Realising the A profile of sporting value of our star Enya Breen iconic seals page 31 pages 2-3 www.westcorkpeople.ie & www.westcorkfridayad.ie January 15 – February 4, 2021, Vol XVII, Edition 221 FREE

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

TIME TO CHANGE NEW PEUGEOT 3008

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE pages 16-27

PLUG-IN HYBRID, PETROL, DIESEL

Nita and Richard Tarr with their son Gregory Tarr, 17, a 6th year student from Bandon Grammar School who is the winner of the 57th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Pic: Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography

CLARKE BROS LTD Bandon student wins this year’s BT Young Main CLARKEPeugeot Dealer, BROS Clonakilty Road, Bandon, Co. Cork. Scientist and Technology Exhibition Tel: 023-8841923(BANDON) LTD Web:Main www.clarkebrosgroup.ie Peugeot Dealer, he winner of the 57th BT ed artificial intelligence software which was well beyond his years. ENVIRONMENT Young Scientist and Technol- program that can efficiently detect The level of coding he deployed in Clonakilty Road, Bandon, pages 28-30 ogy Exhibition (BTYSTE) DeepFake media with state-of-the- developing the extremely complex Co. Cork. Thas been announced as Gregory Tarr, art accuracy. The software, which program which detects fake videos, Tel: 023-8841923 aged 17, a sixth year student from is over 150,000 lines of code, made was guided by his deep understand- Bandon Grammar School. Gregory significant improvements on speed ing of the state of the art of this All cars can be seen on has taken home the top prize of and efficiency when compared to the leading edge technology”. He went €7,500 and the BTYSTE perpetual current best model without sacrific- onto say that “the judges have been www.clarkebrosgroup.ie trophy for his project titled ‘De- ing its ability to accurately detect the continually impressed by Gregory’s tecting state-of-the-art deepfakes’. fake. This tool could potentially be projects at the BT Young Scientist Contact Ian Carey The announcement was made at the deployed at scale to filter out Deep- competition over the past few years 087 2624747 first ever virtual BTYSTE awards Fake media making the internet a and they were delighted that he had ceremony streamed live from the safer place. This was Gregory’s fifth progressed to winning the top award [email protected] Mansion House last week. Gregory time competing at BTYSTE having this year”. presented his project in the senior competed on four other occasions in Gregory will also represent Ire- age group of the Technology catego- the RDS. land at the European Union Contest ry. A further 35 awards were made to Chair of the Technology judging for Young Scientists, which is sched- Cork students in recognition of their panel, Mr Leonard Hobbs from uled to go ahead in Salamanca Spain projects. Trinity College Dublin, said that in September 2021. GARDENING Gregory impressed the judges “the winner this year demonstrated pages 33-34 with his project using a sophisticat- an expertise in computer science

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 January 15 – February 4, 2021 Realising the value of our iconic seals

which is really special, as most centre is based at the central While the pandemic has forced so many of us of the Common seal population location of Courtown in Co to slow down, organisations such as Seal Recue found around the North West,” Wexford on the east coast. “I’ve Ireland have been exceptionally busy. West Cork is says Melanie. been here for three years,” says There are between eight Melanie “ and I’ve only seen lucky enough to host some of Ireland’s seal popu- and ten thousand Grey seals in one or two wild seals ever; and I lation and members of the public, forced outdoors Ireland. The species is recov- walk on the beach every day.” in greater numbers due to lockdown, will have no- ering from near extinction, so Open water swimmers may therefore it is protected under have noticed that seals, in ticed an increase in seal activity along our coastline EU and Irish law. The numbers particular the Grey Seal, will recently. The reason for this is that pupping season are now starting to slowly climb approach and follow them in has just ended for the Grey seal and it has now but Grey seals only have one the water. pup per year, of which approx. “Seals are marine mammals, entered its moulting period. only 50 per cent survive their built for speed and agility in the first year. Unfortunately seals water,” explains Melanie. In the Melanie Crose, Executive Director of Seal Rescue still face huge environmental water they are in their comfort threats from things like plastic zone; it’s much easier for them Ireland chats to Mary O’Brien about the work pollution and unsustainable to escape if they feel threatened, carried out by Seal Rescue Ireland, the hugely fishing, which threatens their so they do tend to be more important role that seals play in our ecosystem and food source. curious, which is completely “It’s important to keep in normal. what members of the West Cork public should do mind that there are fewer This curiosity rarely turns to if they do happen to come across a seal in trouble. Melanie Crose, Executive Director Seal Rescue Ireland, Grey seals in the world than aggression unless the seal feels holding a common seal pup that was rescued from Sligo. African elephants, so the ones under threat. “There have only we are lucky enough to have been very rare cases, if any, that eal Rescue Ireland (SRI), ally a far easier process and we people to pick seals up off the Unlike whales and dolphins, here in Ireland are iconic and I’ve heard of, where someone initiated in 2010, is a can also hold training sessions beach that don’t need to be seals are semi-aquatic, which really valuable,” says Melanie has been bitten by a seal while registered charity focused more regularly.” rescued because oftentimes this Melanie explains means they passionately. they’re in the water. Saying Son the rescue, rehab and release The training is focused on can actually do more harm than spend about half their time on that, we do urge people not to of sick, injured and orphaned teaching people how to observe good. land. “This is because they need approach seals, as if they do seals from all over Ireland. As seals in their wild environment “Another reason that it’s to rest and rear their pups.” “It’s important to keep feel threatened, they could get the only such organisation in the and identify any that need to really important for members Moulting season for the Grey defensive or even aggressive.” Republic, SRI is always looking be rescued. “We often get calls of the public to maintain a safe seal ends in March or April. in mind that there are On land, seals are slow and to recruit, induct and train about seals that are actually distance from seals is because Common seal pupping season fewer Grey seals in vulnerable, so usually very new volunteers to its network. healthy and just hanging out in they are in fact closely related to starts in May or June. the world than African cautious about getting out of “Anyone can join our network,” their natural habitat,” explains dogs and bears so of course they Most mammals and birds the water when there is human says Melanie “and as we’re now Melanie, who emphasises that do have sharp teeth and they undergo moult, during which elephants, so the ones activity in the area. “Much of training over Zoom, it is actu- the last thing SRI wants is for will bite!” hair or feathers, respectively, we are lucky enough to the time when a seal has to be are renewed. The annual moult have here in Ireland are rescued, it’s because a person in Grey seals involves the has disturbed a seal pup and, as shedding of year-old fur and iconic and really valu- a result, the pup is abandoned the growth of a new pelage. able.” by its mother. The increase in “As a result, this time of storms is another factor; many year is when we’ll often hear sea pups are getting a really about a seal over-popula- Seals are a native keystone brutal start to life.” CNM tion problem but that’s only species, which means they help SRI will usually see a huge because there are these small hold the marine ecosystem rise in calls following a storm. Training Successful Practitioners pockets of credible habitat together. “Seals are critical to 2020 was by far the busiest year where it is safe for the seals to keeping a balanced ecosystem,” for the organisation with 170 moult, so they’ll all cluster up she emphasises. “It’s like the seal intakes. there,” explains Melanie. wolves at Yellowstone. As an While on one hand, lock- CHANGE CAREER The reality is that the vast apex predator, they were re- downs, and as a result increased majority of the Irish coastline moved because people thought human activity, has been good is inhospitable to seals. it would give other animals for seals because the rescue or- Train to become a… West Cork is fortunate to a chance of survival. What ganisation are getting more calls be home to both the Grey actually happened is that certain about ones in trouble that other-  and Common seal, the Grey species got overpopulated, wise may have been missed; the Nutritional Therapist species being the larger of the which decimated certain areas downside is that there are some  two. “Common seals are more and ended up changing the people who don’t realise that Herbalist Attend a FREE like cats,” explains Melanie. landscape. this is the seals’ natural habitat Event “They’re more shy, reserved, “Seals in Irish waters are so they shouldn’t be disturbed  Acupuncturist Online less social and not so loud. our ‘wolves’,” she continues. until absolutely necessary. “The Grey seals resemble dogs “They’re keeping a balance majority of the public just want  more. They’re bigger, more in the population and also to help,” says Melanie, “how- Homeopath vocal, have large personalities recycling nutrients. All marine ever if the public gets too close,  and are really fun to watch. mammals poo a lot, which it means the seals can’t carry Health Coach They also tend to be more spreads nutrients along the out their natural behaviours, for  aggressive than the Common surface water, which is where example, resting, looking for Natural Chef seal. plankton needs these nutrients a meal or keeping an eye out Despite the name, there are to help them grow. Without for predators. If a seal is even only between three and four plankton we have nothing and looking at you, it counts as dis- Postgraduate & Short Courses Part-time studies thousand Common seals in without marine mammals, it turbance and it’s that repeated Irish waters. With declining really would all come crashing exposure that can really have NEW Study in class or online numbers, this is a species of down.” a long-term impact on these special concern, which means There is a seal population on creatures.” that every Common seal we the east coast but they are losing Melanie’s advice for mem- Colleges across Ireland and the UK can protect or rescue is really a lot of habitat due to such bers of the public who see a seal important to the Common factors as coastal erosion, sea they think might need help is seal population. “South of the level rise, coastal development to keep a safe distance and call 01 878 8060 www.naturopathy.ie Beara peninsula has a small and increased human activity on the Rescue Hotline for help. Common seal population, our beaches. “Please don’t approach the seal The Seal Rescue Ireland and maintain a distance of at January 15 – February 4, 2021 3 least 100m (keeping dogs on a website (sealrescueireland.org). its work. Donations and third lead) and call our 24/7 Rescue Even if you don’t live by party fundraisers are welcomed, Hotline at 087 1955 393,” she a coastline, seal transporters and there are also adoption, says. Seal Rescue Ireland will are needed everywhere,’ says membership, and sponsorship ask the caller for a descrip- Melanie. SRI has 700 trained programmes available as other tion, location and a photo to volunteers around the country ways of getting involved. More determine if the seal needs to be and always looking to recruit information can be found on the rescued, and then send a trained more. Timing is of the essence, website (sealrescueireland.org) volunteer out. especially with a young seal Seal Rescue Ireland is pup. The quicker we can get also very involved in habitat Volunteer them in, the more likely it is that conservation and restoration If you are interested in joining they will survive. and is currently carrying out a SRI’s network of nationwide tree-planting project, designed rescue volunteers, the organ- Donate to keep sediment out of our isation offers virtual trainings SRI relies on the dedication of waterways and make our eco- throughout the year. Registra- volunteers and the generosity system cleaner. tion can be done through the of public donations to continue West Cork Seal Rescue – ‘Phoebe’ hoebe is a grey seal pup that was reported to SRI by a member of the Ppublic on December 12, 2020 in Trafaska, Baltimore. She was very small in size and had a large number of deep wounds to her shoulders and neck, which could have been the result of a dog attack, or possibly from getting caught up by rough seas and becoming injured in rocks. Upon receiving the photos of her, SRI sent one of its trained volunteers to lift her from the beach to start the journey to the SRI centre in Courtown for care. Happily, Phoebe has recov- ered from her wounds and is steadily putting on weight in one of the centre’s rehabilitation pools. If all goes well, it is ex- pected that she will be back to full health and ready for release back into the wild in about a month.

Largest quantities of vaccines expected during the second quarter of 2021 ews of an “abundant a Member of the European ation of the vaccine will proceed Happy Healthy level” of vaccines to Parliament’s Environment, under an accelerated timeline. be made available in Public Health and Food Safety The EMA has already reviewed Gluten Free New Year Nthe second quarter of this year Committee. some data on the vaccine during has been welcomed by Ireland BioNTech/Pfizer and Moder- a rolling review and has been Try our delicious gluten free range, South MEP Deirdre Clune. na vaccines have been approved working hard to scrutinise vac- MEP Clune said: “In this by the European Medicines cines to ensure their safety and available in Scally’s of Clonakilty. week’s committee we had the Agency. The Moderna vaccine efficacy. opportunity to put questions for- arrived in Ireland this week. “The European Commission ward to the EU’s lead negotiator The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine is last week purchased an addi- None of the gluten, all of the taste! on COVID-19 vaccine contracts, currently being administered in tional 300 million doses of the on the latest developments Ireland and across the EU. The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. This regarding contracts, transparen- European Medicines Agency enables the EU to not only cover cy, authorisations, availability (EMA) received the application the needs of its whole population and deployment of COVID-19 for the AstraZeneca vaccine this but also to supply vaccinations to vaccines. week too and the conditional neighbouring countries.” ‘We heard that there will be market authorisation is expected The largest quantities of vac- an “abundant level” of vaccines at the end of January. cines are expected during the sec- to be made available in the The Health Commissioner ond quarter of 2021, as already second quarter of this year which noted that she expects Johnson agreed in the existing contracts. I very much welcome. and Johnson to seek approval “The European Commission’s “In Ireland we’re at the im- from the EMA in February and if role lies in negotiating on behalf portant stage of vaccinating the all goes well the AstraZenaca and of Member States to secure most vulnerable members of our Johnson and Johnson vaccines vaccine doses. The responsibility society and with time vaccina- would be approved for use and of vaccine deployment strategies tions will become available for we could have four vaccine types lies with each individual Member all who wish to be vaccinated.” available by Spring. State.” MEP Deirdre Clune is MEP Clune said: “The evalu- 4 January 15 – February 4, 2021 Clonakilty to get new fire station ork South West TD, has also lobbied Cork County crew of 10 retained firefight- Deputy Christopher Council for a new fire station ers are delighted at the news O’Sullivan has wel- since first being elected in 2014. that they will soon be moving Ccomed the announcement of “Plans for the new facility were homes. “The fire station in Clon €1.6 million for a new fire presented to Councillors back in has served the town well but, station for Clonakilty and 2017, before going through Part with the modern Fire Service’s confirmed that the tender will 8 planning requirements in early enhancement of training and be finalised early in January 2018. Frustratingly, the previous equipment, it is now outdated. 2021: “This is something that I Government would only sign “We have training in areas have been campaigning for over off on one new fire station per such as Road Traffic Acci- a number of years, so I was de- year nationwide and Clonakilty dents and Casualty Care every lighted to receive confirmation began to slip down the list of Monday night but, due to lack from Minister Darragh O’Brien priorities, being overtaken by of space here, we often have to that €1.6million is being allo- Kanturk and Macroom. I’m find alternative spaces. Having cated to the project. glad that at long last, our local onsite training facilities will “This is a good new story fire service personnel will get make a huge difference to us.” for Clonakilty’s fire fighters the facilities they deserve and The crew has been kept and for the people who live in badly need to carry out their busy this month attending road the vicinity. It also opens up vital work.” incidents caused by icy weather. an opportunity for an exciting The new facility will be state- This year has seen an overall re- development on the site of the of-the-art – a drastic improve- duction in car accidents because old fire station that will be of ment on the current fire station, of more people staying at home benefit to the town.” both in terms of the facility but Ronan says there has been a Construction on the new itself and the working condi- rise in electrical house fires. station is due to commence in tions of the firemen. As well as “House fires in the past were the second quarter of 2021. proper shower and changing mostly caused by chimney fires Located on the western side of facilities, which are currently getting out of control. Now a lot the Clonakilty ByPass, it will not available to firefighters, the of the fires we attend are caused allow far easier access to all site will incorporate a training by electrical devices, especially to overheat on something like station in the near future and something like a theatre, which the major routes; this should area and sufficient storage for by cheap phone chargers – but a duvet. And most importantly, will be putting a call out to is something I’ll certainly be improve response times, as dis- equipment. even the branded ones can be set a day each week to test your the public for their ideas for pushing for!” patches from the present town Ronan Archibold has been a dangerous; never leave your smoke alarm.” it. “While a section of the new Above: Plans for the new centre location can potentially firefighter in Clonakilty since device charging overnight or Councillor Hayes says that building there will be dedicated fire station on Clonakilty be delayed in traffic. 2002 and Station Officer for the when you are not at home. Also Cork County Council hopes to to civic offices for Council staff Local Councillor Paul Hayes past three years. He says the don’t leave a phone or laptop develop the site of the existing there may be room to include Bypass.

antry Credit Union appointment, which they be- this important position.” Siobhán for her dedicated and Noreen Cronin has appointed Noreen lieved would be hugely popular Noreen is well qualified in valuable service during the past appointed Cronin as their new with both members and staff the areas of credit union and five years, Mr Mullins said BAssistant Manager. From alike. “Noreen has long been financial services, and holds a ”Siobhán’s contribution to the Ardnacloughy in Ballylickey, recognised as a tremendous number of professional certif- development of Bantry Credit Assistant Noreen is a long-serving staff asset to the credit union. Her icates and diplomas from the Union during these recent years member at the credit union knowledge of the credit union’s LIA/UCD. of change is greatly appreci- Manager at having celebrated her 20th work operations is second to none. Noreen succeeds Siobhán ated. On behalf of the Board, anniversary in May 2020. That, combined with her em- Geoghegan, who has moved BOC and staff, I wish her every Bantry Credit Chairperson Eddie Mullins pathy with members, her work on to take up a position as success in her new career.” said that the Board of Directors ethic, and her dedication, makes Compliance Officer with Global Union were delighted to announce the Noreen the ideal candidate for Shares in Clonakilty. Thanking A New Year message from Holly Cairns TD e need a gov- “To really understand how ground. hospitality industry, or island cases like this. The 221+ Patient that can gain greater public ernment that public policy and funding can “Before I make a speech in communities. Regretfully, this is CervicalCheck Support Group support and confidence. listens,” says be directed to help improve the Dáil or contact a Minister, I a capacity that the Government were treated deplorably by the “People are understandably “WHolly Cairns TD. “Above all, our society and quality of life talk with people who are direct- parties have lost. Minister for Health, Stephen frustrated at state systems that public representatives need to for all, we need to engage with ly affected by the issue at hand, “Many of the government’s Donnelly, the Mother and Baby are inflexible and at times hos- listen. communities and groups on the be it disability services, the controversies stem from not Homes Legislation was rushed tile to new ideas. Time and time listening to people and from through the Oireachtas with again, Community Associations a hubris that they and their no input from survivors of the and support services will pres- Departments know best. The institutions, and the Department ent innovations and solutions to Minister for Education Norma of Agriculture introduced a fish- existing problems, such as an Foley’s mishandling of schools eries support scheme during the absence of paediatric therapies, HOLLY CAIRNS TD last week is a clear example of summer which was not taken flooding, or new recreation- Cork South West this. The Minister announced up by the majority of fishermen al amenities; but then they Progress | Equality | Democracy | Sustainability the re-opening of special and women because it did not encounter bureaucratic barriers, schools and classes, which was address their needs. We saw the and despite assurances from My constituency offices in Bandon welcomed with justified con- same mismanagement when it government little happens. and Skibbereen are closed during the cerns from staff, and the return came to the recent Forestry Bill. “We need a government that pandemic but please get in touch if of leaving cert students for The list goes on. listens, that is proactive and that there’s anything I can do to help you. three days, which was widely “In the midst of a pandemic rewards creativity and empow- opposed by students and staff. it is vital that the government is ers local areas. However, the Minister and the willing to listen to those impact- “Although I cannot meet Department had not engaged ed by their decisions. 2021 is a constituents in my offices, at m 086 3615830 with student representatives or more hopeful year, but it will markets, or during community fully discussed the plans with still be challenging. Ministers events at the moment, I am k [email protected] opposition and unions, and, as need to engage with commu- always available to listen to D @HollyCairnsTD a result, had to make a dramatic nities and groups to help them your concerns and ideas. Please u-turn. make informed decisions. Only reach out at [email protected]” E Holly Cairns TD “There are many other then can they develop policies January 15 – February 4, 2021 5 6 January 15 – February 4, 2021 Lessons from Letter from the Editor Welcome to the January edition of West Cork People.

I think Louise O’Dwyer summed it up best in her lifestyle column this a pandemic month when she said we could be forgiven for thinking that 2020 just put a wig on and emerged as 2021! We’re not even halfway through socks, tracksuit bottoms, tops fold origami, build a garden January and already we’re back in Level 5 lockdown with our children Mary O’Brien and hoodies, hats, gloves and shed, or in fact start any project out of school; and bombarded with media stories of attempted coups, Editor A scarves. Wearing them all at and finish it. I have a long list riots, our ICUs being overwhelmed by Covid cases and this week once is like being enveloped of projects that I abandoned this the Mother and Baby Homes report published by the Commission of WEST CORK in a soft protective armour. year, from knitting to waterco- Investigation – a shameful chapter of Irish history. Let’s not forget the My dressing gown, which is lours, and from yoga to learning Climate crisis we are facing, a challenge far greater than any pandemic! LIFE also fleecy, is big enough to to play the piano. I have also It wouldn’t be hard to get paralysed by fear if dwelling for too long on Tina Pisco wrap around the many layers not produced a novel, though covering my body, keeping it I’ve been complaining of a lack any or all of the above; my way of coping is to try to concentrate on all together and preventing even of time in which to write it for the small things, the stuff that’s closer to home and within my control. When I started getting anxious last week because of the rising numbers, the sneakiest draft from getting years. I made a list in my head of all the things I’m grateful for and what I’m very January, it is tradi- in. It is not the most attractive Simple joys: It is well known looking forward to doing when this pandemic ends. And if all else fails tional for columnists to look, but another lesson learnt that being grateful is a great Sheila Mullins (especially when it comes to online schooling), I’m still jumping in the write about New Year’s is that I have no vanity left at source of peace and joy. 2020 ocean as a tonic. Hopefully once the vaccine rollout picks up steam, life Creative Director Eresolutions. However, I feel that all, at all. I was not very vain to taught me to be grateful for will get easier. might seem a bit presumptuous, start with, but whatever shame I a number of things that I had given the year we’ve just had had at being caught looking like taken for granted. There are Against the odds, one of the things we are grateful for is to be able to and the uncertainty of the year a layered version of the masked the obvious ones like walking bring you a January edition of West Cork People in 2021, which we ahead. A resolution to go to the Michelin man has dissipated. on the beach, meeting up with have strived to keep as positive as possible, focusing on what’s good in gym three times a week seems Anyway, it’s not like anyone is friends at the pub, live music… the world right now. a bit tenuous when you don’t likely to pop in for a visit. The Less obvious are simple joys know when they might be open postman and delivery people like talking to strangers, walk- Inside this issue, you’ll find articles on various species, from the rare again. As I write, we are again are the only ones who get to see ing around with no particular and wondrous barn owl to the iconic seal. We also have gardening confined to a 5km range, which me in my full fleece pandemic place to go, or going into a shop plans and advice to get you started; health advice to boost your immune Ronan Ryan as I wrote last time, is quite regalia, and I’m sure they’ve just to browse. I have always system; and mindfulness practices to use when you feel overwhelmed. Sales Consultant limiting when you live deep seen worse. I don’t even bother been what the French call a We also have advice for businesses affected by Brexit from Paul Healy in the countryside. A Clon- to accessorise my facemask. ‘flaneur’, which translates rather in Cork Rubicon’s Centre and Kieran takes us on a journey back in akilty friend who lives in New Time is fluid and there is charmingly into ‘someone time to look at some of the world’s greatest vaccination successes. For West Cork People Orleans recently posted that she never enough of it: Has there who saunters around observing this and more, see inside. I hope you enjoy the read. Old Town Hall, wished she could be walking on ever been a year that has been society’. 2020 made me have McCurtain Hill, Stay home and stay safe. Inchydoney beach. I comment- so slow and yet so fast? Some to plan my every move, and Clonakilty, Co. Cork. ed, “So do I!” days flow like black treacle, to have a good reason to do it. www.westcorkpeople.ie Until next month, Resolutions tend to be all only to jump to dinnertime in There is no sauntering during a about control, which is in rather a flash. I remember everyone pandemic. Mary Contributors short supply during a pandem- complaining about the slowness I am, of course, grateful for ic. So instead of resolutions, of January 2020. Then before many things, not least the fact Kate Arbon I thought that I would write we knew it, we were back to the that all my daughters are safe Karen Austin about lessons learnt last year. beginning of a new year again. and in Ireland. I have Brexit Hannah Dare 2020 was one hell of a learning What was that about? When I and Covid to thank for that. curve: A master class on how to look back it’s all a bit of a fog. Vaccination is on its way, like Tina Pisco cope in the face of something, A French proverb states “The a tiny flame of hope on the Louise O’Dwyer over which we have no control. days follow one after another horizon. (For the record – I John Hosford Here, in no particular order, are and do not resemble each oth- will get the vaccine as soon as Sean Creedon a few of the things that I have er.” (Les jours se suivent et ne I can.). Spring is also on the learned. se ressemble pas.) It means that horizon. The days are getting Tania Presutti Fleece is my friend: I have life is ever-changing. However, longer and though I intend to Noah Chase always been a fan of the fleecy for me, 2020 was one long day remain encased in fleece for a Shane Daly pyjama bottom. The pandemic that looked pretty much like good while, there is the hope has taught me that the comfort yesterday. Many tried to take that I will emerge from my Pauline Murphy of fleece cannot be underesti- advantage of the situation by cocoon sometime in 2021. In Kieran Doyle mated. It has also taught me that taking up new skills to pass the the meantime: Stay strong. Stay One of first people in Bantry General Hospital to receive Sherna Malone fleece can be found in a number time. I applaud anyone who safe. Here’s hoping we’ll all be of other items of clothing: managed to learn a language, sauntering around again soon. the Covid 19 vaccine on January 11 was Amanda Murphy, Tommy Moyles Clerical Officer at Bantry General Hospital. Jean Perry Pic Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision Fiona Hayes Grace O’Sullivan MEP Bandon’s Cian Walsh fighting for students with Rosari Kingston Dr Jeff Featherstone the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union Pat Culhane Paul Lordan ransition Year student body for second-level students believe that student opinion is myself have had to deal with Exams 2021 contingency plan.” April Danaan Cian Walsh of St. Bro- in the Republic of Ireland. Cian an essential and vital part of a ridiculous amount of stress The Regional Officers plan Eugene Daly gan’s College, Bandon took up his role on January 1, society today and it should be due to school closures and the to work alongside local TDs Thas been elected, alongside and is looking forward to work- treated as such,” explains Anna leaving cert,” says Eva McDon- and County Councillors in their James Waller Anna Keyes (Edmund Rice ing on behalf of all students Keyes. Meg Foley adds, “Even nell. “I feel really lucky to be term, and also to grow the ISSU Jacques Brennan College Carrigaline), as a Cork across the county. though we’ve only been in of- placed in a position where I can in the Cork region for the year County Regional Officer of the The four were elected on fice for less than a week, we’ve campaign for clarity and change ahead. The ISSU has played Irish Second-Level Students the back of their speeches had the amazing opportunity to on their behalf.” a central role in many of the Advertisers Please Note: West Cork People does Union. Meg Foley (Ballincollig presented at last year’s Regional engage with topics like leaving Cian Walsh agreed with this, decisions made around schools not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy in the printing of any Community School) and Eva Council Of Schools. They cert contingency plans. We’re stating that “the Covid-19 pan- and exams during the Covid-19 advertisement. We reserve the right to refuse or McDonnell (Ursuline Second- are all extremely passionate really excited to see recognition demic has put an unthinkable pandemic, and Cian, Anna, amend any advertisement, notwithstanding where, when or by whom accepted for publication, more- ary School Blackrock) will about advocating for student of students’ opinions by deci- amount of pressure on students Meg and Eva plan to ensure over we reserve the right to discontinue with the publication of any advertisement previously pub- be working as the Cork City wellbeing, especially through sion makers and are definitely in exam years and it is critical that student voices are heard at lished. Please note further that we cannot accept responsibility for one or more incorrect insertion Regional Officers. The Irish Covid-19. “We want to bring looking forward to what’s to to ensure that their voices are a local and national level for the and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do Second-Level Students’ Union the student voice to the fore- come!” heard throughout the decision year ahead. not detract from the value of the advertisements. is the national representative front of the conversation, we “Many 6th years such as making process for the State West Cork People January 15 – February 4, 2021 7

Thank you for the good work.

