we are human beings, phone: 087 2700572 or by is quite different now and, while love and hold dear. This was preach and sat to meditate at concepts from my mindfulness flawed and imperfect. email: susanoreganmindful- we cannot control how the largely due to that initial fear least once, often more, every teacher training is the idea of I am gradually and gently let- [email protected] future will pan out, we still have and overwhelm caused by the single day and still do, consis- ‘modelling imperfection’ and ting go of that feeling of falling choices available to us. Have pandemic. Being a mindfulness tently. I find it makes space in this really helps remind me, that behind. Instead, I’m so grateful we really learned to slow down teacher, I also offered my time my mind for the day ahead and it’s ok to struggle, to make mis- to be well-resourced to support February 5 – March 4, 2021 29 people Health & Lifestyle Understanding our eight to nine-year-olds the turbulence and passion of developing a sense of right and Children respond enthusiastical- the early years and face a range wrong and might become very ly to being awarded badges or of new tasks and challenges. preoccupied with questions of stickers and thrive on praise and St. Joseph’s School has been a feature of justice. The world is often seen recognition. Girls’ National School Clonakilty their life for about three years as consisting of ‘goodies’ and Eight and nine-year-old but it changes at this point into ‘baddies’ and there is a strong children vary enormously in P/F: 023 8833050 www.stjosephsclon.com something a little more formal. preference for stories in which their physical development. E-mail: [email protected] Questions about identity good triumphs over evil and Some are beginning to stretch move beyond the confidence there is a happy ending. Causes out and look as if they are just DO WE of the family. The child is no such as the protection of the waiting to move into adoles- longer simply the child of endangered species are very cence. Others are still round- UNDERSTAND their parents but an individual appealing to children at this faced and somehow toddlers. OUR CHILD? who feels defined in a more developmental stage and they By the age of nine, there may be complicated way. Children will may become zealous about some girls who have begun to JUNIOR INFANT Diana Radeva describe themselves not only environmental issues such as menstruate, although this sign Child and Adolescent by name but also by school, by energy preserving or recycling. of physical maturity is unlikely ENROLMENT 2021 Psychotherapist year group, by neighbourhood, They need to believe they can to be matched by emotional or We are now taking enrolments for by favourite soccer team and make a difference and may be psychological development. our Junior Infant class 2021. possibly by friendship group. overwhelmed by some of the For the most part, this is an age In this series of articles Diana group in which boys and girls Enrolment Forms can be downloaded Radeva, child and adolescent psy- chotherapist sets out to consider the opt for friendships with their from our school website or ring our emotional life of children from birth own gender and are intolerant office to have one posted directly to you. onwards; and how relationships of the other. between children and parents evolve You can send a completed enrolment form over time. It is a view of human The next stage by post to: growth, which recognises the impor- There is something deeply sig- St Joseph’s GNS, Convent Road, Clonakilty tance of strong feelings experienced nificant about nearly reaching at each stage of development; thus Co Cork, P85AX90 double figures. By the time they offering ways that parents might are ‘nearly ten’ most children or by email to: find helpful when wanting to better [email protected] understand their children’s growth. will have a coherent picture of This is the extraordinary story of who they are and how they fit (Please include a copy of your daughter’s the ‘ordinary development’ as seen into the bigger system of home, Birth Certificate & PPS number) and experienced by a parent and a family and school. They will child psychotherapist. no longer see things in simple When all is going well, and harsher realities of life. terms, as either right or wrong, there are firm foundations to Children of this age tend to but encompass a range of views build on from the child’s earlier revel in making collections, or even acknowledge their am- n focusing on eight to nine- Why do we experience, these ‘latency’ years whether it be of various kinds bivalent feelings. For the past year-olds, I will look at the are about the mastery of new of stickers, cards or accesso- two or three years, the energy sometimes find it ‘latent’ stage of child devel- skills and the accumulation ries. The collections provide that has been directed towards Iopment when children gradually hard to understand of knowledge. Children are the focus of some element of the acquisition of knowledge move away from reliance on finding out about the real world, rivalry and competition, as well and skills; now they turn back children? their family and become more at the same time as enjoying as an arena for the assessment to focus more fully on the world concerned with the outside forays into the world of fantasy, of relative value and the devel- of human relationships. world. This is the period when magic and mystery. They are opment of bargaining skills. they have a rest from some of When we struggle with our child’s emotional distress or behavioural problems what can we do or what can help us? Child psychotherapy practice is a proven and reliable method of Free and fun online community support addressing and treating a number of issues including: • Pre-school children: difficulties within mother-infant launched for parents feeling the pressure relationship, eating, sleeping, and toileting, separation and developmental difficulties. parent support, Bethan became emotions and behaviour.” The group is informative and • School-age children: social difficulties, difficult behaviours such concerned at the pressure parents Each Thursday at 11am fun. This month there is a ‘Show as defiance and aggression, ADHD, ASD, learning and attention are under in the current climate, Bethan hosts a live tea break yourself some love – You First’ problems, emotional problems such as anxiety and fears, family juggling schooling with work chat, inviting people to take a challenge, where she will be breakdown issues and relationships at home and at school. and other activities, so she start- break and come and hang out. giving tips on self-care from a ed an online community where She uses this time to share pro- therapeutic perspective. There • Adolescents and young people (up to 27): trauma, people can meet, chat, hang out fessional and personal knowl- are some great prizes to be won, anxieties, worries, depression, low self-esteem, peer and family and learn. edge, interview other mums or as she believes that effort needs relationships problems, gender identity difficulties. Bethan uses her personal professionals and talk through to be rewarded! There is also a and professional experience to problems. free Parenting Masterclass where DIANA RADEVA BPsych (Hons) MPsych Clin Mpsych psych support and empower parents Bethan has been working she will coach parents in ways by sharing information, hosting closely with people for over 15 in which they can develop their Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist challenges and inviting honest years and has been through the skills for managing what comes Over 15 years of experience. ICP Registeredt, MACP discussion. process of finding her parenting their way. The group, which can be best. Her personal and profes- As Bethan says, “being 083 8930386 [email protected] found on Facebook under ‘Calm sional experience has taught her connected is hugely important and Confident Parenting’, is that we all experience ups and to me – we are definitely better really making a difference. downs in life. Her passion is together. If we can make the Plugged in but switched off Bethan said “I focus on structur- working with parents, in partic- toughest job in the world fun, Barnardos Children’s Charity has launched a webinar on Digital ing the group with mindset and ular on how a parent interacts why not”. Wellbeing and Screen Time for parents and professionals working with motivation activities to support with their children in the early You can find and join Bethan children after it found Irish children were ‘plugged in but switched sychotherapist and mental health. The group really years shapes a child’s brain for on Facebook ‘Calm and Confi- off’. As lockdown continues nationwide many parents have reported mum-of-three, Bethan normalises all the struggles, both life. Because of this, she is keen dent Parenting’ or on Instagram. struggling with managing their children’s screen time, which in turn O’Riordan has created for parents within themselves to support parents through their ww.bethanoriordan.com. is having an impact on their overall wellbeing. Supported by Google. Pa free online community to and the difficulties they experi- difficulties so they can then meet org, the two-hour webinar taking place on March 30, will provide key support parents. Specialising in ence with their children and their the needs of their children too. insights to safely managing an increasingly digital lifestyle. For information go to www.barnardos.ie/pluggedin. 30 February 5 – March 4, 2021 February Sun Signs February is a good month, in the ius planets. This creates a busy, current position. Buoyant Jupiter has planet of change and excitement, Venus on February 13 and Jupiter main part, from the astrological provocative dynamic that just won’t optimism and opportunity to offer. so this can shake up any stale or on February 14. point of view. It certainly has a more let things rest. So still expect there It also expands and will even exag- rigid scenarios that you are involved The reminder that we are living positive vibe than we have become to be plenty of challenges to any gerate what it connects with so there in. You may find you need to have in a time of change and uncertainty used to over the last several months. status quo or pre-defined direction. may be plenty of hype and situations your autonomy and self-expression comes from around February 17, as The potential for a shift in perspec- On February 1, Venus moves into get blown out of proportion too. as your priority, and want to cut we get an exact square angle formed tive and more options for uplift Aquarius, which means that both With Jupiter, there is always a tone loose from what doesn’t support by Saturn and Uranus, This is the starts from February 1. Aquarius the beneficial planets are here now, of positivity. There may be better you in your unique style or way planet signature of 2021 and an indi- season is really going to dominate which helps to ease the tension we solutions and a possible alternative of connecting. So these few days cation of the tensions and unrest that this month, as we have a total of five experienced in January. Mercury is suggestion for the way forwards. We could see a few shifts and changes, brings about rebellion and further planets in this sign for most of Feb- in a retrograde phase in Aquari- get a sense of this around February as alliances are formed and broken. restrictions. ASTROLOGY ruary. This fixed air sign is all about us until February 21 and, as the 14, as Mercury reconnects to Jupiter We have a very positive New Moon The following days bring a subtle ideas and those are very often not messenger planet, is doing a great before it goes forwards again to fi- phase on February 11 with another but important shift in the energies Kate Arbon negotiable. So the trend for strong job connecting the other planets, as nally connect with Jupiter on March opportunity for forging positive from the 18th, as the Sun moves opinions and rigid agendas are still it passes back through the sign. This 4. This is when we may get some bonds as both the beneficial planets, into Pisces followed by Venus on Kate Arbon is an astrologer, going to be a big part of unfolding is not a time of pushing forwards. kind of conclusion or resolution to Venus and Jupiter, connect that day. the 25th. This well and truly breaks writer and spiritual teacher. events over the next few weeks. This retrograde allows us to revise a theme that has been around since The signs Taurus, Libra, Sagittarius, up the Aquarius party and things be- Living in West Cork for Whilst Mercury is busy heading our responses and consider what we early January. Venus, our planet of Pisces will have the greatest positive come more flexible and fluid. There over 20 years she gives ‘backwards’ through Aquarius, we know before we make our choices sharing and love, connects with Sat- impact from this new Moon. may still be a theme of instability personal consultations locally have Venus travelling at a pace and or take action. We may come to a urn, the planet of duty and stability, We may find that some legal sit- and uncertainty but there is a more making rapid forward progress. This new conclusion and see the facts or on February 6 and you may find this uation or an issue of justice is deter- inclusive and forgiving trend as and internationally using activity is almost like a relay team information from a new perspective makes you consider what you have mined in favour of those asking for Pisces reaches towards something traditional natal and Horary passing planet energy, one to the as we take a second look. As the adhered to that is of value. Who and fairness or that moral ethics are to beyond the mundane and material. astrology. other. Mercury and Venus passing month moves on we can expect what you choose to have in your life be upheld in favour of the common Future projections and inevitable email: astro@katearbon through Aquarius are triggering more revisions and a quicker pace to may be highlighted. Whatever has people. This is a time when we can consequences are not as fixed or www.katearbon.com Jupiter and Saturn all month. This the debate or public conversations, stability and enduring qualities will look around to figure out how we predetermined as they seemed to be keeps pulling us back to the issues any news will travel fast and many be preferable and there may be the progress now we have chosen who since late last year. that became apparent at the Jupiter things will need to be corrected, urge to consolidate contracts or rela- to have around us, the ones we want February has a New Moon at Saturn conjunction last December redacted or re-framed during these tionships if they have stood the test to associate with as we formulate a 24° Aquarius on February 11 at 21. Meanwhile, a frustrated Mars weeks. Mercury made a connection of time to date and look promising plan for the future. This potential for 7.05pm and a Full Moon at 9° in Taurus keeps throwing out a with Jupiter on January 11th and for the longer term. On February positive social connections and good Virgo on February 27 at 8.17am. challenging Square to the Aquar- now it retraces the path to Jupiter’s 7, Venus connects to Uranus, the news continues, as Mercury passes

Aries: It’s time to think more about how your ideals Virgo: This month causes you to think more deeply based on knowing what is right for you and that’s not always about fit in with the people around you. The real rewards about how you give your time and energy to others. playing it safe. from your efforts and hard work are going to become Being of service and taking care of the important things apparent. Use this opportunity to make a positive move in life is a worthy occupation. There may be many Aquarius: You want the chance to make some kind towards openness and be prepared to accept or offer more opportunities to take on responsibilities or step of statement about who you are. It’s all about what credit where it’s due. If you are not getting the appreciation you feel up where it’s needed. Consider which long term projects will give sets you apart from others rather than what you share you deserve then maybe it’s time to up your game or move along. you the greatest sense of personal achievement. It’s not always about in common. Start with an identity reality check. This Only you know how much you have really invested and what you are other people though, and you may have to take a step back to see if re-evaluation of how you put your self across may take worth. You may be pleasantly surprised to see who supports you and you are trying too hard. It’s your responsibility to ensure that your your whole attention this month. Personal development, spiritual has your interests close to their own heart. mind, body and spirit are being looked after. connection and physical well being all require an assessment. If you pass your own test that’s great but you will still find ways you Taurus: As much as you love the security of knowing Libra: Your desire for the security of love and intimacy want to include more and push the boundaries a bit further. This is where you stand, you also want to get ahead and be is heightened this month. There is a practical and about you and your journey right now. Other people in your life are a appreciated. Now is the time to call up your wildest human side to all romantic connections. You may have valuable bonus. dreams and take the risk of following them. You will been trying to fit reality to your expectations with be able to step back and see the longer view this month disappointing results. Even if love affairs are not the Pisces: It’s not a time for taking on too much. Start the so make your plans and set your course for a much more significant main theme you will still want to be having fun now and not be tied month slowly with plenty of time to delve into that im- role. You’ll soon have the opportunity of being out in the public eye to a tedious daily routine. If things have become stale then you need pressive imaginative resource that is your inner world. or getting some promotion. Consider what really works for you and to find the reason. Your own ability to be creative and find the lighter This is a time of reorganising yourself on a subtle level how you are making the practical moves towards the work or occu- side of life will make all the difference. Remember what you enjoyed and it’ll take a while to become aware of the changes. pation that really resonates. most as a child and try to build on the simple pleasures for more Spending time alone or out of the whirl of work or social demands lasting satisfaction. gives you time to explore your creativity. Self-reflection is a valuable Gemini: It’s a great time for planning, dreaming tool and your personal discoveries will serve you well into the future. up new schemes, or rearranging the way you look Scorpio: The foundations of your past, your family and Use your natural ability to connect to the universal flow and you’ll at things. You are ready for new understanding and the roots that you sprung from are very significant now. enjoy the enhanced intuition and broader vision. insight, and will probably find yourself wanting to read, You’ll be thinking of ways that you can gather some- study or research to gain clarity or knowledge. Patterns thing from your previous experiences into your current or habits you establish now do not need to be perfected until later, so life to enhance the future. There is an extra focus on the you can stick to a vague outline until you’ve got the basic plan es- people and places that have been important in your life and someone tablished. You could find an opportunity to connect with many more may make a re-appearance. Its time to reconsider who or what to people or different cultures outside of your usual circles. There is so include in your current plans now. Creating a peaceful home and much to learn over the next few months. harmonious base for yourself is a priority and it’s important to avoid being distracted by any other family issues. Cancer: This is a time of renewal for you so be prepared for some real transformation. Start this phase Sagittarius: This is no time to be taking it easy because with determination to throw out some old worn-out your skills are required in many areas and friends and ways and unproductive thinking. February gives you neighbours will benefit from your knowledge or experi- a pause to assess how much your involvement with ence. It may be your job to sort the worthwhile from the others is beneficial. You can address your anxiety about sharing and unnecessary and dispel confusion over certain matters. being interdependent. As you face where you may be vulnerable, You will be using all your communication skills and connecting with especially on a practical day-to day-level, you’ll help guide others to people to a greater extent in the coming months. Take your time now make their own decisions. You dare to be honest with yourself and to consider your position and what you put across so you aren’t seen this encourages others to be honest about their own concerns. You’ll as indecisive or unpredictable. Make sure you can still stand behind be appreciated for the support. any advice and recommendations in the longer term.

Leo: This is the time to strengthen the bonds that are of Capricorn: You have a strong appreciation of what has value and loosen the ties that aren’t. Find the balance value, and what doesn’t, and as such, you can achieve in your most important relationships. It is not always success providing for the basic needs of your self and equal but it has to be fair. Things have changed and it others. You may have reason to step back and re-eval- may take some renegotiation to see what works well uate some of your longterm investments this month. now. Your increased receptivity to the needs of others brings you to a That’s not all about finances though. This is about your time and listening role in which you can give support and nourishment. There energy, your focus and attention. The talents and abilities you have is always room for improvement and you may get some pleasant sur- built up over the years are your security and if you put them to good prises as you offer an openhearted response to the people in your life. use you will find the stability you’re reaching for. Wise decisions are February 5 – March 4, 2021 31 people Health & Lifestyle ADVERTORIAL : CNM ‘I loved the excitement of learning something that could not just change my life but that of others’ ing on my Nutritional Therapy I most need to learn, so this was meet some truly awesome peo- mums reclaim their energy so part of their journey, the coach- journey, I worked as a Support very much a personal adventure. ple in an ever-evolving network. they can feel healthy and whole ing element and witnessing the Worker in many different remits, I wanted to understand how I It has equipped me with some of and step into their power. lasting transformation. roles and locations throughout could improve my own health the most up-to-date, cutting-edge The combination of my the UK including family support, and that of my family. science and enabled me to not coaching experience, my CNM domestic abuse, complex needs, I found the CNM course just help myself, but my loved Nutritional Therapy qualification substance misuse, mental health, to be thorough, scientific and ones. My daughter already has a and my motherhood journey to homelessness and anti-social empowering. I loved the course pretty good understanding about date has really enabled me to behaviour. Helping people content – how cutting edge it is the microbiome. And now and walk in the shoes of mothers and in some incredibly challeng- in terms of research as well as again I catch my husband par- help them get to the root cause ing situations took me to a being rooted in ancient wisdom; roting nutrition advice. I think of their symptoms (exhaustion, point where I wanted to know the lecturers; the group and my the big one for me is how it’s anxiety, overwhelm, brain fog, more. I’d played a role in and fellow classmates; the excite- played a huge role in me digestive issues). witnessed people change their ment of learning something that becoming the person and My ‘Healthy Tum, Happy Do something external environment – housing, could not just change my life but mum I am today. I feel happy, Mum’ programme is focused life-changing. Gain new Annie Breen, relationships and jobs, but this that of others; embarking on a healthy and empowered and on helping mums rebalance and skills. Change career. CNM Nutritional only got them so far. How could new career. that’s a beautiful thing to be able transform from inside out. Help others. I help break the cycle of suf- I don’t really describe what to model to my daughter. I like to describe it as science Therapy Graduate CNM has a 22-year track fering and support them to take I do as a career, it is part of my Since graduating I practise as v. magic. I’m a huge fan of wanted to find more purpose back agency of themselves, their identity. Our health is our wealth a full-time Nutritional Therapist, functional testing which was record training successful in my life and embark on a health and their life? This is and having this invaluable I’m Edinburgh-based but work something I had the privilege to health professionals online career that got me excited! what led me towards Nutritional insight has changed my life in online. My direction became learn under the experienced eye and in class. I was attracted to the depth and Therapy: I wanted to help people every way. Nutritional therapy really clear after I had my little of the CNM lecturers. Attend the next CNM detail that the CNM course went change from inside out so that IS now my life, in so many girl in 2016. Motherhood led me What I love about practising is Online Open Event. into and the fact I could fit it they could feel empowered and ways. It has enabled me to get on a whole new personal and the connection with my clients, Call: 01 878 8060 or around my full-time job. thrive, not merely survive. I’m clear on my values and what’s professional growth adventure. the excitement of sharing this book: naturopathy.ie For 10 years prior to embark- also someone who teaches what important. It has allowed me to I now help exhausted, depleted life-changing information, being Well worn shoes most can only dream of walking in however he is loved beyond on a Buddhist retreat annually, come down your face, laughing locations off the tourist track, WALKING IN words, for the person that he having dinner every Sunday not of course at his misfortune beautiful islands, amazing MY SHOES is. He is the person you want at with friends, their families and in falling, but at the manner in forest, night trains, elephant your party, definitely, the one to children, hosting family and which he described it. There was trails, the amazing northeast of Elizabeth Walsh enjoy a civilised glass of wine friends who visited, meeting one instance where he had taken the country where the impact of with, as you discuss the world friends at the markets to shop, a bus and the buses in Bangkok tourism is minimal. Of course, Walking in my shoes – and life, laugh and joke, long going swimming, going to films, barely stop while you jump off. I too, through writing letters for accessibility explained. into the night. cultural events and of course, Well Redmond’s athletic prow- Redmond, began to write also Each and every day our lives Having lived in far-flung lo- in his position at the language ess at jumping had long since to a prisoner and visit her in impact on each person’s calities, Redmond finally settled centre, he was included in disappeared so, as he landed on Lardyao. life whose path we cross, in Bangkok for 30 years, where many official gatherings at the the footpath, he fell, into some Redmond has so much ability; metaphorically and physically, he had secured a prestigious Royal Thai Air Force. An avid dog’s dinner plate, degrading it flows from him and engulfs positively or negatively! position, as a language teacher reader, he devoured books and enough, except the dog then you, like fresh water from a in the Royal Thai Air Force, at newspapers. promptly bit him! He refused mountain stream on a warm day. Don Muang Air Force Base. He During this time, Redmond, Redmond to give in or to choose a ‘safer’ Redmond’s inspiring literary taught all ranks, from four-star began to develop some odd option. He led a wild, enviable, spirit amazes me to this day. edmond O’Hanlon is a generals, down to privates. symptoms, eventually being O’Hanlon somewhat charmed, incredibly He now resides independently, guy who has lived the While he could have lived on diagnosed with Friedrich’s Atax- happy, productive life; surround- in retirement, with assistance dream; graduating from the base, he preferred to live in ia. This is a pretty progressive, ed and supported by friends and from personal assistants (whom RUCD, travelling extensively, an apartment in Bangkok and disabling, disease, however it colleagues, in Bangkok, until he teaches English to, as they attaining fluency in several lose him. On a Saturday when travel by motorbike taxi one did not alter Redmond’s way of his retirement. The Royal Thai are mostly non-native English languages, he has lived and Redmond went to get shop- hour, each way, to and from the life, rather just how he achieved Air Force tried to entice him to speakers). Prior to the pandemic, worked, on several continents. ping, people whom Redmond base. In Bangkok, he had many it. Thai people are inherently stay for even one last year; they he enjoyed (with family and He has never spared himself, had helped when they were in friends of all nationalities. He kind, empathetic, and helpful. had never had a complaint from friends) theatre, films, plays, throwing himself into life ev- need now helped him. It was found time to write to, and to Redmond continued to go by even one student and all of his cinema, football games, eating eryday and not just living it, but actually easier to live there and visit, prisoners in Bang Kwang motorbike taxi to the base, even students passed all exams with out, meeting friends, visiting ensuring that those around him work – where accessibility is and Lardyao prisons; at one as his condition progressed and excellent grades. His boss in home each weekend in addition are living it too. Everywhere he an unknown concept more or point, writing to and visiting he required a wheelchair at the the Airforce, a two star general, to hosting friends and family. has lived, he has found those in less, due entirely to the attitude, over 26 foreign prisoners. He base. There was one motorbike Air Vice Marshal, told him that Since the onset of the pandemic, need, prisoners who have had no respect, friendship and goodwill provided them with items, not taxi rider, who would still carry he taught with his brain and not family and friends have joined visitors, people who have need- of Thai people – than in Ireland. available to them, and beyond Redmond on his motorbike, with his legs! forces to protect him. Redmond ed help. His warm and generous When Redmond could their reach, as they usually were safely, without fear. Redmond The majority of people would is not just provided with meals, spirit has always reached out to no longer write legibly, he without funds. travelled, fearless. This motor- be intimidated by a motorbike they are gourmet meals, my wrap around everyone like a big, dictated letters to friends for Redmond was an active bike taxi rider, on realising the taxi ride in Bangkok, finding it mouth waters. His shopping soft blanket. the prisoners whom he looked and supportive member of challenges that Redmond was inducive to a heart attack rather is brought to him. He has a Redmond’s circle of friends after. As obstacles arose, he communities in Bangkok, and eventually encountering shav- than exhilarating; definitely one ‘bubble’, with people fighting to could wrap around the globe found solutions, facilitated contributed to the welfare of ing, stepped in to assist each for two hours every day in rush be part of it. twice over. His black humour by friendship and goodwill. older people. morning, prior to departing for hour traffic to Don Muang Air I look forward to when we and quick, often acidic, wit, his Redmond had many falls, as He enjoyed an amazing life Don Muang. Force Base, which until 2006, can all sit together, perhaps with loyalty and kindness, his caring his balance and co-ordination style there; visiting family The Royal Thai Air Force and the opening of Suvarnabhu- a glass of wine, share our stories good nature, his steadfastness, deteriorated; he picked himself members in far flung places, did everything in their power to mi airport, was also the location and laugh together. his fearlessness in standing for up, dusted himself off and travelling in Asia and beyond, accommodate Redmond, as he of the main airport. Try his shoes on for size… what is right, rather than what kept going. He revealed these going on trips in Thailand to is such an excellent language Redmond, a lifelong friend, they won’t fit! is popular, his personality is incidents as hilarious anecdotes, places off the tourist track, going teacher, and they did not want to introduced me to Thailand, to pretty much beyond description; when actually the tears would 32 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle Let’s talk about motivation ness and do your exercises and a book, you might need that towards a goal (If you set up an cook a healthy breakfast. Which extra push some days where the account shoot me a message and I follow a program which do you choose? energy feels low and inspiration I’ll be happy to follow you). has given me a habit, It could also be a case of is at a zero. accountability and use of having an excellent first week Here are three different meth- The Disciplined my inner drill sergent. of dieting and exercising, but ods to keep you going: Another way to combat lack of Sunday evening you fall into PS: Don’t despair if you motivation, which appeals to the rabbit hole of Netflix, crisps, don’t find success with the first some people, is through self- drinks and chocolate and when method you try, it might not be discipline. When motivation Monday morning arrives, your the right one, or perhaps you is lacking, it’s time to find the DIY FITNESS motivation is gone; because need to mix and match? Keep self-discipline. Sort of a ‘kick why should you, when you just an eye on your end goal: To yourself in the butt and get it Tania Presutti destroyed everything the night stay consistent and motivated done’ talk. Personally I found before? towards your goal, regardless of this can work and it’s possible to So how do we break the the mood you wake up in. give yourself the big ‘go do it’ Danish freelance journalist cycle? Or get started in the first talk and get it done. This method and fitness professional Tania place? Or pick up training after The Accountable is driven mostly by the self-talk Presutti, who now resides in a break? For some people the answer is and ‘the stick’ (rather than the Clonakilty, delivers a series of It’s probably the biggest being held accountable – either carrot), and it works great if efficient DIY fitness exercises question people in the fitness by a personal trainer, a friend, you’re good at ‘not letting your- you can do at home. and weight-loss industry have to a diary or by posting to their self off the hook’. So when you tackle. It’s easy to coach people social media account (and wake up Monday morning to who are motivated. It’s easy to getting followers and likes). The the 30-minute earlier rise, your In my last column I talked train people who show up; even way this method works is that inner drill sergeant is shouting environment where habits can thing about this is you won’t about ways to stay fit and now during the pandemic, per- the daily or every-other-day call at you to get out of bed and do be formed and kept easily. Now have all these conversations sonal trainers are doing online to trainer/friend or post to Social it; and you don’t let yourself roll that your Monday spin class is with yourself, on whether or stay sane during level 5 sessions, fitness group trainers Media or diary is your way of over and let your inner sleepy- lockdown. While there are cancelled, make it a habit to go not you should do the training/ are setting up Zoom classes and, being held accountable. It’s head mumble ‘tomorrow’ before for a bike ride on that day. If you painting/studying – you will things on the horizon that as long as the clients are logging also easy to track your progress hitting snooze and closing your can link the bike ride to another simply do it because it’s a habit look promising – vaccines in, that’s half the job done. this way by putting down the eyes. activity, it could be even easier (and a goal). But what to do when the numbers (how long you train Self-discipline can also really to get it done. Perhaps you can Most of all, don’t give up on and warmer days – I think client doesn’t log in? When the for, what you can lift/how long boost your confidence when a little ‘pick me up’ is due shorten your lunch break and go yourself if you find your motiva- motivation is lost? you run; and if you’re doing you’ve applied it successfully, for a 15-minute bike ride? Have tion lacking or sliding, but stay for February. So I wrote a A good trainer finds the a weight-loss journey, it’s an because you can rightly feel your bike, shoes and coat ready true to your goal and look for little ode to motivation. right trigger to keep the client easy way to keep track of your that this is all your doing. Not and go at the same time every new ways to go on your journey. motivated. Some like being told weight as well). your trainer, not your partner Monday. With Covid-19 still setting the he biggest step to get- they’re doing great, others that If you set up a social media or a stranger’s like to your post If you work from home and agenda and another cold month ting fit is getting out they are improving. Some need account, you can connect with (not that there is anything wrong don’t wish to go out, then clear ahead, do these things for you of bed or off the sofa’: the carrot, others need the stick. others on the same path as you, with either). And that self-con- a space on the floor, set your and keep your mind and spirit ‘TDoes this sound familiar? This The essential in this scenario is and interact if you like. Most fidence boost can in turn help alarm for 11am and take a 10 lifted. especially applies now when that it’s a two-way street. It’s likely you will also get more you keep this inner monologue minute break to stretch, bend I hope these three methods group exercising and gyms happening in the collaboration followers and likes, as you post going and getting stronger. and push – or more. have inspired you to tackle any are not an option. And even between client and trainer. more; this in itself is also a moti- You often hear about career If you use any equipment or motivational lack you might when all the gyms and classes It’s much harder to stay vation for lots of people. Instead military personnel who, after have to dress for your activity, experience, and remember of are open, motivation can be a motivated if you’re on your of having your trainer telling they quit the military, still make sure you are dressed in course, always tell yourself fleeting emotion. One moment own, which unfortunately a you ‘good job’, you’ll have likes carry a lot of the discipline from advance or have your stuff ready why you’re doing something: it’s there – when you’re lying lot more people are now than and comments supporting you. their military life. These inner at hand. Make it a habit to dress Because it makes you feel good, in bed Sunday evening thinking before Covid-19. So this is my If you look at the blogsphere monologues about getting things for your bike or run at a certain makes you smarter, stronger, ‘Tomorrow morning I’m going February column – to give ideas or Instagram, there are loads done, get things done, and they time and go out and do it. faster, better. These are power- to start my diet and exercise and inspiration on how to stay of weight-loss and transforma- also put things into order and Habits take a while to form ful, positive affirmations that and lose the extra 5kg’ – and motivated, or rather committed, tion accounts to follow and get can help in a time like this, before they become second will help you reach your goal the next moment it’s gone. You if you’re on your own. And this inspired from. Or you could when our world in many ways is nature, so give yourself every- too. guessed it; Monday morning is not only for getting or staying start your own if this medium being turned upside down. thing from three weeks to three As always comments and comes around and you wake fit. These tools can be applied to to self-motivation appeals to months to let the habit take root questions are welcome to The Habitual up and can either snooze 30 a variety of goals besides physi- you. I follow a few accounts and become an automatic part of taniaskitchenfitness@gmail. minutes longer under your warm cal activity. If you want to learn myself and it’s always amazing Order and rules brings me to the your life. com or via www.instagram.com/ duvet, or get up in the cold dark- to cook, draw, paint, or write to follow people on their road last method: Habits! Create an The great trainwithadane Once Upon a Parade in Skibbereen hroughout February, and simple making techniques. Thursday February 4 – designer Alice Halliday shows Your crowning artists Ana Ospina, Alice Each activity will come with Create your own folklore & you how to create and decorate glory! Learn Halliday and Michael step-by-step instructions, a list fairytales character: Choose a unique cloak as part of your to make an TStephens will be delivering of materials, references and which section of the parade costume, from scrap materials. eye-catching a series of online creative equipment required that can be you would like to work on and Time to complete: 1-2 hours. headpiece or activities welcoming all of the downloaded from Uillinn West design a Folklore & Fairytale crown with Skibbereen community - near Cork Arts Centre website. character board using collage Thursday February 18 – help from and far - to participate. This Your entries will be included with help from lead artist and Craft your own magical Alice Halliday. team of artists will inspire and in the online virtual parade theatre designer, Ana Ospina. parade props: Simple making Use materials support you to create your own that is to be screened as part of This will be the starting point techniques to help you create you already folklore and fairytale costumes Skibbereen’s St. Patricks Day for your costume and something creative props and accessories have at home for the Skibbereen St Patrick’s celebrations. “We would love you will refer back to through- to go with your costume from or sign up be streamed live via Zoom and Day Virtual Parade. Over four to see photos of you to wearing out the creative process. Time to Ana Ospina. Time to complete: to receive a free kit, which Facebook at 3pm on Saturday weeks, they will show you how your finished costumes and complete: 1-2 hours. 