The fishermen of Castletownbere, Union Hall and Baltimore have played their part in helping remove more than 400 tonnes of marine waste to help protect Ireland’s marine environment.

#BIM #Fishingforlitter #CleanOceansInitiative 8 January 15 – February 4, 2021 Coxswain Kieran Cotter retires after 45 years with Baltimore RNLI ecember marked the the Swiss Embassy in 2008 for community so well. We wish end of an era for the the outstanding bravery and Kieran every health and happi- Baltimore Lifeboat commitment shown during the ness in his next chapter and he Dwith the retirement of Coxswain rescue of Swiss nationals in leaves the RNLI in Baltimore Kieran Cotter after 45 years of hazardous conditions and from in good hands to continue their service. the United States Congress for lifesaving work on the challeng- At age 17, Kieran first the rescue of the crew of Ram- ing coast of west Cork. Kieran became interested in Baltimore bler during the 2011 Fastnet has left a legacy of lives saved Lifeboat and he officially Yacht Race. from the sea and witnessed the Long-serving Baltimore RNLI Coxswain Kieran Cotter and Crew member Ronnie Carthy on joined the crew on January Kieran has seen many chang- evolution of the RNLI’s service their last exercise before stepping down in December. Pic RNLI/Emma Lupton 1, 1975. In the early years as es during his time at the station provision in the area over five a crew member Kieran was including the arrival of four decades for which he should involved in the dramatic rescue different classes of all-weather be justifiably proud - thank you of the 1979 Fastnet Race. Bal- lifeboats and the reconstruction Kieran Cotter.” timore Lifeboat was the first of the lifeboat station and pen at Declan Tiernan, Chairperson lifeboat launched and spent Bull Point to accommodate the of Baltimore Lifeboat, paid trib- the longest time at sea during current Tamar Class all-weather ute to Kieran saying: “Natural the tragedy. At the time it was lifeboat the Alan Massey and leadership is a rare gift which the biggest rescue operation the Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat Kieran Cotter has in abundance. since World War 2. Kieran and the Rita Daphne Smyth. In Sep- It is the ability to instill confi- his brother Liam were also in- tember 2019 Kieran accepted dence and trust in the people volved in the rescue of Charles the 100th Anniversary Vellum around you, calmly dealing with J. Haughey in 1985. on behalf of the crew, manage- new and unforeseen circum- Kieran held the position of ment and fundraising team at stances without raising your second Coxswain for a number Baltimore station. voice. The ability to assess a sit- of years before becoming Owen Medland, RNLI’s uation, come up with a plan that Coxswain following the Lifesaving Lead Ireland, paid your crew will execute because retirement of Christy Collins testimony to Kieran’s service. they have the utmost confidence in 1989. During his 45 years at “It is true to say that the RNLI in their leader. the station Kieran has received is built upon its people and in “Kieran is also a wonderful multiple awards for his roles Kieran the team in Baltimore communicator; in dangerous in many rescues. Most notably, have had firm foundations. One situations he can put people at Socially distanced and by a fishing rod, Kieran Cotter hands over the lifeboat keys to in 1991 Kieran was awarded of the longest serving Cox- ease, at other times journalists Baltimore RNLI’s new Coxswain Aidan Bushe. Pic: RNLI/Micheal Cottrell the Bronze Medal for gallantry swains in the country entrusted will want to go to Kieran for the and the Maud Smith award for with the safety of Baltimore’s most accurate report. Baltimore it really puts Kieran’s vast array of knowledge and Kieran is leaving the Alan the bravest act of life saving lifeboats and crews since the Napoleon Bonaparte famous- service into perspective.” experience will not be lost to Massey and her crew in good that year following the 26-hour late 80s having joined as crew ly said that he’d rather have Tom Bushe, Baltimore RNLI Baltimore RNLI as he is going hands, with second Coxswain rescue of the fishing vessel the in 1975 Kieran has a remark- lucky generals than good ones. Lifeboat Operations Manager, to continue to be involved by Aidan Bushe now taking over Japonica and her 15 crew, who able record of lifesaving service Well, Kieran Cotter is not only a added “I first worked with becoming a Deputy Launching the role as station Coxswain. In referred to Baltimore lifeboat and community commitment. good leader but also brings luck Kieran when I stared as crew Authority. I must also mention these times of social distancing and her crew as “The Mad As with every volunteer this with him. in the 1980s. Over the years his Ronnie Carthy, another long Baltimore Lifeboat Station was Men in the small boat” and service would not have been “Kieran Cotter gave 45 years dedication and commitment to serving crew member who also sadly unable to give Kieran the the rescue of the yacht Atlantis possible without the support of service to the Baltimore Life- the Baltimore RNLI has been retires this week. Ronnie was send off he deserves, but looks Adventure and her five crew. of family and we are equally boat and when you think that in exceptional and his advice to also an outstanding crewmem- forward to celebrating with him Coxswain Cotter and his crew grateful for this support which 2019 we celebrated the centena- me in my role has been in- ber of the lifeboat for almost 30 sometime in the future. also received recognition from has enabled Kieran to serve his ry of the first lifeboat arriving in valuable. Fortunately, Kieran’s years.” Write for Rights - Change for the better in 2021 By Clonakilty part of the Write for Rights inside Algeria. Through his sentenced in August 2020 to Sample Letter the streets, reporting the news, Amnesty Group campaign consists of a let- journalism, he made a point of three years in prison for filming Addressed to: Abdelmajid not locked up for his principled ter-writing marathon and covering protests. This placed police attacking demonstrators Tebboune, President of the journalism. mnesty involves millions of peo- him at odds with the authorities in Algiers on charges official- People’s Republic of Algeria, El Please, release him without Internation- ple around the globe. As who targeted him, detaining ly called “inciting an illegal Mouradia, B.P. 16000 Algiers, delay. al’s ‘Write in past years, be a part of him many times. On March assembly and endangering Algeria Yours sincerely Afor Rights’ campaign West Cork’s contribution 29, Khaled was arrested while national unity”. Although a (sign the letter) takes place annually to the international Write covering a demonstration, and reduced two-year sentence was Your Excellency, around December 10, for Rights campaign even in subsequently sentenced to two confirmed later (on appeal, 15 I call on you to immediately Dear WCP Reader: Clonakilty which is Human Rights Day. this difficult Covid time. Please years in prison. September), “it is still gross- and unconditionally release Amnesty Group is grateful for Write for Rights aims to bring take action on the case below. UN human rights experts ly inappropriate because the Khaled Drareni, an independent your action on this case. You about change to the lives of Inform yourself of the issue have condemned the prison charges brought against him are journalist, sentenced to prison can find further information people or communities that from the case card and sign and sentence. They called on a blatant violation of freedom of simply for doing his job. about the case at amnesty.ie. have suffered or are at risk of send the sample letter directly, Algerian authorities to overturn expression, peaceful assembly He was reporting on a Hirak Clonakilty Amnesty Group human rights violations. Among or compile your own letter. the sentence and release Drareni and of association,” the experts demonstration on March 27 can be reached as follows: Sue the many actions that take place Case Card from prison. said. when he was arrested. He has on 023 884 5056 or Derry 086 as part of Write for Rights, Khaled Drareni is a journal- “We condemn in the stron- The UN Office of the High been detained ever since. 222 7616 (our monthly Group Amnesty raises individual ist who shares the common gest possible terms this two- Commissioner for Human Khaled just wants a fairer, meetings in O’Donovan’s Hotel cases with decision-makers dream of freedom and equality year prison sentence imposed Rights describes the case in better Algeria that cares for and are cancelled due to Covid until who can change the situation, with many Algerians. When on a journalist who was simply their website www.ohchr.org. benefits everyone. He is held further notice). gives visibility to those cases by people took to the streets in doing his job, and call on the The organisation Report- on the unjustified charge of organising protests and public February 2019 to demand Algerian authorities to reverse ers Without Borders (RSF) inciting an unarmed gathering actions, and brings international these principles, Khaled, as a it and set Mr. Drareni free,” the describes Khaled Drareni as and “harming the integrity of attention through media and journalist, made sure the world experts said. a symbol of press freedom in the national territory”. internet exposure. A major knew what was happening Drareni, 40, had been Algeria. 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Loans are subject to approval. Lending Criteria, terms and conditions apply. Muintir Clanna Caoilte Credit Union Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your Loan, your account will go into arrears. 10 January 15 – February 4, 2021 A bird’s eye view of West Cork in new book 50 Year Journey in as a recreational pilot. There are the Sky’ is the result also many interesting photos of 50 years of flying of West Cork and other parts ‘Alight aircraft for Cork man Pat of Ireland, of locations seen at Punch. Pat’s journey began in their best from the air (pictured Cork airport in 1970, although on the right is Baltimore village his interest in flying began as seen from the skies). much earlier, “while gazing All proceeds of the book with amazement at a wall chart will go to two Cork charities, displaying an aircraft from Marymount Hospice and ARC WW2 vintage”. Cancer Support House. This book, which details ‘A 50 Year Journey in the flying experiences over the Sky’ is available to purchase years, contains details of Pat’s from Coughlan’s Bookshop, most memorable flights, as well Clonakilty; O’Farrells, Bandon, as interesting snippets of infor- Hickeys, Bandon; and Kinsale mation on all aspects of flying Bookshop. Celebrating St. Brigid (Naomh Bríd) n Irish folk tradition, St. milk’, when sheep and cows to judge the weather and stays turn black. byre, to protect the family and Brigid’s Day, February 1, is began to lactate, and it also out if mild weather is coming. Brigid shares her name with the cattle. The cross was also the first day of spring, and marked the quickening of the From Irish folklore we read: ‘St. the goddess ‘Brigit’, who was considered to be a protective Ithus of the farming year. It is the earth. St. Brigid’s Day marks Brigid was very generous and honoured as the source of fertil- agent against storms, lightning festival of Ireland’s much-loved the loosening of winter’s grip. her feastday is an omen of good ity, abundance, of all the aspects and fire. Protection against fire Brigid, who is often called Brigid, the bright maiden of times to come. She ushers in a of nature. When Christianity be- was particularly important at ‘Mary of the Gael’. She built spring, bringing light and new more plentiful season, for when came established, it Christian- a time when most houses had her convent in Kildare (Cill growth, takes over from the her day comes, the ‘Dubhlu- ised many of the old festivals thatched roofs which were high- Dara, the Church of the Oak). ‘Cailleach’, the hag of winter. achair’, or the darkest, severest and gods of the old religions. ly inflammable. There are many In pre-Christian Ireland, To see a hedgehog on St. Brig- part of the year, is gone. The Some of the aspects of everyday tales telling of how Brigid made February the first was the feast id’s Day was a good weather ‘Dubhluachair’ is between life that came under the patron- the first cross. According to a of ‘Imbolc’ (‘Imbolg’ in modern sign, as the hedgehog comes Christmas and February 1. In age of both Brigit the goddess story from Co. Clare, a certain Irish), which means ‘giving out of his burrow, looks about this severe weather the rushes and Saint Brigid include smiths, woman disliked Brigid and the hearth, poets, midwifery and FACT wanted to kill her. Her chance healing. As a Christian spiritual came when Brigid visited her figure, she became associated & FOLKLORE house. She bade Brigid wel- with the ‘disempowered of come and offered her a drink humanity’, including the dis- Eugene Daly of milk into which she had put placed, the impoverished, and some poison. Brigid, however, the socially stigmatised people, A retired primary teacher, West got a little straw and made such as disabled and illegitimate Cork native Eugene Daly has the sign of the cross over the children. a lifelong interest in the Irish milk. She drank the milk and Countless people bear her language and the islands (both remained unharmed. The people name; churches, convents and his parents were islanders). heard of this miracle and began holy wells are called after her, He has published a number of the custom of making crosses not only here but in many other local history books and is a in honour of her, and hanging countries as well. She has from regular contributor on folklore them up in their house. an early period been linked with to Ireland’s Own magazine. A story from Co, Derry the church in Kildare where Eugene’s fields of interest relates how Brigid had no food she founded a convent and, as span local history, folklore, left in the house for her father’s abbess, ruled over priests and Irish mythology, traditions and meal as she had given every- nuns. Some scholars believe placenames. thing to the poor. She prayed that Kildare itself had originally earnestly and made crosses been a pagan sanctuary of the from rushes and placed them in Celtic Goddess, Brigit. Then a house and her miracles deal the cheese presses. Her father when Christianity came, a largely with the multiplication returned and found the presses saintly woman bearing the same of food and drink and with full of cheese. This story places name as the goddess, took over healing. the emphasis not so much on the pagan sanctuary and turned The making of ‘Cros Bríde’ protection from danger but it into a convent. Here in this (St. Brigid’s Cross) was the rather on the plentiful supply of part of West Cork, there are at most widespread custom con- food for the household which least four holy wells named ‘To- nected with the festival. Woven St. Brigid guarantees to those bar Bríde’ (Brigid’s Well); these from straw or rushes, they who hang up her cross in their certainly are pre-Christian and are diamond-shaped. It is still homes. St. Brigid’s Cross was were places of devotion before customary for children to make the first logo of RTE but was the coming of Christianity. them in school. They were hung replaced in 1995. Much was written about in the dwelling house and in the Brigid from the seventh century cattle byres as protection for the on. Two fundamental ideas family and the animals. The about her life are her great faith most usual was the diamond in God, and secondly, her ex- shaped ones, made of straw, traordinary charity and love for rushes or osiers. They can be others, both human and animal. seen today in many houses and She never allowed the poor to are also a popular item in some go away empty-handed. Much shops catering for the tourist of her life story is concerned industry. The cross was hung in with domestic life and running the house and also in the cow January 15 – February 4, 2021 11 Now that it’s here, are you braced for Brexit? Paul Healy is the General Manager of the Rubicon Centre, Ireland’s largest 2. Agree who is going to do the transactions for you. enterprise incubator centre, which he has grown since it opened in 2006. With 3. Establish the UK tariff over 25 years’ experience in developing start-ups/scale ups across all technol- codes for items you are import- ogy sectors, Paul has first-hand experience of raising finance, accessing new ing or exporting. Carry out this exercise in advance of your opportunities, strategy, and company development. transaction. www.trade-tariff. He is a graduate of UL and University College Cork and is an advocate for service.gov.uk/sections further Economic Regional Development particularly in West Cork. 4. Take a LEO training course on Brexit Preparation. All Paul brings to our attention some of the things business owners need to look courses are now on-line. at if they are to stay ahead of the curve on Brexit. 5. Take a 1:1 Mentoring session with an expert. www. f you own a small business, through the UK borders. Remember, carrying high localenterprise.ie/CorkNort- which employs just you In the case of Goods levels of stock has cashflow handWest/Training-Events/ or several hundred people, importing or exporting to the implications, as well as using up Online-Bookings/Remote-Brex- IBrexit is a word, which will UK you may have a Duty/VAT space in your business premises it-Support-Sessions-Expres- face you in 2021. requirement, which will have to and the danger that some of the sion-of-Interest.htm Some of you may remember be paid once the goods land into stock will go out of date. 6. Visit the Enterprise Ireland Customs Clearance practices Ireland. In the case of goods has the capability in-house to 3. Appoint a Full time/Part-time Website: www.prepareforbrexit. prior to the Free Movement passing through the UK to or Terms and Conditions on do it when you need it. Freight Internal Resource com/ of Goods under the EU. The from Europe, you will have to Contracts moves 24/7 so be aware of If the business has ongoing 7. Talk to your regular world of Commodity Codes, have monies available to guar- From January 1, terms of trade coverage you may need. They transactions, a dedicated Suppliers/Customers ahead of Customs Clearance Points, and antee Duty/VAT implications, used on supplier/buyer agree- will need additional information person should be nominated to any business you may do in the the inspections of shipments at which might arise if the Goods ments will become very import- on your invoices to complete complete this work. Training future. Discuss plans they have points of entry to Ireland. Some did not pass into Europe again. ant for anyone doing business the transaction. and Grant aid is available to put in place to deal with Brexit of you have experience import- To provide for this additional with the UK. Initially, care will 2. Appoint an Agent to work on cover some of the costs of this transactions. ing or exporting outside the EU cashflow requirement, business need to be taken on agreements your behalf. resource are available 8. Arrange for additional already. But for many, this will owners may need to take on made where you agree to buy or A number of new business oper- finance to cover cashflow be new to them. additional borrowing or bank supply goods, which previously ations are setting up to serve the So, what things should you do issues, which may arise before For the business owner, Brex- guarantee schemes to cover this you would have paid for the needs of business in this area. now? they occur. it will mean additional work, new requirement. Ireland’s main shipment to the customer. The These offer to complete transac- 1. Register for your unique Finally, any preparation work which needs to be completed banks and Microfinance Ireland business owner needs to be tions for a fee to cover the work. EORI number, which you will you do now, will avoid delays either by the owner or an identi- have put in place facilities to aware of potential exposure to This option may be suitable for need from now for all imports/ in supply, or unplanned costs fied third party. support this requirement Duty/VAT charges when using businesses who will not have exports to and from the UK, in- which you did not expect to the term, ‘Delivered’, or ‘Deliv- many transactions per year but cluding transit through the UK. complete a transaction in the Do you know how your Carrying Stock ered Duty Paid’. need to access the knowledge To Europe. Available through future. suppliers ship their goods into Many business owners have al- Business Owners may opt that these agents have. ROS. (www.revenue.ie) Ireland? ready taken on additional stock for ‘Ex Works’ agreements until Up until now, business owners to cover delays of deliveries to they become clear of the full were very happy to see their them due to additional transit costs of transactions between goods arrive safely from their times from their suppliers. Ireland and the UK( Excluding supplier. Since the New Year, While this is a good strategy for Northern Ireland) you now need to know how some business owners, caution your goods got to you and what should be applied if this is your Appointment of Person to borders they had to cross. preferred route to dealing with complete transactions In the case of goods imported delays. The business owner has several from the UK or crossing the UK Other options to look at options to look at: borders on the way to Europe should include looking at if you 1. Use a Freight Agent you now need to register for an can source supplies outside the Freight Agents (Shipping EORI number. UK, and maybe source either Companies-Road/Sea/Air) may in EU Countries (not using the be best placed to complete the 2021 supports for small Cashflow UK Landbridge), or better still Import/Export Transactions With Brexit comes some cash- locally. Talk to your existing for you. Before any future flow implications. Additional suppliers, who may already shipments take place, you need businesses in West Cork: cash needs to be put aside have thought of ways to reduce to make sure that your Freight We are here to continue to support your business in 2021. Whether you to pay Duties/VAT on goods transit times and duty/vat issues Agent is happy to complete coming from the UK or passing to your company. the transactions for you and are an entrepreneur, a new start-up or an established business, we can support your business with: Shoppers urged to act with caution when • Brexit support clinics • Business advice appointments buying from the UK • Training including: digital marketing, start your own business With the UK no longer part of the EU there are now significant changes for Irish consumer rights programmes and training to maximise your trading online. when buying from retailers in the UK. Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has urged shoppers to be very aware when shopping online now. Changes are also in place when it comes to sending parcels to • Financial supports: subject to certain eligibility criteria the UK so it is vital consumers are aware of the new rules. Deirdre Clune is a member of the Europe- • Trading online vouchers: worth up to a maximum of €2,500 or 50% of an Parliament Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Affairs. eligible expenditure. MEP Clune said: “Things are very different now for shoppers when it comes to buying from the UK. There are also changes when it comes to sending parcels to the UK so it is so important to be All of our supports are currently available online so please go aware of the changes so that shoppers are not hit with unforeseen extra charges. Consumers need to be mindful that additional charges such as custom duties or VAT may now apply to goods purchased to our website to check availability and to make a booking: from the UK. www.localenterprise.ie/corknorthandwest “When a consumer shops online from a business in the EU, they have strong consumer rights under EU consumer protection legislation. However consumers no longer automatically have these Contact us at our Clonakilty, West Cork office on: rights when buying from a UK-based business. T: 023-8834700 E: [email protected] “I would urge shoppers to find out where the business they are buying from is located. It is not

enough that the website has a .ie domain name or that prices are in euro as the business could still be Personal information collected by Cork County Council is done so in order for us to process your located in the UK. It is important that if in doubt, check the T&Cs on the website for their physical representation/enquiry and legally we can process it as it is necessary for us to comply with our statutory/legal obligations. The information will be processed in line with our privacy statement location.” which is available on our website: www.corkcoco.ie For more information people can check out ccpc.ie 12 January 15 – February 4, 2021