1-2 hours making and 1-2 days includes the basic materials February 27 at 3pm. Time to to design a character and share sharing them with the hashtags: drying time depending on which you will need to make your complete: 1-2 hours. Thursday February 11 – their top designer tips on how #onceuponaparade and #skib- item you make. headpiece. This activity will Make your own enchanted to make a costume and props, bereenvirtualstpatricksday,” the Thursday February 25 – Fab- be accompanied by a free Go to www.westcorkartscentre. cloak: Using simple sewing using easy-to-find materials artists have said. ricating mythical headpieces: online workshop which will com to find out more. techniques, ethical fashion February 5 – March 4, 2021 33 people Health & Lifestyle Privilege and LGBTQI+ encouraged me as much as they or harassed for doing so. a given for many LGBTQI+ could. All of this is a privilege I people. And again, the list goes From my teenage years, hold. Because I am heterosexual on and on. there was a keen interest from and cis-gendered. I am making this point, LGBTI+ other girlfriends (and some And those are just a very few because it is easy to see the big well-meaning adults) wanting examples... the list could go on and obvious inequalities people MATTERS to know which boys I fancied and on. from the LGBTQI+ community or if I had a boyfriend yet. Any A lot of people don’t experi- had and at times still have to BRÓD is an LGBTI+ sex education I received in and ence this privilege. In fact, most endure. But it takes a little bit Community Group based in outside of school was in regard people from the LGBTQI+ com- more investigation to see the West Cork. A mix of LGBTI+ to male and female genitalia and munity don’t. From the earliest small and subtle inequalities that people and allies, the group’s their relationship to each other time in childhood on. still persist in nearly all areas of mission is to ‘Support, (or not....). In our hetero- and cis- norma- our society. Advocate and Increase Whenever I was in a relation- tive world, there are expecta- The good news is: It is very Visibility’ for the LGBTI+ ship in my life, I could just do tions from parents and society much in our power to change the community in West Cork. so without any announcement to look a certain way or behave small and subtle injustices and or need for permission and a certain way. For people from inequalities. Just by changing could show my affection to my the LGBTQI+ community, our language and narratives and Lisa Brinkmann is a partner in public at any time. My there are no (or hardly any) role being mindful and more inclu- Clinical Psychologist and husband and I had the ability models in stories, books and sive of LGBTQI+ matters and Psychotherapist working in and choice to get married when movies that represent a different realities, we can change a lot. we felt ready for it, which was way of relating and being in the It’s a very difficult and strenuous private practice in Clon- celebrated by all our families world. Instead, there is a need to process to change the big things, akilty and is one of the and friends without hesitation. justify oneself and who one is in such as legislation and laws. But core members of BROD. I have never needed to justify love with over and over again. the small things, we can start Lisa also has a degree in myself or my gender for using And sometimes that can even with them right now...each of us. Sex Research and Forensic power tools when single-hand- be dangerous and bring threat And it doesn’t take much. edly building a chicken coop in to ones emotional and physical And if we all do, then we are Psychiatry and works with our back garden or not wearing wellbeing. no longer in a place of privilege, clients with any psycholog- make up on days when I just Everyday life things that I but in a place of equality. ical or mental health prob- don’t feel like it. And I can use can take for granted (like being I for my part believe that lem, but is also specialised toilets in restaurants, shops and addressed with the right name would already make the world a in the area of sexuality and cafes without a moment’s hesita- and pronouns, being able to better place. gender. Lisa is also a proud tion and have never been bullied use a public bathroom) are not mother of two young girls the same legal and societal interwoven into our everyday and lives with her family in protection of marriage as life, mostly not visible at first West Cork. heterosexual couples could. The sight, but equally painful and right to define which gender one destructive. identifies with wasn’t granted s a society we are con- Let me shine a little light During Covid19, the Gay in Ireland until 2015, and in stantly growing, chang- on some of these less visible this particular instance, Ireland ing and evolving. Each aspects I am talking about: Project is providing online was for once not catching up Ageneration questions aspects I am a 40-year-old woman, with European neighbours, but of the previous status quo and happily married to a man and services to Gay, Bi+, Trans, the first country to introduce often brings change to things very happy in the female body, this legislation and shine as that seemed totally unques- which I was born with. As a an example...After LGBTQI+ MSM and Queer Men in tionable before. Some things child, I was very content with and Transgender organisations change fast and easily, others the clothes my mother picked advocating and rallying for this Kerry and Cork require hard and prolonged out for me and I remember for years. battles, endurance and courage. clearly how excited I was about I am saying all this, because Anything regarding topics of sex wearing a very beautiful dress as a heterosexual and cisgen- and gender definitely falling into at my communion. All movies dered woman, I have been blind the latter category. Examples for I watched and books I read had and oblivious (and at times even this are manifold.... The right to either princesses (or female ignorant) to this inequality and To get more information vote in Ireland wasn’t granted to leads) I could identify with the many struggles and battles women until 1918, after decades and princes (or male leads) I Email [email protected], people from the LGBTQI+ com- of campaigning by the suffrag- could admire. And the ‘happily munity have and had to endure Visit www.gayproject.ie ettes. Homosexuality wasn’t ever after’ between prince and and in many instances still have decriminalised until 1993 in princess imprinted in me the Follow us @GayProjectIRL to fight for to this day. Ireland, defining any same sex deep trust that there was a prince on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. And these are only the big relationship as criminal offense out there waiting for me too one obvious things I pointed out. or Call 0873647901 until then. And it took until 2015 day. My parents never had any Underneath the surface lie before same sex marriage was issues with my choice of toys (a hundreds and thousands of legalised in Ireland and same lot of dolls) or activities (danc- subtle inequalities that are sex couples could benefit from ing, music and horse riding) and

Munster Gayze Black Rainbow Queer Vibes Queer Studies Network Ireland West Cork embarks on nationwide fitness challenge Facebook Group Writer’s Club Café Seminar The West Cork branch of Network Ireland have embarked on a nationwide fitness challenge having partnered with Empeal, an innovative digital health company that offers members free access to total health manage- ment at their fingertips. The sudden switch to remote working, combined with the lack of available fitness resources has exposed employees and employers to the complications of burnout. Network Ireland identified this as having a potentially huge impact on their people and partnered with Empeal to give its members access to each of the Gay Ramblers platform’s wellbeing management tools. Hillwalking Club GOLD Older Men’s Out-Lit In addition to the health improvement tools offered by Empeal, the #NIFittestBranch Challenge will see Occasionally Meet Café Book-Club participating branches across the nation competing to hit a daily goal of 10,000 steps. The winning branch in Kerry (returning alongside individual acknowledgements will be announced on International Women’s day, March 8, a day of after Covid19) particular passion for both organisations. 34 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle Neck creams to consider for your skincare routine

much straining over laptops neck where signs of ageing Thalgo Wrinkle Correction velvety. Wrinkle Correction is lows for a slow release into the and smartphones). So, with are most prominent, this Rich Cream also available in a Gel-Cream skin overnight so you can enjoy that in mind, it’s time to invest lightweight, non-greasy cream Thalgo’s new Hyalu-Procolla- texture enriched with aloe vera all the benefits of retinol with in your precious neck skin and is expertly formulated with gene range boosts the synthesis to adapt to the needs of normal little to no irritation. Liquorice start using a targeted cream for- Pro-Amino Acid and NeoCitri- of collagen and hyaluronic to combination skin, €68 root extract brightens and evens mulated to help firm, tone, and ate, which works to stimulate acid in the skin, promoting a available in Thalgo salons/spas out skin tone while gentle flow- tighten that skin that has started natural collagen production, reduction in fine lines from nationwide and online thalgo.ie er acids exfoliate and promote sagging or showing crepey lines whilst NeoGlucosamine gently underneath the skin. Their skin renewal. Only to be used and wrinkles. Read on for my exfoliates to lift away impurities Wrinkle Correction Rich AlumierMD Neck and Décol- in your evening routine, apply round up of six of the best neck and even skin tone. Enriched Cream is specifically meant leté Firming Cream a small amount after cleansing creams to fight tech and turkey with Apple Stem Cell extract, it for face AND neck, delivering A luxuriously smooth firming and applying treatment products neck! prolongs cell lifespan, leaving a trio of hyaluronic acids and cream that helps to prevent and and gently massage into neck skin looking and feeling young- marine pro-collagen to plump improve the appearance of fine and décolleté in an upward mo- Dermalogica’s Neck Fit Con- er and lifted with a restored up the epidermis, smooth and lines and wrinkles, restoring a tion, as this contains retinol, en- tour Serum vitality, €77.40 available in gradually fill in even established more youthful appearance. Low sure you wear sunscreen during INSIDE OUT Described as your neck’s best NeoStrata stockists nationwide wrinkles. Formulated with plant levels of encapsulated retinol the day, €84, to purchase email personal trainer Dermalog- BEAUTY and online neostrata.ie butters and oils, its luscious firm and strengthen the skin and [email protected] or call ica’s new Neck Fit Contour texture nourishes dry skin on a improve elasticity, texture, and 086 1451551. Serum is a skin care workout Sherna Malone Vichy Neovadiol Phytosculpt daily basis, leaving it soft and tone. Encapsulated retinol al- for your neck and décolleté. Neck and Face Contours Clarins super Restorative A lightweight, roll-on serum Skincare and beauty expert Vichy’s first anti-ageing, Décolleté and Neck Concen- that immediately tightens skin Sherna Malone shares her firming balm for menopausal trate and tones over time for a more knowledge and expertise of all skin, targeting the visible signs If you’re over 45, this cream visibly lifted and sculpted things beauty – from skin care of ageing, it visibly reinforces, has been formulated specifi- appearance. Using high-per- do’s and don’ts to the latest tightens, and redefines neck and cally for you and your skin’s formance Flex Lift Contour products out there. face contours. Suitable for all needs. Plant-based, it combines Technology, which acts like skin types including sensitive organic extracts of harungana invisible mesh to provide a skin. Along with Vichy Miner- and Montpellier rock with the visible lifting and tightening re you taking care of alising Thermal Water, rich in soothing silkiness of oats to de- effect, it also smooths fine lines your neck? No matter antioxidants, it also contains an liver a cream that evens out skin and helps protect skin against how committed you active firming complex, which tone, reduces the appearance of pollution, which can lead to Aare to complexion care, there mimics DHEA, a hormone in age spots and boosts radiance. premature signs of skin ageing. is one significant area we all the skin, which depletes during The directions instruct that you Neck Fit Contour Serum also seem to neglect: the neck. As the menopause. The balm melts should use this both morning comes with personalised neck we age, the skin on our neck in contact with the skin to allow and night to maximise its effect workouts to help sculpt your loses elasticity and collagen and for absorption but once cooled and you should start to see a neck’s appearance from both this delicate area, can be one of down, the balm transforms into reduction in fine lines and neck the inside and the outside, the first places to show those a film that lifts and firms the creases within four weeks. With €89 available in Dermalogica tell-tale signs of ageing and skin. Quickly absorbed and its uplifting botanical fragrance, stockists nationwide and online perhaps the most noticeable! It non-greasy, skin feels instantly non-oily moisturising effect, it dermalogica.com is also more vulnerable to sun hydrated, plumped and more immediately lifts the surface of damage and photosensitisation even looking. Vichy Mineral- the skin, smooths roughness, NeoStrata Skin Active from fragrances, not to mention ising Thermal Water, rich in and restores velvety softness Firming Triple Firming Neck ‘turkey neck’ (the term used antioxidants, €30, available in to the skin, €76 available in Cream to describe the sagging of skin selected pharmacies nationwide Clarins stockists nationwide and A concentrated anti-ageing around the chin) or ‘tech neck’ and online. online clarins.ie. (the appearance of fine lines treatment that helps lift and and wrinkles resulting from too smooth the appearance of the Let us see that Spring in your step

h, my absolute goodness always been part of the curse more and we are struggling to you are feeling like absolute but if you strip away the rust but THANK YOU all so of being Irish. I’m not saying stay on top of even the simple crap, I hear you! Before you do first, then the finished painted much. I have been writ- that it’s a ‘curse to be Irish’, things. another thing today, be as kind gate will be sure to stay looking Oing for so many years and the but down through the years, I want to take this opportu- to yourself, as you would to a beautiful! lovely messages that so many we have many times over been nity to applaud everyone who wounded animal that needed How we get dressed can and of you sent about last month’s proven to be our own worst is working in supermarkets, nursing back to health. Be does have a huge impact on article has simply blown me enemy. Try your absolute best to newsagents and petrol stations, gentle and patient and keep re- how we feel but at the same away. Thank you all for taking stay away from those arguments they deserve a super hero day minding yourself that nothing is time it reveals to others how the time to find a way to contact online, opinions are always – a day where they all get to permanent. Be kind to yourself we are feeling about ourselves me or stop me on the street, I equally valid and finger pointing wear a super hero outfit with a with body creams and masks and what our mood is. Because am so grateful. I’ve always tried will always reveal four fingers cape so that even our youngest and I apologise for repeating 2020 was all about ‘clothes for to make sure that my message is pointing back at you. Everyone children can see the people who myself with this one but putting around the house and the food- clear, there is no ‘looking good is trying their best, it might not made our lives so much easier your feet into a dish of warm shop’ for most of us, it meant without feeling good’ and, for be to the same standard that you in this mess. Lest we not forget water with lots of sea salt works that our ‘going out’ clothes some reason, the story about hold yourself to but it’s their the thousands of factory work- wonders – it literally pulls all feel neglected and cast aside. IMAGE my cat seemed to resonate with best. Stop squabbling over who ers behind the scenes, the truck the stress and toxins out of your Designers were very aware of people who don’t even like isn’t social distancing enough or and delivery drivers, all around body and leaves you feeling that so for Spring 2021 it’s not Louise O’Dwyer cats! Wellness and safety come who has a mask under their nose the country – a super hero outfit refreshed and with beautifully surprising given the current Image Consultant before everything else. The – there have been times when I day for you too. I think it would soft feet. My dish is getting climate that they looked deeply bottom line is that we are living would arrive home and realise make the entire country smile plenty of use at the moment at what we really need from in a ‘pure mess’ of a time and that I have my mask and coat and we need that. The doctors, and it might just be the best €5 fashion. There were, more we are doing amazingly well. on two hours later! Distraction nurses, home help and all the or €6 that you will ever spend or less, two approaches here We are reaching out to each my dears; we are all distracted medical staff, we have been towards looking good from the with some creating fantastical other more than ever before and to the point that life is now loud with our support and we inside out. You really can’t paint infectious and fabulous clothes perhaps laying down our cynical hard work, our brain capacity is will continue to do so. a rusty gate, the rust comes to put that joie de vivre back and judgemental side, which has continually being tested all the If you are reading this and through again very quickly; Continued on next page... February 5 – March 4, 2021 35 people Health & Lifestyle Romantic literature Chick-Lit may not always be respected in literary Muckross Abbey, near the had just eloped some five estate of the Herbert family months previously. circles but the romantic novel has provided a lot of in Killarney. Take care to not pleasure over the years. expose yourself unveiled or STRANGER THAN FICTION Valentine’s gifts The genre first appeared in the eighteenth century. without a bonnet. The head and Shelley proved to be a faithless available for him & her Previously books aimed at women were of the educa- face have no defense against the fellow. Two years after the JEWELLERY, WATCHES, HOMEWARE tional kind. Suddenly, young women were exposed to attacks of the atmosphere and balcony incident, Shelley left tanned skin or a freckled face Harriet and their two children 086 8118109 / 023 8845366 daring tales and dashing bucks. Romance was adven- will disfigure even the loveliest to be with a different 16-year- text/whats app/messenger/instagram turous and exciting. of visage, rendering it hideous old girl. Below is an excerpt from the ‘Curious Lady’s Guide forever. He had become smitten By working together & supporting local we will get through this x to Marriage’ by Bantry-based writer and illustrator Jen- with Mary Wollstonecraft WRITERS Godwin. Rumour has it, they ny Dempsey – a how-to-manual for the modern wom- Twomeys Jewellers The themes of the romantic set consummated their adulterous Traditional Values, Modern Style en should she find herself back in Regency Ireland. and its celebration of the past, relationship by making love on have in some way inspired an her mother’s gravestone. They 4 Market Sq, Dunmanway E Q READING writer: a Miss Austen from En- interest in Nationalism. Two spent some time in Switzerland, You will have been presented gland is showing some literary books to exalt the plight of the though soon returned for lack For a short period, Shelley, with her. with conduct books over the talent both in wit of phrase and native Irish are Maria Edge- of funds. Meanwhile, Shelley’s his wife and Miss Clairmont Circulating libraries allow years – Hester Chapone’s lively characters. We hope she worth’s ‘Castle Rackrent’ and wife committed suicide joined Lord Byron in Gene- even those with modest means ‘Letters on the Improvement may enjoy some success. Lady Morgan’s ‘Wild Irish by throwing herself in the va. This was during the year to borrow the latest publica- of the Mind’ is extremely Girl’. river Serpentine. ‘Without Summer’, where tions. A subscription is approxi- edifying. Reading by one’s self ROMANTIC The fight for Catholic eman- Harriet’s death allowed the weather was so inclement mately 16 shillings a year. is a diverting way to pass many Not to be confused with ‘ro- cipation, is of course, the latest Shelley and Mary to marry that all outdoor activities were a long, empty afternoon, and mance’, the romantic sensibility national cause. and, once wed, they returned curtailed. To pass the time, the ...... there are not many pleasures to is at present en vogue. Arising The Romantic writer and to Switzerland a second time. group – all avid readers and The Curious Lady’s Guide to equal a quiet evening at home as a reaction to the cerebral Age poet Percy Bysshe Shelley On this occasion, they were ac- writers – devised a competition Marriage provides the modern listening to the person nearest of Enlightenment, followers of came to Dublin some years companied by Claire Clairmont, to write a ghost story. Mary Irish woman with all she needs the candle reading aloud. Spir- the Romantic are inspired by ago to show support and to Mary’s step-sister… Shelley wrote a Gothick tale, to know should she time-travel itual books and moral guides nature, passion and nostalgia. promote his pamphlet, ‘An which she called ‘Frankenstein’. back to the Regency era and have their place, but there is Our native, ancient architecture Address to the Irish People’. MONSTER That most romantic of men, discover she needs to get mar- nothing like the piercing thrill captivates us. We delight in The young poet flung copies of ...who is in love with the most Lord Byron, has himself been ried for financial security. to the bosom that one gets from discovering scenes of rugged the pamphlet from his balcony famous poet of our time, unlucky in love. It is said The Curious Lady’s Guide the modern novel…. nature and ‘romantic’ on number 7 Sackville Street Lord Byron. She has recently he formed a passion for his to Marriage is a 90 page, antiquity. If you would be to the crowds below. It is given birth to his child. Lord half-sister, Augusta Leigh and full-colour A4 guide. Gentle NOVEL desirous of a trip to suspected the crowds were Byron does not wish to form that her child, Elizabeth Medora humour and quirky drawings Samuel Richardson’s, ‘Pamela’ an ancient ruin more interested in a permanent union with Miss is his. A much-publicised affair lead the reader through fashion first appeared nigh on 80 years in a beautiful seeing Harriet his Clairmont. In a recent letter with Caroline Lamb ended and beauty tips, society gossip ago – and has us still enthralled setting, we 16-year-old wife he writes: ‘I believe saw once acrimoniously. That distraught and the most up-to-date gynae- today. How we quake for Pame- recommend with whom he that odd-headed girl [Miss lady was removed from polite cological information. Each la’s virtue and cheer when she Clairmont]– who introduced society to Lismore Castle in book comes with hand- inserted wins her master’s love! We may herself to me shortly before I Waterford. There she wrote letters, fabric snippets and wild enjoy many other novels in this left England – I never loved her the book, Glanavon a thinly flowers. The book is available vein: ‘Evelina’ by Miss Burney, nor pretended to love her – but disguised account of their affair. from www.prettyinterestinghis- ‘Belinda’ by our own Miss a man is a man – and if a girl of Byron next married Annabel- tory.com - price €28 (includes Edgeworth to name a couple. eighteen comes prancing to you la Milbanke, cousin of Lady free shipping anywhere in Most recently we have been at all hours of the night – there Lamb, but she has recently left Ireland) diverted by the work of a new is but one way.’ him taking their daughter Ava

Image...Cont’d from previous page into getting dressed while others holidays or not. no better way to pack a punch look incredible with mono- these shop owners know you gifted us with classic pieces that That little black dress never than in hot pink. Tie-dye, not chrome – a gorgeous white and can advise you over the act as an extension of this year’s quite disappears as a fashion just a lockdown hobby, has shirt, loose white trousers and phone about sizing. We are so comfortable ensemble. Basical- frontrunner but this season sees come forward in swirly prints big colourful long earrings or grateful for that. ly, you will find a cross section it back with an unmerciful bang. in the brightest of colours. a full black look with the same Try to make a little bit of of glorious slippers and dreamy And it’s the slinky body-con Rainbow stripes look incredible colourful earrings – stunning! an effort with how you look ball gowns – how bad! version that is front and centre. too – they stuck their head out Puff sleeves have dominated everyday, it has such a won- Who doesn’t love a splash of This is ‘the’ post lockdown last year and are taking a firm in recent years and that is set derful knock-on effect. Smile, colour and designers are always dress to have in your wardrobe, foothold this season. Look them to continue right through this even when you don’t feel like there to create exactly what ready and waiting for when you up and revel in their glory. year, from tops to dresses to it. Cheer someone else on even we need. They know that we want and need to look fabulous. The Spring coat will un- coats; prepare yourself for even if you are struggling yourself. desperately need to have more Teamed with heels, platform doubtedly be a trench coat, go more shoulder action. To hell Take a little time every day to fun, whether that is wearing a espadrilles, flip flops or runners for a classic colour – biscuit/ with it if you are bemoaning the watch the birds in your garden, fabulous dress or the colours of – that is completely up to you taupe, navy or black. Denim fact that you have gained a few soak in their beauty and simplic- the rainbow. We all need to con- and your signature style. Design dresses have seen sales increase lockdown pounds, hemlines are ity. Encourage yourself every centrate on finding ways to prop teams have matched these by 50 per cent for this season so rising this year, so wear a mini day, as you would a dear friend ourselves up and if it means dresses up with woven raffia if you already have one in your skirt anyway. There are some and never, not ever, put yourself clothes shopping for you, then tote bags – these gorgeous bags wardrobe, pull it out and add a glorious mini slip dresses and down. You are your own super go for it. I have never seen so made an appearance last year – belt. Jeans sales have increased 60s style micro skirts. The past hero – did you know that? many full tulle skirts or dresses, a wonderful way to tone down a too but with a move away few years were all about the ‘The first question I ask they are romantic, dreamy and more formal dress. from skinny or slim to a more midi dress, it’s not gone yet, the myself when something doesn’t scream of flamboyant fun. We Bright bold colours in a mul- slouchy relaxed fit. People were mini is just a new add in. The seem to be beautiful is why do I need lots of these! Hawaiian titude of textures and fabrics are looking for the shape and com- big pendant is a must have for think it’s not beautiful. And very shirts and skirts are big this ready and waiting for us. Pink fort of leggings, but in denim, so its bohemian feel. I know that shortly you discover that there is season too. Their sole purpose is the standout colour; it has designers were sure to provide I don’t need to remind you to no reason.’ John Cage is to brighten up our day so we literally exploded everywhere, exactly that. Statement jewellery shop local, it’s a given now that don’t need to think about wheth- gifting us shades of watermelon, is back and very big, especially you’ll be able to peruse local er we will get to wear them on fuchsia and hot pink. There is when it comes to earrings. They websites. The best part is that 36 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle their doctor. Melanoma can about attending a clinic or a hos- Public urged to get health spread quickly, so I’m glad it pital appointment. Even though was caught when it was, but if there is increased pressure on concerns checked out I had acted when the mole our health services, ensuring was first noticed I could have potential cancers are detected as saved myself a lot of pain and early as possible is as much of a o mark World Cancer we noticed something that anxiety. Once you make the call priority now as it has ever been. Day, February 4, The doesn’t feel right but instead of your doctor will start the process We are worried that people Irish Cancer Society and contacting our doctor, we put it for you. They’ll make sure you are delaying contacting their TRTÉ’s Marty Morrissey are on the long finger hoping it will receive the treatment you need, doctor if they have symptoms, urging people to contact their go away on it’s own. But this it looked at, but after speaking for testing. Days later I was regardless of the current situa- which could be cancer. We doctor if they are concerned year, even with everything that’s with my husband, Roy, we both called back to the hospital and tion. All you have to do is pick certainly don’t want this to about symptoms that may going on, it’s important to check agreed to keep an eye on it, as was told that the mole was a up the phone.” happen. Your health matters. indicate cancer. The ‘Your it out. If it’s clear that’s fantastic we thought it looked fine. How- cancerous melanoma and that I Dr Una Kennedy, General If a loved one told you about a Health Matters’ campaign aims but if it’s not, an early diagnosis ever, some months later Roy had stage 1b skin cancer. I cried Practitioner and GP advisor with suspicious looking change to to increase awareness of the im- could make all the difference. noticed it had started to change when I was told. My doctor was the NCCP, said, “I want to make their skin, a lump or abnormal portance of early detection and Don’t delay in contacting your so I made an appointment to see so kind and apologised for her this clear – we are working bleeding would you tell them to encourage those concerned doctor; they’ll want to hear from my GP. Despite the pandemic I mask and that social distancing hard to make sure that anyone delay contacting their GP? We about symptoms to contact you. Or try calling the Irish was seen the same day I made meant she couldn’t comfort me who is worried about any sign want to hear from you.” their doctor. HSE data shows Cancer Society Support Line the call. The GP immediate- and that I couldn’t have some- or symptom of cancer is seen, Early detection is crucial to that the number of suspected to speak to a nurse. Your health ly made an appointment for one with me. Since then I’ve despite the pandemic. There are successful treatment of cancer. cancer cases referred through matters and so do you. Please... me days later at the dermatolo- undergone further testing and many challenges but detecting Contact your GP today to the Healthlink e-referral system Make your health a priority”. gy department of the local hos- had more skin and lymph nodes cancer early is a priority, and we arrange an appointment. If you dropped by more than 50 per Commenting on the impor- pital. I was anxious about how removed. I now have to have are making sure that those who have difficulties getting through cent after the first wave of the tance of early diagnosis, Jane seriously the GP was taking full skin checks every 12 weeks, need it are receiving it. Please to your GP call the Irish Cancer pandemic. Jackson, 46, who underwent this, and I was also very worried as there is a 70 per cent chance do not hesitate in contacting Society’s Support Line on 1800 Marty whose close friend’s skin cancer treatment during about going to the hospital in of recurrence. your doctor’s surgery if you 200 700 to speak with a regis- daughter passed away from can- the Covid-19 pandemic said; “It the middle of the health crisis. My advice to others have any questions. Maybe tered nurse. Visit www.cancer. cer this year said, “I don’t know was my dental hygienist who It was decided at that who are concerned about something doesn’t feel quite ie for more information. about you but my guess is, spotted it – a mole at the back of appointment that the mole be symptoms at this time is to right or you have concerns most of us are the same. Maybe my neck. She suggested I have removed immediately and sent just get them checked out with New Hearing Healthcare Maxi Zoo proves a frontrunner Clinic in Clonakilty with donation that secures idden Hearing is to Donal Breheny, Wax Techni- animal charity’s survival bringing the ‘hear and cian with Hidden Hearing. now’ to Clonakilty No liquids are needed during he future of a worthy Hthis month, with the opening micro-suction, so it is a totally animal charity, which of a new audiology clinic at pain-free and comfortable offers homes to unwanted Tracing greyhounds is secure the Clonakilty Primary Care experience that is completed in thanks to a significant donation Centre. minutes, the hearing specialist from Maxi Zoo Ireland. The clinic will be open three says. In a year that has pushed days a week and appointments Micro-suction can also be charities to the brink, Maxi Zoo, can be made on 1800 882 884 used for specific cases like per- Ireland’s largest pet retailer, has for free hearing tests along forations or grommets, instead given a critical lifeline to Homes with a full evaluation of your of regular irrigation; where a for Unwanted Greyhounds hearing with an audiologist in blockage needs to be removed, (HUG) through its Friendship the new clinic. Hidden Hearing but fluid, like ear oil drops, customers will witness the au- Connects campaign, which was Clonakilty will also offer a cannot enter the ear. diologist using hand sanitiser, run throughout its 20 stores weekly wax clinic due to local Manual removal of earwax cleaning all equipment with nationwide. demand. is generally performed for soft medical wipes and putting on HUG is a national charity that Pictured at the cheque presentation was Margaret Moran, With growing incidence wax, or where compacted wax fresh PPE before conducting provides loving homes for the of hearing being affected by is softened with drops before- the assessment. After the gentle giants of the canine world volunteer for HUG. Pic: Julien Behal Photography consultation, all equipment – greyhounds that have been wax blockages, micro-suction hand, and tiny specialist tools stores with 100 per cent of the Maxi Zoo who have supported bred for racing and retired young is now provided at a reduced are used to gently ease the wax will be cleaned and the clinic profits donated to HUG. It’s an us over the last two years – it’s due to injury or underperfor- rate of €50 for a limited time out of the ear canal. coordinator will open the door amazing charity that works tire- not just the company but all mance which would otherwise only by Hidden Hearing, the Earwax is a hardwork- so customers will not need to lessly to find loving homes for the staff who have been so be destroyed. countrywide hearing health ing healthcare support, and touch the door handle. retired Irish racing greyhounds. supportive of our charity. All our Through Maxi Zoo’s Friend- specialists. The service usually shouldn’t cause any trouble ‘The steps we have tak- We have the most generous greyhounds come from trainers ship Connects campaign, over costs €70. unless it becomes impacted. en and continue to take are customers who dug deep and we who no longer need them and €27,000 was raised for the Symptoms of hard and “Wax is basically a built on a solid foundation of are delighted to have raised over might otherwise have them de- charity to secure its future which impacted earwax can include self-cleaning service for our providing a safe environment €27,000 in our 20 stores for stroyed. We have a long waiting was in jeopardy and allow it to sudden or impartial hearing ears, and protects the sensitive established over 30 plus years, HUG. We’re incredibly proud of list of applications for adoptions purchase a new vehicle to enable loss, tinnitus, discomfort and a ear canal from things like strict compliance with safety the impact this funding will have and we can now focus on good more greyhounds to be rehomed feeling of fullness in the ear, or bacteria and debris that can procedures as set out in our for HUG.” quality rehoming.” and ensure the continuance of its Safety Statements located in Jessica Reid from HUG Thankfully perception has earache. It can also be difficult cause infections. Never put responsible rehoming and due explained how, as a key link and is changing in relation to to perform a full hearing test anything in your ear, and, if the clinic’ Donal Breheny says. diligence processes for fostering. between unwanted racing greyhounds, which were unfairly when there is a build-up of you are bothered by the feeling Hidden Hearing is an essen- Noelle Long from Maxi Zoo greyhounds and the hundreds thought of as ‘hard work’ rather earwax. of a blockage, make sure to see tial service which will operate said: “Charities need our help, of people who wish to adopt the than being excellent pets for ‘Micro-suction is the safest your GP or a hearing special- even during lockdown, the clin- now more than ever as they breed, its service was severely their gentle, affectionate and and quickest method of ear ist”, advises Breheny. ic offers free hearing tests and cannot fundraise like they would stunted due to a lack of funding. friendly nature. This is why wax removal, it is also used to Hidden Hearing take safety encourages anyone concerned have pre-Covid. As part of our “We were quite concerned as HUG was established to cater for safely remove foreign bodies extremely seriously and every about their hearing to make an on-going commitment to support to how, if, we could survive this the speciality breed, particularly present in the ear canal. The clinic is fully kitted with PPE appointment by calling 1800 and work with animal charities, year with the challenges faced those that have been bred for simple and effective treatment to protect customers and make 882 884. You can also book an we ran our Friendship Connects with fundraising so this donation racing, that deserved an equal appointment online at www. – Together for Pets campaign, uses a medical suction device sure they feel comfortable puts us in a much healthier posi- right to a new and loving home. which allowed customers to pur- and a microscope to see direct- during their appointment. hiddenhearing.ie. tion. We’re incredibly grateful to www.maxizoo.ie. ly into the ear canal’, according On arrival to the clinic, chase a bracelet in any of our 20 February 5 – March 4, 2021 37 people Health & Lifestyle Surviving lockdown with your dog acute separation anxiety in our it doesn’t take much for our or barking for attention, that’s try not to take out your anger, – I had. So I went off to have absence. emotions to boil over and we definitely not ‘Me’ time. It’s a frustration, anxiety, etc., on the some ‘Me’ time and then tried After lockdown, the majority explode. Now, imagine being a precious time when you literal- dog. to acknowledge all the good of my home visits to people dog and living with us in ‘stress ly check up on yourself to see Your dog probably hasn’t things that I love about her. were to sort out just those sorts mode’. It’s enough to make a how you’re doing. done anything wrong or differ- Find what works for you so of problems: dogs that had dog explode! For me, I found that on the ently but you may be looking that you all live together with as literally taken over the home, But it doesn’t have to be all days the sun shone with some at him through the perspective little stress as possible. becoming demanding to the bad and, in fact, dogs can help heat, I would take my coffee of your own stress. That’s not point of being confrontational. I us reduce our stress levels if and sit quietly outside. Juno, easy, I know. To get in touch with Liz, email: found I was setting up training we let them. So let’s look at my own dog, came to lie qui- Last week, the dark, rainy liz@corkdogtrainingclasses. routines for people to help get how we can make life easier for etly at my feet. I watched the days, really got to me. As a com. www.corkdogtraining- themselves and their dogs back each other. birds at the feeder. But, mostly result, everything Juno did an- classes.com CANINE CORNER in line. What was apparent Set Boundaries: That means I sipped my coffee, took deep, noyed me! She hadn’t changed overall was the lack of respect establishing and maintaining slow breaths to ground myself Liz Mahony between owner and pet. a routine for you and the dog. enjoying the warmth of the sun. Look at it this way – if you The boundaries are the things I could feel all the tension and Our dogs loved it (lockdown) because they Liz Mahony is an experienced give in to children every time you allow or don’t allow your anxiety slipping away. had our company 24/7. The trouble was that Dog Trainer and Holistic they demand something and dog. For example, if you taught Personal space: Personal this created problems. We gave them so much Therapist for all animals. In her never teach them the meaning your dog not to cadge from space is that bubble