“So I chastised a great multitude of men and women with the lash of starvation and, alas! The King that exploded was the cruel murderer of many thousands….” – William the Conqueror wedlock circa 1028, to Robert influence in England during his the king eventually confessed I, the Duke of Normandy, and reign, he was also, as mentioned that what he had done during Herleva, who is traditionally above, a tyrant. In 1069, he be- his reign was terrible (although described as a tanner’s daughter. gan what would become known this claim is largely disputed by After the success of battle he as ‘The Harrying of the North’, historians): became known as ‘William the a campaign of putting down re- “I treated the native Conqueror’ and went on to hold bellions by burning villages and inhabitants of the kingdom the title ‘King of England’ for crops, as well as slaughtering with unreasonable severity, 21 years, ruling with an unheard herd animals and even villagers. cruelly oppressed high and low, of brutality, even for the time. Those who survived became unjustly disinherited many, and Every English monarch who desperate (they reportedly caused the death of thousands THE HISTORY followed William, including resorted to cannibalism) and by starvation and war, especial- Queen Elizabeth II, has been a many starved to death. Being ly in Yorkshire... In mad fury, & POLITICS and filling the late king with pu- resulted in William’s bowels direct descendant of the Nor- King, William lived and ate like I descended on the English of trid gas. In an unusual twist of inflating to capacity and his man-born king. According to one and, as a consequence, be- the north like a raging lion, and CORNER fate, the night the King’s body remains swelling beyond genealogists, more than 25 per came enormously overweight. ordered that their homes and arrived in Caen, the village had previous measure. While Shane Daly cent of the English population It was his size that eventually crops with all their equipment succumbed to a fire, leaving trying to lower William into his is also distantly related to him, contributed to his death as he and furnishings should be burnt some parts of the city in ruins final resting tomb, the king’s Shane Daly is a History as are countless Americans was engaging in a battle with at once and their great flocks and others untouched; but most corpse would not fit. When Graduate from University with British ancestry. All lands, his own son, Robert, in France. and herds of sheep and cattle importantly the fire delayed the gravediggers attempted to College Cork, with a BAM wealth and assets that are Robert was aggrieved that slaughtered everywhere. So I the funeral mass even further force the body into place, “the in History and an MA in Irish currently in possession of the he was not afforded land he chastised a great multitude of while residents fought the blaze. swollen bowels burst, and an History. Royal family of England can believed he was owed and sided men and women with the lash Furthermore, whilst the fire intolerable stench assailed the be directly traced back through with his father’s enemies with of starvation and, alas, was was successfully extinguished, nostrils of the by-standers and lineage to being the spoils of the aim of getting what he felt the cruel murderer of many a sickly heat could still be felt the whole crowd”, according William’s 21-year conquest and was rightfully his. William thousands, both young and old, illiam the Conquer- during the funeral; this along to Orderic. The crowd was colonisation of England. mounted his horse to prepare for of this fair people.” or is most notably with the poor embalming meth- immediately covered in the It is historically agreed that battle but the horse unexpected- On September 9, 1087, Wil- known for being ods of 11th century funerary former King’s putrefied innards Willian’s reign saw a vicious- ly reared, thrusting the wooden liam finally died. His body was Wthe King that triumphed at the practices, combined with the and overwhelmed by the scent ness, and callous disregard for pommel of the saddle into his then removed from Rouen to Battle of Hastings. In 1066 extensive journey, ultimately of decomposing flesh. The life, that was unprecedented. abdomen with such force that Caen, a small village in France. William and his army defeated became a deadly mix that would horrified funeral party immedi- This is well-documented. How- it punctured his intestines. The This journey is roughly 70 an English army under the soon become apparent to the ately left the church and didn’t ever, what is less well known mortally wounded king jour- miles and would have taken a Anglo-Saxon King Harold funerary procession. return. The funeral was hastily is that he ‘exploded’ at his own neyed to Rouen, where he spent considerable time. As the corpse Godwinson, beginning the By the time the mass was finished, and quickly forgotten, funeral. six agonising weeks dying… slowly made its way, by water Norman conquest of England. over and the burial could actual- which to this day, is most likely Though William institut- with knights, noblemen and and by road, the bacteria in the Prior to this victory, William, a ly take place, it was weeks since why the explosion is a relatively ed constitutional and social clergy by his side. late King’s gut leaked into the French Viking, was known as William’s death. The residual unknown fact about William the reforms, forged close ties with According to Orderic rest of his body, decomposing ‘William the Bastard’ as he was heat from the fire, combined Conqueror. France, and ended Viking Vitalis’s Historia Ecclesiastica, the tissue at a frightening rate an illegitimate child, born out of with the delay it caused, had Ireland’s greatest love stories told in a new series on TG4 new 6-part series about ley, to Oscar Wilde’s scandalous Harry Boland. In Ireland’s Irish rebellion of 1803. Emmet’s Ireland’s greatest love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, greatest and most tragic love fight for a free Ireland brought stories began this week Ireland’s Greatest Loves reveals story, Michael Collins and Kitty destruction to himself and to Aon TG4. Scéalta Grá na hÉire- the greatest romances of the Kiernan kept their love alive his beloved. He gifted Sarah a ann explores the most iconic most iconic people ever to through the 300 letters they delicate brooch (pictured right) love stories throughout the his- shape our nation’s remarkable exchanged between 1919 and in the shape of a harp, a lasting tory of our land. These stories history. 1922. symbol of his love for Ireland echo through time and each one The series premiered with Programme Two on January and his sweetheart. The brooch has played a major part in the Ireland’s greatest and most trag- 20 examines the doomed love can still be seen today in the formation of modern Ireland. ic love story, the love triangle affair between the Irish patriot Cork Public Museum. From the stormy passion of the between Michael Collins, Kitty Robert Emmet and Sarah Cur- ‘Pirate Queen’, Grace O’Mal- Kiernan and Collins’ best friend ran that took place during the Bantry farmer celebrated for fundraising efforts by Concern Mealagh Valley farm- turkeys, which Mr O’Sullivan due to the ill health of his wife, the world’s hardest hit areas. We er who has helped raise and his family donate from their Bernadette. She sadly passed cannot thank them enough for almost €90,000 for the own pockets. He estimates he away earlier this year in Febru- their support, particularly at this Aworld’s poorest people has been visits over a 100 houses every ary. “We were married 51 years, most challenging time.” given an Outstanding Commit- year, about ten to eleven a we had a great time and lots of Concern’s Volunteer ment Award by the Irish devel- night. “Most people like to see laughs, we had nine children, Awards began in 2013 to cele- opment organisation, Concern me coming, they’re expecting they’re all over the world brate the vital contribution made Worldwide. me. We have a bit of craic, I now,” he said. by the charity’s 1,700 volun- Patrick O’Sullivan has been tell them a few stories, some Concern’s Chief Executive, teers around Ireland. Many raise running an annual raffle for nights I might get to only one Dominic MacSorley, praised the funds that enable the organisa- Concern for over 40 years, after or two we’re having that good organisation’s volunteers and tion to continue to alleviate pov- he saw images of the famine in a time.” all those who support them in erty and hunger in the world’s Bangladesh on TV while in a Along with running the raffle their efforts at the awards held poorest countries. friend’s house. Mr O’Sullivan also does the virtually in December. Concern was formed by “I was playing cards, and church gate collections in Enni- “The extraordinary commit- volunteers in 1968 as part of a the news report came on the skeane and Drimoleague parish- ment of Concern volunteers major humanitarian response to television, we didn’t have a es, with help from his daughter has kept a flame of compassion the Biafran famine in Nigeria television at home at the time Alison. At one stage he looked alive in communities around caused by civil war. Last year as we’d no electricity, and you after nine churches but that had Ireland,” he said. the charity helped over 28 mil- couldn’t help but be moved. two more and went door to door doing raffles around Christmas been reduced down to three. “Their commitment has been lion people in 24 of the world’s I won a couple of turkeys to about 40 or 50 houses selling time ever since,” he said. 2019 was the first year Mr integral in sustaining Irish peo- poorest countries. through card games, and got raffle tickets for them. I’ve been A cash price has replaced the O’Sullivan didn’t run the raffle ple’s solidarity in action across January 15 – February 4, 2021 13 What does history say about vaccination? has always been to develop a and Washington, has recently milkmaids who often contracted student’s critical thinking – not shown that anti-vaccine sites are Cowpox, a mild disease, did not simply a regurgitation of the worth approximately one billion contract the deadlier Smallpox. CHRISTOPHER facts. Always question the dollars in revenue to tech giants. He did what some people are information. Always question It’s an industry and clever terrified of to this day… he in- O’SULLIVAN T.D. the source and, in a growing people know that the anti-vacci- oculated people using a minute world of social media influence, nation message is about money amount of the cowpox virus. If I can be of any always question the platform. A and not the perceived good of The result was that the patients recent example of this is when humanity. were immunised from the dead- assistance to you Twitter began to fact-check the There are others who more lier and fatal Smallpox disease. please do not hesitate unsubstantiated voting fraud accurately are defined as Unlike the many safety features, to get in contact. HISTORY & claims posted by followers. ‘vaccine hesitant’ and this is hurdles, and clinical trials Hundreds of thousands of a different prospect. I am no that modern vaccines have to CONSTITUENCY POLITICS disgruntled Trump supporters scientist and certainly it is nat- undergo before they are given to OFFICE: left it for a new platform called ural to worry about side-effects the public, Jenner simply took Kieran Doyle Parlor. Why? Because you and other medical issues. I fluid from a Cowpox blister 40 Ashe Street, can say what you like on that am willing to place my fate in and scratched it into the skin of Clonakilty. he Greeks are often cited platform with no fact checking, doctors, GPs and scientists. If James Phipps, an eight-year-old leaving only an echo chamber this isn’t a satisfactory response, boy. Next, he inoculated the boy (Closed to the public until as the fathers of modern Covid-19 restrictions are where people’s conspiracy then do what I do – look at the again, this time with Smallpox philosophy. One strand lifted) Tof philosophy they debated theories flourish in a space that past and examine the history of matter, and no disease devel- centred around the nature of allows skepticism, but from vaccination and its success. oped. We’ve come a long way truth. How can we trust any dubious and unsubstantiated The most successful vacci- from using people as human test information? The answer – to sources. This is the danger with nation was against Smallpox, tubes but 200 years later people disbelieve everything you know the internet. Why read a book a disease that existed for are still hesitant, despite the data and relearn it through person- when a 10-minute YouTube thousands of years causing and testing regimes. al experience and empirical video can tell you all you need millions of deaths. Through Growing up Cork City, it was knowledge. They also conclud- to know about the dangers of vaccination the deadly virus not uncommon to see adults in ed this was impossible to do. a COVID-19 vaccine? Social was eradicated in 1977, the last my community living with the So where does that leave us media is constructed to grab case being found in Somalia. It effects of Polio. There was a 3,000 years later? Pretty much people’s attention with catchy took 10 years to eradicate this major outbreak of Polio in Cork k [email protected] headlines and punchy clips disease from the globe once a City in 1955/56, which caused in the same place the Greeks m found themselves in. Who do with little or no substance. worldwide immunisation policy death and, for many survivors, 023 8811011 we trust or, more importantly, Alternatively, one may find a started in 1967. Vaccination is debilitating after-effects. We what sources do we trust in our well-written piece but who or not a new science. It has been bicker today about school lifelong quest for the truth? what is behind it and what is practiced for 200 years and the closures, sports being cancelled, I once put a question to one the agenda? Money is always globe is still standing, despite tourism and businesses having of my history classes: why a good place to begin and the doomsday soothsayers. to close, as if it’s some sort too late for those poor people buy enough vaccines to treat should they believe anything the anti-vaccine campaign is Edward Jenner is credited with of unprecedented response but many more were saved. their people. I teach them? One answered making millions for some, with the Smallpox vaccination. In that no other generation has Mercifully, the fatality rate History teaches us that vac- “because we are using a school revenue streams via advertising, his field studies, he found that faced. There are others who for Polio in Cork in 1956 was cines have worked for the good textbook”. Another referred to subscriptions, and donations. make fantastical claims of a 2.3 per cent, lower than the of humanity. Unfortunately, yes the curriculum as set out by the In the USA, anti-vaccinator, world conspiracy and refuse to current global rate of 3 per cent some people can experience government. Yet another de- osteopathic physician Joseph consent to inoculation. Guess for COVID-19 (according to side-effects. However, if one clared that I had been educated Mercola has amassed a fortune I am no scientist and what happened in Cork City the John Hopkins University takes time to read even the and trained as a teacher so was selling natural health products, certainly it is natural in 1956? Schools closed, busi- statistics on COVID-19, www. leaflet for headache tablets, a trustworthy source. The best including vitamin supplements, to worry about side-ef- nesses had to shut their doors worldometers.info). there are some awful side-ef- response was when one lad said some of which he claims are and the All-Ireland hurling final The Polio vaccine was fects listed, but we don’t tell he never listened to a word I say alternatives to vaccines. Accord- fects and other medical between Cork and Wexford, developed by Dr Jonas Salk in people not to take medicine anyway, but in all seriousness, ing to the Washington Post, he issues. I am willing to along with the football final be- the USA in the mid 1950s, once when they are sick. Despite if I were a teacher in Stalinist recently donated 2.9 million place my fate in doc- tween Cork and Galway, were again through experimentation the science, despite the history, USSR, Nazi Germany or mod- dollars to the National Vaccine postponed because the Dublin in ways that are immoral, uneth- some people may never be con- ern North Korea, none of those Information Center, which aims tors, GPs and scientists. Health Board did not want Cork ical and illegal today. It’s hard vinced. The free HPV vaccine, answers would guarantee that I to promote anti-vaccination and If this isn’t a satisfac- fans coming to Dublin for fear to believe now, but the subjects which protects against cervical was telling the truth rather than delay immunisation, including tory response, then do of transmitting the virus. Does he chose were resident children cancer, has an uptake of 70 per simply fulfilling the propagan- against measles. Interestingly, that sound familiar? The end in institutions for the physically cent in Ireland, which means da of the state in my role as a you can find his products adver- what I do – look at the game was that Cork lost those and intellectually disabled. This 30 per cent still don’t trust it. teacher. Thankfully, we don’t tised by that organisation. The past and examine the finals in re-arranged fixtures, is unimaginable today, with vac- Measles is making a comeback live in an authoritarian state run ‘Centre for Countering Digital history of vaccination but we won the battle against cine testing now having some in the USA because the growing by a dictator but there are many Hate’ (CCDH), a non-profit or- Polio thankfully, because of of the strictest regulations of anti-vaccine messaging has per- people who believe that the ganisation with bases in London and its success. mass vaccination. It came any industry. Unfortunately, in suaded parents not to inoculate neo-liberalism of Europe is just the mid 1950s this practice was their children. as bad; that secularism is now common and, while it was only As I wrote in the introduc- the agenda, that there are too 70 years ago, society lagged tion to this article, the Greeks many bureaucrats, and that clos- behind our modern standards, philosophised about the er international co-operation is a in everything from medicine, nature of truth. If we cannot bad thing. It is not an unpopular human rights, race, gender, trust anything we are told, or thesis. Indeed it is the central animal welfare, you name it. anything we read, then we can tenant of Brexiteers, Trump sup- Society has advanced and so only learn through experience. porters, religious fanatics and have our standards, including Is the virus real or not? Will I currently, anti-vaccinators. for vaccination trials. The result be safer without the vaccine? One of the best things we of the Polio vaccine was that the It is not a gamble I’m willing can teach our children is that a disease was eradicated in the to take?When my turn comes, healthy level of skepticism is USA by 1979, the Americas by I will be eager and grateful to a good thing. In a classroom, 1994 and Europe by 2002. Of take it and sadly reflect on the an interpretation of a poem or course what stops the vaccine millions that have died so far, a story in English class can getting to the developing world who didn’t get that choice. elicit a variety of different yet is poverty. Tragically, this may relevant answers, not just one turn out to be the fate of those standard response. The aim countries yet again; they don’t have the purchasing power to 14 January 15 – February 4, 2021 New president for West Cork Bantry Bay Lions Club Diary branch of Network Ireland he Bantry Bay Lions General Hospital (inside the etwork Ireland, a progressive, dynamic organisation Club is delighted to front door), Bantry public supporting the professional and personal development of announce the results of library, Kenneally eye centre Tits Christmas Food Appeal for Bantry, Newton Pharmacy women, has welcomed Katherine O’Sullivan as West Cork NBranch President for 2021. Speaking about her new role, Katherine 2020. Thanks to the generosity Glengarriff road, Mealagh said: “I am honoured to be elected the fourth President of Network of the local community enough Valley Centre, Glengarriff Ireland West Cork. Together with the new committee, I hope to money was raised to provide Pharmacy, Drimoleague Phar- continue the great work of the previous presidents. I am ready for 62 food vouchers to the value macy, Bara House Glengarriff the challenge and the opportunity to share my knowledge and skills of €40 each. Special thanks to road and St Finbar’s Catholic with others and to empower the committee and members to help SuperValu and Lidl for all their Church. Please donate your each other and learn the benefits of giving back.” help and co-operation. Pictured used spectacles, without cases, Katherine is General Manager of Skibbereen company, O’Don- is Past President Nora Lynch at any of these locations. If nell Design, Ltd. and winner of the 2019 Employee Shining Star presenting the vouchers to you have any queries, please Network Ireland National Award. When asked about her plans for Michael Healy of St Vincent De contact Joan O’Donovan at 086- the year ahead, Katherine said “I have a number of objectives for Paul. Well done everyone. 0563185. the year ahead. Developing the networking skills of our members The Bantry Bay Lions have To learn more about the in a Covid World is very important, which will result in bringing collected thousands of used Bantry Bay Lions you are benefits of additional business and learning to our members. Also, spectacles over the years. These cordially invited to visit their I’m passionate about embracing West Cork and all it has to offer spectacles are refurbished and website at www.bantrybaylions. and I want to further reach out, highlight and support the incredible distributed to allow people in com. businesses all across West Cork.” the third world to see. There Provided by John Dervan, For more details on how to join, visit networkireland.ie/west- are drop-off locations in Bantry PRO – Bantry Bay Lions Club cork/ or follow on social media @NetIrlWestCork. people Farming Nominations are now open for the Farming for Nature Ambassador awards 2021 arming for Nature (FFN) to further expand this network in cess, project co-ordinator Brigid an online voting system by the – to me these people are our explained the importance of is a national initiative 2021 and are seeking nomina- Barry explained the nomina- public in early Autumn.” unsung conservation heroes. Farming for Nature to him and which highlights the pos- tions of farmers who are going tion and selection process for One of the founders of, and We want to share these stories his family. “It’s great to be able Fitive role that some farmers play that extra mile for nature. the award: “Farmers will be volunteers with Farming for to inspire other farmers as we to meet all these people who in looking after nature on their The awards are sponsored nominated by a panel of over Nature is Dr. Brendan Dunford are convinced that, with the think the same way as we do. land and which shares – through by Bord Bia’s Origin Green 200 heritage specialists across of the Burren Programme. He appropriate, targeted financial Delighted to win the public short films, podcasts and farm programme and the wider FFN Ireland and then shortlisted said: “For the past few years, and technical support, farmers vote but the real winning was walks – the invaluable, practical initiatives, which includes a based on agreed criteria. We are with Bord Bia’s support, we represent a great resource in been nominated and meeting insights gained by these farmers range of farmer-friendly re- hoping to hear about farmers have been able to acknowledge tacking our biodiversity and like-minded farmers from across in tackling our biodiversity sources, is supported by a wide who do great things for nature, and celebrate farmers across climate crises”. the county.” crisis. Now in its fourth year, range of farming and conser- who farm in a manner that is Ireland who are doing great Thomas O’Connor and his For more information or if Farming for Nature now has vation interests including the agriculturally, economically and things for nature. Seeing and wife Claire won the public vote you would like to nominate a an active network of over 40 Dept of Agriculture, Food and socially progressive, and who hearing these farmers share their in the 2019 awards. They run farmer in the West Cork area Ambassadors who are inspir- the Marine, the National Parks are willing to share their story love of nature, and knowing a mixed organic farm produc- who would be a suitable candi- ing many other farmers across and Wildlife Service and the with others. Short videos of the that they work day in day out to ing vegetables, meat, poultry date, then go to www.farming- Ireland to be more aware of National Rural Network. ten shortlisted farmers will then make sure nature has a place on and eggs among other things. fornature.ie or contact Brigid nature on their land. They wish Describing the awards pro- be made and used as part of their farms, is really inspiring As a Farming Ambassador, he on [email protected] Hemp for a Sustainable Future – Teagasc award at BTYSTE 2021 announced

ian Walsh, a transi- other purposes. Cian explains: found a significant increase in Farm Survey report. Hemp is an tion year student at “100% of the hemp crop can be interest in growing the crop excellent break crop bringing St. Brogan’s College, processed into many different (from 36% to 64%) if there were other benefits to crop rotation, CBandon has been announced as eco-friendly products; some hemp processing facilities near including higher yields in fol- the winner of the Teagasc award examples include hempcrete, to their home farm. lowing wheat crops”. at the BT Young Scientist and hemp insulation and hemp Cian added: “The benefits Teagasc Director, Professor Technology Exhibition 2021 bioplastic”. of growing hemp are endless, Gerry Boyle, congratulated Cian (BTYSTE). Cian’s project Cian surveyed farmers to farmers are willing to make the on his award and commended looked at the social, economic determine the current knowl- change. But it is government all the students who took part in and environmental benefits and edge surrounding hemp. He investment in the industry that this year’s virtual event. Profes- drawbacks of growing hemp and found that there was a great will be needed in order to grow sor Boyle said: “There has been to determine if it can promote interest in the crop, but that only Ireland’s hempire”. a fairly rich history of hemp sustainable farming in Ireland. 36% of those surveyed would Barry Caslin, complemented research in Teagasc even going Cian’s teacher is Ms Laura consider growing the crop. Cian Cian on his excellent achieve- back to the 1950s at An Foras O’Regan. explains: “This was a figure I set ment saying: “There has been Taluntais. This research was A variety of Cannabis sativa, out to change. I hosted a hemp a huge interest from farmers geared towards the agronomy Cian Walsh from Bandon, winner of the Teagsc award. hemp is often confused with information meeting on Zoom and industry representatives of hemp; although there were marijuana; and, although it with the farmers’ surveyed, in developing a hemp industry different uses of hemp in mind. understanding of the science of Tuesday January 19th at 11:00 contains the same active ingredi- which included a presentation in Ireland. Many farmers are This research proved that indus- agricultural or food production, will focus on the Opportu- ent, the concentration is much on hemp research in Ireland by seeking land use alternatives, trial hemp can grow well in Irish or the use of science to improve nities for Industrial Hemp in lower in hemp. Hemp was one Barry Caslin, Teagasc’s Energy especially in light of the lack soil and climatic conditions”. technologies available to agri- Irish Agriculture. For further of the first plants in the world to & Rural Development Special- of income from the drystock The Teagasc special award cultural or food production. information see www.teagasc.ie/ be spun into useable fibre and ist. At the end of the conference, sector which was highlighted is presented to the project that The Teagasc Farm Business farmbusinessoptions has since been used for many I resurveyed the farmers and in the recent Teagasc National best demonstrates a thorough Options webinar scheduled for January 15 – February 4, 2021 15 people Farming Waiting for the dust to settle on Brexit ones affected by the latest level and become very familiar with 5 restrictions. They are strictly routine. online only for the next number The weekly feeding regime of weeks. for the cows is currently about five days silage; and hay or Cow numbers straw feed once that is gone. Over Christmas, I found recent The reason for mixing the diet stats for suckler cow numbers. up is that the cows are carrying They were broken down into a good bit of condition; if they herd size recently and they are too fat, this could lead to made for interesting reading. difficulties at calving. The heif- I’m a terrible man for being ers that are due to start calving FARMING distracted by statistics and in late February will be seeing maps. Useful for quizzes but not their hay intake increase to try IN WEST CORK a lot else. and ensure a smooth calving. What stood out for me was Tommy Moyles the fact that there is a similar Spreading slurry number of suckler farmers with The window for spreading slur- In his farming diary, West Cork nine cows or less than there are ry has opened again, so getting suckler farmer and columnist dairy farmers. Even within the that out onto the fields that need with the Irish Farmers Journal, suckler herd, there is disparity. it most will be a priority. The Tommy Moyles covers the lay There are almost as many decisions on where to go will of the land across all agri and suckler herds with five cows or be determined by ground con- farming enterprises – news, less than there are herds of over ditions, soil sample results, how views and people in farming 30 cows. much grass is on a paddock and across West Cork and further Cow numbers always come how soon it will be needed for A cow and calf grazing among some birds foot trefoil, a nitrogen fixing plant. afield. up when climate change in Ire- grazing. There was good grass Pic: Tommy Moyles land is mentioned and I can see growth through most of De- In association the Irish cattle herd contracting cember so covers are strong on with organically over the next decade the paddocks that were closed or so. There will be succession earliest. Growth eased off then issues on farms across both during the cold snap in early bovine disciplines. On top of January. There’s a bit more to ell Brexit has finally that, a rise in dairy numbers will slurry than meets the eye! come to pass. The be stymied by environmental knock-on effects constraints and a disparity in Water Quality Wwill become clearer with time. income with their peers will On a related topic, in early Perhaps they would be more ob- see a fall off in those running December, I attended an online vious if the UK’s time outside suckler herds. information meeting as part the EU began in a world free of of the ASSAP programme last Covid-19. However, with travel Farm routine week. ASSAP is the Agricul- restricted and extra logistics The daily farm routine is rela- tural Sustainability Support already required, it’s a bit tricky tively mundane at the moment. and Advice Programme. It is a to pick out the exact changes It’s a case of feeding and multi-agency programme run All animals are housed on Tommy Moyles farm. Cows are fed a mix of silage, hay and straw yet; so it’s a case of sit and wait looking over stock. Preparing by the Department of Housing over the housing period. to see what happens. the sheds for calving and fence and it works with farmers on maintenance will be the main improving water quality. In gen- While there are potential driver of what agriculture can sector. It doesn’t just apply to Prices jobs for the next few weeks. All eral water quality in West Cork domestic and agricultural do in future. The results will farmers either. It will impact all There are noticeable differenc- the young stock are on a diet is in good order, however there sources behind the deterioration drive policy on a macro level businesses and when it comes es between the latest Covid of silage with the bull calves are a number of catchments that of water quality, the extra focus and farm practice on a micro to water quality, everyone has a lockdown and the first one. getting some ration. The heifer have seen their water quality de- on the catchment will go a long level. Like other businesses role to play. Last year with the closure or calves are on silage only with crease. A lake in our catchment way to resolving the issue. when it comes to putting a If the blame were put at restaurants and takeaways, beef an odd treat of ration during has gone from a poor standard There hasn’t been a dramatic business plan in place in future farmers’ doors without science price took an immediate hit. As the week. The reason for this in the 2008-2013 EPA water increase in cow numbers and rather than it being a straight- behind it, we’d be looking for society has adapted there is less is they will be the first going quality report to bad in the latest while there has been an increase forward financial projection scientific results. Now, because of a panic on the takeaways in to grass and that is a cheaper report. So there is going to be in domestic dwelling over the you will now have to keep a the results will lead to a change particular and, as a result, meat than giving them purchased an extra effort put in to improve last 20 years around here, it’s look out on which way the in the status quo, we can’t just prices have held pretty well. In- in feed. If weather doesn’t get the situation. not like a town has developed wind is blowing in terms of dismiss them. deed since the New Year, there too extreme, I hope to let the The event was useful and at the same time. The issue for environmental policy or other Whatever happens, it will has been a lift in prices for beef smaller weanling out to grass by helped get a handle on what is farmers is that when it comes to developments in the locality. be interesting to see how water and more noticeably for sheep day soon. Ration will be used as required and what can be done nitrates, 99 per cent of them are Some farmers will face a bigger quality can be improved in the meat. Milk price has remained a tool then to get them in. They at a very local level to improve as a result of farming activity. culture change than others but lake over the next few years. relatively stable in comparison. can be trained easily enough water quality. I think water quality will be it will impact us all across the Marts seem to be the main