that sur- attention and privileges they began to think monthly column, Liz aims to of ‘no’, they become horribly the table; not to jump up; not rounds us and separates us from promote mutual respect between spoilt. The same thing applies to sit on the sofa, then don’t each other. Anyone, including a they owned the place or developed acute carer and dog. to your dog. The only differ- allow him those things during dog that jumps into your space separation anxiety in our absence. ence is that dogs get quite ag- lockdown. Bad habits are much uninvited, is unwelcome. Prac- gressive and will growl and bite harder to get rid of than good tice strengthening that personal to get their own way. But both ones! space. It’s worth it. ockdown took a while grow up showing no respect. If you’re working from Be Consistent: Dogs are to get used to the first This time around, lockdown home, then it’s especially black and white. They thrive time around but once we is much harder and we no important to have those bound- on routine, but, more than that, Laccepted the restrictions, we longer feel we’re ‘all in this aries. That’s time for training, they like you to be consistent in knuckled down and got on with together’! Our anxiety levels walking, feeding, ‘quality’ time how you deal with them. it. After all, we were ‘all in it are that much greater, as there for the dog and work time when These days that can be a together’. is nothing but doom and gloom you mustn’t be disturbed. huge ask. It’s so easy to one Our dogs loved it because in the news. ‘Me’ Time: That’s the time minute cuddle our dogs and they had our company 24/7. Dogs have always found it when you re-charge your then shout at them for no appar- The trouble was that this creat- stressful living with us ‘cheek batteries all by yourself doing ent reason. ed problems. We gave them so by jowl’ and this last year, whatever it takes to restore your Be Calm: As much as you much attention and privileg- and especially now, it’s even equilibrium so you can face can, treat your dog as even- es they began to think they more stressful for them. When the rest of the day. If your dog handedly as possible. That owned the place or developed we humans get over-anxious is jumping on you, nudging follows on from the above. So West Cork Bird Race within your 5km What could be more would normally run at this time Email your list and the num- to live close to the coast or some exercise, and have fun Ireland. The public response of the year is the West Cork ber of species that you have by an estuary are likely to see identifying birds. has been amazing. In 2020, romantic on St. Valen- Bird Race. This is where teams recorded, together with your more species than those who While you are out and about, BirdWatch Ireland saw a large tine’s weekend than a of four drive around a predeter- name and location to Nicholas live further inland. Don’t forget stop walking for a moment, increase in its membership, so walk with nature? Dave mined area between Clonakilty Mitchell (secretary@bird- though; this is all about taking stand still and listen. Birds are thank you! Please continue to Rees Nicholas and Rosscarbery, identifying as watchirelandwestcork.ie). part and not about winning. starting to sing. You can proba- help. If you are not a member and many different species of birds The Branch will publish the This is an ideal event for bly identify some or all of your of BirdWatch Ireland, please Mitchell of the West as they can over the course of a top 10 on its Facebook page. members of the family to take garden birds by sight, but what consider it. If you are, then Cork Branch of Bird- day. This has become a popular There will be no prizes; this is part in together, or for anyone if you cannot see them? Do you please tell your family and Watch Ireland explain (and highly competitive) event. purely for fun. Obviously those just wanting to go out for walk know their songs and calls? friends. You can also help by Unfortunately this year, due people that are lucky enough by themselves. So get out, get February through to April is an buying things like bird feeders where the West Cork to the Covid-19 restrictions, excellent time of year to learn and high quality bird food from Bird Race comes in. it will not be possible to hold birdsong. There are no leaves the BirdWatch Ireland shop the Bird Race in this format. on the trees, at this time of year, birdwatchireland.ie/shop. ike everyone else, the Instead, the Branch invites you so it’s much easier to see which Thanks, enjoy the Bird Race, West Cork Branch of to take part in a 5km Bird Race. bird is singing, and by the time and let us know how you get on BirdWatch Ireland The race will take place over that you have crawled through with learning birdsong. Lhas been hit by the restric- the weekend of February 13 scrub and brambles to find him tions introduced to combat and 14. (with a few exceptions, it’s the Covid-19 pandemic. This The rules are simple: mostly males that sing), his means that we have not been • Over the course of the song will be imprinted in your able to run any events or weekend, walk or cycle (leave memory! outings. Our last one was on your car at home) around the The Branch would still love March 7 last year! However, we allowed 5km radius from your to hear about the birds in your do know that, if there is any- house and record as many bird garden, or of any difficulties thing positive to be taken from species as you can. Please that you may have with bird these times, it is that people are only go out with members of identification. You can post pic- taking more of an interest in your household or bubble and tures, stories and questions on For more information about their environment, whether it be stick to your 5km radius. our Facebook Page (search for the Branch contact Nicholas feeding the birds in the garden, • Birds can be identified by @BirdWatchIrelandWestCork Mitchell at secretary@ taking part in the Garden Bird either sight or by sound. on Facebook or Messenger) or birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie or Survey, or going out for walks • The birds can be outside of on Twitter @BWIWestCork. join our mailing list by sending and getting to know the local your 5km radius as long as Covid has had a severe an email to mailinglist@ birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie. area. you see or hear them whilst Female Stonechat, one of the species that you may encounter impact on all our lives, as well One of the events that we you are within your 5km. Pic: Nicholas Mitchell as on charities like BirdWatch 38 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Environment : Making a difference ‘Good News’ in journey to rid world of nuclear Anti-nuclear activist, MEP Grace O’Sullivan welcomes breakthrough, saying ‘there’s still a long way to go though’ of the bombs, so sickeningly continues. dubbed Little Boy and Fat Man, Many countries with nuclear were ferocious. capacity have signed other key The playful name tags belied treaties, however the precarity the cruel efficiency with which around possession of weapons those man-made harbingers of that have the potential to oblit- death undertook their as- erate, means that entire coopera- signed duty. In the immediate tion is vital. wake of the explosions over One such key treaty, The 200,000 people perished. Many Treaty on the Non-Proliferation others were left with horrific, of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is life-changing injuries. Pictures a significant agreement, whose of the gnarled flesh of people origins are closely connected who suffered severe thermal Grace and Luka Bloom protest at the French Embassy. to Ireland (in 1958 Minister GROUNDED burns are as disturbing today as dent Joe Biden and Russian It was initially approved by Frank Aiken introduced the they were then. President Vladimir Putin have 122 nations at the 2017 UN ‘Irish Resolutions’ at the UN, An occasional column by But that wasn’t the end of which eventually led to NPT). Grace O’Sullivan – mother, agreed to extend what’s known General Assembly. By the end the horror and while current as the New START nuclear of October last year, thanks weapon, whether by miscalcula- The NPT came into force in environment and peace survivors of the attacks dwindle, 1970, and while the United activist, ecologist, MEP nonproliferation treaty, is good largely to massive efforts by tion or design or accident.’ as old-age takes its toll, the news following on from news civil society, NGOs such as Having seen firsthand some States is a signatory, four of the Grace, a mother of three from long-term damage has been released just days earlier, on Greenpeace and, in particular, of the impacts on the ground nine ‘Nuclear Weapons States’ Tramore, Co.Waterford, spent 20 multi-faceted and deep. Nuclear January 22, that another interna- the work of the International in areas of the world where are not (Israel, India, Pakistan, years working with Greenpeace and fallout, leukemia and other ra- tional nuclear treaty, the ‘Treaty Campaign to Abolish Nuclear nuclear testing has taken place North Korea). was a crewmember of the Rainbow diation-linked cancers, anaemia on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the treaty over the years I can attest to At the risk of overloading Warrior, when it was bombed by the and ulcers have been rife. And Weapons’ (TPNW) had entered received the 50 ratifications it the suffering. Nowhere today this column with acronyms, the French Foreign Intelligence Service that’s saying nothing of the other main treaty in this area in 1985. She served as a Senator for into force. needed to enter into force. is it more visible than in the ongoing psychological impacts is the Comprehensive Nuclear three years, before being elected to I joined Greenpeace over 30 As an Irish woman, I’m Marshall Islands, where to this the European Parliament, where on a society, and of course, on years ago and spent 20 years proud to say that Ireland played day the now-precarious Runit Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which she is a proactive and outspoken the world. The earth most surely there as an activist working its part in the process that has Dome, a massive concrete bans all nuclear explosions/ member of important commit- shifted on its axis on those bleak on environment and peace led to the adoption of TPNW. enclosure locals nickname ‘The tests on Earth. It was adopted tees on Fisheries (PECH), and August days in 1945. campaigns. Over my time with It was no accident, and fittingly Tomb’ contains the equivalent by the UN General Assembly Environment, Public Health and While Hiroshima and Greenpeace and ever since, I symbolic, that Ireland chose of 35 olympic sized swimming in 1996. To date, 184 states Food Safety (ENVI). She is also a Nagasaki remain the only have signed and 168 states have member of delegations on Mercosur have campaigned against nu- to deposit its ratification of the pools of radioactive debris. It’s and Palestine, and a member of a nuclear explosions unleashed in clear weapons. So (on that front TPNW on August 6, 2020, a a disturbing sight to see and ratified the CTBT. In order number of working groups. She conflict, atmospheric and under- at least) last week was a good date that also marks the 75th a sloppy attempt at contain- for it to enter force, however, is Green Party Spokesperson on ground nuclear testing have had news week for me. anniversary of the bombing of ment, supposedly dealing with 44 specified ‘nuclear-capable Environmental Protection, Natural a massive impact on people’s TPNW is particularly Hiroshima. life-threatening waste from the states’ must ratify. Of these 44, Resources, Marine and Tourism. lives and the environment in significant, as it prohibits the The Department of Foreign 67 nuclear bombs the United India, Pakistan and North Korea the intervening years. Nuclear possession, development, use Affairs stands over its commit- States unleashed on the islands have not signed, and only 36 weapons have been responsible countries have ratified. t’s over 75 years since the and threat of use of nuclear ments to achieving a world ‘free from 1946 to 58. for too many lives and too much We have a long way to go, appalling news broke that weapons. It’s the first multilater- from the threat of nuclear weap- While recent developments long-term, irreparable ecologi- but in recent days there have the heavily-populated Jap- al nuclear disarmament treaty in ons.’ It is, the Department clear- are good news, there is a long cal destruction. been enough positive break- Ianese cities of Hiroshima and more than two decades, and has ly states in publications on this way to go. Disarmament of And so it is that I welcome throughs to give me a renewed Nagasaki had been the victims been hailed as, in the words of topic ‘an historic, long-standing nuclear weapons remains a news on this most disturbing of sense of hope. of nuclear attack. These were UN Secretary-General António priority for Ireland (that is) mo- high priority for the United topics in recent days. the dramatic actions that ear- Guterres ‘an important step tivated by the immense human Nations and in order to increase The announcement on marked the closing days of our towards a world free of nuclear suffering which would arise international security and safety January 27 that US Presi- second World War. The impacts weapons.’ from the detonation of a nuclear on this issue it is vital that work Ireland shuts the door on O’Sullivan calls on Council to new gas and oil overturn unfair recycling centre ampaigners welcome the due to the many grassroots groups the ground to prevent runaway Government’s proposal and activists who have contacted climate change.” for a national ban on all their TDs, signed petitions and The ban is included in the price-hike policy Cfuture oil and gas exploration and took to the streets on this issue for revised Climate Action Bill which extraction in Ireland. many years. was due to go before the Cabinet recent decision by Cork doubling the price of bringing The hikes also put recycling Ireland will now become the “We now need to see a legally on February 2. The revisions to County Council to hike timbre to the centres. centre staff in an awkward second country in Europe and robust ban in legislation that the Bill have come as recommen- the price for recycling “You run down to the recy- position, as they nay have built only the fourth in the world to prevents any loopholes or legal dations from the Joint Oireachtas Afor owners of commercial vehi- cling centre after a long day at up friendships with regular introduce a definitive national ban challenges from the offshore oil Committee on Climate Action, cles is both counter-productive work, throw your bag of house- users but are now being asked through legislation on all fossil and gas industry, especially in following significant debate and and unfair, Cork South West hold recycling into your van to triple their prices, deputy fuel exploration. the context of existing fossil fuel a series of expert witnesses who In 2017 Ireland took the first entitlements and leases. We will came before the Committee late Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan and you’re suddenly faced with O’Sullivan said. steps to legally prohibiting gas be calling for the ending of all oil last year. The Bill still needs said. a €10 instead of the standard “I’ve asked Council to re- extraction with a legal ban on and gas exploration with a specific to pass through a number of For many small business €3,” Deputy O’Sullivan said. view this decision,” he said. fracking onshore. This next step date for the termination of existing additional legislative stages within owners their work and private “This sort of thing will “As it stands, right now, the will extend that ban to any new oil licenses. the Houses of the Oireachtas vehicle is the same. Deputy lead to more fly-tipping and price hikes are too extreme and or gas exploration in our offshore “We may only be a small coun- before becoming law. This is a O’Sullivan is calling on the dumping. In this day-and-age will drive people away from waters. try, but we have a huge opportu- priority piece of legislation for the Council to overturn a deci- we’re supposed to be incentiv- recycling. That is the exact Kate Ruddock, Deputy Director nity for greater global leadership, Government and was a key item sion that raised the price of ising people to recycle. This opposite of what we want.” of Friends of the Earth comment- particularly during our time on agreed under the Programme for recycling from a commercial disincentivizes as far as I’m ed, “The campaign to keep fossil the UN security council. Globally Government. vehicle to €10, as well as concerned.” fuels in the ground is strong and we need to leave over 80% of sustained here in Ireland. Credit is known reserves of fossil fuels in February 5 – March 4, 2021 39 people Environment : Making a difference West Cork bites into the ‘doughnut’

Everyone knows what a doughnut looks like. But what on Earth is ‘doughnut The Doughnut of social economics’ (as recommended by President Higgins, David Attenborough, and the and planetary boundaries. Courtesy of : Kate Raworth and Pope)? Moze Jacobs and Alice Glendinning shed some light on the subject. Christian Guthier. CC-BY-SA 4.0

nglish economist Kate and just space for humanity’. So what about Ireland? Raworth decided in 2012 The hole in the middle is exactly President Michael D. Higgins, that this is exactly how that – a shortfall. Coloured red the first head of state who Egrowth should unfold –– circu- (a warning signal) are all the ar- publicly praised the method, lar, instead of a single straight eas of lack that too many people referred to “living in the Dough- line going up and up at a slant still face (or fear that they might nut” as “humanity’s overriding like an airplane that has taken tumble into). Such as housing, goal”. There is a national Irish off but can never land. This peace and justice, (clean) water doughnut network, IDEN, old (and increasingly obsolete) and energy, good health, (nutri- which meets regularly. And economic model has had many tious and affordable) food. But a local group, the West Cork ‘unfortunate’ side effects: Huge these worldwide deficiencies Doughnut Economy Network, inequality and the systemic can only be remedied, in the is also swinging into action. It destruction of biodiversity. long term, and for the benefit of intends to connect communities, Traditional economics pre- future generations, if we respect groups, individuals and busi- tends that natural resources are what Raworth calls the ‘ecolog- nesses that want to implement ‘free’ and external: Even if life ical ceiling’. Otherwise known the ‘doughnut ideas’. on the planet totally depends on as the nine limits of earth’s Absolutely essential is the aim it. The norm was, and often still life-supporting systems that we to meet people’s basic needs, is, to produce, use, and throw cannot afford to overshoot if as defined in the 17 Sustainable away. Never mind the Great Pa- our species wants to continue to Development Goals such as ‘no cific Garbage Patch with its 1.8 exist at all. poverty’, ‘full and productive… trillion pieces of plastic. Never Kate Raworth’s doughnut is a work for all’, ‘clean water’, and mind people doing meaningless system-in-progress that is being ‘halt biodiversity loss’. Owing Allison. “That is already hap- agricultural standard is certified es. If we had more of them, our jobs for low pay. And never trialled in the US and also in to the urgency of the latter pening more and more via my by Fairtrade International and towns would thrive. Small and mind the ridiculous debt burdens Europe. Last April, Amsterdam and the gravity of the current website.” She is very passionate the Rainforest Alliance. Both walkable centres. That should be that can never be repaid. officially announced that it is economic situation change may about eco-packaging, is keen to are ‘committed to tackling the future!” Raworth’s alternative ‘going doughnut’ (spearhead- no longer be an impossible pipe share her knowledge, and lets unsustainable production and The West Cork Doughnut economics offers a different ed by the deputy mayor) and dream. If we’re lucky! other people benefit from her market practices’. No child Economy Network will be set- approach. Her idea is to design in September, the Doughnut There examples of people research. “I am taking it step labour or slavery. Guaranteed ting up meetings for businesses healthy economies, where Economics Action Lab (DEAL) and businesses in West Cork, by step and advising them to minimum prices. In other words and communities and indi- people can survive, thrive, and was launched, which serves as and elsewhere in Ireland, that not see change as this massive – less poverty. Allison explains viduals. If you’d like to know feel safe in the knowledge that a testing ground and think-tank. already go out of their way to do beast. Add one thing at the time that she buys all her cocoa beans more, please send an email to they will continue to have food Meanwhile, hundreds of cities, things differently. Take Explod- to your list. Start with your tape from a Fairtrade co-operative westcorkdoughnuteconomynet- on the table and a roof over their villages, and groups with an ing Tree (formerly Clonakilty supplier, then pay attention in Ghana. “There are systems [email protected] and/or read head and work that is fulfilling appetite for a changed and more chocolate), founded and run by to labels and so on.” On her of abuse in commodities that I next month’s West Cork People. and not demeaning. How that responsible and social economic Allison Roberts. As avid readers website www.explodingtree. absolutely want to avoid,” she food is packaged and grown is system are flocking to www. of West Cork People will know, com she lists her suppliers (e.g. says. “But I am also consciously Irish Doughnut network: an unresolved global issue. We doughnuteconomics.org. she abhors waste (and loves for biodegradable, compostable part of the local ‘ecosystem’. To www.doughnuteconomics.org/ cannot keep plundering nature Does Raworth provide ready- bicycles, which is a different sleeves and vegetable-based me, that means a focus on com- events/56 and exhausting our resources. It to-eat recipes? story, although sustainable ink). Equally important to how munity-minded small business- is completely illogical. It makes No. Local ingredients differ; transport matters in a dough- she runs her business is the no sense. no community or situation is nut context). “In my dream origin of ingredients. Everything The ring of Kate’s doughnut alike. Each solution is place- world, I’d be able to sell all my is Fairtrade. This worldwide is green. It indicates ‘the safe based. chocolate bars unwrapped,” says Inchydoney walkway Short-term emissions reductions due to the Covid-19 project elects Chair he Inchydoney Walkway Project (IWP) has elected Eoin pandemic do not negate the need for targeted and sustained Hurley as chair at its inaugural meeting. Inchydoney resident Jerome Lynch was elected as vice chair. action across all sectors TThe group met in January to appoint officers with a range of ex- he (Environmental to that seen following the global from the global pandemic, a chance of achieving our collec- pertise in fields such as engineering, environmental protection and Protection Agency (EPA) financial crisis. However, the ‘green’ stimulus and implemen- tive mission. council liaison, with the express goal of building a safe, sustainable and Sustainable Energy economic rebound from the tation of ambitious policies and The investment needed in all walkway between Clonakilty and Inchydoney Island. TAuthority of Ireland (SEAI) have Covid-19 crisis is estimated to measures can deliver Ireland’s sectors to address the climate Eoin Hurley, who has more than 30 experience managing major jointly released an analysis of the bring emissions back to previous current and future commitments crisis provides tremendous international engineering and construction projects, said he was impact of COVID-19 restric- levels, unless additional action to a climate-neutral economy and opportunities for warmer and excited to be part of the project. “For too long the only safe way to tions on greenhouse gas (GHG) is taken. climate-resilient society by 2050. cheaper to run homes and busi- get to Inchydoney has been by car,” he said. “As someone who lives emissions in 2020. The estimates Commenting on the figures The emissions reductions in nesses, a growth in green jobs in on the main route to Inchydoney I’ve seen the huge volume of car show a reduction in greenhouse Laura Burke, Director General, 2020 must be built on to achieve Ireland, cleaner air in our towns traffic, and I’ve seen many close calls with pedestrians who have no gas emissions of almost six per EPA said:“We are at a pivotal continual, substantial, year-on- and cities and more open spaces safe walking route to get to the island. cent in 2020 compared to 2019. point for our economy, and the year reductions, making the for us all to enjoy. “This is a huge opportunity for us to do something brilliant for The estimates are based on recovery steps we take now will 2020’s the decade of climate Climate action has to be a residents of Inchydoney, Clonakilty and visitors to the area.” monthly indicator data, allowing shape Ireland for the next de- action.’ national priority at all levels of No single route has yet been agreed on; the IWP will explore all for earlier estimation – compared cade. While these early estimates Commenting, William Walsh, society, led by Government, avenues and engage in consultation with residents, landowners and to the more comprehensive annu- show a reduction in greenhouse CEO, SEAI said:“The Pro- and supported by businesses, stakeholders while also facilitating feasibility studies into the best al data used by the EPA to pro- gas emissions for 2020 as a gramme for Government and communities and individuals all options for the walkway. duce Ireland’s GHG Inventory. result of Covid restrictions, this the Climate Action Plan are very working together. The public “It’s an exciting time for Clonakilty,” Cork South West Deputy There were significant changes level of emission reductions, clear on the scale of ambition health emergency has made us Christopher O’Sullivan added. “There have been efforts to do this in energy-related emissions, par- at a minimum, will be required necessary to achieve Ireland’s all think about what’s important. before, but now we have a dedicated and committed group with a ticularly transport and residential annually. clean energy transition. This will I hope that, in time, people can range of expertise who want to see this through. sector emissions, as a result of Ireland needs a ‘green recov- require a national conversation find that same connection and “The benefits to the community from this project will last long new living and work practices ery’ to rebuild our economy, to find solutions and innovate, resolve when it comes to taking into the future.” brought about by Covid-19. The generate new jobs and respond changing way we live, work and climate action.” For updates please visit Facebook and Instagram pages: The overall reduction is comparable to climate change. As we emerge rebuild our economy to give us a Inchydoney Walkway Project 40 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Environment : Making a difference When zero waste is far from zero – it can be a plus Government policy to legislation making shipping improve the environment has of mixed plastics from Europe consistently encouraged recy- to underdeveloped countries cling, however the material that illegal. is sent for recycling is mostly Data from Eurostat shows that shipped to Asia. Indeed, waste Ireland produces the highest vol- plastic has become an import- ume of plastic waste per person ant mainstream trade. Global in the EU. This leaves us with a annual imports and exports of significant problem. plastic waste have been rapidly Nik Spencer of Mission increasing since 1993. In 2016 Resources states: “The issue of ENVIRONMENTAL alone, about half of all plastic protecting our environment from MATTERS waste intended for recycling our own ‘waste’ is critical. The was exported, with China taking continuing action of discarding Fiona Hayes most of it. material with no further purpose, Collectively, China and Hong to the well evidenced and doc- Kong have imported 72.4 per umented broken ‘waste’ system live on the edge of the River cent of all plastic waste. Hong in the blind faith it is not causing Ilen where the river is still Kong acts as an entry port into harm to the environment, must tidal. Every so often I walk China, with most of the plastic be significantly reduced with Ialong the river’s edge collecting waste that has been imported to haste, to avoid untold environ- waste plastic, glass bottles and Hong Kong (63pc) also going mental and human health issues. tins or aluminium cans that have directly to China as an export. This requires a Paradigm Shift washed up along the shore line. Out of all plastic waste imported in our way of thinking, driven I put it in plastic bags and into Asia, only about 20 per cent by Life Cycle Assessment.” phone the council who send is recyclable. This 20 per cent is The paradigm shift Nik is in a lack of oxygen” he told me scrubbed through a water screen elegant solutions to our environ- someone to come and collect it removed and traded whilst the talking about is to stop thinking “and wait for millions of years filter, passes through a cyclone mental problems. and take it to a municipal site. other 80 per cent is dumped into of ‘waste’ and instead call it whilst the heat from the earth to spin off the moisture, through However, we not only need I go home, have a cup of tea landfill or the riverbanks and ‘resource’. transforms it into hydrocarbons. a compressor, and thence di- technological solutions and and feel a mix of righteousness, finishes up in the ocean. His view is that every home HERU does exactly that process rected to a storage tank until it’s community efforts but we also sadness and frustration, because Most of the plastic that I pick and every business should but speeds it up.” needed by your boiler. need the political will to respond I know that on the next high tide up from the banks of the river, manage this valuable resource at All that is left is ash contain- to those technological solutions, more rubbish will get dumped in an effort to stop it entering source, cutting out the need for ing a gritty substance called creating policy that supports on the edge of the river and the oceans, makes an expensive expensive transport to central “Bury a dinosaur or lye. The final stage involves the them and puts them within reach journey across the world and collection areas and redistribu- more rubbish from the edge a tree in the earth in HERU pressure-washing its own by using subsidies and grants. of the river will re-enter the ends up in the ocean; because tion. innards to flush the ash down We need policy that allows com- waterways. we simply give our waste Nik’s solution is slow a lack of oxygen” he the drain. Lye helps clean the munities to choose a regenera- Sadly, research shows that problem to other countries; who pyrolysis, using the resource told me “and wait for sewers and because it is alkaline tive future and works on clearing most of what I pick up will ei- just like us, do not really have in individual waste-to-energy it helps neutralise the sulphuric up our unsustainable past. ther go to landfill or end up back the resources to deal effectively plants connected to a boiler, hot millions of years whilst acid drained to sewers by Stop thinking ‘waste’ start in the water on some far-flung with it. water tank and your drain. You the heat from the earth modern boilers. This sulphuric thinking ‘resource’. shore. In 2013, the Chinese Green open the device’s lid, put in your transforms it into hydro- acid inhibits the bacteria used Find more about HERU at Tins, bottles and plastic need Fence campaign saw intensive rubbish, which can be anything in water treatment plants, so www.myheru.com. to be clean if they are to be to be inspections by China of incom- from spoiled food to grass cut- carbons. HERU does neutralising it is helpful to the recycled. If the plastic I pick up ing loads of waste material, tings to used nappies and plastic exactly that process but water companies. is not clean, it will contaminate in an effort to enforce import packaging. Close the lid. Press speeds it up.” We urgently need to find the recycling stream. If I mix regulations. the start button. Walk away. recyclable plastic with non-recy- This resulted in a reduction His company has created My clable plastic, I will contaminate of plastic waste accepted at HERU (home energy recycling Using HERU produces a the recycling stream. the Chinese border, with some unit), a heat pump run on the very small amount of oily According to figures from shipments being turned away very materials that we no longer vapour that passes over the heat Repak: In Ireland, 100,000 and sent back to the source want and have such a problem exchangers and condenses. The tonnes of contaminated recy- countries. getting rid of. oil content is washed off the clable material is sent to landfill As China tightened up it’s Nik says all materials’ lifecy- heat exchangers and along with each year, causing considerable laws and refused to accept much cles should be examined so that any chlorine flushed down the damage to the environment. of the West’s plastic waste, other at the end of their lifecycle there drain. Removing the chlorine Repak estimates that each per- countries followed with Indo- should be nothing that could S P before the combustion stage son in Ireland generates 61 kg of nesia, Malaysia, Thailand and damage the environment. He de- avoids dangerous dioxins being plastic packaging waste per year. Vietnam bringing in restrictions scribes pyrolysis as the speeding produced. The combustion Too much of that ends up in the in 2018. up of a natural process. “Bury stage produces syngas which is ECOCIDE January 1, 2021 saw the new a dinosaur or a tree in the earth ocean. change the law Cork South West Greens query dumping of new recycling charges on the public ew increased charges for Civic Amenity Centres announced places the emphasis on industries to pay the cost of recycling, not by Cork County Council took effect from February 1. the public. These measures will just add to the illegal dumping “It seems the council have failed to recognise that by problem.” Nincreasing charges they will ultimately cause more rubbish to be “We need more civic amenity centres, not more costs. Residents dumped illegally. Yet again, we are seeing charges being levied on and businesses in Kinsale have to travel 20km to the nearest centre the public when the source of the problem is with manufacturers in Bandon to avail of full their full recycling and waste facilities. and producers. We need to continue to encourage people the recycle Kinsale is going to see significant growth in the coming years and and look after their household rubbish responsibly – it is not an ef- it now that we need increased investment in providing a full and fective policy to put barriers in their way” said Rory Jackson, Green comprehensive waste and recycling service there,” commented Party Rep for Skibbereen. Marc O’Riain, Green Party Kinsale Rep. “Cork County Council needs to explain the reasons for these Let’s stop the dumping of charges on the public. The time for increased charges and why they are not pursuing manufacturers and Cork County Council to review these charges and the provision of www.stopECOCIDE.earth suppliers for compensation directly. The United Nations Secretariat services to the public is now. We have no more time to waste! @ecocidelaw adopted a new 10-year Climate Action Plan in 2019 that specifically February 5 – March 4, 2021 41 people Home & Garden Home design trends for 2021 INTERIOR STYLING FOR YOUR HOME & BUSINESS Virtual Consultations on Zoom, FaceTime or Skype Single room to full home designs Virtual Staging Consultations Online personal shopping Maura Mackey service available Design Virtual Colour ALL THINGS INTERIOR Consultations Mood boards with INTERIORS store availability listings Maura Mackey m 087-7699714 k [email protected] www.mauramackey.ie Maura Mackey is a Cork-based interior and retail display designer. A professional with an eye for Munster property prices detail and interior styling, she thrives on giving any home The use of neautral the ‘showhouse feel’ when up colours, natural feel set to increase in 2021 for sale or rental from a home continued to work from home to staging point of view. On the materials and plenty save up enough money to fund a other hand, if you are looking of comfortable seating deposit for their first home.” to give your home a makeover makes the room above 83 per cent of agents report hav- or restyling, ‘Maura Mackey ing low levels of stock available Design’ will help you achieve on trend for 2021. in Q4 as sellers were reluctant to put property on the market, which the home of your dreams. Meanwhile vibrant led to a shortage of second-hand maura@ P: 087-7699714. wallpaper in rich homes. Several agents said the mauramackeydesign.ie colours is also being slowdown in instructions was ultimately due to lack of supply e’re into 2021 seen. Use it in just with potential vendors defer- and still spending one area to make a big ring selling due to the lack of most of our time impact. alternative options. New homes Wat home. Transformed into construction was down as a result multi-functional spaces, be it of closure in first lockdown and in- for education, entertainment, or creased restrictions slowing down HIGH STYLE ACCESSORIES construction. With the construc- hospitality, I think it is fair to – This year accessories will be say that our living room or open Society of Chartered Survey- tion sector projected not to return bolder in colour, more artful to 2019 levels of new completions plan living spaces is where most ors Ireland, Southern region and personal. For living spaces, until 2024 (Ernst & Young Report) families are spending most of we are seeing plush, comfort- Vice Chairperson, Majella the SCSI says housing supply and their time together, especially at able seating, rich tones and Galvin shares key findings demand equilibrium may not be the end of a day. layered styling. from their annual residential achieved until 2031. By that stage There are a few design de- property review and outlook it’s predicted the sector will need velopments in this area that we ENTERTAINMENT SPAC- for 2021. to be building in excess of 60,000 will see this year: ES – Everyone loves a good units per annum, over three times the current output. Neutral colour schemes, entertainment area in their hile the property splashes of bold colours, market was dominated The society of chartered home, be it for family dinners surveyors Ireland annual report relaxed seating areas, entertain- or social gatherings. Did we by Covid-19 in 2020, ment space and large dining Wresidential property prices proved also showed high levels of interest ever think ‘staying in would be areas are just a few trends to surprisingly resilient throughout from UK buyers who wish to MORE SEATING AREAS – a sense of calmness. Choose the new going out.’ I can see relocate to Ireland in order to stay emerge. the year and are set to increase by People want living rooms or natural elements that incorpo- more attention being paid to in the EU with country homes and Consider the below when an average of 5 per cent in Mun- spaces that are more functional, rate your style and connect with TV’s, sound systems and com- coastal property continuing to be planning your living space. ster in 2021 according to the Soci- comfortable and usable in these your overall interior. fortable seating areas. Seating ety of Chartered Surveyors Ireland popular sellers. “We notice people times –add a few accent chairs will become a priority in order looking to buy holiday homes in RELAXED AND COZY (SCSI). The shift towards demand around the room or consider STRONG COLOURS MIXED to enjoy ‘family movie’ time for rural properties was evident West Cork and many looking for VIBE – Cozy isn’t a style but adding an extra couch to the WITH NEUTRALS – Neutral or headlining concerts. Dining in the reports findings and is a a project to refurbish a property” a feeling; the homey ambience space by changing the layout tones are always a popular in will also change; people will trend that is set to continue. The said Majella. of a room that makes us want In a market where there is of the room. If possible, think choice and this year is no want more beautifully designed transition to working from home to curl up, relax and cocoon increased demand and reduced about creating a window seat different. Saying that there is kitchens, comfortable table and has led to a reordering of people’s ourselves from the world. supply this will lead to increased with cushions in your living also a big move to the use of chairs, while also paying atten- priorities and is driving interest Furnish your room with plenty property prices, however it must area. By creating extra seating stronger and bolder colours tion to serving dishes and ware. in larger properties in regional lo- of comfortable seating, adding cations with good broadband and be noted, central bank rules lim- options, families can be togeth- and patterns. Green is a very It’s amazing how all these home extra comfy chairs if need- lots of amenities as well as holiday iting the majority of borrowers to er, no matter what activities popular choice: Sage is calming comforts give us that feeling of 3.5 times salary along with loan- ed and decorate with warm homes in secondary locations. they are pursuing. and positive, reminding us of contentment. to-value restrictions, have kept colours, layered with fluffy or The prospect of buying your freedom and the outdoors and For the past 10 months or prices in the residential market velvet cushions and soft throws. own home, especially for first time USE OF NATURAL MATE- in these strange times people more, people have tried to strive relatively stable and look to be Add a wool or synthetic rug on buyers become more attainable. RIALS – Natural materials for need this sense of freedom. for and will continue to strive For many, their income remained preventing the double-digit price your floor and fill the room with your home are always a good Wallpapers are a big hit and will for, the atmosphere they’ve the same but their spending growth of the Celtic Tiger. books and personal objects. choice; they are durable, envi- continue into this year: Cole & missed