nimal Health Ireland According to David Graham Speaking in advance of the up- of CalfCare Virtual Week is to timely reminder of what needs to (AHI) and Teagasc are of Animal Health Ireland, ‘The coming CalfCare Virtual Week, remind dairy and beef farmers be done to ensure a live, healthy Calf working together to run areas to be covered during this Stuart Childs, Dairy Specialist of the key practices necessary to suckler calf, while also focus- Atheir annual series of CalfCare important week are of importance with Teagasc, said: ‘With over maintain those standards in the sing on the important factors in events this month. This time to both dairy and beef farmers as 1.6 million calves expected to busy spring period’. rearing bought in calves,’ said Care however they are going virtual they prepare to implement high arrive on beef and dairy farms by ‘The principle of having a Martina Harrington, Cattle Spe- and covering a wider range of standards of calf health and wel- the end of April 2021, spring has calf per cow per year is the cialist with Teagasc. topics relating to calf health. fare on their farms across spring become an increasingly intense cornerstone of profitable suckler Register to attend the webinars Virtual CalfCare Virtual Week runs from 2021. The range of topics to be part of the farming calendar. farming. The care of the cow in at www.teagasc.ie/calfcare Monday January 18 until Thurs- covered include preparing for the Heightened awareness of calf last 2 months of pregnancy and The CalfCare videos will be day, January 21, 2021. The events calving season with practical tips, health has resulted in improved management around calving are available each day through Social will comprise a combination of calf housing, colostrum manage- standards and increased survival key areas where suckler farmers Media and AHI and Teagasc Week webinars, videos, podcasts and ment, vaccinating the pregnant rates reported from dairy and beef can really push towards this goal. websites. supporting newspaper articles. cow, calf health and feeding’. farms nationally. The purpose These videos and webinars are a 16 January 15 – February 4, 2021 Carbery Housing Association recognised for its work in sustainability kibbereen-based CLG, and Founder member. Carbery able energy. properties, modernising instal- and developing smart energy their charity Christmas cards, Carbery Housing Associa- Housing Association was set Twenty years later, this lations, and installing photovol- management of homes. available to purchase now on tion (CHA), was awarded up in 2001 as a non-profit vision is becoming a reality, taic panels in another property. CHA is looking forward to their website: www.carbery- Sa commendation for its work in approved housing body with step by step, CHA is purchasing One tenant had this to say about continuing close collaboration housing.eu/chachristmascards. sustainability by Cork Envi- charitable status, by a group of existing homes where owner the recent improvements to their with Cork local authorities and For information contact: ronmental Forum at an online residents in Skibbereen and Bal- occupiers are unable to pay home: “The house is certainly other environmental and hous- Ana Ospina, Operations ceremony on December 10. timore, West Cork. their mortgages due to loss of more comfortable and main- ing agencies over the coming Manager, Carbery Housing The Mayors of Cork City and CHA was set up to provide employment, family break-up tains/retains heat in a way it years. You can help support Association Tel 083 8731931 or County paid tribute to the work housing for those not able to or other reasons. hadn’t done before the retrofit... CHA and help spread the word [email protected]. CHA has done over the past 15 afford the open market, but also Using private loan fund- [it] is very cosy now, so many about their work by purchasing years and the award was accept- wanted housing to be energy ing and local authority loans thanks.” CHA has also helped ed by José Ospina, Chairperson efficient and to integrate renew- under the Mortgages to Rent six more families register for Programme, CHA has to date the Better Energy Warmer bought 12 properties where Homes Scheme, which is fund- families were in danger of ed by the Sustainable Energy repossessions and is convey- Authority of Ireland (SEAI). West Cork ancing a further 28. These CHA are partners in the Supported Employment Agency properties usually have very Interreg North West Europe low energy ratings. A study funded Project REDWoLF, and Are you looking for work? carried out with NCE Insulation with this, is planning to install of energy poverty among our PV panels, storage, and smart You may be eligible for this service. beneficiaries showed that 94 per meters in a further five homes. Please contact your local office cent of them could be classified CHA will secure the balance of for more information as Energy Poor. funding required as a loan from Bantry (Head Office) Registered as Sustainable En- Clann Credo, the ethical finance 086 8126324 and 086 8079953 ergy Community, CHA carried body. Skibbereen 086 8158786 out a Masterplan for taking its CHA is also partnering properties to Near Zero Energy. four new EU proposals, two Bandon 086 8101795 They have begun to move under the Horizon 2020 Energy Kinsale 086 6007964 forwards toward this target in programme and two under the Clonakilty 086 8395058 and 086 6031335 partnership NCE Insulation, Green Deal, energy retrofit Ana Ospina (Operations Manager) and Jose Ospina (Chair) carrying out full fabric retrofits Call, with proposals aimed at of Carbery Housing Association holding the certificate that and installed heat pumps in two improving energy awareness CHA was awarded. people Health & Lifestyle Keeping healthy during level 5 to worst, your body is healthy your health. You’ll find great results and feel different. Re- and fit to fight the virus and advice in West Cork People member consistency is the key. hopefully keep you unscathed. from my knowledgeable 5. Drink water. Should you fall As gyms and dance and colleagues on health-boost- down onto the couch, turn on fitness classes are cancelled, I ing food and drinks. Further Netflix by mistake, and have know it can feel like a big chal- inspiration can be found online a hard time getting back up, lenge to keep active, without of course. Just type in healthy don’t fret. Even once the world anyone to ‘be held accountable smoothies and you’ll get recipes returns normal, we all need to’. It’s always easier to get to last you until mid-summer. some time off. Just don’t forget things done if other people My favourite winter drink is Commit to spend one hour outside every day to drink water. It’s cheap, it’s count on you – whether it’s your raw ginger tea with honey and clean and it’s zero calories. trainer or coach, or teammates despite rain, sunshine, wind and snow. lime. Peel a small thumb-sized It’s all too easy to gain weight and dance partners. piece of ginger and julienne it. by drinking calories. We often The DIY Fitness and health Squeeze lemon juice or add a tience to stop and look at snails, 2. Eat well. Your body needs don’t think of drinks – alcoholic column this month will there- slice of lemon and a teaspoon DIY FITNESS flowers, rocks, beetles and vitamins and minerals to be or not – as a source of calories, fore solely consist of tried and of honey into the cup. Pour whatever else catches the atten- healthy and while supplements whereas everyone knows the Tania Presutti tested advice for you – to stay over boiling water and ‘voila’ tion of young eyes. If you’re are a great way to get this, the dangers of chocolate and crisps. healthy (and in the same breath you have one of the best winter alone or with older kids (or your best source is non-processed However, drinks, whether it’s keep your wits) during level immune-boosting drinks. Bonus Danish freelance journalist partner) a jog or run would be food, for example clean meat, beer, wine or spirits, smoothies 5. If you are a regular reader, tip: If you suffer from pollen and fitness professional Tania a great option. You can plan a veg, fruit and grains. It should or fresh squeezed juices, are you’ll find repeat advice, which allergy: Use local honey and it Presutti, who now resides in route from home within your 5k be noted that frozen and canned full of calories. So, if you do I hope won’t bore you, but can help you to be less affected Clonakilty, delivers a series of radius that’s approx. one hour vegetables are often just as good find yourself on a Netflix binge, hopefully you’ll also find new in the pollen season. efficient DIY fitness exercises (or longer). as fresh when it comes to min- don’t put on the Netflix weight. inspiration to live a better life. you can do at home. Being outdoors will boost erals and vitamins. Food like 4. Strength training at home. Drink water. your immune system, as you chicken nuggets, sausages (not As you might know if you read Last thing for me is to say: Five best practices will obtain Vitamin D through butcher), white bread, fries and my column, I’ve got a pair of YOU GOT THIS! I know we your skin (when the sun is out). sweetened drinks are all exam- ast year was trying to during lockdown dumbbells, which I love. They are all tired of Covid-19, but we Exercising also mobilises patho- ples of processed foods, full of say the least; we had to 1. Commit to spend one hour are great for anything from need to get through this together gen and inflammation-fighting additives, sugar and processed learn new ways to stay outside every day despite rain, short five-minute 3x10 sets of and we will. And I hope – if you immune cells. In other words fat. This is not to preach or Lhealthy, to socialise and be sunshine, wind and snow. If various arms and back exercises only take one thing away from exercise helps the body fight say you should never consume responsible, and from the looks you have kids or pets at home to being included in a longer this – please do get some out- inflammation and boost produc- these products. Every now and of it, this will have to go on for with you, dress up appropriately session. But you don’t need door time. It’ll do wonders for tion of white blood cells to help then I enjoy a fizzy drink and quite a while still. and take them with you. Fresh equipment to keep your strength your mood and can help you to fight infections. white bread is a staple in my However, don’t throw your air is your best ally to a strong or even build muscles. Make a get to the end of level 5 in better Exercise further brightens house but we do make sure to towel in the ring and retreat to immune system, as well as good plan to do 20 push-ups a day (or shape than you went in. your mood, due to the release of eat a lot of clean produce-based the sofa and Netflix just yet. sleep and, not least, a positive the equivalent to your training endorphins, helping you sleep meals as well. While Covid-19 probably kept mindset. prior to level 5) or every other Questions and comments are better at night. I notice a big some from making New Year’s For toddlers, my experience day as a starting point and see welcome as usual at difference in my toddler as well: 3. Boost your immune system. health resolutions, it is now is to bring a scooter or bike with where it takes you. Keep it up taniasfitnesskitchen@gmail. On the days we spend more Besides eating nutritious foods, more important than ever to stay you, unless they like walking and before the lockdown is com or via @trainwithadane on time outside, he seems to sleep you can also make smoothies healthy. So, if the worst comes around. Also have lots of pa- finish, I promise you will see Instagram earlier and better. and hot drinks to help boost January 15 – February 4, 2021 17 people Health & Lifestyle What’s so great about the present moment?

to Covid-19. And, unfortu- challenges that have not gone Learning to live in the present nately, that is our reality in this anywhere. moment helps us to process present moment. It reminds me It is human nature to want things as they’re happening, for of a conversation I had about to be happy and to distract example, our thoughts, emotions mindfulness a couple of years ourselves from unpleasant and physical sensations, so we ago. Someone I know was occurrences, people, situations can gently pull ourselves back having a hard time and asked or events. No one wants to feel from catastrophic thinking and me, “What’s so great about the bad, so we tend to push away the multitude of ‘what if’s’ that present moment?” I can certainly what we consider to be negative can flood the mind in seconds. understand the rationale behind thoughts or emotions and per- By practising meditation, we get the question, yet, the present haps deny or bury them. These to know our minds and bodies moment is all we have, and, strategies may provide tempo- a bit better. We learn to rest and though we are facing many rary relief but tend not to work recalibrate, allowing ourselves MENTAL HEALTH difficult moments these days, it in the long run. We can support some time and space to notice & MINDFULNESS is by staying, or ‘being with’ the ourselves in a more sustainable and process what’s happening in present moment, however hard it way by practising mindfulness our minds and bodies. We notice Susan O’Regan might be, that we can be here for meditation, often compared to habitual patterns of thinking, we the best of our lives too, present training the mind to gently come can ‘be with’ emotions and learn, Susan O’Regan teaches mind- for all the joy that we can miss back, to stay, to be present, here, over time, to respond rather than cultivate qualities like patience, Online meditation sessions fulness and self-compassion out on when we’re living our now. react to stressors. Our mindful- kindness and endurance, all very via Zoom continue on Monday, lives on autopilot. The definition of mindfulness ness muscle may be weak at the courses and workshops through- helpful during this pandemic. Wednesday and Friday at 8pm, There is a lot going on in the that I work with is Rob Nairn’s beginning, so we start small, tak- out West Cork. So, even if you’ve tried mind- please do consider joining in, world just now and we may well ‘knowing what’s happening, as ing it step by step, going easy on For more information contact: fulness meditation before and whether you have tried mind- be feeling anxious, overloaded, it’s happening, no matter what ourselves. As these skills grow fulness meditation before or are susanoreganmindfulness@ found it hard to sit with yourself, depleted or exhausted. Finding it is’. This means sitting with stronger, they can be applied to would you be open to trying it new to it. These small group gmail.com Mob: 087 2700572. new ways to mind ourselves the present moment, gently our everyday lives. Then we can again? It is described as a simple sessions are personal, down- during this crisis is vital. How facing into it, whether it’s joyful, bring mindfulness to everyday practice but not easy. My view to-earth, informal and donation are you taking care of yourself exciting, difficult, challenging or activities, like taking a shower, his is not an easy time for this New Year is that every day based. Individual sessions are and minding your physical and even painful. This is a new and swimming, walking, eating, any of us. I am sure that is different, every breath is new also available. mental health? Are you feeling quite radical concept for us, as speaking and so on. many of us had hoped or and, no matter our circum- For more information on resourced and supported? I we are so conditioned to distract I recommend practicing ‘both’ Timagined that we would be in stances, we can allow ourselves upcoming workshops and online have no doubt that the skills of ourselves with activities that we formal mindfulness meditation a very different place by now, permission to try something courses please like my Facebook compassion-based mindfulness perceive to be more pleasant and the more informal mindful- but instead we find ourselves, new. The beauty of mindfulness page (Mindhaven) or feel free can help resource and sustain than the present moment, when ness in everyday life and would in these early days of 2021, and each new breath is that we to get in touch by phone: 087 us through this pandemic, along we are feeling any kind of encourage you to keep an open in the midst again of a rapidly can always begin again, in this 2700572 or by email: susa- with supporting us to manage all emotional discomfort or having mind about trying out mindful- evolving situation with regard present moment. noreganmindfulness@gmail. our other everyday issues and difficult thoughts. ness meditation. It helps us to com.

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BABY

PERSONAL CARE

FRAGRANCES SKIN & & GIFTS HAIR CARE

1 Ashe Street, CLONAKILTY T: 023 8833318 Mill Street, TIMOLEAGUE T: 023 8846261 [email protected] www.harringtonspharmacy.ie Caring for the community since 1947 18 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle Beyond skincare – the non-invasive treatment loved by celebrities

myself in the Dr Mulrooney Clinic Dublin. Firstly, what is Ultherapy? Ultherapy is the only FDA- cleared, non-invasive treatment that lifts the neck, chin, and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest, naturally. Using ultrasound en- ergy to jumpstart the regenera- tive process within the skin that produces fresh, new collagen and elastin, this scientifically INSIDE OUT proven treatment dramatically improves the appearance of BEAUTY lines and wrinkles giving a visibly lifted, younger, fresher Sherna Malone looking appearance. Unlike other technologies, Ultherapy Skincare and beauty expert bypasses the surface of the skin Sherna Malone shares her to deliver the perfect amount of Kirsty Gallacher, Ultherapy UK and Ireland knowledge and expertise of all ultrasound energy to the place Brand Ambassador things beauty – from skin care where it will benefit you most, Ultherapy Results Three Months Post Treatment do’s and don’ts to the latest at the right depths and the right has been initiated. I had the was completely tolerable and products out there. temperature, for natural-looking treatment performed on my definitely worth it! When you elastin work to lift skin on the So, if you are looking for a results that improve over time. face and neck, paying particular go to a Doctor led practice, neck, chin, and brow—as well non-invasive treatment, one attention to my jawline, brow, as smooth skin on the upper where you still look like you – hen it comes to they can advise and adminis- Ultherapy Treatment and eye area. Treatment time chest. Results may improve just fresher, smoother, and more ageing well, non-in- ter pain relief to manage any – what’s involved? took about two hours, and this over the following three to six lifted, then look to Ultherapy. vasive aesthetic discomfort prior to treatment. The actual treatment involves included a detailed consultation Everybody will have different months and can last a year or Based on my own experience, Wtreatments are gaining a lot of the application of ultrasound gel and photographs, During the more (results vary with individ- I would highly recommend interest and, done well, are no sensitivities to the heat, but your to the skin. Ultrasound imaging consultation we discussed what uals). This picture is me three Ultherapy, it’s such a great longer about noticeably chang- practitioner will advise you on is then used to see deep within my requirements were and the months after treatment, while option for those like me who ing your face but freshening it how best to manage. If present, the skin so the practitioner can results I was hoping to achieve the lighting is different, the im- are wanting to achieve naturally up. The aim is not a fake look, any post procedure discomfort visualise exactly where they are in order to decide on a treatment provement in the jaw and neck lifted results, but are not quite rather one that communicates (such as tenderness or bruising) treating within the skin which plan that was right for me. The area, along with the crow’s feet ready to go for more ‘extreme’ good health and enough sleep. typically resolves within two makes the treatment so unique length of your treatment will is remarkable. The skin around treatments. I’m delighted with For those for whom it’s a hard hours to two days. I had a little and totally customised to each depend on the area being treated my jawline has become tighter the improvements thus far; I no to needles? A quick, effec- tenderness along the orbital and every patient, patients can and your individual treatment and looks more lifted and the still look like myself, just a tive treatment offering a payoff bone and on my neck, jawline, opt for a natural looking brow plan. From start to finish, my lines on my neck and around more refreshed version! For far beyond the reach of skincare but this was short-lived. As lift, a more defined jawline or experience at the Dr Mulrooney my eyes are smoother. I’m more information about Ulther- alone is Ultherapy. One of the for downtime, there is little or perhaps wrinkles on the décolle- Clinic was informative and looking forward to seeing how apy and to find an Irish clinic most popular treatments in no downtime, I was able to go tage is their concern. Once the professional. the results continue to improve visit www.ultherapy.co.uk. Irish skin clinics and a celebrity about my business for the rest areas to be treated are decided, over time. Prices may vary depending on favourite, Ultherapy works nat- of the day and enjoy some time the energy is then applied Did you experience any Ultherapy has been appointed the area being treated. urally, stimulating a mega boost with my family in Dublin. beneath the skin’s surface discomfort? Is there any as the Gold Standard treatment of your own collagen produc- using a hand-held applicator. downtime? for non-surgical lifting and All details of my facial treat- tion. Having read many great When will you see results and During the treatment delivery, I was extremely comfortable tightening by a panel of experts ments and skincare consulta- reviews and seen impressive how long will they last? you will feel tiny amounts throughout the treatment. There and is great for areas where skin tions visit www.shernamalone. patient results, I was only too The proven results are clear, of energy being deposited to was minimal discomfort when is thin, delicate and/or has gone ie. Follow me on Instagram and delighted when the opportunity appearing over two to three precise depths, indicating that the ultrasound was delivered to quite lax; possibly best for those Facebook @shernamalone.ie arose to have the treatment months post treatment, as the the collagen-building process certain areas of my face, but it growth of new collagen and in their mid-forties and beyond. Winter Wellness

t is well into the winter does the breaking down of your A fermented elixir that might evening, or afternoon! gin. Even if you can’t manage season and we are going food into nutrients consume help sort out and tweak tiny • Three minutes barefoot in the all of them every single day, through days of glorious about 70 per cent of your ener- digestive issues, aid your body grass, even when it is cold. aim for a couple of things that Ifrosty cold and harsh wet gy, it can also help to keep you in breaking down nutrients and • Dance, sing and party for one you do just for the health of it windy weather that only these warm on these unusually cold positively affect your absorp- in your kitchen to a favourite and don’t look back. I like to months can bring. The fresh days and nights. tion. tune. have a mini checklist in my air has been invigorating and Anything that we can do – Most of the benefits of apple • An apple or handful of nuts mind and pat myself on the NATURE TALKS the icy mornings are good for the little habits and the good cider vinegar are historic and for a snack. back when I get a few of them the soul. routines that we create within anecdotal in nature, however it • A daily chat with a positive done for the day. April Dannan Of course many of us just our daily self-care – will make has been in continuous use for friend. Well-being and a healthy want to be curled up by the fire a life-long difference, often millennia and nearly always • Eat your main meal a little digestion are far more than April Danann is a food influ- in the evenings and keeping within a very short period of used for the soothing digestive earlier in the day what you eat; they are also encer, creating new trends in warm during the day with hot time. And there are so many properties it is known for. • Turn off the TV and listen how you feel about your life healthy sustainable living as drinks, toasty socks and plenty things that we can add into our However, there are so many to an audio book to switch and surroundings. So, let’s add part of her clinical practice as of movement to keep the circu- days to give us that little bit of other things that when done things up some good vibes to each day a Naturopath Herbalist Herbal lation flowing. In fact anything an edge over the elements. daily or often enough, add up • An extra helping of broccoli whenever we can. Nutritionist Intuitive. She lives that can keep us warm inside You absolutely know what I to great health benefits; • A glass of water upon rising, in West Cork where she is a and out is of benefit. am going to say next! • Daily walking (must be with lemon and apple cider natural bee keeper and can often That’s where a good diges- Yes – apple cider vinegar is brisk) for at least 20 minutes. vinegar. be found in the hedgerows. tion comes in handy. Not only a miracle of life inside a bottle. • Stretches in the morning, or Pick a place to start and be- January 15 – February 4, 2021 19 people Health & Lifestyle Simeon’s approach to improving fitness, strength, and mobility Personal Trainer and balance. “This can be improved at your leg lengths and if one SIMEON through strengthening the exter- is shorter you can stretch that Holistic Massage Ther- nal rotators (the most neglected side. If you still have discomfort apist, Simeon Reed, part of the rotator cuff and a realignment option is more REED is passionate about shoulder) and the rhomboids appropriate.” in-between the shoulder blades, According to Simeon, most helping people improve which draw back the shoulders, people are suffering with their their health and wellbe- which is essential for good health unnecessarily, whether Personal Trainer ing. As a result of grow- posture and is activated through it’s a misalignment with their Holistic massage Therapist ing up in a Wellness horizontal pulling movements,” back, or due to poor exercise or he says. diet habits. “A lot of people are Rineen Wellness Centre Centre he was naturally Do you have trouble squat- destroying their health through ting? “I noticed that a lot of means they are unaware of and also available for infra red sauna drawn to the area of pulsed electromagnetic matt health and fitness and people get into the habit of start- by pointing them in the right ing the squat with their pelvis direction they can make great t: 087 096 3815 e: [email protected] the need to combine a tilting forward, putting pressure headway to becoming fitter and healthy lifestyle with on their knees, and cannot get stronger,” he says. For Simeon, any depth. This is going against job satisfaction comes from see- fitness and strength. the body’s natural positioning ing the progress that his clients love doing inductions through bad muscle memory make on this journey. in the gym, as I see the learnt from modern living.” Simeon Reed offers massage Claire Marie Barton potential for improving Often when people have therapy and personal training CONNECTING THROUGH SOUND “Istrength and pain relief through lower back pain, their pelvis is at Rineen Natural Healing activating postural muscles,” out of alignment. “Sometimes Centre. For more information he explains. “It is important to stretching exercises will help,” or to make an appointment LEARN TO PLAY commit to a program to achieve he explains “but more often phone 087 096 3815 or email deep tissue massage will release [email protected]. THE UKULELE! your goals.” computer or a repetitive strain Simeon explains that if you the knotted muscles and aid injury in your shoulder, it is the body in moving back into Easy fun instrument are suffering from shoulder likely you have a muscle im- problems from working at a alignment. You may also look Suitable for absolute beginners Online Ukulele Home Study Course for Adults • videos, songsheets & play-along audios via email each week • 4 x 40 minute Q&A sessions on Zoom, with replay available Five tips to beat the pandemic blues • 13 weeks, starting Monday 18 January 2021 Claire Marie Barton, a read your diary. We really do instruments, and is a lovely way have a lot to be thankful for. to relax and feel good. sound-healer, musician 4. Have you a hobby or a and author living and project at home in the gar- ‘New Beginnings’ Online working in West Cork, den that has been put on the Sound Bath, Friday, January long finger or do you want to 15, 7-8.30pm. shares five things that learn something new? Now can help increase our is the time to do it. January is The ‘2021 Sound Journey’ sense of well-being a fantastic time to start new is a year of monthly sound during lockdown. projects because there is a sense baths to support you at this of shared momentum that we time. There is a 50 per cent can tap into. discount if you sign up this If you have always wanted To find out more phone Claire on 087 2323 623 he media is full of Covid month. to learn an instrument but never or email [email protected] and, with the rising got around to it, the ukulele is a For more information and numbers; it’s easy to Book your place www.clairemariebarton.com great instrument for beginners to get your ticket, visit Tfeel overwhelmed and fearful. and is lots of fun. Enrolment is www.clairemariebarton.com Being in this state over a period now open for my home-study of time can erode your sense online ukulele course. of wellbeing and affect your 5. Meditate or pray daily. If mental health. But what can we you find mediation hard, you do when everything seems to be wrap up very warm and go and might like to listen to some out of our control? sit outside even for just a few sound meditations. Simply by Nature has our back 1. Limit your exposure to the minutes or sit by an open win- listening, you naturally enter ‘news’ to once a day, whether dow if this is not possible. a meditative state, and in this HERBAL DISPENSARY you check the newsfeed on Going outside is magic for place you can feel calm and at your phone, on the radio or you OPEN EACH WEEK lifting gloom when you feel peace. watch the 9 o’clock news on the fenced-in. Listen to the sounds If you are curious, you are • Remote Consultation telly. Tuning in multiple times of nature; the wind, the birds, welcome to check out my a day creates stress and worry, and the sea if you can get there youtube channel where I have • Postage & Delivery available or Click & Collect and doesn’t help anything. and let them invigorate you. created a resource for coping 2. Get outside every day for a NeighbourFood 3. Keep a gratitude diary. Ev- with the pandemic. • Find us on walk so you get some exercise eryday write down five things I also run a monthly online and some fresh air. If you can 087 2361616 / [email protected] you are grateful for in your life. sound bath. This is a live event, get out in nature all the bet- They can be big or small, like which you can listen to in the ter. Take some nice deep breaths April Danann gratitude for getting a call from comfort of your own home. A and be really present (put your MSc, BSc (Hons), dip NT, dip MI, dip PT, CH a loved one or that you have a replay is also available if you phone away). Notice the birds, Naturopathic Herbalist Nutritionist Intuitive roof over your head, especially can’t make it along live. the trees, flowers and clouds. when it’s freezing outside. If The sound bath is an immer- If you have limited mobility, www.aprildannan.com you are feeling down, you can sion of sound, both voice and 20 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle Changing your food can improve your mental health

here is no doubt that gut health has a direct link to ing our mood and behaviour, There is also a huge amount of be more involved in your child’s making sure we are eating our mental health. In other as well as giving us the best misinformation out there about recovery. If this is the case, then well and keeping active words what we eat can lead to chance of avoiding major health food. We are being bombarded looking at what they are eating Tthroughout our lives will help us feelings of irritability, anxiety problems. with marketing daily that prom- and making subtle changes will to improve our physical health; and depression or make these There are certain things that ises products with health benefits support that therapy process. but did you know that what we feelings worse. What we eat also are universally good for all of us, of gluten free, fat free, sugar If you are curious about online eat and how we exercise also has influences behavioural issues like drinking water and making free; but when you understand therapy, I am offering you a free positive affects on our mental like ADHD, OCD and addiction. sure to get enough sleep, howev- the labels, you can see that these 15-minute online consultation so health? Therefore maintaining good er when it comes to food there is products may not be as good as you can see if this option could Research shows that our gut health is central to support- no one diet that suits everyone. they promised. work for you. If your house is If you are suffering from anx- busy, don’t worry. When I work iety, depression, irritability, low with clients online, I expect and mood, control issues, fatigue, plan to be interrupted, if it hap- low appetite, cravings, IBS, Amanda Roe pens we just take a few minutes bloating or abdominal pains, Trauma therapist to deal with the interruption, these can all be signs of poor gut & Mind coach which might be your kids, cat Take Back Your Health health. Unfortunately stress can or dog or something else and make any of these symptoms then return to the session. Some Mental and Emotional smartphone, tablet or computer. worse, so for that reason, a tai- clients prefer the privacy of their Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, It doesn’t matter your age; if you lored approach managing stress, car, so that is an option too. Addiction, Worry, Anger, Grief, Fear, Panic, are comfortable with video chat as well as changing your food then it is a good option and can can be very important. Amanda Roe is an Anxiety and Gut Health and Eating Disorders even be better, as some clients If you have a desire to feel Trauma Therapist offering a Emotional eating, Cravings, Weightloss, IBS feel more confident and com- better but are worried about range of therapies that include Control issues, OCD, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia. fortable to speak about difficult travel and face-to-face consulta- Life and Health coaching, experiences when their session tions, then you may be interested Clinical Hypnotherapy and Natural Hormone Balancing is online. to hear that it is possible to work Acupuncture. If you have any Fertility, Pregnancy Care, Fatigue, Insomnia Online consultations are a with a therapist online to im- questions or would like to make Dysfunctional Bleeding, Anemia, Menopause. great way right now to access prove your health from your own an appointment, please send a the help you deserve from the kitchen. text or give her a call or email Solutions for Children, Teens, Adults and Parents comfort of your home. Or per- Online sessions are secure, today. Phone: 087 6331898 or haps you are a parent of a child Amanda Roe 087 633 1898 / [email protected] confidential and just as beneficial email amanda@marketstclinic. already in therapy and want to as face-to-face. All you need is a com.