at their favourite restau- decreased, which led to higher “In my opinion, country and Introduce mood lighting – ronmentally-friendly, improve Sons and Graham & Brown are rant, theatre or gastro pub, from savings. October saw the highest coastal properties could see higher lamps on tables, floor lamps, growth rates than the average the microclimate of indoor very popular ranges. Beautiful furniture to lighting to a great number of mortgage approvals. a few candles and a signature estimated for Munster. I would en- spaces and look stylish, re- rich browns are going to be sound system. From an interiors Majella Galvin of DNG Galvin scent will always make a room visage price increases of up to 10 gardless of changing styles and everywhere in furniture and point of view surround yourself said, “Home buyers could increase feel cosy. per cent in West Cork.” Concluded trends. Using natural materials décor; even wicker and rattan with what makes you happy in savings as their disposable expenditure had decreased. I’ve Majella. like marble, wood and caning are making a comeback. your home and colours that give met couples who moved home, in your living room can create you a spring in your step. 42 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Home & Garden A good time for a project e are starting to see saved by my project to clear and trimmings. It gives me patch, then maybe this could results. He has a great Youtube a few brave spring the small but significant area time to think and plan and has be a good project for you. channel with everything you flowers popping of woodland we planted as a undoubtedly made this winter Even one or two beds. The best need to know and more. I was Wup and on sunny days and it shelter belt along our border. with all it’s stress and restric- way to start is with the ‘no dig’ lucky enough to meet him in would be easy to persuade our- I started clearing an area just tions much easier to cope with. method. The finest proponent 1985 at the beginning of his selves that spring is just around to plant spring bulbs, pulling I will run out of time of of this method is Charles journey and continue to learn the corner. I am usually the up ivy and brambles only to course, there is lots of clearing Dowding who has been prac- from him. As I say, it’s a good first person to rush into sowing realise that under all the debris still to do, but I am determined tising and researching this for time for a project. A COTTAGE seeds very early but it is rarely were hundreds of bluebells just to get as far as a tree that I over 35 years with wonderful GARDEN PROJECT worth it. Once the evenings coming through the ground. I planted a couple of years ago. stretch out and the tempera- knew there were bluebells and Prunus serrulata Tai-haku, the Jean Perry ture rises, later sowings catch other bulbs among the trees Great White Cherry. In my up and often overtake earlier but over the last few years mind’s eye I can imagine it Jean Perry of Glebe Gardens seedlings that have struggled of neglect there were fewer in flower with the uncovered will share the ongoing with cold spells and lack of flowers and in some cases just bluebells all around. successes and failures of light. Meanwhile there is still leaves. Now that I have started Keeping up the theme of growing a small cottage garden plenty to be getting on with, clearing I can’t stop, so every white blossom, I have planted using no-dig and organic apart from planning, sorting opportunity I have, every rea- a group of Amelanchier principles to see just how seeds and buying the extra that sonably dry few hours I haul lamarckii in one of the gaps. much food she can get out of you need. Now is a good time away barrow-loads of bram- These are small beautiful such a plot. Join her on this for a project, and over the last bles, ivy, nettles and scrub. trees that have delicate white journey… few months, while gardening Apart from the hundreds of flowers followed by edible has been really restricted by bulbs I’ve uncovered, there is berries that birds like too. sometimes dramatic winter much more space. I have al- This is obviously a long term weather, my sanity has been ready planted a few shrubs and project but that will give me trees and hundreds more bulbs. time to choose trees and plants Clumps of giant snowflakes, carefully. newly uncovered, are already Now more than ever I feel it flowering and a mixture of is so important to make careful small narcissus, woodland choices taking on our respon- tulips, Tulipa sylvestris, eryth- sibility for the health and bio- roniums and scillas will follow diversity of the environment. crocuses. I’ve tried to choose We as gardeners can do so varieties that will be useful for much, the way we grow things, early emerging bees, butter- what we grow, composting our flies, moths and hoverflies. I waste, trying to use less plastic, love working among the trees, and where possible growing clearing, pruning and making a some of our own food. If you dead hedge with the thinnings haven’t already got a vegetable Bed preparation Mags Riordan of end) garden fork and rake. A of the fork to help, removing Bumblebee Farm con- good digging fork will be im- all roots, especially perennial portant, and I find one that has ones, as these will regenerate tinues to guide us all a handle is easier on my back. otherwise. through the planning, Having decided where Next add two decent planting and caring of a you’re putting the bed, we do barrow-loads of well-rotted recommend an out of view manure. If you have access to bed for cut flowers. By spot in full sun because this is farm-yard-manure so much the the time summer arrives a utilitarian bed, which you’ll better (make sure it’s at least a the bed should boast be cutting from, not creating to year old or it will rob nitrogen admire in all its glory. It’s best from the soil while decompos- an abundance of polli- to measure the plot and mark ing) but if not, then Gee-up nator-friendly flowers it out with stakes and string. is a fantastic organic horse ready for cutting and Don’t be tempted to make it manure, all rotted down and enjoying. any wider than 4ft/120cm, as ready to use and available in you won’t be able to reach the most garden centres. Also add his month it’s all about flowers in the middle to har- a slow-release fertiliser like bed preparation. This vest them. Cut into the grass, chicken pellet, mixing in well. is the foundation for outlining the edge and then cut When you feel it’s evenly dis- Tyour cut flower patch and will across in squares. Using the tributed, level it and cover the reward you with beautiful mattock blade makes it easier area with black mypex or some pollinator friendly flowers for to lift the sods and these can dark covering, but not opaque, then be placed in an out of the as this will let the light in and months over the summer. If until May, then it’s perfect- The plan is available in our plot and will have a live Q&A way place, grass-to-grass and weed seeds can germinate. you’re new to this, do some ly fine to wait until April to blog post ‘Ollie’s Garden’ on afterwards. earth-to-earth – it will break It’s best to leave the bed warm up exercises and stretch- prepare. our website, or we can email Here’s to growing cut flow- down into beautiful loam in settle for a month before plant- ing first; you don’t want to If you’re using an old bed, it to you. ers, community and helping about a year. Next, with a fork ing. The bed can be prepared injure yourself before you ever then just clear it and lightly If you’d like to join us on our pollinators. dig down about the fork depth anytime, as long as you allow get started. At this stage all dig over and follow the above Instagram on February 14 at Bee Kind if you can and break up the settling in time. If you’re not you’ll need is a mattock (It’s steps. 4pm, we will be preparing our Mags like a pickaxe with a wider flat clods; you can use the back planning on planting the bed February 5 – March 4, 2021 43 people Home & Garden

DEELISH GARDEN CENTRE Bare Root plants We’re on the banks of the Ilen, 1 mile west of SKIBBEREEN on the old Baltimore road. Fully signposted off the N71. choose from. As many of the to choose from including edible make living structures such as Open Mon to Sat 10am - 5pm plants are dormant and do not wildlife hedges, native hedges, domes and tunnels. Hawthorn Sun & Bank Holidays 2pm-5pm. have any leaves to distinguish costal hedges, formal hedges, will also take windy conditions Phone: (028 21374) Q E them from each other, it can shady hedges, windy hedges to and, as well as being our most look a bit overwhelming having name just a few. We can also popular native hedging choice, to choose between them. To offer farmers and gardeners will grow into a beautiful small BARE ROOT TREES, help our customers (and staff) to Irish grown native plants that tree producing masses of small Full Range of find the right plant for the right qualify for government planting white flowers in late spring. SHRUBS, HEDGING, spot, we have divided them into grants. We can help with this Rugosa roses (pink, white a few groups; Trees, Hedging, from start to finish and supply and red) and Blackthorn are FRUIT TREES & SOFT FRUIT Conifers, Fruit trees and Fruit all the paperwork needed to good choices for a windy site, bushes. receive the grant. producing flowers and fruit. Be MASSIVE THE NATURAL How do you picture the The next step is to examine aware that they will send up planting site in five, 10 and the site and ground where you suckering shoots in following SELECTION OF GARDENER 50 years time? Do you plan to plan to plant. Is it windy? If years after planting and need grow wood for burning, fruit so which direction does the plenty of space to do this, as Seed Potatoes, Noah Chase trees and bushes for eating, a wind usually come from? they can quickly overgrow other hedge for shelter and privacy Have a look at any other trees plants in a mixed hedge. In my Onion Sets, Noah studied horticulture at or just want to provide habitat in the area to see if they have opinion, Green Beech makes Shallots & Garlic, 2021 the Eden Project in Cornwall, for wild life? Choosing a mix been blown in any particular one of the nicest formal hedges vegetable England. He now co-manages of fast growing trees to be direction. Is the ground wet? but is also one of my favourite Rhubarb and a family run nursery, Deelish gradually thinned over the years Dig a few testing holes before hardwood trees. We also supply & flower Garden Centre in Skibbereen, with slower growing hardwoods planting, if these fill with water Copper Beech, which is slower more.. specialising in rare, unusual planted between them is a great and do not drain away, there growing but in time also makes seeds. and edible plants. His passion option if you are unsure exactly may be drainage issues. Is the one of the nicest formal hedges. is sustainable gardening, useful what to choose but just want to soil deep and fertile, heavy clay If you are worried your soil may plants and care of the start planting. Many gardeners or perhaps only a thin layer of be too wet for a Beech hedge environment. are very keen to plant native good topsoil. Digging a few then Hornbeam makes a great Summer flowering bulbs & trees and shrubs in hedgerows test holes before choosing your alternative choice for heavy bare root perennials just arrived. or mass plantings to encourage plants will show you a lot about soils. “The best time to plant various wildlife and pollinators your own soil conditions. a tree was 20 years ago. The it from Sessile oak by looking second best time is now.” at its acorns – pedunculate oak Chinese proverb produces acorns on stalks. This type of Oak grows into the hat does the term huge specimens, often found ‘Bare root’ mean? on estates and woodlands. We Put simply, it means also supply Red Oak (Quercus Wplants that have been grown in rubra) and Pin Oak (Quercus open ground, then dug up for palustris) both trees noted for despatch and planting during their shape and brilliant autumn the dormant season. They are colour, which would make an called ‘bare-root’ plants, as excellent addition to any garden they are supplied with no soil or forest. around their roots. November For flowering trees and hedg- to March is the ideal time to ing, we recommend various and the bare root season offers Copper Beech is slower growing but in time makes plant bare-root plants. If your options including Flowering the best time to do this type land is sheltered, I recommend one of the nicest formal hedges. If you are worried currants, Bird cherry, June of planting. Here at Deelish planting as early in the season berry, Tulip tree, Elder and wild Garden Centre, I have noticed your soil may be too wet for a Beech hedge then as possible to allow the roots Roses to name a small selection. that forest gardening and Hornbeam makes a great alternative choice for time to establish over the winter The bare root season is also the permaculture plantings have months. Having strong roots heavy soils. best time to plant some of the become really popular over the will allow the plants to take up more common conifers, which last few seasons, and both are more water and nutrients as can provide foliage and shelter options that are of great interest Listed below are a few of my Mountain Ash (not related to well as supporting new growth. in the winter when most other to me personally. A garden can favourite choices for various common ash) has to be one of In exposed or particularly wet trees have lost their leaves. Yew be beautiful as well as growing situations. Visit us at Deelish the best choices for windy sites sites, it is best to wait until and Scots Pine are two of the useful plants in terms of food, Garden Centre to hear about and shallow soil. It produces quality timber. February or, at the latest, March three Irish native conifers (the fuel, shelter, building materials, other options and the best choic- large, flat heads of numer- The list above is only a small to plant. In doing so, this will third is Juniper) and well worth improving soil, and growing es for your own situation. ous creamy-white five-pet- selection of what is currently avoid most storms, which can considering while planning any your own medicine! Dividing Many of our customers from alled flowers in May and June available during the bare root cause plants to become loose native plantings. Yew can also your garden into various layers Cape Clear Island swear by the and these heads become the season at Deelish, and we are in the soil, and water logging be used for formal evergreen from the soil to the tops of your Italian Alder (Alnus Cordata) familiar clusters of red berries currently getting fresh deliveries around the roots, which can hedging, as well as planted highest trees maximises your for windy conditions. It grows in autumn when on a good every few weeks to keep up to cause root rot or soil compac- as specimen trees, in fact, the growing area while creating a quickly into an attractive up- year, it also has amazing leaf demand. Another huge group tion during planting. As well as oldest living trees in Ireland are diverse environment for a huge right tree suitable along drive- colour. What woodland planting of plants available during the saving money, you will often Yew. Although Sitka spruce range of creatures that will ways. It can be coppiced (cut would be complete without bare root season are fruit trees find a much wider selection of has gotten a lot of bad attention maintain a healthy balance in to ground level) like the native some plantings of Oak? There and soft fruit. I plan to write varieties and sizes available as over recent years due to its your garden without the need common Alder and also grows are two native Oak species another article for this group, bare-rooted trees and shrubs. overuse in forestry plantations for unnecessary pesticides, her- well in heavy wet soil while fix- in Ireland, Quercus petraea as there are so many options to Once you have decided on (nearly half of all forestry bicides and artificial nutrients. ing nitrogen in the soil, improv- or Sessile Oak will grow in choose from! Feel free to visit a suitable location to plant, in Ireland and over 300,000 Hedging plants are one of our ing the soil quality and drainage thin acidic soil, often found us at Deelish Garden Centre and the next step is to decide what hectares), it is able to grow in most popular choices during the over the years. If drainage is in mountains and sometimes we will help you choose that varieties to plant. For many exposed sites with heavy acidic bare root season. It is the most an issue, there are many types right to the edge of the sea in tree you should have planted gardeners, this is the most diffi- soils where other trees will not cost effective time to plant a of Willow that do not mind sheltered spots. Pedunculate 20 years ago! In the meantime, cult part of the process. Here at be able to grow and gives very hedge, as we can supply some wet conditions and can quickly Oak (Quercus robur) is the less remember gardening doesn’t Deelish Garden Centre during fast returns of timber from the plants for as little as 60 cent supply useful material for common of the two native Irish have to cost the earth, especially the bare root season we have time of planting. Larch is also a each! There are many options basket weaving or be planted to oak species. You can distinguish in the bare root season. thousands of bare root plants to wise choice for its fast return of 44 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Home & Garden Gardening in February

s we welcome Febru- during the winter and remove next month. Lettuce, radish, June. They can be sown under can have the tips of the canes ary, we also embrace dead grass from evergreen beetroot, salad onions, peas cover in a glasshouse/polytun- pruned back to one or two buds the arrival of spring and grasses. and broad beans: These seeds nel/window sill about four to six from the top wire. Alternatively Athe emergence of new growth Early flowering Camellias, don’t need heat but they do weeks before they are planted they can be arched over and and early blossom. Rhododendrons and Magnolias need the lightest spot you can into their final position. tied down to the top wire. Both Early Daffodils, dwarf Iris, should be protected against frost find for them. Sow the seeds in Parsley: Cover parsley and options encourage the formation Crocus and Snowdrops will be overnight. Use old blankets, plastic modules or cell trays or other overwintering herbs with of side shoots along the length in flower. You can plant potted heavy grade frost protection choose biodegradable contain- horticultural fleece to bring of the cane, which means you bulbs to provide instant colour fleece, sacking or jute bags. ers. Once you have sown seeds them into growth earlier. You will be rewarded with a heavier or alternatively you can plant Divide Snowdrops and plant inside cover the piece of ground can also pot up some herbs and crop of fruit. dormant bulbs from August out in the green. This is a very outdoors where the young veg- bring into the greenhouse for an Strawberries: Cover straw- to December. Emerging bulbs successful method of multi- etable plants are to be planted GARDENING early start. berries with cloches for an early should be protected against plying these wonderful early out, using a cloche, or a sheet crop. As well as forcing straw- slugs, as they can ravage young, flowers. of polythene, old windows to John Hosford Fruit Garden berries in pots in the green- tender growth at a rapid pace Seed potatoes should be pur- protect the soil from further rain The Weekend Garden Feed all fruit unless you did so house, a succession of fruits can overnight. So the advice is be chased now. Put in a frost-free and snow and to warm it up. Centre towards the end of last month. be obtained by covering some on guard! store to sprout. Then you will be well on your Spread it below the trees or plants outside with cloches. Protect newly emerging Don’t delay in securing your way to the most delicious, fresh bushes in an area equal to the Any cloche will do but once the perennials against slug damage seed potatoes this year. They vegetables around! spread of the branches. strawberries are in flower, open especially early emerging are very likely to be scarce, An ideal way of sowing just push them into the soil, or Mulch all currants, goose- the sides during the day to allow plants such as Delphiniums and as the traditional Scottish seed peas is to sow them in a piece the new roots as they form will berries and cane fruit with pollinating insects access. Keep Lupins. Be particularly careful potatoes are not allowed entry of plastic guttering choosing push the bulbs up and out again. well-rotted manure or garden an eye out for pests, especially of slugs in mild, damp weather into the EU post Brexit. an early variety. You will have Birds love to pull them out compost. This is well worth greenfly. when they are most active. Seed potatoes can be planted to drill drainage holes in the again if they see them. The best doing after pruning and feeding Ornamental grasses can be under protection or in frost- bottom of the guttering, then way to plant the shallots is with has been completed. A mulch Lawn care tidied up this month. Cut back free coastal areas this month. fill with a clean, fresh seed a trowel, with the bulb tips just will keep down weeds and If you plan to sow seed, begin deciduous grasses left uncut You can use polythene tunnels, compost. Sow the seeds in two beneath the surface of the soil. retain moisture during the warm soil preparation at the end of the cloches, cold frames or a rows 2.5-5cm apart and about Preparing a Runner Bean summer months and will give month if weather and soil condi- glasshouse for early crops. Frost 2.5cm deep. Trench: Even though runner you better quality fruit. tions permit. protection fleece will also give Water thoroughly. Keep them beans are not planted until all Continue to protect fruit trees some protection but if you get on a windowsill or greenhouse, risk of frost is over, it is a good and bushes from birds using Bare Root Trees and Hedging an option, do choose the heavier it does not need to be heated time to prepare a trench. They netting or mesh. Continue planting of bare grade. Remember to plant po- although some bottom heat will are notoriously hungry plants. A Bullfinches in particular are root trees, hedging, fruit trees, tatoes in new ground avoiding speed up germination. specially dug bean trench filled especially fond of gooseberry shelter trees where both soil where they have been grown When the seedlings have with compost, manure or ‘Gee- buds. Make sure coverings are and weather conditions permit. with past two or three years. developed they can be carefully up’ is the traditional way to supported off the plants, yet If you can’t plant immediately Avoid shaded aspects. slided out of the guttering into a create a super-rich bed to supply taut, and held down firmly on due to adverse weather or soil prepared trench under a cloche. all the nutrients they need. Mark the ground or birds may get conditions, do ensure roots Vegetable Garden Take precautions against slugs. out the position of your row caught up and be injured. aren’t exposed to cold winds This is a good time to sow some Shallots: Now is the time about 60cm wide, loosening the If you have a lot of goose- or frost. Check that existing or early vegetables for planting out to plant shallots. Incorporate soil in the base with a fork. Tip berries and other fruit it may be recently planted trees are ade- under cloches or cold frames plenty of organic material, as manure into the trench-scatter worth considering investing in a quately staked. Ensure stakes you prepare the soil. Add an organic fertiliser. The Runner proper fruit cage. are sound and ties securely organic fertiliser and rake the Bean plants may be planted out Summer-fruiting Raspber- fastened. Protect against rabbits soil to a fine tilth. Plant the when all risk of frost is over ry Canes: Summer fruiting damaging the bark by putting shallots 15-18cm. apart in rows at the latter half of May/early raspberry canes that have grown on tree guards. the same distance apart. Don’t taller than their support frame Primary school teachers in Cork called to sign up for free food growing classroom kits chools may be closed, but 200,000 more children in Ireland Girls Primary School in Lombard 3. Prepare your soil. Gather all innocent and GIY are calling the UK will be getting stuck in to Street in Galway City. The school of the leaves from the playground on teachers to sign up for learn something new. Speaking own a small concrete yard and and create a compost heap for Sfree food growing classroom kits of the 10 year anniversary and used the space to create an incred- mulch to ‘feed’ your garden soil to welcome them back when the the launch of the 2021 initiative, ible ‘Vertical Garden’ using every nutrients. And if your school is by doors are open again. founder of GIY Michael Kelly inch of space and even placing pal- the sea collect some seaweed on January kicked off the tenth year said: “We are so proud to have lets on walls to grow peas, lettuce, your next nature walk for fertilizer! of The Big Grow, a campaign start- reached a 10-year milestone of spinach, potatoes and lots more. 4. Create a rain catcher. We love ed by innocent and GIY to get kids helping children to grow food As schools across Ireland to collect as much rainwater as we growing their own veg at school, at school with innocent through continue to adapt to Covid restric- can to water our garden and keep helping thousands of schools to get The Big Grow. When we began tions, The Big Grow offers the our garden and the environment free growing resources. Schools all this initiative a decade ago it was excitement of watching seeds turn green. over the country are again invited a novel concept and some might into healthy food and a welcome 5. Make a sensory map of your to apply to The Big Grow for a have thought it wouldn’t catch chance to take their learning garden so that visitors can follow food growing kit which comes on. But the feedback we get from outdoors.” it, learn about all the plants that we with five packs of different seeds the schools, teachers and most Encouraging all schools to grow and how they appeal to our and enough compost, growing importantly the children who take get involved in The Big Grow five senses. This also makes gar- cups, instructions, and fun lesson part every year re-affirms that this this year, the students of St. Pat’s dening and visiting a garden lots plans for the entire class. Although initiative works, be that in urban, offered their five top tips for school more fun for those with additional schools are closed at the moment, rural or city centre schools.” growing success: needs. they’ll be sent once everyone’s Each school taking part in The 1. Start a ‘Gardening Club’ Teachers can sign up for a free back in class just in time to start Big Grow will be encouraged to and make gardening and growing food growing kit at www.innocent- the growing season. The growing share their growing experiences food accessible to everyone in the biggrow.com. Registration is still cups are easy for kids to take home online in order to be in with a school. Many hands make light open while stocks last, and kits and do the activities from the chance of being crowned The Big work! will be sent once schools doors are comfort of their kitchen too. Grow Champs 2021 and be award- 2. Look at everything that you open again based on government The Big Grow has so far helped ed a school garden revamp. have in a new way – all containers guidelines. 1.5 million kids to start growing The winners of the 2020 Big can become pots for growing. #TheBigGrow their own veg, and this year over Grow were St. Patrick’s Boys and Find, forage and re-use. February 5 – March 4, 2021 45 people Sport & Fitness Instilling values through sport

A SPORTING LIFE Pat Culhane

Alan Foley, Princi- pal of St. Patrick’s Boys National School (BNS) in Skibbereen, Taken in Pairc Ui Chaoimh when O’Donovan Rossa beat Lismire in the County B county is passionate that there hurling final in 2004. Taken in 1998 in Tramore after winning the Pitch and Putt is a sport for everyone. Senior Mens Munster Strokeplay title. His humble pursuit a team.” Johnny Woods Sand and Gravel “Eamonn Cregan, the In national school (Scoil and is still in existence today. Limerick hurling legend, was advertised in Skibbereen BNS hurling with the club, so that in achieving this, as a Eoin) we played hurling and “Every morning during the training us and we had some and encouraged him to go for it. became my main sport since teacher’s coach, admin- (Gaelic) football in Sciath na summer, we would hop on our inter county players like Brian “I had a motorbike at the time. then. We trained twice a week istrator and player in the Scol competitions. There were bikes at about 10, play three or Cuthbert from Cork and Fergal and went to the pub after. It around 90 pupils in my year four rounds and cycle home for Hegarty from Clare. I played in was great way of fitting into the community, is infec- and around six were chosen to dinner. And then go back in the goals and Pat (Ahern) played community, particularly with tious. represent the school at Cork evening to play another couple wingback. Current Principal “Sport plays an import- people around my own age. I City Sports athletics competi- of rounds. Lakewood is and of Carriboy National School ant role in our schools, had never played outfield ‘til I lthough brought up in played for O’Donovan Rossa. tions each year. I never quite was a great club. A load of us in Durrus, Mike Cronin, was including for pupils the city, Alan’s roots made it there.” juveniles started there around cornerback. We won the Divi- I started coaching underage are firmly in West Alan also played for Ball- the same time, thanks to local sion 3 league and championship with autism. We play teams there around that time ACork. His mother, Breda (née too.” incollig GAA all the way up couple, Jim and Rene O’Shea. and lost in the semi-final of the a wide variety games, O’Shea) hails from Skib- Alan has been teaching in from the Under-10 to the Un- We became quite competitive Ryan Cup in ‘95.” through PE and other bereen and his father, Chris der-16 age grade. “There was as the years went on, playing in Alan’s return to his mother’s St. Patrick’s BNS for the past Foley, from Newcestown. With a team on the year, every year. a number of county compe- homeplace was, as he put it, individual and teams 24 years and become Principal Chris working in this Verome But with the jump straight from titions and then, in my later “a pure fluke”. After a brief sports. Having access in more recent years. “In 2015 Shipyard, building ships, Alan Under-16 to minor (Under-18) teens in provincial and national stint as a primary teacher on to Skibbereen Sports the junior and senior schools spent his first five years in competitions.” Coachford, in 1996 Alan’s amalgamated. At present there Gurranbraher before moving to A modest man, Alan was relations spotted a teaching post Centre nearly is a are 213 pupils registered in Ballincollig. It is here that his “When I was around eventually persuaded to share great advantage. The the school. We have eight earliest sporting memories from 13 or 14, my parents some of his pitch and putt Parents’ Association mainstream classes from junior there emerge. successes. “I represented Cork infants to sixth class. In 2001, “We loved growing up there bought me and my at juvenile level and adult level. also fundraise, and we we opened our first class for in the 80s. There were lots of brothers pitch and putt A team of five of us, including bring all classes, except children with autism. We now new estates and it was rapidly clubs for Christmas and three from Lakewood, won the the infant classes, to have three ASD classes – an becoming one of the biggest All-Ireland in Carlow in my Early Intervention Class, a suburbs in Ireland. There I took to it instantly. We last year at juvenile level when Dunmanway swimming Junior ASD Class and a Senior must have been around 30 of became a bit obsessed I was 16. Me and my brother pool by bus for six ASD class. The children attend- us about the same age living with it; it was like a Tom, the Deputy Principal in weeks every year.” ing these classes come from the within a stones throw of each West Cork area.” drug.” Skibbereen Community School, other, so we were often out played off scratch (a 0 hand- “Sport plays an important playing soccer, rounders, bull- icap) at juvenile and straight role in our schools, including dog, tip-the-can or whatever on through to senior.” So, I came down the road for for pupils with autism. We play the street. It was heaven really, there was fierce competition for Having just turned 17 when the interview. As I was taking a wide variety games, through when I look back on it. We had places, and so I stopped playing he sat his leaving Cert., Alan off my leggings off back home, PE and other individual and the freedom to wander around for the club at that time.” spent three years at Mary Im- I got a phone call from the teams sports. Having access to the place, although not too far. But it wasn’t just Gaelic maculate College in Limerick, chairperson offering me the job. Skibbereen Sports Centre near- We climbed anything we could games that Alan participated in. completing a B.Ed. in Primary I was only 20 at the time and ly is a great advantage. The Par- and made lots of things, like out He played various sports for his Teaching. It was during this have been here since.” ents’ Association also fundraise, of sticks. We just had so much post-primary school, Coláiste period that he had most success “I lived with my Aunt, Kay and we bring all classes, except fun.” Choilm too. “When I was at the senior pitch and putt Murphy, when I moved down, the infant classes, to Dunman- “When it came to organised around 13 or 14, my parents level. Also, it was during this and apart from a few relations, way swimming pool by bus for sport, Gaelic games was what bought me and my brothers time that he started playing I didn’t really know anybody. six weeks every year.” we played mostly growing pitch and putt clubs for Christ- hurling again with the college So, that’s when I decided to “For a rural town, Skibbereen up. There was a parish league, mas and I took to it instantly. teams. One of the people who join O’Donovan Rossa GAA has so many sports for young where each estate would play We became a bit obsessed with convinced Alan to come out of club. I played Under-21 football people – watersports, swim- against each other, which was it; it was like a drug.” What retirement was fellow student and hurling in 1997. I contin- ming, rugby, Gaelic games, great. A man called Pat Halpin helped was that Lakewood and housemate at the time, Pat Scoil Eoin 7-a-side Gaelic ued practicing my pitch and soccer, kickboxing, basketball, used to look after us. He was a Pitch and Putt Club was located Ahern – the current Principal of football team in the primary putt and travelling to the city road bowling, badminton, real gentleman and put a load of at weekends for a couple of athletics, gymnastics, rowing nearby – a facility founded Gaelscoil Mhichíl Uí Choileáin, schools’ county final in time into getting us playing for years, but I was really enjoying in 1973 for the employees of Clonakilty. 1987. Continued on next page... 46 February 5 – March 4, 2021 people Sport & Fitness

Sporting life...Cont’d from previous page and more. There are strong er coached beyond Under-12. fourth oldest on the team in that it’s me against me. I’m not munity. Loyalty is important links between local clubs and I see myself as a big fishing my mid-forties. Age is not our “When it comes to trying to compete with anyone to me. I hate leaving people the school, such as coaching net, as most people know me friend but is great craic. It’s a else. It’s good to clear my head down and so I’ll turn up even being provided by the local through the school. We get bit like the soccer a gang of us coaching hurling, I and socially too. Although, I’m when I don’t feel like it. As GAA, rugby and rowing clubs. children subsidised hurleys and play on Friday nights.” want to make sure just as happy to go and play on well as children having fun and I really believe that that there is helmets and teach them the Alan also went back playing that every child has a my own. I get a buzz out of a being active, I want to ensure a sport for every child, even for fundamental skills, especially more golf last year, now as good shot.” that children and respecting those that aren’t as interested the grip. We try to keep it fun a full member of the local positive introduction “The fun with the group in the game and each other. I feel in or skillful at the mainstream and non-competitive. We pull club. Given his pitch and putt and feel it’s important hurling down the pitch is great very strongly about children sports. However, it is worrying from three neighbouring clubs prowess, his handicap was sure that every child had the and I love a tight, competitive getting the right start in life and the number of children – there and have camogie going as well to be impressive. He eventually game. And maybe taking an a positive experience in sport are a few in every class – that now.” With two boys of his disclosed that he is playing off right size hurley and important free – I just love it.” can help this. don’t play any sport and aren’t own, Alan has also dabbled in 5. “I love playing the odd game, has the basic skills. I “When it comes to coaching “I think it all goes back to physically active. Computer some coaching and administra- even though I struggle with my can be coaching for two hurling, I want to make sure my childhood in the sense of games and instant TV pose tion in Skibbereen Rugby club putting.” that every child has a posi- fairness shown to us by my a particular challenge in this and the local golf club in recent Alan has a particularly strong and a half hours on an tive introduction and feel it’s parents. I hold empathy as the regard.” years. lifelong participation in sport; evening and sometimes important that every child had highest value of them all, trying And it’s not just in school And on top of this busy after a busy week in school don’t have the energy the right size hurley and has the to put yourself in other people’s that Alan promotes sport and coaching schedule, Alan still dealing with children and basic skills. I can be coaching shoes. If you’ve empathy, then physical activity. Alan has finds time for playing. “I’m parents, he still continues to for it. But when I’m for two and a half hours on an you’ll have loyalty and honesty. been volunteering as a coach gone back into goals with the give so much of himself to the doing it, I love it.” evening and sometimes don’t Sport, as well as the education, in O’Donovan Rossa for a long O’Donovan Rossa Junior B community. have the energy for it. But when can help instill these values and number of years. This includes team. I love taking the frees and “Well, firstly I like to I’m doing it, I love it.” set children up for the challeng- running a nursery to introduce penalties. For our first league challenge myself,” he shares. “I also feel obliged to play es they will face in the future.” children to hurling. “I have nev- match last year, I was only the “The thing I love about golf is sport and give back to the com-

people Motoring An old favourite n recent weeks, I had an wheel. It’s neat, easy to handle opportunity to reacquaint and comfortable to travel in. myself with the Opel Corsa. Back in February my test I had driven the car when it car was white with a black was launched in Ireland back roof and looking at the exterior in February 2020 in the ‘good it certainly is very attractive. old days’ when we had press Inside there was a nice touch of launches! red and white stitching on the The car was a favourite in seats and the dash had a touch Ireland back in the eighties and of red and grey, which looked nineties when we often heard very tasty. This time round it former MD Arnold O’Byrne on was a white again, but no black radio and television talk about roof and the interior seats were the company’s range of cars. black and grey. CAR Around that time Opel spon- There is also an electric Cor- REVIEWS sored the Irish soccer team and sa-e available; it has range of Arnold was nearly as popular in around 330km. Also last year, Sean Creedon Ireland as former manager Jack Opel launched a new Grand- Charlton. land X hybrid and a facelifted The Corsa was launched in Crossland. So it’s certainly all 1982 and I bought a skinny systems go for Opel right now. looking version around 1988. For the new Corsa there are Now the designers have man- three trims SC, SRi and Elite aged to make this new model with entry prices starting at look bigger, despite the dimen- the previous version. €17,975 for the 1.2-litre petrol; sions being much the same as Built in Zaragoza, Spain, also available in 1.5-litre diesel. the first Corsas were three- All come with LED headlights door hatchback and two-door and auto-dip as standard. And saloon models, with four-door ‘start’ is the important word and five-door versions arriving when checking out prices of in 1984. This latest version is new cars. Road tax is €180. only available as a four-door Recently Opel teamed up as Opel simplify their product with Energia, Ireland’s indepen- range. dent energy provider, to offer The sixth generation of the a free home charger to new nameplate is longer, lower, and Opel electric vehicle customers. has a longer wheelbase than its The offer invites customers to predecessor and is 108kg lighter 208. Since my initial drive cluster is well placed to ensure register a new, all-electric Opel than the previous version. This almost 12 months ago now, the that you only have to take your Corsa-e and if they are not is the first new Opel produced Corsa has been voted Auto- eyes off the road ahead for a happy after six months of emis- since the marque was taken best Best Buy Car of Europe second or two to check your sions-free driving, Opel will over by the PSA Group and 2020 and also won the Golden speed. exchange it for an equivalent Opel are now based in Gowan Steering Wheel Award for best There is room in the back for priced petrol or diesel model. House in Bluebell, Dublin. small car. back seat for three people, but The Corsa is built on the I found the car very sturdy leg room is a bit tight. The boot same platform at the DS3 and there was very little road is average, but the good news Crossback and the new Peugeot noise. The digital instrument is that you get a proper spare