Three simple things to support the immune system here are a lot of miscon- effect on the immune system by seem like a strange one but there You should be aiming for five at the same time, so not only ceptions out there about exerting a strong regulatory in- is a fundamental link between to six portions of vegetable per diversifying your microbiome which supplement to fluence on immune cells. During the health of your gut and more day and one portion of fruit. You but feeding it as well. Ttake to help boost your immune a normal sleep wake cycle the specifically your gut bacteria’s can get a further boost by adding I hope you find these tips system and, whilst it is true that number of immune cells in cir- ability to modulate immune cell high fibre sources like psyllium useful all three have the added some supplements will help, so culation is boosted during early function. The gut and mucosal husk or chia seeds to smoothies benefit of inexpensively boosting will organic coffee or green tea sleep, which has a positive effect membranes are the main sites and meals. your overall health and wellness. – depending on which part of the on the number of immune cell of immune activity in the body, Diversify the vegetables you Having said all that, if you were immune system you are trying that have an ability to immedi- as these are the areas of greatest eat: Not only is it important to to take one supplement for im- to influence. The reality is that ately kill off pathogens, when exposure to pathogens. In order boost the amount of fibre you mune health, I would encourage supplements are not necessarily you are awake. The key thing to for your gut to be healthy, you are eating, it is also important to you to take Vit D3, especially in the most effective (or cheapest) remember is that the beneficial need to have a healthy balance eat as wide a variety or fruit and the winter. It is widely available when it comes to supporting the effect is felt from going to bed of gut bacteria and this is where veg as possible. What research- Eoin Roe at pharmacies and health food immune system. early enough, ideally around the soluble fibre comes in. In or- ers are discovering is that the Chiropractic stores. So here are three easy things 10pm, and having seven to eight der to survive, the bacteria need diversity and richness of the that will have a more beneficial hours of uninterrupted sleep. soluble fibre. The best source microbiome is just as important Dr. Eoin Roe DC MChiro is a effect on your immune system: It also helps to keep regular of this is from vegetables and as the amount of bacteria. With tolerance; when we start to eat Functional Medicine Practi- Sleep and circadian bedtimes. fruits so actively increasing your this diversity the body has the limited foods or the same thing, tioner and Chiropractor working rhythms: It has been shown Increase the amount of solu- intake can help to boost your maximum ability to adapt to the day-in day-out, the diversity of at Market St Clinic, Skibbereen, that sleep has a very positive ble fibre in your diet:This may immune function. environment and that means you our microbiome is effected and Co Cork. If you would like an are better able to deal with new ultimately our health. appointment please call 087 pathogens. In immune terms, This also a better strategy than 9582362. eating lots of different vege- taking probiotics, as you will be tables will improve your oral increasing the amount of fibre

Obstetricians and NIAC issue information on the COVID-19 vaccine for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding he Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists together with the National Immunisation Ad- visory Committee at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland have compiled information for Relief from Chronic Pain, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and their doctors about the COVID-19 vaccine. This Restoration of Nerve Function, Tinformation has also been endorsed by the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme. “We are issuing information to help to inform women who are pregnant or breastfeeding about the Muscle Strength & Joint Mobility COVID-19 vaccine and also for their doctors which can help to inform discussions at this critical time,” said Dr Cliona Murphy, Chair of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Clinic in Skibbereen She continued, “It is important that women seek trusted information about the vaccines and can Tel 087 958 2362 assess their risks with regards to COVID-19 and the vaccine in consultation with their healthcare www.eoinroechiropractic.com providers.” The information, titled Questions and Answers for pregnant or breastfeeding women and their doc- tors about COVID-19 vaccination, is available on The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland’s website www.rcpi.ie January 15 – February 4, 2021 21 people Health & Lifestyle A good slaw for a healthy start good to look for healthy foods Here’s the recipe for the slaw aside for 10-15 minutes in January to boost the immune that I made today from our post Peel and finely slice the red system and conquer the extra Christmas vegetable basket (and onion, sprinkle a little salt over pounds gained in Christmas the remaining red cabbage from then massage until the rings feasting. the garden) Salting the cabbage separate. Put the sugar into Winter slaws are the business briefly makes the cabbage sweat a bowl, whisk in the vinegar when you crave something and the juices run, softening the then toss the onions in the mix. A FLAVOUR OF bright and crunchy and they use cabbage to a delightful succu- Leave aside for 10-15 minutes vegetables that don’t mind win- lent crunch. Peel and chop the pear. WEST CORK tery weather. There’s no need to Put the cabbage onto a clean use fragile jetlagged vegetables, Ingredients: cloth or kitchen roll then dry RECIPE as local seasonal vegetables • Half a small red cabbage well to remove excess liquid Karen Austin are perfect to shred and dress. • 1 fennel bulb and salt, tip into a bowl the re- The bright oranges, greens and • 1 red onion peat the process with the fennel. purples are like sunshine in a • 1 pear Put all the vegetables except e’ve entered the bowl. • 1tsp sugar for the onions into a big bowl. New Year with a lot The key ingredients for a • 2tbs white balsamic vinegar or Drain the pickling liquid of uncertainty but slaw are usually some kind of white wine vinegar from the onions and use this as Wluckily the chickens are tuned in cabbage – red or green and then • Salt a base for the vinaigrette to the universe and their inner whatever you have or fancy in • 1tsp Dijon mustard Add the onions to the big egg radars have turned back on. the line of fennel, beetroots, • 100mls olive oil bowl. It is amazing how quickly that carrots, radishes, onions, endive Whisk a teaspoon of Dijon it’ll also sit happily in the fridge Happy New Year everyone, incremental increase of daylight etc. Apples, oranges and pears Method: mustard into the onion vinegar for a day or two. we hope to see you soon! brings on the eggs. Which really also make good additions, as Finely shred the red cabbage then slowly whisk in the olive Our shop is closed once again Karen do toasted nuts and seeds. They – discard the core. Sprinkle it oil and truly proves once again that due to the Covid pandemic but Lettercollum Kitchen Project, can be dressed with vinaigrettes with a little salt, toss well then Pour the dressing over the life goes on, we’ve nothing to we’ll re-open as soon as we 22 Connolly Street, Clonakilty or creamy mayonnaise. The leave it aside for 10-15 minutes. vegetables then toss everything complain about and things will safely can. [email protected] options are endless so you can Finely slice the fennel and together. look up. www.lettercollum.ie On the culinary front it’s let your imagination go riot. toss with a little salt. Leave The slaw is ready to eat but Understanding our four to five-year-old the family, and the world of ing world. Perhaps the most and friends, and perhaps more friendships. Children at this age important thing of all for a child importantly, develop a space in are so intensely curious about this age is to feel that there is a their own mind where thinking the world around them, this can space for them in their mother’s can take place. The child’s sense prove to be both a source of joy mind, where they feel that of identity as separate but con- and exhaustion. they are understood, and that nected to their family will grow The primary focus of children their fears can be named and stronger, as they feel themselves at this age is on relationships, made manageable. They can reflected through the eyes of not especially adult relationships. then in turn transfer the feeling only the mother but those of all In other words, how do people of having a space in another the other significant people in join up? How did Mummy and person’s mind to their teachers their life. Daddy join up? Where do I fit DO WE in this? In order to be able to form friendships of their own, Why do we UNDERSTAND the four- to five-year old has to move from the wish to have an sometimes find it OUR CHILD? exclusive relationship with one parent, in order to make a space hard to understand Diana Radeva for the other parent, as part they might be feeling. This out and rejected and sometimes children? of what becomes a triangular Child and Adolescent ability to feel concern for others being right at the centre of relationship. That is the way Psychotherapist and care about their feelings things. Children have to learn children develop a sense of is a major milestone in their to share a teacher’s attention; themselves as different but con- When we struggle with our child’s emotional In this series of articles Diana development. However, when it they also start to grasp more nected to the parental couple. distress or behavioural problems what can we Radeva, child and adolescent psy- comes to siblings, being able to fully what it means not to be the In some ways this age is a chotherapist sets out to consider the ‘read’ and emphasise with them special and the only one. do or what can help us? emotional life of children from birth precursor of what is to come goes with knowing exactly how Friendships are becoming Child psychotherapy practice is a proven and reliable method of onwards; and how relationships during the adolescent years, in to wind them up and what will more solid, and more based addressing and treating a number of issues including: between children and parents evolve terms of the struggle between annoy them the most! on shared experience. When over time. It is a view of human the continuing need for parental • Pre-school children: difficulties within mother-infant growth, which recognises the impor- This, of course, is also the the rising five-year-old starts care and attention and the desire relationship, eating, sleeping, and toileting, separation and tance of strong feelings experienced age at which the first major proper school, even if this is for independence. developmental difficulties. at each stage of development; thus transition takes place – whereas, simply a transition from nursery One of the most delightful • School-age children: social difficulties, difficult behaviours such offering ways that parents might before going to nursery school to the reception class, it helps aspects of children at this age as defiance and aggression, ADHD, ASD, learning and attention find helpful when wanting to better or playground was a choice, enormously if a child has firm understand their children’s growth. group is their endless curiosity problems, emotional problems such as anxiety and fears, family now going to school is a legal friends who will be going on This is the extraordinary story of about the world and their wish breakdown issues and relationships at home and at school. requirement. Learning is more this journey with them. It is the ‘ordinary development’ as seen to understand their place in it. formalised, although in most important to feel known and • Adolescents and young people (up to 27): trauma, and experienced by a parent and a This is the time of questions: child psychotherapist. reception classes nowadays accepted by others outside the anxieties, worries, depression, low self-esteem, peer and family ‘Where do I come from?’ there is a good balance between family. We can often see the relationships problems, gender identity difficulties. ‘Why…?’ ‘How…?’ and so ‘work’ and play. Some children delight on a child’s face when on, sometimes to the extent of manage their anxiety by being they locate a friend in the play- BPsych (Hons) MPsych Clin Mpsych psych driving the parents mad. DIANA RADEVA n focusing on four to five- intellectually able when they ground, and the despair when The child is also beginning year-olds, this article looks are not so socially at ease. Other the friend is absent. Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist to be able to empathise, in other at the changes that take lucky ones flourish in all ways. But all children of this age Over 15 years of experience. ICP Registeredt, MACP words, to put themselves into Iplace when children start to But most come somewhere in have one in common – a desire others’ shoes and imagine how explore relationships beyond between, sometimes feeling left to find out about the expand- 083 8930386 [email protected] 22 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle ADVERTORIAL : CNM “My job is now so varied and rewarding” Matt Gardner the body in terms of systems so instantly at home. Being able and set up your own clinic. You CNM Nutritional I decided to study the Natu- to attend lectures and clinical also have the opportunity to ropathic Nutrition diploma at practice on the weekends was a work as a Nutritional Therapist Therapy Graduate CNM. huge bonus as I was very busy in a business. espite already being I wanted to diversify my working full-time Monday to I now work as a Nutritional qualified as a nutrition- practice and be able to work Friday. Therapist for Nuffield Health ist, I felt something was in private healthcare in the I found the final year clinical part-time and I run a nutrition Do something Dmissing and there was more I corporate wellness sector as practice extremely valuable as consultancy service online life-changing. Gain new needed to learn to expand my a Nutritional Therapist. The it enabled me to learn from ex- where I deliver 1-2-1 consulta- skills. Change career. knowledge and advance my naturopathic nutrition training perienced practitioners and my tions remotely and create con- Help others. career. offered at CNM was complete- peers. The real-time problem tent for business in the form of CNM has a 22-year track After training in Sports and ly different to the way I was solving that took place in my nutrition education. I also host record training successful Exercise Sciences at University trained at university. final year allowed me to put a podcast called Big Feed Up health professionals online Whenever I set foot in the science and anecdotal evidence HQ which focuses on nutrition, and doing a Postgraduate in and in class. college, I felt a sense of calm into practice. movement and outdoor expe- Sports and Exercise Nutrition, Attend the next CNM and anticipation to sit back, After studying nutrition with riences. I wouldn’t have been I became a Sports Nutritionist. Online Open Event. listen and learn. The immediate CNM you have the wonderful able to do any of this without I was interested to understand a Call: 01 878 8060 or different perspective and look at warming nature of the team and opportunity to establish a nutri- gaining insurance to practice the guest lecturers made me feel tion business online or in person through studying with CNM. book: naturopathy.ie Trying to conceive Is there a silver lining to the well as the path back to the end result – blockage. uterus for the fertilised egg, is Surgical options for this Covid Cloud? blocked. problem include, salpingec- me on the amount of filth tipped patient’s right and woe betide the Oftentimes, it is only when tomy, fimbrioplasty, and from cars along our country doctor who did not respond ac- a woman investigates why selective tubal cannulation roads. I live near Ring and we cordingly. A dreaded complaint she is not conceiving that but there are some natural have just removed a filthy duvet could follow. Round 2 took she discovers she has one, or therapies too. These options and two five-gallon containers place between 3 and 6pm. Home both, fallopian tubes blocked. are of benefit on their own and spilling oil from the hedgerows for 7pm and a very large scotch, This is because the condition before and after surgery. on our walks over Christmas. not good. God bless the joggers I GP is now mainly office-based often, does not give rise to any The first option is a herbal see carrying plastic sacks to and technology is really helping. symptoms. However, in some tonic designed to clear inflam- remove litter. If only we all took Let us not return to the bad old cases, blocked fallopian tubes mation, infection, hormonal responsibility and were kinder days of packed-out waiting HERBAL can lead to mild, regular pain balance and optimise blood to one another and cherished the rooms and patients asking for on one side of the abdomen. circulation. Alongside this, environment we live in. Next home visits on a whim. HEALING This usually happens in a type abdominal massage helps in DOCTOR’S time I see the jogger on the Ring GP education has shifted from Dr. Rosari Kingston of blockage called a hydro- supporting the health of the ORDERS road, I will applaud him! having to travel at night to a post salpinx. This is when fluid fallopian tubes. It increases I think GPs have done a great grad centre after a busy day to fills and enlarges a blocked circulation and helps to break job. This is the silver lining. Zoom meeting, which can be Dr. Rosari Kingston PhD, M.Sc Dr Jeff Featherstone fallopian tube. Other condi- down adhesions and scar They have embraced technol- followed at home and IT links to (Herbal medicine) is a medi- ogy big time. They are doing expert opinions. tions, such as endometriosis, tissue. Dr Featherstone is a high- cal herbalist practising in Dr. video consultations and directing I feel that the hospitals where can lead to a blocked fallopian There is another technique ly experienced medic and O’Reilly’s integrative clinical patients through a phone triage I work now could learn so much tube can cause their own known as Wurn, which is a award-winning doctor who practice in Clonakilty, Co. Cork system. There are good lines of from the way GPs have respond- symptoms. These symptoms specialised physical therapy works in a busy GP practice in as well as Church Cross, Skib- communication between GPs ed to the pandemic. West Cork, as well as at Mercy bereen. Dr. Kingston’s area of may include very painful and technique and is completely and pharmacists saving patients I meet aspiring GPs in the University Hospital and Cork research are the healing modal- heavy periods and pelvic pain. natural. This technique is travelling and being exposed to Hospital. They are going to drive University Hospital, as an A&E ities present in Irish vernacular Other conditions that may reported to be very successful, infections. the way Primary Care goes in medicine and she incorporates cause blocked fallopian tubes so, if blocked fallopian tubes doctor. Covid infections are up but the next few years. It takes them them, where possible, into her are, are preventing you becoming flu is right down. Lives are eight years or so before they can clinical practice. In her clinical Pelvic inflammatory disease pregnant, ask your physical ell Happy New Year being saved. The diligence and practise as fully-fledged GPs practise she specialises in infer- as this may cause scarring. I therapist if they are familiar everyone, or should expertise from GP teams has after qualification and I believe tility and digestive issues. have already mentioned endo- with the technique. I say Hopeful New helped save the hospitals being some of the changes we are www.rosarikingstonphd.com metriosis, which is a build up A more traditional, and WYear. I mentioned last month swamped. seeing, like better co-operation of endometrial tissues in the common therapy is the castor that we would be in a mess if I remember my days when from patients, better premises. fallopian tubes. Adhesions that oil pack. This is a cloth soaked restrictions were relaxed over I worked in Anfield near Liv- point-of-care testing with imme- erpool football club; surgeries diate blood results , ultra sound locked fallopian tubes block the fallopian tubes can in castor oil and then placed Christmas and ‘voila’ here we are one cause of why are. Our smug self-congratu- would run from 9am till 1pm, training etc, and yes, a decent also be formed by the build up on the skin. By placing the the waiting room would be contract and better remuneration women are not able to of endometrial tissue on the pack on the abdomen, circu- lation was too premature, and Bconceive. These tubes are the yes, popularity politics certainly crammed with patients coughing for a job well done, might retain outside of other organs. Some lation is enhanced, and the pathways from the ovaries to drove the resurgence. all over one another whilst five a lot more in Ireland. sexually transmitted infections lymphatic system is boosted. doctors beavered away giving PS: I had my Covid vaccina- the uterus. At ovulation, usu- I find myself screaming at such as chlamydia and gon- The castor oil pack works five minutes to each patient. tion on New Year’s Day – make ally the middle of the month, the radio when politicians are orrhea can cause scarring and well with massage and herbs interviewed. Most interview so Home visits were seen as every sure you get yours when invited. an egg is released from the this is turn leads on to other to optimise the health of the ovaries and travels though the badly. No straight answers, no problems. Fibroids can block fallopian tubes. real plan, and huge gaping holes fallopian tube to the uterus. the fallopian tube, particu- So, as well as, instead of, or in a lockdown policy, whilst al- Conception also happens in larly where they attach to the with surgery, a combination lowing people to fly into Ireland the fallopian tube. If an egg is uterus and a previous ectopic of herbal medicine, massage, from all over the world. fertilised by sperm, it moves pregnancy may also lead physical therapy and an Generally trusting everyone through the tube to the uterus to scarring in the tube. Any old-fashioned castor oil pack to self-isolate and be sensible for implantation. If a fallopian surgery on the fallopian tubes can help this particular cause does not work. Most are careful tube is blocked, the passage may also lead to the formation of infertility. but look at the discarded masks for sperm to get to the egg, as of adhesions with the same littering the place and don’t start January 15 – February 4, 2021 23 people Health & Lifestyle The colours and terminology of the rainbow

der queer or gender-fluid. terminology and abbreviations their inner and outer realities. Intersex is a category of its added to the LGBTQI+ um- There is still a lot more work own and is neither a sexual ori- brella is not so much a sign that to be done, but we are definite- entation nor a gender identity. the number of people identify- ly on a good trajectory. LGBTI+ It is far more an umbrella term ing as LGBTQI+ is significant- To find out more about for a multitude of different ly increasing. anything LGBTQI+ related or MATTERS medical conditions, in which It is far more an indicator what we are up to, follow us on BRÓD is an LGBTI+ the biological sex character- that we as a society are creating our Facebook and Instagram Community Group based in istics of a person don’t all more openness and safety for page. West Cork. A mix of LGBTI+ correspond to either male or people to name and express people and allies, the group’s female. mission is to ‘Support, As mentioned earlier, our Advocate and Increase biological sex is determined Visibility’ for the LGBTI+ through our chromosomes, community in West Cork. hormones and internal and external genitalia. For an intersex person, these don’t always all align in the The rainbow flag is a typical male or female way and symbol used by – and can be both or neither. associated with – the The ‘Q’ in the LGBTQI+ stands for ‘queer’ and is LGBTQI+ community. mainly an umbrella term for Lisa Brinkman ex- anyone who identifies outside plains how the different of the hetero- and cis-norm. colours of the rainbow Sometimes, the ‘Q’ is also interpreted as ‘questioning’, represent the many referring to a person who may different sexual and be questioning their sexual gender identities and orientation and gender without fully identifying with any orientations that exist category or term (yet). outside of the hetero- The growing number of sexual and cisgendered norm. Sexual orientation refers The term gender refers to n the early to mid eighties, to who one is sexually and how people feel and express the term ‘LGB’ was first romantically attracted to. If their femininity or masculinity During Covid19, the Gay coined as a social move- one is attracted to people from and is far more individually Iment advocating for the rights Project is providing online the opposite sex, we speak of and socially constructed. and needs of lesbian, gay and heterosexuality. People who’s biological sex bisexual people in society. Being attracted to people and gender are in alignment services to Gay, Bi+, Trans, Soon after, the letter ‘T’ was of the same sex is called and who identify with the sex added to include transgender homosexuality. People who they were born in are called MSM and Queer Men in people as well. In recent years are attracted to both men and cis-gender. People who feel the letter ‘Q’ was added to women are termed bisexual. that they were born in the Kerry and Cork include queer identities, as A relatively new addition to wrong body and their gender well as the letter ‘I’ for intersex the list of sexual orientations doesn’t align with their biologi- people. A ‘+’ was also added is pansexuality. Pansexuality cal sex are called trans-gender. to include any other gender refers to being romantically Many transgender people or sexual identities under the and sexually attracted to a per- start a process called transition- umbrella of the community. son based on their personality, ing, in which they change from To get more information Throughout the month of independent of their gender. To living in their biological sex to Email [email protected], December 2020, BROD ran a a pansexual person the gender living in the gender they iden- ‘terminology advent calendar’ of their partner isn’t relevant, tify with. For most transgender Visit www.gayproject.ie on our social media, each day meaning they could be male, people this means transitioning Follow us @GayProjectIRL explaining a different term female, transgender, non bina- from male to female or from on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. relevant to the LGBTQI+ com- ry, gender queer, etc. female to male. This transi- munity, which was incredibly Another recent addition tioning is mainly a social and or Call 0873647901 well-received. Many people are the terms ‘asexuality’ and psychological process, but is (inside and outside of the ‘aromantic’, which refer to also often assisted by medical LGBTQI+ community) weren’t people who don’t feel a sexual interventions such as hormone familiar with some of the terms or romantic attraction to any treatment and surgeries. and welcomed our definitions other person. As mentioned, most trans- Munster Gayze Black Rainbow Queer Vibes Queer Studies and explanations. In this Gender Identity refers to gender people identify within Facebook Group Writer’s Club Café Seminar month’s column, we would like what gender we identify with. the binary system of male and to give an overview of some of To understand Gender Identity female and transition from the terminology, abbreviations, fully, we need to first distin- one to the other. However, and language used in regard guish between the term gender some transgender people don’t to the LGBTQI+ community and sex. In this context, sex identify with their biological and hopefully further peoples refers to the biological sex of a sex (either male or female) but Gay Ramblers understanding some more. person, which is determined by don’t necessarily identify with Hillwalking Club GOLD Older Men’s Out-Lit So let’s start at the very chromosomes, hormones and the opposite gender either but Occasionally Meet Café Book-Club beginning and look at the terms internal and external genitalia. identify outside of the binary in Kerry (returning ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender In most cases, these are either system. These people identify after Covid19) identity’: typical male or typical female. as non-binary, a-gender, gen- 24 January 15 – February 4, 2021 Astrology of 2021 2021 is not the endurance ordeal of 2020 but there is no point in pretending that 2021 is with several other planetary big is a creative and even mystical shots as it whizzes by. Mars sign that connects to other the reward for getting through the last year. This year has more positive highlights and travels through each sign and dimensions with ease. It can things are moving along at a much faster pace now so we can get a better feel of what stirs things up. The nature of be inclined to want to escape we have to work with. It could be a bit of a rollercoaster ride as we adjust and re-adjust each sign gives us the clues as the material world in exchange to all the dynamics that are on the Astro schedule this year. We get a good mid-year to how well this goes. It triggers for something more spiritual. taster of some of the benefits coming along in 2022 but we’ll have to wait until 2023 to the Uranus in Taurus position Its true expression is more feel we have come through and out the other side of something big. 2021 brings many on January 18, which can ignite towards freeing the spirit from twists and turns and some unexpected events that alter the course of our lives to varying some heat around bodily integ- the confines of the mundane and rity and food resources. This expressing a more intuitive and degrees, but we have plenty to be optimistic about as long as we stay with the Aquarius opens up the challenges that we compassionate connection with trend of the current times. Taking a step back from the emotive scenes we are bombarded will be facing surrounding these the world and its inhabitants. with through the media and getting some perspective that reconnects you to your local ASTROLOGY topics this year. Jupiter in Pisces allows us to reality and your community is the best remedy for any of this year’s turbulence. Being When Mars challenges reach out and expand on our open-minded, openhearted and allowing the creative solutions to flow is the way to make Kate Arbon Jupiter on January 19, we could higher aspirations and goals. an opportunity out of a crisis. That’s the main message and the way ahead this year. see some heated action and con- Our imagination is strengthened Kate Arbon is an astrologer, flict around justice and social and we can be highly intuitive Saturn in Aquarius square conservative people will be the their ability to manage their writer and spiritual teacher. reforms, and then some shift and inspired. We seek broader or resolution, a finale of sorts, and better horizons that are Uranus in Taurus first to adopt the ‘new normal’, community systems and struc- Living in West Cork for from the opposition on July 28. aligned to values beyond the Exact on February 17, June 14 as society is reformed at an tures. Each will see the other as over 20 years she gives On July 1, Mars opposes material world. It takes some and December 24. astonishing pace. a threat to their survival and this personal consultations locally Saturn and this frustrating of the fear away and replaces We have one dominant theme Some of the biggest causes of can bring out the more basic and internationally using energy can cause the pressure it with optimism and faith in a this year that gives us the sig- division that we will experience survival instincts in people. traditional natal and Horary to break something apart during brighter future. There is a sense nature for 2021. This dynamic this year will be a clash of mor- This is certainly a time when astrology. the few days either side. In the of being guided or aligned with suggests we are in for a rocky al or ethical values and fighting we must consider deeply our re- email: astro@katearbon fire sign of Leo, it could be a a divine force. ride in 2021, as the square over what we value. Opinions lationship with our environment www.katearbon.com literal firewall problem. some The retrograde of Jupiter between these very different and beliefs will become even and how able we are to har- resistance to the enforcement back into Aquarius will allow planets is in the background more divergent or extreme, and monise with nature. We need a there is often an inability to of restrictions or significant us to return to the business throughout the year. each will believe they are right. new approach, which integrates see what is going on behind leadership changes. of reforming and working on Saturn (tradition) is chal- The problem arises when one technological advances with the scenes and it’s as if things In late October and early our connection with humanity lenged by Uranus (change) side wants to use force to ensure the natural rhythms and cycle are being distorted leaving a November, Mars moves from before we get to working on and the main topics are around the compliance of the other. The that we have become estranged sense of unreality to whatever is the air sign Libra to the water reconnecting to our divinity reformist ideals and social tensions will rise and lines will from. We need to adjust the way happening. sign Scorpio, as it makes a pow- during the Pisces transit. constructs (Aquarius) versus the be crossed. There is little doubt we organise our social patterns Certainly, it may not appear erful and challenging square to security of material resources that we will see a lot more re- and how we share our resources that we are deluded or mistaken Pluto, then Saturn followed by and the body’s basic needs bellion and resistance in 2021. so there is a more balanced and Mercury Retrogrades to because the illusion is very an opposition to Uranus. This is (Taurus) We will see many issues that cohesive system in place. The get us thinking effective. We just know that certainly going to be a turbulent Square aspects demand highlight our access to resourc- planetary signatures do speak January 30 to February 1 in things don’t add up or they few weeks and a peak period of action and they get our attention es in 2021. We will have serious to us about ‘now’, as the time Aquarius. make no sense when we try to disruption this year. We can ex- so we DO something to arrive questions about who ‘owns’ the for this. There is a massive May 29 to June 22 in Gemini. put the pieces together. This pect power clashes and maybe at a new position or perspective. land, homes, property and even and seemingly necessary shift September 27 to October 18 in dynamic concludes in early riots or civil disturbances during This energy asks for change so the money. Who has the ‘right’ occurring and a new paradigm Libra. February. Once this veil is lifted this time. There could be natural we can have a new experience. to access these resources will being initiated. We are at a point In 2021 Mercury has three many things may become ap- events that create upheaval, as The two planets involved be a point of contention. It’s not of choosing which way we want retrograde phases, which in parent. There is likely to be rev- the Lunar eclipse also falls into have very contrasting energies just about the big things and to proceed. itself is nothing unusual, but elations of deeply held secrets this time frame, October 20 to and the constraints and stability global resources, it’s also about What we currently see being this year they all occur in the or deliberate deceptions. We November 20. of Saturn will thwart the rash the basics at a local level. Who promoted by the media is only air signs. This emphasis on our should at least get some clarity overthrow of Uranus whilst owns our food, or the ability one way forward. Those who thoughts goes along with the and see where we are heading Uranus will provide the unex- to produce it from a garden or hold influential positions are all Jupiter in Pisces provides a Aquarian theme and the power now. There may be a backlash pected twists and turns than farm and our water and fuel singing the same tune and no preview of our mind and thoughts being as some people feel cheated or any good plot requires ensuring supplies too. There will be argu- one else is getting the chance Jupiter just arrived in Aquarius of great significance. Mercury angry at being taken advantage Saturn doesn’t provide a dreary ment and clashes, confrontation to be heard or seen. Being at the end of 2020 to make represents our ability to process of over the past months. and predictable conclusion to and riots over these things, all given only one option for our its grand conjunction with information and make sense Some of the barriers to feel- this chapter of our lives. around the world. The global collective future is not a choice, Saturn. It takes about a year to of what we hear or see. In a ing compassion and empathy So as the ‘warp speed’ plans economic systems will be under it is a dictate. transit one sign so we have this time when so much of what we are going to lift and we may to move humanity into a digital stress and our local systems will Will we become more aware expansion of Aquarian themes are presented with as fact or be more able to resonate with ‘smart’ world get challenged need to step up to fill the gaps. and connected with our deeper for 2021. Aquarius does not knowledge is actually distorted others despite being of differing by unforeseen delays and re- The issue of ownership and and more refined spiritual get entangled in sentimentality to support an agenda, we really opinion. sistance, we may find that all is fundamental rights will become nature and intuitively find the or get swayed by emotional do need to approach informa- For many people, this phase not going to plan when it comes a major topic of divisiveness balance and harmony required. reactivity. It casts a clear and tion with clarity and discern- will have helped them look to resetting our social and this year. There will be those Or will we insist on following detached mind over the issues it ment. Many responses to ideas, more deeply for the hidden economic systems. On the other that seek to overrule personal our fearful mind and self-lim- perceives and seeks a progres- opinions and suggestions are truths in life and brought them hand, it is all going according to needs and wants, as we are iting beliefs to design what we sive solution that will benefit rebuked with an emotional reac- a sense of connection with plan if we allow for the chaos asked to sacrifice all that we are told is the right and only humanity. So there is a high tion rather than a level-headed something more spiritual or of factor of nature and the random hold dear for the so-called way? level of innovation with new assessment. During these Mer- greater meaning. wild card element that has al- ‘good of all’. Some will con- technologies that are designed cury retrograde phases this year ways made essential digressions tinue to trust those people or Neptune misinformation to create a better world for our there is likely a need to review Mars is on the move again and pushed evolution to its next organisations that preach that and confusion future. At worst there is an ex- what you thought you knew After spending an extraordinary level when required. the new ways are necessary to A theme that carries over from aggerated level of ideology and to be true. Many presentations amount of time in one sign in There will be a strange mix maintain personal and collective 2020 is that we are being kept altruism with a sense of almost of news and truth are revealed 2020, nearly half the year in Ar- of ideals, ethics and personal safety and security. As people in the dark or just can’t see our divine righteousness. to be less than honest during ies, Mars is now going to transit values as many previous choic- in their masses seek to be saved way ahead with clarity. Jupiter briefly moves into 2021 and during the Mercury eight signs in 2021 serving as a es and preferences will reverse from the things they fear most, Neptune, the planet of mys- Pisces, on May 13 until July retrograde phases, we are likely timing trigger. This movement or at least overlap in ways that they will surrender their auton- tery and illusions, is in a chal- 28 when it starts the retrograde to see some of the supposedly from the action planet signifies couldn’t have been expected omy in exchange. Not everyone lenging square to the Moon’s back into Aquarius and it won’t reliable sources unravel. the fast pace of change and before now. Those who would wants this new system, which nodes since mid-2020. The return to Pisces until December Use these retrograde phases the rapid evolution of events be natural freedom seekers and involves little personal gov- nodes represent our destined 29. But this short spell of the of 2021 to meditate and contem- that we can expect this year. outsiders will find themselves ernance. Many will choose to path and what we are growing benevolent planet in its own plate. Take time out to research It is also the planet of friction wanting to conserve a status quo fend for themselves by pooling into for our future as well as sign of Pisces is like a breath or re-examine information you and conflict. Not all conflict or be defensive of traditional their skills and resources on a what we are releasing from the of fresh air amid so much is war but this planet makes values. Whilst many previously local level so they can maintain past. When Neptune is involved unrest and restriction. Pisces Continued on next page... some very volatile contacts January 15 – February 4, 2021 25

..Cont’d from previous page use to make your choices. Be ittarius. 2022. The November 19 Lunar untainted by any imprints or prepared to reconsider and June 10, Solar eclipse in eclipse gives us a head start residues from the past. re-evaluate everything. Gemini. on the coming year trends. We The November eclipse comes More than ever now it is im- November 19, Lunar eclipse in begin to discern between actual amongst several other tense portant to be aware of what you Taurus. reality and overly emotional alignments and we may not see Baan Sujittra think and where your attention December 4, Solar eclipse in responses to what we think is the full effect of this eclipse un- and mental energy is focused. Sagittarius. reality. til it unfolds in the early months AUTHENTIC THAI CUISINE Your attention creates more of This year’s eclipse cycles bring A big signature of 2020 and of 2022. There may be some what you focus on. Keep your the ending to the previous 2021 is the way we are reacting purging and transformation on IN WEST CORK attention away from the issues Gemini Sagittarius polarity in to anyone who is coming from many levels that will clear a 30 & 31 Ashe St, Clonakilty that make you feel powerless. exchange for the Taurus Scorpio a different perspective and path for what is to come in the www.baansujittra.com E The very thoughts that you one which becomes the eclipse opinion. following year. think are powerful in creating pattern for 2022. One of the big lessons for We can see that 2021 is really TAKEAWAY ONLY your version of reality and so Sagittarius represents the us all is to refrain from this a preparation year for the next if they are mostly fearful or imaginative thinking and divisiveness and to stop needing several years that follow. Doing Thurs-Sun from 5pm anxious your world is a much exploration of new ideas to be “right” and make the other the groundwork this year will Phone 023 8834604 more difficult place to navigate. and experiences that expand wrong to prove our self. help to design the future that GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE! Whereas if your thinking is our understanding (ruled by Being truly awake and aware is wanted by ordinary people peaceful and you possess an Jupiter). Gemini represents the does not exclude deep feelings, who want to live ordinary lives. open mind you will be assured interpretation of information compassion or empathy but it Remembering that we are each of a much more enjoyable that requires a comparison of does not involve any emotion- extraordinary, unique and pow- experience in life. ideas and provides contrast and alism and reactivity. This is a erful is the way to achieve this. options. (ruled by Mercury) truly freeing way of interacting Eclipses start a new cycle The eclipse cycle moves with the world and others, May 26, Lunar eclipse in Sag- into a Taurus Scorpio phase for as each moment is fresh and January Sun Signs

Aries: You have the desire for strong bonds with Virgo: You may waste too much energy on menial Aquarius: By mid-month you are likely to have put your friends and you are especially sensitive to how tasks, thus getting distracted from the broader visions doubts behind you and become a glowing example of they treat you this month. You are both caring and in your life during these few weeks. You are likely to both vitality and attractiveness. Let your personality concerned for their personal development, but easily make yourself indispensable through being of service truly shine and you can expect to have a powerful hurt if they let you down in any way. Ensure that you to the physical needs of others, and generally happy impact on your surroundings through your moods and spend time only with people that elevate and support you. Discon- to take on a lot of tasks – both in your career and around the house. feelings. You may be seen as unusually emotional or sentimental, but nect from the daily grind and tap into your lighter side for a while. If you are not careful, however, other people will take advantage of you know how to provide a truly nurturing environment for others. Count your blessings and remember that enjoyment of the good life you. Now though you should be really getting things together for You’re motivated to show how much concern and care you have for is more about your own sense of wellbeing, not money, friendship or yourself whilst you can keep the focus on the details. Once done, them now. Bring any critical personal projects to a conclusion whilst possessions. you’ll be able to stand back and take pride in your accomplishments. you have the energy required to satisfy your own high standards.

Taurus: You have a strong sense of duty and you can Libra: Spontaneity is the keyword for you this month Pisces: You need to withdraw from the world from feel that your role is primarily to live up to family or and it’s time to loosen up and have some fun. Taking time to time and commune with nature or your inner social expectations in early January. You may have the lead and making some bold statements is also an feelings. During January you are extremely sensitive been striving to achieve some predefined goals and you option. Going just a little bit over the top will be ac- to your environment and could spend a lot of time want the recognition now. Over the coming weeks, you ceptable now as this is a general time of celebration for enveloped in a very private emotional world. Ideally, create a place can reach out for what you want for yourself. Stand in the spotlight all. Passion and intensity can run rampant as your enthusiasm over- of your own which is sacred to you where you can be alone. In this whilst acting the part of your unique self in all your glory. Ensure flows so get creative with your energy. You have a strong emotional private retreat, you can become aware of your many dreams and you take time out to wave your own flag and get noticed for your need for some romantic encounters but you do know how to nurture longings. Try to work more consciously with the inner world of your contribution before a new surge of personal creativity rolls in. and maintain the romance in an existing relationship too. So go the imagination through creative work or meditative practice for a few extra mile and enjoy! days. Gemini: Think big and stretch your imagination this month. In the past, you will have unconsciously been Scorpio: During January you might find you need January has a New Moon at 24° Capricorn on the 13th at affected by the convictions and values of those close to to spend more time at home and you can find great 5.01am and the Full Moon is at 10° Leo on the 28th at 7.17pm. you. The powerful need for a strong belief to hold on pleasure in looking after loved ones, cooking, making to that is solid and true for you demand your attention home improvements etc. You feel very sensitive to the now. During these few weeks as your interest in philosophical and moods of others, especially if you share your personal spiritual areas is heightened use the time to expand your inner win- space. Although you’ll be strongly motivated to create a caring and dow on the world and break new ground. The feeling of suddenly secure environment, a crowd can be claustrophobic. You can get on having understood something can have you wondering now what to each other’s nerves. This is a time to acknowledge the comfortable do with it all, but that will take care of itself down the line. and familiar environment that supports you. Draw on it as a source of strength but avoid being over-dominant or demanding. Cancer: As January progresses your experiences will confirm that you must not depend on other people or Sagittarius: Any trying or difficult emotional expe- your possessions to provide emotional security for you. riences you have early this month result from having This could be a very transformative few weeks when strong differences of opinion with someone you have to you might unearth resources within yourself that you deal with every day. When you argue your case you are were previously unaware of. Allow yourself to stand aside for a mo- easily swayed by irrational arguments and emotions. ment and recognise where any deals and contracts have tied up your Could it be that everybody is trying to get their message through but energy. You no longer need to rely on certain items or belongings as no one is listening? Try not to get distracted whilst you tie up import- you become more emotionally stable. Clear out any useless things ant loose ends and meet deadlines. You need to keep some time for a you’ve been hoarding, the sense of space and freedom will do you new project or mental challenge in later weeks. You could be making good. plans for travelling or starting a new class or training programme.

Leo: The focus falls on your relationships from early Capricorn: Mid-January will find you focusing on January and you have difficulty distinguishing between your personal resources and economic fluctuations. your own feelings and the people closest to you. Tune You can be a very kind and giving person but you also in to yourself, and allow your partner or close friends to need to feel secure. Being a little more concerned with have their moods without imagining they always have your financial status now is probably a good thing something to do with your own actions. Connecting with others in a although some people may view you as unusually materialistic and special moment can be enjoyed when close allies or partners become possessive. This is a time to cash in on some of your hard-earned your focus but you could be thinking that you have all got a little too investments and name your price for your efforts. Be confident in involved or caught up with each other recently and soon you’ll need your skills and abilities and turn them to good use now as others will to stand back. notice and reward you later. 26 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Health & Lifestyle A gentle complementary medicine omeopathy is a pathic remedies and use them made from onion can relieve it. safe, gentle and whenever necessary on the “Homeopathy also works on effective form of whole family.” the principle of the ‘minimum “Hcomplementary medicine, Ger So what is homeopathy dose’ in that you give the least explains. “It is suitable for all and how can it help? Ger amount of medicine necessary ages and stages of life, from explains the principles behind in order to achieve a healing pregnancy through childbirth, it: “Homeopathy is a medical response.” for infants, children and teens science based on the principle If you would like more in- to adulthood. It is useful in the ‘like cures like’. Put simply, formation on homeopathy, or to treatment of so many condi- any substance that can produce book an appointment, feel free Geraldine Fleming tions from acute to chronic symptoms in a healthy person to call/text Ger on 086 6773288 complaints, both physical and can also cure similar symptoms or email: ardnacarrig@hotmail. HOMEOPATH LIC I.S.H. Ger Fleming is a registered emotional. in a person who is sick. com. A safe, gentle and effective form of complementary homeopath in Clonakilty. “I first discovered homeopa- “For example: When you Initial consultations generally medicine. Suitable for all ages and useful in the treatment Having just recently thy over 15 years ago and was peel an onion, it makes your last approximately 60-90 mins of many conditions from acute to chronic complaints. really amazed at how it worked eyes water and often your nose (fee €70), while follow up returned to work from on and improved my health. burn. If you are experiencing appointments (fee €50) are Appointments 086-6773288 maternity leave, Ger is Now, a husband, three children hayfever symptoms like wa- approx 30-45 minutes long. Consultations available over Zoom. now offering online zoom and a vast array of pets later, I tering eyes and a burning nose, appointments. have come to rely on homeo- then a homeopathic remedy

Spare us all...it’s January Marie Keating very attractive and it was there notice a few extra pounds, your colour combinations, so don’t Smart pinstripe loose trousers Foundation that he met with his demise. ‘good’ clothes will immediately be afraid to mix and match. The can look incredibly smart with seeks part- We are all sad and I’ve been scream ‘imposter’ when you addition of a colourful scarf can an oversized jumper, brogues asked a few times why I didn’t try to jam yourself into them… and must never be under-esti- and a smart handbag, especial- time nurses keep him inside all the time, at least that’s what I think they mated. It’s instant PZAZZ, es- ly if you keep your hair neat but how could I take away his roared when I put on a skirt the pecially when we tend towards or tied back – it gives a more As part of its ongoing devel- freedom and try to control it? other day. On the plus side (no darker colours this time of year. sculpted look. Believe it or not, opment the Marie Keating He loved roaming with the dogs pun intended), the weather has Bobble hats are always a cute the denim skirt that has been Foundation wishes to recruit and stalking them and he had a been encouraging us all to get addition for a casual look but hiding away, whether it is a two part-time nurses for its wonderful, albeit short life, full out and walk or run, so let’s be a bucket hat is trés chic with a mini or knee length, needs to be cancer awareness, support to the brim with fun and games. grateful for that. Try to continue long trench coat or oversized pulled out and worn with knee- and survivorship services If you are wondering why I to make an effort at looking jacket and jeans. It is a fresh high boots and a smart chiffon in community and online am telling you all of this, it is your best. Let’s be honest, if addition, especially if you love blouse; 10/10 for smart casual settings. because we have lost our free- you are not going anywhere, hats. Rediscover the art of ‘belt- with this look. The foundation requires a dom and we are all undoubtedly it is easier to not have to make ing up’ by throwing on a belt It looks like ‘hot pink’ will be part-time nurse for its service IMAGE struggling now. Our routines any effort at all with yourself over anything. Obviously, they one of the biggest colour trends in the Southern Region and day-to-day habits are askew but that has a knock-on effect work very well with jumper for 2021, so keep an eye out. If which covers South Tipper- Louise O’Dwyer and we are afraid to even think and it’s not a good one. If you, dresses but certain winter coats you already have some in your ary, Limerick, Cork, Kerry, about what the future holds. All pre-Covid, used to wear make- can have a new lease of life just wardrobe, it looks strikingly Image Consultant Waterford. I can say is be a ‘Jimmy’! Have up every day, then continue to by adding an eye-catching belt. bold worn with black. Check You should be available fun whenever and wherever do so now. It will boost your One of the quickest ways to is still going strong and since approximately six to eight you can, find a new way to mood and at the moment we fall into ‘wardrobe humdrum’ we will need coats for quite a days per month and have the o matter how hard we enjoy yourself, find new habits need to grab on to anything is to choose similarly shaped while yet, you could invest in a try, there is no avoiding flexibility to travel within that don’t involve incessantly that does this. The same goes pieces over and over again. If check coat that adds colour over your region. You must be the month of January. watching the news, googling the for your hair; style it as if you you always wear very fitted black or denim. Skinny jeans NAt one point in time we may currently registered with Na- daily numbers or starting every were going out to work. There clothes (like me), then opt for will never go away but they have hibernated around this tional and Midwifery Board conversation with ‘Strange is no better time of the year to something loose and oversized will take a backseat to looser, Ireland (NMBI) you should time of the year but unfortunate- times…’ So what if you have smother yourself in body lotion, and do it at least once a week. ripped denim – you might even ly this is not the case now, no have 5 years post registration gained some lockdown pounds your skin is crying out for It’s quirky and new and fun. have a pair at the back of your experience in oncology as matter how hard some of us try or hit the festive sweets with hydration. I’m back to letting wardrobe that still fits so check to linger in our PJs or stay stuck well as an interest in the area the vigour of a lion stripping a my feet linger in a basin of them out. of health promotion. under our comfy quilt. Our carcass, you will lose it again if hot water and Epsom salts, the It is an absolute must that you priority today is to stay healthy To apply or to receive the you really want to. If not there best and cheapest detox for the seek out some playful prints full job description, please in mind and body. There are is elastic in almost everything body, and my feet feel amazing to get 2021 off to a fun start. times when it looks like 2020 forward your CV and cover- now, so ‘Happy Days’. afterwards. My face gets a mask They are sure to put a smile ing letter to Helen Forristal, just put a wig on and reappeared If there is one foolproof way of pure Molaga Honey once a on your face and perhaps to as 2021 but please remember Director of Nursing Services to feel better, then it simply week – you won’t find a face anyone you might meet during at hforristal@mariekeating. that it is only early days yet, must be NOT to live in leggings mask that will contain as many the day. Don’t be afraid to pair stay hopeful, and colourful, and ie, by close of business Fri- if you are working from home. vitamins and minerals to feed ‘bold colours’ – it is a refreshing day 21st January 2021. smile – even when you feel like They fall into what I call the your skin. It is a bit messy and look if not for the faintheart- cursing everyone, including the ‘danger zone’. It’s all too easy sticky but the resulting glow is ed. Shades like red, blue and donkey down the road. to go from day to day in them, so well worth the effort. green in individual pieces look heart’s content until you find We can only control what we as they are just too comfortable. Can I suggest that you spend fantastic together. Skinny jeans what works for you. Challenge each do ourselves; it is futile to There is nothing wrong with an evening or two revamping with a sharp blazer create the yourself and repeatedly push believe that we can have control slipping back into them after your wardrobe? Pull everything ideal combination of casual and yourself to step outside your over anyone else. I was slapped dinner in the evenings but they out, absolutely everything, sleek and are a great look for comfort zone. with that reminder, as we buried prove to be detrimental to keep- and lay it across your bed and when we can go out to dinner My message to you for our cat yesterday – poor little It looks like ing your weight on track. They anywhere else that you can. once again. January is to stay safe, stay Jimmy. Try as I may, he loved just grow with you, silently and You’d be amazed at how many ‘hot pink’ will You might have a little more connected, have fun, give lots his freedom and always stayed without you noticing at all. That items of clothing we all forget time than usual right now so use of virtual hugs and, like Jimmy, at the back of our house and be one of the is true for all of the loungewear about or have never even worn that time to benefit ‘you’. Take go out and explore where you garden but his curiosity got biggest colour this year; it is soft and com- – it might work perfectly with time to google new looks and can, but safely. Spring is on the the better of him eventually. fortable and overly stretchy. something else now! Every trends for 2021. ‘how to do it’. Don’t be afraid way… we will bloom again. The road must have looked While most people won’t even season brings with it some new of failure – experiment to your January 15 – February 4, 2021 27 people Health & Lifestyle Editor’s beauty picks: Letter to the Editor: Citizen’s Health Jury French spa and beauty brand THALGO With higher levels of hydrolysed proteins has recently launched a new anti-pol- and sugars, nutrients that boost the cell and Dear Editor, lution treatment and skincare range, energy metabolism (ATP), the Energising I am writing to ask if readers of the West Cork People would be interested in becoming members of a Citizens’ Jury to discuss the matter of access to specifically developed to help tackle the Spirulina optimises epidermal renewal and health information? impact of city living and urban stress structure, reducing the signs of skin ageing and As individuals, our healthcare professionals need to be able to review – particularly addressing the effects of the impact of urban stress. our health records to best determine our care. However, that information pollution and exposure to free radicals Soothing, tension-relieving Marine Magne- can also serve the public interest by offering key insights into the develop- and toxins to the skin. sium has a relaxing ‘botox-like’ effect on the ment and innovation of our health services for future generations. The brand new, innovative range of skin’s features, helping to reduce the general One might ask should our health information only be used for our own Spiruline Boost products and profes- signs of fatigue and skin stress. individual needs? Or should it also assist in wider societal healthcare sional detoxifying treatments include a The full range of Spiruline Boost creams, needs? Can a balance perhaps be struck between both positions that ensures transparency and trust and, if so, how? complex of active ingredients to relieve gels and oral products from THALGO are now The aim of the jury is to learn more about our health information, to skin stress and aid the rejuvenation and available in Ireland at select salons and spas deliberate on who might access those records, and to what end. regeneration of skin cells and encourage nationwide. An initiative of the Irish Platform for Patients’ Organisations, Science detoxification. Combining Energising & Industry (IPPOSI), we want to assemble a group of 25 people, who are Spirulina with anti-stress Marine Mag- broadly representative of the Irish population. nesium, the new products aim to reduce The jury will hear from experts offering various perspectives on these skin fatigue and prevent signs of ageing. matters. Its recommendations will be submitted to policy-makers in Ireland to inform the development of new health information legislation, as well as the creation of a national Electronic Health Record. We are looking for people aged 18 years and above, from diverse back- The last year has been especially harsh on our hands what with special price of just €15.45 (normally €19.45) grounds, and who are resident in Ireland, to join our Citizens’ Jury. increased handwashing as well as the added use of hand sanitisers so its never been a better time to treat your hands The jury will sit virtually during the month of April for a series of and anti-bacterial sprays. It is important to give our hands some to some extra special care. two-hour sessions. Successful applicants will receive a €400 gratuity; much needed TLC, especially during the cold winter months, and For further details on the full Dr. Hauschka however, the bigger reward will be the opportunity to have your say on Dr. Hauschka’s Hydrating Hand Cream offers relief for tired, range, call your local stockists or to shop online this matter of huge national importance. dry and sore hands. log onto Dr. Hauschka’s website: www.drh.ie Application can be made online at www.ipposi.ie/citizensjury and the And to add an extra bit of New Year’s cheer until February 19, closing date is Sunday January 31, 2021. Yours sincerely, 2021, Dr. Hauschka’s Hydrating Hand Cream is available at a very Derick Mitchell, CEO IPPOSI 77 Camden Street, Dublin 2 people Arts & Entertainment Reflections on Matisse inspires. Dynamic, mysterious two years before his death unity in a great piece of music is in 1954. ‘The Sorrow of the not only thrilling, it is healing: King’ is for me one of the most within it we can place all that is joyful and uplifting composi- disordered and incoherent in our tions in Western art. Measuring lives. We say to ourselves: “this almost 3 x 4 metres, its scale is composer really gets it, this wonderfully immersive. It has singer understands me, I know an unerring and magical sense this.” This is how art serves: by of unity, a lyricism of shape and THE SHAPE being a repository for untold a visual syntax that is unequivo- feeling. cally Matisse. OF THINGS Art therefore is not escap- Within ‘The Sorrow of the ism (though it certainly offers King’ we find celebration in the James Waller escape from the mundane and face of departure. It is as if the superficial). On one level it central ‘figure’ floats between James Waller is an Australian sparks wonder and a sense of this world and the next, the born artist and poet based in possibility, and may trigger us form of the body a cloak of West Cork. Through this new on our own creative journey. night, upon which drift golden column James will be exploring On another level it is a way flowers and guitar. Is this figure the world of art, introducing the of deepening and refining our the ‘king’, the artist himself, reader to major works of art and sense of empathy. Far from singing his own swan song? It artists and reflecting on what escaping, it brings us closer to is compelling to think so: the makes them so engaging. an awareness of ourselves, and artist, incapacitated through others. illness, cutting his shapes, At home and in the studio arranging his song, delighting hether it is a song, I often have art books open in its gradual revelation and a poem, a dance, a displaying works that inspire power. The work has also been Henri Matisse’s ‘The Sorrow of the King’ (1952) painting, a perfor- me, a habit that has prompted linked to Rembrandt’s painting, and then around again and rather than mingled or blended. Then begin arranging them on Wmance or film, there is usually much journaling over the years. ‘David Playing the Harp Before again, to the outer edges of the Colour, for Matisse, had the your base sheet. You could try something we can recall that The last such series of journal Saul’ (1655), which would go composition. The powerful highest value, beyond con- placing them in a spiral-like has moved us, resonated with entries I made was during lock- some way to explaining the title arcs of gouache-painted paper cerns of line, form, illusion or form, or in any way you choose. us, made us laugh or cry, or held down last year, when I wrote a (Saul being, according to the are countered by a ground- narrative. He made colours sing Remember, using black will us with a quiet truth that we series of 60 daily reflections on Old Testament Bible, the first ing arrangement of coloured and helped liberate others to do lend intensity to your colours. deeply recognise. Art has this various artworks. I will be using king of Israel). rectangles, their horizontal the same. Happy creating! incredible capacity to open us to those entries as the basis for this Matisse employed in this and vertical rhythms echoing As a creative project you ourselves and others, to trigger new column, a journey into the composition the powerful form outwards to the perimeter of the could try creating your own James offers a range of stu- a sense of wonder, to excite our world of art for all ages, called of a spiral, and there is nothing piece and beyond. Together they paper cut-out. All you need is dio-based courses for children own creative desire, to reveal ‘The shape of things’. more visually magnetising. form a background ‘beat’ upon coloured paper, scissors and and adults in Classical painting, a sense of unity where before I began the series of medita- You can follow the spiral from which the floating ‘song’ of arcs glue! Try beginning with a drawing and printmaking at we felt none. Art draws us tions with Henri Matisse’s ‘The the centre, below the lower can resound. single coloured sheet as a base. Clonakilty School of Painting. when it feels whole, complete, Sorrow of the King’ (1952), white ‘hand’, clockwise around Matisse developed a language Using other coloured sheets, cut See www.paintingschool. because we are not complete a monumental paper cut-out, the rim of the black ‘cloak’ of flat-coloured shapes, where any forms you like the shape of jameswaller.org for details. in ourselves. This is how it which he created bed-ridden, leading to the white ‘figure’, the colours were separated, (it can be completely abstract). 28 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Environment Become a beekeeper Bees have been a part know more about the manage- be able to attend the summer ment of diseases and be able to school at least once in their of Mairead Love’s life carry out thorough inspections beekeeping life. It’s the one since childhood. As to enable me to become a bee- place for one week that visiting Chairperson of the Fast- keeper. I’m still learning and, attendees from all over Ireland after most lectures or courses and around the World from all net Area Bee-Keepers I attend, I realise that I must professions can rub shoulders Association (FABKA), learn more. That’s the beauty and the common language is she gives an insight into of this wonderful craft – you Bees. Great ‘craic’ to be had get ‘sucked in’. Ten years ago also! the value of bees and I moved on and set up home in We knew that there was no pollinators. If you are a little cottage in the midlands local FIBKA Association down interested in learning with a nice tidy acre out back. in these parts and our nearest I now had time to spend with meeting place then was Cork more and becoming a the bees and the plants. I met City where we were members. beekeeper join the asso- my husband later on during the But the journey on winter nights ciation’s online training time I was representing FIBKA from home and back took so (Federation of Irish Beekeepers long – a four-and-a-half-hour course in February at Associations) as the ‘Queen round trip. We griped about this www.fastnetareabee- Bee’ for a year where I had the to the FIBKA management and keepersassociation.net. honour of visiting various parts this led to us starting our Fastnet of the country for honey shows Area Beekeepers Association y late father was a and so on. Michael originates FABKA in February 2020. The prolific beekeeper from West Cork and helped group is for local beekeepers so I picked up tips his uncle with his bees when who appreciate the benefits of Mand tricks along the way. My he was young (but he says hin- belonging to the federation in siblings and I were gently dered him). With no dragging or this lovely country area and also Apiary at Deelish Garden Centre in Skibbereen persuasion, I set off down south for training. This is all done on persuaded (bribed) to work in and fences for all pollinators which is not only a fantastic will be hosted by qualified and the apiaries and do behind the and brought the bees with me. a voluntary basis and we would We should remember this: like to thank our members for because it is forecast that if the read but full of advice and links experienced beekeepers, com- scenes jobs also. We didn’t like bees become extinct, so too will for all levels. Live demonstra- mencing February 17, 2021, it much but it provided pocket Fastnet Area was made famous their help, especially Mary in the bee world by the late Downey, Katie West and Owen everything else: If our plants are tions and workshops will be covering eight modules. Apiary money. Adulthood took me into not pollinated the food chain held periodically through the demonstrations will be done a professional role where bees FIBKA Member Diarmuid Kelly. Both Mike and I could Griffin from Goleen who won not have done this without their will diminish and its structure year, restrictions-permitting. when restrictions are eased. were less prominent in my day- will be no longer viable and Once you are a member of to-day life until some 25 years the world cup for best in class at invaluable support. 2020 was a the prestigious London Honey challenge. Because of COVID hence die out. FABKA you can also join any RTÉ launches ago. Only then did I realise the Years ago, when hundreds of other FIBKA Association for value of bees and pollinators, as Show, amongst the best of the restrictions we were unable Eye on Nature, best. Diarmuid used to meet my to meet in the traditional way country folk had a few boxes of a small sum and avail of what I had a fondness for gardening, bees at the end of the garden, they are offering. For the more a new wildlife I then became what I describe late parents, Finbar and Dody every month or do in-person Dineen, at the FIBKA Annual training. This led to online there was no public media academic there is an exam photo competition as a ‘keeper’ of bees with little questioning decisions made structure available and you can or no input. It slowly dawned Summer School held at Gor- training and the ‘hands on’ part RTÉ has joined forces with The manstown County Meath. What has to catch up when we are or challenging law makers on go up the grades, maybe even on me that the keeper of bees their ill-informed approvals. becoming a lecturer or judge, as National Botanic Gardens to a small little world we live in! permitted. launch an exciting new wildlife is one of the biggest threats to But nowadays beginners and all many have. the bees’ future and I needed to Our hope is that our new Our name, Fastnet Area Bee photographic competition, members and students will Keepers (FABKA), fits this area levels of beekeepers can take On reflection, there is so ‘Eye On Nature’. perfectly because on a fine day heart that their small efforts are much to be gained from caring The overall winner will driving west from Cork City worthy and are creating a real for and learning about these receive a cash prize of €1000 you get glimpses of coastline awareness as to the importance fascinating creatures. What and the 12 finalists’ photographs will be exhibited at The Botanic and then the Fastnet Lighthouse of preserving life into the future. could be better than serving up By being a member of FIBKA, your own honey to family and Gardens from mid-March. The comes into view. We look out finalists will also receive an on the Fastnet from our home. through our FABKA associ- friends knowing that this is 100 ation, we collectively have a per cent pure and hasn’t been annual family pass to all OPW Michael used to count the light attractions. louder voice in Europe with adulterated, because the sad reflections, as it circled on the So if you’ve snapped a bedroom wall, going to sleep our association with the Irish fact is proof of adulteration in beautiful butterfly, a delightful S P when he was young. Unfortu- DAFM Departments that deal mainstream product has been deer or a fantastic fox in 2020 nately the lovely old reliable with bees; and therefore will established. You might even you could be in with a chance of light was digitalised recently so keep addressing the insecticide, learn to make candles, polishes, winning. People have until Friday 5 that experience is no more, an- pesticide issues and so on. We creams and soaps from the ECOCIDE need to stop poisoning our by-products from the hive. After February to submit their entries other bit of history lost forever. to rte.ie/eyeonnature, where full New people joining these land, sea, and air in the name of an inspection of the bees a cup profit for massive pharma-type of tea and a honey cookie would details are available plus terms days are blessed with the wealth and conditions and photography change the law companies who have investor’s be just what the doctor ordered! of beekeeping information requirements. available to them in print, video, interests first. We would love to There are enormous benefits The finalists and winners will and educational opportunities, get younger farmers involved to being a member of FIBKA. be chosen by a panel of three which makes for fewer mistakes because they are key influencers The list is a page on its own. judges: award-winning wildlife going undetected. The best in the preservation of pollina- For further information visit and nature photographer Sheena Jolley, Niall Hatch from Bird- teaching tool has to be the tors; for example, the current FIBKA online (irishbeekeep- generation of Irish farmers have ing.ie) and judge for yourself. watch Ireland and Dr Matthew ‘Hands On’ approach, which we Jebb, Director of The National also provide for our students. planted approx 10,000 km of Established in 1881 and new native hedges, making it reconstituted in 1943, FIBKA is Botanic Gardens. We are proud to say that we The competition and lots of the most significant planting in the largest organisation of bee- have started a demonstration great nature and wildlife content apiary for that purpose. There is more than 200 years. keeping associations in Ireland will be featured on RTÉ’s To- also a greater awareness of the The immediate benefit of and is a not for profit federation. day Show, Radio 1’s Mooney environment and the importance joining FABKA is that you’ll There are currently 48 affiliated Goes Wild and www.rte.ie from of pollinators. Teagasc, with meet fellow beekeepers, as we associations with 2800 mem- now until March. The finalists and overall winner of ‘Eye the aid of Catherine Keena, hold regular meetings in the bers (until update) So if any or Teagasc Office in Skibbereen. all of this article has touched a on Nature’ will be announced www.stopECOCIDE.earth are doing a great job for the live on a special edition of The bees by advising landowners to (currently restricted) All mem- nerve go to www.fastnetarea- @ecocidelaw bers are issued with a monthly beekeepersassociation.net and Today Show from The Botanic preserve hedgerow boundaries Gardens in March. magazine ‘An Beachaire’, join our training course, which January 15 – February 4, 2021 29 people Environment : Making a difference Will 2021 be better for the Environment?

If we don’t measure, how will targets. we make progress; there is also These recommendations have good news for the Environment come about because the com- as we enter 2021. munity group, Climate Change The Joint Oireachtas Com- Ireland and Friends of The Irish mittee on Climate Action has Environment were successful, published 78 recommended winning their case against the amendments, including the ban- Government. In June 2020, the ning of imported, fracked gas, Supreme Court required the adaptation to climate measures, Government to revise its na- ENVIRONMENTAL stronger policy language ac- tional climate policy in light of companied by greater account- its legal obligations and stating MATTERS ability in order to substantially that the Bill must go signifi- Fiona Hayes strengthen the Climate Bill. cantly further if it is to create They recommend that policy legislation that fully aligns with on Climate Change should be science and climate justice. worded as “The State shall both The public have been s 2021 starts in pursue and achieve climate neu- consulted, with Climate Case pandemic-induced trality by 2050 at the latest”. Ireland having organised zoom lockdown we could all This is much clearer and conferences for members of Abe forgiven for being dismayed gives rise to the possibility of the public to speak to their about progress in environmental holding government at both public representatives about the and climate change issues. National and Regional level ac- changes they feel are necessary In the first seven months countable for decisions that will and having sent in their list of of 2020, more than 13,000sq sionaries of the Sacred Heart samples. They are building in grass roots projects and hinder the transition to climate recommendations for discussion km (5,019sq miles) of the (MSH) for the development up a knowledge base of the programmes. neutrality, climate resilience and by the committee. Brazilian Amazon was burned; of a Climate Action Centre worst affected areas. The Major change always follows an environmentally sustainable All across Ireland changes we saw wildfires raging through based at Myross Wood House aims of the project include when enough people make their economy while protecting are made by the grass roots. Australia and the West Coast and grounds at Leap. This teaching marine knowledge voices heard and one of the biodiversity. Regular people work away vol- of the USA; we saw hurricanes Centre of Excellence for and building up a picture of best ways of getting your voice The committee recommends untarily to make things happen. battering the Philippines, Climate Action and Sustain- the scale of the plastic waste heard is by supporting local that the government policy In West Cork, Save Our Central America and the Gulf ability at Myross House will in our seas. campaigns and projects. If we should specifically name Skibbereen have been distribut- of Mexico; swarms of locusts be developed with inputs the people start to live different- Sustainable Development ing funds that were returned to These are just a few of the invading the Horn of Africa, from the local community ly and to reject unsustainable Goals, the National Biodiversity them via the courts, after their amazing projects that are being and Ireland ranking worst in and other stakeholders. living, at the same time as let- Strategy, nature-based solutions successful challenge of planning started and carried out by the EU for performance on climate • ‘West Cork Oceans Plastic ting our public representatives and public health; and must for a polymer compounding people of West Cork. action. Project’ which researches know where our concerns lie, take these into account such that factory. Among the community Indeed we DO need policy The EPA’s State of The the plastic waste littering the then we have far more chance Ministers in each Department groups who successfully ap- changes at government level. Environment Report, which Atlantic and Irish seacoasts of creating a new story, a new are required to ensure five year plied for grants between €500 We also need a groundswell provides an assessment of the of Ireland. Primarily starting future. carbon budgets are met, with a and €5000 were of change to both direct and overall quality of Ireland’s en- in West Cork and working Will 2021 be better for the legal obligation to course-cor- • ‘Bantry Bay: Save our support that policy change. vironment, the pressures being together with the Transition/ Environment? rect and compensate when Native Kelp Forests’ who These small scale projects, placed on it and the societal re- fourth year Secondary School That is very much up to the targets are not met. are still battling to prevent once successful, can be replicat- sponses to current and emerging Students, they now have people. Up to you and up to me. It is reported that Ireland the destruction of vital Kelp ed and scaled creating greater environmental issues, makes four schools involved in the What will we do to ensure that will now report greenhouse gas Ecosystems by mechanical change, creating a new norm. depressing reading, but also project and are collecting change happens and happens emissions and removals from harvesting; Because time is of the es- provides a mass of information. all kinds of data from micro rapidly? managed wetlands (includ- • ‘Green Skibbereen CLG’ sence the biggest need in 2021 It can be found at epa.ie. plastics and larger more What will you commit to ing bogs) as part of progress who are developing proposals is for people not to give up and This EPA reporting is vital. upcycled plastic and water making happen in 2021? towards EU greenhouse gas in consultation with the Mis- for more people to get involved

Oceans Plastic Project celebrates funding from Save Our Skibbereen long with 12 other com- On Friday, December 11, Below: Typical waste found Right: Goose Barnacles munity groups based in Oceans Plastic Project CEO, washed up along the shores living on polystyrene found and around Skibbereen, Rory Jackson, met with Transi- of West Cork at sea. Athe Oceans Plastic Project was tion year students at Skibbereen successful in securing funding Community School to share in from the Save Our Skibbereen the presentation of the cheque. SOS 2020 Fund. The funding will primarily This fund was available due go towards the developing a the success of the Save our website to facillitate publicity Skibbereen campaign in over- and data collection. “It is a very turning planning permission for exciting time for Ocean Plastic RTP Company’s Plastic nurdle Project and we look forward factory, which would have been to making a difference to the built on the Baltimore Road on environment of West Cork the outskirts of Skibbereen. where the Ocean plays such a Save Our Skibbereen won huge part in our work, life and their case in the High Court. leisure,” said Rory. The campaign was also award- Please see www.oceans- ed their costs and it was from plasticproject.ie for further the monies they had collected information. that the SOS 2020 Fund was created. 30 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Environment : Making a difference

Barn owls in County Cork In West Cork, many traditional sites are come across a Barn Owl now astating effect on Barn Owls. has spread rapidly and is now no longer active, brings a sense of wonder, as The owls will pick up sick and found across north Cork, from you realise that it is such a dying rats and mice and the Mitchelstown to Newmarket, with areas such as long time since you saw this poison then will accumulate in and as far south as Cork City the Bandon valley beautiful bird. Maybe you’ve the owls leading to their death and Cloyne. This has resulted now largely devoid never seen one before and are from secondary poisoning. in a noticeable resurgence of amazed at how beautiful it is, or Barn Owls are still found Barn Owls. Traditional nesting of breeding Barn how silently it hunts over areas throughout Ireland, though sites that had become disused Owls. However, of grassland. Maybe your first their stronghold lies in Munster, for years are now becoming Dave Rees, Chairman there are signs that clue is its eerie call before it and particularly in Tipperary, reoccupied and new sites are the numbers of Barn of BirdWatch Ireland perches on a window ledge of Kerry and Cork. The decline being discovered every year. West Cork Branch, an old building. Whatever the in the numbers of Barn Owls Numbers of Barn Owls and Owls are beginning circumstances, to see a Barn since the 1980s is also evident their breeding success are being to pick up again. on the beauty of barn Owl is a magical experience. in Cork. In West Cork, many monitored by volunteers from owls, which sadly have Sadly, the chances of seeing traditional sites are no longer Birdwatch Ireland with the help become an increasing- a Barn Owl have decreased, as active, with areas such as the of funding provided through their numbers have declined. Bandon valley now largely Cork County Council. These ly rare sight, although This is down to a number of devoid of breeding Barn Owls. volunteers are now looking at there are encouraging causes. Barn Owls feed on However, there are signs that further ways to help encourage making and putting up nest For more information about the signs that the numbers rodents such as mice, rats and the numbers of Barn Owls are the return of the Barn Owl, by boxes for Barn Owls on the Branch contact Nicholas Mitch- voles, and need areas of rough beginning to pick up again. providing nestboxes in suitable of Barn Owls are begin- Birdwatch Ireland Cork Branch ell at secretary@birdwatchire- grassland or good thick hedge- This is thought to be mainly locations. You may have seen website, birdwatchcork.com. landwestcork.ie or join the ning to pick up again. rows to hunt for their prey. In due to the presence of the a recent item on the six o’clock You will need a suitable habitat mailing list by sending an email the drive for more intensive Greater White-toothed Shrew. news showing Alan McCarthy, nearby for Barn Owls to hunt to mailinglist@birdwatchire- here is something about agriculture, we are losing such This small animal is not native a Birdwatch Ireland volunteer and, if you have a problem with landwestcork.ie. seeing a Barn Owl that areas. Barn Owls also nest in to Ireland but is thought to have making nestboxes and then rats or mice, use traps rather BirdWatch Ireland is Ireland’s brings a shiver down the holes, sometimes in old mature been accidentally introduced putting them up in trees. These than poison bait. If you’d like leading wildlife conservation Tspine. It is not just its ghostly, trees or else in old buildings. into the country. It was first nestboxes will be monitored to further advice, you can always charity. Its primary objective ethereal appearance or that Increasingly we are seeing noted in Barn Owl pellets in see if they are being used by contact your nearest branch of is the protection of wild birds you tend to see them in the mature trees and hedgerows cut County Tipperary. The Greater Barn Owls and whether they Birdwatch Ireland. Who knows, and their habitats in Ireland. middle of the night. Neither is it down in our countryside. Barn White-toothed Shrew is much are successful in raising young you may well experience the By joining as a member toay entirely due to its habit of living Owls are also very vulnerable larger than our native Pygmy birds. spine-tingling sight of a Barn you will be making a direct in ruined castles or spooky old to accidental killing. Many peo- Shrew and provides a much If you’d like to help out Barn Owl in your area before too contribution to the protection houses. It is, in part, down to ple don’t realise that the poison better meal for a Barn Owl Owls and think the area where long. of Ireland’s birds and biodiver- the sad fact that it has become bait they put down to control and its hungry brood of chicks. you live is suitable, then you sity. Joining can easily be done an increasingly rare sight. To rats and mice can have a dev- Since its discovery, the shrew can find an excellent guide to online on birdwatchireland.ie. A strange new year ’ve been attempting the ed tragedy and loss on countless and older relatives and friends. this virus has been proven to future survival. usual resolution-making and families at home and abroad. I feel I’m one of the lucky have stemmed from an animal We’re moving into another contemplation of the past At time of writing, the rates ones in terms of my immediate source. As an ecologist and year and as time passes, the I12 months, as I like to do in the of infection are at their highest loved ones. My daughters are through my work in the Europe- urgency around addressing early days of any new year. It ever in this country, with 8,277 safe and well. None of them has an Parliament around the area of the climate and biodiversity has been challenging. The past cases recorded yesterday, to go to work at the front- health and the environment, I’m emergency we are immersed in, 12 months have certainly been a January 8. It’s sobering to think lines, where the world’s most acutely aware of the unsettling becomes ever more pressing. rollercoaster, with who-knows- that we have gone from having a heroic and dedicated people implications. The connections We are in the middle of a what ahead of us for the next 12 low rate, to a chillingly high rate are putting their own lives at between this pandemic, the pandemic that has, even with the months. per head of population, in such a risk in the fight to save lives. impacts of climate chaos and extreme measures being taken As I write, in the hours and short space of time. That my daughters and I, and habitat destruction and further internationally, killed almost days after the shocking attempt- Because of my work, I people throughout the world, risks unless the world unites and two million people throughout GROUNDED ed coup in the United States, live between my hometown have frontline staff, particularly significantly increases efforts to the world. Hope is in sight, in An occasional column by it seems the world is off-kilter of Tramore in Co.Waterford healthcare workers, undertaking reverse the dangerous trends, is the immediate task of saving Grace O’Sullivan – mother, on so many levels. It’s tragic and Brussels. I’ve been based daily and hourly acts of the pur- a subject I will cover in more lives and addressing the current environment and peace that five people lost their lives at home for the majority of est bravery for us, is humbling detail in a future column. pandemic with the help of a activist, ecologist, MEP over the course of those truly the time over the past several and a fact that I remind myself As I prepare to return to vaccine roll-out. We have sadly appalling events that brought the months and any movement of on a daily basis. Brussels for essential direct seen first-hand what a global Grace, a mother of three from themes of death and instability between countries has been It’s horrifying to think that input in the next crucial stages health emergency can look like. Tramore, Co.Waterford, spent 20 onto our screens, front and cen- hyper-cautious and for blocks of of my work on the legislative To prevent the further zoonotic years working with Greenpeace and was a crewmember of the Rainbow tre again in global news in the time, which have included mul- review work on the 8th Envi- pandemics that ‘will’ come our Warrior, when it was bombed by the opening days of another year. tiple Covid tests and isolation. ronment Action Plan, I don’t way unless preventative steps French Foreign Intelligence Service It struck a chilling and sombre I consider myself lucky to It’s horrifying to think underestimate the importance are taken, there has to be com- in 1985. She served as a Senator for tone to the start of what we had have been able to work from that this virus has of setting and putting in place mitted intervention in the form three years, before being elected to hoped would be a time for look- home for much of the last year. international goals, monitoring of increased dramatic environ- the European Parliament, where ing forward with optimism, as That’s challenging of course, but been proven to have and measuring tools and the mental action at a global scale. she is a proactive and outspoken we rest in something of a limbo, like so many, I’ve just had to get stemmed from an framework for increasingly I ask you to come on board member of important commit- tees on Fisheries (PECH), and at the early stages of a vaccina- on with it and make the most animal source. As an committed worldwide targets. and make 2021 the year where Environment, Public Health and tion roll-out. of it. In very recent days and The 8th Environment Action you commit to informing Food Safety (ENVI). She is also a Covid-19 has been to the weeks, on a personal level, it has ecologist and through Plan is about all of these things yourself and joining the global member of delegations on Mercosur forefront of our news and been particularly worrying, with my work in the Euro- and more. I’m honoured to fight to save our planet and the and Palestine, and a member of a personal concerns for the past Covid rates around Waterford pean Parliament around be the Rapporteur (European species that inhabit it. Our lives, number of working groups. She 10 months and a lot of my and particularly Tramore, rock- Parliament’s lead negotiator) on and the survival of the human is Green Party Spokesperson on communications over that time eting to deeply worrying levels. the area of health and such hugely important legisla- species into the future, depends Environmental Protection, Natural Resources, Marine and Tourism. have been directly or indirectly It makes me fearful for the well- the environment, I’m tion at a time when this area of on massive agitation and related to Covid. It has turned being and safety of people close acutely aware of the work and learning, action and engagement and real, decisive, our lives upside down and visit- to me, particularly my mother implementation are vital for our action. unsettling implications. January 15 – February 4, 2021 31 people Sport & Fitness Fun is the cornerstone of Enya’s success Really that’s what it was. I start- “I think sport helps me to be ed off having fun and I still try to honest. It gives me a bit of a keep it as enjoyable as possible, break from all the study and even to this day.” makes me manage my time a bit Enya’s family is steeped better, instead of lazing around in sport. Her father, Ian, was and avoiding everything. Once I match-of-the-match, as part have the time to do something, I of O’Donovan Rossa 1993 just to get it done.” All-Ireland senior club football Like many others, Enya has final win, and played rugby found the transition to online for Douglas. Her uncles on the classes challenging with the O’Mahony side had lifelong in- onset of Covid-19. “I’ve just A SPORTING volvement in hurling, with their finished a 10-week physiother- father, John, being chairman of apy placement in the University LIFE the St. Vincent’s club in Cork Hospital Limerick and all classes for a number of years. But it was have been online in recent Pat Culhane her mother, Catherine, that acted weeks. I find that environment a upon an advert she spotted in a bit difficult. I’m more of a prac- local newspaper, which proved tical learner and there are too Enya Breen is a high to be pivotal in the development many distractions at home.” of Enya’s rugby career. There is little doubt that an performer, both on and Bantry Bay RFU had started Pic: INPHO, Laszlo Geczo elite athlete reaches that level off the pitch. At 21-years- a girls’ team when Enya was without the right support and old, the West Cork native around 14-years-of-age. It didn’t influence and Enya is acutely already has a number of take much convincing for her to aware of this. “I was a huge check it out, nor for her parents Ronan O’Gara fan growing up. full Munster and Ireland to make the 70 to 80-minute In terms of coaching Damien rugby caps and is com- round-trip. And with local Hicks in Bantry and Denis pleting a physiotherapy friends, including classmate Stevenson and Ben Martin degree at the University Claire Coombes (sister of Mun- with Munster have been very ster star, Gavin) also joining, it supportive throughout my player of Limerick (UL). made the experience all the more pathway journey. They played at meaningful. “As we moved to high levels themselves and have nya has a lifelong pas- under-18, we had some girls mentored me along the way. I sion for sport. Earliest who represented Munster. We couldn’t thank them enough for memories include playing also won the Munster league, the positive influence they have Evarious ball games her five cup and 7s [7-a-side] compe- had on my career. siblings. “As soon as I could titions around that time. For a Having dedicated much of walk, I had a football or camogie newly formed, small club in her life to sport, Enya reflects stick in my hands most days in West Cork, it was showing real on what it all means to her. the green across from the house promise. West Cork has a great “Sport has provided me with or in Shamrock GAA club in rugby tradition, of course, with a an environment where I can be Shanbally near Cork city. I club in most towns, which helps, myself and it has helped me to started playing rugby in the Car- but mostly men’s rugby.” Enya (right) with Shamrocks GAA club at about 9-years-old and at Mercy Heights figure out who I want to be off rigaline club with my brother’s Despite showing prowess in the pitch as well. It has given me team from about the age of eight a number of sports, it has been Secondary School at age 15. the skills to communicate better, for a couple of years. We moved rugby that Enya has advanced be a good leader, and opportu- to Castletownsend when I was most in. In recent seasons, chose.” replay. Straight after Under-18, allows. Most of our national nities to continually improve about 10, but I continued playing she has progressed all the “Playing with the boys team I was selected for the Munster team training camps would be myself. I really want to see if with them for another year after way through the IRFU Player and my older siblings grow- senior team. And then the Irish at weekends, which limits the I can achieve the goals I have that.” It’s clear that Enya was Pathway, starting with Munster ing up helped me prepare for senior teams after my first sea- amount we can be involved with set myself and make it to the dedicated to her sport, even Under-18s and Ireland Under-18 the physical element of game. son with Munster. This is when the club. While we train with highest level of rugby. I really during her formative years. 7s teams. Enya also thrived in The boys didn’t show me any it started getting more serious the club during the week, we love the game. Ultimately, sport “I played lots of [Gaelic] foot- club competitions and received mercy and, so, you just have to and became my sole focus.” only play a handful of games has given me lots of friends and ball in Castletownsend National the Women’s All-Ireland League get stuck in and get on with it. Enya transferred to the UL in the year. But like missing the allows me to enjoy myself, both School and with the O’Donovan (AIL) Rising Star award with I had to learn to deal with the Bohemians club in Limerick college games, I understand why as a player and person.” Rossa club. There wasn’t much UL Bohemian in the 2018/19 onslaughts. This is the same ap- when she started as a student in it needs to be this way.” “The plan over the next few access to Camogie, unfortunate- season. Now a regular starter proach I took when stepping up UL. During her first year, she “Around 6 Nations time, we’d months is to prepare for and ly, in West Cork at the time. I with Munster and Ireland, she from Under-18 to senior teams. played a number of intervar- have an international training play the 6 Nations in February, attended Mercy Heights post-pri- made her senior international Playing other sports, especially sity games and AIL games camp or match-day camp every qualify for the World Cup, while mary school in Skibbereen, debut against France in the 2019 basketball and football, helped concurrently. “Since breaking weekend. October and Novem- trying to graduate at the same where I mostly played football Women’s Six Nations cham- me build my skills.” into the Munster and Ireland ber would be the other intense time. Hopefully, I’ll get a seat on and basketball.” pionship, playing in the centre Enya was 15-years-of-age teams, I have had to get cleared period, where we’d be at training the plane to New Zealand to play “I’d say I was kind of a teach- position. when first spotted by Munster by management to play in the camps every weekend in Dublin. in the World Cup against the er’s nightmare at times because I When asked what in particular rugby and was selected for college games, which is a bit A typical week in January, very best players. In the coming made myself part of every possi- has sustained her involvement Under-18 development squad for disappointing but I can see the for example, would involve a years, I’d love to play rugby as a ble team I could have been in. I in rugby, Enya notes that “it three consecutive years. On her great cause behind it. I am still a Monday off where I catch up full-time professional.” missed so many classes. I’ve an just captured my interest from second year, she made the Irish very active member of the club on study or do some recovery Enya shows no signs of All-Ireland table tennis medal, day one. One particular day Under-18 7s who played in the off the pitch.” work. On Tuesday we’d be in slowing down. In a rugby badminton medal and participat- that stands out for me when I European championships and “In terms of a playing season the gym in UL. And then on context, her natural talent, the ed in many other things. Once it was quite young was when the made this squad the following with Munster, it’s the same as Wednesdays we’d either have a right environments and access got me out of class, put me on a pitch was destroyed. I think it year too. “ I was still in school it was underage. It’s just one running session to do, or else we while growing up, have all been bus and I was ready to go.” had been raining a lot and, after throughout all this. I continued interprovincial competition. could go club training and then critical factors of this success. “I just loved the freedom that training, we just started doing playing basketball with Skibber- Last year that increased to five on Thursdays we would be off to What seems to underpin it all came from playing sports and mud-slides down the pitch. My een Community School, until I games, so we play a round-robin recover before we’re in camp on is a deep determination, work the ability to express myself. parents had to buy bin bags finished there, doing my Leaving tournament and then there’s a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. ethic and sheer love of playing Sport has helped me build confi- and line the car seats. I think Cert. The last game of football I semi-final and final, all played at This demanding training and with others – all the while being dence in myself and social skills the physical contact element of played was in 2018 for the vic- the end of August and Septem- game schedule hasn’t affected humble. If young people in West that I use day-to-day outside of rugby must suit me. And with torious O’Donovan Rossa team ber. From then on, we can play Enya’s performance off the Cork and beyond are looking for sport. Growing up, it was just the success I was getting from against Castlehaven, ironically, with our to an extent, in as much pitch, as she is now in her final a role model, they couldn’t do about a load of kids having fun. it, it was naturally the one that I in the county junior football final as the international schedule year of her degree programme. much better than Enya! 32 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Sport & Fitness Dunmanway’s soccer maverick he vast majority of war years, Sean had to relocate league scoring charts for the nal season in Belfast, Sean season helped Evergreen renowned historians to an urban setting to find work. first time in his career. Sean’s expressed a desire to return United to a fifth place finish in and casual observers Fortunately, he did not have to status as the greatest League of to Cork. With Paddy O’Leary their maiden League of Ireland Twill rightly contend that the go too far. He settled in Cork Ireland centre forward of his established at centre forward, season. An appearance in year 1922 was an eventful one. and took to playing soccer in era was seemingly confirmed Sean reinvented himself as an 1952s all Cork FAI Cup final The assassination of Michael his spare time. He represented when he finished as the leagues inside right. He arrived just in against Cork Athletic followed, Collins in Béal na Bláth was a plethora of youth and junior top scorer in each of the fol- time to contribute seven goals but McCarthy finished on the the latest in a series of high pro- sides around Cork in the late lowing two seasons. In doing as Cork United secured the losing side. As is the way with file but historically important 1930s with distinction. so, he became the first player FAI Cup. He also subsequently aging footballers, ‘Big’ Seanie incidents to take place in the Having gained a reputation to top the League of Ireland topped the league of Ireland McCarthy slowly drifted down SPORTING West Cork area during the War as being the most talented goalscoring charts in three goalscoring charts in the 1947/8 the pecking order until he re- of Independence and Civil War centre forward on Cork’s local successive seasons. Incidental- season for the fourth time in his tired from professional football TALES era. However, it is interesting soccer scene, Sean joined ly, Cork United also managed career. in 1956. to note that an ever-diminishing Cork United just prior to the to secure league silverware in The unfortunate demise of Upon retiring, Sean McCar- Paul Lordan number of Cork soccer enthusi- commencement of the 1940/41 1945 placing them at the top of Cork United in 1948 saw a tem- thy relocated to London where asts will view 1922 as the year season. He found the net on his Cork’s domestic football roll of porary cessation of League of he was to remain permanently. Paul Lordan is a sports and in which the original darling of debut, in a very creditable 1-1 honour. Ireland football in Cork. Like It is said that he attributed his history enthusiast, and he Cork soccer was born. draw with a strong Shamrock ‘Big’ Seanie McCarthy sub- many other proud Cork men, success in the game to skill, is delighted to combine his Before John Caulfield and Rovers side in Milltown. He sequently made a high profile ‘Big’ Seanie McCarthy took up football intelligence and a killer passions in his column. Paul Conor Hourihane, ‘Big’ Seanie would score a further thir- move to high-flying Belfast a position at the Ford factory instinct when it came to finish- is well placed to comment on McCarthy came into the world teen league and cup goals as Celtic in 1945. He amassed an in Dagenham, and commenced ing. Throughout his time in the sport as a former hurler and in January 1922, just outside Cork United became the first incredible 56 goals in his first playing non league football for league of Ireland, McCarthy footballer with Shamrocks. He the town of Dunmanway. By non-Dublin side to secure a season up North. As well as Dartford FC. He finished as the is lauded for both the quality is also a former Munster Senior all accounts, Sean was lean League and Cup double. The winning a Gold Cup medal, Southern League’s top scorer and quantity of his goal scoring League soccer player and and did not quite reach six following season, McCarthy Sean was capped by Northern with 21 goals, and his displays exploits. It is said that he would manager with Avondale United, feet in height. However, his helped himself to 19 goals Ireland’s Irish League. The earned him a move to Bristol almost certainly have received Casement Celtic, Garryduff and teammates at Cork United in as Cork United retained their widespread uncertainty around City. However, his one year a full Republic of Ireland cap, Passage AFC. Paul’s grá for all the early 1940s attached the league crown, but failed to international eligibility (which stay at Bristol saw him struggle were it not for the small matter things West Cork results from ‘Big’ moniker to differentiate overcome a resolute Dundalk was rife in the 1940s) also to establish himself in the first of World War II. the fact that he is descended him from a smaller teammate in the FAI Cup Final. A third meant that McCarthy received team, and he returned to Cork from a family of farmers in the who also happened to be called league title followed in 1943, a full Northern Ireland cap in to sign for Evergreen United Coolmountain area. Sean McCarthy. Like many with McCarthy’s 16 league a victory International against in 1950. His personal tally of Dunmanway lads during the goals ensuring that he led the England. After a phenome- 15 goals during the 1950/51

people Motoring Mercedes GLA steps up in second edition few years back at a Lockdowns this year, during indicating, the brakes were Mercedes ‘refresher which time buyers had plenty applied instead. It’s the same day’ the company’s Irish of time to do some research on system in the GLA. ASales manager Ciaran Allen said new cars. The new GLA could be that buyers of new cars now Last week I drove the second described as stylish crossover spend approximately 11 hours edition of the Mercedes GLA, SUV rather than an off-roader. researching information on a which was a really comfort- The car looks imposing, but the car before buying. But those able motor. The GLA, which dimensions are compact; it’s prospective buyers spend only is based on the A-Class, was 14mm shorter, 2mm narrower 30 minutes in garage forecourts. launched in 2013. It had a and 104mm taller than the car Buyers know what type of car make-over three years ago and it replaces. Of course those are CAR they want before they go into a now we get the second edition, small measurements. It also has REVIEWS dealership; it’s just half an hour which is a big improvement on shorter front and rear over- of haggling over the price. the first version. hangs. Sean Creedon A lot has happened since that It’s a massive step up from Every time I sit into a ‘refresher day,’ including two the old GLA, which suffered Mercedes car I make the usual from styling issues and a cabin mistake of hitting the gear stalk that was a bit cramped in the when I want to indicate. It only back. happens once; I presume if I I was told that in the offices owned a Mercedes I would where Mercedes decide on not make that mistake every names for their cars, GL stands morning. But every time I sit for Gelanderwagen or off-road into a new Merc it’s a dream vehicle. I checked the word come through for a country boy ‘Gelandewagen’ on Google like me! and the English translation The boot is a decent size, 435 was that it’s a cross-country litres to be exact, but sadly no or general-purpose vehicle. I spare wheel. I had to deliver microfibre black. Prices start at €40,022, but didn’t have any reason to go off some new eight-foot long The 2.0 litre diesel produced with AMG Line, metallic paint road last week, but I’m sure the skirting boards to my daughter’s 150 brake horse power and if and a few more goodies, the GLA would not let me down if I house and they just about fitted it’s speed you are after you can price of the car as tested came needed to leave the tarmac. in; it was a tight squeeze length- get from zero to 100/km in 8.6 to €50,442. Road tax on my I drove the Mercedes GLB wise. All the family appreciated seconds. To tell the truth I didn’t diesel model is €270. And a few weeks back and no- the heated front seats as the check out that out figure. At when you spend that half an ticed that instead of getting a weather turned really cold for my age I am more interested in hour hassling over the price, try ‘beeping’ sound if I crossed the a few days last week. The seats comfort and that’s what I got in and get a spare wheel also. yellow line on the road without came in Artico leather/dinamica the GLA. January 15 – February 4, 2021 33 people Home & Garden The difference a year makes have nothing to lose. Madeline seeds for a while but it is good ooking back to January McKeever has a really good to be organised. 2020 it is hard to believe little booklet on saving seeds, There is still a lot of uncer- the difference a year has look for it on her website. tainty. Whilst there is hopeful Lmade. This time last year my I have been particularly news about the vaccine I think family was still running a Cafe pleased with the drying dwarf that we are a long way from and I was looking through seed bean Dutch Brown. It is a very getting back to normal, whatev- catalogues for tasty new ideas, prolific variety; the green beans er that is. Using our gardens to novel salad varieties, herbs and can be eaten as French beans help us get through this seems garnishes, exotic varieties of when small and young but I left just as relevant now, as it was vegetables and fruit that would them to grow on and stored the last March. The satisfaction of maybe give us an edge over dry beans. They are really tasty picking something for supper A COTTAGE other restaurants. How things in stews and soups and I have or a few flowers for the house, anything else it’s a good excuse change, some decide to chance have changed. With the Cafe also made my own version of some herbs, or even getting GARDEN PROJECT to stay in the warm. it and stay here. We are lucky now closed, this year I am look- hummus using the brown beans some exercise or the chance of One thing we have really enough to have some in our Jean Perry ing for local varieties and those instead of chickpeas. It worked sitting in the sun, all help with enjoyed over the winter has garden. Birds are such an tried and tested vegetables that really well. our mental and physical health. been the birds. For the first time essential part of the biodiversity get us through winters and the I have been going through Normally I am very flaky we have put bird feeders right in our gardens; they eat tons of Jean Perry of Glebe Gardens hungry gap, things we can grow my seed stores and reluctantly about making garden plans and outside our kitchen windows. bugs, disperse seeds, scavenge, will share the ongoing and store; I have even started throwing away old seed. It keeping a diary but last year I It has been a joy. Every day, recycle nutrients and give us successes and failures of saving seeds. I am very pleased really isn’t worth saving half managed to write something in ten or more different types of those beautiful dawn choruses. growing a small cottage garden with my small efforts so far. I a packet of parsnips as the my diary most days right the birds come to our feeders. We So another resolution is to plant using no-dig and organic have saved some salads such as germination is really bad after way through until mid July. A were delighted to see a pair more with birds in mind, shrubs principles to see just how cress and mizuna and French the first year but some seeds record for me! Looking back, of black caps among the blue with berries, roses with interest- much food she can get out of beans. I also saved some of my last for years if you keep them there is quite a lot of useful tits, siskins, chaffinches and ing hips and plants with useful such a plot. Join her on this last years’ garlic and onions, as cool and dry and as airtight as information, so I am resolved the many other beautiful birds seed heads. I’ll have more ideas journey… I am trying to grow strains that possible. Luckily, I have plenty to try again. I am also going we more often see. Black caps on that theme next month. are less susceptible to white rot, of seed to be getting on with to make a plan of the garden, normally leave and migrate to Keep safe and warm. which I unfortunately have in and only have to buy a few odds particularly the vegetable and Africa in August or September my soil. It’s a long shot but I and ends. I won’t be sowing any cut flower beds. Apart from but recently, due to climate Growing cut flowers together Beginning in this issue, lockdowns for the first half of digging out all weeds – perenni- • Mint (grown in containers the year and to mind our mental al and annual – and working in submerged in soil) basil mint Mags Riordan of health, as much as our physical organic matter like well-rotted highest oil content, great for Bumblebee Farm is health, we’ve put together a manure and an organic slow re- cooking/pestos, grapefruit best going to guide us all simple planting plan for you to lease fertiliser. Then cover over cut flower mint, apple mint have a supply of cut, edible and the soil with black mypex, card- most refreshing, tactile and through the planning, pollinator-friendly flowers all board or some kind of mulch, at emotionally supportive mint. planting and caring of a summer long. My recommen- least 15cm thick, paying close Those of you that were at our dations are for annuals, as these attention to edges. This does bed for cut flowers. By open days will have some of are the easiest group to start two things: It stops weed seed these already. the time summer arrives with. How you grow for cut germinating and helps warm up We’re going to do this the bed should boast flowers is different to how you the soil ready for planting. together in real time. Sunday, grow in a garden situation. an abundance of polli- All our recommendations are January 17 at 4pm we have an Cut flowers need six to eight easy from seed: Instagram live where we’ll go nator-friendly flowers hours sunshine so do choose a • Calendula art shades through everything: Preparing ready for cutting and south facing area for your cut early start with seeds, especially check tools and possibly service • Cosmos mix your plot, containers, seed mix, flower bed. The plan is for a enjoying. if you have a protected area them all, to get ready for the • Marigold (tagetes) jolly jester seed choicesand so on. Expand- 120cm by 275cm. This will give to do this, but my advice is to coming season. • Cornflower classic mix ed blog posts will also be added you an abundance of cut flowers he glorious weather in wait because they can get leggy I don’t tidy up at this time • Antirrhinum majus (so many to our website answering any for your home all summer long, the first week of January waiting for the weather to warm of year because winter flying to choose from but try to questions you may have. edible flowers for eating, cook- was just the tonic to up sufficiently for planting insects need cover but with avoid F1 hybrids as pollinator A full downloadable PDF ing with and a vital food source Tprepare me for 2021. January out. Those sown in February the bare bones of the garden food quality isn’t great) planting plan with recom- for our pollinators. for me is all about planning or March will come on much exposed it’s the best time to • Orlaya grandiflora mended spacings, numbers and The first step is to decide with planting plans, succession- better and probably overtake the evaluate and put that plan in • Feverfew varieties will also be available. where to place your bed. Out al sowings and scheduling for earlier January sowings. place for the coming year. I do • Zinnia Benarys Giant mix All you need do is email hello@ of view is best because you’ll the year ahead. Our Valentine’s, There’s still plenty to be prune out the straight stems on • Nigella damascene mixed bumblebeeflowerfarm.ie and be cutting these flowers not Mother’s Day and Easter flow- getting on with like cleaning my contorted hazel and prune • Rudbeckia hirta rustic dwarfs we’ll send it on to you. admiring them in the garden. ers were all planted from last and disinfecting containers and back my wisteria but other than • Nasturtium (compact varieties Looking forward to being Soil preparation is key; whether September with the majority seed sowing materials. Do an that, I leave well alone until recommended although short part of a growing community. you’re using no dig or till meth- under cover in tunnels. There’s inventory of what you have, March. stems, trailing varieties, will Bee Kind. od, you have to prepare first by always the temptation to get an what you’ll need to replace, With the prospect of extended need trellis support)

Householders in County Cork are are fears that they could embark requirements to be compliant with for oil it’s an OFTEC registered warranty claims or when the Boiler DIY being urged to turn to registered on dangerous DIY projects to their building regulations. technician. property is being sold. technicians to avoid life threaten- home heating systems. Botched repairs can also be By staying on top of servicing There are always plenty of ing complications. Poorly completed DIY jobs on detrimental when selling property schedules you can often avoid jobs around the home but during warning The plea has been issued by heating systems can leave home- and with house prices at a five- costly repair bills and you have lockdowns in 2021 the message OFTEC, the trade body for the owners vulnerable to issues such year high, there is every reason to the peace of mind knowing your from OFTEC is to leave the major after surge liquid fuel heating industry, which as oil and water leaks, the risk of ensure systems are serviced to add system is safe and working at its jobs to the professionals. says its technicians received a fire and the potential for carbon value to the home. optimum level. It is easy to find registered number of calls from members of monoxide poisoning. The advice from boiler manu- OFTEC technicians can explain technicians across Ireland from the in botched the public who had botched repairs When it comes to the installa- facturers, SEAI and OFTEC is that about building control require- OFTEC website using a simple to their systems in 2020. tion of new and replacement home your home heating system should ments and how a boiler passport county search. repairs With more people spending lon- heating equipment, homeowners be serviced annually by a pro- or completion certificate can avoid ger periods of time at home, there also need to be aware of the legal fessional; for gas that’s RGII and problems down the line around 34 January 15 – February 4, 2021 people Home & Garden Gardening in January elcome to the start products arriving from the UK Summer flowering bulbs such thrive in a sheltered aspect in or frozen conditions. Rake up of a new gardening and overseas. as Begonias, Dahlias, Gladioli, acid, lime-free soils. fallen leaves. and calendar year. Start early seeds such as Nerines and Cannas will start Do consider Prunus xsub- WPlanning and preparation this Sweet Pea undercover. Early arriving in the shops and garden hirtella ‘Autumnalis Rosea’ for Fruit Garden month will pave the way to a sowings need to be made centres this month. Most of continuous colour from late Check and remove any fruits in successful and well-organised indoors in a heated, frost-free these can’t be planted out until October through to March. It store. Continue planting of fruit garden in 2021. area. For success, it is vital that all risk of frost is over. After will flower continuously in mild trees and bushes when soil and recommended temperatures purchase, they can be kept in spells and may pause during weather conditions allow. Jobs for the Month together with frost-proofing are a cool, but frost-free position very cold spells. Apply potash to apples, pears Protect vulnerable and tender maintained. If optimum tem- and can be started into growth Sarcococca has small but and plums, strawberries, goose- plants in severe weather. Keep peratures aren’t maintained you from February onwards. Place powerfully scented masses of berries, red and white currants. a watchful eye at this time of will end up no or very sparse in a tray, pot or trough, ensuring GARDENING white flowers borne on an ever- Inspect apples and pears for year on weather forecasts on the germination. Use fresh compost they have adequate light as they green, glossy-leafed bush. canker. Treat if present. Ensure radio, television, weather apps when sowing and ensure seed come into growth. John Hosford The early Narcissi ‘January soil for fruit trees doesn’t and the Met Eireann website. trays and pots are scrupulously Buy your seed potatoes early The Weekend Garden Gold’ is in flower since just be- endure waterlogging for pro- Hoe any germinating weeds clean. Residues and debris from this year in case of any delays fore Christmas. It is a delightful longed periods. with a good, sharp Dutch hoe. previous seasons crops can be on seed potatoes originating in Centre early variety, which appears Continue pruning apples Continue with winter dig- the source of overwintered pest, the UK. Put early and sec- reliably and courageously at this and pears except in hard frost. ging, as soil and weather condi- disease and weeds. ond-early varieties sprouting. time of the year. Protect from Collect and dispose of prunings tions allow. Take the opportuni- Coming back to Sweet Pea, Label the tray with an indel- grant shrubs to provide winter slugs. off site. ty to add some well-composted choose named colours if you ible marker or pencil. When colour and powerful fragrance Snowdrops will appear defi- Continue pruning established farmyard or stable manure. are specific about your colour choosing your seed potatoes, at this time of the year. Daphne antly during the month. These and newly planted fruit bushes. If you don’t have access to choices. Look out too for some look out for varieties with blight bholua ‘Jacqueline Postill’ starts will be followed by the de- Check all tree stakes and ties manure you can use organic soil of the delightful dwarf and patio resistance. When choosing seed to flower in late November or lightful dwarf Iris and Crocus. and make sure they are firm and enrichers such as Gee-up. varieties, which are deliciously potatoes, choose seed about the early December and continues Winter aconites will provide sound. Prune grape vines before If snow arrives ensure to scented. The dwarf or patio size of a hen egg: they should with a profusion of flowers, early masses of bright, yellow the sap starts rising. brush or shake off the snow as varieties are an ideal choice be firm and sound and free of which are addictively fragrant buttercup-like flowers. Wishing you all a Happy, soon as possible from trees, in window boxes, troughs and any rot, softness or mould. right up until February or Winter flowering Heathers Healthy, Safe and Peaceful New shrubs and hedges. Heavy falls hanging baskets. If growing This is a good month to buy March. A ‘must have’ in the gar- will now be in full flower Year! of snow can be the cause of a in hanging baskets, choose a a good gardening book to get den – it’s a shrub that will richly providing their most reliable lot of damage if not attended deep basket. When the Sweet some inspiring ideas for the reward you. carpets of flower. The Weekend Garden Centre is to urgently. Plant deciduous Peas emerge and develop to year ahead. Check out some Consider too the witch hazel open Saturdays from January hedges when soil and weather four sets of leaves, they can of the monthly or weekly gar- or Hamamellis, which come Lawn Care 9th 2021 onwards 11.00am- permits. be transferred to a clean cold dening magazines at your local in shades of copper, sulphur It is a good time to give your 5.00pm and Sundays 2.00- Choose and buy your herb, frame, polytunnel or unheated newsagents. yellow and ruby red with a lawn mower and other tools an 5.00pm. vegetable and flower seed. Se- greenhouse, taking adequate delicious scent in the depths overhaul in readiness for the e-mail:john@hosfordsgarden- cure your seeds early this year, precautions against slugs and Early January Colour of winter. They reach a height spring. Avoid too much traffic centre.ie as there maybe delays in some mice. There are some delightful fra- of some 5m/5m spread. They on the lawn during waterlogged Tel. 087-6121285 /086-4426450 January Growers Calendar from GIY t’s the start of a new year Consider a compost trench three to four hours per week of growers. You can shop the which means we get to start for your legume (peas and is required to keep yourself full range on the GIY website. our growing journey all beans) bed – bury kitchen waste and your family in veg all year www.giy.ie Iover again. With that being said, at a spade’s depth and cover round. it’s still winter, the days are with soil. What do you like to eat? It short and cold, and the garden Don’t be tempted to sow sounds obvious but seriously, can seem uninviting. Our en- seeds too early. Be patient – it don’t grow things you don’t like thusiasm for GIYing generally won’t be long. to eat. doesn’t show up until either If you’re time-constrained, February (when we can start Decide What To Grow think about the cost of food sowing some seeds) or March The benefit of January is you (though that’s not always the (when you can practically have plenty of time to decide reason why people GIY) – smell growth in the air). Don’t what to grow. Deciding what some vegetables are so cheap worry if you are eager to get you will grow is typically a you might be as well to buy growing again, there are things factor of the following: them and focus your efforts on you could be doing outside. At How much space do you more costly vegetables. the very least get your seeds have? In a spaceconstrained ordered and get yourself ready! garden or apartment balcony Shop Seeds at GIY: From au- If you haven’t already done you probably won’t want to be bergines to our wildflower mix so, you could still spread some growing globe artichokes (big there is something for all kinds manure or compost on your plant, little food). Focus instead vegetable and fruit beds and on vegetables that give a high cover them down with black return for a small amount of polythene to start warming space, like beetroot or carrots. them up for spring sowing. How much time do you Make sure that it’s well-rot- have? Some vegetables are very ted manure and be careful not easy to grow, requiring little to spread fresh manure in beds maintenance (say parsnips for which will take root vegetables example) while others require in the spring. regular attention (like toma- If you don’t have a compost toes). Think about your lifestyle heap, this is a good time of the – can you spend a few hours on year to get one started. a Saturday in the veg patch or Timber pallets are a cheap do you have to ferry children and easy way to build a heap for around to various activities? all your garden waste. I reckon on average about